rumormill Archives | Page 7 of 10

Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Lexus, Toyota, Rumormill, Luxury

2014 Lexux IS Rendering crop If, like us, you’ve been racking your brain to figure out how Toyota is possibly going to be able to offer the FT-86 anywhere near its price target, Road & Track may have part of the answer for you. The magazine is reporting that the next-generation Lexus IS will ride on a stretched version of the low-dollar coupe’s platform, allowing Toyota to spread the development costs between the two models. With the production version of the FT-86 due in dealerships in 2012, the IS is expected to bow shortly thereafter in 2013.

Of course, this also helps explain some of the IS Coupe rumors we’ve been hearing recently, too.

An added nugget of goodness in this news is that the next-generation IS may be a sharper car in every way thanks to its shared bloodline with the sporty FT-86. Toyota head honcho Akio Toyoda has already made it clear that he would like to see his company’s products return to their sporty roots, and as a result, the new IS should be quite a bit more athletic than its predecessor. Don’t expect to see the Subaru-sourced flat four in the nose of the Lexus, though. Chances are the four-door will still get its power from derivatives of the four- and six-cylinder options currently available.

[Source: Road & Track]

Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: 2014 Lexus IS to ride on stretched Toyota FT-86 platform”

Rumormill: Porsche to collaborate with Bentley?

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche Bentley mash-up logo

Porsche and Bentley are related under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, and a new rumor suggests that the two might become kissing cousins. Autocar had a chance to speak with Porsche CEO Matthias Müller, and the head honcho of the German sports ~~car~~ vehicle brand says that a collaboration with Bentley could help push future Panamera variants foward. Per Müller,

“I think we have to discuss with Bentley whether we can put together our performance, our engineers. It should be possible.”

He goes on to state that sticking to just a four-door sports car is boring. The Panamera should be revised into a handful of iterations, and Müller uses terms like “van”, “combi” and “longer.” If you are a Porsche loyalist, we’ll give you a minute to restart your heart.

One variant we hope the Brits and the Germans can breathe life into? A Porsche 928. There have been rumors and speculation for years now, so perhaps this inter-brand teamwork is just what the doctor (would have) ordered.
[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Porsche to collaborate with Bentley? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: Porsche to collaborate with Bentley?”

Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?!

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Manifest

The rumor furnaces are cooking at full tilt when it comes to what will be lurking under the hood of the upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The sleuths at 1addicts.com have managed to lay their hands on a clandestine manifest that supposedly outlines all of the new models set to flow forth the Bavarian automaker. Nestled among the more common 1 Series metal is a vehicle that appears to be code named “1 M Pyrat” that will supposedly pack a 340 horsepower N54 engine in European trim. That’ll send your eyebrows to your hairline, sure, but it’s not nearly as shocking as the U.S.-spec model just a bit further down the list.

According to the enthusiast site, BMW is planning a 451 horsepower version of the 1 Series M Coupe just for American consumption. Now, we hate to the little black rain cloud that rains on everyone’s parade, but this seems more than a little unlikely. After all, the big daddy M3 rolls with 414 horsepower right now, and even if BMW is planning a substantial bump in power in the near future, it seems unlikely that the baby 1 would be given the chops to pass its bigger brother.

Still, it doesn’t hurt us one bit to dream this little dream until BMW says otherwise. Head over to 1addicts to have a closer look at the manifest.

Gallery: BMW 1M Coupe teasers

[Source: 1addicts]

Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?!”

Rumormill: AMG considering full takeover of Ducati?

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz, Motorcycle, Luxury

Ducati and AMG

Ducati Diavel posing with Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

At this point, we’re going to go ahead and file this one away in the Highly Unlikely File, but here we go anyway. According to Autocar, which has been known to publish a few whoppers every now and again, the recent tie-up between AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division, and Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati could eventually lead to a full-blown takeover of the two-wheeled brand by its new German partners.

For now, all AMG and Ducati are saying is that they are looking at further ways to combine forces in mutually beneficial ways, which will soon include AMG sponsorship of Ducati’s MotoGP racing efforts. According to “inside sources” at Ducati, however, Autocar suggests that the partnership could lead to AMG-branded, Italian-built motorcycles as a way to improve the “green” image of the three-lettered in-house tuners of three-pointed stars.

The British magazine’s unnamed “insiders” also suggest that many employees at the Bologna-based factory would welcome AMG’s ownership and the newfound resources it would bring. Just so long as it’s not another so-called merger of equals… Click past the break for the full press release from Ducati announcing the current partnership.

Gallery: Ducati Diavel posing with AMG

Ducati Diavel posing with AMG

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Rumormill: AMG considering full takeover of Ducati?

Rumormill: AMG considering full takeover of Ducati? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: AMG considering full takeover of Ducati?”

Rumormill: Chevy working on Aveo-based crossover

Filed under: Crossover, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill

Chevrolet Aveo

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

According to the blokes over at Autocar, Chevrolet’s Korean arm is furiously working on turning the latest Aveo into a five-door, five-passenger crossover. This CUV version of Chevy’s subcompact, which just recently began production in Seoul, South Korea with sales slated for early 2011, will reportedly sport a stretched version of the platform and will be offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive flavors.

Upscale interior bits and pieces are apparently being borrowed from the European Opel parts bin, which should mean good things for the Gamma II-based cute ‘ute. Other higher-end specs include a next-gen digital display grafted into the dash that is apparently going to filter across the rest of the Chevrolet lineup.

In related news, the British magazine is also reporting that the four-door sedan version of the new Aveo is likely to be shown off at the next Detroit Auto Show in January. Will a crossover join in on the Aveo’s time in the spotlight? We’ll be there in DSLRs in tow either way.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo

Gallery: Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

Paris 2010: Chevrolet Aveo

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Chevy working on Aveo-based crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: Chevy working on Aveo-based crossover”

Rumormill: New details on next Mercedes B-Class leak out… is it U.S. bound?

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Mercedes-Benz B-Class – Click above for high-res image gallery

A few details have surfaced surrounding the upcoming new Mercedes-Benz B-Class. According to Autocar, the Silver Arrow is cooking up something special for the hatchback’s platform. In addition to being able to build the tall-roof B-Class on the new bones, the MFA structure will also serve as host for a sleeker Audi A3-style creation. Sharing chassis points between models is nothing new, but Autocar sites Jorg Prigl, the head of development for the A-Class, B-Class and Smart, as saying that it’s the architecture’s versatility that makes it noteworthy. In addition to being built to house a number of internal-combustion powerplants, Prigl says that the MFA platform is also made to accommodate any number of alternative power solutions.

That includes space for a battery pack, a fuel cell, hydrogen or compressed natural gas tanks. From the sounds of things, Mercedes-Benz is planning to make the new B-Class as light on its feet as possible when it comes to alternative energy drivetrains.

Autocar says that the platform is so unique that Mercedes-Benz is seeking to patent the design. That patent may be unveiled as soon as late January of 2011. Sadly, there is no additional word on whether the B-Class will make it to U.S. dealers, but last we heard, the model will make it to our market along with a companion crossover.

Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: New details on next Mercedes B-Class leak out… is it U.S. bound? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: New details on next Mercedes B-Class leak out… is it U.S. bound?”

Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Beachcomber concept car

Mini Beachcomber concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back in the day when BMW revived the Mini and there was just one version? That was the three-door hatchback, but was also a long time ago in product lifecycle terms. These days, the Mini franchise has expanded to include a convertible, the Clubman and the Countryman crossover. There are diesel, gasoline, supercharged and JCW versions of each, and there are more yet on their way: never mind the Mini E or the electric scooter concept unveiled in Paris (let alone the WRC rally version). In the cards are said to be coupe and seven-seat versions of the Countryman, along with production versions of the Speedster and Coupe models unveiled last year in Frankfurt.

Engine choices and one-offs aside, that’s already eight body-styles off one little car. But that ain’t even the end of it. Not according to reports from Mini’s homeland of jolly old England.

Britain’s Autocar magazine reports that BMW is working on two parallel programs to put a Jeep Wrangler or Honda Element-style crossover into the mix as well. One program apparently calls for a high-riding three-door model tentatively known as the Canyon Coupe, a model that revives the old Mini Moke beach car bodystyle. The other is closer to the above-pictured Beachcomber Concept unveiled nearly a year ago, and while doors would be added, so might removable roof panels, frameless doors and a wind-down rear window to give a real open-air experience.

Only one will be given the green light (if at all), but either would offer the All4 all-wheel drive system and a pillarless frame that would allow easier access, as well as a proper four-door version of the next-gen Clubman, addressing criticism that the single rear suicide door on the current model doesn’t work well for right-hand drive markets (like Mini’s own domestic market in the UK).

Gallery: Mini Beachcomber concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models”

Rumormill: Porsche coming back to Formula 1

Filed under: Motorsports, Porsche

Porsche logo

Porsche is engaged in roundtable discussions about re-entering Formula 1. The Stuttgart automaker has been in and out of Formula 1 for decades, and now with Volkswagen making noises about entering various racing series like NASCAR, it appears all that’s left to be decided is which manufacturer will go where. The latest pie to be split has an LMP1 car on one side and an F1 car on the other, with Audi and Porsche holding the forks. Audi has already said it doesn’t fit with Formula 1, leaving Porsche as the de facto F1 entrant.

Porsche’s current racing involvement is mainly through customer programs, so this move (should it happen) would mark a return to full-on heavy duty factory involvement. VW has been in talks with the FIA about providing a so-called “world engine” for F1, but it’s unclear whether Porsche’s involvement would hinge on that coming to pass or if the automaker would make an engine regardless. The Williams F1 team’s overtures to VW could provide another point of entry to the pinnacle of motorsport.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Porsche coming back to Formula 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: Porsche coming back to Formula 1”

Rumormill: Rumblings of Zeta-based family of rear-wheel-drive GM sedans persist

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Rumormill, Luxury

Cadillac Sixteen concept car in the wet

The ongoing yarn about General Motors fielding a brace of rear-wheel drive flagship sedans based on a new generation Premium Zeta platform has hit the big time, with Motor Trend reporting that the platform will underpin a sport sedan for Chevrolet. Last month, the rejigged Zeta was touted as the basis for a flagship Buick that would finally, and properly, challenge Lexus. MT’s report says there will be two wheelbases for this new Zeta, and that those two variants will do duty under a Cadillac, a U.S. Buick and potentially a Chinese-market Buick, and several Holden models along with the aforementioned Chevy.

As the basis for premium sedans, General Motors could spend the money to make it properly light and strong through the use of high-strength steels. The Chevy sport sedan mentioned would be “a kind of four-door Camaro” – Pontiac G8 GXP redux, anyone? – while the Buick only gets described as “cushier,” and both would go on the shorter wheelbase Zeta.

The most interesting tidbit could be Cadillac’s use of the long-wheelbase platform. MT prices a Cadillac flagship at between $125,000 and $140,000 and says the Zeta-based Cadillac, Whitacre’s S-Class rival for the Crest-and-Wreath brand, will sit beneath it. If it all comes to pass, that would give Cadillac a larger CTS, then an XTS, then a properly sporting high-end luxury competitor, then a one-Caddy-to-rule-them-all ne plus ultra model by 2014 or so. Hat tip to Joshua!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Rumblings of Zeta-based family of rear-wheel-drive GM sedans persist originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: Rumblings of Zeta-based family of rear-wheel-drive GM sedans persist”

Rumormill: Alpine coming back… again… for real

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

2006 Renault Nepta Concept

Autocar reports that the suits at Renault are keeping the dream of a true successor to the Alpine alive and well. The pub quotes Laurens van den Acker, the new vice-president of corporate design for Renault, as saying that he believes there’s room for an affordable sports car in the company’s lineup. There have been several attempts to re-fire the Alpine furnace over the past few years, but each have been cancelled due to various reasons. The 2006 Nepta Concept, pictured above, was one such stillborn attempt.

But Autocar says that a new take on an Alpine is back on the table and that the newest project takes plenty of cues from the A110 Berlinette. The fiberglass-bodied coupe helped make the Alpine name famous with its various rally escapades in the early ’70s.

As promising as all of this sounds, van den Acker admits that it’s going to be an uphill battle to make a strong enough business case for a low-buck sports car to make anyone else at his company take notice. Still, hoping never hurts, no matter how many times we’ve been hurt in the past.

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: Alpine coming back… again… for real originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Rumormill: Alpine coming back… again… for real”