Tag: debut

Radical Sportscars previews SR3 SL ahead of Autosport debut

Filed under: Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, UK, MISC

Radical SR3 SL

If you’re looking for a bare-bones, no nonsense roadster, the upcoming Autosport International motorsport show in Birmigham, England, is the place to be. That’s where Caterham is set to unveil an all-new vehicle, and where Radical is also planning to debut its latest street-legal race car.

Now, that term is used to describe many performance automobiles, but if anyone can lay claim to it, it’s Radical. The company makes Le Mans Prototype-style cars that are nominally street legal, but every bit the purebred racers they look like. The SR8 holds the lap record at the Nürburgring, and is soon to be joined in the Radical lineup by the SR3 SL. Fully street legal, the SR3 SL is aimed at track-day enthusiasts looking for a car they can drive to the circuit, lap to their heart’s content and then drive back home… just like in the good old days.

The SR3 SL is powered by a 300-horsepower version of the Ford EcoBoost five found in the Focus ST, optimized in-house by Radical. It’s mated to a six-speed paddle-shift sequential gearbox that automatically blips the throttle on the downshift, and with a curb weight under 1,500 lbs, is sure to be a serious thrill ride.

[Source: Radical]

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Radical Sportscars previews SR3 SL ahead of Autosport debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda teases 2012 Civic before Detroit debut

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Honda, Design/Style

Civic Concept Sketch

Civic Concept Sketch – Click above for high-res image

Here’s our first official glimpse at the face of the next-generation Honda Civic. This sketch is intended to give the world an idea of what we can expect from the Civic show car Honda will display at the Detroit Auto Show in January. From the looks of things, the compact coupe will take the look of the current Civic and throw in some additional attitude. Along with some aggressively swept headlamps reminiscent of the European Civic Type R, the sketch also shows off a fascia with more menacing proportions. A large air inlet down low and slit fog lights help pull the car from the throws of anonymity.

Of course, it’s always difficult to tell what will survive the transition between design sketch and reality. We don’t expect to see those huge wheels nor the wildly flared hips make their way to production. Speaking of production, Honda has a long history of rolling out concepts that are nearly identical to the real deal, so keep your eyes on Detroit for what could be the first look at the next Civic.

[Source: Honda]

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Honda teases 2012 Civic before Detroit debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rinspeed previews BamBoo well ahead of Geneva debut

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Off-Road

Rinspeed BamBoo

Rinspeed BamBoo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah, Rinspeed. The crafty Swiss design house that has brought us funky creations like the UC?, iChange and sQuba has just given us a preview of its latest creation, the BamBoo. Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year, the BamBoo is a sort of “grown up golf cart” (Rinspeed’s words, not ours), and as its name would suggest, many of the interior components have been constructed from bamboo fibers.

So, what’s the purpose of the BamBoo? Beach assault vehicle? Tropical resort cruiser? Rinspeed offers this as an explanation:

“This open-top vehicle awakens the longing for sun, summer, for lightness and easiness, the desire to be at the beach. It is a reminiscence of the Seventies, of the south of France and St. Tropez. And one would expect to find Brigitte Bardot behind the wheel with playboy Gunther Sachs at her side heading towards Tahiti beach.”

Sounds lovely, but the Swiss designers have left out practically all of the nitty-gritty details about the BamBoo, including powertrain, interior accommodations and plans for production (if any). Nevertheless, we’ll get the full scoop at the Geneva show in March. In the meantime, check out Rinspeed’s latter-day Fiat Jolly/Volkswagen Thing Acapulco in our gallery below, then follow the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Rinspeed BamBoo

Rinspeed BamBooRinspeed BamBooRinspeed BamBooRinspeed BamBoo

[Source: Rinspeed]

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Rinspeed previews BamBoo well ahead of Geneva debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept

2010 Mazda Shinari Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mazda’s current Nagare design language starts with smiling faces and moves back into wavy body panels. It’s hit and miss on the automaker’s existing lineup of cars. The Mazda Shinari Concept, which we previously saw in Milan and now makes its North American Debut here at the 2010 LA Auto Show, aims to change that.

The flowing lines are present, but they appear to be more organic, almost as if they were shaped by the wind itself flowing over the body of the car. The Shinari is the brainchild of Mazda’s Global Head of Design, Ikuo Maeda and it represents an entire new design philosophy known as KODO.

Described by Mazda with terms such as speed, tension and alluring, the KODO design language shows us a future filled with much more stoically aggressive vehicles. Gone is the O HAI THERE! happy face, and in it’s place is a visage that appears ready to tackle the road while the wind flows over the swoops, creases and curves.

Unfortunately, as you might expect, we will never see the Shinari enter production. However, if Mazda can glean some new designs from Maeda’s gorgeous styling exercise, then we could be in for some very good looking vehicles from the Japanese automaker.

Gallery: LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

LA 2010: Mazda Shinari Concept makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Subaru Forester gets web debut

Filed under: Crossover, Subaru

2011 Subaru Forester

2011 Subaru Forester – Click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has released official details on what we will be seeing in the 2011 Forester. The company had previously announced that the new 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine will find its way under the CUV’s hood, as will the same turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder found in the current XT. Speaking of the XT, Subaru will now offer the range-topping Forester in XT Premium and XT Touring guises, with Touring trim replacing Limited as the top of the line. That brings along goodies like self-adjusting HID headlights, dual-zone climate control and a backup camera.

Meanwhile, Subaru has packed in a few more goodies on nearly every trim level. Bluetooth hands-free calling and a one-touch up/down driver’s window comes standard on every Forester with the exception of the very base model. In addition, it looks like both the 2.5X Premium and 2.5XT Premium will boast a new audio system complete with six speakers, USB and AUX inputs, as well as iPod and Satellite radio capability. Hit the jump for the full list of changes.

Gallery: 2011 Subaru Forester

[Source: Subaru]

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2011 Subaru Forester gets web debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut

Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Specialty

Hennessey Venom GT exhaust pop

Hennessey Venom GT clears its throat – Click above to watch the video after the break

It may look like a steroid-fueled Lotus Elise that’s had a few too many trips to the gym – and we truly mean that in the very best way possible – but this latest video proves there’s no mistaking the fact that it ain’t powered by no wimpy four-cylinder engine sourced from Toyota.

Yes, of course we already knew that the Hennessey Venom GT is powered by a 6.2-liter LS9 V8 as used in the Corvette ZR1 in one of three force-fed configurations: the base supercharged mill with 725 horsepower and 741 pound-feet of torque and a pair of twin turbocharged beasts that put out 1,000 hp and 1,200 hp. (See a dyno video here.)

But upon hearing this sucker start up and clear its pipes, even the mighty ZR1 cowers in the corner with its supercharged tail tucked firmly between its legs. It’s a modern-day Shelby Cobra, complete with its British-sourced chassis and big, burly American V8 power. We can hardly wait to see the Venom GT with our own eyes next week at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Check out the 360-degree walkaround video after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Hennessey Venom GT

[Source: YouTube]

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Video: Hennessey Venom GT clears its pipes ahead of SEMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius MPV leaked ahead of Detroit debut? [UPDATE]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Toyota

Toyota Prius MPV

Toyota is planning to reveal its new Prius-based MPV at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and while we’ve seen spy shots and teasers of the fuel-sipping people-mover before, we now have our clearest look yet at the forthcoming hybrid hauler.

Our friends at Autoblog.it have managed to snag what appear to be official shots of the Prius MPV, and based on the test mules we’ve seen out on the road, we’ll bet our bottom dollar that the seven-passenger, three-row vehicle you see here is what will be displayed under the Detroit show lights.

Autoblog.it says that the Prius MPV will be powered by the same 1.8-liter hybrid engine used in the five-door hatch, though output has reportedly been bumped up to 138 horsepower. Efficiency will obviously be the MPV’s biggest factor, and we’re that Toyota has tweaked the standard Prius’ powertrain to account for the added heft of the MPV. As always, stay tuned for more information, and head over to Autoblog.it for an additional image of the bulked-up Prius.

UPDATE: As convincing as this image looks, the keen-eyed folks at Carscoop have pointed out that this is not, in fact, the upcoming Prius MPV, and is actually a rendering crafted by Japan’s Best Car magazine. Still, that doesn’t change the fact that Toyota will be debuting the Prius people-mover at the Detroit show in January, and we’ll have the full details after the turn of the new year.

[Source: Autoblog.it (translated)]

Toyota Prius MPV leaked ahead of Detroit debut? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Prius MPV to debut at Detroit Auto Show [w/video]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Videos, Toyota

Toyota Prius video

Toyota teases the new Prius MPV – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Recently, Toyota teased its second addition to the Prius family during its 10th anniversary party for the automaker’s infamous hybrid. Now, Toyota has tweeted that the new vehicle, which obviously takes the shape of a Mazda5-sized MPV, will make its official debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.

Rumors have suggested that the Prius MPV will offer seating for seven via three rows of perches, though there’s no word on whether or not the larger Prius variant will use sliding doors or stick to a more Kia Rondo-like shape. Expect the Prius’ powertrain to be slightly revised for MPV duty, as well, probably with a few more lithium-ion batteries on hand to keep things extremely economical. We’ll know more come January, but for now, click past the jump to see a video of the Prius MPV’s teaser billboard coming to life.

[Source: Twitter, YouTube]

Continue reading Toyota Prius MPV to debut at Detroit Auto Show [w/video]

Toyota Prius MPV to debut at Detroit Auto Show [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati Diavel officially announced for EICMA debut

Filed under: Motorcycle

Ducati Diavel teaser

Ducati Diavel teaser – Click above to enlarge

We’re still not quite certain what to make of a Ducati that isn’t really a sportbike. While machines such as the Monster, Multistrada, Hypermotard and Sport Classic series weren’t made to represent the brand in competition, they still have plenty of racetrack-derived heritage oozing from their pores. The Diavel, on the other hand, isn’t likely to ever even sniff a track.

Unless perhaps that track is, oh, about a quarter-mile long and straight as an arrow. While the Italian motorcycle manufacturer isn’t keen on offering too much in the way of a category for the new Diavel, we’re thinking it will most likely be cross-shopped with pavement pounders like the Yamaha Vmax, Suzuki B-King and Harley-Davidson’s liquid-cooled VRSC series.

As far as specs, here’s what we know so far: ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes that alter power output and delivery will at least be available, if not standard. Power will come from the Testastretta 11-degree engine as seen in the Multistrada, and the Diavel will weigh 456 pounds.

And what of the name? According to Ducati, when the prototype was first wheeled out of the factory, a worker saw its silhouette and exclaimed in Bolognese dialect: “Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!” Meaning: “Evil, like the devil!”

We have but one official teaser of Ducati’s devilish new machine, but the rest of the details will be forthcoming at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan this coming November. Until then, check out the full-size pic by clicking on the image above and peruse the press release after the break.

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati Diavel officially announced for EICMA debut

Ducati Diavel officially announced for EICMA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossover, Saab

Saab 9-4X

Saab 9-4X spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that the fate of Saab is in the hands of Spyker Cars, future product plans seem to be moving right along. The new 9-5 is out on the road and the 9-4X crossover is scheduled to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

Our friends at Saabs United managed to snag some shots of a pre-production 9-4X, giving us a glimpse of the automaker’s new CUV before we see it in person later this year. The 9-4X was initially conceived under Saab’s General Motors ownership, meaning its underpinnings are shared with the Cadillac SRX crossover. Word on the street is that the production taillamps will look slightly different than the ones on this early model, but that aside, don’t expect things to change much between now and November.

Because the 9-4X is closely related to the SRX, we fully expect the 2.8-liter turbocharged V6 to be under the hood. Don’t rule out the possibility of the 9-5’s 2.0-liter turbo four being offered, as well. Both engines will more than likely be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and as the “x” in the name suggests, all-wheel drive will be on hand.

Until we get the official word in Los Angeles later this year, scroll through our gallery of spy shots below, and head over to Saabs United for all things Griffin.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X

[Source: Saabs United]

Spy Shots: Saab 9-4X leaks out ahead of production debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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