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Take a look at the beast that is the new Audi R18 TDI and you’d be forgiven for assuming it has a big, rip-roarin’ V10 with at least two turbochargers. Right? Wrong. Although the previous R15 TDI packed in ten oil-burning cylinders, new regulations – implemented to diminish the advantage the last generation of diesel-powered Le Mans Prototypes over their gasoline-burning competitors – forced Audi to go with a single-turbo V6 for the new R18. That didn’t stop Audi from finding some unique ways to make the best of the new engine regs.

For starters, the engine block is made of aluminum – still a rarity for high-compression diesel engines, even after Mercedes-Benz introduced their design some six years ago. Audi also opened up the angle between the cylinder banks to 120 degrees, giving it a lower center of gravity approaching that of a boxer engine, and relocated the exhaust manifolds from port and starboard to a single unit nestled inside the wide V.

The result is a 3.7-liter turbo-diesel V6 that produces over 540 horsepower. The smaller form factor also allowed Audi Sport to optimize the aerodynamics, while its lower weight allowed the engineers to beef up other components. As for a regenerative braking system like its chief rival Peugeot runs (and like those employed in Formula 1), Audi says it is keeping the door open to the idea as development continues, but has yet to implement any such system. Follow the jump to read more about the engine specifically designed for Audi’s latest prototype racer in the full press release.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

Audi highlights the V6 TDI in the new R18

As if you needed any reminder, in the 1971 film Vanishing Point, a character by the name of Kowalski is tasked with making it from Colorado to San Francisco in a 1970 Dodge Challenger. Kowalski bets a friend that he can make the run in just 15 hours, but – Spoiler Alert – he doesn’t make it… and neither does the muscle-bound coupe. The flick has been a cult favorite for years, and one of its fans, Bob Frederick of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, got some help from Chrysler to create 10 2011 Kowalski Edition Dodge Challengers.

Starting life as a traditional 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, these white coupes have had their stripes removed and a handful of options added on. Inside, a pistol-grip shifter sits at attention and a numbered dash plaque is mounted nearby. On the outside, the Kowalski Edition Challengers sport Mopar quad exhaust tips, Scat Pack Bee decals in the rear quarter windows and a tasteful Kowalski Edition decal on the rear spoiler.

All 10 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 Kowalski Edition cars have been spoken for, so if any owners are reading this and want their car delivered quickly, we can help set that up. We promise to avoid bulldozers and the fuzz.

[Source: Hemmings]

Pennsylvania dealer loves Vanishing Point, creates Kowalski Edition Dodge Challenger

My wife and I have been shopping for a house in the Bay Area for the better part of a month (if you’re selling in Oakland, hit me up) and, as you’d imagine, that means entering a lot of addresses into a lot of different navigation systems. Since I’ve got the directional ability of a brain-damaged opossum, the proliferation of in-car GPS (and mobile map apps) has moved beyond a convenience to an absolute necessity.

But there’s a problem..

About half the vehicles block out destination entry while the car’s in motion – a serious PITA when you’re bouncing from one fixer-upper to the next..

Now we’re fully aware that voice control is the future and the public shouldn’t be fiddling with touchscreens and all-in-one knobs while driving through a school zone, but what if you’ve got a perfectly capable passenger sitting in the seat next to you?.

There’s a simple solution..

Continue reading Opinion: Automakers, let my wife use the nav

Continue reading Automakers, let my wife use the nav

Automakers, let my wife use the nav

Audi may be the king when it comes to premium vehicles fitted with all-wheel drive. Lincoln, however, must be taking notes because its customers prefer their luxified-Fords with the four-wheel motion as well. Every model in the automaker’s current lineup is available with all-wheel drive, and lots of folks are checking that particular box on the order form.

It seems 2011 will go down as Lincoln’s assault on four powered wheels. So far this year, 72 percent of MKT customers have opted for AWD while 62 percent of those purchasing the MKX have done the same. Of course, as you move into the automaker’s sedans these numbers begin to fall, which is to be expected. Still, 46 percent of MKS shoppers choose the all-wheel-drive version and a quarter of MKZ sedans purchased are prepped for bad-weather driving.

Let’s not forget the Navigator (yep, they still make it), which gets all-wheel drive 62 percent of the time.

Lincoln is enjoying this shift in consumer desire, as all-wheel-drive vehicles command anywhere from $1,850 to $6,890 extra when compared to their non-AWD counterparts. Full press release from Lincoln after the jump.

[Source: Lincoln]

Continue reading All-wheel drive finds favor with Lincoln buyers

All-wheel drive finds favor with Lincoln buyers

The third installment in the DiRT video game franchise, DiRT 3, hits stores on May 24, 2011. It will cost you $59.99 for a copy, which is steep, but completely in-line with the pricing for today’s video games. If you have a few extra coins hiding under the couch cushions, however, then GameStop has a tantalizing product bundle for you. Spend $299 to reserve a copy of DiRT 3, and you will also get the Traxxas Ken Block R/C Ford Fiesta.

If you were already considering buying the radio-controlled gymkhana machine, then this is a great deal, because it essentially throws the game in for free. If, like us, you were thinking of buying the Codemasters game, and you currently have R/C cars on the brain, this deal means you have to explain to your wife why the American Express bill shows a GameStop purchase for nearly five times the previously discussed amount.

Click past the jump to see why sleeping on the couch will be worth it come May 24. Thanks to all for the tips!

[Source: GameStop via MotorworldHype, YouTube]

Continue reading DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video]

DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video]

Facebook is the latest big deal with all kinda of brands all over the world, as companies have spent small fortunes to bolster their social media presence. Has all that attention worked? It apparently has for Audi, as the Four-Ringed automaker has topped everyone in a key statistic.

Mashable reports that a study by Visibli shows Audi has the most engaged fans on Facebook. Better than Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and, perhaps best of all, better than any other automaker. In fact, American Airlines is the only other brand to make the list that isn’t a celebrity. To become “most engaged,” Audi managed 228 “Likes” out of every 100,000 fans; far exceeding the Bieber’s average of 181 per 100,000. This is where we’d typically work in some Bieber lyrics while rubbing it in that he lost, but we can honestly say we don’t know any.

So how did Audi manage to top every other brand and celebrity? Visibli CEO Saif Ajani is stumped for answers, adding “we’re trying to find out ourselves.” One possible explanation is that Audi has been “like-gating” certain content. Basically, you have to “Like” something to view a video, release or photos. Hey, whatever works…

[Source: Mashable via Social Car News]

Audi has most engaged Facebook fans, beats out Justin Bieber

The last time we heard from the Motus crew, they were packing up their gear and hitting the road for a long trip designed to put both the MST-01 and the MST-R through their paces. Now it would seem that the American-built bikes recently put in some time on the track with the suspension gurus from Ohlins to get the kit sorted before full production kicks off. Fortunately for us, they brought along a video crew to document the action and give the whole world a sample of exactly what a pushrod V4 sounds like.

We like what we hear.

So, how long will it be before you can get your hands on either bike? Motus isn’t handing out any set dates just yet, but the company does say that it’s currently shopping for dealers. If you think there’s a dealer in your area that might be into selling American-made sport tourers with 160 horsepower on tap and an Ohlins-tuned suspension, drop Motus a line. Hit the jump to check out the full video for yourself.

[Source: Motus via YouTube]

Continue reading Motus hits the track with MST-01 and MST-R

Motus hits the track with MST-01 and MST-R

Lamborghini is continuing to share footage of the latest addition to its stable with the commoners of the world. The newest clip follows two Aventador models as they make short work of a rolling piece of country asphalt. There’s no weird CGI or apocalyptic theme here. Oh no. Instead, you’re treated to a quick vision of what life would be like if you and your significant other managed to fork over the ransom necessary to bring not one, but two examples of the Lamborghini Aventador home for the enjoying.

Life would certainly be different. The company has also showed off an additional clip of the same duo dashing through downtown Rome.

As you may recall, the Aventador is the latest in the evolution of the Raging Bull. The 691 horsepower carbon-fiber beast weighs in at feathery-light 3,472 pounds, which gives it the kind of power-to-weight ratio typically found on a race track. If you like what you’re smelling, the suits at Sant’Agata will put you in the driver’s seat for around $370,000. If you can’t quite swing that (or if you’re not sure you if you want to buy a pair of these or that island you have your eye on), we’ll have a first drive of the Aventador for you shortly. In the meantime, hit the jump to check out the full video for yourself.

[Source: Lamborghini via YouTube]

Continue reading Lamborghini Aventador pairing frolics in the Italian countryside

Lamborghini Aventador pairing frolics in the Italian countryside

Armchair quarterbacks have been quick to charge Toyota with losing its engineering nerve, labeling it a brand content to churn out safe, middle-of-the-road milquetoast offerings for every segment in which it competes. Admittedly, this isn’t the same company that once marketed a supercharged, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive minivan shaped like a suppository, nor is it the same company that sold homologated rally specials alongside its workaday iron. But to say that there are no bold spirits in Toyota City just ain’t so – just look at the bonkers LFA supercar, for goodness’ sake.

But you needn’t have a millionaire’s bankbook to see that the Japanese automaker still has cheek to spare – just check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. Not only is Toyota’s premium marque dipping its toes into America’s compact luxury market – a segment that nobody but Mini has figured out how to make big dollars on – it’s doing so with a hybrid, an expensive powertrain configuration that, Prius aside, only sells in marginal volumes.

Admittedly, Lexus has made no bones about the fact that it’s squarely targeting Europe with the CT (a market where hatchbacks consistently do big business and “small premium” is not an oxymoron), but make no mistake, this is a brave bet. Lexus says it’s gunning for 1,000 units a month – a small number in the grand scheme of things – but it’s expecting the moon when compared to competitors like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30, which typically sell in the hundreds per month. Yet this bold bet is showing early signs of paying off. Thanks in part to heavy advanced marketing, Lexus cleared its decks of over twice that many units in March – 2,199 – the CT’s first month on sale.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h…

Photos copyright (C)2011 by Chris Paukert /AOL

Continue reading 2011 Lexus CT 200h

2011 Lexus CT 200h

Armchair quarterbacks have been quick to charge Toyota with losing its engineering nerve, labeling it a brand content to churn out safe, middle-of-the-road milquetoast offerings for every segment in which it competes. Admittedly, this isn’t the same company that once marketed a supercharged, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive minivan shaped like a suppository, nor is it the same company that sold homologated rally specials alongside its workaday iron. But to say that there are no bold spirits in Toyota City just ain’t so – just look at the bonkers LFA supercar, for goodness’ sake.

But you needn’t have a millionaire’s bankbook to see that the Japanese automaker still has cheek to spare – just check out the 2011 Lexus CT 200h. Not only is Toyota’s premium marque dipping its toes into America’s compact luxury market – a segment that nobody but Mini has figured out how to make big dollars on – it’s doing so with a hybrid, an expensive powertrain configuration that, Prius aside, only sells in marginal volumes.

Admittedly, Lexus has made no bones about the fact that it’s squarely targeting Europe with the CT (a market where hatchbacks consistently do big business and “small premium” is not an oxymoron), but make no mistake, this is a brave bet. Lexus says it’s gunning for 1,000 units a month – a small number in the grand scheme of things – but it’s expecting the moon when compared to competitors like the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Volvo C30, which typically sell in the hundreds per month. Yet this bold bet is showing early signs of paying off. Thanks in part to heavy advanced marketing, Lexus cleared its decks of over twice that many units in March – 2,199 – the CT’s first month on sale.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h…

Photos copyright (C)2011 by Chris Paukert /AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

Review: 2011 Lexus CT 200h

The 2012 Honda CR-V is coming, and you can expect the successful compact crossover to continue in its current mold despite being an all-new generation. There’s virtually no official information on the next iteration of the popular CUV, but since the current formula outsells even the Toyota RAV-4 and is still among the top finishers in comparison tests, we wouldn’t expect any wild departures.

Fuel economy is likely to improve from the current CR-V’s figure; front-wheel drive models may even hit 30 mpg on the highway, up from the current 28 mpg. C/D suggests that the current CR-V’s 180 horsepower output is probably not subject to change. And while it seems odd to be talking about what’s staying the same on a new model, the CR-V’s massive sales numbers make it a golden goose for Honda that must be handled very carefully, not unlike the conservatively recrafted 2012 Civic that was just revealed at last week’s New York Auto Show.

[Source: Car and Driver]

All-new Honda CR-V coming this fall?

Hyundai has had a big year, and the results are showing in the form of healthy profits. According to BusinessWeek, the Korean automaker earned $1.75 billion in the first quarter, up 46 percent versus the first quarter of 2010. Overall revenue was up 21 percent to $17 billion.

Sales volume was higher as well, as the 922,000 units sold globally represented a nine percent increase. Much of that increase occurred in plants in the U.S. and China, where output climbed by 14 percent. A richer model mix also buoyed Hyundai’s profits, as pricing per model rose by an impressive 14 percent in overseas markets and 2.5 percent in its Korean home market.

Hyundai’s impressive quarterly performance helped rally stocks in Korea, and the automaker saw a 7.5 percent gain on the day. For the year, Hyundai’s share price has risen a meteoric 44 percent.

[Source: BusinessWeek Image: Zach Bowman/AOL]

Hyundai quarterly profit up 46% to $1.75B

The Chevrolet C6 Corvette platform soldiers on for 2012, though buyers can now look forward to a few subtle changes compared to the 2011 model. The entire 2012 Chevrolet Corvette line now benefits from a slightly massaged interior that includes a new steering wheel and new seats. The thrones pack more supportive bolstering along the sides and microfiber inserts are also available for the first time as well. The reworked tiller features hide-wrapped spokes and what General Motors calls “streamlined” switch trim. Anyone who has spent time in a recent Corvette will know that these interior tweaks are much-needed improvements.

Otherwise, the base 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will remain remarkably untouched. Those who opt up to Z06 and ZR1 trims will find a few new changes, however. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup Zero Pressure tires are now optional on both the heavy hitters, and the company’s engineers say that the new rubber should be good for an eight-percent gain in lateral acceleration and that private testing at Virginia International Raceway delivered an improvement of three seconds per lap over the standard tire.

The Z06 also gets treated to optional gear like performance traction control, a full-width rear spoiler and a carbon fiber hood. The mighty ZR1, meanwhile, will utilize taller gearing in the fifth and sixth cogs to maximize fuel economy. Something tells us they might just help out on the top-end as well. Hit the jump for the full press blast as well as an introductory video.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Corvette gets upgraded interior, new tires and options [w/video]

2012 Chevrolet Corvette gets upgraded interior, new tires and options [w/video]

Honda has announced earnings of $545 million for its fiscal fourth quarter, down 38 percent versus last year and less than half of analysts’ $1.15 billion expectation. Honda’s profit drop comes as the automaker brought in $27 billion in sales, down 2.9 percent from last year’s fourth quarter.

Honda’s results were weighed down by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that derailed most March production in Japan. The automaker’s Japan sales dropped 22 percent on the quarter, but a 7.9 percent sales increase in North America helped make up for most of the losses in its home country. Overall sales were down 1.6 percent to 860,000 units.

The earthquake reportedly cost Honda $560 million for the quarter, but the long-term effects could be far greater. The Japanese automaker doesn’t expect production to return to normal until the end of the year, which could have devastating consequences for sales and profits. Frighteningly, Automotive News reports that Yuuki Sakurai, president of Fukoku Capital Management, says that even as production comes back sales may not, adding “May sales, June sales may be close to zero as the companies won’t have much to sell.”

The fourth quarter may have fallen short of expectations, but for the year Honda more than doubled its profits to $6.57 billion. Check out Honda’s official press release after the jump.

[Sources: Honda, Automotive News - sub. req. Image: Zach Bowman/AOL]

Continue reading Honda earns $545M on the quarter, less than half analyst estimates

Honda earns $545M on the quarter, less than half analyst estimates

Traditionally, the United Auto Workers will pick one automaker to negotiate a contract. Then, after that deal is struck, the UAW will shop the deal to the other automakers. It’s called “pattern bargaining,” and it’s been happening for decades.

That may change during 2011 negotiations, as The Detroit Free Press reports that new UAW President Bob King might broker a deal with all three automakers simultaneously. King points out that the automakers and the UAW have a good relationship, adding, “we should be able to work together.” That decision won’t be made by King, though, as the UAW boss points out that the final bargaining tactics will be determined by the union’s top officers.

One area of struggle could be in reigning in expectations of workers looking to win back concessions granted during the auto industry recession of 2008 and 2009. King points to Ford CEO Alan Mulally’s 2010 pay of $26.5 million as a potential issue. “I think Alan Mulally is a good CEO… but he has a blind spot here,” said King.

King’s non-adversarial approach to the upcoming contract negotiations comes as the UAW is making an effort to unionize transplant and supplier facilities. The UAW chief tells the Free Press that the union is making progress. The UAW is looking for fair elections at these facilities, and King is pleased that organizations are at least interested in sitting down for discussions.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images]

Bob King says UAW might negotiate with Detroit Three simultaneously

Remember a few months back when Chrysler/Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne complained about the terms of the loans received from the government? “Shyster loans” is what he deemed them, a term for which he later had to apologize. But the answer was clear: if Marchionne and his compatriots don’t like the terms of the loans offered from the public coffers, they were free to pay them back and refinance. And according to a statement released today from Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, that’s precisely what they plan to do. And do soon, apparently.

The statement declares that Chrysler will pay back 100-percent of the loans taken out from the U.S. federal government, the Canadian federal government and the Ontario provincial government, sometime in the second quarter of 2011. That’s the quarter we’re currently in, by the way, meaning that if Chrysler sticks to the plan, the governments will be fully repaid by the end of June.

Of course, Chrysler hasn’t recuperated all those funds from their revenues. Not just yet, anyway. Part of the money is coming from the increased shares which Fiat has bought in Chrysler, while the rest is coming from new (presumably privately secured) loans and debt securities that do not require registration under the Securities Act, which should help Chrysler refinance its debts more easily. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler announces plan to repay government loans

Chrysler announces plan to repay government loans

There are any number of remote locales you’d expect to see a Land Rover Defender. Crossing the desert. Traversing a battlefield. Climbing a mountain. Strolling through a vineyard? Okay, sure… why not. But this particular Defender isn’t just taking the weekend off. This is where it belongs. Or at least that’s what Italian customizer Fuoriserie Torino would have you believe.

Now we’ve seen plenty a Land Rover with teak panels. Like Startech’s Defender Yachting Edition, or Land Rover’s own Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition. But those put the nautical-themed veneers on the inside. Fuoriserie puts ‘em on the outside where you’d expect to find diamond-plated aluminum brush guards. Of course that’s not the extent of it: it has also slathered the machine with a pseudo-camouflage paint scheme of purple leaves. You know, in case someone was to bomb the vineyard from the sky.

The bottom line? The Vineyard edition Defender appears to have been carried out with exceptional attention to detail, and there’s certainly something to be said for originality – which this custom clearly has in spades. But for our money (and you can bet this conversion job cost a pretty penny), we’d sooner take Romeo Ferraris’ take on the theme.

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Fuoriserie Torino takes the Land Rover Defender on picnic

Three manufacturers remain in the running to be the chosen supplier for New York’s “Taxi of Tomorrow”: Ford, Nissan and Turkish firm Karsan. In an informal poll conducted by the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission – the same body that will be deciding which of the three gets the milk and roses – New Yorkers chose the Karsan. Now Karsan wants to make the Commission’s job even easier by promising to build its taxi in Brooklyn if it’s chosen.

Previously, all three makers said they’d be building their vehicles overseas (the Transit Connect is built in Turkey, the Nissan NV200 in Japan). Perhaps sensing a huge opportunity to bring the four-year process to an end, last month Karsan turned tack and said it would build the V1 at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, in Brooklyn’s waterfront Sunset Park complex, creating up to 800 jobs. It might not only be about getting ahead with the public, however: the powertrain for the Karsan V1 comes from Chrysler, in Michigan.

What the Karsan lacks in looks it makes up for in its powerplant modularity, handicapped accessibility, and expansive glass roof. Karsan has said a Sunset Park factory would cost $100 million, a pittance in light of the billion-dollar contract it’s trying to win and being the yellow-cab-of-record in movies for the foreseeable future. Thanks for the tip, Julio!

[Source: New York Daily News]

Turkish firm Karsan pledges to build NY taxi in Brooklyn

Less than a month after the news broke that Zagato was working on a new TZ3 Stradale, the Milanese carrozzeria has unveiled the first photos and details of its latest creation.

The sumptuous TZ3 Stradale is part of a continuous celebration by Zagato of Alfa Romeo’s centenary. So it’s based on an Alfa, then? Well, not quite. Its underpinnings are actually much more serpentine than even the snake on the Alfa badge, borrowed as they are from the all-conquering Dodge Viper ACR, over which is draped a bespoke carbon fiber body. You can discern some key Zagato design elements from its similarity to the Perana Z-One (that’s no bad thing) and the classic Kamm tail. But while this coachbuilt Viper doesn’t borrow any mechanical bits from the marque to which it pays tribute, its design puts a decidedly contemporary spin on decades of collaboration between Zagato and Alfa Romeo.

The fourth model in the TZ line, the Stradale follows the original TZ and TZ2, and the more recent TZ3 Corsa which was unveiled last year at Villa d’Este – the same location where, as we recently reported, an original TZ is set to cross the auction block. But while the Alfa-powered TZ3 Corsa was a strict one-off track car, the TZ3 Stradale (as previewed in Zagato’s christmas card) will be built in an edition of nine examples.

The first is going to noted American collector Eric King, the second and third examples already earmarked for customers in Japan and Europe. Ask really nicely and maybe one of the remaining six can be yours. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle for perusing our high-resolution image gallery below and scoping out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Zagato]

Continue reading Zagato unveils new TZ3 Stradale with the heart of a Viper and the soul of an Alfa

Zagato unveils new TZ3 Stradale with the heart of a Viper and the soul of an Alfa

Enough with the leaks and speculation. Here it is. The 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The ultimate naturally aspirated 911 and the 997’s motorsports-infused swan-song.

As the name would suggest, this latest limited-edition 911 packs a 4.0-liter flat-six derived from the 911 GT3 RSR racer, complete with forged pistons, titanium connecting rods and a crankshaft pulled directly from its track-bred descendent. The result is the most powerful NA 911 to date, with 500 horsepower peaking at 8,250 rpm and maximum torque – 339 pound-feet – coming in at 5,750 rpm.

That massive engine partnered with a host of lightweight kit (carbon fiber buckets, front fenders, luggage compartment lid and “weight-optimized” carpets) allows the 2,998-pound (wet, mind) GT3 RS 4.0 to run to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, crack 124 mph in less than 12 seconds and top out at 193 mph.

A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available and the Carrara (their spelling) White paint comes standard, along with central twin exhausts, massive rear wing and the first production application of air deflection vanes on both sides of the front bumper (dubbed “flics”) to improve stability and exert an extra 426 pounds of downforce at speed.

And before you ask, the RS 4.0 ran the Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 27 seconds, putting it in contention for one of the fastest production cars ever run around the Nordschleife.

If you’ve got $185,000 laying around in your hedge fund, get your orders in now. Only 600 will be produced when sales begin later this year. Full details in the press blast after the jump.

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Officially Official: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0