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Spy Shots: McLaren prepping race-ready MP4-12C GT3

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Racing

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Grainy as they may be, these spy photos give us our first glimpse at the race-prepped McLaren MP4-12C GT3 – a high-performance version of the automaker’s stunning new two-door. The GT3 aims to recapture the racing success of the original McLaren F1, and though details are slim on power enhancements, the revised visual cues of this prototype show that this MP4 is ready to do serious battle out on the track.

Up front, the road-going MP4’s front air intakes have been closed off and a large air duct is now found right in the center of the hood. These changes are matched with revised rear window venting, as well as a giant wing fixed to the car’s rump.

Early reports have stated that McLaren is working with British racing firm CRS and that the car is set to debut sometime in 2012. All we know is, we can’t wait to see this stunning new beast swapping paint with other GT3 racers. See the full set of spy shots in the high-res gallery, below.

UPDATED with better images.

Gallery: Spy Shots: McLaren MP4-12C GT3

McLaren MP4-12C GT3 spy shots

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: McLaren prepping race-ready MP4-12C GT3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volts ready to ship, just need official EPA mileage stickers

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

The first batch of production Chevy Volts are ready to ship, they’re just waiting on the EPA to issue an official mileage label. General Motors global product chief Tom Stephens told Automotive News that the required sticker certifying the Volt’s miles per gallon rating is expected “any day,” and that’s a requirement before the vehicles can head out the door.

As we reported a few weeks ago, when the 2011 Fuel Economy Guide was released by the EPA and DOE, the Volt just missed being included in the publication because, as the EPA stated, “no 2011 model year electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have completed testing as of publication of this list.” The Toyota Prius was again listed as the most fuel efficient available in the U.S., but we’ll soon be able to see where the Volt stands in terms of official fuel economy.

The Volt, named the Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year, can run 25 to 50 miles on battery only and an additional 310 miles when assisted by the gasoline engine. GM is pushing through with its plans of producing 10,000 Volts through 2011 and 45,000 in 2012.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req’d]

Chevy Volts ready to ship, just need official EPA mileage stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1993 Lincoln Town Car Limo ready for apocalyptic prom

Filed under: Aftermarket, Auctions, Lincoln, Humor, Luxury, Off-Road

1993 Lincoln Town Car Apocalimo

1993 Lincoln Town Car Apocalimo – Click above for high-res image gallery

It really is only a matter of time before our society dissolves into nothing more than the hollowed out shell of its former self populated by roving bands of blood-thirsty cubicle drones. We’ve seen the Mad Max saga, studied Water World and meditated on The Postman. We know exactly how this shindig ends, we just don’t know when it’ll happen.

Which is exactly why you need this beauty of modern engineering. You see, while there are plenty of vehicles suited for roaming the wastes, few can roll through burnt out city centers with the kind of sophistication and comfort as this modified 1993 Lincoln Town Car Limousine. With a mere 117,000 miles on what we’re assured is a meticulously maintained drivetrain, the apocalimo offers everything you need to spar with bandits in style.

Judging from the eBay listing, the seller is more than motivated to find this machine a new home thanks to neighbors that just can’t understand the value of being prepared. The current bid is just a wide hair over $3,000 with the reserve not met and a day left on the auction.

Gallery: 1993 Lincoln Town Car Apocalimo

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1993 Lincoln Town Car Limo ready for apocalyptic prom originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition ready to frag n00bs

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Toys/Games, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty Black Ops Edition

2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

Fans of the Call of Duty video game franchise know that the latest edition, Call of Duty: Black Ops, will be released on November 9th. What you might not know, however, is that Activision Publishing, Inc. – the folks responsible for distributing Call of Duty – have partnered with Jeep, not only to have the Wrangler featured in the latest addition of the CoD series, but to create a special Call of Duty edition of Jeep’s most popular vehicle.

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition hits dealerships next month, priced from $30,625 for the two-door model and $33,500 for the four-door Unlimited (a base two-door Rubican normally starts at $28,775). Based on the Wrangler’s Rubicon trim, the Black Ops Edition features mineral gray alloy wheels wrapped in 32-inch off-road tires, Mopar taillamp guards, a Mopar fuel door, Call of Duty: Black Ops logos, an entirely blacked-out exterior and… that’s it. Unless, of course, you count all of the Wrangler’s upgrades for 2011, not the least of which is a redesigned interior. Read the full details for yourself in Jeep’s press release, after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Call Of Duty Black Ops Edition

2011 Jeep Wrangler Call Of Duty Black Ops Edition

[Source: Jeep]

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2011 Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition ready to frag n00bs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EPA says E15 is ready for prime time… and your new-ish car

Filed under: Government/Legal

oil in a corn field

A little number on your friendly local gas station pump might be about to change. Instead of 10 percent (E10), America’s national gasoline supply can now contain a blend of fuel that contains up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) following an announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency today. The caveat, for now, is that this fuel is only to be used in cars built since 2007.

So, that means that there could easily be five liquid fuels at a single gas station: ethanol-free gasoline, E10, E15, E85 and diesel – and this isn’t counting different octane blends of “standard” gas. It also means that some gas station owners are saying they’re not too interested in adding E15 pumps right now. USA Today says it is likely the EPA will approve E15 for older vehicles after more tests are conducted this month. The USDA – which cares because so much domestically grown corn is used to make the ethanol – and the ethanol industry support the EPA’s decision. The CEO of ethanol company Poet, Jeff Broin, said in a statement that:

The arguments being made right now against E15 are the same as those made about E10 back in the late 1980s, when I entered the ethanol industry. Seventy billion gallons later, we have proven those arguments false, just as research on E15 is proving critics wrong today.

For the past 18 months or so, the E10/E15 story has been hard-fought on both sides, with supporters for the increased biofuel content saying that the fuel will be fine in most any vehicles on the road today and opponents saying there needs to be more testing because of warranty concerns. The Renewable Fuels Association took a particularly strong stand. Feel free to read more from some of the parties involved after the break.

[Source: USA Today, USDA | | Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images]

Continue reading EPA says E15 is ready for prime time… and your new-ish car

EPA says E15 is ready for prime time… and your new-ish car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: Renault Latitude ready to carry the flag for French automaker

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Renault, Russia

2011 Renault Latitude – Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, the 2011 Renault Latitude was unveiled at the Moscow International Auto Show. The European version has now made its debut in front of the crowd at the Paris Motor Show. The Latitude is considered a business-class saloon and Renault is positioning it to become the automaker’s flagship vehicle.

The styling of the Renault Latitude somehow evokes images of the Chyrsler Sebring, new Volkswagen Jetta and any Lexus vehicle – yet it’s done in a stylish manner. When it launches in Russia, the Latitude will be available with either a 139-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT or a 2.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic that’s good for 177 hp. The four-cylinder unit is rated at 34 miles per gallon while the V6 gets just under 30 mpg. As the car expands into other markets, it will feature an expanding lineup of engine and gearbox choices.

Inside, the Renault Latitude is all about comfort. The power-adjustable driver’s seat features a massaging function with five pneumatic rollers and four different settings. In order to keep everyone else happy, the Latitude has a climate control system with triple-zone adjustability.

The 2011 Renault Latitude hit dealer showrooms in September 2010, in Morocco and Algeria. It then starts popping up in Russia and the Ukraine before being made available throughout Africa. The European model will follow after that.

Gallery: Paris 2010: Renault Latitude

Paris 2010: Renault Latitude

Paris 2010: Renault Latitude ready to carry the flag for French automaker originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi ready to play hot odds: A1 S-Line, S1, RS3 and RS7 on deck

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Audi, Luxury

Audi A1

Audi’s lineup is expanding so quickly you’d think its cars were spawning new models by mitosis. In a few days at the Paris Motor Show we’ll be seeing the newest hot addition to the A1 range: the 185-horsepower 1.4 TSFI with thrust provided by a twin-charged four cylinder. That’s not the S1, it just has the S-Line package thrown on for racy looks. Next year, the S1 itself will step forward, with the Golf GTI’s turbocharged 220-hp engine sitting up front. It is a sure bet to shave serious time off the TSFI’s 6.9-second run from zero to 62 miles per hour.

After that comes the Audi RS3, using the same 340-hp, five-cylinder turbo from the TT RS. Sub five-second runs to 62 mph are in the offing, and its 250 kph (155 mph) top speed can be raised to 280 kph (174 mph) for a nominal fee. Then, at the Frankfurt Auto Show in the fall, the RS7 Sportback takes a bow. Powering the four-door fastback will be the 4.0-liter, 550-hp twin-turbo V8 that’ll be shared with the 2011 Bentley Continental GT. That would put it about 100 horses clear of the rumored output in the S7 we should see next week in Paris, and the V8 is said to be 20 percent more fuel efficient than the 5.0-liter V10 in the RS6.

[Source: Auto Bild via German Car Blog]

Audi ready to play hot odds: A1 S-Line, S1, RS3 and RS7 on deck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 15:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Fiesta ST

2012 Ford Fiesta ST – Click above for high-res image gallery

We can’t find much fault with the 2011 Ford Fiesta, but if there’s one major gripe, it’s a lack of power (well, and paddle shifters for the dual-clutch gearbox). However, it looks like that lone complaint may be addressed with the introduction of the Fiesta ST, the smaller sibling to the recently revealed Focus ST.

Similar to the mule caught in Detroit earlier this year, the three-door Fiesta is back with a massive front-mount intercooler, revised body work, new wheels and a high-performance exhaust, along with some racy Recaros that probably won’t make the trek from prototype to production.

While it’s doubtful Ford would port over the Focus ST’s 247 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost mill, the 180-hp turbo’d 1.6-liter or rumored EcoBoost 1.4 are definitely in the cards. With the Focus ST finally having a shot in the States, the globally-certified Fiesta ST might come along for the ride. And maybe a set of paddle shifters will be included in the package.

Gallery: Spy Shots 2012: Ford Fiesta ST

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ford Fiesta ST ready to back up its big brother originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Start-stop tech might be in your next new car… are you ready? [w/poll]

Filed under: Technology

Start Stop

At a stop light. In the drive-thru. In your driveway. Stop-start technology turns off the engine whenever the vehicle is on and the driver’s foot is on the brake. The merits of the technology are hard to ignore; fuel economy savings as high as 15 percent. But while stop-start has been widely adopted in Europe, here in the U.S. the only non-hybrid vehicle to feature the tech is the Porsche Panamera.

Part of the reason stop-start hasn’t taken off in the States is that many Environmental Protection Agency tests don’t take stops into account during testing. And without gaining precious miles per gallon in EPA fuel economy testing, many customers will have a problem footing the bill for the the technology’s otherwise reasonable $500 price tag. But as testing methods change and fuel economy standards become more stringent, stop-start is coming closer to making its way into your next vehicle. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are among the automakers looking to incorporate the technology in U.S.-market vehicles by or before 2014.

Stop-start is relatively seamless in operation and imperceptible to most users. When you begin deceleration or come to a stop, the engine cuts off. When you lift your foot off the pedal, the engine fires back up. The upside is considerably improved fuel economy in city driving. There isn’t much downside other than the change we Americans tend not to embrace. We’re pretty sure we’re ready for start-stop. Are you? Take the poll below to let us know where you stand.

View Poll

[Source: The Detroit News]

Start-stop tech might be in your next new car… are you ready? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Start-stop tech might be in your next new car… are you ready? [w/poll]

Filed under: Technology

Start Stop

View Poll

[Source: The Detroit News]

Start-stop tech might be in your next new car… are you ready? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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