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Visitors to the New York Auto Show will be able to take a closer look at the Terrafugia Transition ‘Flying Car,’ just days after the company’s prototype made its first flight. The two-place airworthy machine is perhaps best considered a roadgoing low-wing aircraft (not a ‘flying car’), as its technical specifications are anything but earthly.

For starters, the curb weight of the composite and aluminum Transition is just 970 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,430 pounds (useful load is 460 pounds). It is powered by a 1.4-liter Rotax 912ULS, a water-cooled flat-four developing 100 horsepower.

In aircraft mode, the thick automated electromechanical folding wings open and a gearbox transfers power to a four-bladed pusher propeller just behind the cockpit. Top speed in the non-pressurized Transition is about 115 mph, with a flying range of just over 400 miles. In terrestrial mode, with the wings folded and a license plate hanging in the slipstream, power is sent to the rear wheels and the top speed falls to just 65 mph. Fuel economy is about 35 mpg, with an on-road range in excess of 600 miles.

According to Woburn, Massachusetts-based Terrafugia, the company has more than 100 reservations for this novel contraption. If you have Popular Science dreams, get out your thickest checkbook, as the current anticipated base purchase price is a lofty $279,000.

Continue reading Terrafugia Transition ‘Flying Car’ offers serious hang time, but leaves us clouded [w/video]

Terrafugia Transition ‘Flying Car’ offers serious hang time, but leaves us clouded [w/video]

As if last year’s 800-horsepower GT500 Super Snake wasn’t enough, Shelby has just taken the covers off their lastest creation, the “1000″ at this year’s New York Auto Show. The muscle coupe comes in two flavors – the 950 horsepower street version and the track-only 1100+ horsepower S/C – although the difference seems like a moot point when it comes to a car’s capability on the Pirelli street tires. A massive Kenne Bell 3.6L supercharger is the main source of the increased engine output, while a variety of chassis and drivetrain enhancements ensure that the additional horsepower and torque is delivered to the pavement.

Besides being the most powerful production car ever to come from Shelby, the 1000 will also be one of the most exclusive. Shelby President John Luft tells us that just 100 of the examples will be built with a starting price of close to $200,000. If the idea of a six-figure Ford Mustang seems like a hard sell, then you’re underestimating the lure of the Shelby brand. While the company has refused to take orders for the car before its debut, Luft informs Autoblog that the company already has a waiting list of more than 30 customers anxious to plunk down their hard earned cash for the model.

You can read full details on the 2012 Shelby 1000 in the press release by scrolling below and take a look at our live photos of the car’s debut in the gallery above.

Continue reading 2012 Shelby 1000 is Carroll’s ultimate Mustang

2012 Shelby 1000 is Carroll’s ultimate Mustang

Cadillac has announced base pricing for the 2013 XTS, its all-new, full-size luxury sedan. The car goes on sale this spring with a starting MSRP of $44,995 (*including destination charges).

The front-drive XTS will be available in four specifications: Base, Luxury, Premium and Platinum. All-wheel-drive will be available with any of the three trim packages. Cadillac will be deploying CUE, its new capacitive touch infotainment system, as standard equipment and every XTS will be equipped with Magnetic Ride Control.

Not mentioned today was the specific availability of Cadillac’s new safety suite or any further pricing information about the specific packages. Cadillac did say it will be releasing a CUE Apple iPad app next month that will replicate the XTS’ center screen. Click past the jump to read the full press release, then comment on whether you think Caddy’s pricing is a fair shake in Comments.

Continue reading 2013 Cadillac XTS priced from $44,995*

2013 Cadillac XTS priced from $44,995*

While it doesn’t even appear as a bad pixel on most enthusiasts’ radar, the Toyota Venza serves legions of mainstream consumers perfectly well. To keep the unassuming family hauler from lagging behind its advancing competition, the automaker has introduced a refreshed and tweaked 2013 Toyota Venza at the New York Auto Show.

Look carefully on the exterior and you may notice the freshened fog lamps or redesigned grille on the front fascia. Out back, there are restyled taillamps. Three new colors join the pallete (Attitude Black, Cypress Pearl and Cosmic Gray Mica). Under the hood, the engines are carried over from last year (2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6, depending on trim level, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission).

With the exception of the new interior color (black leather or black cloth upholstery) and new buttons on the steering wheel, the cabin appears virtually identical. However, there are more standard features on the LE trim (blind spot mirror, eight-way power-operated driver’s seat, puddle lamps, tilt/telescope steering wheel, and more) and the range-topping Limited receives LED running lights and a premium navigation system with Entune connectivity. Most of the new features are offered across the model range, but at an additional cost. The updated 2013 Toyota Venza goes on sale in late May.

2013 Toyota Venza is updated and refreshed. Yay.

Lacking the fanfare of a flashy press conference, the 2012 Lotus Evora S arrived at the New York Auto Show sporting an upgraded interior and new wheel options (Lotus is one of the few automakers still following the actual calendar when it comes to model year introductions, meaning 2012 models are just now flowing into the North American marketplace).

While hardly lacking lavishness, the Evora’s cockpit has been further enhanced with additional leather on the door panels and lower sills. There is a new trim ring around the transmission shifter, the standard Recaro seats have been re-upholstered with upgraded leather (with contrasting piping and woven fabric inserts) and the bright brushed metal dashboard has a new dark finish for better contrast. Rounding up the interior alterations, the loathed Alpine audio/navigation system has been replaced with a superior system from Pioneer.

The standard alloy wheel package remains a staggered 18- and 19-inch setup, but Lotus is also offering a new 19- and 20-inch wheel package with several different finishes including a gorgeous matte anthracite (the wheels shown in our gallery). The 2012 Lotus Evora / Evora S is rolling into showrooms today.

2012 Lotus Evora S nearly sneaks by, but we catch the improvements

Porsche has announced that Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, son of Ferry Porsche and designer of the iconic 911 – passed away today, April 5, at the age of 76. He died in Salzburg, Austria of unknown causes.

It goes without saying that the 911 is the most important product in the history of Porsche, and it’s a testament to Ferdinand Alexander’s skill as a designer that his original shape has evolved so little since 1963 when it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The 911, though, isn’t his only achievement. He was also reportedly very proud of another car he designed, the 904, as well as founding the industrial design company Porsche Design Studio in 1972.

Continue reading Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – designer of the 911 – dies at age 76

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche – designer of the 911 – dies at age 76

The PAL-V One is a Dutch take on the flying car, and whereas its Terrafugia contemporary is more like a plane you can drive, the PAL-V One (Personal Air and Land Vehicle) is perhaps more accurately called a driving gyrocopter. According to the company, this flying Dutchman can reach terrestrial speeds of 112 miles per hour and its fuel economy checks in at 28 miles per gallon on the ground. Then once you’ve found a suitable place to take off, you unfold the auto-rotating main rotor, the gas-engine powered propeller extends, and you can take to the air. Max airspeed is also 112 mph, and airborn range is listed at 220-315 miles.

The PAL-V One has finished its maiden flight and is now working to secure investors for the commercialization phase – the company hopes to start delivering production models in 2014. Scroll below to watch video of the PAL-V one in action on its maiden voyage.

Continue reading Watch the PAL-V flying car prototype make its maiden flight

Watch the PAL-V flying car prototype make its maiden flight

Shelby is celebrating the company’s 50th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion, the performance gurus rolled out the very first Cobra ever constructed.

Assembled by Carol Shelby himself, the roadster is the very first pairing of an AC Ace and Ford V8 engine. Shelby first opted to slide a 221 cubic-inch eight-cylinder under the hood before later switching to a 260 cube engine tuned to around 260 horsepower. He beefed up components like the chassis tubes, spindles, rear differential and springs to build a car capable of handling the uptick in power.

Flash forward 50 years, and the CSX2000 looks surprisingly good. Gentle tears on the seats, a well-worn shifter and flawed paint lend the impression that this beast is in perfectly unmolested condition. Consider us in love. Currently, the first in a long line of snakes is valued at around $20 million, though Shelby himself says he has no intention of selling the vehicle any time soon. We can’t blame the guy.

Shelby celebrates 50th anniversary by rolling out the original 1962 Shelby Cobra CSX2000

Ram is out to make both Ford and General Motors sweat with the Auburn Hills automaker’s newest pickup, the 2013 1500. Debuting at the 2012 New York Auto Show, the half-ton pickup bows with less weight, an efficient new 3.6-liter V6 option and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler projects the V6 alone should help yield 20 percent better fuel economy over the old 3.7 lump, thanks in part to a start/stop system. While there are no solid EPA numbers as of yet, our estimations put the vehicle at around 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Throw in aerodynamic tweaks like an active shutter system that closes off the engine bay and a standard air-ride suspension that lowers the vehicle by as much as 1.2 inches for better efficiency, easier loading and load leveling and you have a force to be reckoned with.

The Pentastar churns out 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, besting the 3.7-liter V6 in the Ford F-150 by around three ponies. Chrysler has also increased the output of the optional 5.7-liter V8, from 390 hp to 395 and 407 lb-ft of torque. Engineers managed to free up the extra grunt by using an electronic power steering system in place of the old belt-driven unit. Interestingly enough, the V8 will also boast 20 percent better fuel economy thanks to an eight-speed automatic.

In addition, the new 1500 features a tweaked interior, complete with the company’s excellent 8.4-inch UConnect touch screen interface. We love the system in vehicles like the Dodge Charger, and the tech should be right at home on the big pickup.

Chrysler also managed to trim a significant amount of weight from the 2013 Ram 1500. In V6 guise, the truck now uses aluminum control arms, an aluminum hood, a new bed and frame design as well as lighter bumpers for a combined weight savings of around 147 pounds over the previous generation. V8 models get away with a more modest trimming. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Ram 1500 ups the pickup ante with new V6, less weight

2013 Ram 1500 ups the pickup ante with new V6, less weight

When we read through the press materials for the new 2013 Toyota Avalon, we had to double-check… had we downloaded the release for the wrong car? Because right here it says, “In Sport mode, throttle response is enhanced and steering effort is weighted… to offer a sportier character.” And what’s this about paddle shifters? This is the Avalon, the car that replaced the Mercury Grand Marquis in the hearts, minds and garages of Florida retirees.

But yes, we had the right car. Apparently Toyota is serious about developing more interesting and youthful products, and it’s off to a good start with the Avalon, based on what we have heard and seen at the New York Auto Show today. The car was developed, styled and engineered in the United States, and it will be built here too, at Toyota’s Georgetown, KY, plant. While that doesn’t mean much without a product that can deliver the goods, we like most of what we see. From the A-pillar on back, the new Avalon looks long and sleek and seems to have a lot of BMW inspiration in its design. The front grille, however, has way too much Hyundai Genesis Coupe in it for our tastes. Inside the Avalon, we see what looks to be a pretty stunning instrument panel design, and we’re intrigued by the capacitive touch controls Toyota has included.

While Toyota is declining to say anything about what powers the new Avalon other the fact that the engine will have six cylinders, we can’t imagine it will be anything other than a version of its corporate 3.5-liter. The big question is how much horsepower this new, sportier Avalon might be packing. The current car has 268 horses, though another derivative of the engine in the Lexus GS boasts 306. The 2013 Avalon goes on sale late this year, and we must admit, this is the first Avalon we might actually be excited to drive. Click past the jump to read the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Toyota Avalon looks to shed geriatric image

2013 Toyota Avalon looks to shed geriatric image

Yes, Infiniti has indeed made a habit of teasing the masses with exotic and eco-friendly concepts at some of the world’s largest auto shows over the past few years, notably with the Emerg-E and Essence Concepts. But, unlike those rolling showcases, the automaker claims its latest reveal, known rather cryptically as the LE Concept, will hit dealerships within the next two years in nearly unchanged form.

According to Infiniti, the LE Concept boasts a 24kWh lithium-ion battery made up of 192 cells, positioned under the passenger compartment floor. For those keeping track, this sounds like the same battery used in the Nissan Leaf. The 100kw electric motor, however, is upsized for this application. The LE’s 134 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque represent increases of 24 horses and 30 lb-ft over its less powerful sibling.

Infiniti is quick to point out that the LE Concept is not a small car. At 186.4 inches, its length is roughly the same as Infiniti’s G sedan. Atop the EV platform sits a highly streamlined body, which pays dividends with a .25 coefficient of drag that ought to help the LE reach its estimated 100-mile range (the latter being the same as the Leaf).

Inside, Infiniti uses words and phrases like double-wave and “Hamon” (ripple) design to describe the LE’s purposeful cabin. Ahead of the driver sits both analog and digital readouts showing speed, distance remaining and even the location of available EV chargers in the vicinity, all powered by an Intel Atom processor.

There’s plenty of technology packed into the LE Concept, including what the automaker calls Infiniti Connection, which includes Infiniti’s Personal Assistant 24-hour concierge service, navigation, and POI search. Also on the menu is a wireless charging system in addition to the standard DC 50 kW quick charger.

Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore says the company expects the LE to “be the first home-based wireless charging system if adapted for the production version.” Yes, we noticed the ‘if,’ too. Guess we’ll have to wait and see about that bit. In any case, feel free to read all about the LE Concept in the press release below and to check out our high-res image galleries.

Continue reading Infiniti LE Concept will spawn production electric sedan within two years

Infiniti LE Concept will spawn production electric sedan within two years

General Motors is taking a big gamble in a little way with its 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Detroit automaker is betting that high fuel prices and an increased awareness of one’s ecological footprint will mean more consumers are willing to entertain a new car with an even smaller err… footprint. The Spark will join other minicars like the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo, none of which have met with significant sales volume. On the other hand, its big brother, the Sonic has performed well in the early going. In addition, the Spark offers more physical volume than its peers – as well as a set of rear doors – so practicality appears to be solidly in favor of Camp Chevy.

The five-door Spark will test America’s appetites for small car life with a starting price of just $12,995 (*including delivery) when it arrives in Chevrolet showrooms later this year. Available in a trio of trims, the lineup will start with the well-equipped LS model that includes a whopping 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the 1LT trim will cost $14,495, but it adds an audio system with seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity and satellite radio. Additional features include keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth (”for select phones”) and mundane items like visor mirrors and floor mats. The range-topping 2LT ($15,795) will be distinguished by a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps and additional exterior brightwork. Inside, heated, leatherette-covered seats and a leather-wrapped wheel spruce up the cabin.

Regardless of which trim spec is selected, buyers will find a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, and a five-speed manual is standard equipment, though a four-speed automatic can be substituted for $925.

GM announced back in October that it will also bring a Spark EV to “select markets” in the U.S. sometime in 2013, though it has yet to announce pricing or an on-sale date for the pure electric runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

First announced last October, the reborn, all-electric Delorean has made a surprise appearance at the New York Auto Show this year. It’s a surprise because not even Delorean Motor Company president Stephen Wynne knew he was going to be here until a few weeks ago, when show organizers called with an invite.

With a prime spot near the EV ride along track – the DMCev is sadly not involved – Wynne said he’s been getting good attention, even though said track is in the basement. We asked Wynne what’s been going on with the car since last fall’s announcement and the short answer is that this is one EV concept that’s going into production.

The target date for fans to buy the DMCev is early 2013, but a lot has to happen between now and then. Right now, all the company has is the converted DMC-12 to show off the technology. To create this, the designers had to add 200 pounds of stuff, and the production version is going to be either the same weight as the gas version, or a few pounds less, in order to improve both performance and range. The car is powered by a 32-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack and has a 125 mile per hour top speed with a range of 100 miles. Published specs claim a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, but Wynne said the target is now under six seconds. Price for all this fun? $95,000.

DMC will assemble the car in Houston, TX with a lot of help from Louisiana’s Epic EV, the company working on the Torq and Amp vehicles (not the Amp conversions). These two companies are testing different motor/inverter combinations for the electric Delorean, and Wynne said they are looking for a “proven product” from a company that has at least “several hundred” units on the road. The current prototype also uses a DC motor, but the production will use AC for better range, performance and regenerative braking ability. The old-school dashboard is also due for an upgrade

Those are the details we could glean in New York. Can you believe we made it through this entire post without a Back To The Future reference? The DMCev can’t do it, though, with a license plate that reads “Gas? Where we’re going we don’t need gas” and a battery that carries the “Flux Power” nickname. For more, you can watch a video of Translogic going for a ride in the DMCev down below, where you’ll also find a related press release.

Continue reading Delorean Electric surprises in New York, will cost $95,000 in 2013

Delorean Electric surprises in New York, will cost $95,000 in 2013

Subaru announced today that the starting price of its much anticipated BRZ sports car will be $25,495 when it goes on sale. We don’t have an exact date, but Subaru says it will arrive in dealerships “this spring.”

The starting price of $25,495 does include a destination charge of $750* and will get you the BRZ Premium with a six-speed manual transmission. Choosing a six-speed automatic will add $1,100 for a new total of $26,595. That price of admission does, however, include a touchscreen navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and HID headlamps.

Those who require more pampering can step up to the BRZ Limited with a base price of $27,495 for the manual-equipped model. Adding the automatic again bumps the price by $1,100 to $28,595. Limited models also get heated seats with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters, heated mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, keyless entry/start and a body-color rear spoiler. The last and most expensive configuration comes when opting for seats fully covered in leather, which raises the starting price to $27,495 for the manual model and $28,595 for the automatic.

Even fully loaded, the 2013 Subaru BRZ appears to come in safely under $30,000, thought it is more expensive than its sibling, the 2013 Scion FR-S, which starts at $24,200 but doesn’t come with a nav system or leather as an option. Based on our experience driving the car, that’s a reasonable price to pay for such a high level of rear-wheel-drive handling. What do you think? Take our poll and send a Subaru a message about whether or not they have priced the BRZ correctly.

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Continue reading 2013 Subaru BRZ priced from $25,495* [w/poll]

2013 Subaru BRZ priced from $25,495* [w/poll]

Arguably the biggest news of the New York Auto Show for enthusiasts is the debut of the new SRT Viper. But as the high-performance arm of Chrysler has pointed out, the street-legal Viper “isn’t the only high-performance snake making a triumphant return” here at Javitz.

No, Auburn Hills hasn’t missed a beat in releasing the new super-musclecar’s racing counterpart, the SRT Viper GTS-R, alongside the production version. Picking up where previous competition-spec Vipers left off – including three successive GTS class one-two victories at Le Mans, a landmark win in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and numerous international GT championships – the new Viper GTS-R is gearing up to take on the American Le Mans Series already this year.

Two of these bad boys will be fielded in ALMS, driven by Indy race winner Ryan Hunter-Reay, German driver and Rolex 24 veteran Dominik Farnbacher, Le Mans vet Marc Goossens of Belgium and Viper racer Kuno Wittmer of the great racing town of Montreal. But before these guys get to turn a wheel in anger, their new ride is on show here in New York, and we’ve got the gallery of high-resolution photos for your viewing pleasure. (Scroll down as well for more info in the press release.)

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper coils up to take a bite out of ALMS with GTS-R competition model

2013 SRT Viper coils up to take a bite out of ALMS with GTS-R competition model

Audi told us a new R8 was coming, and now our spy shooters have caught it testing. The good news is that the car still looks stunning. The bad news is that’s because the original R8 design has aged so well.

What we’re seeing in these photos doesn’t indicate much has changed outside of minor tweaks to the front fascia that seem mostly designed to accommodate new headlights with a different LED pattern. The rear fascia and taillights are similarly reconfigured, with round twin tailpipes like the R8 GT, but without the side ducting.

When they sent us the images, KPG Photography also speculated that this forthcoming R8 update will ditch the R-tronic sequential automatic transmission for a dual-clutch gearbox. That’s in line with rumors we’ve heard for the next-generation R8, which indicate that the DSG will be the only transmission available.

We’ve got shots of both the coupe R8 and the R8 Spyder, including some taken at night where it’s easier to see the new LED designs. Check out all the high-res images in our gallery.

Audi R8 facelift reveals evolutionary change

We’ll be able to share full details on the electric LE Concept from Infiniti when the embargo lifts later today, but our ace photographer Drew Phillips happened to be on the automaker’s New York Auto Show stand when officials uncovered the shiny showcar while conducting a practice run-through of their presentation.

The four-door LE concept is broadly believed to presage an upscale pure electric production model based on Nissan Leaf mechanicals for the Infiniti marque. Our man on the scene indicates that the LE is a fairly striking bit of work, with a front end that fits in well with the brand (though the chrome-edged pinched grille is a bit much). The hood line incorporates bulges along its edges, presumably for aerodynamic purposes like those on Leaf. Phillips also remarked that the rear three-quarter view looks a bit like the Hyundai Elantra, a similarity we can see but don’t imagine Infiniti designers will necessarily appreciate.

We can’t talk specs yet, but for pointers, the Leaf’s electric powertrain generates 107 horsepower and 208 pound-feet of torque and it features a 100-mile range. Stick with us and we’ll have the full skinny around noon.

Premium Leaf: Infiniti LE concept presents itself early

Volkswagen Up! named 2012 World Car of the Year

Not that we don’t like the Land Rover DC100 Concept or anything, but this is the third version of the next-gen Defender that Land Rover has trotted out at an auto show in the space of seven months. (Never mind that it looks like they just repainted the Heritage Blue one from the L.A. show.) Forgive us, then, for wishing Land Rover would get on with it and announce that it’s going into production.

But no. Instead, we get this: The Land Rover LR4 Luxury Limited Edition. With a mere 2,000 available worldwide, Land Rover seems serious about the limited part. A long list of unique trim pieces including “HSE Luxury” badging on the tailgate and interior finishes borrowed from the Range Rover should take care of the rest of the equation.

If you’d like all the details about things like “satin chrome” and “Havana” (that’s a color, by the way), the full press release on the special LR4 is after the jump.

Better yet, check out the episode of Translogic where our sister site drives the DC100 – also available after the jump.

Continue reading Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY

Land Rover brings expedition-minded DC100 concept and LR4 special edition to NY

Just the other day, we heard that General Motors might extend its traditional two-week summer shutdown to three weeks for the Chevrolet Volt. But, after record Volt sales last month, we wonder how the calendar looks in Hamtramck now. We wonder because we are hearing reports that the current shutdown – originally scheduled to run for five weeks, from March 19 to April 23 – will be shortened by a week. GM originally decided on the hold to reduce supply that had grown too large because of soft demand.

Don LaForest, the chairman of the United Auto Workers bargaining committee at the Hamtramck plant where the Volt is made, told Talking Points Memo that GM is “adding a week of production back in.” The Detroit News reports that GM President of North America Mark Reuss said the same thing Wednesday during the New York Auto Show. Reuss said, “We’re doing it because we sold a lot.”

Increasing sales numbers (GM sold 2,289 Volts in March – well over double February’s 1,023-unit total) come at a time when some of the right-wing attacks on the plug-in hybrid appear to have calmed down. LaForest told TPM that his union workers have been confused about these criticisms. “I don’t think Newt or Mitt have said a single negative thing about the Nissan Leaf,” he said. “They’re attacking our car to get at the President. But our car is going to change the way America does business. It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Improving Chevy Volt sales leads GM to shorten summer shutdown