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[McLaren P11 supercar goes back to the drawing board... in two months]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-in-two-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-in-two-mo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/mclaren-p11-supercar-goes-back-to-the-drawing-board-in-two-mo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The McLaren P11 will still be powered by a 6.2-liter Mercedes AMG unit, but nobody knows yet what the car that goes around the engine is going to look like. Frank Stephenson, recently of Fiat fame, has been given instructions to completely redesign the car when he starts at McLaren. However, he can't take up the position at McLaren until he finishes his "gardening leave," a mandatory vacation between sensitive jobs that aims to prevent employees from taking their inside knowledge with them.

McLaren says that the car won't look anything like the sketches that made the rounds last year. That's not such a bad thing -- while a good looking car, the sketches were uninspiring and a bit derivative. We expect that the man who has had a hand in everything from the BMW X5 and MINI to the Ferrari F430, Maserati Quattroporte and MC12 probably has a few good ideas left lying around. Unfortunately, the arrival of the P11 has been pushed back a year due to the redesign, to probably mid-to-late 2010.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>coupecoupesfrank stephensonFrankStephensonmclarenmclaren p11MclarenP11p11supercarsupercars2008-08-27T12:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[V Eight developing modern Jensen Interceptor SX supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/v-eight-developing-modern-jensen-interceptor-sx-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/v-eight-developing-modern-jensen-interceptor-sx-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/v-eight-developing-modern-jensen-interceptor-sx-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've already told you about a company called V Eight that has rebirthed the Jensen Interceptor S with an LS2 and modern mechanicals for £75,000, and already, 60% of the allotment of 50 has been sold. That kind of success has got V Eight looking at a successor for the S, and they might have found it in the Jenson Interceptor SX.

The SX would be rebodied over a original donor car, just like the Interceptor S. And while it would still look like a Jenson, as you can see from the official rendering above, the design would be much more modern. The Interceptor SX would get a luxurious interior on the inside and use an LS7 V8 making 620 horsepower for propulsion. To be offered at a price of £145,000, the SX already has deposits from buyers of the Jenson S. As far as we're concerned, if you're going to revive the empire, this is the way to do it.

Gallery: Jensen Interceptor S


[Source: Innovation Cars]

 

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]]>coupesgtgtsinterceptorinterceptor sinterceptor sxInterceptorSInterceptorSxjensenjensen carsjensen interceptorjensen interceptor sjensen interceptor sxjensencarsJensenInterceptorJensenInterceptorSJensenInterceptorSxsports carsSportsCarsv eightv eight ltdVEightVEightLtd2008-08-27T09:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW cancels development of E92 M3 CSL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/report-bmw-cancels-development-of-e92-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/report-bmw-cancels-development-of-e92-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/report-bmw-cancels-development-of-e92-m3-csl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There were around 1,400 examples of the BMW e46 M3 CSL built, and by all accounts they were exceptionally well received. However, according to Ludwig Willisch, the boss of the automaker's M division, the current e92 M3 won't get the same treatment. He - or perhaps the accountants - feel that "based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL."

If a current scorching version of the e92 were to exist, it would have been bumped by anywhere from 36 to 56 horsepower, shed 200 pounds or more, worn some different tires and a set of bigger lungs. In light of the possible volume, though, which would be small, BMW - or again, its accountants - would rather focus on the X6 and X5 for now. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: Car]

 

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]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 cslBmwM3BmwM3Csle92e92 bmw m3e92 csle92 m3e92 m3 cslE92BmwM3E92CslE92M3E92M3Cslm3m3 cslM3Csl2008-08-27T08:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Milking a Bull: Automakers eek out extra fuel economy on older models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/milking-a-bull-automakers-eeking-out-extra-fuel-economy-on-olde/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/milking-a-bull-automakers-eeking-out-extra-fuel-economy-on-olde/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/milking-a-bull-automakers-eeking-out-extra-fuel-economy-on-olde/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Conspiracy theorists have long insisted that automakers could push their vehicles to achieve better fuel economy, and as it turns out, they were right. Of course, it isn't as easy as flipping a magic MPG switch, but automakers are making incremental gains on vehicles even between redesigns. Techniques like changing gear ratios, lowering revs at highway speed and using lower rolling resistance tires are helping drive up efficiency a few percentage points at a time.

For example, the 2009 Cobalt XFE (above) achieves 37 mpg on the highway compared to 36 mpg for the 2008 model with minimal aero and mechanical changes. Ford made similar changes to the 2009 Escape, enabling the Blue Oval's smallest crossover to hit 28 mpg in 2WD four-banger guise. Honda achieved similar incremental improvements when it introduced cylinder deactivation on the 2008 Odyssey. Chrysler will show 1 mpg improvement on the 2009 Avenger and Sebring four-cylinder model, which will bring the Pentastar's midsize sedans to 31 mpg.

Continue reading Milking a Bull: Automakers eek out extra fuel economy on older models

 

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]]>cobalt xfeCobaltXfecruzeford escapeFordEscapefuel efficiencyFuelEfficiency2008-08-26T14:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford seeking directors for Mustang movies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-seeking-directors-for-mustang-movies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-seeking-directors-for-mustang-movies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ford-seeking-directors-for-mustang-movies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high resolution photos of the Mustang Bullitt

If you want to be the next critically acclaimed filmmaker, the Ford Mustang may be your ticket to an audience of millions. Ford and Filmaka.com are teaming up on a contest to see who can create the best Mustang-themed script. Would-be filmmakers can choose from one of eight Mustang stories or pick a tale of their own, then write a script about it. The people with the top 20 scripts as chosen by Ford and Filmaka.com will get a budget of $5,000 to produce their film, along with contacts at local Mustang clubs for the use of vehicles to shoot. Those 20 winners will have two weeks to submit their finished work, and nine winners and an alternate will receive an additional $5,000 in prize money. The top 10 will also get the chance to create a promo that will appear on network TV. The grand prize winner gets the opportunity to direct a film for promotional materials for the 2010 Mustang.

That's a pretty cool contest for aspiring filmmakers everywhere, but there isn't much time at all to get in on the fun. The contest ends on August 26 (today!), and the top 20 winners will need to have their initial work completed by September 16.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt


[Source: Ford]

 

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]]>filmaka.comFord motor Companyford mustangFordMotorCompanyFordMustangmustang commercial contestMustangCommercialContest2008-08-26T07:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Moscow 2008: Mazda Kazamai concept officially unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-mazda-kazamai-concept-officially-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-mazda-kazamai-concept-officially-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/moscow-2008-mazda-kazamai-concept-officially-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Kazamai concept.

Mazda pulled out all the awkwardly executed stops for the reveal of the Kazamai concept, including four sets of dancers, guys in neon-pink shorts on roller skates and a 40-man Russian singing troop in Soviet-style dress. We couldn't make this stuff up if we tried, but what better way to kick off our coverage of the Moscow International Auto Salon.

Despite the strange theatrics, the Kazamai is one of our favorite Nagare-themed concepts since the Furai and Kabura. Then again, we're suckers for two-door crossovers. The Kazamai blends the "flow" theme we've seen on several other concepts with a more aerodynamic body and a slightly toned-down demeanor. Could this be a hint at the future of the CX-7? Don't count it out. But if it does head to production, we'll take it in a three-door package equipped with the MS3's drivetrain... and all-wheel-drive.

Gallery: Mazda Kazamai Concept

 

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]]>kazamaimazdamazda kazamai conceptMazdaKazamaiConceptmoscow 2008Moscow20082008-08-26T02:46:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi R8 puts angels in danger in Midnight Club: LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/video-audi-r8-puts-angels-in-danger-in-midnight-club-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/video-audi-r8-puts-angels-in-danger-in-midnight-club-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/video-audi-r8-puts-angels-in-danger-in-midnight-club-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Midnight Club: LA is on its way, and the developers at Rockstar Games just released a new video of an Audi R8 doing its thing through the concrete jungle. The name of the game: arcade. Or better names might be 'free-for-all' and 'pedestrians, watch out!' It's cut like an MTV video, so it's hard to get a feel for the flow of the action, but all you need to know is that there'll be plenty of it -- action, that is. And if nothing else, it does seem to accurately depict how actual R8 drivers tend to pilot their cars... Follow the jump for the video.

[Source: Rockstar]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi R8 puts angels in danger in Midnight Club: LA

 

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]]>audi r8AudiR8gamesmclamidnight club los angelesMidnightClubLosAngelesplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps3r8rockstarrockstar gamesRockstarGamesvideo gamesVideoGamesxbox 360xbox3602008-08-25T19:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Plans for an all-RWD Pontiac shelved?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

A quick glance at Pontiac's (rumored) future product plans reveals just how much fuel prices have affected plans for an all rear-wheel drive lineup. Let's see, we've got the Solstice and the G8, and, um... that's it. Sure, we're expecting the G8 ST soon, but the El Camino-come-lively will never sell enough to keep bean counters happily sliding their abaci beads in their cubicles. The Solstice also plays to a relatively small crowd, so its future could be up in the air, as well.

As for the rest of the brand's lineup, the Grand Am G6 will remain on the same front-wheel drive platform for the foreseeable future as there's just not enough funds to switch it to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the G5 is tied to the Cobalt and the future Cruze from Chevrolet that uses the FWD Delta platform. The Vibe comes from Toyota and is based on the Corolla's underpinnings. Please, don't get us started on a possible Aveo-based subcompact from GM's "Performance Division". As our esteemed editor says, "So sad, G8 rules." Indeed it does, and it may be the best we'll get from Pontiac for a while.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>pontiacpontiac g8pontiac solsticePontiacG8PontiacSolsticerear wheel driverear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveRearWheelDriverwdrwd pontiacRwdPontiac2008-08-25T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[First photo of Detroit's trio of muscle cars!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/first-photo-of-detroits-trio-of-muscle-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/first-photo-of-detroits-trio-of-muscle-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/first-photo-of-detroits-trio-of-muscle-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Credit goes to our friends at Jalopnik for orchestrating the shot you see above, which took some quick planning and a lot of luck. General Motors recently held a sneak peak media drive for the Chevy Camaro V6 out in San Diego, and unfortunately only the biggest buff books and Edmunds Inside Line were invited (tsk, tsk). Jalopnik decided to crash the party the best way they know how - by showing up driving the Camaro's two biggest competitors, the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. Classic Jalopnik, and how they managed to find two black ones we'll never know.

This is the first published picture of all three modern muscle cars together, at least that we know of. Jalopnik EIC Ray Wert and his team weathered an extremely miffed GM PR person to get it, and word is we'll have video later of the heated exchange. What GM got miffed about is unknown, since last we checked San Diego had no laws against driving your car and parking it on public streets. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to rummage through our junk folder to find the invitation to this event that we're sure GM sent and we somehow never got.

[Source: Jalopnik]

 

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]]>camarocamaro mustang challengerCamaroMustangChallengerchallengerchevy camaroChevyCamarododge challengerDodgeChallengerford mustangFordMustangmustang2008-08-25T14:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chevy Camaro SS photos emerge en masse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/chevy-camaro-ss-photos-emerge-en-masse/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/chevy-camaro-ss-photos-emerge-en-masse/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/chevy-camaro-ss-photos-emerge-en-masse/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of the 2010 Camaro SS

We've had fun looking at the new Camaro in LS and LT trim, and even the RS appearance package livens things up a bit, but if we're to be honest, we really only care about the SS model. Fortunately for us, new photos of the Camaro Super Sport have found their way online thanks to Kevin Kolvenbach who goes by the handle of RagSS on the forums. It's claimed that RagSS took these pics, which we find suspect considering their high quality. Well, maybe he took this one. Regardless, they were taken and we're told show the Camaro SS basking in the sun around Hudson Valley, New York, another claim we doubt considering the type of vegetation and, oh, we don't know, large mountains in the background. Go west, young man.

With a 6.2L LS3 V8 producing 422 hp and 408 lb-ft of torque, the SS will be the cream of the Camaro crop for now and probably some time to come, as its power level puts the SS nearly on par with the base Corvette. While the Camaro SS may lack many of the Corvette's other attributes, we're fairly certain Chevy doesn't want to start cannibalizing Vette sales.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Camaro SS


[Source: AutoInsane]

 

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]]>2010 camaro2010 chevy camaro2010 chevy camaro ss2010Camaro2010ChevyCamaro2010ChevyCamaroSsbreakingcamarocamaro ssCamaroSschevy camarochevy camaro ssChevyCamaroChevyCamaroSs2008-08-25T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[RS5 Stopgap? Audi gives sneak peek at S5 Evo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/rs5-stopgap-audi-gives-sneak-peek-at-s5-evo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/rs5-stopgap-audi-gives-sneak-peek-at-s5-evo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/rs5-stopgap-audi-gives-sneak-peek-at-s5-evo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not often that an automaker invites the press to drive a developmental test mule, but that's just about what happened recently at the Ricardo test circuit in Valencia, Spain, where Audi brought out four examples of what's being called an S5 Evo for select members of the automotive press to sample.

While Audi is expected to unveil the new RS5 in March at the Geneva Motor Show, speculation has been running rampant as to what will be packed underneath the hood, with a turbocharged version and a V10 being touted as strong possibilities. The S5 Evo, however, was being driven by a tuned version of the S5's 4.2-liter V8 with 420 hp - instead of the standard 354 - that drove all fours through Audi's new S-Tronic twin-clutch gearbox. Whether his model will ever see the light of day remains to be seen, but could depend partially on public feedback. So what do you think, does an S5 Evo have a place in the Audi line-up between the existing S5 and the upcoming RS5? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

[Source: InfoMotori via Auto Unleashed]

 

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]]>audiaudi rs5audi s5audi s5 evoAudiRs5AudiS5AudiS5Evors5s5s5 evoS5Evo2008-08-25T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Looks can deceive: 6.6L Duramax-powered Buick GNX clone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/looks-can-deceive-6-6l-duramax-powered-buick-gnx-clone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/looks-can-deceive-6-6l-duramax-powered-buick-gnx-clone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/looks-can-deceive-6-6l-duramax-powered-buick-gnx-clone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The car you see here is not a GNX. Hell, it's not even a Buick. You'd be forgiven if you thought it was, though, and it does sport a turbocharger underhood. David Morad was so enamored with the 6.6L LB7 Duramax diesel in his truck that he wanted to put it into something lighter and more fun. He decided to build a Grand National around the engine, and started buying up whatever applicable Buick body parts he could find -- right down to legit GNX dash plates. Next, he bought an '82 Buick Regal diesel that was to be the subject of the transformation. Unfortunately, that car literally self-immolated as he drove it home, sending Morad straight back to square one.

He subsequently found and bought an '81 Olds diesel and got to work. The car was cut in half so that a Regal rear end could be welded on, and then a laundry list of major modifications followed. To retain the stock Buick exterior appearance while incorporating the new powertrain, everything under the skin is is either extensively modified or custom fabricated in order to allow for the deception. Sure, it looks like a GNX, but this is really a scratch-built machine. Wilwood brakes lurk behind some absolutely wicked deep-dish Budnik wheels (dig those steamrollers in back), which nicely compliment the menacing black bodywork. Diesel Power magazine covers all the build's specifics in detail, and it's well worth a read.

If you're gonna masquerade as a GNX, you'd better bring some punch to the costume party, and Morad's car does. As of Diesel Power's publication, it ran an 8.25-second eighth of a mile, which they figure works out to somewhere in the 12s for the quarter. He'll be gunning for the 11s next, and additional performance upgrades are in store. Best of all? This is Morad's daily driver! He reports that it gets around 28 mpg in regular use and in the mid-30s on the highway. Not a bad combination: the looks of a GNX, the grunt of a big turbodiesel, and the fuel economy of cars that are a lot more boring. This thing had to cost a fortune to make, but Morad's clearly getting his money's worth on the fun scale.

[Source: Diesel Power via Next Autos]

 

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]]>6.6buickclonecustomdieselduramaxgm lb7GmLb7gnxgrand nationalGrandNationaloldsmobile2008-08-24T09:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundais caught testing in high elevations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/hyundais-caught-testing-in-high-elevations/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/hyundais-caught-testing-in-high-elevations/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/23/hyundais-caught-testing-in-high-elevations/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more Hyundai spy shots

Remember: When traveling to faraway locales, always have your camera. A reader by the name of Steve did just so and was rewarded with some pictures of Hyundai's latest and greatest models. Why, you may wonder, was the Korean automaker testing these vehicles? They were likely undergoing high elevation testing, as they were snapped on Mount Evans in Colorado. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, leading to the summit overlook, is the highest paved road in North America (thanks, Wikipedia!).

There's plenty to see here. We've all seen the Genesis Coupe before, but not in yellow, and it looks good. The Portico doesn't really get the blood boiling, but it could turn into an important Edge\Traverse fighter for the Koreans. Perhaps the most interesting car here is what appears to be a heavily disguised Equus sedan. Being that its covered head-to-toe, we had to look closely to spot the rear fender bulge which seems to identify the car. Update: As our readers have pointed out in the comments, this appears to be the new Kia based on the Hyundai Azera. Thanks! Thanks, Steve!

Gallery: Reader spied Hyundais

 

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]]>hyundaihyundai equushyundai equus spy shothyundai genesishyundai genesis coupehyundai porticohyundai spy shotsHyundaiEquusHyundaiEquusSpyShotHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisCoupeHyundaiPorticoHyundaiSpyShots2008-08-23T12:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[No diesels for Bentley]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/no-diesels-for-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/no-diesels-for-bentley/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/no-diesels-for-bentley/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Bentley Brooklands

Bentleys and buckets of torque go hand-in-hand. Therefore, it might make some sense for the German-owned British luxury marque to consider one of the VW Group's big, powerful turbodiesels for one of its upcoming models. Not so fast, says Bentley. It has specifically polled its customer base -- made up mostly of Americans and Asians -- to determine if there's any interest in an oil-burning Bentley. Apparently, there isn't. Instead, the luxo-barge company will focus on biofuels in an effort to lower the fuel consumption and emissions of a numbers of its models. As a matter of fact, the first flex-fuel engine from the Flying B is expected to debut in 2009 and Franz-Josef Paefgen, Bentley's Chief Executive, says that all of its models will be capable of running on biofuels by 2012 as part of its plan to go British Racing green.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>bentleybentley arnagebentley azurebentley azure tdibentley brooklandsbentley continentalbentley continental gtbentley continental gt speedbentley continental gtcBentleyArnageBentleyAzureBentleyAzureTdiBentleyBrooklandsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtBentleyContinentalGtcBentleyContinentalGtSpeeddieseldiesel bentleyDieselBentley2008-08-22T19:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Proof of Hennessey Challenger SRT600 Turbo's punch: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/proof-of-hennessey-challenger-srt600-turbos-punch-11-9-sec-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/proof-of-hennessey-challenger-srt600-turbos-punch-11-9-sec-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/proof-of-hennessey-challenger-srt600-turbos-punch-11-9-sec-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Hennessey SRT600

Hennessey Performance is apparently excited that the Dodge Challenger is finally here. They now offer a myriad of performance upgrades for the Challenger SRT8 including naturally aspirated versions of Chrysler's 6.1L VEMI V8 that increase power up to 575 horsepower, as well as supercharged and turbo versions producing up to 725 hp. There's clearly a power upgrade for everyone, but the most impressive appears to be the Challenger HPE600 Turbo, also known as the SRT600, which Hennessey reports has ripped off a quarter mile time of 11.9 seconds at 121 mph. The company called the car's launch during the run "conservative", though it was wearing optional Nitto Drag Radial tires at the time.

Of course, any big bump in power should be accompanied by equal improvements to the suspension and brakes, and Hennessey will also fit your car with a KW adjustable coil-over suspension, larger anti-roll bars, new bushings and unique StopTech brakes. The cost of a complete Challenger HPE600 Turbo package (including Hennessey embroidered floor mats but not the cost of the donor car, of course) is $74,950, though one can opt for just the engine upgrades and be liberated of only $29,500. In total you could be spending well north of $100,000 on a 725-hp Challenger if you find Hennessey's approach appealing, but look at this way, you'd probably be the only one.

Check out high-res pics of the Hennessey Challenger HPE600 Turbo in the gallery below and video of its quarter-mile run after the jump.

Gallery: Hennessey Challenger SRT600


[Source: Hennessey]

Continue reading Proof of Hennessey Challenger SRT600 Turbo's punch: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph

 

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]]>hennessey challengerhennessey challenger HPE 600 Turbohennessey performancehennessey srt600HennesseyChallengerHennesseyChallengerHpe600TurboHennesseyPerformanceHennesseySrt600HPE 600 TurboHpe600Turbo2008-08-22T14:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[2010 Chevy Camaro SS gets unfortunate Fergalicious debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/2010-chevy-camaro-ss-gets-unfortunate-fergalicious-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/2010-chevy-camaro-ss-gets-unfortunate-fergalicious-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/2010-chevy-camaro-ss-gets-unfortunate-fergalicious-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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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]]>20102010 chevrolet camaro2010 chevrolet camaro ss2010 chevy camaro ss2010ChevroletCamaro2010ChevroletCamaroSs2010ChevyCamaroSsblack eyed peasBlackEyedPeascamarochevroletchevrolet camaro ssChevroletCamaroSschevychevy camaro ssChevyCamaroSsfergiess2008-08-21T18:22:00+00:00<![CDATA[Cobb Tuning gives the GT-R a serious bump in power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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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]]>accessportcobbcobb accessportcobb motorsportcobb tuningCobbAccessportCobbMotorsportCobbTuninggt-rnissannissan gt-rNissanGt-rtunertunerstuning2008-08-21T16:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi RS5 spied undisguised in Death Valley]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/spy-shots-audi-rs5-spied-undisguised-in-death-valley/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/spy-shots-audi-rs5-spied-undisguised-in-death-valley/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/spy-shots-audi-rs5-spied-undisguised-in-death-valley/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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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]]>audiaudi a5audi rs5audi rs5 spyaudi s5AudiA5AudiRs5AudiRs5SpyAudiS5rs5spy shots audi rs5SpyShotsAudiRs52008-08-21T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Next Euro Civic will look like Scirocco?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/rendered-speculation-next-euro-civic-will-look-like-scirocco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/rendered-speculation-next-euro-civic-will-look-like-scirocco/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/rendered-speculation-next-euro-civic-will-look-like-scirocco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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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]]>civiccivic hatchcivic hatchbackCivicHatchCivicHatchbackeuro civicEuroCivichondahonda civichonda euro civicHondaCivicHondaEuroCivic2008-08-21T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Design Study: Nissan 240/Fairlady Z successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/design-study-nissan-240-fairlady-z-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/design-study-nissan-240-fairlady-z-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/design-study-nissan-240-fairlady-z-successor/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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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]]>240zfairladyiacoskinissan2008-08-20T18:28:00+00:00