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[Rumormill: Cadillac to get its own Volt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With enormous V8 land-yachts and even bigger Escalades rolling down America's boulevards, Cadillac doesn't have the most environmentally friendly of images. But that's a perception that the premium GM division is working hard to combat. After unveiling the Escalade two-mode hybrid, reports have begun to surface that Cadillac is considering a four-cylinder model for the American market like the Saab-based BLS it offers in Europe.

New emerging reports now suggest that Cadillac might get its own version of the highly-anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid from its sister-company Chevrolet. No telling at this point if the Cadillac version would be based on the Volt, transplant the Volt's powertrain into an existing Cadillac model, or breed an entirely new Caddy - or for that matter if there's any substance to the rumors - but sources suggest a higher sticker price than the Volt's anticipated $40k.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd) via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>cadillaccadillac hybridcadillac voltCadillacHybridCadillacVoltchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltvolt2008-08-26T12:59:00+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[Rumormill: Mercedes BLK on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/rumormill-mercedes-blk-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/rumormill-mercedes-blk-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/rumormill-mercedes-blk-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While there is a mad rush for automakers to make smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles for the U.S. market, many of the vehicles we crave are already available to European customers. Mercedes sells A- and B-Class vehicles were deemed too small for U.S. consumption. One product Mercedes doesn't have in either of its two biggest markets is a small crossover vehicle, but that could change in 2011.

Autocar is reporting that Mercedes is looking to rectify its small crossover position with the BLK, which will be positioned to take on the BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX. If Mercedes does build the BLK, it will likely be on an all-new FWD chassis that will also accommodate the next-gen A- and B-Class, as well as other like-sized models. The guys and gals on team Benz were looking to strike a deal with another automaker to platform share, but talks apparently came up empty. Mercedes is still looking to partner up with BMW on engine development, which would help drastically reduce engineering and development costs. BLK engine choices are rumored to be between 1.6- and 2.2-liters, with direct injection gasoline and diesel variants.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>compact CUVCompactCuvcrossovermercedes benzmercedes blkMercedesBenzMercedesBlkrumors2008-08-20T17:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[Enter the Rumormill: 2012 C7 Corvette ZR1 with twin-turbo V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/enter-the-rumormill-2012-c7-corvette-zr1-with-twin-turbo-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/enter-the-rumormill-2012-c7-corvette-zr1-with-twin-turbo-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/enter-the-rumormill-2012-c7-corvette-zr1-with-twin-turbo-v6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While the world watches in awe as the Corvette ZR1 wretches the performance crown from its competitors, some people are already concerning themselves with its successor. How could GM possibly improve on its best 'Vette yet? Popular Mechanics speculated on what the 2012 Corvette could have in store, and some of the answers they've dug up are a bit surprising. Dual clutch gearboxes? Nope. Mid-engine? Nope. How about losing a few cylinders? Heresy! Before all of the V8 loyalists get their panties in a bunch, remember that you can do a lot with a twin-turbo six. While the Nissan GT-R is the latest example of huge pressure-induced horsepower from a six, the Jaguar XJ220 and past Noble efforts have proven the engine configuration more than adequate. While we don't have any problem with the idea of a high-boost 3.6-liter direct-injection sixer, we know that there's still plenty of room for a range-topping V8 engine and we feel confident that America's preeminent sportscar will soldier on with one -- at the very least -- as an option.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1


[Source: Popular Mechanics]

 

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]]>2012 corvette2012 corvette zr12012Corvette2012CorvetteZr1corvettecorvette zr-1corvette zr1CorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr12008-08-20T14:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[2010 Pontiac G8 ST may get direct-inject V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/2010-pontiac-g8-st-may-get-direct-inject-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/2010-pontiac-g8-st-may-get-direct-inject-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/2010-pontiac-g8-st-may-get-direct-inject-v6/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

The Pontiac G8 Sport Truck was originally supposed to be powered only by General Motors' 361-horsepower 6.0L V8, but tough fuel economy standards and customer demand for fuel efficient products have conspired to change the General's plans. Edmunds Inside Line quotes an anonymous senior engineer at the General saying that the unique sport ute will receive automaker's 3.6L V6, as well. That's good news for fuel economy, but the better news is that the 3.6L V6 of choice will be the direct injection versoin. That will likely give the G8 ST the same 300+hp as the 2010 Camaro and Cadillac CTS. That should also make the base ST more appealing to enthusiasts and the average Joe, with more power at the pedal and a healthier torque curve. The DI version of GM's 3.6L V6 will also likely be available in the base G8 sedan for the 2010 model year, as well.

It makes sense that GM would go with direct injection for the G8 ST, as the General has already promised the powerful V6 for the Chevy Traverse and Camaro. Putting DI in more vehicles will help drive down the cost of producing these more high-tech engines economy of scale while also giving customers V8ish performance with V6ish fuel economy. Keep in mind, however, that though a GM engineer was quoted, none of this is official word from GM, so plans could change.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST


[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>3.6L v63.6lV6direct injectionDirectInjectionG8 SedanG8 sport truckG8 STG8SedanG8SportTruckG8StPontiac G8PontiacG82008-08-20T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Report: Ferrari wants Alonso and Kubica for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa contracted with Ferrari through next year, reports are circulating that the Scuderia may bring on board both Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica for 2010.

After Kimi and Felipe, and with Lewis Hamilton firmly in place at McLaren, the pairing of Alonso and Kubica in Maranello would provide a formidable team against the rest of the field. Alonso, of course, is a two-time world champion and one of the only drivers to repeatedly beat Schumacher to the title, while Kubica has proven himself a competent driver of the highest degree. Whether the reports are accurate, and whether Ferrari would just dump Kimi and Felipe like that remains to be seen.

[Source: Tuttosport via Axis of Oversteer, Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty]

 

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]]>alonsoalonso ferrariAlonsoFerrarifernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrarikubicakubica alonsokubica alonso ferrarikubica ferrariKubicaAlonsoKubicaAlonsoFerrariKubicaFerrarirobert kubicaRobertKubica2008-08-14T07:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Jaguar XFR to debut in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/jaguar-xfr-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/jaguar-xfr-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/jaguar-xfr-to-debut-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Jaguar XF has been a shot of adrenaline for the perpetually struggling leaping cat, as sexy lines and ample performance are adding new customers to the brand. We love the balance of the naturally aspirated V8 and the ample bite of its supercharged sibling, but we'll always be agreeable with the prospect of more power. Spy photos have shown us that an even more vicious feline is on the horizon with a blown 5.0L V8 that cranks out north of 500 ponies.

The folks over at Auto Telegraaf are reporting that the XFR will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next January, which would give Jaguar a big introduction at North America's biggest auto show. We liked what we saw when the XFR made its cloaked debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (that graphic on the side should so be an option), and we're looking forward to seeing Tata's most powerful vehicle when it hits Detroit.

Gallery: Jaguar XF-R


[Source: Auto Telegraaf]

 

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]]>JaguarJaguar XFJaguarXfsuperchargertata motorsTataMotorsXFR2008-08-12T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lexus delays LF-A, GS-F and more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

Lexus sales have been down every month so far this year, which may be due in part to its SUV and crossover-heavy lineup. It also seems that Toyota's luxury division doesn't quite have redesigns of its sedans ready yet. According to Automotive News, the automaker's smallest car, the IS, won't be redesigned for another few years. While the SC coupe/convertible is set to go the way of the Dodo, expect to see a coupe and convertible iteration of the IS sometime soon. Some sales help is also likely forthcoming from the Lexi-fied version of Toyota's next-gen Prius.

In a blow to high-performance sedan lovers, however, the rumored GS-F performance edition of the marque's rear-wheel drive mid-size sedan has been put on hold with fears that the sinking economy will shrink the market for gas-guzzlers too much to make it worthwhile. In more bad news, the $200K-plus LF-A supercar is also being delayed, reportedly in part for failing to meet its desired performance targets. Could that have anything to do with the recent Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR-1 'Ring lap times? You bet'cha.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


[Source: Automotive News]

 

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]]>lexuslexus flexus gslexus gs-flexus hybridlexus is-flexus lf-alexus priusLexusFLexusGsLexusGs-fLexusHybridLexusIs-fLexusLf-aLexusPrius2008-08-11T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Owners refute rumors of firing Ecclestone and selling F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rumors have been circulating that CVC, the commercial rights holders to Formula One, have considered selling the series. But before that could happen, they would have to give Bernie Ecclestone the boot.

The reports were fueled by comments made by Max Mosley, the embattled president of the FIA, who related to reporters that conversations about the subject had taken place with executives at CVC. According to Mosley's conclusion, CVC would consider selling Formula One if a huge offer were made - possibly by an Arab consortium - but Ecclestone would need to be replaced because "the whole business depends on a man who is 78 years old". However, CVC issued a strong statement at this past weekend's race in Hungary that it had no immediate plans to sell F1 and was pleased with its performance as well as that of Bernie Ecclestone.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty]

 

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]]>bernie ecclestoneBernieEcclestonecvccvc ecclestoneCvcEcclestoneecclestonefiafia mosleyFiaMosleyfomformula one managementFormulaOneManagementmax mosleyMaxMosleymosley2008-08-07T08:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW considering a 3-wheeler, large scooters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Rumors from various European motorcycle mags indicate that BMW is considering getting back into the scooter game. The Bavarian company's last foray into scooterdom resulted in the C1. Being that this was BMW Motorrad, its scooter would need to be different from everyone else, and indeed it was. Featuring a full roof, roll bars and seat belts along with ABS brakes, BMW claimed that C1 riders were safe enough that they did not need to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, though, not everyone agreed and low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002. Now, BMW is said to be considering a three-wheeled machine, which could allay some of the safety fears which ultimately led to the demise of the C1.

Rotax is also rumored to be involved, offering an 80 degree, four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine in three different sizes and ranging from 33 to 75 horsepower. The machine is said to retain the C1's windshield and roof and add BMW's paralever rear suspension design. BMW: You've got our attention, now please don't disappoint.

[Source: Visor Down]

 

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]]>bmwbmw c1bmw c1 scooterbmw motorradbmw scooterBmwC1BmwC1ScooterBmwMotorradBmwScooter2008-08-06T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Lotus considering a Carlton successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/rumormill-lotus-considering-a-carlton-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/rumormill-lotus-considering-a-carlton-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/rumormill-lotus-considering-a-carlton-successor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery off the original Lotus Carlton.

Of all the sleepers in automobiledom, the Lotus Carlton holds a special place in our hearts. Based off the Vauxhall Carlton sold in Europe, Lotus stroked out the 3.0-liter inline-six of the standard car to displace 3615 cc, added a couple of Garrett turbos and sent the resulting 382 hp and 419 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed ZF transmission pulled from the original Corvette ZR-1. In short, it was the ultimate low-flying aircraft, with room for four, a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of over 175 mph - in 1990.

Lotus head Michael Kimberley told Autocar, that he would "like the company to build another car in the mould of the Lotus Carlton." What could form the basis of the sleeper sedan's revival? The recently unveiled Vauxhall Insignia is the modern equivalent of the Carlton, and with a modified 2.8-liter V6 packing a set of turbos and sending power to all four wheels, GM could have a serious performance package on its hands. And if the General decides to bring over the Insignia to the U.S... Lotus Aura has a nice ring to it.

Check the gallery below for more shots of the original Lotus Carlton and make the jump to watch Tiff Needell work his magic with the boosted sedan.

Gallery: Lotus Carlton


[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Rumormill: Lotus considering a Carlton successor

 

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]]>carltonlotus2008-08-06T15:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paris 2008 Preview: Citroen to bring back the 2CV?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/paris-2008-preview-citroen-to-bring-back-the-2cv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/paris-2008-preview-citroen-to-bring-back-the-2cv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/paris-2008-preview-citroen-to-bring-back-the-2cv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Citroen 2CV

Resurrecting the cars that put automakers on the map seems to be all the rage in the industry these days. Volkswagen brought back the Beetle a few years back and, more recently, Fiat resurrected the 500. Porsche... well, the 911 never really went away. But you get the idea. One iconic turning-point of an automobile that has yet to be awakened is the Citroen 2CV.

Launched after the end of WWII in 1949, the Citroen 2CV (so named because of its two-steam-horsepower equivalent rating) grew extremely popular due to its low cost and versatility. It could go anywhere, consumed little gas, and was extremely simple both to build and to maintain. By the time the last one rolled off the production line in 1990 - now that's one heck of a run - over 3.8 million units were built, and the 2CV gained iconic status and a cult following. Next year Citroen will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 2CV. Given the momentous occasion, the coincidence of the show's alternate location in Paris this year and how poised the current economic climate would be for such a vehicle, it would seem an ideal time for PSA to give us a new 2CV that could put the French automaker back on the map with a low-cost vehicle to rival the Tata Nano, only with more character. Whether Citroen actually has any such plans is of course pure speculation at this point, so we'll just have to sit back and wait until October to find out.

Gallery: Citroen 2CV

[Source: Auto Unleashed]

 

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]]>60th anniversary citroen 2cv60thAnniversaryCitroen2cvcitroencitroen 2cvcitroen parisCitroen2cvCitroenParis2008-08-04T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM offering buyouts and bonuses to HUMMER dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-offering-buyouts-and-bonuses-to-hummer-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-offering-buyouts-and-bonuses-to-hummer-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-offering-buyouts-and-bonuses-to-hummer-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the above image for our 2009 Hummer H3T high-res gallery

Taking heed of lessons learned when it shed the Oldsmobile brand, General Motors is quietly negotiating with HUMMER dealers to prevent lawsuits if the brand is sold or extinguished. Even though confidentiality agreements have been signed, HUMMER dealers are reporting heavy discussions with GM to buy back stores and compensate owners. GM has even paid second- and third-quarter bonuses (averaging six figures) in advance. June delivered gloom to HUMMER as the brand's sales fell 59.3 percent (to just 2,072 units) as near $5-per-gallon fuel prices began flowing through pumps. If that weren't bad enough, the rugged off-road brand was hit with another mass exodus of sales on GM's announcement that HUMMER might be sold. With sales falling, experienced dealership staff leaving, and fuel prices still up in the air, GM's Jeep-fighting brand has literally fallen off the road.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd, Photo by Scott Olson/Getty]

 

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]]>bonusesbuy outBuyOutdealersHummerOut of businessOutOfBusinessretailersSaleSold2008-07-28T11:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Renault Alpine could be based off Nissan 370Z]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/rumormill-renault-alpine-could-be-based-off-nissan-370z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/rumormill-renault-alpine-could-be-based-off-nissan-370z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/rumormill-renault-alpine-could-be-based-off-nissan-370z/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that Nissan might be tapped to provide a platform and drivetrain.

The director of Renaultsport supposedly sat down with CarTribe to discuss the future of the automaker's high-performance offerings and when asked if a new Alpine model could be based off the Nissan GT-R, he denied it, instead hinting at the use of Nissan's FM platform that underpins the G37 coupe, G35 sedan and upcoming Nissan 370Z. The new model could be more geared towards track duty, with a serious diet and some tweaks to the drivetrain.

While the revival of Alpine is primarily a way for Renault to capitalize on its participation in F1, a Nissan-based model would all but negate such an effort. Then again, with 60 new models expected to come from Renault and Nissan in the next four years, the automaker will use any platform it can get its hands on to expand its lineup.

[Source: CarTribe]

 

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]]>370zalpinenissanrenault2008-07-26T17:05:00+00:00<![CDATA[Knight Rider News: KITT can transform into a pickup!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/knight-rider-news-kitt-can-transform-into-a-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/knight-rider-news-kitt-can-transform-into-a-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/knight-rider-news-kitt-can-transform-into-a-pickup/#commentsFiled under: ,



We were encouraged by the last bit of news on the upcoming return of Knight Rider as a series this fall from an interview with the show's producer Gary Scott Thompson. In it Thompson revealed that Turbo Boost would be back and KITT's Attack Mode de-winged. Unfortunately, the news is not so good out of San Diego today where the cast of the Knight Rider series held court at a Comic Con panel. According to io9, they were late because they were stuck in traffic (oh, the delicious irony) and what they had to show were boob-driven clips of impossibly attractive people acting badly. And Val Kilmer, the voice of KITT, has apparently develop a lisp. Sigh. A new side of KITT was gleaned from clips seen at the panel discussion where the autonomous talking car actually transforms into a pickup! We can tell you exactly why this has happened. Ford wants to promote pickups because nobody is buying them right now, so what better way to do so than have KITT grow a bed. We also learn that KITT will have a nemesis in another evil car of some sort, possibly another version of KITT himself or a 1987 Camaro IROC-Z (we kid). Any way you parse it, the news coming out of Comic Con for the return of Knight Rider is not encouraging, though we still plan on tying Alex to a couch and forcing him to liveblog every episode. Thanks for the tip, Brett!

Gallery: The new KITT - OFFICIAL PHOTOS


[Source: io9.com]

 

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]]>comic conComicConKITTknight riderKnightRider2008-07-25T14:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi considering mid-engine layout for next-gen TT?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/audi-considering-mid-engine-layout-for-next-gen-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/audi-considering-mid-engine-layout-for-next-gen-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/audi-considering-mid-engine-layout-for-next-gen-tt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Not the next-gen model, but click above for Audi TT-S high-res gallery

Audi's next-gen TT may be getting a significant re-design, with a mid-engine placement if the swirling speculation around the interwebs is true. Now in its second-generation, the TT sits on Volkswagen's PQ35 platform (shared with the Volkswagen Eos and Tiguan) meaning customers are offered a front-engine chassis with a front- or all-wheel drive powertrain. When stacked against the front-engine BMW Z4 and mid-engine Porsche Boxster/Cayman, the current Audi TT holds its own... but that isn't keeping Ingolstadt engineers content. They realize that if they switch to a mid-engine design, like the one found on the amazing Audi R8, balance and handling will improve. Plus, Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system can be tailored with even more rearward torque bias. The third-gen TT, however, isn't set to debut until 2013. With Porsche moving closer to purchasing Volkswagen, a long lead may work to Audi's advantage as they'll have to convince the automaker from Stuttgart that a mid-engine TT won't chew into Boxster/Cayman sales.

Gallery: Audi TT-S


[Source: World Car Fans]

 

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]]>AudiAudi TTaudi tt-raudi tt-rsaudi tt-saudi tt-s convertibleaudi tt-s coupeaudi tt-s roadsterAudiTtAudiTt-rAudiTt-rsAudiTt-sAudiTt-sConvertibleAudiTt-sCoupeAudiTt-sRoadsterfront-enginemid-enginenext-genthird-genthird-generation2008-07-25T12:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: Jaguar developing diesel XK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/report-jaguar-developing-diesel-xk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/report-jaguar-developing-diesel-xk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/report-jaguar-developing-diesel-xk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for a hi-res gallery of the Jaguar XK convertible

When Jaguar launched the current-generation XK in all its feline ferocity, it reportedly promised that the car would only be offered with gasoline engines. But that was a couple of years ago, around the same time that Audi began to dominate Le Mans racing with its R10 TDI, when BMW put the 3-liter turbodiesel into the 6 Series, but more importantly, before the current fuel crunch made consumers reexamine the prospect of driving a diesel sportscar.

That's why reports now suggest that Jaguar is preparing a diesel version of the XK. Based on the 2.7-liter V6 turbodiesel used in its sedans, the XK is tipped to receive a more powerful 3-liter version with 250 hp - still short of the BMW 635d's 290, but still capable of returning over 30 mpg with torque to spare. Whether the diesel XK would make it to the American market remains doubtful, however.

Gallery: 2007 Jaguar XK Convertible


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>jaguarjaguar dieseljaguar tdjaguar turbo dieseljaguar xkjaguar xk dieselJaguarDieselJaguarTdJaguarTurboDieselJaguarXkJaguarXkDiesel2008-07-23T16:41:00+00:00<![CDATA[Insignia <i>will</i> come to U.S. as a Saturn, with new sheetmetal, interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/insignia-i-will-i-come-to-u-s-as-a-saturn-with-new-sheetmet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/insignia-i-will-i-come-to-u-s-as-a-saturn-with-new-sheetmet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/insignia-i-will-i-come-to-u-s-as-a-saturn-with-new-sheetmet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Insignia.

Despite repeated rumblings from industry sources (including Lutz himself) that the Opel Insignia's transformation into a Saturn model was on hold, Bob Lutz now indicates that work is indeed proceeding on making that model ready for the American market. Changes are going to be made to both the interior and the exterior of the Insignia as it morphs into the Aura. Lutz also indicates that the two Epsilon II-based cars will share suspension bits and powertrains, though we are not sure just how many of the six available gas and diesel engines in the Euro-only Opel will make their way Stateside. Also debatable is the Insignia's Haldex all-wheel-drive system that will be offered across the pond. Whatever the case, we hope that the car doesn't see too many changes as it's an extremely attractive and compelling package as it currently sits. Bring it.

Gallery: British Motor Show: Opel Insignia


[Source: Autoweek]

 

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]]>2009 opel insignia2009OpelInsignia2010 saturn aura2010SaturnAuraopelopel insigniaOpelInsigniasaturnsaturn auraSaturnAura2008-07-23T16:22:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mercury rising: Thursday announcement expected to lay out Euro-infused future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/mercury-rising-thursday-announcement-expected-to-lay-out-euro-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/mercury-rising-thursday-announcement-expected-to-lay-out-euro-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/mercury-rising-thursday-announcement-expected-to-lay-out-euro-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercury has been languishing over the last several years with badged-engineered products barely distinguishable from their Ford brethren. As the market shifts towards smaller cars with higher fuel efficiency, there may be a golden opportunity for the Mercury brand to actually prove its worth as Ford's outlet for European-designed vehicles for the American market. In a move akin to what General Motors has done with Saturn, importing Opels to the U.S. in an attempt to revive the marque, Ford could bring its highly-desirable Euro-only models to the States badged as Mercurys.

According to unnamed sources, the New York Times is suggesting that Ford will begin manufacturing six Euro-spec models right here in America at plants formerly used to produce F-Series trucks, SUVs and vans. We'll have to wait until this Thursday before any official announcements are made by the Blue Oval, but that gives us some time to speculate on which Kinetic-infused products are on their way. That's what the comments are for -- have at.

[Source: The New York Times]

 

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]]>euro fordeuro fordsEuroFordEuroFordsfordmercury2008-07-22T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volt SS? Chevrolet considering turbocharged 1.4-liter for Volt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/volt-ss-chevrolet-considering-turbocharged-1-4-liter-for-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/volt-ss-chevrolet-considering-turbocharged-1-4-liter-for-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/volt-ss-chevrolet-considering-turbocharged-1-4-liter-for-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Chevrolet Volt mystery may have unfolded just a bit more as GM-Volt.com is reporting that GM CEO Rick Wagoner has confirmed that the General is considering a 1.4L four cylinder engine for the production Volt. So far, nothing official has been announced, but the decision to use the 1.4L engine would make plenty of financial sense. After all, it's the same engine that is expected to power the first-generation Chevy Cruze, which may actually follow the Volt to market. Both the Volt and the Cruze will sit atop the next Delta platform, another bit of cost savings. We'd imagine that Chevy could drop the turbocharger and run the engine on the Atkinson cycle while still making plenty of power for this application.

GM has promised fuel mileage of around 50 mpg when operating in range-extended mode as the engine provides the power for the electric motor's operation. Equivalent miles per gallon will be highly dependent on the final output of the lithium battery pack, and the engine still won't be required for the first 40 miles of operation. What's more, the internal combustion engine will have little to do with actual performance numbers like acceleration or top speed. Therefore, we don't really care what engine GM chooses for the Volt so long as its original mileage targets aren't sacrificed along the way.

[Source: MLive.com via GM-Volt.com]

 

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]]>1.41.4 liter1.4-liter1.4Literchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltchevy volt engineChevyVoltChevyVoltEnginegm voltGmVoltvolt2008-07-22T08:01:00+00:00