Have $110,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want to go racing? Consider the 2010 ACR-X. Excluding the dedicated GTS/R racecar of the late ’90s, the ACR-X is the most potent Viper built by Chrysler. The special edition model comes with 640 horsepower and can lap Laguna Seca three seconds faster than the shockingly quick Viper ACR that .
If that sounds like your cup of tea, you won’t have to wait long to get one. Chrysler has just announced that production of the ACR-X has already started at its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant and provided a few photos and video of the cars going down the assembly line.
Dodge Motorsports and Mopar have even provided a way to put the cars to good use. The Dodge Viper Cup will run at five racetracks starting this summer, and a contingency program will give owners a chance to earn back some of the purchase price of the car. In total more than $200,000 will be paid out, including $25,000 to the 2010 season champion. Follow the jump the press release from Chrysler and a short video of the ACR-X at the assembly plant.
2011 Nissan Juke – Click above for high-res image gallery
Attention all you small crossover fans out there, now is the time to get excited. pulled back the curtain on the and although we’ve seen it (at the Geneva Motor Show), we’re still glad it’s here. We’re being implored to mention that some of us think the front end has a quality about it. Others (”Hi, Mom!”) feel different. Yeah, it’s… not normal looking, but we’ve seen worse. At least it’s not derivative. The rest of the Juke’s styling, however, is much less controversial. Especially that rear three-quarter view.
Sadly, Nissan has neglected to hold a press conference for the Juke, so we’re still not sure exactly how much power this mini-ute is making. For now, we’re stuck with the “180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque” from its 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder turbo, figures that are cited in the car’s press release. There’s a manual option for the front drivers, but CVT-only for the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive versions. As soon as we can track down a Nissan employee with the details, we’ll update the post. Until then, . Also, while this here Juke is a right-hand driver, Nissan will be selling Jukes to us left-seat driving, high-rider loving Yanks come 2011.
UPDATE: We’ve talked Nissan’s people here in NYC and until the 1.6-liter goes through the EPA, those numbers are still estimates. Nissan will tweak the engine to hit its mileage targets, at which point horsepower and torque figures will be solidified.
Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon – Click above for high-res image gallery
The world’s automakers are introducing around 20 new vehicles this week at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Some of those cars are pretty interesting, but here’s the juice: In 20 years, there is exactly one car being shown here today that people will still be whispering about. That car? The . You’re reading this correctly. , former maker of landau-roofed Boca Rotan retirement sleds will soon be offering a station wagon stuffed with a 556-horsepower, supercharged and Corvette-derived 6.2-liter V8. If that’s not loony enough for you, yes, you can order it with a six-speed manual. Wowza.
We first glimpsed the V Wagon last night at a fairly gala cocktail reception, complete with GM design boss and none other than , the man who may have single handedly willed pistonhead fantasy into production. The CTS-V Sport Wagon took center stage flanked on either side by the plain old and our . To put the spectacle in photographic terms, even though it was surrounded by some pretty desirable metal, the newest V managed to “pop.”
We pressed the flesh and asked our full battery of penetrating, hard hitting questions (”Can I go to the launch?”), but the general theme from Cadillac seemed to be this: They known they’re not going to sell many, and they just don’t care. Sometimes doing what logic dictates you shouldn’t do makes the most sense. Remember the ? There was simply no rational reason for GM to allow that monster off a production line. Yet 23 years later, what Buick are we still talking about? To our minds, the CTS-V Sport Wagon has a similar, skull-cracking je ne sais quo about it.
But should a recently Chapter 11 company be in the business of building small volume, high-performance station wagons? Well…. yes, absolutely. Here are all the reasons why that we can think of. First, when was the last time an American luxury brand offered a full line of anything? For decades now, has been happy to sell you a coupe, sedan, wagon and convertible. Cadillac has had… the CTS four-door. Until now. Besides, having a low production halo version of your halo vehicle is the stuff that builds legends.
Or how’s this, sells a hopped up , but no wagon. Sure, BMW makes the M5 Touring (i.e. wagon), but they won’t sell it to Americans. And won’t sell us either of its hot rod grocery haulers, the RS4 and RS6 Avants. We know will be making an E63 AMG Wagon, but will they sell it here? Dunno.
But Cadillac will happily sell you a CTS-V Wagon for just a small premium over the Sedan. Figure about $65,000 or so. And if you haven’t been reading between the lines, a bangin’ five-door might help Cadillac strengthen its tenuous foothold in Europe, especially if this show car’s leather/Alcantara interior and massively bolstered Recaro sport seats make it to production. Either way, Caddy just dropped a mighty big gauntlet.
2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery
“You’ll turn blue in the face if you’re holding your breath waiting for a V6 Kizashi.” That was the word from a spokesman at last night’s of the 2011 Sport. It makes sense since Suzuki and have parted ways and that V6 was expected to come from GM. While we had been hoping a V6 would be part of the package, we are taking this quote to mean there won’t be anything other than a four-cylinder in the engine bay for a good long time. And we do mean anything. is also reporting that Suzuki has also dropped plans for the hybrid version of the mid-size media darling.
What we’re left with isn’t exactly chopped liver though. We’ve waxed poetically about the Kizashi and its near perfect blend of styling, performance and value, and the Sport looks to add just that little extra bit of styling and performance to make it even more appealing. We still have to wait to pass judgment on whether they keep the value part of the equation as prices won’t be announced until closer to the vehicle’s July on-sale date. For now, we have a few new live pics to share from the floor of the 2010 New York International Auto Show, and the official press release from Suzuki after the jump.
Gallery:
Photos by Frank Filipponio / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: American Suzuki Motor Corp.]
: 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport lands on show floor, V6 and hybrid not happening
Maybach Zeppelin 62 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Fear not – it turns out won’t be the next fabled automaker to be handed off to Chinese buyers. Rumors that the hyper-luxury mark was up for bid have officially been dismantled by Daimler. Just yesterday, we heard that the infamously questionable BYD wanted to in a big way, but officials from have officially said it has no plans to pursue the brand.
BYD and Daimler have recently been partnering on an electric vehicle project, which may have helped fuel rumors that the two would work together to find a new home. As juicy as the rumors were, it rather predictably turns out they’re nothing but lies.
Registering for an initial public offering, like has done, requires that certain documents are filed regarding company actions. Since first filing for its IPO back in January, Tesla has had a few new developments surface that required the company to amend its S-1 filing.
The S-1 filing lays out details about the company’s financial situation, including future plans, current risks and funding status. In the , two important developments were noted. One, Tesla has begun to draw funds from its $465 million in Department of Energy loan. Two, Tesla has secured all suppliers necessary to continue the production into the 2012 model year. The suppliers’ agreement will provide Tesla with 700 additional Roadsters to sell during the 2012 year, before the production of the next-gen Roadster gets underway.
A stated that the company, “negotiated agreements with key suppliers that will increase total Roadster production by 40 percent and extend sales into 2012.” The actual supplier agreement with Lotus, which builds partially assembled vehicles (gliders) for Tesla, is laid out as follows: will continue to build gliders for Tesla until December of 2011, a change from the previous cut-off of March 2011. Lotus will supply at least 2,400 total gliders to Tesla by December 2011, an increase over the previous 1,700 units committed to by Lotus.
With Roadster production confirmed for 2012 and the Model S on the way soon, Tesla supporters can think about rejoicing, the company might be doing just fine. Hat tip to Dean!
Gallery:
Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
We were getting a bit of spring fever, so thank goodness April is here to help us out. The New York Auto Show concludes the major American show season this month, with several key debuts scheduled for the exhibition at the Jacob Javits center and the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition happens a couple of weeks later.
Racing fans will be busy with Formula 1 action from Malaysia and the Chinese Grand Prix. NASCAR stops at Phoenix, Texas and Talladega. IndyCar visits Alabama before making its annual stop in Long Beach. ALMS returns to Long Beach as well. WRC fans can see action from Jordan and Turkey, while Rally America stages the Olympus Rally. The NHRA schedule finds the Spring Nationals in Houston, the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas, and the Midwest Nationals in Madison. SFR/SCCA will put on the Vintage Volvo event, while classic car aficionados can also partake in the Copperstate 1000, California Mille, or the LeMons American Irony.
April auctions include the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, The Branson Auction, Spring Carlisle Auction, Classic Car Auction of Michigan presented by RM, and the Sporting Classics of Monaco sale.
Concours, meets and shows are beginning to fill out the calendar again as the weather improves and April welcomes Wheels Across the Pond, Portland Swap Meet, Motor Mania, HOT: Heart of Texas Corvair Reunion, Greystone Mansion Concours d’ Elegance, Bug-a-Paluza, BRITS ON THE BAY, Spring Fling Ford Show, Shelbyfest 2010, “JEFFERSON 500″ AT SUMMIT POINT, WV, The Houston Classic Weekend, and many others.
If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don’t forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings. If you’d like your events listed on our calendar, please send an email to frank.filipponio@weblogsinc.com.
New York 2010: Amp Equinox will be ready for deliveries
this summer on Autoblog Green" href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/new-york-2010-amp-equinox-will-be-ready-for-deliveries-this-sum/">New York 2010: Amp Equinox will be ready for deliveries this summer
$50,000 for an all-electric SUV.
Other news:
update with SEC, confirms Roadster production
for 2012, draws from DOE loans on Autoblog Green" href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/tesla-files-update-with-sec-confirms-roadster-production-for-20/">Tesla files update with SEC, confirms Roadster production for 2012, draws from DOE loans
hybrid - the MKZ -
which could get 41 mpg on Autoblog Green" href="http://green.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/new-york-2010-lincoln-unveils-its-first-hybrid-the-mkz-whic/">New York 2010: Lincoln unveils its first hybrid – the MKZ – which could get 41 mpg
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this week we reported that had plans to repurpose its very well-received hybrid powertrain . Makes sense, right? Both the and (sister cars of the ) benefit from the fuel-sipping mill, and by adding a bit of electric power to the Lincoln lineup, Ford is hoping to attract more buyers into its luxury division’s showrooms. What’s more, since Lincoln vehicles carry higher price points than comparable Ford or Mercury products, the return on this hybrid investment means a larger profit margin for the automaker as a whole.
Well, now it’s official. For the 2011 model year, the Lincoln MKZ will offer the award-winning 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline/electric powertrain from the Fusion and Milan hybrids, good for up to 41 miles per gallon in the city. In doing this, Lincoln aims to compete directly with the recently introduced , and since the MKZ will net six more MPGs than the HS, it can safely take the title of most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. What’s more, the MKZ is slightly larger than the Lexus, and if Ford plays its cards right, we wouldn’t be surprised if the MKZ Hybrid is less expensive than the HS, as well.
Aside from the powertrain, the new hybrid doesn’t differ too much from the rest of the MKZ range. Plenty of standard amenities are on tap, such as the cool-looking SmartGauge with EcoGuide, a reverse sensing system, heated and cooled front seats, Ford’s MyKey system and – of course – SYNC.
But the big question surrounding the MKZ Hybrid isn’t how well it will perform against the Lexus, but if it will carry enough extra kit to significantly differentiate it from a Fusion or Milan with the same powertrain. Consumers who are only looking for efficiency might be willing to sacrifice certain luxury amenities to save money, and this dilemma has always affected MKZ sales. Still, luxury-minted customers would be wise to look at this as an alternative option to the HS250h, and we’ll keep a close eye on sales numbers when the MKZ Hybrid goes on sale later this year. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in the press release, and click through our gallery below to see the electrified MKZ for yourself.
2011 SuzukiKizashi Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery
decided that tomorrow wasn’t soon enough to take the wraps off its new 2011 Kizashi Sport, so they invited us media types to SoHo tonight for a sneak peek before the official unveiling at the 2010 New York Auto Show. What we saw when we arrived was a very sharp looking done up in fiery red with new 18-inch alloy wheels, a deeper front chin spoiler, a trunklid spoiler and extended side sills with a dash of chrome here and there. While we had hoped to see a “V6″ badge somewhere on it, we were sadly left wanting.
In fact, the 2011 Sport doesn’t have any performance tweaks in the engine bay, just the exterior changes and a firmed up suspension. There’s also a new sport steering wheel inside as well as contrasting stitching throughout. The Sport package will be available on and SLS trim levels and ia scheduled to go on sale in the States this August. We have a sneaking suspicion that this is the same we saw several months ago out at Cars & Coffee, not that there’s anything wrong with that. There’s a gallery of live pics below along with the freshly released media pics, and the full press release can be after the jump.
Thanks to our , we know a lot more about the updated 2011 Scion tC than we did yesterday. Tomorrow we’ll know even more when the new car debuts at the 2010 New York Auto Show. In the meantime, itself has released a video that confirms many of our tipster’s earlier details, as well as provides some unfettered views of the new tC’s design.
The video, which can be viewed , confirms that the tC will be available with a slightly larger engine at 2.5 liters of displacement compared to the current model’s 2.4 liters. We don’t know yet how much little extra bit of volume will translate into extra horsepower, but the man in the video says there will be more than before (torque too). Add to that confirmation of both a six-speed manual and automatic transmission, improved fuel economy, 18-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes and an eight-speaker stereo with a USB port.
The video also shows a few fast glimpses of the ‘11 tC’s redesigned exterior, which we’ve captured and gallerized below in the hope that a few seizures from the video’s quick cuts might be prevented. Regardless, It won’t be long until the teasing stops and the 2011 Scion tC greets the world onstage in the Big Apple tomorrow.
Dance, Mustang! Dance! – Click above to watch the video
“There are thousands of products available to customize a car’s performance or handling. There are even more products for unique interiors, exteriors, lights, and sounds. But, in the midst of all the products and kits out there, no one has been able to alter their car’s emblem… until now.” So says , a newly created company that seeks to change the face fascia of motoring forevermore.
Actually, we have seen custom emblems before, but we’ll let them get away with their statement anyway. ‘Cause it’s just that cool. Or something. Seriously, who wouldn’t want a galloping, neighing emblem on their brand-new ponycar from the Blue Oval? Or, ya know, a golden Bowtie that beats like The Heartbeat of America?
Let’s play with the idea of a dancing and singing emblem a little bit, shall we? How about a growling Leaper? Or a Spirit of Ecstasy that pops up from the grille () and speaks in the most pretentious voice you can come up with: “My other car is a ” as it dances like a dashboard-mounted novelty hula girl. A that proudly declares ‘Yeah, it’s got a Hemi.’ Our personal pick: a Z-car emblem that whispers “.”
“The choices are amazing. The possibilities are endless.” Why yes, they are. And don’t you worry. A spitting Cobra is reportedly in the works.
By the way, we’re well aware that Thursday is April 1st, and this could very well be an extremely elaborate joke intended to make us all look foolish. That said, somebody sure went to a whole heck of a lot of trouble if that’s the case. We want to believe, we really do. You will too – just to watch the video and read the press release. All your dreams will come true. Trust us.
We have always thought that the Scion tC was a pretty tidy looking little hatchback, but as it’s been on sale since 2004, well, it’s gotten a bit tired, even though there are very few inexpensive front-drive sport-ish coupes to choose from these days. With that in mind, we’ve been looking forward to the introduction of the long-awaited 2011 model, expecting a fairly radical step forward. Judging by this new spy shot from an anonymous tipster, perhaps we ought to temper our expectations a bit.
While the single snapshot in question is blurry and blown out, it does show what appears to be a new lower fascia, grille, wheels, and side mirrors. The headlamps are too washed out under the showstand’s high-power lights to tell if they’ve been altered (it appears that the photo was taken during a presentation rehearsal ahead tomorrow’s New York Auto Show reveal), but it’s reasonable to assume that the tC will receive new lights both front and rear, as they’re a hallmark of almost any vehicle refresh.
As for what lies underneath the reskin, we’re not yet sure, as the only thing to have slipped out about the new model that appears credible are that reveal items like a new manual shift mode for the automatic transmission and revamped HVAC controls.
We’ll have more on the 2011 tC after Scion’s press conference tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can play a game of “spot the differences” from the outgoing car by checking out our high-res gallery of Scion’s latest special edition model below.
*UPDATE: Our man with the spy cam has offered up the following details about the 2011 tC:
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (2010 model has a 2.4-liter)
Six-speed manual or automatic gearbox with sequential shifter
18-inch wheels standard (with wider tires)
Traction and stability control (defeatable)
Wider track for improved stance
Flat-bottom steering wheel “one of the best feeling out there (comparable to the one used in the GTI), very thick”
Improved seats with “good bolsters and shoulder height bolsters, too”
is hard at work getting the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee ready for the road, and Automotive News now reports that production is scheduled to start on May 3. Further down the line, Chrysler plans to completely refresh or replace its entire model lineup by 2012, and the new Grand Cherokee carries a tough burden on its shoulders. Not only must it prove to the world that Chrysler is serious about ramping up its overall quality, but it must continue to offer amenities that are attractive to not only off-road enthusiasts while satisfying people looking for a well-to-do family hauler, as well.
As we , the new Grand Cherokee will be available with either Chrysler’s all-new , or the well-liked 5.7-liter Hemi V8. What’s more, a much better platform (derived from the Mercedes-Benz M Class) means that the GC will be substantially stiffer than the outgoing model, and with features like an air suspension and Selec-Terrain controller, it should provide have serious off-road credentials, as well.
Look for the 2011 Grand Cherokee to hit Jeep dealers this July, with pricing reportedly starting in the .
In India, the Dacia Logan is sold as the Mahindra Logan, manufactured as part of a joint venture between Mahindra and Renault. Observers suggest, though, that because the Mahindra Logan isn’t selling well, the Indian company will wind down its involvement in the joint venture. If Mahinda does take a giant step back, it is doubtful that Renault would just walk away from the Indian Logan, which is said to be priced a little too high because of a tariff on its length.
Last month Renault India confirmed that the partnership was being restructured, but haven’t yet indicated where things will go. The apparent option is Mahindra decreasing its equity stake by not investing any further, although another form of equity restructuring might also be in play.
2011 Nissan Juke – Click above for high-res image gallery
’s new-for-2011 Juke is set to make its North American debut at tomorrow’s New York Auto Show, and the small crossover’s polarizing moon-buggy styling is sure to set tongues wagging, just as it did during its global premiere at the . Having seen this vehicle in person already, we can tell you that its “Baby Predator” front end takes some getting used to, but it all comes together better than expected, and the interior seems surprisingly roomy and well-resolved.
Much smaller in person than one might think, the curvy ute is significantly shorter than vehicles like the and – it’s even shorter than the new and Nissan’s own Rogue, not to mention the likes of (itself another NY debut). The closest competitor we can think of is crossover, which is, believe it or not, actually longer than the Juke. In the end, we fully expect it to be cross-shopped with more conventional hatchbacks (), as well as ‘box cars’ like the .
Featuring the first application of Nissan’s 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder turbo in North America, it will be available with torque vectoring all-wheel drive, so it might just be the driver’s car of the bunch, too. Featuring “180+ horsepower and 170+ lb-ft of torque,” it will be available in both six-speed manual form and CVT with a sport setting. Unfortunately, the three-pedal setup will only be available in front-drive SV and SL trim, however. That torque-vectoring system? It defaults to a 50:50 front-to-rear split, but it can push power from side-to-side along the rear axle when situations warrant.
No official pricing has been revealed yet, but Nissan promises that the Juke will start at “just under $20,000.” Want to learn more? Check out our high-res gallery below and the official press releases and spec sheet after the jump.
Update:Three videos of the Juke, its torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system and Nissan’s new direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (definitely the one to watch) have been added after the jump.
Nissan Quest teaser image – Click above to enlarge
Earlier this year, we reported that would be for the 2010 model year, but we noted that a replacement is in the works. Today, Nissan is showing off this teaser image of the next-generation model which will go on sale in early 2011.
Details are slim as of this writing, but what we can gather from this shadowy photo is that the new Quest will look substantially different than the odd-looking outgoing model. While many automakers have been abandoning the minivan segment, Japanese rivals at and continue to duke it out – the former with their new and the latter with their soon-to-be all-new . Whether because of its avante-garde styling or occasionally indifferent quality control, Nissan’s current Quest has never really found its sales groove here in North America. Will the new model change things? Only time will tell.
Hit the jump for Nissan’s brief statement about this Quest teaser, and to see the high-res version.
Saab resumes production – Click above for high-res image gallery
Interested in a job in the automotive world? has the news that you’ve been waiting for. According to AFP news service, production of Saab vehicles will be boosted to six times the current amount in just two short years. In order to meet that ambitious target, the automaker has announced that it will need the help of 500 more workers.
Spyker Cars, , announced the need for more workers in Paris last Wednesday. Spyker chief executive Victor Muller also laid out some future financial plans for the Saab brand. Muller said that Saab would receive $1 billion in support and plans for expanding the sales volume will result in overall profit by 2012.
Last year, Saab produced just 20,000 vehicles, though it produced over 90,000 in 2008 before it looked like (then) parent was fixin’ to close up its Swedish shop.. By 2012, the company aims to produce 120,000 vehicles. Spyker anticipates that Saab will sell around 50,000 vehicles this year and slowly increase production until the 2012 target is met. Meeting the goals apparently requires a workforce of 4,000 people, which in turn requires 500 new workers, a sizable hiring uncommon in recent automotive history.
The past few days have seen a new rash of stories about run amok. First, a 2009 struck a house in Hamilton, Ontario. According to The Hamilton Spectator, the driver said he lost control of the vehicle after experiencing uncontrolled acceleration. While 2009-2010 Venzas were recalled for the infamous floor-mat issue, police have yet to determine whether the Hamilton incident was a result of faulty hardware or driver error. No one was injured.
The Seboygan Press is also reporting that a 2009 accelerated and climbed a small embankment while the driver had her foot on the brake in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. The 76 year-old driver, Myrna Marseille, suffered a broken sternum from the impact. In Marseille’s case, her Camry had already been serviced to correct the floor mat interference issue.
The reports join those of a San Diego man who had to to help him slow down his after high-speed stint on the interstate and another Prius . In the California case, both the NHTSA and found nothing wrong with the car (though the may differ). Likewise, the New York incident was found to be driver error.
Think is having a banner 2010? A quick glance at the sales charts shows a company in dire need of new product, better quality and a Hail Mary on the showroom floor. But as bad as the situation is right now in Auburn Hills, MI, it appears the company could just about be done bleeding cash.
The Detroit News reports that Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne told a group of reporters that he was committed to breaking even, adding that the company won’t lose money on an operations basis this year. Is Sergio being optimistic or is he basing his numbers on cold, hard facts? Who knows, but when asked if there was a chance Team Pentastar could pull of an actual 2010 profit, he reportedly answered “who knows?”
Marchionne also told reporters that Chrysler had $5 billion in cash at the end of 2009, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was on schedule to hit production on May 3, and that 50 percent of all Chrysler Group vehicles will be riding on Fiat platforms by 2014. The Fiat/Chrysler CEO also reiterated his stance that Chrysler would sell 1.1 million vehicles this year and that U.S. auto sales would crest 11 million units in 2010.
It’s only fair that Marchionne gave us a state of The Pentastar update given the fact that today marks the one-year anniversary of when the Obama Administration gave Chrysler 30 days of working capital to work out an official tie-up with Fiat.
