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Report: No FWD Smart crossover in the works, but two concepts headed for Frankfurt

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Smart

If you’re a fan of Daimler’s Smart brand, here is some potentially good news for you today. First, a pair of concept vehicles will be on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month previewing the next-gen Fortwo and Forfour models, and more interestingly, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has stated that are no plans to offer a front-engine, front-drive vehicle for the Smart brand, both reports according to Autocar.

There has been no shortage of concept vehicles from Smart in recent years, but with the Fortwo and Forfour due out in the next year or two, these concepts could be pretty close to the production designs. As for future products beyond these two models, Zetsche told Autocar the rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is a “defining feature” for Smart, and a future crossover model will be based on the new Forfour platform rather than sharing its platform with a more conventional product in the Daimler portfolio.

No FWD Smart crossover in the works, but two concepts headed for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Aug 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Porsche Panamera Turbo S in the works?

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Rumormill

2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo

Porsche Panamera Turbo – Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche is reportedly working on a new range-topping Turbo S version of its four-door Panamera. Much like the Turbo S versions of the 911 and Cayenne, this would likely mean a bump in power is in order, as well as tweaked design elements and some additional standard equipment.

Autoblog.it reports that the Panamera Turbo S is expected to produce around 550 horsepower – 50 hp more than the ‘base’ Turbo. Torque output is also pegged to increase from 516 pound-feet (or 568 lb-ft with the Sport Chrono Turbo pack) to around 590 lb-ft. Thus, the Panamera Turbo S should sprint to 62 miles per hour in around 3.8 seconds.

Rumors suggest that Porsche could debut its Panamera Turbo S as early as April at either the New York Auto Show or the Shanghai Motor Show. Based on the price premium the 911 Turbo S commands over the 911 Turbo, we expect the mooted Panamera Turbo S to be priced somewhere around the $160,000 mark.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera

[Source: Autoblog.it (translated)]

Rumormill: Porsche Panamera Turbo S in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A1 quattro works it out in the snow

Filed under: Hatchback, Audi

Audi A1 quattro in the snow

The Audi A1 quattro finally gets to play in the snow – Click above for high-res image gallery

The diminutive Audi A1 hatchback has had to watch as it’s older siblings enjoyed all-weather fun thanks to their quattro all-wheel drive system. Now the previously front-drive-only three-door is set to join in on that fun. Audi wants to make sure every model is offered with the quattro system and testing has begun on a quattro-equipped A1.

The Audi A1 quattro is packed with technology akin to its TT and A3 siblings. An electronically-controlled, hydraulically-actuated clutch sits in front of the rear axle. This unit sends most of the power to the front wheels but can transfer torque to the rear should the front lose traction. get all the details in the press blast after the jump.

Gallery: Audi A1 quattro

Audi A1 quattro

[Source: Audi]

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Audi A1 quattro works it out in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Most in Iraq drive without licenses as gov’t. works to institute new permits

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Middle East

Iraqi licensing procedure

Judging by what we’ve seen on the web, driving through Iraq is a few notches tougher than dealing with Southern California during rush hour. It appears to be the old “Anything Goes” method when moving from Point A to Point B. Iraqi authorities are looking to change that by introducing a licensing system that aims to instruct drivers on correct procedures while hoping to also cut down the madness seen on the roads around the nation.

According to an AFP report, the number of cars on the Iraq’s streets has doubled since Saddam Hussein’s regime collapsed. Prior to the 2003 US.. invasion, there were 1.25 million registered vehicles, and now an additional 1.5 million have been imported into the country. With that many new vehicles hitting the road, authorities are working to implement a system to ensure that motorists understand how to legally operate their own vehicle.

Since the program was launched on October 21, some 8,000 drivers licenses have been issued. As the officials get more familiar with the procedures and computer systems, that pace is expected to pick up. The ultimate goal is that in just two years time every driver on the road will be one carrying a legal license to do so.

[Source: AFP via Yahoo! | Image: AFP/Getty]

Report: Most in Iraq drive without licenses as gov’t. works to institute new permits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini Mini rumored to be in the works

Filed under: BMW, Mini, Rumormill

2011 Mini Cooper

2011 Mini Cooper – Click above for high-res image gallery

Wolfgang Armbrecht, head of BMW’s Mini brand recently hinted that a smaller small car may be in the works. In an interview with Germany’s Financial Times Deutschland, Ampbrecht admitted that Mini may develop a small car for parent company BMW. We’ve actually heard these rumors before when talk sprang up about the potential for a BMW 0 Series.

If the thought of a Mini Mini crossed with BMW parts makes you excited, you’re not alone. Who could say ‘No’ to the Ultimate Go-Karting Machine? As of yet however, there are no reports of a build timeline or potential specs, but a glimpse of what’s to come is said to be earmarked for next month’s Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: 2011 Mini Cooper: First Drive

2011 Mini Cooper

Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Mini Mini rumored to be in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GT5 creator reveals fixes in the works, more functionality coming

Filed under: Toys/Games

Gran Turismo 5 cover Gran Turismo 5 has been pretty polarizing, right out of the gate. Some diehard fans are so excited that it’s here, they may not care about the obvious issues the game has at launch. On the other end of the spectrum, some folks are quick to deride the racing sim as being terrible when that’s far from true. The reality is that Gran Turismo 5 falls somewhere in between these two extreme points of view. It is pretty amazing, while its flaws are clearly visible. Creator Kazunori Yamauchi has revealed that fixes are planned, and should arrive by early December.

What exactly do these fixes include? Mechanical damage will be added to the existing cosmetic damage, the “blocky shadows” will be resolved, online functionality will be increased and the ability to disable the HUD is mentioned as a possible option.

Whatever your gripes with the game may be, it’s nice to hear that Polyphony Digital is listening. The ability to implement fixes and dole them out by way of a download is a far cry better from the old days of waiting for the next generation game.

[Source: Joystiq]

GT5 creator reveals fixes in the works, more functionality coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hotter Subaru Forester in the works?

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Subaru, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia

Subaru Forester STI

Scooby fans down under might get the first look at an STI version of the Subaru Forester meant for global markets. It’s only speculation at this point, but Subaru has said it will bring a “sporty SUV,” and the Sydney Morning Herald figures an additionally boosted Forester makes the most sense.

Regardless of whether such a beast would wear an STI badge – if it exists at all – the theory goes that it would get an STI-like jump in power above the turbocharged Forester currently on sale in Australia. The JDM version of the Forester STI, on sale for five years, puts down 322 horsepower – that’s 26 more ponies than are available in the Aussie WRX STI.

The Forester is already the top-selling compact SUV in Australia. Right now the most powerful version is the 227-hp XT model, so a boost in gumption would place it incontestably above the 268-hp Toyota RAV4 and 235-hp Mazda CX-7. Subaru won’t confirm anything else about what will be revealed, except that it could go worldwide.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]

Hotter Subaru Forester in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works?

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Subaru, Celebrities

Travis Pastrana at Mt. Washington

As if his success in motocross and rally racing weren’t enough, Travis Pastrana may be looking for still bigger mountains to climb. Mainly, Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft.

Autoblog reader Andrew Stowell caught up with Pastrana at the famed Mt. Washington Auto Road where the multi-medal X Games winner was reportedly scouting turns, making pace notes and filming some interviews for what should be a new YouTube sensation if he accomplishes this mission.

Travis Pastrana's Subaru WRX at Mt. Washington According to Stowell, Pastrana’s plan is to break the Mt. Washington Auto Road record of six minutes and 42 seconds set in 1998 by Frank Sprongl driving an Audi Quattro (see Sprogl’s run in full after the jump). Pastrana will supposedly be driving his X Games rally WRX STI, though when Stowell caught him he was behind the wheel of a stock WRX for practice.

Astute readers will remember my own tale of tackling the Auto Road this summer in Autoblog’s long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, which I accomplished in around 25 minutes amidst heavy tourist traffic. The eight-mile road is not for the faint of heart with over 100 turns. True, Pikes Peak is longer at 12.4 miles and turnier with 156 curves, but that famous stretch of Colorado road rises at an average incline of just 7 degrees. The Mt. Washington Auto Road reaches for the skies at a 12-degree angle, and the road is narrower too. So let’s just say it’s no drive in the park.

We’re not exactly sure when Pastrana will possibly attempt a record run, or if in fact that’s what he’s doing there. Subaru of America told us that it’s a Red Bull-sponsored stunt and they’re not involved, and Red Bull Motorsports has yet to respond to our inquiries. Nevertheless, our man on the ground claims the attempt will happen on Thursday. We’ll keep you updated when we find out how he did.

Continue reading Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works?

Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sportec works over the Porsche Panamera Turbo

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Porsche, UK, Luxury

Sportec Panamera

Sportec Porsche Panamera – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last seen turning the Porsche 911 Turbo into the SPR1R, Swiss tuner Sportec has turned its attention to the Panamara Turbo with the creation of two upgrade packages. The stage 1 kit bumps the standard 493 horsepower to 560, and adds 60 more pound-feet of torque for a total of 576. The underhood tweaks translate into a 0-to-62 time of 3.9 seconds, 0.3 quicker than stock. It can be yours for £2,900 ($4,626 U.S.).

The stage 2 kit adds a sport exhaust with remote-controlled butterflies to the stage 1 setup, delivering 575 hp and 598 lb-ft. You drop another 0.1 second off that 0-to-62 time, but it’ll cost you more: £7,990 ($12,745 U.S.). Follow the jump for the press release and check out the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Sportec 575-HP Porsche Panamera

[Source: Sportec]

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Sportec works over the Porsche Panamera Turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 15:36:00 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]

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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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