Report: Nissan GT-R to get power bump, Spec R version

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Nissan

2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist

2012 Nissan GT-R Egoist – Click above for high-res image gallery

Staying on top demands constant improvement, and Nissan has certainly proven itself up to the task with the current R35-generation GT-R. Since its domestic introduction in 2007 and global roll-out in 2009, Nissan has launched successive improvements on its flagship sportscar, and now word is coming of another upgrade on the way.

According to the folks at 7Tune, output from the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is set to increase from 530 horsepower up to 560. And to supersede the current Spec V model, a Spec R is said to be in the works, dropping another 70 pounds or so for even more extreme performance.

Development of the new GT-R has reportedly been postponed in the wake of the quake fallout in Japan, pushing the car’s launch back by several months. These are expected to be the final iterations of the R35 before its successor arrives.

Nissan GT-R to get power bump, Spec R version originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Ford

2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus SHO – Click above for high-res image gallery

Those of you hoping for a 400-horsepower Ford Taurus SHO are about to be severely disappointed. The 2013 Taurus SHO will continue to produce 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Sure, that’s still plenty of oomph for the SHO, but with rumors of a higher-output version now dashed, all we can say is, “shucks.”

Let’s not dwell on that, though. There are still plenty of improvements for the 2013 SHO to talk about.

Much like the rest of the refreshed Taurus line, the SHO features styling tweaks at both the front and rear. Unlike the base model, the SHO uses a unique mesh grille pattern up front and adds a new rear spoiler out back, as well as chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes. A new 20-inch dark wheel option is also part of the SHO package, matching the black finish found on the mirrors and body trim. We like what we see.

There may not be a bump in power, but the 2013 Taurus SHO does get a new performance package option that is said to improve the car’s performance prowess. Most notably, a 3.16:1 final drive ratio means initial acceleration is enhanced, and revised suspension tuning features new dampers and springs specific to this package. Additionally, the electronic steering system has been tuned, the stability control now has a track mode with a true ‘off’ setting and performance brake pads are now available with unique, “track-tuned” calipers. Still, we’d love to see an additional 40-ish horsepower.

Hit the jump for the official SHO details, and be sure to click through our high-res image gallery to see the tweaked design for yourself. Ford’s B-roll footage of the SHO is available for your viewing pleasure post-jump, as well.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]

2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition gets horsepower bump, sinister styling

Filed under: Convertible, Porsche

2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like the recently unveiled 911 Black Edition, Porsche has created a murdered-out version of the Boxster S roadster that combines a slight boost in power with a raft of new standard amenities. Called the Boxster S Black Edition, the new two-seater features black paint, black wheels, a black convertible top and a fully black interior. It looks sinister, and we’re big fans.

Under the hood is a 320-horsepower version of Porsche’s 3.4-liter flat-six – 10 more ponies than the standard Boxster S – mated to a six-speed manual or the automaker’s PDK dual-clutch transmission. Sprinting to 60 miles per hour takes just 4.8 seconds, and the roadster will eventually top out at 170 mph. An optional Sport Chrono package shaves two-tenths of a second off that acceleration time, and the Black Boxster is capable of achieving fuel economy numbers of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg highway.

New standard features include things like the black-painted Design package, convenience package (bi-xenon headlamps, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic climate control) and infotainment package (navigation, Bose surround sound and XM satellite radio with NavTraffic). The whole kit will set you back $65,200 when the car officially goes on sale this spring. Follow the jump for Porsche’s press release.

Gallery: 2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition

[Source: Porsche]

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2012 Porsche Boxster S Black Edition gets horsepower bump, sinister styling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti

2011 Infiniti M56S – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Infiniti M lineup was thoroughly made over for 2011, with new technology and new engines packing more power and resulting in better fuel economy. As you could surely assume, all those improvements came at a cost, and Infiniti passed along some of the pain to customers. For example, the starting price of M56 variants were edged higher by $5,750 compared to the outgoing M45 and M45x. The price spike apparently wasn’t enough money, though, as Infiniti has again upped the MSRP of all 2011 M models.

Effective immediately, the M56 and M56x are up by another $350, with a sticker price of $58,775 and $61,275, respectively. The M37 and M37x received a $250 bump, with a new starting price of $46,500 and $48,650, respectively. We’re not exactly sure why the price of the M jumped, but it could have something to do with the fact that sales of the flagship Infiniti are up 45 percent on the year, with August 2010 sales more than doubling compared to the same month in 2009. Not a bad problem to have.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Photos by Jonny Lieberman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Infiniti]


2011 Infiniti M gets a minor price bump originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has released the skinny on the upgrades the company has planned for next year’s E63 AMG, at least for European buyers. According to the German automaker, the four-door will come from the factory with an extra 11 horsepower, thanks largely to new tuning. That bumps the final figure to 525 ponies, though the Silver Arrow claims that it has managed to increase the mill’s efficiency as well – cutting consumption by a full 12 percent. Of course, that’s assuming that you can keep from bumping the redline on that big 6.3-liter V8 every time you leave a stoplight, something you’re sure to want to do.

We’re not sure whether buyers will actually be able to feel that 11 horsepower bump, either, but odds are that they will notice some key changes to the interior. Mercedes-Benz is offering the 2011 E63 AMG with a slew of interior niceties as standard equipment. The company has skinned the dash and door panels in Artico leather, and the center console will henceforth be dipped in a piano black lacquer finish for good measure – both of which used to be optional. We can’t speak for the power and efficiency updates, but we have confirmed with Benz reps in the States that the interior upgrades are headed to U.S. showrooms, so chances are this is a good look at what we can expect when the 2011 E63 AMG hits our shores. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades

Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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