Tag: coming

Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, Racing

Honda CR-Z GT300

Widebody Honda CR-Z Prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery

The GT Channel crew have snagged a handful of shots of a widebody Honda CR-Z being built for an unknown venue, and while it could just be an elaborate show car for this January’s Tokyo Auto Salon, it’s possible Honda is prepping the CR-Z for a run in Japan’s SuperGT touring car series.

With one of the Honda HSV-010 teams holding down second place in the GT500 class this season, HoMoCo could be looking to capitalize off its success – and the popularity of the hybrid hatch in Japan – by fielding a CR-Z is the GT300 class. The engine and chassis restrictions are less rigid compared to the top-tier SuperGT racers, so the mid-mounted V6 (or V8?) shown in the gallery below is a-okay with JAF (the regulating body behind SuperGT) – even with a set of turbos.

If the build is taking place now (check the carbon fiber doors coming out of the autoclave), Honda or one of its racing affiliates is likely to start testing the CR-Z racer this fall before the new season kicks off in March of 2011.

Gallery: Widebody Honda CR-Z Prototype

[Source: GT Channel]

Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block’s Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford, Celebrities

Gymkhana 3: Part 1 – Click above to watch video after the jump

The long awaited countdown to rally superstar Ken Block’s Gymkhana 3 video has ended, and what was revealed today is a music video featuring a hip-hop group named The Cool Kids, with a little bit of Ken Block and his rally Fiesta sprinkled in.

Unlike the last two Gymkhana videos, which became instant YouTube sensations thanks to non-stop footage of Block doing amazing stunts behind the wheel of his rally Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatchback, Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is a straight up music video informercial that shows off Block’s DC apparel and products more than his driving skill. When we do see the rally Fiesta in its Gymkhana debut, Block is either doing donuts or driving it directly into – and not around – things like paint cans and fluorescent bulbs.

We contacted Ken Block’s crew to see what the deal is, and were told that the plan is to separate the marketing from what the kids really want, which is footage of Block doing things with a car that prove he’s superhuman behind the wheel. So Part 1 of Gymkhana 3 is the one with the marketing message, while Part 2 we’re told will be much more like Gymkhana 1 with just the driving footage. When we asked when we can expect Gymkhana 3: Part 2 to drop, early-to-mid September was the answer.

Check out Gymkhana 3: Part 1 for yourself after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Ken Block’s Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September

Ken Block’s Gymkhana 3: Part 1 is not like the others, Part 2 coming in September originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Two new models coming from Morgan

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, UK, Luxury

Morgan LIFEcar 2 diesel-electric hybrid – Click above for image gallery

We suppose it was only a matter of time before mighty Morgan threw its cap into the electric car realm. With everyone from Mercedes-Benz to Audi toying around with motor-powered supercars, the eclectic purveyor of long-hood wonders was bound to follow suit. According to Autocar, we can expect to see a pair of new models to emerge from Morgan in short order. The first, called the LIFEcar 2, is especially mouth watering. The svelte coupe supposedly gets its power from a diesel-electric powertrain and will pack a range of around 1,000 miles. Despite its city car name, the LIFEcar 2 will be a sports car above all else.

As for the second model, Autocar was able to drum up very few details, other than it will be more extreme with a focus on entertainment.

If you’re thinking this sounds like the standard Brit-pub rumor mongering, think again. Morgan says it will bring the LIFEcar 2 from prototype to production, and that it will weight a scant 1,700 pounds when it hits the road. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Morgan LIFEcar 2

[Source: Autocar, Morgan]

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Report: Two new models coming from Morgan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reports: Phaeton coming back to the U.S… again *UPDATE

Filed under: Sedan, China, Europe, Volkswagen, Rumormill, Luxury

2011 Volkswagen Phaeton – Click above for high-res image gallery

This time, with feeling. According to both Bloomberg News and USA Today, Volkswagen is once again considering bringing the ill-fated Phaeton back to the U.S. market. The reasons behind the move are many, but center around VW’s intention to triple its market share here in the land of the free by 2018. In order to do that, the company is planning on rolling out its luxury bruiser one more time, bolstered in part by the success Hyundai has seen with its Genesis sedan. Of course, that particular luxury cruiser doesn’t cost anything close to the Phaeton’s $85,000 MSRP – even the Korean automaker’s forthcoming Equus range-topper will likely not command that sort of money – and its success in the U.S. remains as-yet unproven.

Bloomberg spoke with Juergen Borrmann, the director of the carmaker’s Dresden facility. Borrmann said that the company is gunning for the U.S. and that by the time the model hits our parking lots, it will be completely reworked.

Consider us interested.

Supposedly, the American version will feature a slew of different engine choices compared to the cars currently on sale in Europe and China, as well as a significantly different interior materials. According to the report, our model will share very little with the next-generation car set to hit the market next month. Hey, if at first you don’t succeed…

*Update: Volkswagen says that while it thinks that there are opportunities for the Phaeton in the U.S., right now no final decisions have been made. At the same time, the carmaker says that it is continually working with the Dresden plant to evaluate potential markets for the luxury sedan.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Phaeton

[Sources: Bloomberg News, USA Today]

Reports: Phaeton coming back to the U.S… again *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to replace Yaris in U.S., concept coming to Detroit?

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Toyota

2010 Toyota Yaris – Click above for high-res image gallery

B-segment cars have been getting a whole lot of attention lately, what with super-good offerings like the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Honda Fit setting the bar high for the class. Toyota has its friendly little Yaris, but that model hasn’t seen any sort of real update since its debut in late 2006, but large changes are in the works.

Toyota’s North American operations have reportedly been pushing for the Yaris to grow in size, and we should get a conceptual preview of what to expect at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Toyota is also working on a hybrid powertrain for the Yaris in Europe, though reports state that this engine isn’t slated for the United States. Odd, especially since Toyota has always talked about expanding its Prius nameplate to include a range of hybrid vehicles.

For now, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for more rumors, and we’ll wait to see what Toyota has in store for a Detroit Show debut next January.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Yaris 5 Door

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Toyota to replace Yaris in U.S., concept coming to Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Buick Verano compact coming in 2012

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Buick, Rumormill, Luxury

Chinese-market Buicke Excelle – Click above for high-res image gallery

As July’s By The Numbers showed us, American buyers are quick to forget the pain of having to fill up a full-size pickup or SUV when gas prices are in the $4-per-gallon range. Without the guiding hand of Uncle Sam pushing the car-buying public towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, consumers are all about being large and in charge in the passing lane. But According to Automotive News, General Motors is keen to the fact that fuel won’t stay cheap forever, and to prepare for a returning tide of buyers rushing to small cars when oil goes sky high again, the company is planning a more diminutive product lineup.

If the Automotive News article is on its mark, we can expect to see a new compact Buick called the Verano as well as a hybrid version of the Lacrosse. There’s no telling exactly which architecture the baby Buick will use for its bones, but the Chevrolet Cruze wouldn’t be a bad bet in our eyes. Likewise, GMC will see the introduction of a production version of the Granite concept and Chevrolet should have the all-new Aveo join its ranks along with the Spark city car. Automotive News even says that The General is planning to shrink the Impala. Sounds good to us, but when it comes to Buick, these small-car rumors crop up nearly every year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Buick Excelle in China

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: Buick Verano compact coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nanotechnology standards coming for auto industry?

Filed under: Technology

According to recent reports, nanotechology – controlling matter at an atomic and molecular level (thanks, Wikipedia!) – is about to hit the automobile world full-force. And the results could be both good and bad.

First, a few examples of the good: First we have a German chemicals company called Lanxess that’s used nanotechnology to create tires that perform better than traditional rubber in both overall performance and wear. Secondly, under the hood of BMW’s diesel models is a particulate filter coated with tiny carbon nanotubes, enabling it to remove 99 percent of all particulate matter. And finally, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with PPG to create a nanotech paint with a glass-like outer coating that’s three-times less likely to scratch.

According to Wards Auto, though, nano particles “can behave in unexpected ways, passing through human skin into the blood or even brain.” While we’re not experts, the idea of nano particles on the brain doesn’t sound very enticing. It’s also not fully understood how these tiny materials can damage the environment and nature. In deference to these facts, the European Union is reportedly considering how best to define nano particles so it can regulate the technology.

The United States is also looking into nanotechnology regulations. Sally Tinkle, senior science advisor to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, said, “The technology is new enough that we are not yet looking at tires or car bumpers that have nano elements and which have reached the end of their lives… But we understand the immediacy of these questions and the need to protect public health and the environment.”

[Source: Wards Auto]

Nanotechnology standards coming for auto industry? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First of Many: Fortune Motorsports Honda CR-Z coming to SEMA

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

We’re bracing ourselves for the onslaught of tuned Honda CR-Z hybrids coming to this year’s SEMA show. Honda has been hawking the hatch as a legitimate successor to the fabled CRX – a car that helped to push a whole generation of wrenches toward Japanese sheetmetal – and shops the world over have been champing at the bit to wring a little more power out of the seemingly anemic newcomer. The kids at Fortune Motorsports have been the first out of the gate with an up-skirt teaser for their take on Honda’s hybrid hatch.

Not surprisingly, the crew hasn’t released any details on their creation. We do know that the build will work in parts from the likes of ADV.1 Wheels, Falken Tires, Status Racing, Magnaflow and the neon fiends at StreetGlow. You can head over to the Fortune Motorsports site for a full list of the car’s sponsors, or you can click over to Warren Shim-Quee’s site to keep track of the build up.

[Source: Warren Shim-Quee]

First of Many: Fortune Motorsports Honda CR-Z coming to SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000*

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi RS5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The on-again/off-again rumors about whether or not Americans will get to sample the hotter-than-hot Audi RS5 Coupe end now – the automaker has officially stated that the coupe will hit the States sometime in 2012. Yes, that’s a bit later than what had originally been speculated, but we’re still stoked that Audi has decided to include us on the RS5 goodness. No mechanical changes will be made to the coupe before it launches in the U.S., so the high-revving 450-horsepower V8 will still be intact. Awesome.

But in the meantime, we have lots of other Audi hotness hitting the streets, including the sexy R8 Spyder, which goes on sale next month. Audi has officially priced the topless R8 from $161,000 (not including the $1,250 destination charge) for six-speed manual models. If you want the six-speed R-tronic manu-matic (and you don’t), be prepared to shell out an additional … wait for it … $9,000. Just stick with the manual – trust us on this one.

The full details are available in Audi’s press release after the jump, and be sure to scroll through the galleries below to gaze upon the RS5 and R8 Spyder in all their glory.

Gallery: 2011 Audi RS5

Gallery: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000*

Confirmed: Audi RS5 coming to America in 2012, R8 Spyder priced from $161,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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