Wikio Blogs - cars

[Cars] Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster (w/VIDEO) (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:40:08 GMT

Filed under: Spy Photos , Videos , Supercars , Mercedes-Benz , Special/Limited Editions Click above for more pics of the Mclaren SLR Speedster. Following yesterday's revelation that Mercedes and McLaren were preparing to launch a special lightweight version of their SLR supercar, a batch of spy shots plus a spy video have surfaced, giving us a sneak peek at the limited-edition roadster prior to its anticipated unveiling by McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton towards the end of the month. The images - which appear to have been released by the manufacturer itself - confirm our previous report that the roofless supercar will have little in the way of protection from the elements, with an F1-sized wind deflector screen as the only thing between the driver and the wind rushing by at breakneck speeds. Inspired by the original '50's-era 300 SLR, the new speedster will be faster than any previous SLR and be built in a small serial of 75 examples. Click on the thumbnail images below to view more, and follow the jump for the spy video. Gallery: Spied: McLaren SLR Speedster [Source: PistonHeads , eMercedesBenz ] Continue reading Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster (w/VIDEO) Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eMercedesBenz : First Shots Of The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Speedster ...
Driive : Mercedes McLaren SLR Speedster: The headless horseman ...

blogs : Truemors,Driive,eMercedesBenz,Autoblog...
(4 posts, last update: 04/07/2008 03:40)

[Cars] PORSCHE 997 FACELIFTED TARGA SPOTTED BEFORE LAUNCH (German Car Scene)

German Car Scene — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:40:00 GMT

Following on from the original facelifted Porsche 997 images, here's a few of the Targa model before its official launch. Thanks Simon.

Autoblog : Spy Shots: Porsche 997 Targa uncloacked before unveiling ...
Jalopnik : 2009 Porsche 911 Targa Picked Out In A Sea of Porsches [2009 Porsche 911] ...

blogs : Straightline,German Car Scene,Worlwide Cars News at Go-Cars.org,Jalopnik,Autoblog...
(5 posts, last update: 03/07/2008 14:40)

[Cars] Mini maintains its sales domination, Hummer continues its downward spiral (AutoblogGreen)

AutoblogGreen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:26:08 GMT

Filed under: Etc. , Honda , HUMMER , MINI , Toyota , USA Every month, our intrepid leader over at Autoblog crunches every automaker's U.S. sales figures and dutifully reports how well each brand is doing. This month continues the trend of fuel efficient vehicles recording record sales and closely mimics the trend of gas-guzzlers going down the toilet. The two brands which best seem to mark the turning of the tides, so to speak, are Mini and Hummer. Mini's brand of small, sporty and fun to drive coupe's 5,211 sales represented an increase of 40.5-percent over June of last year. Hummer's downward spiral also continues, as its 2,072 sales represent a 54.2-percent decrease from one year ago. Honda managed to set a monthly record in June by selling a total of 142,539 vehicles -- an impressive 17.9-percent gain -- while its arch rival Toyota sunk 10.3-percent for the month. Part of this contrast in sales can be attributed to the fact that Honda does not offer any full-size trucks or SUVs while Toyota's sales figures are burdened by the huge Tundra pickup and Sequioa SUV. The Prius hybrid sedan, down 25-percent, continues to be plagued by supply issues, though demand for the fuel efficient vehicle remains very high. [Source: Autoblog ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog : By the Numbers June 2008: Not That Bad Edition ...
Driive : Mini maintains its sales domination, Hummer continues its downward spiral ...

blogs : AutoblogGreen,Driive,Autoblog...
(3 posts, last update: 02/07/2008 19:26)

[Cars] Artega GT: 74.000 Euro for the new German sports car (eurocarblog)

eurocarblog — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:40:51 GMT

In line with plans for summer 2008, production of the Artega GT has commenced, the German sports car designed by Fiskar and created to compete on the difficult terrain of the Porsche Cayman S and BMW[...]

Autoblog : Artega GT priced at €75k ...
Winding Road : Artega GT priced at nearly $120k ...

blogs : Winding Road,eurocarblog,Autoblog...
(3 posts, last update: 01/07/2008 20:40)

[Cars] Lamborghini offers Versace edition LP640 Roadster (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:06:07 GMT

Filed under: Supercars , Lamborghini , Special/Limited Editions Click above for hi-res gallery of the LP640 Roadster Versace Lamborghini has teamed up with Versace yet again to offer a special edition of the Murcielago LP640. If you're thinking this isn't a first, you're thinking right: Back in 2006, the two Italian houses of striking style teamed up to offer a small run of 10 LP640 coupes , and then produced an additional black roadster for a charity fundraiser. But now Lamborghini is offering the Versace edition LP640 Roadster to the public at large - that is, those who have the big bucks to cough up for one. As could be expected, the Versace edition is more about style than substance. The bright white exterior is plastered with Versace's Greek motif, while the interior gets special full-grain, hand-embroidered, ultra-soft, white nappa leather on the seats, dashboard and center console. The Versace edition also gets a transparent engine cover that showcases the V12 for the first time. The special edition, unveiled yesterday at Versace's Via Gesu 12 in Milan during Men's Fashion Week, was accompanied by a new range of Lamborghini Versace merchandise, including leather luggage, gloves, driving shoes and an assortment of other accessories. Check out the press release after the jump and the images in the gallery below to take in all the little touches that sets the Versace edition LP640 Roadster apart. Gallery: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster Versace & collection [Source: Lamborghini] Continue reading Lamborghini offers Versace edition LP640 Roadster Permalink | Email this | Comments

Material Interest : Miami vice ...
eurocarblog : Lamborghini: the Versace Murciélago LP640 Roadster ...

blogs : eurocarblog,Driive,Material Interest,Autoblog...
(4 posts, last update: 25/06/2008 18:06)

[Cars] Ferrari California: new images hit the net (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:59:00 GMT

Filed under: Convertibles , Sports/GTs , Supercars , Ferrari Click above for hi-res gallery of the Ferrari California For the unveiling of its first front-engined V8 sportscar, Ferrari rolled out a dedicated launch site. But up until now, the site (as well as the company's media portal) only gave us a glimpse at a handful of studio shots. Germany's AutoBild , meanwhile, managed to obtain a handful of new shots of the California out in the open, inside and out and front to back. Natural sunlight seems to soften the sportscar's lines a fair deal... but don't take our word for it: Check out the images in the gallery below to see for yourself. Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California [Source: AutoBild ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jalopnik : The 2009 Ferrari California Goes Outside To Get Some Sun [2009 Ferrari California] ...
autobild.de : Test Ferrari California ...

blogs : autobild.de,Jalopnik,Autoblog...
(3 posts, last update: 24/06/2008 21:59)

[Cars] Ferrari Building a Smaller, Lighter, Quicker Enzo (Autopia)

Autopia — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:38:47 GMT

The go-fast gurus at Ferrari are working on a successor to the jaw-dropping Enzo that could be the lightest, quickest two-seater ever to roll out of Maranello. We told you months ago the Scuderia's next supercar would be based on...

Autoblog : Upcoming Ferrari supercars based on FXX and Millechili concept ...
Jalopnik : A 900 HP Ferrari "Millechili" Will Make The Enzo Look Like Chopped Liver [Over The Back Fence] ...

blogs : Luxurylaunches.com,AutomoBlog.net,Autopia,Jalopnik,Product Reviews Net...
(6 posts, last update: 25/06/2008 16:38)

[Cars] Spy Shots: Even better pics of the new ‘09 Acura TL (Driive)

Driive — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:58:00 GMT

Filed under: Spy Photos , Sedans/Saloons , Acura Click image above for additional pics of the 2009 Acura TL We just showed you some spy pics of the 2009 Acura TL yesterday, but when one automotive photog saw the lo-res cellphone pics we ran, he knew he could do better. Our buddy Rich Truesdell of Automotive Traveler sent over a small patch of pics that he shot of the new mid-level Acura in action out in the Mojave. Just as with the new TSX and RL, the '09 TL seems to be adopting the corporate blocky metal triangle look. To paraphrase Fletch, "It's all about blocky metal triangles these days." Besides that signature fascia treatment, however, the rest of the car could easily be mistaken for a G37 sedan. Not bad, mind you, but not very distinctive either and surprising given the aggressively styled nose and tail. We'd say the best view is the rear-3/4 shot showing how the C-pillars continue out past the rear glass at their trailing edge and become the top edge of the rear deck. Pretty nifty. Check out our gallery below and Automotive Traveler to read about their encounter with the new TL. Gallery: 2009 Acura TL spy shots [Source: Automotive Traveler ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog : Spy Shots: 2009 Acura TL continues triangular theme ...
Autoblog : Spy Shots: Even better pics of the new '09 Acura TL ...

blogs : Driive,Autoblog...
(4 posts, last update: 24/06/2008 19:58)

[Cars] Damn $4 Gas! Ford kills Boss engine for F-150, Mustang (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:43:31 GMT

Filed under: Coupes , SUVs , Trucks/Pickups , Ford The tremendous pressure on the auto industry is rapidly unraveling even the most carefully laid out plans. Fuel economy is king right now, and trucks and SUVs have gone from cash cows to the 6,000-pound albatross around the necks of automakers. Ford has been giving us a steady flow of news regarding its plans to weather this wicked storm, including the decision to switch truck and SUV plants into facilities that can produce fuel efficient cars and the delayed launch of the 2009 F-150. Now we're hearing from Mike Levine at Pickuptrucks.com that the Blue Oval has all but killed the once promising Boss V8 engine program. The powerful V8 engine was slated to appear on models ranging from the new Mustang to the best-selling F-150 and Super Dudy, but a stop work order has narrowed the Boss' available engine bays down to one model. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields told Levine that while the program isn't being killed completely, it will now only appear on the Super Duty. Ford has already spent a load of cash on the beefy pushrod, so killing the program altogether would have been a tough pill to swallow, and Super Duty buyers expect V8 power anyway. Ford was also planning on more than one displacement for the Boss, but with it now only going in the Super Duty, it'll likely only appear in 6.2-liter guise. Ford will likely move any and all monetary and development resources possible away from the Boss, and into the hands of greener projects like the US-bound Fiesta. The move makes abundant sense given the current realities Ford is facing, but it still saddens us that we won't get to mash the pedal to unleash 400 naturally aspirated ponies any time soon. [Source: Pickuptrucks ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jalopnik : Who's The Boss: Ford To Axe Boss Engine In Mustang, Limit Use To Super-Duty? [Industry News] ...
AutoblogGreen : Ford reconsiders "Boss" V8 engine ...

blogs : KickingTires,AutoblogGreen,Straightline,Jalopnik,Autoblog...
(5 posts, last update: 24/06/2008 21:43)

[Cars] Details and images surface of new Maserati Quattroporte and Quattroporte S (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:17:07 GMT

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons , Maserati Click above for high-res gallery of the new Maserati Quattroporte It's hard not to love the Maserati Quattroporte . Between its Pininfarina lines and the Ferrari-developed chassis and engine, it's a veritable four-door exotic that makes the top-of-the-line competition from England and Germany look downright ordinary. But both countries are preparing tantalizing new offerings ( Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera ), and the Quattroporte has been on the market for five years now. With the complete replacement not due until 2012, Maserati has wisely developed a mid-lifecycle update for its sumptuous sedan. Now after squinting at spy shots for months, details and photos have begun to emerge in cyberspace. The big question everyone was asking was whether this second-generation Quattroporte would continue with its current 400-hp 4.2-liter V8, or get treated to the more powerful 430-hp 4.7-liter unit that Maserati developed for the Alfa 8C and more recently shoehorned into the GranTurismo S. The answer is, yes. Like its two-door counterpart, the new Quattroporte will now be offered in two versions: the standard Quattroporte and the Quattroporte S. Both will come exclusively with the ZF-sourced six-speed automatic (jettisoning the clumsy sequential transmission that plagued the previous incarnation). Along with the new engine option, the Quattroporte has been treated to some new bodywork: the front grille and bumper have been reshaped and fitted with vertical slats to more closely resemble the GranTurismo's, the front and rear light clusters have been restyled with LEDs, the fenders sharpened up, the mirrors slimmed down and the tail styled more aggressively. Two new colors - a sandy beige and a maroon - are on offer, and the interior has also been ergonomically and stylistically refreshed, integrating the new Maserati Mutlimedia System. Click on the thumbnails below to view the first crop of high-resolution images of the new Quattroporte. Gallery: 2009 Maserati Quattroporte [Source: OmniAuto.it ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

AutomoBlog.net : The Particulars On The New Quattroporte ...
Truemors : Maserati Quattroporte Update ...

blogs : OmniAuto.it,Worlwide Cars News at Go-Cars.org,Truemors,AutomoBlog.net,Autoblog...
(5 posts, last update: 23/06/2008 22:17)

[Cars] NHRA driver Scott Kalitta killed in NHRA qualifying (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:06:00 GMT

Filed under: Motorsports It is never pleasant to report auto-related tragedies. Thats why it's particularly saddening to report the death of NHRA driver Scott Kalitta, who suffered a horrific crash during Funny Car qualifying at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ on Saturday. Witnesses pegged his speed to be in the range of 300 mph when his engine exploded, engulfing the car in flames. Kalitta was the '94 and '95 Top Fuel champion and his presence will certainly be missed in the NHRA. He is survived by his wife and two sons. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Kalitta's family and friends. Thanks to all who sent tips. [Source: The Star-Ledger ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Formula 1 Blog : Kalitta killed at Old Bridge ...
Straightline : Scott Kalitta killed in racing accident ...

blogs : Digital Alchemy,Straightline,Formula 1 Blog,Autoblog...
(4 posts, last update: 23/06/2008 13:06)

[Cars] Transformers sequel roundup: Buell-based fembot, SR-71 and Audi R8 (Autoblog)

Autoblog — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:59:08 GMT

Filed under: Concept Cars , Supercars , Audi , GM , Motorcycles , Rumormill If leaked documentation , which you should avoid if you don't want to read any plot spoilers, regarding the upcoming Transformers sequel is accurate, it appears that Mr. Bay may be bringing a motorcycle-based female robot to the big screen. We've heard that the character known as Arcee was considered for the initial film but was discarded so as not to confuse the audience with multiple gendered robots. If the rendering seen above is any indication, though, we'd imagine that Arcee's pinky-purple coloring would get that point across right away. There are two female riders listed on a leaked Call Sheet for the upcoming movie, and it appears that they are to be riding the oddly-colored Buell in the film. Also revealed in the leak is information that leads us to believe that a certain Decepticon may make an appearance as an SR-71, along with what could either be the shapely Audi R8 or the mystery car we showed you yesterday. If the German supercar did show up, it would end the all-GM lovefest and be rather interesting to see morph on-screen, as well. Consider our interest piqued, as if we already weren't. [Sources: Hell for Leather , Comic Book Movie , Jalopnik ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jalopnik : Transformers 2 Call Sheet Leaked, Confirms Even More Autobots To Roll Out [Transformers 2] ...
bastard.logic : Transformette! ...

blogs : bastard.logic,Jalopnik,Autoblog...
(3 posts, last update: 12/06/2008 17:59)

[Cars] 2009 Ford Focus RS Images: Are they the real deal? (CARSCOOP)

CARSCOOP — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 13:00:53 GMT

These images featuring the highly anticipated Euro market 2009 Ford Focus RS made their way into the internet today, and talk is that they are... Visit Carscoop for the full story, other content, and more...

Autoblog : 2009 Focus RS info emerges after internet leaks ...
Jalopnik : 2009 Ford Focus RS: Body By Photoshop? [2009 Ford Focus Rs] ...

blogs : CARSCOOP,eurocarblog,Jalopnik,Autoblog...
(4 posts, last update: 12/06/2008 15:00)

[Cars] Fiat 500 Sells For Nearly $400,000 or €250,000! (CARSCOOP)

CARSCOOP — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:00:32 GMT

By far this is the most expensive Fiat 500 in the world as it was sold for a jaw dropping £200,000 or about $400,000 / €250,000 at a fund-raising... Visit Carscoop for the full story, other content, and more...

Jalopnik : Brits Lose Collective Mind: Fiat 500 Goes For £200,000 [Offbeat News] ...
Winding Road : World’s First: $400,000 Fiat 500 ...

blogs : Winding Road,CARSCOOP,Worlwide Cars News at Go-Cars.org,Jalopnik...
(5 posts, last update: 11/06/2008 22:00)

[Cars] Saturn Drops 'Green Line' Name for Hybrids (KickingTires)

KickingTires — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:13:17 GMT

Saturn was one of the first domestic automakers to add a hybrid to its lineup when the Vue Green Line debuted in the summer of 2006. You know, back when gas was less than $3 a gallon. Being Saturn, “the different kind of car company,” it enlisted a name for its line of hybrids, which includes the Vue and the Aura sedan: Green Line. Complete with a little badge, too. Times have changed and car shoppers don’t have the time to decipher cute little badges as they frantically search for a hybrid to save them from high gas prices. So for 2009 models, Saturn has officially dumped the Green Line moniker. According to Saturn spokesman Mike Morrissey, “It was simply a practical matter. As we expand our hybrid lineup, the names were getting a bit long. It's hard to write a short sentence about the Saturn Vue Green Line 2-Mode Hybrid." Speaking for the rest of the editorial team at Cars.com, thank you, Mike. As for Saturn’s performance lineup, known as Red Line, that name and cute little badge will remain intact for 2009 and the foreseeable future. Oh, and if you’re waiting for the high-mileage Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, it will go on sale in early 2009. Until then, the current Vue Hybrid, with its mild hybrid system that returns 25/32 mpg city/highway, is still on sale, mostly lost in the hybrid-hysteria media coverage. That’s better gas mileage than a four-cylinder Toyota Camry or Honda Accord sedan, but slightly behind Ford's Escape Hybrid SUV.

Autoblog : Saturn drops Green Line name from hybrids ...
Jalopnik : Different Kind Of Car Company Kills Different Name For Hybrid [Industry News] ...

blogs : KickingTires,AutoblogGreen,Jalopnik,Autoblog...
(4 posts, last update: 11/06/2008 22:13)