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Subaru WRX STI Spec C launched in Japan

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lighter, more responsive engine performance and increased stiffness – three descriptors that provide the basis of information regarding the all-new Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C. We supposed we could also throw in the longer name, but you can already see that. The Spec C, which is quite sadly a Japan-only model for the moment, receives a host of upgrades compared to the non-spec STI and that list includes; an aluminum hood, reduced-friction ball bearings for the twin-scroll turbo, optimized ECU programming, a mechanical LSD and a host of other features.

The STI Spec C is positioned as a more focused Impreza WRX for those seeking an even more engaging driving experience. Weight has been reduced all over the car, while the front crossmember has been reinforced and large 245-series Bridgestone Potenzas have been wrapped around all four wheels.

Take a look at the Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec in the gallery below but be warned that too much staring can lead to a sudden desire to move to Japan. Be sure to click past the jump and read the full press release as well. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C

[Source: Subaru]

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Subaru WRX STI Spec C launched in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: U.S.-spec Fiat 500 right at home in Chrysler’s hip new LA dealership

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

2011 Fiat 500

2011 Fiat 500 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday, we told you about the grand opening of Chrysler’s swanky new Motor Village dealership in downtown Los Angeles – the first North American dealership to sell the Fiat 500. As part of its big opening-day ceremonies, Chrysler unveiled the U.S.-spec 500 ahead of its official reveal at this week’s LA Auto Show. A variety of colors and trims were on hand, and being surrounded by all of these 500s at once only makes us more eager to get some seat time in the diminutive little Italian Job.

The first round of 500s will go on sale later this year, in Sport, Pop and Lounge trim levels. A wealth of colors, interior fabrics and wheels will be available, and you can see some of what Fiat has to offer in our high-res image gallery, below.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2011 Fiat 500

2011 Fiat 500

LA 2010: U.S.-spec Fiat 500 right at home in Chrysler’s hip new LA dealership originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why

Filed under: Budget, Truck, Ford

2011 Ford Ranger

If you live in the States, say goodbye to the Ford Ranger. The oft-neglected baby pickup from the Blue Oval is set to end production at its Twin Cities Assembly Plant in Minnesota next year, thereby kicking Dearborn out of the segment for the first time in nearly 30 years. The rest of the world won’t be without a Ranger, though. Ford is set to pull the sheets back on the newest version of the global truck at the Australian International Motor Show next month, though released this intriguing teaser image in the meantime. It’s bigger, slated for 180 markets spread all over the planet and it ain’t for us. The question is: Why not?

In order to head that quandary off at the pass, Ford wanted to us in on its reasoning behind killing off the Ranger in the U.S. market. Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Vice President of Global Product Development, was kind enough to give us a few minutes out of his time to answer that question and more. Get the answers after the jump.

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U.S.-spec Ford Ranger to officially end production in 2011, Ford explains why originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai announces pricing for 2011 Genesis Coupe R-Spec

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has provided pricing on its 2011 Genesis Coupe-R Spec, and the automaker has giveth and taketh away when it comes to features and price. Starting at $26,750 (plus $800 freight), the 3.8-liter V6 with a manual transmission is the same price as the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in Premium trim, making it the least expensive V6 in the range.

At $4,000 dollars less than the 3.8 Track with a manual, and 68 pounds lighter, you still get the track suspension, Brembos, Torsen LSD and 19-inchers, and forsake the auto headlights, cruise control, sunroof, rear spoiler, metalgrain accents outside and chrome bits inside. Increased tunability comes from the front strut camber adjustment bolts, and the whole package gets wrapped in one of four colors. Follow the jump for all the details, along with full-line pricing.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

[Source: Hyundai]

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Hyundai announces pricing for 2011 Genesis Coupe R-Spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Third-generation GP2 spec racer unveiled at Monza

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Racing

Dallara GP2/11 – Click above for high-res image gallery

While Ferrari was cleaning up at its home race at Monza this past weekend, the GP2 feeder series campaigned its penultimate race of the season. Venezuelan racer Pastor Maldonado, driving for Italian team Rapax, clinched the series title in its sixth season, but arguably even more intriguing was the concurrent launch of the new third-generation GP2 spec racer.

Like the car it replaces, the new GP2/11 is designed and built by Italian racing chassis manufacturer Dallara – also behind the cars used in IndyCar and Formula 3 as well as F1 newcomer HRT’s car, to name just a few – and will be used exclusively by all teams for the next three seasons. Major changes to the design close the gap to Formula One considerably and borrow from its latest developments, employing a larger diffuser, a narrower rear wing and a larger one up front, a raked front nose and anvil-shaped engine cover. Also like F1, the new GP2 car will switch from Bridgestone rubber to new Pirelli compounds.

Development has been underway for several months, and the new car – unveiled to the teams and press at Monza – will see its first race early next year in the season-bridging GP2 Asia Series. Considering that no fewer than fifteen drivers – Lewis Hamilton among them – have graduated from the series up to F1, GP2 has rapidly developed as the place to watch for the next generation of top talent at the pinnacle of open-wheel racing. So keep an eye on newly-crowned champion Paston Maldonado, and check out the new car in the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Dallara GP2/11

[Source: GP2]

Third-generation GP2 spec racer unveiled at Monza originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec

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

Lexus LFA engine

Now this is a rumor. According to the crafty crew at Inside Line, Lotus is set to release details on its planned resurrection of the long-dead Esprit at this year’s Paris Motor Show. Even better? There’s some indication that the top-of-the-line model may pack the same heavenly V10 found in the current Lexus LFA. Oh yes, we’re excited. Inside Line spoke with someone at Lexus who’s cozy with the deal who hinted that the 552-horsepower 10-pot would find its way into the car in order to help it better compete with the likes of Ferrari. That’s right, kids; Lotus is movin’ on up.

There’s also word that lower-rung trims will receive the same 5.0-liter V8 found in the Lexus IS-F. With 416 horsepower, that lump is no slouch. Both engine choices would seem to dovetail with the close partnership we’ve seen between Lotus and Lexus parent company Toyota in the past, and with new Lotus CEO Dany Bahar (formerly of Ferrari) clamoring for ever more powerful, upscale models, all of the puzzle pieces seem to be falling into place.

Still, that’s almost way too much awesome for most manufacturers to handle. Fortunately, the Paris show is just a handful of weeks away, so we should know which parts of this rumor are solid in short order.

[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Lotus Esprit to use LFA V10, V8 in lesser spec originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Avante (Elantra) interior – Click above for high-res image

Even though we have yet to see official images of the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra, we have a pretty good idea of what will be heading our way in the coming months. Hyundai debuted the new Avante sedan (the Elantra’s Korean market equivalent) at the Busan Motor Show this past April, and now the first interior snapshot of the Avante has been leaked out.

If you’ve been in the new 2011 Sonata, you know that the family sedan’s cabin is a giant leap forward in the right direction. The center stack is awash with curves and angles that pay homage to the automaker’s new “fluidic sculpture” exterior design. And styling aside, we’re willing to bet that Hyundai hasn’t skimped out on high-quality materials for the less-expensive Elantra’s innards, either.

This more attractive, better-tailored interior will do well when matched with the swoopier lines of the new Elantra’s exterior. That – combined with Hyundai’s new 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder – will mean that other new cars in the budget sedan segment (this means you, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze) will need to watch their backs. If the new Elantra is being positioned as a baby Sonata, the competition should indeed be stiff. Top tip, Monkaroo!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: Hyundai Blog]

Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ecclestone wants independent F1 rule-maker, Mansell a spec chassis

Filed under: Motorsports

Bernie Ecclestone has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. The latest big idea from F1’s commercial chief? Appointing an independent body to formulate the regulations that govern Formula One.

Currently, the FIA makes the rules with considerable input from the constructors through the Formula One Teams Association. However Ecclestone believes these actors are too close to the sport to make objective decisions on the regulations they have to live by. The rules have been changing too frequently, says Bernie, and an independent rule-maker would be the best way to rectify the situation and return a degree of stability to the sport.

Another influential Brit in the sport’s spotlight has a different idea. Former world champion Nigel Mansell believes F1 should switch to a spec racing series, switching from constructor-teams to a single spec chassis like those used in just about every other open-wheel racing series (like GP2, A1GP and IndyCar). Mansell’s idea, being far more drastic, is less likely to transpire. Think there’s any validity to either proposal? Share your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

[Source: pitpass | Images: Goh Chai Hin/AFP/Getty, Rick Dole/Getty]

Ecclestone wants independent F1 rule-maker, Mansell a spec chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. Spec Perana Z-One to debut at 2010 Concorso Italiano

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Luxury

Perana Z-One – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Zagato Perana Z-One debuted in Geneva in March of 2009, a custom-built, limited-production, Corvette-powered coupe with Italian styling by Zagato and slated to be built by South African manufacturing firm Hi-Tech. Up until now we weren’t sure the rolling masterpiece would ever be sold in the States, but we’ve finally received word that Superformance has been named the exclusive U.S. distributor and that the American version will debut at the Concorso Italiano event this August. Apparently there was strong enough demand from American buyers to allocate 99 units per year to sales in the Colonies.

The Perana will be priced “under $100,000” and can be ordered with either the 436-horsepower E-rod LS3 or the 505-horsepower LS7 from the Z06. Either will be backed by a six-speed manual transmission and a ZF limited slip differential. There will be an available brake upgrade and color choices inside and out, but other than that, the options list will be short. Not that the car will be lacking in amenities. The cockpit is swathed in leather and Alcantara, and a navigation-equipped infotainment system will be standard. Besides the anticipated performance capabilities of this 2,800-pound GT, owners get exclusivity and a body designed by the same crew that brought us the Maserati GS, Ferrari 575 GTZ, Spyker C12, Diatto Ottovu and Bentley GTZ. We’ll be sure to get as many pics as possible during our annual Monterey coverage next month. For now, check out the live and studio shots below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Zagato Perana Z-One

Gallery: Zagato Perana Z-One

U.S. Spec Perana Z-One to debut at 2010 Concorso Italiano originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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