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Up until recently, Infiniti wasn’t entirely sure what its brand was all about. But since its latest reboot, the brand has staked a claim as an unabashedly Japanese performance luxury automaker – in essence, the anti-Lexus.

Today, it’s taking another step in that direction with the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line and unveiling the first vehicle to wear the new badge: the IPL G Coupe. And anyone expecting an answer to BMW’s M division or Mercedes’ AMG line might be slightly disappointed.

Like most in-house component offerings, Infiniti is putting an emphasis on style, performance and OEM-level fit and finish, beginning with new front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler and 19-inch seven-spoke graphite wheels. Matching the Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black exteriors are a new set of sport seats with thicker bolsters, manual thigh extenders (ala BMW), torso and thigh support adjustment, along with de rigueur contrasting red stitching.

Far more important is what’s been done under the hood and at each wheel well. A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Infiniti hasn’t released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we’re hoping the price premium isn’t excessively high for what’s essentially a glorified sport package. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Our first stop during the annual classic and exotic car feast up in Monterey every year is always the Jet Center Party, more formally known as McCall’s Motorworks Revival. This year was no exception and aside from the copious amounts of food and drink available, there were of course some cars to sate our appetites.

One that immediately caught our eye was sitting right in the middle of the centerpiece Lotus display. It was the just-announced Lotus Exos T125 single-seat racer. Even alongside Takuma Sato’s current Indy Racing League Lotus Dallara, the Exos draws a huge crowd.

This customer car will be available to a select few enthusiasts who wish to part with a million dollars or more to experience the thrills of Formula 1 racing for themselves – or at least a reasonable fascimile. The 650-horsepower Cosworth engine is limited to just 10,300 RPM for longevity, but that should be more than enough to keep the 25 projected customers happy.

We’re hoping Lotus takes this Exos out on the track this week so we can see it in action. If that happens we’ll be sure to bring you more pics, but for now, check out the gallery of photos from Wednesday night’s Jet Center Party below.

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Monterey 2010: Lotus Exos Type 125 debuts in front of crowd that can afford it

The annual Monterey classic and exotic car festivities may culminate in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, but there are literally dozens of events during the week to keep everyone happy. Check out our official Autoblog Monterey Calendar if you doubt us. Our favorite way to kick off the week is always Wednesday night’s McCall’s Motorworks Revival at The Monterey Jet Center. The Jet Center Party, as it’s more informally known, brings together some of the most significant cars from all of the other events, along with many of the celebs and VIPs, lots of fabulous food and beverages, and an awesome assortment of classic warplanes and new jets for sale. It might sound like an odd mix, but it makes for a perfect start to our week in Monterey every year.

While the Lotus booth was truly a worthy centerpiece this year, with its all-new, million-dollar Lotus Exos T125 single-seat racer, Lotus Evora Cup GT4 car, Takuma Sato’s Indy Racing League Lotus Dallara and a production Lotus Evora, there was plenty more to see as usual. Bonham’s brought over several of their top offerings; a few race cars made it over from the track, some vintage Jaguars snuck over from Quail, and Bentley, Jaguar, Audi, Porsche; and several other manufacturers had their usual grand displays. There were even a few oddball, one-off and fledgling builders on hand, like the Singer 911 and Morgan.

Highlights included the Jaguar XJ13 and XK-SS, Audi Sport Quattro and R10, Lola T220, the bare metal Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, Maserati A6GCS, Porsche 550 and 917 Spyders and that super rare drag pack Shelby GT350 Mustang. Heck, we even got to hang out with Takuma Sato who said he’s really enjoying his rookie season in IndyCars and that ovals are a real test of your concentration. He also said he loves the way the Lotus Evora Cup GT4 car feels. Real nice guy.

Click below to check out our gallery of photos from Wednesday night’s Jet Center Party.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Monterey 2010: McCall’s Motorworks Revival kicks things off

Let’s include this one in the highly improbably file. The Mopar specialists at Allpar.com are reporting that the previously reported 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T minivan could come powered by a V8 engine. Along with most of the Chrysler lineup, the Town and Country and Caravan will be getting a substantial mid-cycle refresh in the coming months. While the main focus will be on upgraded interiors, the minivans are also getting new powertrains with the fresh Pentastar V6 replacing the tired old 3.8- and 4.0-liter V6s.

However, putting a V8 into the Grand Caravan seems like a stretch at best. Chrysler’s own 4.7- and 5.7-liter V8s almost certainly won’t fit in the vans, which are designed around 60-degree V6 engines. That leaves an engine out of the Fiat lineup as the only option. Unfortunately, the only V8s at Fiat reside under the hoods of Maseratis and Ferraris (along with the late Alfa Romeo 8C). Aside from the fact that these probably wouldn’t fit either, none have ever been configured for a transverse application and they would all be enormously expensive.

As intriguing as the idea of a 400+hp Ferrari-powered Grand Caravan might be, it makes about as much sense as a Bentley-powered Volkswagen Golf. Wait a second…

[Source: Allpar]

Rumormilll: Ferrari-powered 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T coming?

Another day, another morsel for the rumor machine. The Bavarian obsessed crew over at M3 Post have caught wind of a report on Bimmer Today that suggests BMW will crank out yet another special edition version of the M3. Supposedly the car has been penned just for the Chinese market and is being built in honor of the year of the tiger. From what we understand, the car will feature a Fire Orange Metallic paint scheme borrowed from the heavenly M3 GTS. Throw in a handful of black accents, including a set of 19-inch rollers, and you’ve got yourself one very feline-themed coupe.

But wait, there’s more. The interior will get unique Tiger Edition logos stitched into the headrests and slathered on the door sills. If the Bimmer Today post is on the money, BMW will only crank out 250 examples of the car. We’re guessing that the package is mostly a dress-up ordeal as no details have surfaced about performance enhancements.

If you find yourself living in the U.S. and pining for this particular color scheme, fear not. We hear there’s a chance that BMW might repurpose the same combination for a Great Pumpkin edition here in the States, complete with Linus from the popular Peanuts comic strip embroidered on the seats. Okay, not really, but with the recent rash of special-edition M3 models we’ve seen recently, you never know…

[Source: Bimmer Today via M3 Post Image: Mittelbayerische Newspaper]

BMW to celebrate Year of the Tiger with special edition M3?

The full-on competition version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now officially available to order for race teams in preparation for the 2011 season. Mercedes-Benz will start delivering the GT3-class race cars in February of 2011, leaving plenty of time for teams to do their own preseason testing.

The GT3 class for production based sports cars is truly heating up these days with Mercedes joining Audi, BMW and, of course, Porsche. The American Le Mans Series has dipped its toe into GT3 waters this year as well with the GT Challenge class. At present, GT Challenge is currently limited to Porsche 911s but hopefully, Porsche will open it up to other GT3 contenders.

AMG and HWA AG are developing and producing the SLS GT3, and track testing began in June with veteran Mercedes-Benz DTM and GT driver Bernd Schnieder at the wheel. Before customer deliveries begin, the SLS will appear in some VLN endurance series races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year. The SLS AMG GT3 costs €334,000 before value added taxes (about $430,000 U.S.). Check out the official press release after the break.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season

	J.P. Morgan analysts predict Tesla stock price could jump 30% by end of 2011 This is not a recommendation to buy, btw.		Michigan Gov. says Limbaugh’s Volt hate is “un-American” Jennifer Granholm isn’t going to let some rightwinger attack her state’s car.
	Smart drive iPhone app and $300 installation kit now available You can get the app for “free,” sort of, though.	Other news: Forbes: Midwest can, and should, use its own ethanol Fisker of Orange County unveils Karma in spectacular fashion… wait, what? Cessna developing electric-powered 172 Skyhawk

AutoblogGreen for 08.12.10

First Drive: 2011 Mini Countryman

Yes, it’s a Mini. Yes, it’s a crossover. Yes, it makes sense. Whether we like it or not, even niche automakers are expanding their…

2011 Nissan Juke starts at $�18,960*

Nissan has just released pricing for the 2011 Juke – the company’s new baby CUV. Buyers looking to scramble into the driver’s…

Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

The Ford F-150 is getting a lineup of four all-new engines for the 2011 model year that includes two V6s and two V8s. According to Ford, the entire new engine family will be more fuel efficient…

Also of interest:

• KBB: Ford most considered car brand, Hyundai makes big jump
• Pickup, crossover and RWD coupe being considered for Scion?
• eBay Find of the Day: Gulf Racing DeLorean is a very bad idea
• Audi A5 Sportback could come to the States, A8 diesel due next year
• Morgan Eva GT sketched ahead of Pebble Beach debut

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.11.10

We’ve seen Internet-equipped vehicles on more than one occasion over the past few years, but most connected cars and trucks aren’t much more than a rolling hot-spot for passengers and (very) distracted drivers. That promises to change over the next decade as automakers and suppliers work to connect cars to the world around them. Ford has already begun to connect vehicles to the rest of the planet with SYNC and a smart phone, delivering information like traffic alerts, vehicle health reports, news updates and soon internet apps like Pandora (above). Senior technology leader K. Venkatesh Prasad tells CNET that the automaker plans to keep the momentum going.

Venkatesh says in a video interview (available after the jump) that in-car connectivity is currently “tuned to zero miles per hour,” adding that there is an opportunity to connect vehicles to applications that enable the Internet to work for the occupants of the vehicle. Ford has been testing Smart Intersection safety technology where vehicles communicate with traffic signals through WI-FI and GPS, and that could just be the tip of the iceberg. Electric cars, for example, could one day communicate with the electric grid and your home to find the optimal time to charge. Hit the jump to watch the Venkatech interview.

[Source: CNET]

Continue reading Ford working to better integrate internet in its cars [w/video]

Ford working to better integrate internet in its cars [w/video]

Motor Trend is reporting that Toyota’s may be getting back into motorsports big-time with a GT entry based on the Lexus LFA. According to the report, Lexus would enter the FIA GT1 championship to take on the Nissan GT-R. This seems like a move downmarket for the $375,000 Lexus sports car from a marketing standpoint. GT1 is also a faltering race class that’s being eliminated under the new 2011 Le Mans rules.

If Toyota wants to race the LFA, it would make more sense to head to Le Mans where it can take on Ferraris, Aston Martins and Porsches in the GT2 class. The LFA race edition (above) that’s already been developed and run in the last two 24 hour races at the Nürburgring would already be close to GT2 specification and could be ready for the 2011 race season.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Lexus to build GT racing version of LFA, GT1 or GT2?

While we’d all love to see 1,000-horsepower supercars that effortlessly reach 100 miles per gallon, the pace of fuel economy improvement is far less aggressive. Automakers are scratching and clawing for every mpg they can find by doing things like downsizing and turbocharging engines, adding direct injection and variable valve timing, utilizing electric power steering and cutting weight. Another great way to save fuel is through improved aerodynamics, as evidenced by an enhancement made to the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco that helps the new C-segment sedan reach 40 mpg on the highway.

The Eco Cruze utilizes an innovative automatic air shutter system that closes the grill vents at higher speeds to reduce drag by .016 – adding .5 mpg and helping push the Cruze to the magic 40 mpg number. The shutter system is fitted to sensors that measure changes in speed or temperature. If the temperature drops or the sensors measure sufficiently high speeds, the vents will be closed by electric motors, cutting down the amount of air that enters the engine bay. Why not simply keep the grill vents closed all the time? Because added airflow is needed to help cool the engine at lower speeds. Follow the jump to read the General Motors presser and watch a minute-long video that shows how the shutter system works.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Exploded view of Chevy Cruze “shutter” grille [w/video]

Exploded view of Chevy Cruze “shutter” grille [w/video]

The turnaround at Jaguar/Land Rover is happening even faster than the company’s owner, Tata, had planned. A year ago, JLR posted a net loss of £64 million ($101M U.S.) in Q2; compare that to this year’s second quarter and its £233.8 million ($369M U.S.) net profit on 57,135 vehicles sold.

While we’re sure they aren’t complaining, the boost has left JLR in bit of a lurch: production has bottlenecked because it needs more engines from Ford, after already buying “considerably more” than it expected. Ford hasn’t offered any comment, but it is reported that the two companies are working together to figure out how to get Jaguar the powerplants it needs.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – the pride and joy of Chrysler at the moment – is just now hitting dealerships, but the automaker is already hard at work on a high-powered SRT-fettled version of its new sport ‘ute. In the past, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 has always been a guilty pleasure of ours, if only for the rocket-like 6.1-liter Hemi V8 underhood.

Good news then that Chrysler is prepping an all new 6.4-liter Hemi for use in its SRT products, and we’re anxious to see how this new engine works in the Grand Cherokee application, which seems likely to hit as a 2012 model.

Early reports suggested that it could be good for around 450 horsepower, but spy photographers are saying that we could see over 500 raging stallions coming out of this new monster mill. This means the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 could rip off 0-60 times in under five seconds, and we might have a truly worthy American competitor for the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, AMG-badged Mercedes-Benz ML and BMW X5 M. Here’s hoping.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Spy Shots: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 spied with 6.4L Hemi V8 underhood

The Ford F-150 is getting a lineup of four all-new engines for the 2011 model year that includes two V6s and two V8s. According to Ford, the entire new engine family will be more fuel efficient than the outgoing 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 by at least 20 percent.

The same 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 found in the 2011 Mustang will be available at launch this fall in the F-150, as will the 6.2-liter V8 from the 2011 Super Duty truck. Then, early in 2011, the F-150 will be the first rear-wheel-drive application of the much praised 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

The base 3.7-liter V6 will be rated at 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque while yielding a 6,100-pound towing capacity, which matches the Silverado hybrid. The 3.7 liter will be offered in the XL, XLT and STX trim levels only. The high volume engine is expected to be the new 5.0-liter V8, which you can read more about after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

The arrival of the Audi A7 in the U.S. is almost a given, designed to slot in – predictably – between the A6 and all-new A8, while finally providing Audi with a Mercedes-Benz CLS competitor. But what of the A5 Sportback?

According to our sources, the success of the A7 will play a key role in Audi’s decision to import the A5 Sportback into the States. If the A7 is well received, the Sportback could be slotted in as a smaller alternative to the larger A7 and its closest competitor, the CLS. We haven’t been given a timeline on when the A7 could arrive, but with the European launch happening early next year, a Stateside debut in 2011 isn’t out of the question.

Audi’s product expansion isn’t just limited to new models, but includes the continued proliferation of available drivetrains. To that end, a diesel-powered A8 should arrive in the U.S. sometime next year.

When the A8 goes on sale this November, both the standard and long-wheelbase versions will launch simultaneously, each packing Audi’s 450 horsepower 4.2-liter TSI V8. The 500-hp W12, however, won’t be an option on the A8L until the first quarter of 2011. If Audi decides to equip the A8 with a diesel, expect the same 3.0-liter V6 TDI fitted to the refreshed Q7, outputting around 225 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Audi A5 Sportback could come to the States, A8 diesel due next year

Nissan has just released pricing for the 2011 Juke – the company’s new baby CUV. Buyers looking to scramble into the driver’s seat can look forward to a base MSRP of $18,960 (*plus destination) for the Juke S when equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Prices for the range-topping Juke SL with a CVT and all-wheel drive hit a ceiling of $24,550 before any options are added.

All models will come from the factory with a new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Nissan says that when bolted to the company’s efficient CVT, the Juke should return 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Meanwhile, six-speed manual-equipped models start at $20,260.

Buyers wanting to take advantage of the Juke’s torque-vectoring all-wheel drive can hop into the Juke S AWD. That model, which is available only with a CVT, starts at $20,460, landing it squarely in Subaru Forester and Mini Countryman territory. With a low price, plenty of onboard tech and quirky, youth-oriented styling, we’re expecting to see plenty of these on the road in short order when it goes on sale this October. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading 2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960*

2011 Nissan Juke starts at $18,960*

Yes, it’s a Mini. Yes, it’s a crossover. Yes, it makes sense.

Whether we like it or not, even niche automakers are expanding their lineups to appeal to a broader range of shoppers. This may seem like automotive blasphemy, but think back a few years ago when Porsche introduced the Cayenne. We all threw temper tantrums and hugged our 911s, but now we begrudgingly accept that, as far as SUVs go, the Cayenne is pretty damn good and has been the brand’s #1 selling model since day one. So in comparison, adding the 2011 Countryman to the Mini lineup isn’t nearly as big of a culture shock.

In an effort to show Mini owners and enthusiasts that the Countryman is indeed worthy of a Cooper badge, the automaker brought a few of the new crossovers out on its 2010 Mini Takes The States cross-country road rally. Mini is wholly confident that people will be impressed with what the Countryman has to offer, not only with functionality, but with driving dynamics, as well. We saddled up to find out for ourselves.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mini Countryman

First Drive: 2011 Mini Countryman

Tata Motors CEO Carl-Peter Forster has announced Land Rover production would begin in India in 2011 and Jaguar is looking for a partner to produce cars within China. Although Forster didn’t announce which model would be built in the sub-continent, the T5 platform used for the current LR4 and Range Rover Sport seems a likely candidate. That same platform is expected to be used for a replacement model for the classic Defender which is expected to debut in 2012.

Because foreign automakers are required to work with local companies in China, Jaguar is in negotiations for a production deal in the economic powerhouse. China’s luxury market is still growing and local production would undoubtedly make it easier for Jaguar to get a larger slice of the pie.

[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover to launch production in India

	VW admits diesel hybrids simply “dont make good business sense” Harsh reality.		Rightwing pundits attack the Volt, which forces Fox to change definition of who’s “rich” What’s $200,000 mean anymore?
	Spain has quite a ways to go to reach 2010 goal of selling 2,000 electric cars Only 16 Think Citys have been sold this year.	Other news: Report: VW still planning hybrid powertrain for next-gen Beetle Detroit utility announces plug-in vehicle rates: $40 per month per vehicle Tesla says it does not depend on zero emission tax credit sales

AutoblogGreen for 08.11.10

Review: 2010 Acura MDX

Acura’s corporate beak might put off the average CUV shopper, but get inside the MDX’s tech-rich interior and the awkward proboscis is out of sight and mind.

Autoblog Monterey Classic Car Week Calendar

If you’re heading to Monterey, California for this week’s Pebble Beach festivities, we’ve compiled a schedule of what to see and do each and every day.

Rumormill: Lancia Stratos revival won’t be one-off, production planned

According to the latest report, the Lancia Stratos revival was penned by Jason Castriota and could go on sale as a limited edition model in two year’s time.

Also of interest:

• Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich
• Bentley launches two Middle East-only editions of Flying Spur
• Toyota considering RWD hatch to commemorate Naruse
• Emissions regs to kill Honda Civic Type-R in most of Europe at end of 2010
• 2011 Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition gets new 6.2-liter V8

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.10.10