Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Koenigsegg developing 700bhp four-door]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/koenigsegg-developing-700bhp-four-door/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/koenigsegg-developing-700bhp-four-door/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/koenigsegg-developing-700bhp-four-door/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for high-res gallery of the Koenigsegg CCX

We've seen stretched out exotics before, but Koenigsegg is reportedly planning on producing a model with four doors right from the factory. Carbon-fiber saloons from the Swedish automaker have been undergoing testing for the past two years, with the new model set to be debut in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. Sales of the car are planned for 2011 with a sizable allocation destined for the U.S. The other big market for the brand is the Middle East, where much of the development money is said to have been sourced. Powered by a 700-horsepower V8 not shared with Koenigsegg's other exotics, the new super saloon is expected to surpass 200 miles per hour. Pricing would almost surely be higher than its closest rivals, the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide, but lower than the marque's other carbon creations.

Gallery: Autoblog Drives the Koenigsegg CCX


[Source: CAR Middle East via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>koenigseggkoenigsegg ccrkoenigsegg ccxkoenigsegg ccxrKoenigsegg saloonKoenigsegg sedanKoenigseggCcrKoenigseggCcxKoenigseggCcxrKoenigseggSaloonKoenigseggSedan2008-08-21T12:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered or official? 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/rendered-or-official-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/rendered-or-official-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/rendered-or-official-2010-mercedes-benz-e-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Autobild is hardly a bastion of integrity on newsstands in Germany, so its cover story proclaiming it has "Exclusive Photos" of the new Mercedes-Benz E-class "without camouflage" needs to be taken with the appropriate grains of salt. However, based on the various reports we've seen over the past year, these images of the E-class are spot on, if not official pics from M-B.

The new front fascia is an interesting amalgamation of the C- and S-class' front ends, with an upright grille framed by two-piece headlamps, a sculpted front bumper and LED indicators. The sides of the new E incorporate a C-class-inspired swage line, while the rear taillights wrap half-way around the fenders.

Autobild reports that the new E-class will be unveiled in March, so expect to get all the details from Geneva next year. Sales will likely begin in Europe next summer, with the U.S. model arriving shortly thereafter.

[Source: Autoblog.nl via BenzInsider]

 

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]]>20102010 mercedes-benz e class2010Mercedes-benzEClasse classe-classEClassmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenz2008-08-15T14:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[First spy shots of Audi R8 Targa surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After more than a year of speculation, and even a leaked sketch, we finally have our first spy shots confirming that Audi is developing an open-air version of its R8 supercar. And just to sweeten the deal, the test mule spied is all but completely undisguised.

While nomenclature has yet to be confirmed - possibly using the Targa, Convertible, Cabrio, Roadster or Spider tags - the shots confirm that the convertible supercar will employ a fabric roof. Power is expected to carry over from the 420-hp FSI V8 coupe, but the presence of wider tailpipes on this test mule indicate that the highly-anticipated V10 is likely to appear in the roadster, as well. The car is expected to make its debut next March at the Geneva Motor Show show in Switzerland.

[Source: NextAutos]

 

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]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 convertibleaudi r8 spideraudi r8 targaAudiR8AudiR8ConvertibleAudiR8SpiderAudiR8Targar82008-08-12T14:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce RR4 concept coming to Geneva '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/rolls-royce-rr4-concept-coming-to-geneva-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/rolls-royce-rr4-concept-coming-to-geneva-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/rolls-royce-rr4-concept-coming-to-geneva-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view sketches of the upcoming RR4

After having maxed-out the Phantom range with sedan, coupe and convertible variants, Rolls-Royce has been hard at work preparing its second range. Known tentatively as the RR4 (following in succession after the three Phantoms), the new "baby Rolls" will be anything but, and is expected to be unveiled next March at the Geneva show.

Based on a heavily-modified version of the BMW 7-series, the RR4 will offer direct competition to the Bentley Continental. And not just the four-door Flying Spur, either. Although the RR4 will initially appear - in concept form - as a sedan, the platform is expected to spawn additional coupe and convertible body-styles just like its big brother and its targeted competitor. Although many details still remain big question marks for the luxury sedan - including whether it will bear the "suicide" rear doors of the Phantom and what engines (including potential diesel and hybrid powertrains) will appear underhood - the RR4 is anticipated to double the output of the stoic British marque from its production of 1000 Phantoms last year to 2000 once production gears up on the as-yet-unnamed baby Roller.

Gallery: Rolls Royce RR4 - spy shots

[Source: CAR magazine]

 

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]]>baby rollerbaby rollsBabyRollerBabyRollsrolls roycerolls-royceRollsRoycerr4small rrSmallRr2008-08-07T20:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[JCW MINI Cabrio coming to Geneva '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/jcw-mini-cabrio-coming-to-geneva-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/jcw-mini-cabrio-coming-to-geneva-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/jcw-mini-cabrio-coming-to-geneva-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for a hi-res gallery of the JCW MINI

Step into a MINI dealership as of next spring and ask for "the works", and there'll be a new option at your disposal: the John Cooper Works MINI convertible, which Inside Line reports will be unveiled in March at the Geneva Motor Show.

The drop-top Works will, by and large, share the same mechanics as the Cooper cabrio (for bodystyle) and the 208hp JCW hatchback (for go-fast bits), with the possible addition of the optional front sway bar as standard to keep the body rigid. An extra 220 pounds of weight is tipped to make the run to sixty 0.3 seconds slower than the hard-top; at about 6.5 seconds, tied with the bigger JCW Clubman. Price is anticipated to begin at $33,000 - pretty steep for a MINI, but a tantalizing choice - with a vast catalog of accessories and options available on top of that. Of the 240,000 MINIs built each year, only 12,000 of those will be earmarked for "the works", only 4,000 of those as JCW cabrios, with just 1200 anticipated to make it stateside, so if you want one, better call your MINI store now.

[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>jcw minijcw mini cabriojcw mini convertibleJcwMiniJcwMiniCabrioJcwMiniConvertibleminimini cabriomini convertibleMiniCabrioMiniConvertibleworks miniworks mini cabrioworks mini convertibleWorksMiniWorksMiniCabrioWorksMiniConvertible2008-07-23T13:42:00+00:00<![CDATA[New Saab 9-5 set for Geneva next March]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/new-saab-9-5-set-for-geneva-next-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/new-saab-9-5-set-for-geneva-next-march/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/new-saab-9-5-set-for-geneva-next-march/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Originally predicted to be shown at the Paris Motor Show in October of this year, the 2010 Saab 9-5 won't actually debut until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March of next year.

While details of the new car are vague, we do know that it is based on GM's Epsilon II platform (unlike the new 9-3, now rumored to be downsized) and that the styling is expected to follow cues from the Saab Aero-X. Back in November 2006, we called the current Saab 9-5 an octogenarian. In today's current automotive industry, the 9-5 has reached centenarian status. The replacement can't come soon enough.

[Source: Trollhattansaab]

 

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]]>2010 9-520109-59-39-5DebutGenevaIntroductionParisReleaseSaabSaab downsizeSaab sedanSaabDownsizeSaabSedan2008-05-22T14:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/spy-shots-2009-mercedes-benz-e63/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The launch of the next Mercedes-Benz E-class is right around the corner and Car's spies were able to catch a mildly camo'd mule undergoing testing. The prototype is unmistakably M-B, with a new front fascia that appears to split the difference between the swoop CLS's headlamps and the more conservative eyes of the C- and S-class. Underneath the cloaked sheet metal is Mercedes' new W212 mid-size sedan platform, which ditches the electronic braking system of the last generation (Benz dealers rejoice!) in favor of conventional hydraulic stoppers, and utilizes a four-link front suspension and a multi-link rear arrangement coupled with M-B's Active Body Control (ABC) system. Naturally, there will be gizmos galore, including a new electronic road sign reading system, night-vision pulled from the S-class and a host of gasoline- and diesel-powered engines that will top out with the 6.2-liter V8 from AMG.

According to Car, the new E will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with sales beginning later that summer.

[Source: Car]

 

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]]>2010 mercedes benz e-class2010MercedesBenzE-classbenze classe-classe63 amgE63AmgEClassmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenz2008-05-12T16:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota considering Indian plant for small car production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota iQ

Toyota has been working on an affordable small car that will be cost-competitive in emerging markets, and Autocar is reporting that India is being considered as a destination for production. India makes sense due to its low-cost labor, and with competitors like the Tata Nano going for as little as $2,500, the world's biggest automaker will need to cut cost everywhere it can. There is no word as to exactly what vehicle would be produced in India, but one option is Toyota's production iQ from Geneva, which is scheduled to begin production later in 2008. Toyota is looking for initial sales of the iQ to crest 100,000 units.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ


[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

 

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]]>IndiaiQMicrocarTata NanoTataNanoToyota2008-04-29T08:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Officially Official: Peugeot production of 308 RC Z Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/officially-official-peugeot-announces-the-production-rc-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/officially-official-peugeot-announces-the-production-rc-z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/officially-official-peugeot-announces-the-production-rc-z/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Peugeot 308 RC Z Coupe Concept

Originally expected to be announced a while back at the Geneva Motor Show, Peugeot has finally officially announced today at the Lisbon Motor Show that the attractive RC Z concept will go into production. Using styling cues from the Audi TT and the classic Karmann Ghia, we think that Peugeot could have a winner on its hands with its new sporty coupe. While Peugeot has not yet announced details on what will be offered underhood of the production machine, the concept used a version of the Mini's 1.6 liter turbo four. We'll be getting all of the details within time, as the official production version will be unveiled in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. European buyers will have first crack at the RC Z when it goes on sale in the sprint of 2010.

Gallery: Peugeot 308 RC Z


[Source: Peugeot]

Continue reading Officially Official: Peugeot production of 308 RC Z Coupe

 

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]]>peugeotpeugeot rc zpeugeot rc-zpeugeot rczpeugeot-rc-zPeugeotRc-zPeugeotRcZ2008-04-24T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW and Mercedes talk to Magna about Mila]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/12/bmw-and-mercedes-talk-to-magna-about-mila/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/12/bmw-and-mercedes-talk-to-magna-about-mila/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/12/bmw-and-mercedes-talk-to-magna-about-mila/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Magna MILA Alpin concept car shown in Geneva has gotten the attention of both Mercedes and BMW. The button-cute 4-wheeler rode on a flexible platform, could utilize a variety of fuel sources, climb 45-degree angles, and get up to 120 mph. Those capabilities, and the ability to be easily rebodied and cost-effectively manufactured, have the two premium brands looking at ways to bolster their lineups and enviro-credentials.

Mercedes is known to be working on developing a 4-wheel-drive A-Class sedan. While the sandwich floors in the A-Class and B-Class cars were specifically created to allow flexible drivetrains, it is open to exploring options with BMW. Those other Bavarians in blue and white appear to be even more serious, having engaged Magna to discuss strategy and market demand. The MILA could provide a sound platform for BMW's electric car rumblings, as well as cost-effective, outsourced manufacturing.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

 

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]]>bmwmagnamagna internationalmagna mila alpinmagna mila alpin conceptmagna mila conceptmagna mila coneptmagna steyrMagnaInternationalMagnaMilaAlpinMagnaMilaAlpinConceptMagnaMilaConceptMagnaMilaConeptmagnasteyrmercedesmila2008-04-12T18:51:00+00:00<![CDATA[Wiesmann set to introduce MF4 and MF5 Roadsters in Geneva next year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/wiesmann-set-to-introduce-mf4-and-mf5-roadsters-in-geneva-next-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/wiesmann-set-to-introduce-mf4-and-mf5-roadsters-in-geneva-next-y/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/wiesmann-set-to-introduce-mf4-and-mf5-roadsters-in-geneva-next-y/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wiesmann, the German manufacturers of the love-em-or-hate-em GT and Roadster, has plans to add V8 and V10 versions of its drop-top model that will be introduced at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The current Roadster lineup includes only the MF3, which is powered by BMW's 3.2-liter flat-six found in the last generation M3. The new MF4 and MF5 Roadsters will be powered by BMW's 4.8-liter V8 and 5.0-liter V10 already found in the current Wiesmann Coupe models. Unfortunately, Wiesmann still has no plans to bring either the GT or the Roadster to the United States.

Gallery: Wiesmann GT MF5: Pre-preview

[Source: GTSpirit.com]

 

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]]>WiesmannWiesmann MF4 RoadsterWiesmann MF5 RoadsterWiesmann RoadsterWiesmannMf4RoadsterWiesmannMf5RoadsterWiesmannRoadster2008-04-04T07:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/video-bmw-connectdrive-mobile-internet-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/video-bmw-connectdrive-mobile-internet-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/video-bmw-connectdrive-mobile-internet-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Internet is everywhere, and later this year BMW is joining other digitally connected automakers with its own mobile web service. We gave you details on the ConnectDrive mobile Internet while we were in Geneva, and BMW TV is following up with video of how the technology works. After the jump is a short promotional video that shows what the BMW interface looks like from the cabin of a new X6. If you've got an iPhone or any other mobile device that uses the EDGE network for access to the web, try not to choke when ConnectDrive Internet boss Daniel Wittwer calls the surfing experience "fast and pleasant." Yeah, right. Regardless of the speed, the technology won't be available in the US any time soon, but it'll be available in Europe later this year.

[Source: YouTube via: eGMCarTech]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW ConnectDrive mobile internet in action

 

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]]>BMW X6BmwX6Geneva 2008Geneva2008in-car internetIn-carInternet2008-03-27T09:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: Land Rover to build the LRX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/report-land-rover-to-build-the-lrx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/report-land-rover-to-build-the-lrx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/report-land-rover-to-build-the-lrx/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above for high-res gallery of the Land Rover LRX from Geneva

We've big fans of the Land Rover LRX concept's styling, which looked as good in black (unveiled in Geneva) as it did in the original white (unveiled in Detroit). So we're suitably pleased by reports that Land Rover is preparing to build the vehicle, which could get the nameplate Freelander Sport in keeping with the nomenclature already set in place by the Range Rover Sport.

The production LRX would target the likes of the upcoming BMW X1 and Audi Q5 (and potentially the Porsche Roxster), while offering a range of eco-friendly engine options that help Land Rover reduce its overall environmental impact. Such powertrain possibilities could include a 2.2-liter diesel and 3.2-liter gasoline inline-six with the potential for start-stop technology and even a hybrid system. Although the Freelander Sport would be oriented towards on-road driving dynamics, we wouldn't expect it to compromise the brand's legendary off-road prowess as much as recent offerings from Jeep. Reports place the production LRX on the road as early as 2010, and we hope much of the show car's dramatic styling would remain in place as the Land Rover rides the rocky road from concept to production.

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - Black & Silver


Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept - White


[Source: Auto Express]

 

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]]>detroit lrxDetroitLrxgeneva lrxGenevaLrxland roverland rover freelander sportland rover lrxLandRoverLandRoverFreelanderSportLandRoverLrxproduction lrxProductionLrx2008-03-19T09:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Flughafen find of the Day: Sauber F1 auction at Zurich airport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/flughafen-find-of-the-day-sauber-f1-auction-at-zurich-airport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/flughafen-find-of-the-day-sauber-f1-auction-at-zurich-airport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/flughafen-find-of-the-day-sauber-f1-auction-at-zurich-airport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Raikkonen's Sauber C20: click to view in high resolution

Considering that modern Formula One race cars share as much in common with aircraft as they do with actual road-going automobiles, selling retired F1 cars at the airport suddenly seems to make sense. Last month we brought you initial news about the auction of former Sauber racers at the Zurich airport that include seven Sauber single-seaters ranging from the 1993 Sauber-Mercedes C12 (the team's first F1 car, driven by JJ Lehto) to the 2004 Sauber-Petronas C23 (driven by Giancarlo Fisichella under Ferrari power). All are being auctioned off - without their engines - each with a starting bid of Є200k.

On our way back from Switzerland following the recently-concluded Geneva Motor Show, we had a chance to see and photograph the four cars on display at the Airside Center in Zurich's Terminal A where they'll reside until the auction ends on March 25. What we saw includes the first and penultimate Saubers mentioned above, along with Jean Alesi's 1998 C17, Kimi Raikkonen's 2001 C20 (pictured above) and several individual components that would make awesome paperweights. The rare opportunity to see these technically-advanced racing machines up close and parked was a nice break from the overpriced boutiques and duty-free shops while transferring flights, and the experience in person illustrated just how intricately crafted these cars really are. See for yourself in our high-resolution image gallery by clicking the thumbnails below; more details are available at saubercars.ch.

Gallery: Sauber F1 auction at Zurich Airport


[Source: saubercars.ch]

 

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]]>auction f1 sauber cars zurich airportAuctionF1SauberCarsZurichAirportf1 auction zurichF1AuctionZurichsauber auctionsauber zurich airportSauberAuctionSauberZurichAirport2008-03-18T17:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Bertone BAT 11 images surface as commissioners present their report]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/bertone-bat-11-images-surface-as-commissioners-present-their-rep/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/bertone-bat-11-images-surface-as-commissioners-present-their-rep/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/bertone-bat-11-images-surface-as-commissioners-present-their-rep/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to see more of the Bertone BAT 11 concept

Bertone's future continues to hang in the balance as three court-appointed bankruptcy commissioners move forward with trying to secure a new owner for the 96-year-old design house and coachbuilder. The commissioners have just presented a 132-page initial report to the court outlining their findings, but while sources suggest that as many as seven potential buyers have stepped forward, the commissioners have thus far only met with the lawyers and bankers representing those companies.

While the courts try to determine the carrozzeria's fate, a selection of crude images have surfaced of the BAT 11 design study that Bertone unveiled in Geneva at a location away from the motor show. Check them out in the gallery below.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept


[Source: Italiaspeed]

 

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]]>bertonebertone bankruptcybertone bat 11bertone conceptbertone design studybertoneb.a.t.11BertoneBankruptcyBertoneBat11BertoneConceptBertoneDesignStudy2008-03-18T15:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi R8 V12 TDI has a "50/50" shot at production, gets driven]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/audi-r8-v12-tdi-has-a-50-50-shot-at-production-gets-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/audi-r8-v12-tdi-has-a-50-50-shot-at-production-gets-driven/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/14/audi-r8-v12-tdi-has-a-50-50-shot-at-production-gets-driven/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Autoweek and Fourtitude were able to enjoy some seat time in the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans concept before its official unveiling in Geneva last week. Their drive was short (about an hour with a 50 mph speed limit imposed by Audi's boffins), but their time at the airport adjacent to Sebring International Raceway has made an impression.

The crimson beast we saw in Geneva was the same concept that was displayed in Detroit, simply sporting a new paint job, but spending quality time with the R8 V12 TDI revealed a few interesting tidbits about the concept. First, the firewall behind the driver and passenger had to be extended by some six-inches to accommodate the oilburner and although claimed torque output is somewhere in the 737 lb.-ft. range, the few journos asked to take part only got to experience 442 lb.-ft. of twist - a good thing considering that the transmission mated to the engine is an A4 case with modified internals.

While the performance was impressive, the short gearing and shorter redline (not disclosed) seemed to make all that grunt superfluous in first and second, but Audi is expecting the R8 V12 TDI to return around 24 mpg and meet the 2014 Euro 6 emissions standards if, and when, it goes on sale.

While the Autoweek piece only provided the "50/50" quote in the title, the Fourtitude article is far more entertaining and informative -- well worth a read.

Gallery: Audi R8 TDI Le Mans


Gallery: Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept


[Sources: Autoweek, Fourtitude]

 

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]]>2008-03-14T20:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #89]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/autoblog-podcast-89/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/autoblog-podcast-89/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/13/autoblog-podcast-89/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's time for Autoblog Podcast #89. Of course we run over what's been in the garage lately - you'll know what reviews to anticipate. Our big item this week is recapping what we saw in Geneva and what might actually wind up in the US. Talk of Geneva moves us to anticipatory chatter about New York, mere days away. Thanks for your 49 minutes!

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]]>auto showautoblogautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastAutoShowconcept carsConceptCarsgenevamotormotor showMotorShownew yorkNewYorkpodcastsalon2008-03-13T17:48:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rolls on a roll: Phantom Coupe sold out already]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/rolls-on-a-roll-phantom-coupe-sold-out-already/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/rolls-on-a-roll-phantom-coupe-sold-out-already/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/10/rolls-on-a-roll-phantom-coupe-sold-out-already/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for more high-res images of the Phantom Coupe

Rolls Royce has been on a roll of late, with a 25-percent increase in global production in 2007, and the gorgeous new Phantom Coupe ready to add to last year's record totals. Since the official announcement of the ultra-luxury two-door, 200 orders have already been taken, which represents all production for 2008. Even more impressive is the fact that two-thirds of the orders come from customers who have never before owned a Rolls. It doesn't hurt that the Phantom Coupe's Drophead sibling is sold out through summer 2009, which means the fixed-top Phantom has little short-term competition on the show floor.

It's hard to blame the filthy rich for sopping up Phantom Coupes so quickly. The luxury-liner's incredible contours, stunning materials, and mind-blowing suicide doors make us lie awake at night thinking of ways to become wealthy enough to one day own one. So far all we've thought of is more blogging, which means we'll have to settle for something a bit less well-heeled.

[Source: Auto News (subs. req'd)]

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe

 

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]]>Phantom CoupePhantom Drophead CoupePhantomCoupePhantomDropheadCoupeRolls RoyceRollsRoyceSuicide DoorsSuicideDoors2008-03-10T07:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-ferrari-one-to-one-personalization-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-ferrari-one-to-one-personalization-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-ferrari-one-to-one-personalization-program/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view in high resolution

Show-stopping new production cars and concepts were not lacking in Geneva this year. There were so many, in fact, that we struggled to take it all in. Yet while Ferrari didn't have any new models to show us, somehow we couldn't help but slow down in front of its booth as we rushed from press conference to press conference. Maybe it was the classic Daytona sitting next to the 612 Scaglietti bathed in soft light, or maybe the pair of lookers standing next to them. Guess we'll never know, but you can feast your eyes on all the sexy models in the gallery below.

What Ferrari did unveil at the Swiss show, however, was a new customization program. Called One-to-One, the program takes the catalog of options under the existing Carrozzeria Scaglietti Programme a step further. A customization studio is being built at the factory in Maranello where clients can hand-pick a wide variety of options from leather swatches to brake calipers and everything in between. The program is being launched on the 612 Scaglietti, but will assuredly be broadened to the entire range in due course. For the 612, Ferrari also announced the availability of the SuperFast robotic gearbox and a new electrochromatic glass roof that can tint and lighten at the push of a button like the folding hardtop on the limited edition Superamerica. More on the latest from Maranello is available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ferrari at Geneva 2008

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Ferrari One-to-One personalization program

 

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]]>ferrari 365gtb4ferrari 612 scagliettiferrari daytona genevaferrari f2008ferrari personalizationferrari programFerrari365gtb4Ferrari612ScagliettiFerrariDaytonaGenevaFerrariF2008FerrariPersonalizationFerrariProgramgenevageneva 2008geneva ferrariGeneva2008GenevaFerrari2008-03-09T19:37:00+00:00<![CDATA[Geneva 2008: Audi unveils new A4 DTM race car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-audi-unveils-new-a4-dtm-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-audi-unveils-new-a4-dtm-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/09/geneva-2008-audi-unveils-new-a4-dtm-race-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click the images to view the new Audi A4 DTM in hi-res

The Audi RS4 is a pretty badass car any way you look at it, but put it next to the A4 DTM and it looks remarkably pedestrian. With torquey turbodiesel versions of the R8 supercar, TT range and Q7 sport-ute all making their debuts at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, Ingolstadt chose the most extreme racing version of its A4 to highlight at its press conference.

Unveiled by Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Audi Sport Technology; Audi Motorsport chief Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich; and reigning champion driver Mattias Ekström; the "project R14" A4 DTM represents over a year of development. The racing formula governing the DTM German touring car championship precludes Audi from showcasing any of its trademark technologies - like FSI direct-injection, TDI diesels or quattro all-wheel-drive - but that didn't stop Audi's racing engineers from working their magic, focusing on the car's aerodynamics. That much became immediately evident as soon as the veil was lifted off the new racer, decked out in more wings and fins than the San Diego Zoo and Sea World combined. See for yourselves in our high-res gallery, and read more in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Audi A4 DTM

Continue reading Geneva 2008: Audi unveils new A4 DTM race car

 

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]]>audi a4 dtmAudiA4Dtmgenevageneva audigeneva audi dtmgeneva motor showgeneva salonGenevaAudiGenevaAudiDtmGenevaMotorShowGenevaSalonproject r14 audi dtmProjectR14AudiDtm2008-03-09T18:03:00+00:00