Video: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is ‘Absolutely Crackers!’

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Bugatti, Luxury

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Autocar drives the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport – Click above to watch video after the jump

Of all the phrases in the English language, few are likely to as accurately describe what it’s like to drop the hammer on the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport as “absolutely crackers.” That is if you’re trying to keep things PG, at least. The crew from Autocar managed to beg, borrow and steal their way into the cockpit of what is perhaps our era’s pinnacle of production automotive engineering for a quick blast through the European countryside. Fortunately enough for all of you, they were also kind enough to video the whole shebang.

With a total of 1,200 horsepower and 1,100 lb-ft of torque, the Super Sport is the standard Veyron on amphetamines. If you’re brave enough, this horse will theoretically gallop all the way to 268 mph. Of course, you’d need a stretch of highway long enough to not only hit those speeds, but to come back down from them as well. There’s no need to worry, they’re not driving that black-and-orange one again, so hit the jump to see Autocar’s take on the Veyron Super Sport.

[Source: Autocar via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is ‘Absolutely Crackers!’

Video: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is ‘Absolutely Crackers!’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati drops MC Sport Line for the Quattroporte at Sydney show

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Maserati, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style, Luxury

Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S with MC Sport Line – Click above for high-res image gallery

MC. The letters are sacrosanct to fans of the Trident marque and its venerable racing prowess. They stand for Maserati Corse, and you may recognize them from the MC12, the Enzo-based homologation special that’s still kickin’ ass and taking names in the FIA GT1 series. More recently the Modenese automaker rolled out a racing version of its GranTurismo coupe bearing those same letters, which has since been followed by a roadgoing version of said racer called the MC Stradale. There’ve been MC Sport Line accessories for the GranTurismo S as well, but until now the Quattroporte has been left out of the fun.

Kicking things off for its four-door model, Maserati has unveiled the Quattroporte MC Sport in Sydney at the Australian International Auto Show. So what are we looking at, a road-going version of the touring car currently being flogged around Italy’s best circuits in the Superstars series? Unfortunately not. What you’re looking at here is the existing Quattroporte Sport GT S – already one heck of a car – with some added trim: carbon fiber interior accents and aluminum pedals, and little else. Not much on their own, but then this is how Modena kicked off the MC program for the GranTurismo, so we’re hoping this is the harbinger of things to come.

Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte MC Sport Line

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Maserati drops MC Sport Line for the Quattroporte at Sydney show

Maserati drops MC Sport Line for the Quattroporte at Sydney show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi won’t churn out RS sport-utes

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Audi, Rumormill

Audi Q5 Custom Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes has been doing it for years with their AMG sport-utes. BMW finally caved with the X5 M and X6 M. Even Porsche’s in the game with the Cayenne Turbo and anticipated upcoming Cajun. But Audi’s not about to follow suit, according to reports from across the pond.

Our (unrelated) Italian counterparts claim that Audi’s technical chief Stephan Reil has ruled out the possibility of ever slapping an RS badge on any of its SUVs or crossovers. Audi’s high-riding range currently includes the Q7 and Q5 and is soon to be joined by a smaller Q3. The top of the line Q7 is available with a twin-turbo V12 diesel churning out a massive 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, but a big engine, says Audi, does not an RS make.

Of course the difference may come down to badging. S variants remain a possibility, but though they may have the engines and even the suspension and other ingredients, Audi insists that the RS badge is to remain exclusively for high-performance models, and that a big lumbering crossover – no matter how quickly it’s capable of covering all types of terrain – doesn’t fit the mold.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Report: Audi won’t churn out RS sport-utes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus CT 200h F Sport unveiled in Sydney

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Lexus, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, Luxury

Lexus CT 200h F Sport

Lexus CT 200h F Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus is serious about pitching the CT 200h as a sportier alternative to most hybrids. Thing is, like the Honda CR-Z, the CT doesn’t really live up to that hype. That won’t stop Lexus from beefing things up a bit, though. To that end, it has unveiled an F Sport package for the hybrid hatch.

Unveiled at Sydney’s Australian International Motor Show, the CT 200h F Sport gets a revised body kit, up-sized alloys, tinted glass, specific dashboard and door panel trim, a thicker steering wheel, and new pedals.

Lexus says it has re-tuned the suspension as well, and an optional Flame Blue color joins the catalog. Unfortunately, we think it makes the CT look more budget than premium. You can read all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Lexus CT 200h F Sport

[Source: Lexus]

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Lexus CT 200h F Sport unveiled in Sydney originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video]

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Videos, Crossover, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander R/C

Look Ma, no driver! – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Mitsubishi wants people to take notice of its 2011 Outlander Sport. There will be traditional print and television ad campaigns, but the automaker is also exploring new ways of reaching new car buyers. Through its creative agency 180 LA, Mitsubishi plans to put a bunch of car shoppers behind the wheel of the new crossover. Not literally, but virtually.

The automaker is rolling out its Mitsubishi Live Drive campaign that puts drivers behind the wheel of an actual Outlander Sport. They won’t be sitting in the vehicle but instead they’ll be in front of a computer. The CUV will be controlled remotely via users on the Internet. While we don’t want to be anywhere near the car when this is happening, it’s certainly a novel re-imagining of the test drive concept.

The Mitsubishi Live Drive event kicks off November 1, 2010 and runs through November 10. If you’re interested in testing out your computer driving skills, you can sign up starting October 15 at OutlanderSport.com. In the meantime, you can catch a sneak peak at what’s in store by viewing the video and official press release after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Sources: Mitsubishi, AdWeek, YouTube]

Continue reading Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video]

Mitsubishi to offer remote-control test drives of real Outlander Sport over the Internet [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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$300 discount on Lexus F Sport Accessories

Filed under: Aftermarket, Lexus

Lexus IS 350C F Sport

2010 Lexus IS 350C F Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus just dropped us a note to let us know that its F Sport line of performance accessories are on sale between September 10 and November 1, with between $100 and $300 off on accessory packages ranging from $500 to $2,000. If you’re interested in wheels, brakes or an exhaust for your GS or IS, click here for the coupon with all the details.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Lexus IS 350C F-Sport

$300 discount on Lexus F Sport Accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whoops! MT discovers Ford Edge Sport slower than less powerful SEL model

Filed under: Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Edge – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to popular American folklore, you should always buy the biggest engine available. Such thinking likely became prevalent in the 1950s, when the American automotive industry was busy building new V8 engines, experimenting with multiple carburetors and high compression, and generally discovering the art of hot-rodding. Gas prices? Fuel economy? Pfft. It was a great time to be an American.

These days, life isn’t quite so simple. There are countless reasons to consider a downsized powerplant. First off, we all care about fuel mileage and many of us care about emissions. Then there’s the cost consideration, and, finally, the biggest engine isn’t always the best performer. Proof of such can be seen in the new 2011 Ford Edge, that we just drove ourselves and that was recently put through the full testing regime by the boys at Motor Trend.

There are currently two V6 engines available in the Edge (a 2.0-liter EcoBoost is on the way in a few months), a 3.5-liter and a 3.7, which comes straight from the Mustang. Power for the smaller engine comes in at 280 horses and 253 pound-feet of torque. The larger 3.7 puts out 305 horses and 280 lb-ft and is available only in the Edge Sport. So, the Sport is the fastest, right?

Not so fast… literally. MT clocked a 7.1-second run to 60 in the base Edge, but only managed a disappointing 7.6 seconds in the 3.7-powered Edge Sport. Apparently, the problem is weight. The base Edge tipped MT’s scales at 4075 pounds while the Sport came in at an obese 4405, part of which can be explained by the addition of all-wheel drive. In any case, the Edge Sport, with its massive 22-inch wheels and wide tires, can’t keep up with the base Edge in a straight line.

On the flip side, the AWD Edge Sport (with those aforementioned oversize wheels and tires) handily out-handled its base model sibling. In other words, this is a case where you need to pick your poison, either handling or straight-line acceleration. And of course the upcoming EcoBoost will add another interesting option to consider in a few short months.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge: First Drive

[Source: Motor Trend]

Whoops! MT discovers Ford Edge Sport slower than less powerful SEL model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition looks ready to erupt

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Land Rover, UK, Luxury

Project Kahn Range Rover Vesuvius

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

As luxury sport-utes go, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is one heck of a machine. But if your neighborhood or office parking lot is already jam-packed with ’em, you may want to set yours apart as something unique. Something that really smolders. The Vesuvius edition from Project Kahn ought to do the trick.

The Vesuvius edition was previously issued on the original Range Rover Sport, but now that LR has updated the its muscle-bound SUV, so has Kahn. The Vesuvius edition features a full color-keyed aero package, an interior decked out in quilted and perforated leather, plus custom 22-inch wheels that have a surprisingly ‘factory’ look to them. The orange-and-black motif is finished off with special touches like a carbon-fiber umbrella and a custom watch made to match the vehicle. Check it out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition

[Source: Project Kahn via CarScoop]

Project Kahn Range Rover Sport Vesuvius Edition looks ready to erupt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s top speed will be 10 mph less than record [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Bugatti, Racing

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
World-record breaking Bugatti Veyron Super Sport on the track – Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh what teases those Bugatti folks are. They brought the new Veyron Super Sport to Laguna Seca during classic car week here in Monterey… and did a parade lap at a pace about one-tenth of the car’s record-breaking 268-mile per hour top speed. We never expected it to take to the track in anger, but getting out of first gear would’ve been nice. Despite the slow speeds, we captured a bit of video that we think you might like.

Bugatti also announced a few details about the Super Sport that we hadn’t heard before. First, the SS will account for the final 40 Veyrons built in the car’s 300-unit run. Second, owners of the Super Sport might be saddened to learn that the car is going to be limited to just 258 miles per hour, 10 mph short of the terminal velocity it reached to set the land speed record for a production car back in early July. Bugatti was a bit tight-lipped on why, so we’re speculating it might be the tires. Actually it could be that the gas tank will now empty in 30 seconds while traveling at the car’s top speed, but who knows.

Click through and you’ll be able to see the black-and-orange SS leading the vintage Bugatti Grand Prix grid out of the pits as they form up for their Saturday race. We’ve also put together some still images of the über-Veyron during its visit to the track in the gallery below. Enjoy.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport at Laguna Seca

Bugatti Veyron Super SportBugatti Veyron Super SportBugatti Veyron Super SportBugatti Veyron Super SportBugatti Veyron Super Sport

Photos and video copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOL

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s top speed will be 10 mph less than record [w/video]

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s top speed will be 10 mph less than record [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2010: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport makes North American debut

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Bugatti

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

Bugatti made big news last month when it unveiled the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The 1200-horsepower supercar smashed the production car speed record by reaching nearly 268 mph at the Volkswagen proving grounds, and it even made the fastest ever lap around the Top Gear test track in the hands of the Stig.

We’ve previously only seen pictures of just one Super Sport model – the record-setting car with the polarizing orange and black paint scheme – but now we know that the Bugatti factory has spewed out at least two examples. The Super Sport made its North American debut at the Quail Motorsports Gathering earlier today with gorgeous blue carbon fiber paint. We have to say we much prefer it over its counterpart.

We’ve heard the record-setting Super Sport is also in town and will be at Laguna Seca, so we’ll hopefully be able to bring you more photos of that car, and expect plenty more coverage from the Quail Motorsports Gathering throughout this weekend.

Gallery: Monterey 2010: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Monterey 2010: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport makes North American debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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