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Rumormill: Mini Countryman Coupe in the works Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill 
2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
At first take, it's not easy to accept the 2011 Mini Countryman crossover. We understand. But after our first drive of the pint-sized CUV, it started to make more sense. We're hoping to have similar revelations about a coupe version of the Countryman, which is reportedly being considered within Mini's product development department. That's right - a Mini X6.
Mini is allegedly hot about the idea of doing a Countryman-based coupe after seeing Land Rover debut its Range Rover Evoque, which has a two-door configuration, small proportions and a coupe-like styling theme. Autocar reports that if this project gets the green light, we would more than likely see the Countryman Coupe around 2013 with a four-door layout that ditches conventional rear entryways for a set of suicide doors. On top of that, the coupe would have a shorter rear overhang than the CUV and much shallower side windows. Think lifted, rakish Clubman.
We'll already be seeing a production version of Mini's Coupe concept out on the streets in the near future, but expect the two-door Countryman to be vastly different, similar to the way that a BMW 3 Series coupe and an X6 are wholly opposite vehicles. As a crossover, we've grown to rather like the Countryman, but truth be told, there's a big part of us that's hoping this coupe project simply fades into the depths of the rumormill.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Mini Countryman Coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: McLaren planning five new models over five years Filed under: Coupe, Performance 
McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we sat down with Antony Sheriff in Pebble Beach, we bombarded McLaren's managing director with a raft of questions about the MP4-12C. Properly geeked on the Ferrari 458-fighter, we asked what else McLaren had planned in its quest to become a sort of full-line sports car purveyor.
Naturally, Sheriff remained mum, but we know based on earlier reports that three core models are in the works, with the MP4-12C out first, followed by either a F1 supercar successor or a Porsche 911 competitor.
Now word comes that McLaren is planning to release one new product each year for the next five years, and it's likely to be a mix of MP4-12C variants and all-new models. It's safe to assume that wealthy privateers are champing at the bit for a club-racing version of the 12C and that would mean a dedicated racer (can you say long-tail?) couldn't be too far off.
[Source: AutoGuide]Report: McLaren planning five new models over five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback Filed under: Convertible, Budget, China, Europe, Chery 
Norster 600R - Click above for high-res image gallery
There were plenty of reasons to love the Austin-Healey Sprite. Besides being super affordable when they debuted, the Sprite was light and capable of out-handling high-dollar sports cars of the era, not to mention the plucky British styling that was unlike anything else on the road. That combination has helped make the Sprite Mk 1 a sought after collectible, but it hasn't inspired anyone to come up with a recreation of the car. Until now. Feast your eyes on the Norster 600R.
This, um, unique creation isn't actually billed as an automobile, slipping instead into the heavy quad classification in the European Union to beat pesky hang ups like crash test and emissions standards. Penned by designers in Finland and built in China, the Norster 600R uses a 580cc two-cylinder engine with a whopping 20 horsepower and 36.8 pound-feet of torque. You aren't going to be taking the checkers at Le Mans with the Chery-sourced powerplant, especially considering the 1,150-pound unladen weight. Of course, the upswing of such a tiny engine is that the Norster can happily put along at around 50 mpg U.S.
At least there's that.
If you've suffered an aneurism recently and find yourself smitten with this multinational mid-engine creation, you can hop over to the Norster site for more information. Thanks for the tip, Tomi!
[Source: Nordian Commerce]Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Europe, Volkswagen 
Volkwagen Amarok with Bimobil camper - Click above for image gallery
If you had your heart set on a Volkswagen Amarok before the company made it clear that the truck wasn't heading to North America, prepare to have your wounds lightly salted. A company by the name of Bimobil has gone through the effort of creating a camper conversion for the handsome pickup. Instead of the drop-in style units that we're used to seeing here in the states, the Bimobil piece actually replaces the Amarok's bed altogether. From what we can tell, owners can easily detach the camper once they get to a suitable location in the event they have to go to town for important supplies. You know, like beer. Or a snake-bite kit.
Our Google Translator isn't much help in discerning exactly how much Bimobil is asking for the swank digs, nor what other special features the camper boasts. Even so, we're thinking that there are few better ways to vacation than from the back of a pickup. Besides, how awesome does this thing look? If you happen to speak German, you can head over to Bimobil's website and dream a little dream of mobile living. Otherwise, content yourself by having a look at our gallery below.
[Source: Bimobil via German Car Blog]Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
AutoblogGreen for 09.02.10 
AutoblogGreen for 09.02.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru 
Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've read many reports lately having to do with Toyota's FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn't forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door - it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the "Toyobaru" to come to market in the near future.
Details are still very slim on what Subaru's version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand's image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that's the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it's also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.
Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru's version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what's to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.
[Source: KGP Photography]Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
By The Numbers - August 2010: The C4C hangover continues Filed under: By the Numbers Luxury marques gain ground while volume brands suffer
 Just like any spending spree, there are consequences. And for the second straight month, the automakers that benefited most from Cash For Clunkers have seen their sales figures fall through the floor compared to August of last year. The program officially ended August 24, 2009, and if you take a look at the chart below, the brands with inexpensive, fuel efficient rides suffered the most last month.
On the upside, luxury marques like Cadillac, Jaguar, Porsche, Infiniti and Acura were going gangbusters compared to August of 2009, which could be further proof that America's high-rollers are either confident the recession is over or - more likely - were less affected by the downturn than us peons. No matter. When it's bust for some, it's boom for others, and this month's sales figures speak for themselves.
| Brand |
Vol. % |
August 2010 |
August 2009 |
DSR %* |
August 2010 |
August 2009 |
| Cadillac |
83.08 |
12,689 |
6,931 |
90.40 |
508 |
267 |
| Buick |
65.98 |
14,294 |
8,612 |
72.62 |
572 |
331 |
| Jaguar |
61.60 |
1,414 |
875 |
68.06 |
57 |
34 |
| Porsche |
33.16 |
2,032 |
1,526 |
38.48 |
81 |
59 |
| Infiniti |
21.93 |
9,428 |
7,732 |
26.81 |
377 |
297 |
| Acura |
19.83 |
11,534 |
9,625 |
24.63 |
461 |
370 |
| Jeep |
16.63 |
25,706 |
22,041 |
21.29 |
1,028 |
848 |
| Audi |
13.96 |
9,182 |
8,057 |
18.52 |
367 |
310 |
| GMC |
12.27 |
25,986 |
23,145 |
16.77 |
1,039 |
890 |
| Land Rover |
11.33 |
2,544 |
2,285 |
15.79 |
102 |
88 |
| Mercedes-Benz |
10.02 |
18,826 |
17,112 |
14.42 |
753 |
658 |
| Lincoln |
9.43 |
6,428 |
5,874 |
13.81 |
257 |
226 |
| Dodge |
7.56 |
35,364 |
32,878 |
11.86 |
1,415 |
1,265 |
| Ram |
4.67 |
20,604 |
19,684 |
8.86 |
824 |
757 |
| BMW |
1.60 |
19,540 |
19,232 |
5.67 |
782 |
740 |
| Chrysler |
-3.66 |
17,937 |
18,619 |
0.19 |
717 |
716 |
| Volkswagen |
-7.93 |
22,855 |
24,823 |
-4.25 |
914 |
955 |
| Ford |
-10.74 |
144,035 |
161,369 |
-7.17 |
5,761 |
6,207 |
| Hyundai |
-11.35 |
53,603 |
60,467 |
-7.81 |
2,144 |
2,326 |
| Mini |
-13.42 |
4,425 |
5,111 |
-9.96 |
177 |
197 |
| Lexus |
-14.97 |
19,465 |
22,892 |
-11.57 |
779 |
880 |
| Kia |
-19.24 |
32,465 |
40,198 |
-16.01 |
1,299 |
1,546 |
| Chevrolet |
-21.52 |
131,952 |
168,130 |
-18.38 |
5,278 |
6,467 |
| Mercury |
-22.47 |
7,040 |
9,080 |
-19.37 |
282 |
349 |
| Subaru |
-22.47 |
22,239 |
28,683 |
-19.36 |
890 |
1,103 |
| Mazda |
-25.63 |
19,739 |
26,542 |
-22.66 |
790 |
1,021 |
| Nissan |
-30.93 |
67,399 |
97,580 |
-28.17 |
2,696 |
3,753 |
| Honda |
-35.98 |
97,195 |
151,814 |
-33.42 |
3,888 |
5,839 |
| Toyota |
-36.24 |
128,923 |
202,196 |
-33.69 |
5,157 |
7,777 |
| Mitsubishi |
-36.99 |
4,293 |
6,813 |
-36.99 |
172 |
273 |
| Saab |
-40.08 |
290 |
484 |
-37.69 |
12 |
19 |
| Suzuki |
-68.18 |
1,830 |
5,751 |
-66.91 |
73 |
221 |
| Smart |
-72.38 |
448 |
1,622 |
-71.27 |
18 |
62 |
| (Hummer) |
-73.62 |
205 |
777 |
-72.56 |
8 |
30 |
| (Saturn) |
-99.49 |
43 |
8,479 |
-99.47 |
2 |
326 |
| (Pontiac) |
-99.98 |
7 |
29,921 |
-99.98 |
0 |
1,151 |
| Volvo |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| Companies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jaguar Land Rover |
25.25 |
3,958 |
3,160 |
30.26 |
158 |
122 |
| Chrysler Group |
6.85 |
99,611 |
93,222 |
11.13 |
3,984 |
3,585 |
| BMW Group |
-1.55 |
23,965 |
24,343 |
2.39 |
959 |
936 |
| General Motors (Core) |
-10.59 |
184,921 |
206,818 |
-7.01 |
7,397 |
7,955 |
| Ford Motor Company |
-10.67 |
157,503 |
176,323 |
-7.10 |
6,300 |
6,782 |
| General Motors |
-24.87 |
185,176 |
246,479 |
-21.87 |
7,407 |
9,480 |
| Nissan North America |
-27.05 |
76,827 |
105,312 |
-24.13 |
3,073 |
4,050 |
| American Honda |
-32.65 |
108,729 |
161,439 |
-29.96 |
4,349 |
6,209 |
| Toyota Mo Co |
-34.08 |
148,388 |
225,088 |
-31.44 |
5,936 |
8,657 |
Note: Volvo hasn't released monthly sales figures yet, so when the Swede's new owners at Geely get their act together and send out the numbers, we'll update the chart.
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 25 selling days in August 2010 versus 26 selling days in August 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.By The Numbers - August 2010: The C4C hangover continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.1.10 
With 600 hp and a body made for sin(ema), the Firebreather more than another Hollywood hero car.
The 458 Italia is so hot it's on fire. Literally. And Ferrari is asking owners to come in for a fix before their prancing horse goes up in flames.
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.1.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Chevy Vega development film yields priceless look at 1970s auto design Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet 
Chevrolet Vega Car & Track segment - Click above to view the video after the jump
"The goal is to be nifty." Quite a gem of a quote from Car & Track's look into the work behind bringing the Chevrolet Vega to market. C&T was among the first national television shows that covered both auto racing and road tested the cars of its day, and their videos remain fun to watch and offer a glimpse into the past to see cars that have become both famous and infamous in their original context.
Looking at the Vega's design, testing, engineering and construction, C&T calls it "the most precisely engineered car built in America." Uh-huh. Thankfully, 'precisely engineered' means something rather different today, and even if we don't lust after the Vega like other cars from its era, we can still enjoy a glimpse inside some of General Motors' vehicle development and testing methods from some forty years ago. Check out the video after the jump - and be sure to scroll down to see what C&T has to say about the one-and-only 1971 AMC Gremlin, too! Top tip, Tom!
[Source: Car & Track via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Chevy Vega development film yields priceless look at 1970s auto design Video: Chevy Vega development film yields priceless look at 1970s auto design originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, UK 
Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover mule - click above for high-res image gallery
Ford is enjoying early success with the Fiesta here in the United States, but in Europe, where the Fiesta has been on sale for years, it's time to start thinking about the future. Our friendly neighborhood snappers at CarPix have scored spy shots of what appears to be a high-riding Fiesta-based crossover designed to slot in below the Kuga crossover in the automaker's European lineup.
A Fiesta crossover might sound a little odd at first take, but when it comes to production, it should be roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman. That in mind, don't rule out the possibility of the Fiesta CUV making its way to the U.S. Expect to see a variety of powertrains offered for European customers including some EcoBoost options, and both front- and all-wheel drive configurations should be available. Check out our gallery of high-res pics before to get a closer look at the forthcoming Blue Oval tall boy.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Nissan, Electric 
Prospective owners of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf shouldn't get too excited about driving in California carpool lanes as soon as they take delivery. Late Tuesday night California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 535 into law, extending access to the high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes to certain very low and zero emissions vehicles. This new class of vehicles known as Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (enh-ATPZEVs) and includes plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles like the Leaf and Toyota's Prius PHEV.
Unfortunately, there are some caveats. SB 535 doesn't take effect until January 1, 2012 and even then only 40,000 of the special stickers needed for HOV access will be made available. In order to qualify, the vehicle has to be rated as an enh-ATPZEV, which brings up the second problem for Volt drivers. A General Motors spokesperson confirmed that the 2011 and 2012 Volt will not be enh-ATPZEV certified. The requirements to earn the enh-ATPZEV label are significantly tougher than the standard ATPZEV. Given the escalated development of the Volt, GM didn't have enough time to calibrate and verify that the plug-in hybrid would meet the standard over a 10-year/150,000-mile period.
That's also why the Volt battery only has the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty required for the non-enhanced ATPZEV. GM spokesman Rob Peterson verified that the Volt will be updated to enh-ATPZEV in mid-2012 when the 2013 model is introduced. In the meantime, you'll just to make sure to bring a friend if you want to ride in the carpool lane.
UPDATE: We just got word from Nissan that the Leaf is eligible for the All Access stickers under a previous bill passed (AB 1500) earlier this year. That means if you take delivery of a Leaf today, you can be flying in the HOV lanes tomorrow.
[Source: General Motors]Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Paris Motor Show, Event Alert 
September means the end of summer vacation, but the automotive festivities continue, including the Paris Motor Show at the very end of the month. We'll have a full team coverage in the City of Lights, but that's almost a month away. Between now and then there are hundreds of car-related events to keep all but the most rabid gearheads satisfied.
While our coverage of Monterey and the Woodward Dream Cruise last month gave us a year's worth of classic and collectible car memories, September has a lot more to offer for classic car fans. Here's some highlights:
If you'd like to buy your own classic, there are plenty of auctions in September as well: RM Auctions: Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction, Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction, The Branson Auction, Vintage Toy Vehicle Auction, Mecum St. Charles Auction and the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.
Racing fans can take in Formula 1 action during the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix. NASCAR has stops at Atlanta, Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover. IndyCar heads to Kentucky and Japan in September before wrapping up the 2010 season in Miami in October. The WRC hosts the Rally Japan this month, while the ALMS heads to Georgia for the Petit Le Mans at the end of the month. Grand-Am fanciers can catch the last race of the season at Miller Motorsports Park. Two-wheel fans can see the AMA Pro Superbike Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.Continue reading Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy Filed under: Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Ford 
Ford Fiesta "You so Pimping, You so Sexy" ad by Film Riot - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Ford may have its own ad campaign for the Fiesta, but we're mildly amused by this one-off, three-minute-long ad created by the folks at Film Riot, an online how-to show about filmmaking. The Blue Oval currently sponsors the Film Riot crew, so it makes sense that the funky new Fiesta hatch (in Lime Squeeze, of course) would be the star of their ad spoof.
One part Swagger Wagon rap and one part Sprockets, the Euro-inspired dance track fits the Fiesta perfectly. Note to Ford: Edit this down to a 30-second television spot posthaste, or keep it in its entirety for next year's Super Bowl. Follow the jump to see Film Riot's ad for yourself.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta is so pimping, so sexy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year Filed under: Japan, Technology, Crossover, Subaru 
According to Automotive News, Subaru is set to release a new, more fuel-efficient version of its boxer four-cylinder engine. The powerplant should be available in both 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter configurations and will be able to offer up a 10-percent boost in fuel economy over its predecessors. The report doesn't detail exactly how the engine goes about gaining its new found efficiency, but it does say the changes are the first significant revision of the company's boxer architecture in two decades.
A Fuji Heavy Industries spokesperson confirmed that the new powerplant is coming, but wouldn't go so far as to say which models would benefit from the new tech. Automotive News reports that other sources claim that the thrifty four-pot will first show up in the Forester both in the U.S. and Japan, paired with a CVT gearbox. The new engine will then begin to crop up in models like the Legacy and Impreza here in the States and the Exiga minivan on Subaru's home turf.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Report: Next-gen boxer engine coming from Subaru this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Prototype Mazda3 with 2.0L Sky-G engine gets 30/40 mpg Filed under: Budget, Technology, Mazda 
2010 Mazda3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Mazda gave us a glimpse of its next-generation Sky-G (gas) and Sky-D (diesel) powertrains at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, as well as its new Sky-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. These engines are currently running the testing gauntlet, as the first applications are expected to show up as early as next year in the refreshed Mazda6 sedan.
Car and Driver was able to snag an early test of a 2.0-liter Sky-G engine, which will reportedly achieve 30 miles per gallon in the city and 39 to 40 mpg on the highway when used in a Mazda3. This puts it in the same territory as the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta TDIs, not to mention besting smaller offerings like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.
C/D also got the skinny on Mazda's 2.2-liter Sky-D diesel powertrain, which the automaker has confirmed for application in its "next-generation mid-size sedan" (*cough* Mazda6 *cough*) which will achieve up to 43 mpg on the highway. Take that, Fusion Hybrid. Head over to Car and Driver's full deep-dive for a raft of details about both of the new engines.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Car and Driver]Prototype Mazda3 with 2.0L Sky-G engine gets 30/40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Volkswagen Touareg R will be sold in U.S. with a diesel by 2012 Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, Volkswagen 
2011 Volkswagen Touareg - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last time we talked about the next-generation Volkswagen Touareg R it was to relay rumors that the high-performance SUV might drop the automaker's venerable 5.0-liter diesel V10 TDI engine in favor of a V8 hybrid powertrain. Car and Driver is kicking the ball the other way with a report that the next version of the Toureg R will indeed still be a diesel, although carrying over the V10 probably isn't in the cards.
Instead, C/D reports that VW will be using its new 4.2-liter diesel V8 already available in the European Touareg. For Touareg R duty, the oil burner will likely be pumped up from its current 340-horsepower output to 380, along with delivering enough torque to move the SUV with irresponsible abandon. That's more power than the V10 TDI produced in the old Touareg R at 350, and probably enough for the new Touareg R to keep pace with other high-performance SUVs in the segment.
The bigger news is that C/D claims the next-gen Touareg R will actually be available for sale in the U.S in 2012 as a 2013 model. The new 4.2-liter diesel V8 will apparently meet current U.S. emissions standards, at least when installed under the hood of a Touareg R.
To date, the only R model ever offered by VW in the States was the Golf-based R32. We've never had a shot at a Touareg R, though VW did intermittently sell a version of the last-generation Touareg here with the same diesel V10 TDI as the R model in Europe (also called the R50), though tuned for less power and minus the performance goodies.
[Source: Car and Driver]Report: Volkswagen Touareg R will be sold in U.S. with a diesel by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BBC loses court battle to block the Stig book Filed under: UK, Celebrities 
The Stig has taken another step toward shrugging off the shackles of the BBC. As you may recall, Top Gear's tame racing driver recently locked horns with the Beeb after he made it clear he wanted to publish his memoirs. The show's producers found issue with text, saying that revealing his identity would not only be a disservice to the fans of the show, but that it would also violate the terms of his contract. Thing is, a judge has struck down the BBC's injunction to keep The Stig from publishing his book. That means publisher HarperCollins can move forward on bringing the book to life without fear of any further legal action from the BBC.
Interestingly enough, Ben Collins, the man who has long-been rumored to be the Stig, was spotted leaving the courthouse shortly after the ruling was issued. Collins was evasive when asked by reporters if he was the man in white, though we have a hard time thinking of any other reason why he would be at the hearing.
[Source: The Guardian]BBC loses court battle to block the Stig book originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
How EPA's new fuel economy label would grade current cars Filed under: Government/Legal 
EPA Fuel Economy Sample Grades - Click above to view entire list
Twenty years ago, the federal government made it mandatory for most food products to carry nutrition information based on a 2,000 calorie diet in the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Information Act. In doing so, the feds simultaneously ensured that graphic designers the world over would run into the headache of squeezing the now-familiar Nutrition Facts chart onto food packages and that the public at large would have at least some clue as to what they were shoving down their pie-hole. Now the EPA and the DOT are in the process of pulling a similar maneuver for vehicle fuel economy.
Needless to say, this has made us a little curious as to how the current fleet of vehicles being sold here in the states would fare in the new rating system. Fortunately, the EPA has answered that very question. Buried deep in the 242-page explanation of the label is a table that breaks down a handful of vehicles by grade. At the very top of the list, earning an A+ are EVs, followed quickly by plug-in hybrids. A little bit lower on the list in the A- category are cars like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid and the Toyota Prius.
As you might expect, larger vehicles and those with gargantuan engines fall lower down the grading scale. The lowest example on the list? That would be the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti at a lowly D.
[Source: EPA]How EPA's new fuel economy label would grade current cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Austin's F1 track gets laid out Filed under: Motorsports 
2012 Austin F1 Track - Click above for image gallery
Here it is. Race promoter Tavo Hellmund has pulled back the sheets on the Austin formula one track, and the course looks damn impressive at first glance. The 3.4-mile course packs in 20 turns, a total change in elevation to 133 feet and a back straight that's a full three-quarters of a mile long. What's more, the circuit is designed to promote passing for American fans with short attention spans thanks to plenty of long straights followed by tight, 45-degree turns. Hellmund said that the cars should be able to click off a 200 mph top speed, and will sail by the grand stands at 180 mph or more.
Interestingly enough, the course's designers have borrowed heavily from other tracks from around the world. Turns 3-6 are nearly carbon copies of a series of apexes at Silverstone, while 12-15 pay homage to Hockenheim. One section that's guaranteed to generate plenty of action is turns 16-18, a multi-apex monster cut from the same cloth as Istanbul's turn 8.
The Austin F1 course is slated to bare its first race by 2012, and there's some word that construction will get under way this December.
[Source: Formula 1, The Statesman]Austin's F1 track gets laid out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States Filed under: Hatchback, Aston Martin 
Aston Martin Cygnet - Click above for high-res image gallery
We aren't quite sure why the Aston Martin Cygnet exists. What was once an economical Toyota iQ is now a fuel-sipping Aston Martin (weird) with a lavish interior and a price tag that will make your heart skip a beat. We understand that vehicles like this work well in the congested, small-car-friendly cities of Europe, but it remains to be seen if microcars have a place here in the United States. The Smart ForTwo has proved to be a flop in the States, though we'll chalk most of that up to its unimpressive fuel economy and downright awful driving dynamics.
The U.S. is set to get a Scion-badged version of the Toyota iQ in early 2011, but a report from Automotive News states that Aston Martin could import its angry-looking Cygnet counterpart to our shores as early as 2012. It would share the same 1.3-liter gasoline powerplant as the Scion, though an electric-only version with a 60-mile range could arrive in 2013.
We'll wait until Aston Martin gives us the official word before we start jumping to any conclusions, but consider our outlook on a U.S.-spec Cygnet similar to that of a half-empty glass.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Report: Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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