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Rumormill: Next Bugatti Veyron to hit 270 mph

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Rumormill, Luxury

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Bugatti is reportedly beginning work on the next generation Veyron, and rumor has it that they’re looking to hit Ludicrous Speed. Okay, maybe it won’t go quite that fast, but with a target of 270 miles per hour, it figures to be pretty darn close.

According to AutoExpress, despite losing money on each one it builds, Volkswagen Group has no plans to watch its mighty hypercar fade away, and the next version will stick to the business of shattering perceptions of what a production car can do. Reportedly, the 8.0-liter W16 engine and its quad-turbo setup will return in a similar form as is employed in the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. However, the new car will head to the scales and produce a number far below what we see in current Veyron models. It will achieve this through more extensive use of lightweight alloys and carbon-composite materials.

If AE is reading its tea leaves correctly, the new warp-speed Bugatti Veyron to make an appearance sometime in 2013.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rumormill: Next Bugatti Veyron to hit 270 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW working on range of front-wheel-drive concepts

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Roundel

When BMW began making noise about bringing front-wheel drive to the table, purists, enthusiasts and fans of the brand immediately busted out the pitchforks and torches. Visions of front-wheel drive 3 Series and 1 Series models were almost enough to induce frenzy (not that a huge number of owners would know the difference…), but if the latest word from BMW Blog is to be believed, the company’s front-wheel drive efforts will be contained to a handful of all-new models.

The news comes courtesy of a BMW insider posting on German Car Forum. Supposedly, the main impetus behind delving into a FWD platform isn’t to increase the company’s average fuel economy as some have guessed. Instead, BMW is looking to make the Mini brand more profitable by sharing platforms with other models under the Roundel.

Those include a new compact BMW roughly the size of a Cooper, as well as an MPV that the insider calls a Compact Gran Sport Tourer. Additionally, there may be room for a crossover-sized front-wheel drive beast as well. Interestingly enough, the report says that the new BMW compact will have proportions similar to those of the Honda CR-Z.

At this point, it’s difficult to say whether or not the source from German Car Forum has their facts straight or not, but so far, this is the most detailed glimpse we’ve gotten into what BMW is up to with its FWD program.

[Source: German Car Forum via BMW Blog]

Rumormill: BMW working on range of front-wheel-drive concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mooted Cadillac flagship could be mid-engined sports car

Filed under: Cadillac, GM, Rumormill, Luxury

2010 Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Car and Driver is reporting that the often-reported Cadillac flagship is at a crossroads. There have been many rumors that the planned range-topper will wind up as a rear-wheel drive, high-end luxury sedan slotting above the production version of the XTS Platinum (the concept version of which is shown above). Now C/D has apparently been hearing whispers that it may in fact show up as a mid-engined sports car.

While the thought of a luxurious, mid-engined ZR1 sounds appealing, we’ll file this in the don’t-hold-your-breath category. Although, if the company is brassy enough to build the ultra low-volume CTS-V Sport Wagon, then perhaps anything is possible.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

Rumormill: Mooted Cadillac flagship could be mid-engined sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ferrari to unveil all-wheel-drive shooting brake in Geneva?

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti unveiling

We’re anticipating a new Ferrari to be unveiled in a few months time at the Geneva Motor Show, but just what form – and arguably just as vitally, what technology – the new Prancing Horse will take has been the subject of much rumor and conjecture as of late.

Based on Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo’s reported pronouncement that his company is preparing “a very different new Ferrari” for the Swiss salon, initial reports speculated that a production-ready hybrid could be in the cards. But the latest reports seem to call that into question.

So if not a hybrid, what has Maranello got in store for us? Most reports point towards a replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, the company’s flagship (if somewhat lackluster) four-seat GT. Others suggest a shooting brake two-door wagon, while yet others report that whatever debuts will incorporate the company’s part-time all-wheel drive system, if not necessarily a hybrid drivetrain. The truth probably lies in the combination of several of these reports, if not all of them, but we’ll just have to sit tight to see what will lie underneath the veil come March.

[Sources: Le Blog Auto, Eurocarblog]

Rumormill: Ferrari to unveil all-wheel-drive shooting brake in Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW’s production Vision Concept to be called i8

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, BMW, Rumormill, Electric, Diesel

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

We have heard that BMW has has registered a series of “i+number trademarks (i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8 and i9) to use for its fuel efficient MegaCity range of vehicles. BMWBlog is now saying that it has heard a rumor that the combination that will be applied to the upcoming (read: 2013 or 2014) version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept will be i8. This makes some sense, as a BMW i8 would conjure up images of the never-seen M8 supercar, but BMWBlog is unconvinced. After all, why bring back memories of gas-guzzling supercars when you’re trying to reinvent what one can be? Plus, since the vehicle is so far away, there’s probably no name set in stone yet anyway.

Whatever BMW decides on, it’ll be better than the name that the car was given when we first saw it at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. Vision EfficientDynamics is just way, way too long.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: BMWBlog via Green Car Reports]

Rumormill: BMW’s production Vision Concept to be called i8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More details on 2012 Porsche 911 (991)

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Rumormill

Next-Generation Porsche 911

Next-Generation Porsche 911 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Porsche 911 is due for an update, and if the rumors kicking around the internet are to be believed, 2012 will bring one of the most significant changes to the sports car in generations. The German automotive magazine Auto Bild is reporting that the next 911 will look a good deal different from the current generation thanks to some serious changes in the vehicle’s proportions. The rear-engine coupe is expected to be over 2.2 inches longer and wear a roof line that’s nearly half an inch lower than the outgoing design.

In addition, Auto Bild suggests that the engineers at Porsche have cooked up a new 3.4-liter boxer good for 345 horsepower in base configuration. As usual, Carrera S models will wear wider flanks, this time with the flares adding some 2.4 inches. The meaner of the two cars will also pack a 3.8-lilter boxer six that puts out 395 ponies. All told, the base 911 will be able to make the dash to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds while the Carrera S should be able to do the same dance in less than 4.5.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-Generation Porsche 911

Porsche 911 spy shots

[Source: Auto Bild via World Car Fans]

Rumormill: More details on 2012 Porsche 911 (991) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 5.5-liter turbo

Filed under: Coupe, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz AMG Black Series badge

The Mercedes-Benz C Class already has a hugely capable and entertaining performance model in the 451-horsepower C63. But a refreshed C Class is expected to bow at next month’s Detroit Auto Show, and an exotic Black Series Coupe is expected to follow later in the year.

Inside Line reports that a conversation with Mercedes spokespeople has revealed that the 6.2-liter in the C63 will not be tweaked for Black Series duty, opting instead for the company’s twin-turbo 5.5-liter mill. That powertrain, as you may recall, already puts out 571 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque in the S63 AMG. That’s 71 more ponies than the the CLK AMG Black Series and more twist than almost anything this side of a diesel-powered heavy-duty pickup truck. That should help justify the expected $100k-plus price tag of the rarest of AMG variants, while simultaneously making every BMW M3 owner a bit leery of a race with the Black Series coupe. Let’s just hope it maintains the otherworldly bark of the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter, which is one of the C63’s primary draws.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series Coupe to get 5.5-liter turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2011 Jeep Compass to get big price increase, Trail Rated model

Filed under: Crossover, Jeep, Rumormill

2011 Jeep Compass spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to the efforts of some wily spy shooters, we’ve already peered upon the vastly improved styling of the redesigned 2011 Jeep Compass. If a report from the usually well-informed Allpar.com is correct, it would seem Jeep will be positioning its 2011 Compass a few rungs up the ladder than the platform-sharing Patriot.

If reports are correct, buyers will also need to fork over significantly more cash for the Compass in 2011. According to Allpar, the Compass will start at $19,995 in front-wheel drive guise and $21,695 when powering all four wheels – the 2010 model starts at just $15,365. More interesting, though, is word that the new Compass will be Trail Rated for the first time, something we suspected from the rather familiar-looking round fender badges on the silver vehicle in our spy shot gallery.

Presumably using the same off-road bits and pieces as the Trail Rated Patriot – Freedom Drive II with a CVT and dedicated low-range gearing – the Compass is rumored to feature repositioned rebound springs cribbed à la Grand Cherokee, along with an increase in ride height by one inch.

After looking at the pictures, we had an inkling that the new Compass may in fact be a more desirable overall package than the 2011 Patriot, which starts at $15,995, and this report would appear to confirm that hunch.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Compass

2011 Jeep Compass

[Source: Allpar.com | Images: Chris Doane/Brenda Priddy & Company]

Rumormill: 2011 Jeep Compass to get big price increase, Trail Rated model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Audi R18 coming December 10

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, Rumormill, Racing

2010 Audi R15 Plus

2010 Audi R15 Plus – Click above for high-res image gallery

The funny thing about a race series like Le Mans is that as spectators, we only see a small fraction of the action when we watch events like Petit Le Mans or the 24 Hours of Le Mans. While the fender-to-fender fracas is plenty exciting, it takes an army of engineers frantically innovating and working to beat deadlines to carry the checkered flag each season. And that’s exactly why we’re so excited about this juicy little bit of rumor from Fortitude. From what we understand, Audi may be looking to retire its R15 Plus in favor of a new closed-cockpit R18.

According to Fortitude, the information comes courtesy of Le Mans Live Blog, which is operated by the fine people at Michelin. Since the tire maker is a partner in Audi motorsport, there’s a good chance that this rumor is more than wild speculation. If Le Mans Live Blog is to be believed, the new machine will get an official unveil on December 10, though there are few details beyond that.

Audi has notoriously rejected the notion of a closed-cockpit Le Mans racer for years, even as the competition adopted the design to reduce driver fatigue and aerodynamic drag. But after Peugeot managed to knock Audi off of its Le Mans throne in 2009 with its closed-cockpit 908 HDi FAP, the German racing team’s tune changed in a hurry.

Regardless of what the R18 looks like when it debuts, we’ll be interested to see what Audi brings to the table for next year’s race. With Peugeot once again looking for blood, it’s bound to be a good one.

Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race

[Sources: Le Mans Live via Fortitude]

Rumormill: Audi R18 coming December 10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill (Yet Again): Lexus GS-F is coming

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Lexus, Rumormill

2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD – Click above for high-res image gallery

This certainly isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumblings about Lexus working on a performance version of its GS sedan. The crew at Road & Track reports that the upcoming GS-F will serve as the range-topping trim in the GS model range, set apart from its siblings with not only a more aggressive appearance, but a serious increase in power, to boot.

Sources within Toyota have told the buff book that the GS-F will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8, just like the smaller IS-F, but that output will be increased to 465 horsepower for the larger sedan. The other key ingredient to making the GS-F a serious performer is a substantial reduction in weight. Through the use of aluminum and carbon fiber components, Toyota aims to have the GS-F weigh in at about 3,700 pounds, meaning it should be capable of ripping off 4.5-second 0-60 times.

Toyota is positioning the GS-F to compete with the likes of the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, with prices to start somewhere around the $90,000 to $100,000 range. No official timeframe has been given on when we’ll actually see the GS-F, but R&T states that it could show up as early as 2012, after the refreshed GS range debuts.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

2010 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport by TRD

[Source: Road and Track]

Rumormill (Yet Again): Lexus GS-F is coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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