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[Alchemist: the company that turns cars gold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/alechemist-the-company-that-turns-cars-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/alechemist-the-company-that-turns-cars-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/alechemist-the-company-that-turns-cars-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more gruesome shots of gold-plated exotics

Do you ever wonder what company actually does the 24-carat gold plating jobs on those gilded exotic and luxury cars that surface on the web from time to time? Perhaps you're looking for someone to do the same to your Camry? Alchemist is the appropriately named company behind these works, and its specialty is gold plating just the roof panel, though it will to dip the entire car in gold for the right price. The company is based in London, England and headed by a Frenchman named Jacques Blanc, who will soon be taking a perfectly good Aston Martin DBS and gilding the entire thing with 24-carat gold and platinum-leaf at the upcoming MPH Show in London.

Gallery: Alchemist: Gold Plated Roofs


[Source: Alchemist]

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]]>alchemistalchemistsalchemygoldgold platedgold plated cargold plated roofgold-platedgold-plated roofGold-platedRoofGoldPlatedGoldPlatedCarGoldPlatedRoof2008-08-26T12:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[20-mile-long convoy of Subarus to celebrate life of Colin McRae]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McRae parade The picture at right was taken a just a day after the rally legend was killed in a tragic helicopter crash near his home in Lanarkshire. Without prompting, rally fans from across the UK drove to Scotland to hold a memorial in the McRaes' hometown, which quickly filled up with Subarus, most of them WR blue.

One year on, they've gotten organized. Next Saturday, August 30, Colin's dad, Jimmy, will drive his son's famous 555 Impreza out of Lanark and head for Prodrive's factory in Banbury, southern England. By the time he reaches Birmingham he will have 700 Subarus in his mirrors forming an all-wheel-drive parade that's expected to stretch over 10 miles. Then, on Sunday the 31st, another 600 scoobies are set to join the tailback as it heads to Prodrive's test track in Warwickshire. Yep, that's 1,300 cars in a 20 -plus-mile snake, powered by 5,200 horizontally opposed cylinders.

Although official entry to the event is now closed, organizers expect even more Subarus to show up on the day. Details of the route can be found at http://www.mcrae-gathering.co.uk/

 

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]]>2008-08-24T17:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[Project Kahn and Lotus team up on 60th anniversary Elise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Lotus Elise by Kahn.

Special edition Elises are becoming a dime-a-dozen, but Lotus decided Kahn Design should be tasked with creating its own bespoke version of the Elise to celebrate the automaker's 60th anniversary.

Kahn, primarily known for its body-kit-equipped Astons, Benzes, Landies and Rollers, has taken the standard Elise and given it an aesthetic once-over in an attempt to justify it's yet-to-be-disclosed price tag. The enhancements include a new front splitter, side skirts and rear wing, along with silver mesh fitted to the side air intakes and rear clam. The seats have replaced with thicker, leather thones and the Kahn logo has been embossed on the headrests, center console and steering wheel. In keeping with Kahn tradition, performance modifications are limited to 19-inch wheels, a new suspension and a sports exhaust.

The Kahn Elise will officially debut next month, with sales beginning later this year through the UK's Dream Machines Lotus dealership.

Gallery: Kahn Lotus Elise


[Source: Autoblog.nl]

 

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]]>elisekahnlotuslotus kahnlotus kahn eliseLotusKahnLotusKahnElise2008-08-22T14:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster to appear on Top Gear?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson has had nothing but bad luck when it comes to testing electric cars. Maybe the problem is that he's never gotten his hands on the right one. Reports are coming in from across the pond that the popular television series has recently procured a Tesla Roadster for Mr. Clarkson to wedge his rather large and surly self into. We have a feeling that Jeremy will like this car -- its performance, after all, rivals that of many gas-powered cars we consider super. Plus, it has British roots, and anybody who has ever watched the show knows that this fact earns brownie points from the three-man crew.

When will the test take place? That's a good question. Our compatriots over at AutoblogGreen have contacted Daryl Siry, head PR man at the Silicon Valley EV company, who told us that no specific date has been set. He did assure us, however, that a test will definitely take place. When it does, we sure hope that it goes better than the last electric vehicle test. Seriously, it could hardly go worse.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


[Source: The Independent via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>jeremy clarksonJeremyClarksontop geartop gear teslaTopGearTopGearTesla2008-08-22T12:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Trident Iceni

If the name 'Trident' has visions of Maseratis and vintage Triumphs dancing through your head, you are in for a big surprise. When we first looked at the Trident Iceni, it was powered by a 375-hp GM turbo diesel V8 mounted up front and producing 520 lb-ft of torque. After a year or two of development, it's even better according to its makers, with the latest version of the venerable Duramax diesel tweaked to offer 550 horsepower at 3,800 rpm along with an arm-wrenching 950 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm. Trident claims the Duramax can slingshot the Iceni to 60 mph in well under four seconds and on up to a top speed easily surpassing 200 miles per hour. According to the British company, its modified GM/Isuzu engine is capable of running on any blend of biodiesel without voiding the warranty and returns 68.9 miles per gallon (or 57 mpg in U.S. gallons) at a steady 70 miles per hour. Is this the guilt-free supercar for the eco-conscious speed freak?

With an elaborate chassis folded from stainless steel and a composite body, the Iceni will not rot away. The rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission also allows for wide gearing, which is fortunate since the diesel engine isn't going to be a revver. The company is currently looking for funding and hopes to offer the Iceni for about £75,000 out the door. So far, Trident has mentioned no plans to send its wares across the pond to the U.S. Pity us poor Americans.

Gallery: Trident Iceni


[Source: Trident Performance Vehicles]

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]]>biodieselbiodiesel supercarBiodieselSupercardiesel supercarDieselSupercartrident icenitrident performance vehiclesTridentIceniTridentPerformanceVehicles2008-08-20T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Clarkson and BBC team up to take <i>Top Gear</i> global]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/clarkson-and-bbc-team-up-to-take-i-top-gear-i-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/clarkson-and-bbc-team-up-to-take-i-top-gear-i-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/clarkson-and-bbc-team-up-to-take-i-top-gear-i-global/#commentsFiled under: ,

A new business deal signed between the BBC on the one hand and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman on the other could see the vast expansion of the Top Gear brand worldwide. The deal involves BBC Worldwide, the international commercial arm of the government-owned television network, taking a majority stake in Badder 6. The latter is a company set up by Clarkson and Wilman two years ago for reasons unknown, but will now act to channel all revenues from the Top Gear brand back to the BBC, Clarkson and Wilman.

The deal is seen as a necessity to keep Clarkson happy so he'll remain on the show amidst offers from competing networks and producers for the world's most famous automotive journalist. Badder 6, which now includes three top-level BBC Worldwide executives, will be responsible for managing the marketing of Top Gear around the world, including the magazine, the original British television program, the new program for the United States undertaken by NBC, an additional new series for Australia, and all related merchandising opportunities. Now reaping the rewards for his efforts, Clarkson will act in a direct capacity as the figurehead for the Top Gear brand around the world. Although the deal did not involve his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, the pair are reported to have secured more lucrative deals themselves in light of Clarkson's new arrangement.

[Source: The Guardian via Inside Line]

 

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]]>andy wilmanAndyWilmanbadder 6Badder6bbcbbc worldbbc worldwideBbcWorldBbcWorldwideclarksonjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksontop gearTopGearwilman2008-08-14T08:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lotus develops Concept Ice Vehicle for Antarctic expedition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/lotus-develops-concept-ice-vehicle-for-antarctic-expedition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/lotus-develops-concept-ice-vehicle-for-antarctic-expedition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/lotus-develops-concept-ice-vehicle-for-antarctic-expedition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lotus Concept Ice Vehicle

We can forget all about the price of gas when we get news like this. Sure, we'll probably never ride in the Concept Ice Vehicle (CIV), but just knowing that folks at Lotus are working on things like this while we sleep... well, it's like finding out that there is a Santa Claus.

The CIV was developed to aid research for the Moon Regan TransAntarctic Expedition. The biofuel powered, propeller-driven trike on skids is 4.5 meters long and 4.5 meters wide with an independent suspension all around. It also has an ice penetrating radar to detect crevasses and is light enough for a man to pull it across difficult terrain, which basically makes it an Elise for explorers. It also appears to have a spiked "foot" under the cockpit, perhaps for stopping on icy terrain.

The CIV will lead the way for two other, heavier support vehicles as the explorers make their way from one Antarctic coast to the other. If you think the CIV is cool, have a look at the Econoline van, each with six independently-driven 44" tires. These monster vehicles were engineered by those kooky folks in, where else, Iceland. Check out the gallery of CIV photos below, and follow the jump for two videos of the slickest sled on snow.

Gallery: Lotus Concept Ice Vehicle


[Source: Zercustoms]

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]]>antarcticcivconceptconcept ice vehicleconcept vehicleConceptIceVehicleConceptVehiclelotuslotus concept ice vehicleLotusConceptIceVehiclemoon reganmoon regan transantarctic expeditionMoonReganMoonReganTransantarcticExpedition2008-08-13T12:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[London congestion charge has failed to solve congestion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/#commentsFiled under: ,

London Congestion Charge: FAIL. According to the most recent reports, traffic in London is exactly as bad today as it was before the C-Charge was ever initiated. London motorists have made their opinion about the system clear in recently voting out ex-Mayor Ken Livingstone, a man who championed the charges and had plans to increase their dollar amount and expand their coverage. The new mayor, Boris "Fast Lane" Johnson, says, "I have always thought that the Congestion Charge is a blunt instrument." Blunt and ineffective, it would seem. While the number of cars within the city limits have gone down, other factors have crept up like an increase in bike and pedestrian traffic that keeps motorists crawling.

There is one thing that the London Congestion Charge was good at: making money. Last year alone, the C-Charges racked up some £268 million (a whopping $536 million) in charges. While it may be hard to see that income go away, the fact is that it still takes Londoners an average of 2.3 minutes per kilometer to drive through the city, so expect to see some major modifications to the system in the coming months.

[Source: Reuters via Motor Authority]

 

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]]>boris johnsonBorisJohnsonc-chargeken livingstoneKenLivingstonelondonlondon congestionlondon congestion chargelondon trafficLondonCongestionLondonCongestionChargeLondonTraffic2008-08-08T14:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Ride: Trekking Fiat 500 makes SoCal stop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/first-ride-trekking-fiat-500-makes-socal-stop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/first-ride-trekking-fiat-500-makes-socal-stop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/first-ride-trekking-fiat-500-makes-socal-stop/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for high-res gallery of pics of the first Fiat 500 in the States

Jim Magill's little Fiat 500 made a stop in SoCal this weekend and we were among the lucky few who got some seat time in it. As we recently blogged, Jim shipped his microcar to the States all the way from Belfast, Northern Ireland to help raise some cash for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, and to meet with some fellow Fiat tifosi along the way. As part of the plan the Cinquecento is being driven to some high profile events to show it off and help spread the word about his cause. In the OC this past Saturday morning, the car attracted a ton of attention at a weekly car show, even sitting in the shadow of a few Zagato-bodied Lancias and Alfas. While the nearby Isettas made it seem positively huge, the tiny Fiat was still appreciated for its frugality and miniscule footprint. After the show we went for a spin and stopped to take a few pics of the car next to a handy Smart ForTwo. Follow the jump to see what we thought of it.

Gallery: First Impression: Fiat 500


Gallery: Fiat 500 across America

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]]>featuredfiat 500fiat cinquecentoFiat500fiatcinquecentojim magillJimMagill2008-08-04T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford working to prevent catalytic converter theft]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/ford-working-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/ford-working-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/ford-working-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There's a container of precious metals dangling from the bottom of your car: your catalytic converter. They contain platinum, and its rising cost has caused a recent spike in converter theft, especially in the U.K. Not only does a missing cat let more pollution into the air, it also disables operation of the car in some cases. In an effort to combat this growing problem, Ford has partnered with Retainagroup to place individual serial numbers on converters. These IDs are intended to give law enforcement the ability to track down and prove whether individual converters were stolen or not. Want one? Visit your local U.K. Ford dealer with £11.87 in hand and you're all set.

[Source: Automotive Business Review]

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]]>catalytic convertercatalytic converter theftcatalytic converterscatalytic convertor ...catalytic-converterCatalyticConverterCatalyticConvertersCatalyticConverterTheftCatalyticConvertor...platinumplatinum theftPlatinumTheftretainagroup2008-08-02T15:23:00+00:00<![CDATA[Drive the Lotus Evora... virtually... in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/drive-the-lotus-evora-virtually-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/drive-the-lotus-evora-virtually-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/drive-the-lotus-evora-virtually-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Lotus Evora, which you can't drive on real streets yet, has already been driven in GT5. Attendees at the British Motor Show got a chance to put Lotus' latest over the kerbs, thanks to a tie-in between the folks at Hethel and those at game developer Polyphony. If you didn't attend the show, fear not: you can be pretty sure there'll be a version of it in an upcoming batch of downloadable content for GT5 Prologue.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>evoragran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5gt5lotuslotus evoraLotusEvoraplaystationplaystation 3playstation3polyphonypolyphony digitalpolyphony-digitalPolyphonyDigitalvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGamevideogames2008-08-01T08:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Not again! Schumi involved in another accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/#commentsFiled under:

We all know that Formula One pilots drive their cars to the very edge of their limits. What separates the godlike from the rest of the field of extremely talented drivers, however, is how close they can get to the edge without going over it. Go too far and you crash. Don't go far enough and lose. Michael Schumacher certainly falls into that rare category - tops it, even - of the exceedingly talented and accomplished, but lately, we've begun to wonder if the unprecedented seven-time world champion hasn't lost it.

Following the rumors from just a couple of days ago that Schumacher had totaled a Ferrari 430 Scuderia prototype on the Nurburgring (turns out it could have been another test driver) comes word that Shumi was involved in a traffic collision on public roads in England. A car dealer in Kent, England, reports to have been hit by a Fiat van, only to discover that it was the champion himself driving. Sound incredible? Both local police and Schumacher's spokesperson confirmed it was him. Michael reportedly cooperated with police who turned up at the scene, handed over his insurance information and was then picked up and disappeared. Thanks for the tip, AV!

[Source: BBC News, Image: Bongarts/Getty]

 

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]]>schumacherschumacher accidentschumacher crashschumacher crash fiat van englandSchumacherAccidentSchumacherCrashSchumacherCrashFiatVanEngland2008-07-31T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lock, Stock und Barrel: ze Germans acquire Super Aguri]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/lock-stock-und-barrel-ze-germans-acquire-super-aguri/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/lock-stock-und-barrel-ze-germans-acquire-super-aguri/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/lock-stock-und-barrel-ze-germans-acquire-super-aguri/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click to view images of Super Aguri's assets

It was a nice idea that Aguri Suzuki had, to start a new F1 team from scratch. Unfortunately, his dreams didn't last long, resulting in the grassroots team closing up shop and its assets put up for auction. Those assets were bought up by Formtech GmbH, a German tooling and construction company.

Formtech intends to use the team's former Leafield, England, headquarters as its new base for UK operations, where it will use Super Aguri's autoclaves and other equipment to design and manufacture composite materials. Formtech also intends to employ some of Aguri's now-unemployed technicians. But what of the actual race cars and fleet of transporters? Formtech bought those too, and is looking for another buyer. So if you're interested in a new Formula One car and a big truck in which to haul it around, better give them a ring.

Gallery: Super Aguri


[Source: F1-Live]

 

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]]>formtechformtech aguriFormtechAgurisuper agurisuper aguri assetssuper aguri auctionSuperAguriSuperAguriAssetsSuperAguriAuction2008-07-31T09:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Max Mosley launches more lawsuits against newspapers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/max-mosley-launches-more-lawsuits-against-newspapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/max-mosley-launches-more-lawsuits-against-newspapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/max-mosley-launches-more-lawsuits-against-newspapers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Unwilling to recognize when genug is enough, Max Mosley is forging ahead with more lawsuits. After being awarded a £60,000 judgment (plus an additional estimated £1 million in expenses) against News of the World, the tabloid that broke the story of the FIA president's alleged sexual activities, Mosley is now launching a second lawsuit against the publishers. Whereas the previous lawsuit was on the grounds of invasion of privacy, the second action is for libel.

In addition to the follow-up suit against News of the World, Mosley will also be pursuing compensatory damages from German newspaper Bild, which Mosley claims repeated the story unchecked. The suit against Bild petitions for one million euros, plus an addition half-million from its online edition. The prostitute, known only as Woman E, who originally claimed the episode had a Nazi theme, has since recanted and revised her statement to the exclusion of any such connection.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty]

 

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]]>bildlawsuitlegalmax mosleyMaxMosleymosley lawsuitmosley lawsuit bildMosleyLawsuitMosleyLawsuitBildnews of the worldNewsOfTheWorldwoman eWomanE2008-07-29T18:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-2008-mastretta-mxt-will-be-mexicos-first-homegrown-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-2008-mastretta-mxt-will-be-mexicos-first-homegrown-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-2008-mastretta-mxt-will-be-mexicos-first-homegrown-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Mastretta MXT

It may have taken Mexico a while to produce its first car, but at least when it finally took place, it did so with style. When we originally heard of the Mastretta MXT, it was said to be powered by a stock Ford Duratec four-banger. Fortunately, the production machine will be blessed with a much more impressive version of the 2.0L mill, one tuned by the maestros at Cosworth, who have also bestowed the block with a turbocharger. Claimed output is 240 horses, which is plenty to move the MXT along at an impressive clip due to its light weight of just 900 kilograms -- just a bit shy of a ton. The run to sixty is dispatched in under five seconds and top speed is up around a buck-fifty.

The car will be available beginning next May in the U.K., with other European destinations to follow. Fitting, as the car, with its chassis a blend of aluminum bonded with composites and its body of fiberglass, will be compared most directly with Britain's own Lotus Elise and Exige.

Gallery: Mastretta MXT


[Source: Mastretta]

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]]>british motor showBritishMotorShowlondon motor showLondonMotorShowmastrettamastretta mxtMastrettaMxt2008-07-25T10:29:00+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[Rendered Speculation: 2011 Ford Focus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/rendered-speculation-2011-ford-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/rendered-speculation-2011-ford-focus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/23/rendered-speculation-2011-ford-focus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

When we see things like this, we feel like Bruce Banner... having to contain our anger... at not getting... the Euro Focus. But hopefully tomorrow our fortunes will change, and if they do, here' s a look at the Focus we could get in 2011.

We were happy enough about the second-gen Focus, and this is even better. With a massive front maw, revised panels throughout, and a well executed sportback rear, the Focus Mk. 3 is, as the English would say, a bit of all right. The highlight show continues inside with better materials and an HMI-like control system. The UK will get the car later this year.

Although this Focus isn't slated (yet) for an RS version, it will put on an ST badge and mods at some point, and will come in three-, four-, and five-door variants, plus a wagon and a convertible. And if you're in Spain, you'll get a special edition diesel Focus WRC-S, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping 134 bhp. Each one of 666 samples will be signed by Ford WRC driver Marcus Gronholm. Prices have not been announced for any of the new Focus models.

[Source: Auto Express]

 

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]]>2011 focus2011 ford focus2011Focus2011FordFocuseuropean focusEuropeanFocusfocusfordford focusFordFocussedansedans2008-07-23T09:39:00+00:00<![CDATA[London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-motor-show-subaru-shows-off-impreza-trifecta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-motor-show-subaru-shows-off-impreza-trifecta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-motor-show-subaru-shows-off-impreza-trifecta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 330S.

Subaru loves London. How else can you explain the simultaneous release of three special edition Imprezas in one venue? In a move that's obviously aimed at competing with the Mitsubishi Evolution X variants available in the UK (FQ 300 and FQ 360), Subaru has unveiled a 252 hp WRX-S, 325 hp WRX STI 330S and a 375 hp WRX STI 380S concept.

Read on for all the details.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX-S


Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI 330S

Continue reading London 2008: Subaru shows off Impreza trifecta

 

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]]>london motor showLondonMotorShowsubarusubaru wrx sti 330ssubaru wrx sti 380ssubaru WRX-SSubaruWrx-sSubaruWrxSti330sSubaruWrxSti380swrx swrx sti 330swrx sti 380swrx xwrx-sWrxSWrxSti330sWrxSti380sWrxX2008-07-22T09:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Porsche Cayman S Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rumormill-porsche-cayman-s-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rumormill-porsche-cayman-s-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/rumormill-porsche-cayman-s-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Porsche Cayman is due for a makeover, and to coincide with the automaker's 60th anniversary, Porsche will be offering a Sport version of its mid-engine coupe as a fitting send off before the next generation arrives in 2009.

CarTribe is reporting that the Cayman S Sport will be equipped with some of the same kit featured on the Boxster S Sport, including a chronos package, upgraded brakes and suspension, along with a two-tone paint scheme that could ape the Porsche 911 GT3. Power upgrades will be nominal and pricing is expected to be around £47,000 in the UK. Porsche might roll out the Cayman S Sport at the London Motor Show this week, but it's more likely to be soft launched later this year.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S


[Source: CarTribe via WCF]

 

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]]>caymanporschePorsche Cayman S SportPorscheCaymanSSportssport2008-07-21T14:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford to retool U.S. plant for European vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/ford-to-retool-u-s-plant-for-european-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/ford-to-retool-u-s-plant-for-european-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/ford-to-retool-u-s-plant-for-european-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



We wrote about it earlier, just as a rumor, but it looks like an announcement is imminent: the Wall Street Journal says that Ford is going to make European cars on this side of the pond. However, it isn't merely North American plants that will be changed over, but American plants. The Journal doesn't give any further indication of where those plants might be or what those cars might be, only saying that the strategy could be revealed during Ford's Q2 earnings announcement this Thursday. But we'll say again: come on, Mondeo! (And Focus and Focus Coupe and Ka and...)

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

 

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]]>c-maxeuropean focusEuropeanFocusfocus coupeFocusCoupefordford europeford factoriesford mondeoford retoolingford us factoriesFordEuropeFordFactoriesFordMondeoFordRetoolingFordUsFactoriesretoolretooling2008-07-21T13:58:00+00:00