Autoblog

2010 Chevy Camaro SS gets unfortunate Fergalicious debut

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-21T18:22:00+00:00

Of all the places for Chevy reveal the 2010 Camaro SS, it's chosen a GM-sponsored photo spread for Conde Nast. The free supplement's zeitgeist is "Fashion Rocks" and in keeping with the theme, they've chosen the decidedly un-rocking Fergie as the musical icon to accompany the Camaro SS on glossy stock.

Comparing the image above with the pictures Chevrolet released last month, you can clearly see the SS badging, deeper fascia and upgraded brakes, reported to be sized 14-inches up front and clamped by calipers by Brembo.

The Camaro SS will be packing a 422 hp (estimated), 6.2-liter V8 and will go on sale in March of next year, along with the V6 RS models.

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Gallery: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro: Live Reveal

[Source: InsideLine]

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Cobb Tuning gives the GT-R a serious bump in power

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-21T16:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Supercars, Nissan

Cobb Tuning has re-engineered its AccessPort control unit for the new R35 Nissan GT-R. For those of you lucky enough to own a GT-R and not content with its performance out of the box, the $995 AccessPort will reflash the ECU to any one of six different tuning levels.

There are three levels each for Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 can get you up to 63 additional ponies and 70 lb.-ft. of additional twist, while Stage 2 can boost the numbers by 70 and 90 respectively. The AccessPort can also save your stock ECU data and reflash it when you decide you're finished with all that extra gumption. According to a GT-R owner who tried it out, you can be blowing past all those regular GT-Rs in less than an hour.

And that's not all: you can store multiple engine mapping programs, remove trouble codes, install reduced-power valet and economy modes, and update maps over the Internet. It seems like a ridiculously easy proposition for making your supercar that much more super. So if you got one of those GT-Rs that are a little low on horses, this could be just the ticket.

[Source: Bespoke Ventures]

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Spy Shots: Audi RS5 spied undisguised in Death Valley

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-21T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Audi

With the high-strung Audi RS5 looming large on the horizon, an entirely undisguised test mule has been spotted undergoing hot-weather testing in the infamous Death Valley in the southeastern United States. Picking up where the S5 left off, the test mule is wearing a new, more aggressive front end, which is expected to be matched around back by the time the model is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next March.

While these spy shots give us a more accurate picture of what to expect from the M3-rivalling Audi super-coupe visually, there remains much debate and speculation over what will be providing the motivation. The same 4.2-liter V8 from the RS4 remains one solid possibility, with the potential for a power increase to 450 hp. Other reports suggest that, like Audi differentiated the RS6 from the S6, the RS5's V8 could gain a set of turbochargers. Meanwhile, a third possibility involves shoehorning in the V10 from the RS6, with or without the turbos. Which option makes most sense depends on how Audi views the positioning of the RS5: a two-door RS4, or two-door RS6, or a beefed up S5. They all make sense to us and we'll have to wait and see what turns up. Either way, we have a feeling we won't be disappointed.

[Source: TCC]

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Rendered Speculation: Next Euro Civic will look like Scirocco?

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-21T11:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Hatchbacks, Honda, Rendered Speculation

Keeping track of who's cribbing whose automotive designs is about to get even more difficult once Honda brings its new Euro Civic to market. If this rendering from Auto Express is to be believed, the new hatch is a certifiable stunner. That is due in large part to the fact it looks almost exactly like another stunner: the new Volkswagen Scirocco. Swap out the grille and the rear lights, and that Honda is... practically a VW.

The OSM concept at the British Auto Show was the appetizer for the next Euro Civic's looks -- there was simply more distance between it and That Other Hatch since the OSM had no top. Under the hood, though, Honda has vastly different plans: rumors include a 1.5-liter hybrid with 150 hp and a 2.0-liter for the Type R that could be assisted by an electric motor

The 2-door hatch will be a different proposition than the 4-door and aimed at a different buyer just like the current models in Europe. Not that it will make a difference to American buyers, because just like the car it (kind of) plays doppelganger to, the Civic hatch isn't coming to the U.S. Thanks for the tip, Colin!

[Source: Auto Express]

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Design Study: Nissan 240/Fairlady Z successor

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-20T18:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Nissan, Rendered Speculation

Click above for a high-res gallery.

Nissan's plans for an affordable, rear-wheel-drive coupe to slot in below the current Z have been rumored for years and we've been informed that internal politics have killed off at least one revival of an iconic Datsun. If work ever gets underway on another budget coupe, Nissan should seriously pursue Polish designer Iacoski and his interpretation of a 240Z/Fairlady revival.

Aft of the a-pillar, Iacoski's inspiration is clearly apparent, blending the old 240's slopping roofline and short rear overhangs with the muscular haunches and angled fender flares of the current 350Z. Up front, the Photoshop wizard retained the old Fairlady's elongated hood and power bulge, and matched them with a front air dam, bumper and headlamp arrangement influenced by the second GTR Proto concept.

We're totally smitten and think you'll be equally entertained when you check out the gallery of images below.

Gallery: Iacoski Datsun 240Z/Fairlady

[Source: Digimods via NihonCar]

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Hyundai to sell 50,000 Genesis per year, Sonata hybrid coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-20T15:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Hyundai

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Hyundai Genesis sedan.

Hyundai's first foray into the world of rear-wheel-drive needs to be a success in order to justify the development, manufacturing and launching costs. Hyundai's vice president for product development, John Krafcik, told reports that the automaker expects to sell 50,000 Genesis models annually in the U.S. - 20,000 sedans and 30,000 coupes.

But the Genesis is only part of Hyundai's image makeover. The Korean manufacturer intends to launch its first hybrid model by 2010, equipped with a next generation lithium-ion battery pack. According to Krafcik, "Our first U.S. hybrid is going to be the Sonata," however, Hyundai has no plans to offer the new sedan with a plug-in option. That's a strategy that's served Toyota well, and Hyundai is clearly trying to follow in the Japanese juggernaut's footsteps.

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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C&D dreams up future Mustangs they haven't made yet

John Neff — 2008-08-19T19:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Ford, Humor

Click the Smokey and the Bandit Mustang for more

We hear it from the peanut gallery every time we post about another new Mustang variation. It doesn't matter if the car comes from a small niche manufacturer, SALEEN, ROUSH or even Ford itself - people have gotten sick of Mustang mania. CARandDRIVER.com decided that beyond the Bullit, Warriors in Pink, Black Jack, Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney Special Editions, as well as various examples from Hertz, there are a few more Mustang models that have yet to be explored. According to C&D, the market's ripe for a return of the four-cylinder Mustang, and there are plenty of other worthy causes around which you could market a Mustang besides breast cancer. Plus, if KITT could go from being a Trans Am to a Mustang, why can't Smokey's famous winged muscle car do the same? If you couldn't tell by now, the C&D folk are just exercising their funny bone here. There's a couple more we haven't mentioned, so check 'em out in the gallery below and click the source link to read their funny background stories.

Gallery: Five Future Ford Mustangs

[Source: CARandDRIVER.com]

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2010 Cadillac CTS coupe coming to LA Auto Show

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-18T14:28:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Cadillac

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Cadillac CTS coupe.

This past Saturday in Monterey, Cadillac invited a select group of journalists to see the production version of the CTS coupe. Naturally, cameras weren't allowed inside the Caddy tent to keep images leaking out ahead of the coupe's official unveiling this November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

However, a lack of pictures hasn't stopped InsideLine from going into detail about what the CTS coupe will look like when it rolls onto the stand in LA. According to the report, the coupe is virtually unchanged from its conceptual predecessor, with everything ahead of the A-pillars pulled directly from its sedan counterpart. The massive C-pillars have remained, along with the vertical taillights and steeply raked rear window. Thankfully, Cadillac saw fit to include a back-up camera to make up for the lack of rearward visibility.

Production will begin next summer at GM's Lansing Grand River plant, and while GM execs remain mum on engine choices, expect the same duo of V6s available on the sedan and sport wagon to carry over to the coupe, along with the CTS-V's 550 hp, supercharged 6.2-liter V8 later down the line.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe - spy shots II

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

[Source: InsideLine]

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Monterey 2008: Infiniti releases G37x coupe, G37 sedan, revised M35

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-18T10:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a high-res gallery of Infiniti in Monterey.

Infiniti ramped up its presence in Monterey this year with the new G37 sedan and G37x coupe, the latter equipped with the automaker's advanced ATTESSA E-TSO all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic gearbox. We're looking forward to seeing if the AWD coupe can retain the engaging driving characteristics of its RWD counterpart, while providing the security of all-wheel-drive for those of us that like to make a run into the mountains during the snow season.

Infiniti also used its time on the peninsula to show off the first image of the G37 convertible (we curbed our urge to take a picture of the picture), along with the release of the revised M35 and M35x. The 2009 model benefits from the automaker's scratch shield paint, new seven-speed auto 'box and an increase in output to 303 hp, while still boosting fuel economy by one mpg. We're eagerly anticipating the 3.7-liter V6 finding its way under the hood of the M sometime around the turn of the decade, with some G-inspired styling to match its newfound horsepower.

Gallery: Infiniti in Monterey 2008

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Woodward 2008: Hankering for Hot Rods?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-17T10:34:00+00:00

Filed under: Time Warp, Coupes, Misc. Auto Shows, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for a gallery of Hot Rods on Woodward

Cruising amongst the various cars down Woodward this weekend were quite a few machines that fit into the Hot Rod genre. Starting with a classic old-school vehicle platform, adding power and lowering it to the ground, the Hot Rod ethos still manages to attract its fair share of gawkers, including those of us wielding cameras. Take a look at the gallery we assembled below for the coolest 'rods and customs we could find.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Hot Rods

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Woodward 2008: Flexing the American muscle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-16T20:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Time Warp, Coupes, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for more high-res images of muscle cars on Woodward

It's with fond memories that we look back on the age of the muscle car, their big-inch V8 engines belching power and burning tires long before it was politically incorrect to do so. Starting with humble mid-size coupe origins, the Pontiac GTO ignited a trend that is just now starting to come back in style after decades of gathering dust in the corner. Still, those classic stoplight predators from the '60s and early '70s get their day in the sun today on Woodward Avenue. Take a look at all the classic American muscle we found in the gallery below.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Musclecars

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Spy Shots: Nissan 370Z shows off its redesigned rump

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-15T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Nissan

A forum member at VWVortex caught a mildly disguised Nissan 370Z on the freeway, and the two shots give us clearer glimpse of what to expect when the new Z debuts in Los Angeles this November.

It's been widely reported that the 2010 370Z will be shortened by four inches and will ride on a slightly widened track, but without a profile shot, it's hard to tell. The rear three-quarter view shows reworked rear windows that are slightly smaller, with the bottom edge angling steeply towards the roofline. The rear glass of the hatch is sunken in, and incorporates a small spoiler into the trunk lid, while the fenders appear wider than the outgoing model and the tail lamps are equipped with LEDs.

Up front, the restyled headlamps are obscured by the camouflage, but the redesigned front fascia is easily identifiable, as is the tweaked hood, which features a slight power bulge flanked by two accent lines stretching from the windshield to the bumper.

It's nothing radical, but it should be interesting to see how Nissan implements some of its new styling cues from the Maxima and GT-R into new Z.

Thanks for the tip Ross!

[Source: VWVortex]

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Jaguar XKR-S won't be coming to the States

Michael Harley — 2008-08-15T13:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Jaguar

One of the hottest Jags to roll out of Coventry isn't coming to our shores. The highly-tuned 420-hp Jaguar XKR-S sports coupe features stiffer springs, firmer dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, quickened steering, and lighter forged 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance rubber. Aerodynamic changes, including a new rear spoiler, reduce lift up front by 60 percent, and 17 percent at the rear, while overall drag drops by three percent. The supercharged V8 is unchanged. Limited to a run of just 200 cars, Jaguar North America doesn't feel it can run head-to-head with the likes of tuned Porsches and other sports cars in the States so the automaker is limiting sales to just Germany and Britain. What? You don't think we can handle it?

Gallery: 2008 Jaguar XKR-S

[Source: Autoweek]

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Ford launches 2010 Mustang countdown site, reveal coming Nov. 19

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-08-15T12:33:00+00:00

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford

Taking a hint from Ferrari and its California GT Countdown, and not wanting the Camaro and Challenger to get all the attention, Ford has launched its own 2010 Mustang countdown. While the new 'Stang won't hit the streets until next spring, 96 days separate us from its official unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In the run-up to the launch, Ford has invited fans of the original Pony Car to recount related stories on its new website, the2010mustang.com. Starting August 27, the site will give visitors the opportunity to share their tales, with the most compelling story winning the writer his very own 2010 Mustang, along with a trip to LA to see the wraps come off. In the meantime, you can sign up for email updates as Ford continues to tease us for the next three months.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang goes to Road America

[Source: Ford]

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Toyota Supra is DOA, FJ Cruiser won't be refreshed, more hybrids on the way

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-08-15T11:35:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Toyota

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota FT-HS concept.

A report by Automotive News detailing Toyota's future products reveals that the automaker's focus will be realigned to meet new fuel efficiency standards and limiting high-powered and niche offerings.

On the hybrid side, the new Prius will debut in Detroit, with sales beginning in the spring of 2009 as a 2010 model. The nickel-metal hydride battery will remain, and because of that, the plug-in model will be delayed until a lithium ion battery is offered. The new Prius will be packing the Corolla's 1.8-liter four cylinder and the car will be an inch wider and a half-inch longer. The second hybrid model might not come to Detroit, but development is currently under way and sales will be limited to Japan.

The Supra revival has been shelved due to high mpg requirements, allowing Toyota to focus on its RWD coupe, jointly developed by Subaru. Also, there's only room for one body-on-frame SUV from the automaker, so the 4Runner will be re-engineered for the 2010 model year, will debut in either New York or Chicago, and the FJ Cruiser will complete its lifecycle and be dropped in the next few years.

The Sienna and Venza will be equipped with hybrid drivetrains in 2012, with the Sienna receiving a facelift late next year, along with more cargo space and room for third-row occupants.

The report goes on to state that the Corolla will be redesigned in 2013, along with the Matrix, the next Camry will receive a facelift in 2010, with the new model debuting in 2012, and the new Avalon will debut in 2011 as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Toyota FT-HS Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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Honda discovers 3.5L V6 more powerful than first thought

Michael Harley — 2008-08-13T13:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Honda

There is nothing better than finding a few stray horses that were previously unaccounted for. Honda engineers were running tests on the Accord's 3.5L V6 engine when they realized it was spinning the dyno with more horsepower and torque than originally thought. It caught the Honda team off guard, as the powerplant has received no design changes to warrant the extra power. Regardless, the marketing folks have been quick to update the power ratings of the 3.5-liter 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC powerplant. Here are the new numbers for 2009: 271 hp replaces 268 hp on all V6 models, 254 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on automatic transmission models and 251 lb-ft. replaces 248 lb-ft. on manual transmission models. One would have to assume that the 2008 model made the same power, it just wasn't noticed... Thanks for the tip, Steve!

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda discovers 3.5L V6 more powerful than first thought

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Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-13T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Tech, Videos, Supercars, Audi, Toys

Click above to view video after the jump

Alex Roy, currently locked in an M5 with our own Damon Lavric, recently got a video tour of a rather nifty Audi R8 owned by someone who insists he remain nameless. Codenamed Blackbird, the coupe is stuffed with enough gadgets to be a testbed for NASA's shuttle replacement, but don't for a second think the interior resembles a jungle of wires, screens and antennae: all the electronic gear is seamlessly integrated in a most impressive way. A sample of the wares in the blacked out supercar with the gunmetal gray blade include four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, a remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve, and -- get this -- a liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator. Apparently, you don't want to stand by that last item if you wish to have children. Follow the jump for the whole story in moving pictures. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

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First two Dodge Challenger SEs delivered to Ohio this week

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-13T08:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Chrysler, LLC.

If you want to sport a Dodge Challenger without the fire-breathing V8 or the hefty price tag, the time to act is now. The first two Dodge Challenger SE models have arrived in Ohio this week, and 500 models are en-route to dealerships in the U.S. and Canada as you read this. The SE Challenger packs Chrysler's ho-hum 3.5L V6 with 250 horsepower and a truly retro four speed automatic, but the news is far from all bad. You still get the Challenger's muscular looks, power flowing through the rear wheels, and a hard to beat entry price of only $21,995. You probably won't win many races, but at least you won't be driving an Avenger. Seriously, though, the Challenger SE charmed us at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show where it debuted with a simple proposition: cheap, rear-wheel-drive fun on four wheels.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger SE - Live Reveal

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

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BMW announces new Edition Sport for 6 Series

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-12T15:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, BMW, Special/Limited Editions

Click for a hi-res gallery of the BMW 6 Edition Sport

BMW has responded to customer demand for a tauter 6 Series by announcing the availability of a new Edition Sport trim level for the grand tourer. While the new Competition Package offers a host of modifications for the M6, the Edition Sport follows along the same lines for the rest of the 6 Series range, including both coupe and convertible models.

The package includes a restyled hood and new lightweight 19" alloys, plus stiffer anti-roll bars and the anti-roll stabilization system borrowed from the M division. Brushed aluminum trim for the cabin and fog lights also form part of the Edition Sport, along with a couple of new colors. The 650i Edition Sport also benefits from a new exhaust system. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced for the US market, but the package commands a £1500-2000 premium in the UK. While we wait for word, you can check out the British press release after the jump and the gallery of high-resolution images below.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Edition Sport

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces new Edition Sport for 6 Series

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Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS coupe caught with minimal camo

John Neff — 2008-08-12T11:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Cadillac

Click above for new high-res gallery of Cadillac CTS Coupe spy shots

Past spy shots of the upcoming Cadillac CTS Coupe have shown the prototype wearing baggy pants on its butt that obscured exactly how much of the CTS Coupe Concept's rotund rear end would make it to production. These new shots from KGP Photography, however, show a prototype that's wearing only a form fitting body suit of checkered tape. They reveal that the overall shape of the CTS Coupe's hindquarters will neatly mimic the concept car, though small details have been changed for production purposes. The mesh vents that flanked the center exhaust tips on the concept have been replaced with red reflectors, for instance, and the license plate housing has been reshaped to accept plates from the U.S. or Europe and is now topped by a bigger strip of chrome. Another notable difference is the addition of a true B-pillar where the concept had nothing but glass. Still, the car is largely the same as the one we saw rotating on a stand in Detroit last January and will serve to fill out the CTS lineup along with a sport wagon that should be arriving shortly. Check out all the new spy shots in our gallery below, and pardon the bluriness in some shots as the photographers tell us they were taken through light fog from over a half mile away.

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe - spy shots II

[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Cadillac CTS coupe caught with minimal camo

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