SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai, Racing

ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

With the Genesis Coupe 3.8 finally getting its own R-Spec model, it was just a matter of time before Hyundai started partnering with tuners to boost the performance of its V6-powered aftermarket-friendly coupe.

ARK Performance, one of Korea’s leading tuners, will be upgrading nearly every component of its Track Time Attack Genesis Coupe for this year’s SEMA show, boosting the output of the 3.8-liter V6 from 306 horsepower to 450+ ponies through the help of new internals, an APG supercharger and a host of breathing mods.

Brembo brakes with Endless pads and DBA drilled and slotted rotors hide behind lightweight Volk TE37 SLs, with ARK’s full suspension system (coilovers, sway bars and front strut bar) working together with a range of Cusco parts.

In addition to the custom front and rear bumpers, hood, side skirts, rear diffuser and fenders, ARK will be equipping the inside with Bride seats, a six-point cage and Sparco steering wheel, along with the defacto sound system and Apple iPad integration.

For the full list of mods and a little bit of background on ARK, hit the jump for the release, and check out the preliminary sketches in the gallery below.

Gallery: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe Sketches

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SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Nissan abandons thoughts of 240SX revival, ponders Sentra coupe instead

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

Nissan Foria Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as we’d love to see Nissan hearken back to its performance roots with a remake of the classic 240SX coupe, it seems the Japanese automaker is content to earn sales by sticking to the tried-and-true approach of offering competent vehicles at attainable prices. In other words, if Nissan has a sporty-looking coupe in the pipeline, it’ll be more of a Scion tC competitor than a Hyundai Genesis Coupe-challenger.

This revelation comes by way of Larry Dominique, chief product planner for Nissan North America, who tells Wards “he would be more inclined to do a derivative of the Sentra than introduce an entirely new nameplate.” Nissan’s internal data suggests that it could only sell about 30,000 240SX coupes in America per year, which isn’t enough to make a convincing production argument. Sad, sure, but very likely also true.

In related news, Dominique also says that the next generation of Nissan cars in the States will share a great deal of design DNA. At present, there is very little visually that ties the Versa, Sentra and Altima together in any meaningful cohesive way besides the Nissan badge on the trunk. Expect that to change in the coming years as the nameplates receive their next rounds of styling updates.

Gallery: Nissan Fiora Concept

[Source: Wards]

Report: Nissan abandons thoughts of 240SX revival, ponders Sentra coupe instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ford, Reviews

Forty-six Years Of Refinement Make It The Pony Car To Beat

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery

Potentially ruinous. All that work on an impressive new 5.0-liter V8 engine, chassis tweaks and other piecemeal refinements for the 2011 Ford Mustang GT are almost all for naught because of a single glaring issue. What could erase all the gains the Mustang has made for 2011? The answer is nestled between the front seats, and it goes by the name 6R80.

Despite the promise that a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission carries, not to mention the associated fuel economy, the auto ‘box blunts the Mustang’s edge severely. Can the new 5.0-liter V8 and wind in your hair make up for the dulling effect of the Mustang GT Convertible’s transmission? Follow the jump to find out.

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Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium2011 Ford Mustang GT Premium

Photos copyright (C)2010 Dan Roth, John Neff / AOL

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Review: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Coupe and Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Paris Motor Show, BMW

BMW 6 Series Concept

BMW 6 Series Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Like so many “concepts” from BMW, the 6 Series Coupe bound for the Paris Motor Show is a concept in name alone. What you’re looking at is BMW’s next GT, and even a cursory glance proves that the Bangleization of BMW is officially over.

Set to be based on the 5 Series’ underpinnings and taking several cues from the Grand Coupe concept shown in Beijing, the next BMW 6 Series takes the brand’s new upright grille, frames it with a set of full-LED headlamps and than caps things off with a more contoured rump. We’re not going to pass judgement on the design until we see it in person, but like the last 6er, this new GT appears to be a love it or loathe it affair.

On the contrary, the interior is an airy, organic environment, complete with an asymmetrical center console tilted towards the driver, a new navigation display and a host of aluminum and leather accents that are several steps beyond what’s currently on offer from BMW. We’re particularly digging the redesigned steering wheel and the waterfall of material that connects the dash to the transmission tunnel.

BMW isn’t giving up specifics on dimensions or engines – this is a “concept” after all – but expect the 2012 BMW 6 Series to be slightly lower and marginally wider than the current model. Power will be supplied by BMW’s current array of naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline sixes, with the next M6 outputting over 550 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. The standard 6 should be in showroom early next year, with the M6 to arriving in late 2012 and the soft-top due out in late 2011.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

Source: BMW

Paris Preview: BMW unwraps 6 Series Coupe Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai announces pricing for 2011 Genesis Coupe R-Spec

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has provided pricing on its 2011 Genesis Coupe-R Spec, and the automaker has giveth and taketh away when it comes to features and price. Starting at $26,750 (plus $800 freight), the 3.8-liter V6 with a manual transmission is the same price as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in Premium trim, making it the least expensive V6 in the range.

At $4,000 dollars less than the 3.8 Track with a manual, and 68 pounds lighter, you still get the track suspension, Brembos, Torsen LSD and 19-inchers, and forsake the auto headlights, cruise control, sunroof, rear spoiler, metalgrain accents outside and chrome bits inside. Increased tunability comes from the front strut camber adjustment bolts, and the whole package gets wrapped in one of four colors. Follow the jump for all the details, along with full-line pricing.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai announces pricing for 2011 Genesis Coupe R-Spec

Hyundai announces pricing for 2011 Genesis Coupe R-Spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe shows off its insides

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz C Class coupe interior spy shot

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe – Click either image for high-res gallery

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe spy shotWe know that Mercedes-Benz is planning on rolling out both a coupe and convertible version of its popular C-Class sedan, and now we also have an idea of what the interior is going to look like. We’re still quite curious to see the upcoming luxury coupe parked next to its two-door E-Class brethren. The E-Class currently rides on the C-Class platform and it will be interesting to see how the two vehicles stack up in the size department.

We have some burning questions to ask the automaker and we hope to have answers courtesy of the upcoming Paris Motor Show. What are the price points for the 2011 C-Class coupe, cabrio, and redesigned sedan? Will the two-door C-Class ride on the same platform as the sedan? Most importantly, when can we get the keys to a C63 coupe?

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots

Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve read many reports lately having to do with Toyota’s FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn’t forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door – it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the “Toyobaru” to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru’s version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand’s image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that’s the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it’s also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru’s version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what’s to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Subaru FT-86 RWD Coupe

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mercedes-Benz readying raft of new product, including B-Class coupe

Filed under: Mercedes-Benz

The product pipeline for Mercedes-Benz is a Horn of Plenty over the next three years, with at least seven new models landing on American shores on top of refreshed and new-generation offerings. We’ve seen the new CL, CLS, S-Class and R-Class, and spy shots of the coming SLK, SL, SLS Convertible, C-Class Coupe.

Beyond those, it’s the next B-Class that could be one of the most intriguing additions to the MBUSA playbook. The redesigned hatch will be made more compelling for American buyers, and will be the first Mercedes to arrive Stateside with front-wheel drive and four-cylinder engines. Recent rumors also suggest it will get a rear-wheel-drive AMG version and be the basis for a CLC Shooting Brake, as well as getting its own coupe, crossover and sedan trims.

Other models in the queue will be brand new, not just new to us. These include a C-Class convertible and potential crossover would give M-B 3 Series convertible and X3 competitors. A 100-strong fleet of F-Cell vehicles will be tested in California, and the SLS E-Cell will come in 2013 with 526 horsepower and a 120-mile range. And just as all of those treats are arriving, the same year will see the arrival of the new S-Class Coupe (replacing the CL nameplate), S-Class, E-Class and GL.

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Mercedes-Benz readying raft of new product, including B-Class coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW 1 Series M Coupe – Click above to view the video after the jump

The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.

The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.

As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.

We’re hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week’s Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Hyundai Equus, Genesis and Genesis Coupe to get AWD

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Hyundai, Luxury

Hyundai Equus

2011 Hyundai Equus – Click above for high-res image gallery

In case you hadn’t noticed, Hyundai is quickly moving up the ranks of automakers by pushing the boundaries of the classes in which its vehicles compete. Exhibit A was the Genesis sedan, which was quickly followed by the Genesis Coupe and now the Equus luxury sedan. But the Korean automaker isn’t content to rest on its rear-wheel-drive laurels.

John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, has confirmed to us that the next generation of the Genesis (in both Coupe and sedan forms) and Equus will get optional all-wheel drive. All three machines share a similar platform, and when the architecture gets updated within the next couple of years, space for the all-wheel-drive components will be baked in.

At this point, we don’t have any word on powertrains for the next-gen rear- and all-wheel-drive Hyundais, but the automaker’s latest 5.0-liter V8 seems like a safe bet for both the Genesis and the Equus. Naturally, we’d love to see the big V8 in the Genesis Coupe as well, especially since Hyundai says the sport coupe will go upmarket (from Mustang to M3 fighter, perhaps?) for its next trip ’round the block.

Damon Lavrinc contributed to this report.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Equus

Next Hyundai Equus, Genesis and Genesis Coupe to get AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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