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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz ready to bring hybrids to AMG

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

The era of the green(-ish) sports car is fast approaching. Porsche unveiled its 918RSR at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show while Audi enjoys showing off one of its many e-Tron concepts at nearly every expo. Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to pairing up powerful vehicles with electric propulsion, trotting out the SLS AMG E-Cell at the NAIAS and searing our retinas in the process. Now there’s word that AMG is ready to cut fuel consumption across its lineup by partnering its torquey gasoline engines with some kind of hybrid electric powertrains.

According to Daimler’s head of future mobility and advanced engineering Herbert Kohler, it’s a “given” that AMG vehicles in the coming years will be available as hybrids. The AMG family will still be about performance, but – like every other automaker under the sun – fuel consumption is a constant part of engineering discussions going forward.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG: First Drive

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Photos copyright (C)2011 Michael Harley / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz ready to bring hybrids to AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept is ready to play dirty

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Truck, GM, GMC, Off-Road

2011 GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Cars are cool, but we certainly love ourselves some big, bad, hardcore pickups – you know, like the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. General Motors’ conceptual answer to Ford’s desert-blasting pickup is this, the Sierra All Terrain HD concept, which we’ll be seeing for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

GMC’s brutish pickup relies on The General’s 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 for power – 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque, to be exact – and higher ground clearance, a wider stance and serious suspension upgrades make the All Terrain concept capable of storming through, well, all types of terrain.

Word on the street is that if GM gets up the gall to produce such a truck, it will likely be outfitted by a second-tier firm outside of the GM production lines (like a Roush F-150, for example). Regardless, we want this thing to be built, and badly. See a whole slate of new high-res photos for yourself in the gallery below. Oh, and don’t forget about the Ram Runner, Chrysler’s foray into the niche.

Gallery: GMC Sierra HD Concept

2011 GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept

[Source: General Motors]

Pics Aplenty: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD Concept is ready to play dirty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2011: Ford Focus Electric ready to steal the EV spotlight

Filed under: CES, Hatchback, Ford, Electric

Ford Focus Electric

Ford Focus Electric – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf may have stolen the show for electric vehicles in 2010, but Ford is hoping to make big waves in 2011 with its first EV passenger car, the Focus Electric. The zero-emissions Focus hatchback makes its official debut at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show and Ford says the car will officially launch at the end of 2011 here in North America, with European customers expected to take delivery sometime before 2013.

Visually, the Focus Electric has an improved aerodynamics package to improve drag, incorporating a new front fascia that looks like something right out of the Aston Martin school of design. (Too bad this isn’t the Cygnet, huh?) The only other major design changes are the addition of a charging port with an LED ring to the left of the driver’s door and a new set of 15-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling resistance tires. And speaking of LEDs, while the gasoline-powered Focus’ LED eyebrow above the headlamp is only available in Europe, Ford tells us that the North American-spec Focus Electric will wear this bit of accent lighting when it hits production.

Gallery: CES 2011: Ford Focus Electric

Ford Focus Electric

Gallery: Ford Focus Electric

Ford Focus Electric

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading CES 2011: Ford Focus Electric ready to steal the EV spotlight

CES 2011: Ford Focus Electric ready to steal the EV spotlight originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Territory spotted completely naked and production-ready

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, Australia

2011 Ford Territory spy shot Sure, Ford has a whole slew of crossovers here in the United States, but what we don’t have is a Blue Oval-branded CUV based on rear-wheel drive architecture. For that, you’ll have to travel to Australia or New Zealand (or South Africa or Thailand, exported from Oz), where Ford offers the Territory.

Like all Territory models since its introduction in 2004, the 2011 model will be based on the Falcon that we’re dying for in the States. Fortunately, as we’ve seen in previous spy shots and renderings, the next-gen Territory will feature styling that continues to separate itself from the Taurus X-ish looks of the first-gen model, with a completely new front fascia featuring twin gaping maws with bright horizontal chrome strips.

Two powerplants are expected: the turbo-diesel 2.7-liter V6 that can currently be found in the Land Rover Discovery 3 (a.k.a. LR4) and the well-loved 4.0-liter inline six offered in the Falcon. Thanks for the tip, TriShield!

[Source: Drive.com.au]

Ford Territory spotted completely naked and production-ready originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford looks ready to overtake Toyota for No. 2 sales position

Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

As difficult as the past few years have been for the U.S. auto industry, automakers and analysts alike continue to hope for a better future. 2010 has been a vast improvement over 2009, with sales up 11 percent. Even better, the last three months have seen sales rise above an annualized rate of 12 million cars and trucks, and analysts see 2011 sales approaching 13 million units.

Nearly all automakers have benefited from customers’ renewed faith in the economy, but few have fared as well as Ford. The Blue Oval has seen sales rise by 21 percent so far in 2010, and the Dearborn, MI-based automaker appears destined to reclaim its spot as the number two automaker in the States. Ford analyst George Pipas points out to The Detroit News that the automaker has seen two consecutive years of market share increase for the first time since 1993, going from 14.2 percent in 2008 to an expected 16.8 percent for 2010. At the same time, Toyota has seen its share shrink to 15.2 percent due in part to the recall of 6.75 million vehicles in the U.S. alone and over 10 million cars and trucks globally. Should sales trends continue, Ford will overtake Toyota in sales for the first time since the Japanese automaker wrestled away the number two spot back in 2007. General Motors remains at the top of the U.S. sales food chain, stabilizing its market share at 19.3 percent despite shedding four brands during bankruptcy.

Ford had a fantastic 2010, and with the 2011 Explorer and 2012 Focus on their way to showrooms and continued momentum from cars like the Mustang, we’re thinking 2011 will be a winner as well. Meanwhile, Toyota will need some fresh product in its showrooms if it hopes to re-engage Ford and take back its place in line. And it will be tougher than ever to steal sales from GM or Chrysler, as both companies have stabilized market share and have new product for 2011.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Paul Sakuma/AP]

Report: Ford looks ready to overtake Toyota for No. 2 sales position originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission Motors reveals race-ready Mission R

Filed under: Motorcycle, Electric, MISC

Mission Motors Mission R

Mission Motors Mission R – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mission R cut a seductive silhouette in a teaser shot from Mission Motors that presaged its arrival. Now, with its public debut scheduled for later today at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show, the lights have come up and the bike is rather awe-inspiring. As we take it in details, from its front Brembo brakes to its rear single-sided swingarm, we are indeed smitten.

Mission Motors Mission R motor closeup Newly developed MissionEVT components have been intelligently integrated into a compact James Parker-conceived chassis, then dressed in a design of grace and aggression by Tim Prentice of Motonium. The result is an electric race bike that’s smaller than a typical 600cc MotoGP machine, yet it holds a massive 14.4 kWh battery beneath its carbon fiber skin. You might not guess this creature weighs a significant 545 pounds (247.2 kg), and though we’ve yet to see it dance through the esses, we’re hoping its movements will conceal this fact as well.

To push the package along, the liquid-cooled AC motor pumps out 141 horses with 115 pound-feet of twist on tap from 0 to 6500 RPM. Top speed hasn’t been determined yet (it will only visit the track sometime after the calender flips to 2011), but the company expects it will easily see 160 miles per hour.

We will have the opportunity to see how the Mission R compares with its peers later in the new year when it competes in the TTXGP North American Championship. The factory team has a lot to prove after sitting out the 2010 season, but this certainly looks promising. The official press release and complete specifications await past the break.

Gallery: Mission Motors Mission R

[Source: Mission Motors]

Continue reading Mission Motors reveals race-ready Mission R

Mission Motors reveals race-ready Mission R originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is ready for off-road action

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Truck, GM, GMC, Off-Road

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept

GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you think the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is too hot yet the Dodge Ram Power Wagon is too cold, General Motors’ latest concept might strike you as “just right.” This, the GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept, looks to bridge the gap between the two hardcore pickups from GM’s crosstown rivals, while still offering top-notch levels of power, refinement and technology.

The four-door 2011 Sierra HD underpins the All Terrain concept, and power comes from The General’s 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8. A six-speed automatic sends the 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Versus a normal Sierra HD, ground clearance has been increased by about three inches, width has been bumped up to 73 inches (four more than normal) and the whole package rides on 20-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich KM2 mud terrain tires. Off-road performance is enhanced with the addition of Fox off-road shocks (just like the Ford Raptor).

Inside, GM has fitted the All Terrain concept with a Denali-spec interior with additional satin metal finishes and a leather-wrapped dash. What’s more, a next-generation stereo system with an 80-gigabyte hard drive has been fitted inside this concept, and we’ll soon be seeing this new system across the full GM product range.

Currently, there are no plans to create a production version of the All Terrain HD concept, though word is that if a road-ready version of this ultra-tough Sierra is produced, it probably wouldn’t come off of a GM line – it would likely be crafted with the assistance of a second-tier firm (think: Roush). We’ll be seeing the All Terrain concept in person at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks, but for now, click through our high-res image gallery below, or follow the jump for the official release.

Gallery: GMC Sierra HD Concept

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is ready for off-road action

Detroit Preview: GMC Sierra All Terrain HD concept is ready for off-road action originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Truckers upset over LA ‘clean rig’ legislation ready to take fight to Supreme Court

Filed under: Truck, UAW/Unions

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa pushed his “Clean Truck Program” as a way to improve the air quality in and around the Port of Los Angeles. And while a cleaner air is in everyone’s best interest, a Los Angeles Times report suggests that it could be truckers who are left holding the short end of the stick. Semi drivers have been encouraged to replace their beat-up, high pollution diesel rigs for much newer trucks with particulate filters that trap harmful gasses before they ever reach the atmosphere.

But while the new trucks are most definitely cleaner, they’re also far more expensive; often costing over $100,000 each. Truckers are leasing the vehicles from the trucking companies for over $1,000 per month, and they also have to spring for fuel and insurance and maintenance costs are said to have risen. Some drivers say that they have been driven to sleep in their rigs at night to save time and increase earning, and even after that after paying for the bills, wages can be as low as $7 per hour.

Trucking companies say that the drivers aren’t faring nearly as poorly as advertised, and they counter that the Clean Truck Program’s real aim was to unionize the drivers. According to the LAT, that was actually supposed to be part of the plan, as Mayor Villaraigosa intended for truckers to give up on being independent contractors in favor of becoming employees of the trucking company. Teamsters President James P. Hoffa justifies unionizing the employees, adding that the drivers are “slaves” to their rigs. Meanwhile, the trucking companies have taken the government to court in an effort keep the the city from forcing the companies to hire on the workers with benefits including health care. The industry promises to continue to fight hiring the thousands of port workers even if the case needs to go to the Supreme Court.

We’re not experts on government law or unionization, but it sounds suspiciously like the city of Los Angeles chose to draft and enforce new trucking laws without working closely enough with the companies that would end up footing the bill. The good news is that the air in L.A. appears to be a bit clearer, but the bad news is that the truckers appear to be the ones making the sacrifices.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty]

Report: Truckers upset over LA ‘clean rig’ legislation ready to take fight to Supreme Court originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is ready to cut and thrust

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW’s long, agonizing roll-out of information about the 2012 1 Series M Coupe has been a bit maddening. In addition to an early video reveal, we were invited to get some seat time in a prototype of the 1M, leaving us with just the final production-spec images and details in the world of the unknown. Well, wait no more – BMW has officially taken the wraps off of its hot new 1 Series, and while we’re still very eager to put this sporty coupe through its paces, we can’t help but wish for just a teensy bit more… oomph.

Let’s start with power. The 1 Series M Coupe uses BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and while early estimates had the car pumping out as much as 350 horsepower, the final numbers are: 335 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque – exactly what you get out of this engine in the current Z4 sDrive35is. The car’s ECU has an overboost function that provides an additional 37 lb-ft of twist at full tilt, and with your foot pressed hard into the right pedal, 0-60 will happen in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at – you guessed it – 155 miles per hour.

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe The only transmission available is a six-speed manual, though rumors have circulated about a possible twin-clutch DCT box making its way into the car down the road. Like all M cars, the 1M features an M Drive button on the steering wheel that improves throttle response. Additionally, the car is equipped with an M Dynamic Mode button that allows the electronic driving nannies to kick in slightly later than normal.

Compared to a 2011 135i coupe, the 1M is 0.2 inches longer, 2.1 inches wider and 0.5 inches taller. Both the front and rear tracks have been increased by 2.8 and 1.8 inches, respectively. Weighing in at 3,296 pounds, the 1 Series M Coupe is 77 pounds lighter than your off-the-shelf 135i. The 1M rides on standard M-specific 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35 rubber up front and beefy 265/35 out back. BMW hasn’t made great strides to rework the 1 Series’ interior for the M, but things like sport seats and a fat sport steering wheel are standard fare.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re drooling over the 1 Series M Coupe, but we can’t help but wish for a bit more power and perhaps a larger reduction in weight. After all, BMW is comparing this car to the E30 M3 coupe (see for yourself in our high-res image gallery), which is perhaps one of our all-time favorite Roundel sports cars. Still, BMW needs to position the 1 Series M Coupe in a way that it doesn’t step on the toes of it’s big brother, the M3, and we’re sure that this M Coupe treatment will provide more than enough moxie for us enthusiasts to get our kicks.

We’ll have plenty of live shots direct from the 1M’s Detroit Auto Show debut, but see the unwrapped beauty for yourself in our image gallery, below. BMW’s prolific press release is available after the jump, as well.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is ready to cut and thrust

Officially Official: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is ready to cut and thrust originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 458 GT2 looks ready to swallow the competition whole

Filed under: Motorsports, Spy Photos, Coupe, Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari 458 GT2

Ferrari 458 GT2 – Click above for high-res image

As impressive as it may be in its own right, when Ferrari introduces a new V8 supercar, you know there’s more to come. A Spider version. A Challenge racer. Probably a CS/Scuderia-style hardcore street version somewhere down the line. And yes, a GT2 racing version. That appears to be what we’re looking at right here.

Once a top-tier Le Mans contender, Ferrari’s sportscar racing program is largely limited these days to the GT2 category, leaving the likes of Peugeot and Audi to compete for top honors in the LMP1 category and its own sister-company Maserati to fight for GT1 victory.

Itself a replacement for the 360 GTC that came before, the F430 GT2 has been a wildly successful racer, winning its class in both the American Le Mans Series and the FIA GT Championship. But its days are numbered as Maranello has been working on its replacement based on the new 458 Italia. And this is our first proper look at it.

As it stands now, the 458 GT2 has a face that looks something like a jack-o-lantern, but some simple black trim around the maw will surely go great lengths towards rectifying that. And besides, if this machine proves to be as giant a leap forward over the one it replaces as the 458 Italia street car is over the F430, its rivals will only be seeing the back end of it, anyway. Top tip, Alex!

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

Ferrari 458 GT2 looks ready to swallow the competition whole originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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