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Gran Turismo 5 reveals virtual X1 prototype racecar to warp minds and stretch imagination [w/video]

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Specialty

Gran Turismo 5 X1 Prototype teaser

Gran Turismo 5 X1 Prototype – Click above to watch video after the jump

At some point in the future, Gran Turismo 5 will be available for purchase. And yes, it’s taken too damn long. But making the wait that much more painful is news fresh out of Tokyo that a special vehicle will be available for thumb-thrashing fun.

It’s not some uber-exotic that you pine for while staring longingly at photos on the web, nor is it some championship racecar from today or a bygone era. It’s nothing you’ve seen or heard about before – its called the X1 Prototype.

Digital Polyphony has teamed up with Adrian Newey from Red Bull Racing to ask: What would happen if a top-tier racecar was freed from any and all technical regulations? What speeds could it achieve, what would it look like and what automotive records could it devour? The answer to those questions, and possibly many others, could be found with the X1 (virtual) prototype vehicle.

The team who produces Gran Turismo is known for their attention to detail and the realistic tracks, while cars and driving dynamics are a major part of the popularity behind this series. So it’s safe to assume that the drivable concept sticks to the laws of physics while pushing technology to the limit. Think of it as a return to the turbocharged 80s-era F1 cars, with some Group B rally monsters thrown in along with a heaping helping of cutting edge technology.

Our interest in the return of GT5 has been waning after the dozens of delays, but the X1 has our interest seriously piqued, and the crew from Joystiq has snagged video of it in action. We also have a trailer video which shows off lots of the cool (real) cars, the amazing tracks and the dynamic weather we can look forward to. Take a look at both clips after the jump.

[Source: Joystiq]

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 reveals virtual X1 prototype racecar to warp minds and stretch imagination [w/video]

Gran Turismo 5 reveals virtual X1 prototype racecar to warp minds and stretch imagination [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Rattner bio reveals Obama Administration wanted Ghosn to run GM

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Celebrities

Steven Rattner, former automotive adviser to President Barack Obama, has just written a juicy account of last year’s automotive bailout, complete with insights on the coming and goings of CEOs, courting foreign saviors and the General Motors plan to abandon its Renaissance Center headquarters. In his book, “Overhaul: An Insider’s Account of the Obama Administration’s Emergency Rescue of the Auto Industry,” Rattner says that GM wanted to walk away from its expensive towers in downtown Detroit and move to Warren, MI. While the move would have likely saved the company plenty of money and lent the impression of a hands-on management approach, the Obama administration apparently refused to allow the move, saying that it would cause a double-digit drop in property values in the area.

There’s also the fact that GM pays around $20 million in taxes to Detroit per year.

According to The Detroit News, Rattner also offered the GM CEO position to none other than Nissan/Renault head honcho Carlos Ghosn after Rick Wagoner was shown the door. Ghosn, who had previously sought a partnership between his empire and The General, politely declined the offer. How’s that for a head job?

Even through all of the turmoil, The Detroit News quotes Rattner as saying that the automotive bailout is one of this administration’s “unambiguous successes.”

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neison Barnard/Getty for Fortune Magazine]

Report: Rattner bio reveals Obama Administration wanted Ghosn to run GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

lotus evora s

Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS – Click above for high-res image gallery

Not long after Lotus accidentally leaked its plans to unveil two new Evoras at this year’s Paris Motor Show, we now have the full details weeks before the dynamic duo make their public debut. The Evora S and IPS (which stands for “Intelligent Precision Shift” or “automatic transmission” in layman’s terms) will nicely fill out the Evora range, and we’re aching to get our hands on the former.

For the Evora S, Lotus has tweaked the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 to produce 345 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque – gains of 69 hp and 37 lb-ft over the standard car. The run from 0-60 happens in just 4.8 seconds and top speed has been raised to 172 miles per hour. What’s more, the Evora S comes standard with a sport button that allows the driver to control the throttle response and activate an exhaust bypass valve. On top of that, pressing the magic switch increases the rev limiter and changes the stability control settings, and we imagine that the end result is more than pulse-quickening.

On the tamer side of things, Lotus is also offering the Evora IPS with its new six-speed automatic transmission, featuring both fully automatic and manual shift modes. The two-pedal Evora uses paddle shifters to control gear selection, and buttons are housed on the center console to switch between the standard PRND drive modes. Power has not been changed for the Evora IPS, and thankfully, Lotus has managed to develop a slushbox that doesn’t add any weight to the Evora. After all, lightness is key.

We anticipate a full raft of high-resolution photos to be released closer to the official Paris show debut, but for now, scroll through the small gallery below and follow the jump to read the official release from Lotus.

Gallery: Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut

Lotus reveals Evora S and Evora IPS ahead of Paris debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Videos, Chevrolet, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Translogic Episode 5.4 – Click above to watch video after the jump

Our brothers from another mother over at Translogic just released their latest episode yesterday, episode 5.4 for whoever’s counting. Host Bradley Hasemeyer spent a day with General Motors at the automaker’s Milford Proving Ground driving the 2011 Chevrolet Volt and came away with some heretofore unknown tidbits of information about the series hybrid.

For one, in addition to Eco, Normal and Sport modes, the Volt will have what’s called Mountain Mode that allows it to climb any grade in the country. A GM engineer says they checked to be sure its Mountain Mode was adequate for any grade in the States and we have proof of at least one major mountain the Volt can climb. When Mountain Mode is selected, ideally about ten miles out from any big hills you want to climb, the Volt will kick on its on-board generator and create extra energy for the batteries. This allows the Volt’s drive system to draw more power than normal from the battery packs while climbing a grade. If the battery packs are drained and the generator’s already on, Mountain Mode will then increase the engine’s RPM to make up the difference.

Bradley also performed an impromptu 0-60 miles per hour test in the Volt, completing the run to highway speeds in 8.53 seconds while the car was in Sport mode. Not earth shatteringly quick, but plenty spry to feel normal in everyday driving conditions. Over the course of the day, Bradley drove the Volt a total of 59.7 miles, 16.1 of which occurred with the gas-powered range-extending on. During that time, 0.59 gallons of gas were consumed, which means the Volt achieved about 100 mpg for the day and 27.3 mpg while the engine was operating.

The rest of the video is full of Volt information of which we’re already aware, including how it interacts with mobile devices, charging options and the like, though we can’t say we’ve seen anybody throw around the Volt yet like Bradley did. Follow the jump to view episode 5.4 for yourself and visit the Translogic blog here.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time

Video: Translogic tests Chevy Volt, reveals Mountain Mode and 0-60 time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors 2011 VIN decoder reveals new 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.6L four cylinder engines

Filed under: Chevrolet, GM

2010 Chevrolet Spark – Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors’ Service and Parts Operations website has published a pair of new documents for decoding 2011 model year Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) which reveal several new engines. The passenger car list includes a pair of small inline-fours of 1.0 and 1.2-liters displacement. Both engines are listed as port-injected, dual-overhead-cam units from the automaker’s South Korean operations, GM Daewoo Automotive Technologies (GMDAT). We’re assuming that these are the engines for the Spark mini-car that is due to arrive on our shores sometime during the coming year.

Also on the car list are a pair of 1.6-liter fours listed at 80 and 82 kilowatts. The 80 kW unit matches the 108 horsepower output of the current Aveo engine, so presumably it’s a carryover until the new model arrives early in next year. That car is expected to use 110 hp (82 kW) version.

Finally, in the light-duty truck list, there is a 177 horsepower 2.2-liter diesel inline-four. GM has made clear that it has no plans to offer any light-duty diesel engines in the States, so we assume that this is for an export market vehicle, likely the Chevrolet Colorado pickup. The decoder guides are after the jump. A tip of the hat to xeong5!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: General Motors Service and Parts Operations]

Continue reading General Motors 2011 VIN decoder reveals new 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.6L four cylinder engines

General Motors 2011 VIN decoder reveals new 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.6L four cylinder engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X Games 16: Rally practice day reveals new challenges

Filed under: Motorsports

X-Games Practice

X Games 16 Rally Practice Day – Click above for high-res image gallery

The practice day for the X Games 16 Rally competitors is in the books, and despite plenty of preparation the teams face some unexpected challenges at the new venue. The drivers first took to the makeshift dirt track at the L.A. Coliseum early yesterday afternoon and quickly found that the setup isn’t ideally suited to automobiles – or at least anything with bumpers. The course features two major elevation changes, going up and out of the stadium and then back in again, and nearly all of the drivers are having difficulty with the latter. The entrance back into the stadium is so steep that drivers are forced to either come in extremely slowly or catch air and plow the front end of the car into the dirt. To make matters worse, an uneven track surface at the bottom of the descent causes the cars to go airborne again. It may be fun to watch, but it’s undoubtedly frustrating for the drivers.

Interestingly, the one feature of the track that usually gives the drivers trouble – the jump – is no problem at all. Most drivers initially seemed cautious before making their practice runs, but they quickly realized that not too much speed is needed, and soon thereafter they were easily clearing the gap on every lap.

Overall, the current track layout at the new venue is disappointing. The course is essentially one large loop featuring all right turns, with the two elevation changes and the jump thrown in. Much of the course is fairly narrow as well, which will make the SuperRally either very boring (no passing) or very interesting (lots of bumping and crashing). We’ll reserve judgment until we actually see it happen, and we fully expect the addition of actual competition and tens of thousands of fans to make things more exciting. Stay tuned for more live X Games 16 rally coverage this weekend.

Gallery: X Games 16 Rally Practice Day

X Games 16: Rally practice day reveals new challenges originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan reveals new object detection, rear-collision avoidance systems [w/video]

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Nissan

Nissan object detection and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Concept – click above for high-res image gallery

Vehicles from an increasing number of automakers are becoming more aware of their surroundings than the drivers that operate them. The latest is Nissan, which has announced several new safety technologies set to be added to its lineup, including a Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Concept. The system works like similar systems from other manufacturers including Acura, Lexus, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, but evolves the concept even further.

A front-mounted radar sensor detects when the vehicle is closing too quickly and first warns the driver and then applies the brakes automatically to avoid or minimize the effects of a crash.

Additionally, the moving object detection uses the surround-view camera system to determine if there are pedestrians or other objects moving in proximity of the vehicle. Unlike pedestrian detection systems from Volvo and Lexus, this system only functions at very low speeds and doesn’t apply the brakes. Instead, the driver gets an audible and visual warning of anything moving around them. No specific vehicle applications or timing have been announced, but it’s safe to assume we’ll be seeing this tech featured on Infiniti’s wares sometime next year.

Gallery: Nissan object detection and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Concept

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan reveals new object detection, rear-collision avoidance systems [w/video]

Nissan reveals new object detection, rear-collision avoidance systems [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block isn’t a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.

The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with “we’re discussing those types of things but there’s nothing set in stone at this point.” Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.

So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can’t see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 – we couldn’t think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn’t resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: KROQ]

Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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