Patina’d 2010 Chevrolet Camaro headed to Power Tour

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Bill Rombauts and his buddy Dave Sherer have taken the patina’d rat rod look to new heights, applying the rust-first philosophy to a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Before going all Father Time on the paint job, the two spent close to $100,000 giving the car as much go as it has show.

Underneath all that affected rust and thinning paint lives a worked-over Kenne Bell supercharged 485-cubic-inch V8 based on a GM Performance Parts block. Before the addition of the blown 485, the Chevrolet was pumping out in the neighborhood of 650 rear-wheel-horsepower and tripping the lights in around 11 seconds through the quarter mile. Now, Sherer and Rombauts are looking for the 10-second range, and won’t say what kind of power the car makes.

Say what you will about the decision to make a brand-new Camaro look like it’s 30 years old, but you definitely can’t argue with this thing’s gusto. With prodigious power, a $100K mod list and a paint scheme some might call ugly, it’s also guaranteed to make a stir on Power Tour 2011. To make that goal a reality, Rombauts and Sherer are looking for sponsors to get their car to and from the Tour.

Patina’d 2010 Chevrolet Camaro headed to Power Tour originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 May 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac ATS-V to pack twin-turbo V6 power

Filed under: Sedan, Cadillac, Rumormill

Cadillac ATS spy shots

Cadillac ATS spy shots – Click above for high res-image gallery

When we heard Cadillac was mulling up a V-Series variant of the upcoming ATS, we were really hoping for LSA V8 power. But if Car and Driver sources are correct, we may not be so lucky. Those sources claim the upcoming entry-level performance Caddy will boast a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with around 380 horsepower. That should be more than enough juice to push the performance ATS to 60 in under five seconds, while also saving a bit of fuel compared to a supercharged V8.

Cadillac is targeting the BMW M3 with its new ATS-V, and the folks in Munich have already confirmed that the next-gen M car will also have turbocharged, six-cylinder power.

C/D opines that an uber-ATS could also be in the works, LSA power and all. While far from a sure thing, a supercharged V8-packing ATS would no doubt serve notice to the world of entry lux models that Team Cadillac is playing to win. Still, a twin-turbo V6 ATS could still be an ass-kicking marvel of considerable proportions. 380 horsepower could indeed be an underestimation, in part since no V variant has ever featured less than 400 horsepower. We’d further add that any Cadillac V-Series model should be able to best a $28,000 Mustang GT, but that’s just our opinion.

Cadillac ATS-V to pack twin-turbo V6 power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang emerges from tornado devastation under its own power

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Etc., Videos, Ford

Tornado damaged Ford Mustang, Tuscaloosa, AL

Ford Mustang drives out of the rubble in Tuscaloosa, AL – Click above to watch the video after the jump.

The death toll from Wednesday’s tornadoes has reached a staggering 204 in the state of Alabama alone. The once proud university town of Tuscaloosa, home to the multi-time NCAA National Champion Crimson Tide football team, lies in ruin. For now, there isn’t much in the way of inspiring news from the state.

This morning, though, a video hit the web of a Tuscaloosa resident driving his Ford Mustang convertible out of the wreckage. The Mustang is far from a pretty sight, and likely won’t be moving anywhere else under its own grunt any time soon, but it’s inspiring nonetheless – a small glimmer that not all is lost.

True, a ragged, fifteen-year-old Ford dragging itself from the ruins of a terrible natural disaster isn’t exactly the feel-good hit of the summer. True, the car’s miraculous survival doesn’t serve as a sign that Alabama’s return to normal is right around the corner. What it does show, on however small a level, is that there’s always hope, no matter how bleak things get. Check out the video after the break. Thanks for the tip, Douglass!

[Source: WFAA]

Continue reading Ford Mustang emerges from tornado devastation under its own power

Ford Mustang emerges from tornado devastation under its own power originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design get slight boosts in power

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Crossover, Volvo

2012 Volvo S60 R-Design

2012 Volvo S60 R-Design – Click above for high-res image gallery

While the R-Design packages for the Volvo S60 and XC60 add a measure of visual flair to the Swedish family-haulers – as well as some suspension tweaks – the one thing they’re lacking is a commensurate boost in power. The Volvo R-Design models are closer to an AMG, M-Sport or S-Line appearance package than an actual Mercedes-Benz AMG, BMW M or Audi S or RS performance model. But Volvo is out to fix that with a pair of revised offerings for 2012.

Bearing the same R-Design nomenclature, the sporty versions of the S60 sedan and XC60 crossover will now benefit from an extra 25 horsepower and 29 lb-ft of torque coming out of their turbocharged six-cylinder T6 engine, bringing it up from 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque to 325 hp and 354 lb-ft respectively.

The rest of the parameters carry over from the existing R-Design models, but the increased output ought to make Volvo’s warmed-over range that much more enticing. Unfortunately, the upgraded engine does not appear, however, to be available on the V60 R-Design sport wagon that bridges the gap between the S60 and XC60 models.

Follow the jump for more details in Volvo’s official press release, and click the thumbnails below to scope out the fresh batch of images released with the announcement.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S60 R-Design

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading 2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design get slight boosts in power

2012 Volvo S60 and XC60 R-Design get slight boosts in power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Ford

2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus SHO – Click above for high-res image gallery

Those of you hoping for a 400-horsepower Ford Taurus SHO are about to be severely disappointed. The 2013 Taurus SHO will continue to produce 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from its 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. Sure, that’s still plenty of oomph for the SHO, but with rumors of a higher-output version now dashed, all we can say is, “shucks.”

Let’s not dwell on that, though. There are still plenty of improvements for the 2013 SHO to talk about.

Much like the rest of the refreshed Taurus line, the SHO features styling tweaks at both the front and rear. Unlike the base model, the SHO uses a unique mesh grille pattern up front and adds a new rear spoiler out back, as well as chrome-tipped dual exhaust pipes. A new 20-inch dark wheel option is also part of the SHO package, matching the black finish found on the mirrors and body trim. We like what we see.

There may not be a bump in power, but the 2013 Taurus SHO does get a new performance package option that is said to improve the car’s performance prowess. Most notably, a 3.16:1 final drive ratio means initial acceleration is enhanced, and revised suspension tuning features new dampers and springs specific to this package. Additionally, the electronic steering system has been tuned, the stability control now has a track mode with a true ‘off’ setting and performance brake pads are now available with unique, “track-tuned” calipers. Still, we’d love to see an additional 40-ish horsepower.

Hit the jump for the official SHO details, and be sure to click through our high-res image gallery to see the tweaked design for yourself. Ford’s B-roll footage of the SHO is available for your viewing pleasure post-jump, as well.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Taurus SHO

2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO2013 Ford Taurus SHO

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video]

2013 Ford Taurus SHO looks better, but no bump in power [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Bugatti Galibier to be available with hybrid power

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Bugatti, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti 16C Galibier

Bugatti Galibier 16C concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Bugatti models have never lacked ambition, from the company’s original incarnation under founder Ettore Bugatti to its present-day operations under the Volkswagen Group. That unbridled moxie looks poised to gather pace with the brand’s forthcoming Galibier super sedan.

Not only will the Galibier be very exclusive and very costly, British magazine CAR is reporting that the W16 engine from the Veyron will be ported over with its dual-clutch gearbox, albeit with a twist – it will also be available with optional hybrid power. The dual-power system is being developed because an increasing number of metropolitan city centers are taking steps to curb or ban internal combustion cars firing up in downtown areas, and Bugatti owners aren’t exactly the type to take mass transit.

In an interview with the marque’s new president and CEO, Wolfgang Durheimer, CAR confirms the project is still in its early stages, with the final dimensions of the car and its chassis construction not yet settled upon. The design is expected to be finalized this fall, and the leading architectures in contention are a carbon monocoque like the Veyron or possibly an aluminum spaceframe.

While the Veyron’s production run has been earmarked at 300 units, the Galibier is to increase that tenfold to 3,000 units, but the price will still be steep – CAR estimates the privilege of ownership will cost upwards of £1 million ($1.62M dollars).

Gallery: Bugatti 16C Galibier concept

[Source: CAR]

Report: Bugatti Galibier to be available with hybrid power originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork… and not for production [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Chrysler, Dodge

Mopar Avenger Rally Car

Mopar Avenger Rally Car – Click above for high-res image gallery

When we think of rally cars, the Subaru Impreza and Ford Focus immediately come to mind. At no point does the Dodge Avenger enter our thoughts, but that didn’t stop Team Pentastar from building its own dirt-ready rally sedan.

Chrysler wanted to celebrate a new business partnership with Fiat subsidiary Magneti Marelli by building a collaborative vehicle that combines the talents of the Italian components maker and Chrysler’s iconic Mopar team. The result is an Avenger that can handle more than America’s urban jungle.

Magneti Marelli and Mopar spent a few weeks modifying a stock Avenger Heat with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 underhood. The Avenger chassis remains intact, but a Magneti Marelli suspension was added for improved handling, lowering the Avenger by 1.5 inches. Brakes were upgraded to include 14.25-inch front rotors and 13.5-inch rear rotors, and a rear brake rally package with a hand-operated brake was included.

Continue Reading: Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More Power, Less Pork

Gallery: Mopar Avenger Rally Car

Photos copyright 2011 Chris Shunk/AOL

Continue reading Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork… and not for production [w/video]

Mopar Avenger Rally Car: More power, less pork… and not for production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevy Colorado, Porsche 918, Tata Nano for U.S. and J.D. Power Reliability

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Chevrolet, Porsche, Tata

Autoblog podcast logo

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #222 is ready to go, and the crew this week is Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman and Dan Roth. Joining this trio is Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific, and topics range from the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado, to the Porsche 918 Spyder, the possibility of the Tata Nano in the States and J.D. Power Reliability results. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we’ve embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevrolet Colorado concept, Porsche 918 Spyder, Tata Nano in the U.S. and JD Power Reliability

  • Next-generation Chevrolet Colorado unveiled
  • Porsche 918 Spyder
  • Tata Nano to be offered in the U.S.?
  • JD Power Dependability study
  • Detroit News’ Scott Burgess resigns

In the Autoblog Garage:

  • 2011 Jeep Patriot
  • 2011 Audi A8
  • 2011 Hyundai Equus


Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman
  • Guest: Dave Sullivan

Runtime: 01:28:10


Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevy Colorado, Porsche 918, Tata Nano for U.S. and J.D. Power Reliability originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JD Power’s 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study names Lincoln best brand, Toyota wins most segments

Filed under: Car Buying

JD Power 2011 Dependability Study

J.D. Power and Associates has released its annual Vehicle Dependability Study for 2011, and there are a few surprises in store for those who religiously keep track of who outperforms who on the automotive reliability front. For the first time ever, Lincoln, with 101 problems per 100 vehicles, leads the chart, followed by Lexus with a score of 109.

Number three on the list is also something of a surprise: Jaguar, who’s score of 112 problems per 100 vehicles seemingly proves not all leaping kitties leave unwanted presents outside the confines of their litter boxes. Porsche (114) and Toyota (122) round out the top five. The industry average comes in at 151 problems per 100 vehicles, which of course means that some brands perform rather poorly in J.D. Power’s rankings.

Bringing up the rear in this year’s study is Mini, with 221 problems per 100 vehicles. That’s not good. BMW’s smallest brand is followed by Jeep (214), Land Rover (212), Dodge (206) and Chrysler (202). The study also ranks individual models in each category, and Toyota’s seven individual segment victories gives the Japanese automaker more individual victories than any other brand.

A brief explanation of how this particular study is compiled: J.D. Power polled 43,700 original owners on problems experienced during the past 12 months on 2008 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. As such, this study is not ranking the latest vehicles by any given manufacturer, but is instead intended to help consumers predict the durability of a potential automobile purchase.

There’s lots more detail in the press release and graphs found after the break, so click here and put your number-crunching hats on.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]

Continue reading JD Power’s 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study names Lincoln best brand, Toyota wins most segments

JD Power’s 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study names Lincoln best brand, Toyota wins most segments originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GAC X-Power crossover rendering leaks ahead of Shanghai debut

Filed under: China, Crossover, MISC

GAC X-Power
GAC X-Power leaks out – Click above for image gallery

China’s Guaungzhou Auto Corp may have not approved it, but the first look at the company’s new X-Power crossover has trickled out onto the internet. According to ChinaCarTimes, the automaker just recently purchased the Alfa Romeo 166 platform from the Italian manufacturer, and the X-Power is the second model that we’ve seen arise from those bones. Judging from the photos, the production take on the CUV wears much of the same styling as the concept version, though it would seem that the taillight design has received some tweaks.

ChinaCarTimes reports that the X-Power will hit the streets with an Alfa-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with around 163 horsepower when it debuts. GAC has also used the 166 platform for its Trumpchi sedan, which is powered by the same 2.0-liter engine.

Chinese car buyers can look forward to seeing the X-Power in showrooms soon. No launch date has been released, but the vehicle is slated for an unveil at next month’s Shanghai Motor Show.

Gallery: GAC X-Power

[Source: ChinaCarTimes]

GAC X-Power crossover rendering leaks ahead of Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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