has been so kind as to give us an inkling of what to expect from the company when it arrives at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The Swedish carmaker will display new of both the sedan and the V60 wagon. According to the press release, both cars will receive the usual go-fast treatment, starting with a few aesthetic changes outside. The R-Design cars will wear a more aggressive fascia up front, unique 18-inch alloys, revised sports seats inside and a few suspension tweaks to help everything stay planted through the twisties.
That means firmer bushings all the way around, a strut-tower brace up front and lower, stiffer coils on all four corners. The icing on the cake is a new corner traction control system that uses a torque-vectoring system to make for smoother cornering, a compelling feature that . Don’t look for any extra horsepower under the hood, though. Volvo has left the usual array of engines completely untouched. Both the R-Design S60 and V60 will debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show next month. for the full press release.
Peugeot EX1 concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Automotive history is riddled with examples of crossovers between cars and motorcycles. Some are made by automakers, others by motorcycle manufacturers. But if you’re going to make a go of it, it probably helps to have a company that makes both. A company like , or . Or Peugeot.
Gearing up for its home expo, the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the French automaker has unveiled a unique take on the formula called the Peugeot EX1. Of course, what you’re looking at is a show car, a concept for how the company’s two core competences can be melded together in one vehicle.
The EX1 celebrates the marque’s 200th anniversary in the form of a lightweight, all-electric two-seat roadster which Peugeot claims “has already broken several world records for acceleration from a standing start.” To that end, the equivalent of 340 horsepower is channeled from a pair of electric motors to all four wheels, mounted at the rear as if on a trike, but with enough track to maintain the stability of a conventional car.
It’s an intriguing concept that reminds us of the nearly produced . While you’re waiting to get our firsthand snapshots and commentary from the Port de Versailles show floor, you can check out the massive high-res image gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.
Gallery:
[Source: Peugeot]
: Peugeot celebrates bicentennial with EX1 electric roadster
Brazilian bleachers collapse injures 100 – Click above to watch video
According to The Daily Telegraph, over 100 spectators watching a race were injured in Brazil when a section of bleachers collapsed. Around 500 spectators were observing at a drag race in the Brazilian city of Quatro Pontes when the structure gave way. Six people were immediately taken to the hospital as a result of injuries sustained in the incident, and two of those are still in critical condition.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though structural faults are believed to have been the cause. for a video of the collapse, but be warned, the images may be upsetting for some viewers.
Forty-six Years Of Refinement Make It The Muscle Car To Beat
2011 Ford Mustang GT Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery
Potentially ruinous. All that work on an impressive new 5.0-liter V8 engine, chassis tweaks and other piecemeal refinements for the are almost all for naught because of a single glaring issue. What could erase all the gains the Mustang has made for 2011? The answer is nestled between the front seats, and it goes by the name 6R80.
Despite the promise that a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission carries, not to mention the associated fuel economy, the auto ‘box blunts the Mustang’s edge severely. Can the new 5.0-liter V8 and wind in your hair make up for the dulling effect of the Mustang GT Convertible’s transmission? to find out.
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Photos copyright (C)2010 Dan Roth, John Neff / AOL
Lamborghini Jota spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery
If there are two things we know about , it’s that a replacement for the outgoing (tentatively dubbed ) is in the works, and that the automaker is bringing to this year’s . Our spies have just caught this heavily clad prototype doing its thing at the ‘Ring, giving us the impression that Lambo’s new V12-powered supercar will saunter its way onto the Paris stage.
We’ve seen the Jota running around for many, many months now, and the rumormilled specs are simply drool-worthy. The new 7.0-liter V12 will reportedly crank out over 700 horsepower, and when you combine that with a lightweight body made of carbon fiber and aluminum, the Jota will undoubtedly be stupidly fast. Of course, all-wheel drive is expected to be on hand to keep the Bull rubber-side down, with early reports suggesting that ’s latest Quattro may provide the groundwork for the new system.
If we don’t see the production-ready Jota in Paris, we’ll eat our driving gloves. Or at least a tire valve cap. In the meantime, click through the high-res gallery below to see the latest Jota prototype running about.
2011Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery
The keys to the first haven’t even landed in their owner’s pocket yet, and is already looking to what will happen to the vehicle’s batteries at the end of the EV’s life cycle. As it turns out, those cells may play a part in upping the efficiency of the electrical grid in America. GM has signed a memorandum of understanding with ABB Group aimed at developing new projects just for the Volt batteries after they’ve lived out their useful lives in the extended-range EV, and the two companies believe the cells will still have the ability to effectively store energy even after they’ve done a tour of duty on the road.
According to GM’s press release, ABB Group is the world’s largest supplier of power grid systems, so the company ought to know a thing or two about storing electricity. If all goes to plan, the recycled Volt batteries may be used for everything from storing energy from renewable sources like wind, solar or hydro plants, to serving as backup power solutions for communities. to take a look at the press release.
If you’re like us, you’ve been catching bits and pieces of Top Gear Season 15 on the Interwebs with few complaints. We’ll take what we can get, after all, but the world’s greatest automotive entertainment show is best watched on a pristine wide-screen television set. Beginning September 27, we won’t have to interface our Macs and PCs to check out Clarkson, Mays, Hammond and the Stig, as the show will air uninterrupted on BBC America on September 27. How can you pass up the opportunity to watch Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz (mostly Cameron Diaz) on the TG test track in high-definition? The show will run on Mondays at 9 p.m. Eastern time.
With TG hitting BBC America next week, we will soon have two shows to watch this fall containing the words Top Gear. starts airing on the History Channel in the Fall, with Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood replacing the UK’s big three. Good luck on that assignment, fellas.
Ferdinand Karl Piëch, head of the Supervisory Board and grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, knows that nothing lasts forever – especially, life. The VW boss man has his mind on his money while his family has his money on their minds.
Piëch, born in 1937, has recently shifted his holdings into two Austrian foundations; Ferdinand Karl Alpha and Ferdinand Karl Beta. The reason behind this move is to protect the company in the event of his death. That’s to say, if he dies his family can’t start selling off shares like platinum hot cakes. His wife Ursula Piëch will assume control of the foundations upon his passing.
As stipulated in his will, the assets can be sold only when the managing board, the advisory board of the trust and at least nine of Piëch’s 12 children all provide a “yes” vote. As you would expect, some members of the family are a little miffed. Also, under the stipulations presented in the will, Mrs. Piëch is not allowed re-marry or divorce Ferdinand after he passes on. If she does go out and find a new hubby, she gives up control of the foundations.
2011 Ford F-150 engine options – Click above for high-res image gallery
The now has than at any other time in the storied truck’s history. But as much as we’re looking forward to rocking the new 411-horsepower6.2-liter V8, the 360-hp 5.0-liter V8 or the 300-hp 3.7-liter V6, the top of-the-line EcoBoost V6 has us the most excited. The reason? keeps taunting us with tales of terrific torque curves and class-leading fuel economy.
While The Blue Oval is still playing coy on fuel economy, we’ve finally got official word on the power tip. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter will churn out 365 ponies, a figure that’s great, but not terribly unexpected in a full-size pickup. The bigger story is the mill’s promised 420 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. That lofty figure is more than or can deliver with their light duty pickups, but not quite enough to out-twist the 434 lb-ft. from Ford’s new 6.2-liter V8. But while the 6.2 has stronger numbers all around, the EcoBoost 3.5 can hold its twist longer, with 90 percent of peak power is available from 1,700 rpm all the way to 5,000 rpm.
The EcoBoost 3.5’s power figures translate into the ability to tow a best-in-class 11,300 pounds or haul a payload of 3,060 pounds. Impressive stuff, indeed, but we’ll only be blown away if the twin-turbo mill can also manage best in-class fuel economy. After all, EcoBoost variants will likely command a significant price increase over what appears to be a very capable new 5.0-liter V8. The EcoBoost 3.5 will become available early in 2011. Hit the jump to check out the official Ford press release.
So many , so little time. Reports came in just yesterday that Stuttgart was planning an ultra-hardcore as well, but the German automaker has now announced an altogether different variant of its iconic sports car: the , which will make its official debut at the fast-approaching Paris Motor Show.
Recalling the original 356 and the three successive Speedsters to come since, the new 911 Speedster cuts a classic (if a bit awkward) hunchback profile and 60mm lower windshield. The wide-body stance is the same found on the Carrera 4 and the aforementioned GTS, with which it also shares (along with the similarly retro ) its 408-horsepower flat-six engine, driving the rear wheels through the company’s PDK dual-clutch gearbox.
Created by the Porsche Exclusive department, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the 911 Speedster honors the 1950’s classic from which it draws its inspiration, with only 356 examples on offer. The unique shade of French racing blue comes standard, and continues on the rather, um… interesting two-seat interior, with Carrera White available at no extra charge.
Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, along with an initial batch of high-resolution images in the gallery below. We’ll get a closer look next week in Paris, but with such limited production, we wouldn’t be getting our hopes up about U.S. availability.
Chevrolet Cruze EV – Click above for high-res image gallery
The hasn’t yet gone on sale, but is looking at ways of expanding its electric vehicle lineup. Chevy, along with partner LG, is employing a group of all-electric cars in the form of the . The sedans are part of a demonstration fleet which is located in Seoul, South Korea and is being used to provide data in an electric vehicle research project. The goal is to gather information on driving patterns and charging behavior in addition to consumer acceptance.
The Cruze EVs, along with some Daewoo Lacetti Premieres EVs, are the first fleet of full-size electric vehicles and should provide invaluable information for The General. Staying full-size means not sacrificing cargo space, so the battery pack is mounted to the underbody, leaving the trunk area open for plenty recyclable, canvas grocery bags.
The current range of the Cruze EV is around 100 miles and the car is capable of a 0-60 run in 8.2 seconds. The Cruze EV can hit a top speed of 102.5 miles per hour. Currently, the Cruze EV can be recharged via a standard 220-volt outlet in 8 to 10 hours, however the researchers are testing “quick charge” methods to reduce that figure.
The program, which begins at the end of October, is currently a demonstration and research project for South Korea only. There have been no announcements made discussing the Cruze EV coming stateside.
Hot Wheels has just rolled out two new R/C cars in the Stealth Rides line. The collapsible racers fit into their own cases which double as infrared remote controls. At the moment there are just two vehicles – one with wheels and another with treads – but in October Batman’s Tumbler joins the party. The good news is they fit in any pocket, run for about 45 minutes and cost just $25. The not so good news is that when that 45 minutes is up you’ll have to replace five watch batteries – three in the car, two in the remote – to get them going again. Click the link for the video at CNET. Hat tip to Sea Urchin
One is an American-bred land rocket and the other a Teutonic track terror. They are the and , and Motor Trend has pitted them head-to-head.
provides the voice work and the words for the buff book’s latest supercar comparo, with Herr Lieberman calling the 911 Turbo “the fastest manual transmission car we’ve ever tested.” Acceleration is one thing, but what about sex appeal? According to Jonny, “… both cars were alternately parked in front of my house for two weeks, but I discovered pink lipstick marks only on the Corvette’s windshield. That’s right, someone kissed the ZR1.”
We have running side-by-side for 1,320 feet and the winner is not much of a surprise. The overall winner of the comparison? Well, that’s another story, and the results may surprise you. to see the clip of these two going head-to-head.
2012 Ford Fiesta ST – Click above for high-res image gallery
We can’t find much fault with the , but if there’s one major gripe, it’s a lack of power (well, and paddle shifters for the dual-clutch gearbox). However, it looks like that lone complaint may be addressed with the introduction of the Fiesta ST, the smaller sibling to the .
Similar to earlier this year, the three-door Fiesta is back with a massive front-mount intercooler, revised body work, new wheels and a high-performance exhaust, along with some racy Recaros that probably won’t make the trek from prototype to production.
While it’s doubtful Ford would port over the Focus ST’s 247 horsepower 2.0-liter EcoBoost mill, the 180-hp turbo’d 1.6-liter or rumored EcoBoost 1.4 are definitely in the cards. With the Focus ST finally having a shot in the States, the globally-certified Fiesta ST might come along for the ride. And maybe a set of paddle shifters will be included in the package.
Despite plenty of academic research demonstrating that texting while driving can be just as dangerous as drinking and driving, a new poll shows that most teens simply don’t think that’s the case. State Farm recently sponsored a poll conducted by Harris Interactive in which 14-to-17 year-olds were asked whether they thought they would die one day if they regularly text and drive. Only 35 percent of those asked strongly agreed with that statement. Compare that figure with the 55 percent of teens who think that drinking and driving could prove deadly, and you begin to see the disparity.
Likewise, those polled believed that their chances of getting into an accident are higher while drinking and driving versus texting and driving. The auto insurance giant says that it’s up to parents to underscore the dangers of both activities for their children. We couldn’t agree more – especially after seeing that only a little more than half of the teens surveyed appear to adequately understand the potential consequences of drinking and driving. With public safety groups and parents having already spent decades reminding young people of the dangers of driving under the influence, it looks like it’s going to take at least that long to reach them about the perils of distracted driving. for the press release.
With racing action returning to Spain and the top two contenders being Spanish natives, MotoGP Aragon certainly became a highly competitive forum not only for the championship race, but also for bragging rights at stake in front of the home-country fans. For Jorge Lorenzo and Dani Pedrosa, added pressure came in the form of also being caught in a for the overall championship points lead. However, as the checkered flag waved, neither of the Spanish shoe-ins would emerge victorious.
Coming from pole position for the first time this season, -mounted Casey Stoner, rode quickly and consistently as he maintained control of the lead from start to finish, earning his first victory this season. The win also neatly advanced him into third place in the overall points standing. Giving chase, Dani Pedrosa struggled from the outset to find good grip, eventually making his way just behind Stoner. Unable to match his pace, Pedrosa would have to settle for second, which is exactly where things got interesting.
to see who was able to knock Lorenzo off the podium for the first time this year, in the process adding fuel to Pedrosa and Repsol Honda’s comeback fire.
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Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #196
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’s North American Vice President of Aftersales, Dan Creed, has been chosen to replace former marketing VP Jack Pitney, who as the result of a tragic accident on his farm. Creed will pick up the reins of marketing as well as product planning and strategy for The Roundel in North America.
Creed has been with BMW since 1996, when he joined the automaker’s Canadian arm. His past assignments for the company have included Canada’s National Sales Manager and head of the Southern Region of BMWNA. In his role as the President of Aftersales, Creed presided over parts, service, accessories and lifestyle schwag for both Bimmer and Mini.
’s North American Vice President of Aftersales, Dan Creed, has been chosen to replace former marketing VP Jack Pitney, who as the result of a tragic accident on his farm. Creed will pick up the reins of marketing as well as product planning and strategy for The Roundel in North America.
