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Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST caught cold-weather testing and track tuning

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Ford

spy photos ford focus st

Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST test mule – Click above for high-res image gallery

We saw the 2012 Ford Focus ST in the flesh at the 2010 Paris Auto Show, but at the time, the hot-hatch unveiled to the waiting press was merely a close-to-the-real-thing concept version. The production Focus ST should be arriving at an auto show in the near future. Apparently it’s not quite ready, however, because our spy photographers managed to capture Ford engineers working over a mule-bodied example, both at the track and in the snow.

It may appear to be a standard Focus from the outside – note the standard front fascia instead of the show car’s more aggressive look – but a closer inspection reveals a few unique touches first seen on the concept. For instance, a centrally mounted exhaust outlet at the rear expels emissions from the 2.0-liter EcoBoost unit lurking under the hood. Speaking of which, power is expected to be up around 250 horsepower, and the engine will be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

We hope to see the 2012 Focus ST hitting dealer showrooms by the end of 2011. We also hope to score some seat time before that happens. Until then, we’ll just stare at the spy photos in the gallery below, and dream about the sporty action going on under the suspiciously plain wrapper.

Gallery: Spy Photos: Ford Focus ST

Spy Photos: Ford Focus ST

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Focus ST caught cold-weather testing and track tuning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your hats, folks. As if the current 451-horsepower Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG weren’t hardcore enough, the folks in Stuttgart are working on an even hotter Black Series version of Merc’s BMW M3 killer.

The bulgier fender flares you see here won’t be the only visual upgrades – our spies tell us that a new front spoiler will be on deck, as well as a revised rear diffuser with some Formula One-inspired cues. This development car still uses the old front fascia not found on the new-for-2012 car, but we’ll probably see the updated headlamps and LED running lights as part of the new package.

The automaker’s 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 will still be the powerplant of choice, current intelligence reports suggest we can expect about 510 horsepower on tap – 29 more ponies than the already-potent C63 with the P31 Development Package. That grunt runs through Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, and even with the added Black Series bits, we’d expect that a few pounds have been shaved off of the AMG’s curb weight.

Our spies even suggest that a C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is in the works, and it will bow shortly after the sedan’s official debut. Consider that a proper successor to the shockingly great CLK63 AMG Black Series that debuted in 2007.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series: Spy Shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: 2012 Porsche 911 spied cold-weather testing

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Porsche

2012 Porsche 911

2012 Porsche 911 – Click above to watch video after the jump

The upcoming 2012 Porsche 911 has been caught cold-weather testing in preparation for the production car’s debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The big news with the 2012 911 is its slight increase in size, with the aim of aligning it more with its GT and supercar competitors.

The 998 Porsche 911 will be 2.2 inches longer than the current car, with the 998’s track a hair wider than the 997’s. Out back, there’s a 3.4 liter version of Porsche’s venerable flat-six, pushing out around 345 horsepower in standard form. That should mean a 0-60 sprint of 4.8 seconds, and a 180-mile-per-hour top end.

Click past the jump to see video of the 2012 Porsche 911 in cold-weather action.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 Coupe and Cabriolet

Porsche 911 Spy Shots

[Source: YouTube via WorldCarFans]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Porsche 911 spied cold-weather testing

Video: 2012 Porsche 911 spied cold-weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Facelifted Kia Soul hanging out in the cold

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Kia

next generation kia soul spy photo

Spy Shots: Next-Generation Kia Soul – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is hard at work crafting an update to its funky little Soul. Our spy photographers in Germany have spotted a camo-clad example hiding an updated look.

Kia evidently plans on keeping up with current automotive trends, so the next-generation Soul will wear LED running lights (which are hiding beneath the amber stripes in the above photo) and sport turn-signal indicators in the mirrors.

Up front and out back, the Kia Soul will get revised bumpers. According to our sources, the Soul’s revised mouth will mimic the style found on the Kia Picanto, while the rear bumper cap are expected to seee the fog lights pushed further to the outside edges on Euro models.

There’s no word yet on when we’ll see this Soul sans-camo, but anything can happen when the auto show season is in full swing. In the meantime, we’ll have to use our imagination to figure out what’s going on under that camouflage, and you can try do the same by clicking through the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-generation Kia Soul

Spy Shots: Next-generation Kia Soul

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Facelifted Kia Soul hanging out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW teaches evasive driving techniques at a Cold War air base

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Videos, BMW

BMW Security Driving

Click above to watch the video after the jump

It’s not without reason that BMWs are among the top choices for high-security personnel transport. BMW Security vehicles – armor-reinforced versions of the standard roadcars we see on the road every day – are known to be both secure and responsive to quick, often life-saving maneuvers. But what good would these vehicles be if their drivers didn’t know how to handle them properly?

That’s why BMW has a security vehicle training facility in East Germany. Built on the grounds of what was once the largest Cold War air base in Europe, the center is run by advanced driving instructor Klaus Heimerl, who shows chauffeurs and security personnel how to evade any number of potentially threatening situations, from ambushes to roadside bombs. Follow the jump to watch the video, and head to www.bmw.com/drivertraining to find out more.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW teaches evasive driving techniques at a Cold War air base

Video: BMW teaches evasive driving techniques at a Cold War air base originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Cold and fog can’t keep the P4/5 Competizione from the track

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ferrari

The Ferrari P4/5 Competizione out on the track

Jim Glickenhaus takes his Ferrari P4/5 Competizione out in the fog – Click above to watch video after the jump

Another day, another video of the Jim Glickenhaus’ Ferrari P4/5 Competizione in action… not that we’re complaining. This time Mr. Glickenhaus takes his one-off racer to Franciacorta for some track time. The fog may be thick, but that didn’t stop Glickenhaus from making glorious noises with his Pininfarina-designed track toy.

Hop the jump to take to give your ears some afternoon delight. Thanks for the tip, Enzo!

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Cold and fog can’t keep the P4/5 Competizione from the track

Video: Cold and fog can’t keep the P4/5 Competizione from the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen, Design/Style, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start

2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start – Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2.0-liter turbo diesel in our long-term 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition is a very modern mill, so we were curious how it would handle starting in the frigid clime of northeastern Ohio this time of year.

Diesel engines typically have three vulnerabilities when it comes to cold weather starts: the fuel, the battery and their glow plugs. First, the new Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel we all use begins to gel at a higher temperature than the old fuel. Sulfur is also a lubricant, and with less of it, the fuel pump has to work harder in cold temperatures to keep the thicker diesel fuel flowing. Fortunately, most diesel fuel sold in colder areas has ant-gelling additives mixed in already.

Batteries are also less efficient when cold, while at the same time having to work much harder to crank the engine more times. Finally, diesel engines use glow plugs to heat the point of combustion in each cylinder, which is a much tougher job when the mercury drops below freezing. Optional block heaters can help a diesel engine start in cold weather, but Volkswagen has enough faith in its 2.0-liter TDI that it doesn’t even offer one.

So how did our Jetta TDI Cup Edition do when being started in 25-degree weather after sitting for over 24 hours? Follow the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video]

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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