Report: Corvette Z06 to be renamed Z07, come with twin-turbo V8?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury

According to a report in Car and Driver, the new C7 Corvette version of the Corvette Z06 will pick up practically where the ZR1 left off. First, they predict it will graduate to being called the Z07; if so, it will be the next General Motors Regular Production Code (RPO), like Z28 and, yes, Z06, to become a model name.

And if you thought a hybrid Corvette was a sharp point of discussion, how about a production version of the small-block V8 with a displacement of “significantly less than 6.2 liters” aided by twin-turbos? That’s what CD believes will rest under the hood of the Z07, citing the ever-present concern for fuel economy and the fact that bitumen burners from Cadillac have given up supercharging for turbocharging. The horsepower number is predicted to be an even 600, which would be a 95-hp jump over the current Z06 and just 38 less than the late, great ZR1. Helping to keep control of all that truculent muscle will be larger tires encircling carbon-ceramic stoppers, but CD is mum on other specific changes.

The mooted price: $100,000. This might be the most fabulous new spec of all, seeing as it would represent a $24,400 increase over the Z06 and just a $12,600 undercut of the ZR1. Compare and contrast: in 2001, the first year of the Z06, the MSRP of a 350-hp Corvette coupe was $40,725, the MSRP of the 385-horsepower Z06 was $48,500; if CD is correct, the 2014 Corvette’s sea level will be established by the 455-hp Stingray that costs $51,995 and in 2015 we’ll be staring down the twin, forced-induction barrels of a 600-hp, twin-turbo Z07 that starts at six figures and that could still be leaving room for a new ZR1 late in the model’s lifetime.

Corvette Z06 to be renamed Z07, come with twin-turbo V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Corvette Z06 to be renamed Z07, come with twin-turbo V8?

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury

According to a report in Car and Driver, the new C7 Corvette version of the Corvette Z06 will pick up practically where the ZR1 left off. First, they predict it will graduate to being called the Z07; if so, it will be the next General Motors Regular Production Code (RPO), like Z28 and, yes, Z06, to become a model name.

And if you thought a hybrid Corvette was a sharp point of discussion, how about a production version of the small-block V8 with a displacement of “significantly less than 6.2 liters” aided by twin-turbos? That’s what CD believes will rest under the hood of the Z07, citing the ever-present concern for fuel economy and the fact that bitumen burners from Cadillac have given up supercharging for turbocharging. The horsepower number is predicted to be an even 600, which would be a 95-hp jump over the current Z06 and just 38 less than the late, great ZR1. Helping to keep control of all that truculent muscle will be larger tires encircling carbon-ceramic stoppers, but CD is mum on other specific changes.

The mooted price: $100,000. This might be the most fabulous new spec of all, seeing as it would represent a $24,400 increase over the Z06 and just a $12,600 undercut of the ZR1. Compare and contrast: in 2001, the first year of the Z06, the MSRP of a 350-hp Corvette coupe was $40,725, the MSRP of the 385-horsepower Z06 was $48,500; if CD is correct, the 2014 Corvette’s sea level will be established by the 455-hp Stingray that costs $51,995 and in 2015 we’ll be staring down the twin, forced-induction barrels of a 600-hp, twin-turbo Z07 that starts at six figures and that could still be leaving room for a new ZR1 late in the model’s lifetime.

Corvette Z06 to be renamed Z07, come with twin-turbo V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota mulling Cummins diesel for Tundra?

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Toyota, Diesel

When Bloomberg spoke to Toyota USA Sales CEO Kazua Ohara recently, we highlighted his comments on the possible return of the Toyota Supra. However, the interview started with Ohara discussing the Tundra, and how it would take time to pinpoint and hone the pickup truck’s brand image in the minds of consumers. That effort could get a boost, with a report in Edmunds saying that Toyota is “evaluating” the addition of a Cummins turbodiesel to the Tundra’s engine options.

The Cummins powerplant is one of two options for the moment, the other being a hybrid powertrain. If the oil-burner got the thumbs-up, Toyota would follow the recent example of Nissan, which announced it would put a Cummins turbodiesel into its 2015 Titan. While the two Japanese companies make a closer comparison since they’re both talking about Cummins applications in light-duty trucks, if it happens, it could be seen as further diluting the once-exclusive tie-up that Ram trucks has had with Cummins even though Ram has used Cummins in its heavy-duty truck.

Toyota hasn’t said when it will decide on which direction to take, but either will be a move for the better in the view of segment watchers; PickupTrucks.com said the first of its top-five fixes for the Tundra would be a better engine, perhaps a diesel-electric hybrid from Toyota’s Hino unit. Cummins told Edmunds it can supply a second manufacturer with the 5.0-liter diesel that Nissan will be using, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it end up in a Toyota or somewhere else.

Toyota mulling Cummins diesel for Tundra? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota mulling Cummins diesel for Tundra?

Filed under: Hybrid, Truck, Toyota, Diesel

When Bloomberg spoke to Toyota USA Sales CEO Kazua Ohara recently, we highlighted his comments on the possible return of the Toyota Supra. However, the interview started with Ohara discussing the Tundra, and how it would take time to pinpoint and hone the pickup truck’s brand image in the minds of consumers. That effort could get a boost, with a report in Edmunds saying that Toyota is “evaluating” the addition of a Cummins turbodiesel to the Tundra’s engine options.

The Cummins powerplant is one of two options for the moment, the other being a hybrid powertrain. If the oil-burner got the thumbs-up, Toyota would follow the recent example of Nissan, which announced it would put a Cummins turbodiesel into its 2015 Titan. While the two Japanese companies make a closer comparison since they’re both talking about Cummins applications in light-duty trucks, if it happens, it could be seen as further diluting the once-exclusive tie-up that Ram trucks has had with Cummins even though Ram has used Cummins in its heavy-duty truck.

Toyota hasn’t said when it will decide on which direction to take, but either will be a move for the better in the view of segment watchers; PickupTrucks.com said the first of its top-five fixes for the Tundra would be a better engine, perhaps a diesel-electric hybrid from Toyota’s Hino unit. Cummins told Edmunds it can supply a second manufacturer with the 5.0-liter diesel that Nissan will be using, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see it end up in a Toyota or somewhere else.

Toyota mulling Cummins diesel for Tundra? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Subaru celebrates 4-millionth vehicle built in Indiana

Filed under: Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota

First and four-millionth Subaru built at Subaru Indiana Assembly

Subaru has produced its four-millionth vehicle at its Lafayette, Indiana factory. The Deep Indigo Blue 2014 Outback is pictured above, alongside the very first Subaru to leave the Lafayette facility, a first-generation Legacy. Formally known as Subaru of Indiana Automotive, SIA opened its doors in 1989 and currently produces the Outback, Legacy and Tribeca for Subaru, in addition to the Toyota Camry.

The plant, which was originally a joint venture between Subaru and Isuzu, has produced nine different models for four different manufacturers over the years, and is getting ready to add a tenth as Impreza production will be coming to SIA. Subaru announced plans to move Impreza production to Indiana when it made a $400-million investment in the facility earlier this year. As production continues, the Lafayette Journal-Courier reports that SIA will produce another million units by the end of 2017.

Subaru celebrates 4-millionth vehicle built in Indiana originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Subaru celebrates 4-millionth vehicle built in Indiana

Filed under: Wagon, Plants/Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota

First and four-millionth Subaru built at Subaru Indiana Assembly

Subaru has produced its four-millionth vehicle at its Lafayette, Indiana factory. The Deep Indigo Blue 2014 Outback is pictured above, alongside the very first Subaru to leave the Lafayette facility, a first-generation Legacy. Formally known as Subaru of Indiana Automotive, SIA opened its doors in 1989 and currently produces the Outback, Legacy and Tribeca for Subaru, in addition to the Toyota Camry.

The plant, which was originally a joint venture between Subaru and Isuzu, has produced nine different models for four different manufacturers over the years, and is getting ready to add a tenth as Impreza production will be coming to SIA. Subaru announced plans to move Impreza production to Indiana when it made a $400-million investment in the facility earlier this year. As production continues, the Lafayette Journal-Courier reports that SIA will produce another million units by the end of 2017.

Subaru celebrates 4-millionth vehicle built in Indiana originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Sep 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Connected vehicle test granted another six months

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology

Vehicles equipped with dedicated short range communication systems, which features vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications.

The Department of Transportation and eight major automakers have spent a year testing vehicles equipped with dedicated short range communication (DSRC) systems in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but they have decided to extend the test for another six months, Automotive News reports.

With a focus on safety, DSRC is meant to reduce collisions using wifi-based vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems, which can alert drivers to red-light runners, blind intersections, vehicles in their blind spots, etc. DSRC-equipped vehicles have a multitude of alarms to alert drivers to danger, such as sirens, flashing lights or vibrating steering wheels or seats. The tests will help the DOT determine if the technology is ready for production, or if more research needs to be done.

As part of the test extension, the DOT and automakers will focus more heavily on DSRC with motorcycles and V2I communication. It is not mentioned which, if any, motorcycle manufacturers will be involved in the test. The DOT says that the six-month extension does not affect its plan to decide on the technology for light vehicles by the end of 2013, and heavy duty vehicles in 2014.

The test started last August with a fleet of nearly 3,000 vehicles from Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. The automakers came together to develop a standardized DSRC system through a group called the Crash Avoidance Metrics Partnership.

Connected vehicle test granted another six months originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Connected vehicle test granted another six months

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Technology

Vehicles equipped with dedicated short range communication systems, which features vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications.

The Department of Transportation and eight major automakers have spent a year testing vehicles equipped with dedicated short range communication (DSRC) systems in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but they have decided to extend the test for another six months, Automotive News reports.

With a focus on safety, DSRC is meant to reduce collisions using wifi-based vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication systems, which can alert drivers to red-light runners, blind intersections, vehicles in their blind spots, etc. DSRC-equipped vehicles have a multitude of alarms to alert drivers to danger, such as sirens, flashing lights or vibrating steering wheels or seats. The tests will help the DOT determine if the technology is ready for production, or if more research needs to be done.

As part of the test extension, the DOT and automakers will focus more heavily on DSRC with motorcycles and V2I communication. It is not mentioned which, if any, motorcycle manufacturers will be involved in the test. The DOT says that the six-month extension does not affect its plan to decide on the technology for light vehicles by the end of 2013, and heavy duty vehicles in 2014.

The test started last August with a fleet of nearly 3,000 vehicles from Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. The automakers came together to develop a standardized DSRC system through a group called the Crash Avoidance Metrics Partnership.

Connected vehicle test granted another six months originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Sep 2013 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota again hints that a new Supra is under development [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Toyota

Now that the NSX is on its way back, the list of sports car revivals most yearned for by US enthusiasts is probably down to the Mazda RX-7, Nissan 240SX, Lotus Elise and Toyota Supra. There’s been a lot of talk about that last one over the past year especially, with rumors of an all-wheel-drive coupe utilizing a CVT last May, a Toyota engineer declaring he was instructed to develop a new Supra in November (and another MR2 in case you’re wondering), a tie-up with BMW in January of this year that highlighted a “mid-size sports vehicle” and the incoming company chairman saying he wants something “comparable” to the Supra just two months ago. Oh, and there was Toyota UK going on a public stroll down Supra History Lane last month.

This week, Bloomberg spoke to Toyota USA Sales CEO Kazuo Ohara on a variety of topics, from pickup trucks to US hybrid sales to the value of the yen, then opened up the Supra issue in the last 40 seconds. While making sure to start his answer with the fact that nothing is confirmed, Ohara’s reply to the resurrection of the coupe was “We have several options… and a kind of Supra successor is one of the options we have.” That doesn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know, but Ohara’s last line was, “In the future we can give you better news.” We don’t know if “better news” means confirmation of a Supra, or the announcement that they’ve confirmed something at all. So if you thought you could get off the edge of your seat, well, not just yet.

You can watch the complete Bloomberg interview below.

Continue reading Toyota again hints that a new Supra is under development [w/video]

Toyota again hints that a new Supra is under development [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Maserati orders triple on strength of Quattroporte demand in China

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, China, Maserati, Luxury

2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4

Considering Maserati sold all of 6,300 cars globally in 2012, its goal of selling 50,000 by 2015 seemed like a bit of a stretch to say the least, but it turns the Fiat-owned automaker was on to something. Reuters is reporting that Maserati has already received about 17,000 orders for cars this year, with help from the new 2014 Quattroporte and strong demand in China.

The US continues to be the top market for Maserati sales, but the report quotes Harald Wester, brand chief executive, as saying that China is now the top market for Quattroporte. As big of an improvement as this is it bears mentioning that the Ghibli isn’t even on sale yet and the Levante SUV, a redesigned GranTurismo and a new 911-fighting coupe are still waiting in the pipeline.

Maserati orders triple on strength of Quattroporte demand in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Aug 2013 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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