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Followup: NHTSA upgrades Corvette headlight investigation

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Corvette front three-quarter

It’s looking more and more likely that we’ll be seeing a recall of certain sixth-generation Corvettes, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has upgraded its initial investigation to an engineering analysis, the final stage before the Feds can request a full-on recall. The problems, which we first reported on back in May, had to do with headlights that would randomly cut out for some 2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Corvette models. NHTSA has received 95 complaints from owners of random headlight failures, while The Detroit News states that there have also been four reports from owners of 2008 Vettes.

The issue, which affects 103,374 cars, is believed to be caused by a fuse block in the engine bay. Located in a high-heat area, it can short out when exposed to increased temperatures, leading to the headlight failure. It’s not entirely clear if the issues extend to the Corvette’s Z06 and ZR1 variants.

General Motors is cooperating with NHTSA throughout the investigation, a spokesperson told The News.

NHTSA upgrades Corvette headlight investigation originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Aug 2013 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Hennessey unveils C7 Corvette Stingray upgrades that reach 1,000 HP

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty, Racing

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray hasn’t even arrived in showrooms, but that minor speed bump hasn’t slowed Hennessey Performance (HPE) from introducing a full suite of packaged (and à la carte) upgrades to the highly anticipated American sports car that will undoubtedly trump even the factory’s future high-performance Z06 and ZR1 models.

In base form, the C7’s new 6.2-liter V8 will be rated at 455 horsepower. While that’s a strong start, Hennessey’s first two packages bolt on a TVS2300 supercharger system and other miscellaneous upgrades to find upwards of 150 additional horses (both come with a 3 Year/36,000-mile warranty). The more aggressive packages start with an HPE custom balanced and forged engine that is accompanied by two ball-bearing turbochargers, forged pistons and plenty of other go-fast hardware to deliver up to 1,000 horsepower (both come with a 1 Year/12,000-mile warranty).

The company has announced four different upgrade programs (prices include professional installation):

HPE600 Supercharged ($12,495) 600 hp @ 6,300 rpm
HPE700 Supercharged ($18,450) 700 hp @ 6,300 rpm
HPE800 Twin-Turbo ($54,950) 800 hp @ 6,300 rpm
HPE1000 Twin-Turbo ($67,950) 1,100 hp @ 6,300 rpm

John Hennessey told Autoblog that his company has been planning the C7 upgrades “for over a year” and that his team is “confident that we will be able to adapt the same types of upgrades that we have been doing for the C6 models over the past several years.” While he was unable to offer any performance estimates, Hennessey reminded us that his HPE700 upgrade on the C6 Grand Sport ran 0-60 in 3.3 sec. and 10.7 sec. @ 128 mph. “I would expect similar performance on the C7 or possibly a bit quicker,” he said. “We prefer to be cautious on performance estimates and promises until we know for a fact what the numbers are.” Hennessey Performance plans to have the first cars in customer’s hands by the end of the year.

Hennessey unveils C7 Corvette Stingray upgrades that reach 1,000 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Volvo

2012 Volvo S80

2012 Volvo S80 – Click above for high-res image gallery

On the outside, the changes to the 2012 Volvo S80 and XC70 aren’t immediately noticeable. The headlamps have been redesigned, the S80 gets LED turn signals in the side mirrors and each model gets a new exterior color choice. Underneath the skin, however, these two Volvos have received a handful of new tricks.

Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system, which made its debut with the 2011 S60, has found its way into the 2012 S80 and XC70, allowing the driver to easily operate audio, video, Bluetooth and navigational controls. It also provides information and setting adjustment for safety features such as City Safety, Collision Warning and Active Cruise Control.

The City Safety system is now a standard feature on both of these 2012 models. The automaker has also added Pedestrian Detection, which keeps an eye out for foot traffic and provides an audible warning if it feels a collision is imminent. Should the driver fail to heed that warning, the S80 or XC70 can fully engage the brake automatically.

Check out the updated 2012 Volvo XC70 and S80 in the galleries below. Also, be sure to take a look at the full press released posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S80

2012 Volvo S80

Gallery: 2012 Volvo XC70

2012 Volvo XC70

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012

Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche upgrades world’s best-selling racing car with new RS-based 911 GT3 Cup

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Porsche, Racing

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup – Click above for high-res image gallery

As many Porsche 911s as you think you might see at the golf course, yacht club or shopping mall, that’s nothing compared to the legions regularly running around racing circuits worldwide. Aside from the myriad open GT grids dominated by Stuttgart machinery, the iconic German sportscar is the spec racer of choice for various national Porsche Carrera Cup championships and the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup that supports F1 races around the year. Those series use the versatile 911 GT3 Cup. With over 1,400 sold since 1998, Porsche maintains that it’s the best-selling racing car of all time, and it has just announced a new model for the 2011 season onward.

Whereas the outgoing Cup racer was based on the street-going 911 GT3, the new model starts life as the harder, faster and sharper GT3 RS. That means a wider body that can accommodate bigger wheels, tires and brakes. It also carries the larger 3.8-liter flat-six with 450 horsepower – 30 more horses than the outgoing model coming from 200cc of added displacement. It also looks more like the RS, with an aggressive aero package and LED lighting for when tracks go dark and dreary.

The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup will make its track debut at the opening round of next season’s Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship, but you can delve into the details right now in the press release after the jump and in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche upgrades world’s best-selling racing car with new RS-based 911 GT3 Cup

Porsche upgrades world’s best-selling racing car with new RS-based 911 GT3 Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, MISC

Wiesmann Coupe prototype

Spy Shots: Wiesmann prototype out for a spin – Click above for high-res image gallery

Wiesmann was in a bit of a pickle when BMW announced it was no longer producing its V10. In addition to the M5 and M6, the high-revving 10 was used to power the Roadster MF5 and GT MF5 and we assumed Wiesmann would make the switch to the new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. We were right. What we didn’t guess is that it would be sticking the new mill under the hoods of both the Roadster MF4 and GT MF4. The Wiesmann MF3 will retain its 343 horsepower six-cylinder engine.

No word yet on how much power the twin-turbo will produce when utilized with the MF4, but when stuffed into the engine bay of the MF5 it’s set to produce 555 horsepower, allowing it to run from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, hit a top speed of 193 mph and become the most powerful Wiesmann ever produced.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe

[Source: Wiesmann]

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Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM confirms smaller dealer network, upgrades in the works

Filed under: Car Buying, GM

gm dealer

Updated Cadillac dealership – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the months leading up to its 2009 bankruptcy filing, General Motors attempted to shut down about one third of its 6,049 dealers that were operating at the time. However, some 1,176 of the 2,046 stores slated for closure weren’t ready to quit just yet and filed arbitration claims to try and stay in business. GM has now completed the arbitration process, with 702 dealers reconfirmed to remain in business. For those keeping track, this will leave GM with about 4,500 stores as of the end of this year.

Of the remaining dealers, many will be getting upgrades to their showrooms and service departments in the hopes of being more appealing to customers. Service departments are getting waiting rooms with power outlets for phones and laptop computers as well as free WiFi so customers can get some work done (or play on Facebook) while they wait.

Storefronts are also getting an update and new signage to give them a more modern and consistent look. By the end of this year, about 1,300 dealers will have been upgraded. Now GM just needs to get the brand new Chevy Cruze and Buick Regal into those refreshed showrooms so that customers have something up-to-date to buy.

Gallery: Updated Cadillac dealerships

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms smaller dealer network, upgrades in the works

GM confirms smaller dealer network, upgrades in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

MTM Audi RS5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The clever wrenches at the German tuning powerhouse MTM have gotten a hold of the Audi RS5. Always ones to turn fast faster, the group claims to have squeezed the car’s top speed to 188 mph. But instead of focusing on pulling even more horsepower from the already staggering 4.2-liter V8, the company simply upped the factory speed limiter to allow for a more potent v-max. MTM will politely ask for a check for $1,429 (at current conversion rates) for the upgrade, which isn’t exactly pocket change. According to MTM, the car still produces 450 horsepower, though the company will be happy to supply you with a new free-breathing exhaust system that just might turn an extra pony or two loose.

In addition to the lofty top speed, MTM has rolled out a hefty selection of wheels just for the RS5. We’re guessing a new set of tires will probably be in order if you plan on bumping up against that new 188 mph top end, too. Eventually, the company plans to roll out a complete suspension for the car. And here’s hoping they come up with some equally competent brakes in the process.

Gallery: MTM Audi RS5

[Source: MTM]

MTM releases first round of upgrades for RS5, raises top speed to 188 mph originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercedes-Benz has released the skinny on the upgrades the company has planned for next year’s E63 AMG, at least for European buyers. According to the German automaker, the four-door will come from the factory with an extra 11 horsepower, thanks largely to new tuning. That bumps the final figure to 525 ponies, though the Silver Arrow claims that it has managed to increase the mill’s efficiency as well – cutting consumption by a full 12 percent. Of course, that’s assuming that you can keep from bumping the redline on that big 6.3-liter V8 every time you leave a stoplight, something you’re sure to want to do.

We’re not sure whether buyers will actually be able to feel that 11 horsepower bump, either, but odds are that they will notice some key changes to the interior. Mercedes-Benz is offering the 2011 E63 AMG with a slew of interior niceties as standard equipment. The company has skinned the dash and door panels in Artico leather, and the center console will henceforth be dipped in a piano black lacquer finish for good measure – both of which used to be optional. We can’t speak for the power and efficiency updates, but we have confirmed with Benz reps in the States that the interior upgrades are headed to U.S. showrooms, so chances are this is a good look at what we can expect when the 2011 E63 AMG hits our shores. Hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades

Mercedes-Benz’s all-conquering E63 AMG gets power bump, interior upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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