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Report: More details on Honda’s hotter CR-Z come to the fore

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda CR-Z

2011 Honda CR-Z – Click above for high-res image gallery

To hear Autocar tell it, Honda has confirmed that it’s working on a faster version of its disappointing CR-Z hybrid. Having suffered the slings and arrows of enthusiast who thought they were getting another CRX, Honda has said they will have a quicker version of the car out when the next-generation IMA hybrid system arrives.

They’re keeping mum about what engine the augmented CR-Z will rock, but speculation is that the new model will put down about 160 hp between its gas and electric powerplants. Honda R&D chief Tomohiko Kawanabe says the company is leaning away from a turbo engine because a naturally aspirated set up will work better with the hybrid drive.

Kawanabe also indicates Honda won’t let the power increase take away from the current car’s fuel efficiency and C02 production numbers, so expect most of the new power to come from an improved electric motor.

The as-yet unnamed sportier CR-Z is still at least a year away, which makes sense, as the new hybrid system isn’t expected on our shores until 2012, when it’s due in the new Civic. Watch for updates as details emerge.

Gallery: 2011 Honda CR-Z: Review

[Source: Autocar]

Report: More details on Honda’s hotter CR-Z come to the fore originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports reveals details of 2011 Auto Issue

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

consumer reports 2011 The 2011 edition of Consumer Reports‘ annual Auto Issue will hit newstands on March 8, but we have a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside.

First up is are CR’s Automaker Report Cards, and Honda, Toyota and Subaru continue to enjoy their three-year run at the head of the class. General Motors and Ford, however, are playing catch up fast. In fact, the Blue Oval now has a Recommended rating for 71 percent of its fleet. Chrysler, however, is sitting near the bottom of the pack, though it’s kept company by former classmate Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

The Consumer Reports 2011 Auto Issue also examines the best and worst values across eight vehicle segments. Hyundai and Kia both earned a couple of “bests” while General Motors was given a few “worsts.” Beyond the value of a vehicle, CR also names its Top Picks for 2011. For the first time ever, the Ford Mustang has made this list thanks to its multitude of engine choices, fuel economy and price.

If used cars are more your speed, Consumer Reports has even compiled a list of its top choices for 2001-2010 model year vehicles. Awards for best-in-class were chosen based on the results of road tests when the vehicle was new combined with ongoing reliability data.

We have a hefty dose of information for you to digest. The Top Picks, Best and Worst Values and Best of the Best Used Cars are all waiting for you after the jump.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Consumer Reports reveals details of 2011 Auto Issue

Consumer Reports reveals details of 2011 Auto Issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin releases details on 2012 Virage Coupe and Volante

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Aston Martin

2012 Aston Martin Virage Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Aston Martin has taken the wraps of its new Virage Coupe and Virage Volante. Both models are based on the automaker’s VH architecture – so they’re “all-new”… kinda – and are meant to slot in between the DB9 and the DBS in the lineup. The bonded aluminum chassis, with aluminum, magnesium and composite body panels, receives the familiar 6.0-liter V12 rated at 490 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The standard transmission (a rear transaxle) is a six-speed automatic “Touchtronic 2” gearbox, helping to deliver a 0-60 time of about 4.5 seconds and maxing out at a top speed of 186 miles per hour.

The suspension is double-wishbone on all four corners, with Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with Sport mode as standard equipment. Wheels are 20-inch alloys, mounted over carbon ceramic disc brakes at all four corners (six-piston calipers up front, four-piston units in the rear), with Pirelli P Zero tires standard.

No word yet on pricing or availablity (feel free to read through the press release after the break), but we’ll be getting all the details on the new Virage at next week’s Geneva Motor Show. Expect driving impressions to come… soon.

Gallery: 2012 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

2012 Aston Martin Virage Coupe

Gallery: 2012 Aston Martin Virage Volante

2012 Aston Martin Virage Volante

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin releases details on 2012 Virage Coupe and Volante

Aston Martin releases details on 2012 Virage Coupe and Volante originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gumpert Tornante details come into focus ahead of Geneva

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Luxury

Gumpert Tornante teaser

Gumpert Tornante teaser – Click above to enlarge

With the 2011 Chicago Auto Show out of the way, manufacturers can now turn their attentions toward Geneva. Apparently, Gumpert has done just that. As we’ve heard, the supercar manufacturer is planning to yank the sheets back on its Tornante next month, and we now have a decent idea of what the bruiser will bring to the table when it arrives. The newest Gumpert will offer up a little more refinement than the speed-above-all-else Apollo, and the grand tourer will likely boast a more comfortable cabin and civil ride as a result.

Don’t expect performance to fall off by any massive degree, though. Buyers will still get to sink their teeth into the juicy 4.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine responsible for sending the Apollo’s tires to the smoky beyond. The mill will still be bolted to the same TT40e transmission, though a new set of paddle shifters will handle cog-swapping detail.

There is some word that Gumpert is also working on an alternative-power drivetrain, but details are skimpy on that machine at the moment. Feel free to click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Gumpert Apollo

[Source: Gumpert]

Continue reading Gumpert Tornante details come into focus ahead of Geneva

Gumpert Tornante details come into focus ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Rumormill

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was one heck of a muscle truck, but it was somewhat encumbered by being based on the last Grand Cherokee. The new model, however, is a different beast entirely, billed as the kind of vehicle that could help turn Chrysler’s fortunes around. So what’s next? The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, of course. And rumormill reports of its specifications are beginning to pour in.

According to insiders, the new GC SRT8 will bow at the upcoming New York Auto Show in April. And when it does, it is expected to pack the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with around 470 horsepower and just as much torque. That’ll be mated, according to the rumors, to a five-speed automatic equipped with paddle shifters – an SRT first. Couple that to a new adaptive damping suspension, 14-inch Brembo brakes and 20-inch alloys wearing Pirelli rubber and you can start to see where Chrysler’s Italian cousins are starting to pitch in. Heck, Chrysler is even said to be working on boosting the towing capacity, so the next SRT8 should be a more well-rounded vehicle to live with, as well. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: WK2Jeeps.com]

Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hurley Haywood details Porsche’s fond relationship with Daytona

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Porsche

Porsche 911 cup car at Dayona

Porsche 911 and Daytona go way back – Click above to watch video after the jump

Porsche and Daytona have a long history dating back to 1968, when the automaker won its first 24 Hours at Daytona. Porsche has spent the last 43 years dominating the event, leading all other manufacturers with 22 overall wins (38 victories total, when you add in class wins). Its closest competitor is Ferrari, which has managed five.

Hurley Haywood knows a thing or two about driving Porsche racing cars. He’s responsible for putting five of the company’s 22 overall Daytona wins on the board (as well as a class win, to boot). Before the 2011 Rolex 24 Hours at Dayona, Haywood discussed the long history between the racetrack and Porsche’s sports cars. Click past the jump to watch the clip.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Hurley Haywood details Porsche’s fond relationship with Daytona

Video: Hurley Haywood details Porsche’s fond relationship with Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released

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

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has finally released official details on the 2012 C63 AMG. Buyers can expect to be met with the same 451-horsepower 6.3-liter V8 under the hood, though an optional AMG Development Package can crank that figure all the way up to 481 ponies. Bolted behind that miracle mill is the company’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox, though the transmission now comes with new mapping to squeeze as much efficiency as possible from the drivetrain. Mercedes-Benz calls the mode “controlled efficiency,” and along with a new, more efficient power steering pump, the company says that the 2012 C63 AMG will boast a 10 percent nudge in fuel economy over its predecessor.

EPA figures are still pending, but Mercedes-Benz says that the sedan will clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds with the optional performance kit. With acceleration like that, who needs fuel economy?

The Silver Arrow has also been kind enough to include a handful of aesthetic tweaks, including a redesigned grille, lower apron and daytime running lights that were heavily influenced by the company’s SLS AMG. Inside, a new dash and LCD screen dominate the conversation, though a new three-spoke tiller is also part of the package. Look for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG to touch down in the United States this fall. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released

Official 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG details released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details on Jaguar’s 3 Series fighter

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury

Jaguar X-Type

Word is bumping around the internets that Jaguar may be interested in dusting off a sub-XF model. Doing so would put the big cat into direct competition with the mighty BMW 3 Series – a feat Jaguar attempted once before with the ill-fated X-Type. But according to Adrian Hallmark, the automaker’s new global brand director, the company won’t be repeating past mistakes.

Instead, buyers can look forward to being able to choose between a sporty coupe and a volume sedan if the project gets green-lit. Offering two models would allow Jaguar to deliver a high-quality vehicle while simultaneously reducing its own costs.

Additionally, there’s word that Jaguar wants to ensure that the new car packs all of the luxury and craftmanship of its bigger brothers at a more affordable price point.

Unfortunately, it may be a good long while before we see the fruits of Hallmark’s labors come to the surface. Jaguar says that it is just now beginning to look into a new, smaller model and that it could be four years or more before the vehicle actually shows up on dealer lots. If that’s what it takes to keep Jaguar from churning out another X-Type, we’re all for the wait.

[Source: Autoweek]

More details on Jaguar’s 3 Series fighter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus LFA launch control details revealed

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA

2011 Lexus LFA – Click above for high-res image gallery

As any drag racer will tell you, achieving the perfect launch is something of an art form. Or maybe it’s closer to a religion to the people constantly struggling to find exactly the right RPM, clutch technique and number of prayers to the God of the Quarter Mile.

Naturally, having a computer take all the guesswork out of the process (cheating? Not if everyone else is doing it… and they are) makes everything more than a little bit easier. The Lexus LFA is the latest supercar to get the technology here in the States. But how does it work?

Glad you asked. Lexus’ carbon fiber wonder-mobile is finally hitting the streets, and its handy-dandy owner’s manual outlines the launch controll process rather nicely. Nicely, but not exactly easily… as you might expect from a factory-installed technology that is known to be rather stressful on drivetrain components. See what we mean after the break.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: Lexus Enthusiast]

Continue reading Lexus LFA launch control details revealed

Lexus LFA launch control details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford details Powershift transmission for 2012 Focus

Filed under: Technology, Ford

PowerShift six-speed transmission

The 2012 Ford Focus is an exciting piece of machinery for a variety of reasons. It puts the Focus on equal footing across the globe, along with being a stylish and well-equipped compact that should be an entertaining steer. On that last bit, Ford is hyping some of the new driver-centric technologies under the Focus’ skin, beginning with the PowerShift dry-clutch six-speed automatic with its Torque Hole Filling Technology (THF). What’s that? Ford’s glad you asked…

When you’re driving along in a car equipped with a traditional automatic transmission, you get a momentary lag after an upshift. This is known as the torque hole. Ford wanted to find a way to fill this gap, so with some trick computer modeling and enough math to last a lifetime, the Blue Oval engineers created a system where the engine and transmission talk to each other and prepare for potential torque holes. Additional torque is supplied to fill the hole and the resulting shifts are more seamless to both driver and passengers.

If you want even more geeky details, click past the jump for Ford’s complete release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford details Powershift transmission for 2012 Focus

Ford details Powershift transmission for 2012 Focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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