Spy Shots: Audi S1 caught testing, likes wearing A1 clothing

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Audi

spy photo audi s1

Spy Shots: Audi S1 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Spy photographers have been training their lenses on upcoming Audi models as of late. Earlier, we got a look at the R8 GT Spyder, and now those cameras have captured the S1 hot hatch. Though it may look like a standard Audi A1, this mule is covering up S1 guts. What’s the give-away? A set of large exhaust pipes planted in the rear end.

Rumor has it that the mill powering this sporty hatchback will pump out 270 horsepower. That energy will be sent out to all four corners courtesy of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Expect to see more aggressive bits of body work on the real S1 when it finally shows its face.

Audi S1 caught testing, likes wearing A1 clothing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Hyundai, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M56

2011 Infiniti M – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Infiniti M37, Hyundai Genesis V8 and the BMW 5 Series were tested in the latest issue of Consumer Reports, and the results were fairly predictable. All three vehicles received ratings of “Excellent,” though each vehicle’s road to the top came from a different direction.

The newly redesigned M37 remains CR’s top-rated midsize luxury sedan for its combination of performance, luxury and comfort. CR chief David Champion credits the M for combining “agile handling, a taut yet comfortable ride, and a beautifully-finished interior.” Solid praise, indeed. The BMW 535i’s top rating comes on the heels of a test that revealed the new sedan as quick, luxurious and fuel efficient. Interestingly, CR believes that the new 5 Series has lost some of its trademark agility for 2011.

While the M37 is the top-rated midsize luxury sedan the V8-powered Hyundai Genesis could be the big winner of this test. South Korea’s best nailed the test with the most power of the three vehicles tested and the lowest price tag of the group. We’re not talking a couple thousand bucks, either. The Genesis was $10,000 cheaper than the M and $15,000 less than the BMW. The dark-horse luxury sedan was called spacious and smooth, though the ‘built for comfort’ chassis was called out for being “not that sporty.” Both the M37 and Genesis have been granted the coveted CR “Recommended” label, while the 5 Series doesn’t have enough reliability data available to qualify just yet. Check out the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Photos copyright (C)2010 / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]

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Consumer Reports still loves redesigned Infiniti M37, likes Hyundai Genesis 4.6 a lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Homebuilt Steaurus 2000 is a Blue Oval the likes of which we’ve never seen

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Ford, Humor

Homebuilt Steaurus 2000

The Steaurus 2000 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Just a few of the specs: eight batteries, one toaster, one microwave, one DVD player, one VCR, five exterior cameras and a “secondary auxiliary defroster.” Oh, and one really, really funky hat, under which exists one heck of a hair style. Those are the things you’ll find in and around the Stearus 2000, the creation of a real-life Captain H.M. “Howling Mad” Murdock that debuted at this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise. (How in the heck did we miss this one?)

The name is a combination of the words “Steve,” its inventor, and “Taurus,” the car. Steve is from Marine City, Michigan, a town that obviously breeds one-of-a-kind folk. He has almost as many quotable lines as his car has features (one of our favorites: “I also have a hammer”), so do yourself a favor and follow the jump to hear about the Stearus 2000 in his own words.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Video: Homebuilt Steaurus 2000 is a Blue Oval the likes of which we’ve never seen

Video: Homebuilt Steaurus 2000 is a Blue Oval the likes of which we’ve never seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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