horsepower Archives

Report: Alfa Romeo Spider said to get modern styling, 168 horsepower

Filed under: Convertible, Alfa Romeo

Take a good look at the picture (and the high-res image gallery) of the Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta concept by Pininfarina, because the production Spider that will be a joint development with the coming Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t expected to look anything like it. According to a report in Autocar, designers at Fiat’s Centro Stile couldn’t figure out how to translate the concept to a production car.

We’re being told that the new Alfa roadster will be styled to match the modernity of the brand’s lineup, accented by “historic design themes,” and that its exterior is near final approval. Apparently, the traditional Alfa grille will be flanked by “lower intake whiskers” and headlights that are nothing like those on the 4C. To be built alongside the Miata in Japan, it will share certain platform hardpoints like the front bulkhead and engine compartment, but won’t have any body panels in common with the Mazda.

Only one engine is expected to be slotted in that bay: the 1.4-liter MultiAir with 168 horsepower. Those ponies will be charged with moving a roadster said to come in at no more than 2,420 pounds, with shifting performed by a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. If that information is correct, that would give it one more horsepower and 20 or more pounds less weight than the current manual-transmission Miata Sport. Comparing like-for-kind-of-like, it would have 10 more hp and be at least 122 pounds lighter than the current automatic-equipped Miata Sport.

Alfa Romeo Spider said to get modern styling, 168 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jul 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi working on 500-horsepower hybrid Evo?

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mitsubishi

Until reality sets in, we’ll settle for this report about Mitsubishi building what can only be described as one super plug-in hybrid. The Japanese automaker, per UK’s Autocar, is working on a version of the Lancer Evolution that would take on the Nissan GT-R.

Specifically, Autocar, citing what it says are “highly placed Mitsubishi executives,” says the PHEV would pair a 2.0-liter gas engine with two 80-horsepower electric motors to provide an awfully impressive 500 horsepower along with fuel economy of 150 miles per gallon (per the more lenient European driving cycle) and an all-electric driving range of as many as 40 miles.

Mitsubishi would use some of the technology employed in the MiEV Evolution II plug-in that raced at Pikes Peak this year, and while we don’t think it’ll look quite like that car (pictured above), we can dream a bit. Remaining an issue for Mitsubishi plug-ins, car execs say, is the continued lack of consensus on a fast-charging standard in the US, as Mitsubishi and Nissan continue to push for the CHAdeMO standard while US and European automakers bang the drum for the so-called SAE/”combo” fast-charging standard.

Mitsubishi working on 500-horsepower hybrid Evo? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 24 Jul 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Here’s why the 2012 Camaro V6 makes 11 more horsepower

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Videos, Chevrolet, GM

integrated manifold 2012 camaro

2012 Chevrolet Camaro engine weight savings – Click above to watch the video after the jump

2012 camaro engine The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro will feature 323 horsepower, or 11 more ponies than the 2011 model. But General Motors engineers didn’t accomplish this feat by adding direct injection or variable valve timing. In fact, the 2011 version of the 3.6-liter V6 already incorporated those high-tech engine components.

Instead, engineers were able to add extra power by allowing the high-tech mill to breathe better. To do this, intake airflow was improved by seven percent through extensive simulation and bench testing. As a result, power is up by 11 horsepower, while exhaust flow is improved by 10 percent.

Engineers also manged to remove an incredible 13 pounds from the 3.6-liter by integrating the exhaust manifolds into the aluminum cylinder head. This change meant that a pair of old-school iron manifolds, 12 bolts, a pair of gasket and heat shields with six more bolts were eliminated.

Beyond weight savings, these changes also eliminate the potential for gasket failure while fuel efficiency is improved. The 2012 Camaro 2LS model will now boast 30 miles per gallon on the highway, up from an also respectable 29 mpg from the 2011 model.

Hit the jump to watch a short video, which shows exactly how GM was able to shave 13 pounds off of an already reasonably light engine. Then you can stay to read over The General’s press release.

Continue reading Here’s why the 2012 Camaro V6 makes 11 more horsepower

Here’s why the 2012 Camaro V6 makes 11 more horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sexy, 600-horsepower monster

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Kompressor by Novitec

Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Kompressor by Novitec – Click above for high-res image gallery

Beautiful as it is, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is widely regarded as a miserable handler. That could be chalked up to the 1990s-era Maserati platform on which it was built, but one way or another, the very thought of giving such such an archaic chassis more power to contend with could be the worst idea since New Coke. But that’s not about to stop the boffins over at Novitec.

The German tuning firm has a penchant for tuning Italy’s finest, and have this time turned their attention to the 8C Spider. Bolting on the same supercharger and intercooler as it did with the Maserati GranCabrio, Novitec has cranked output from the 4.7-liter V8 up from 450 horsepower and 346 pound-feet of torque stock to a certifiable 600 hp and 434 lb-ft, figures which Novitec pegs as good for a 0-62 sprint in 3.9 seconds (down from the stock model’s 4.2).

The modifications applied to the sexy Spider also include a remapped engine control module and a variable stainless steel exhaust. No word on a brake upgrade, but you’d have to be even crazier to dial in that much muscle without the shoes to keep it in check. Thankfully, however, Novitec has tinkered with the suspension, fitting new coils and adjustable dampers along with Pirelli-coated modular wheels (21 inches up front, 22 in the rear) in silver on the port side and black on starboard. With all that power on tap, we can only hope the modifications to the suspension prove enough to handle it all.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Kompressor by Novitec

Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider is a sexy, 600-horsepower monster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Mugen Honda CR-Z sketch

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

Call it anticipation or call it wishful thinking, but reports of a hotter version of the Honda CR-Z have been circulating pretty much ever since the hybrid hatchback hit the market. The CR-Z may be sportier than most hybrids, but when the faithful were expecting a spiritual successor to the iconic CRX with an added jolt of electricity, many were left disappointed.

Along those lines, we have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that some new details on the hotly anticipated Mugen version of the CR-Z have dropped. The bad news is that it’s still strictly a one-off show car, at least for the time being.

Honda CR-Z Mugen engine The concept car will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And when it is, it won’t be turbocharged as earlier speculated, but it will be supercharged. With the added benefit of forced induction, the output from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four that forms the internal combustion part of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system will be increased by 50 percent, and when coupled with the electric component will serve up 200 metric horsepower (197 on our scale) and 181 pound-feet of torque.

To go with the added power, the pseudo-works Honda tuner is also fitting adjustable dampers, a wider track, upgraded brakes and rolling stock, an enhanced aero kit and a weight-reduction regimen. Although Mugen insists it holds no plans for producing its breathed-on hybrid, there’s no telling what sufficient demand might yield. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the two engine shots released to join the renderings released previously in the gallery below.

Gallery: Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketches

Mugen Honda CR-Z Sketch

Continue reading Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut

Honda CR-Z Mugen show car to pack 197 horsepower for Goodwood debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 May 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 debuts with new 465-horsepower 6.4L V8

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Chrysler

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300 took a leap forward in refinement, but the large sedan’s makeover didn’t come with an SRT8 variant. No worries, though, because the all-new, more powerful and damn sharp-looking 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 is debuting today at the 2011 New York Auto Show.

There’s a lot to go over on this new 300 SRT8, but we wouldn’t waste a vowel before talking power. Gone is the 425-horsepower 6.1-liter Hemi V8, replaced with the the Pentastar’s new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that first appeared in the new Challenger SRT8 392. The new V8 produces 465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, up 40 ponies and 45 lb-ft versus the outgoing engine. What’s more, that upgraded output is also more usable for 2012, as Chrysler tells us we can expect an additional 80 lb-ft of torque at 2,900 rpm, which translates into more thrust from a standstill. How much? Official estimates are 0-60 “in the high four-second range,” and a quarter-mile time of fewer than 13 seconds. The transmission of choice will be the carryover five-speed automatic, though paddle shifters will join the automatic to give drivers a couple options for gear selection.

Continue reading 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 ready to pounce…

Gallery: 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

Continue reading 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 debuts with new 465-horsepower 6.4L V8

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 debuts with new 465-horsepower 6.4L V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roush announces 2012 Stage 3 Mustang with 540 horsepower

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2012 Roush Stage 3 Mustang

2012 Roush Stage 3 Mustang – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Stage 3 has always been the flagship of Roush’s modified Ford Mustang stable, and the supercharged pony car is making a return for 2012 with a new RS3 moniker. With 540 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque on tap, the Stage 3 replaces the 5XR as Roush’s most powerful offering.

Along with the extra power, the RS3 comes with a new graphics package that is available in six stripe colors and six accent colors, making for 288 color combinations. You can use Roush’s new online configurator to see what colors like Luminescent Lime and Red-Blooded American look on the car and add optional items like the 20-inch Hyper Black wheels and rear three-quarter window louvers. The 2012 RS3 Mustang starts at $59,945 and comes standard with a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty. PR and full details after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Roush Stage 3 Mustang

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush announces 2012 Stage 3 Mustang with 540 horsepower

Roush announces 2012 Stage 3 Mustang with 540 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ferrari’s next-gen 599 to pack “at least” 700 horsepower

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Ferrari 599 GTO

Ferrari 599 GTO – Click above for high-res image gallery

With the new FF already released, the focus at Ferrari is reportedly turning to a successor for the 599 GTB Fiorano, which, according to various sources, will pack “at least” 700 horsepower – the magic number achieved by arch-rival Lamborghini’s new Aventador.

The engine is expected to form the latest stage in the evolution of the V12 that powers the 599 GTB at 612 hp, upped to 661 hp for the 599 GTO and has produced as much as 850 horses in the FXX Evoluzione. With direct injection, a version of the same engine produces 651 hp in the FF – the same output as the Enzo for which the engine was originally designed – and a good 120 more horses than the 612 Scaglietti it replaces.

A lighter aluminum chassis is likely to further improve performance, but don’t expect the all-wheel-drive system from the FF to drive the 599’s successor too. While a future version could foreseeably adopt the system, reports indicate the car will (at least initially) be rear-wheel drive only, but the replacement for the California could incorporate all-wheel drive like its big brother.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Ferrari’s next-gen 599 to pack “at least” 700 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hyundai Veloster Turbo to produce 208 horsepower

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Veloster reveal

2012 Hyundai Veloster – Click above for high-res image gallery

We haven’t been behind the wheel of one yet, but we’re thinking that the normally aspirated 2012 Hyundai Veloster probably looks a little faster than it is – we say this only because a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower can only be so spirited. We’ve heard previously that a turbocharged version of the Veloster is on the way, but thus far, details haven’t been easy to come by.

If several new stories in Hyundai forums are to be believed, the Veloster Turbo will feature a 1.6-liter GDI turbo powerplant capable of 208 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. That’s not exactly game-changing power, but keep in mind that the little Veloster weighs all of 2,600 pounds, giving the little coupe a 12.48-pounds-per-pony ratio. And if the Veloster Turbo does indeed feature the 1.6-liter, we’re thinking the little ride’s laudable 40 mile per gallon highway fuel economy bogey won’t be affected all that much.

A 208-horsepower Veloster sounds just dandy to us, but we’re still looking forward to official word from Hyundai to confirm. Hopefully we’ll hear something more official about the boosted Veloster very soon.

Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster: Detroit 2011

2012 Hyundai Veloster

[Source: Hyundai Blog via Inside Line]

Report: Hyundai Veloster Turbo to produce 208 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake with 800 horsepower headed for New York

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – Click above for high-res image gallery

Shelby has no qualms about constantly upping the horsepower of its range-topping Ford GT500 Super Snake. When first introduced in 2008, the base Super Snake had a mere 605 ponies under the hood with an option for up to 725. That number increased to 750 for 2010, and now for the 2012 model year, Shelby is set to unveil the latest Super Snake with up to 800 tire-shredding horsepower on tap from its 5.4-liter supercharged V8.

Like previous Super Snake models, the latest version will come with a host of other upgrades including a sport suspension system, Baer six-piston brakes, Borla exhaust system, Alcoa 20-inch wheels, fiberglass hood and more.

We’ll get our first look at the 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake when it debuts at the New York Auto Show later this month, but until then, you can read more details about the car in the press release after the jump or check out the outgoing car in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake

[Source: Shelby]

Continue reading 2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake with 800 horsepower headed for New York

2012 Shelby GT500 Super Snake with 800 horsepower headed for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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