The Auto Blog .ru

Wait a second, a Ferrari 500 with a four-cylinder engine? Come on, Autoblog – check your facts. Don’t we mean a Fiat 500? Maybe that special-edition Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari? Nope. What we have here is a genuine four-cylinder Ferrari. And a highly coveted one at that.

The Ferrari 500 TRC (that’s Testa Rossa Type-C) Spider was one of the last models Maranello ever built with an inline-four, the engine originally designed by Aurelio Lampredi for Formula Two, but later adapted for sports racing prototypes after the engineer’s departure. Derived from the Monza, this was the first Ferrari to bear the Testa Rossa name for its red valve headers. And though the styling is similar, it’s even rarer than the 250 Testa Rossa that followed: only 19 of these cars were built, all during just one year or production, making this rarer than the more powerful 12-cylinder 250 TR and 250 GTO that rake in the big bucks at auction.

This particular example – chassis number 0670 MDTR – was the sixth made, ordered by a customer in Sicily who entered it in numerous races around the world in its heyday. While other 500 TRC Spiders went on to claim class victories at Le Mans and the Targa Florio, this one took its class win at the Monte Pellegrino Hillclimb in Palermo – the same locale where we drove the Ferrari California on its launch several decades later.

The car stands as the latest consignment to RM Auctions’ docket for the upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where it is expected to fetch €2,600,000 to €3,300,000 (equivalent to $3.6M to $4.6M at current rates). There it will stand alongside such notables recently covered on these pages as the collection of Bertone concept cars, the Talbot and Bugatti art-deco classics and the pair historic Zagato-bodied Kamm-tailed Alfa Romeos in what’s shaping up to be an historic event in its own right. Follow the jump for more details on the 500 TRC and take a closer look in the high-res image gallery.

Continue reading Rare four-cylinder ‘57 Ferrari Testa Rossa expected to top $4 million at auction

Rare four-cylinder ‘57 Ferrari Testa Rossa expected to top $4 million at auction

We’ve been waiting, rather patiently we might add, for Toyota to bring out its latest sports car for what seems like millenniums. This new coupe will be wearing a Scion badge and go by the name FR-S, which stands for “front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sport.” It’s the “R” and “S” that has enthusiasts eager to lay eyes on this Scion in the flesh. A concept version was trotted out at the 2011 New York Auto Show, but spy photographers managed to capture a camo-covered development mule adding “Germany” to the stamps in its passport book.

What specific area of Germany, you ask? Just a little town called Nürburg, which is home to a slice of asphalt you may have heard of before. This means Toyota engineers are fine-tuning the sports car, and the Nürburgring is sure to provide lots of data points for them to dissect. Data points make engineers happy, and happy engineers make fun-to-drive cars.

Looking over the pics, it appears those engineers have ditched the concept’s rear diffuser but added in a rear spoiler. We can’t wait to see what else is in store once that swirls come off.

Check out the spy photos of the Scion FR-S by clicking through the gallery below.

Scion FR-S caught prepping for ‘Ring runs

Ask anyone who knows their cars from their elbows what kind of car a Mercedes-Benz S-Class is and they’ll tell you it’s a sedan. A big sedan. A big luxury sedan. But that common assumption is about to get blown out of the water.

The next-generation S-Class is set to arrive late next year as a 2013 model. And when it does, the sedan will only be the start of it. Reports indicate that the next S will spawn no fewer than four body-styles.

First things first: two wheelbase options cover two of those versions, even if the shorter wheelbase isn’t offered in North America. But don’t worry – the third option isn’t a wagon. Nor is it a four-door coupe – the CLS covers that base just fine. But following the integration of the CLK into the E-Class family and the arrival of the new C-Class coupe, the big CL coupe (which was originally a rebadged S coupe in the first place) will be re-integrated into the S-Class.

So where does that leave the fourth variant? Convertible. Although Mercedes has toyed with the idea of a CL cabrio for years, it’s never offered one (at least not as a production model direct from the factory). And while the Ocean Cruise concept pictured above was a four-door convertible, sources expect the production S Cab to pack two doors like the coupe on which it’ll be based. Of course in the current trend of busting segments, there’s no telling what the future might bring, but for now it seems Daimler has its eyes fixed squarely on the Bentley Continental GTC.

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class to come in four flavors

Citroën has come a long way with its revived DS line of premium offerings. What started with the basic DS3 hatchback has since grown to include the DS3 Racing hot hatch, the DS3 R3 and DS3 WRC rally machines; the DS4 crossover, and the new DS5. Now it seems a convertible is on the way as well.

Tentatively dubbed as the DS3 Airflow, the rumored convertible will apparently follow a similar approach to that taken by Fiat with the 500C. Look for a retractable fabric roof panel that will retain the pillars and door frames, in effect bridging the gap between a full convertible and a large sunroof. The advantage is a more cost-effective development cycle and superior handling, retaining much of the body’s rigidity while offering open-air driving. For our part, we’re interested to see what Citroën’s designers do with the car’s slick B-pillar treatment once the top drops. (Ben Walsh, we’re looking at you.)

European reports say the DS3 Airflow will launch in the spring of 2013. Of course, unlike Fiat, which has finally made a splashy return to North America, Citroën seems content to stay on its side of the Atlantic. Think it’s time for the French automaker to come back so we can sample cars like the reborn DS range? Cast your vote in the poll after the jump.

Continue reading Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

We aren’t sure what country this is, but parking-lot etiquette is clearly a foreign concept. Even without the the guy who thinks it’s just peachy-keen to block everyone else in, this lot is a circus.

When faced with adversity, however, those affected by their fellow motorist’s lack of consideration respond with aplomb. While we’d have just hopped the curb and driven across the grass to avoid the melee, the drivers in the video embedded after the jump above took it upon themselves to do a little rearranging.

With some careful pushing and shoving, a little guidance, and a healthy dose of skill, these guys manage to weasel their way out of what an infuriating situation. In the end, they even returned one of the cars they moved to its rightful spot. When life gives you lemons…

Continue reading Time-lapse parking lot problem solving

Time-lapse parking lot problem solving

A Japanese research team led by Yusuke Sugahara at Tohoku University has built a robotic prototype of a free-flying, ground-effects vehicle that floats within inches of the road. Called Aero Train, this ground-effects vehicle will be used to test an autonomous three-axis stabilization system.

Packing electric motors, the Aero Train hovers inches above the tarmac, eliminating any rolling resistance and allowing it to hit a top speed of 124 miles per hour. A U-shaped concrete channel controls air flow and provides the Aero Train’s robotic controls with a makeshift road to follow. On-board computers control pitch, roll and yaw of the prototype.

In the future – get this – the developers envision the Aero Train traveling within a tunnel capped with solar panels that send juice directly to the vehicle’s batteries. Hit the jump to catch video of the prototype Aero Train floating down the road.

Continue reading Airplane/train hybrid could replace high-speed trains [w/video]

Airplane/train hybrid could replace high-speed trains [w/video]

Word from Auto Express is that General Motors has given Vauxhall the go-ahead on a new coupe project based on the Epsilon II platform. That may mean that a similar model is headed to the land of the free under the Tri-Shield badge. After all, wherever Vauxhall goes these days, Buick is sure to follow. In the old country, the upcoming coupe is rumored to pack a 2.8-liter turbo V6 under its pretty little bonnet, though there’s no telling what a Buick version would rely on for power. Auto Express reports that Vauxhall plans to offer varying levels of boost depending on trim.

All topped out, the two-door would offer a little over 320 horses at all four wheels, and engineers are said to be working on improving the vehicle’s handling dynamics by shortening the chassis. Design wise, the newcomer will borrow heavily from the GTC concept, though we would expect to see the corporate waterfall grille on any American iteration. Across the pond, the coupe will reportedly carry the Calibra moniker. Here in the States, we’d be satisfied with a big GNX badge on the rear deck should this sucker come to life.

Buick Regal Coupe in the works?

With its SLS AMG first-response vehicle, Mercedes-Benz may have gotten our attention, but it’s hardly the only automaker offering specially equipped emergency vehicles at the RETTmobil expo this year in Fulda, Germany. While Mercedes used the Gullwing to highlight its range of emergency vehicles, BMW is relying on the strength of its full model range to speak for itself.

Among the vehicles BMW is showcasing for the first responders and local government officials visiting the trade show this year is a 5 Series Touring with lights and sirens controlled directly from the iDrive system, and with a specially designed load floor extension with built-in fracture points that allow first responders to access all their equipment while reducing injury in case of a rearward collision.

In response to numerous fatalities caused by traffic colliding with police cars stopped on the side of the road, BMW is also showcasing a specially prepared X3 that is inherently easier to see due to its taller form, and also features additional LED lighting for increased visibility.

There’s also an R 1200 RT paramedic motorcycle on display that integrates such features as radio equipment, siren, PA system, strobe lights, fire extinguisher, front crash bar and an electrically adjustable windscreen direct from the factory. Other vehicles on display include X1 and X3 crossovers and 3 and 5 Series wagons for police, fire and paramedic applications, along with the eye-catching 123d police car prepared by AC Schnitzer and the X6 ambulance we reported on back in 2009. Check ‘em out in our high-resolution image gallery.

Continue reading BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

Quick Spin: 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth [w/video]

Knowing that the factory-fettled 500 Abarth is headed our way in two year’s time, we snagged the keys to see if Italy’s hottest hatch was ready to bring the pain to the John Cooper Works models from Mini.

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz GLK to get a gentle nip/tuck

Nothing major to report here, but it seems this future GLK will be wearing updated headlights along with re-shaped front and rear bumpers. We may also get a direct injected 3.5-liter V6.

Official: 2,000-hp “Lamborghini” Indomable Concept to find its way into production

9.4 liters. 2,000-horsepower and 2,000 pound-feet of torque. Production? We’ll see.

Also of interest:

• Report: Last domestic car dealership in San Francisco shuts its doors
• Breaking: 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches a bit early
• Official: Aston Martin to unveil new Zagato special at Villa d’Este
• Toyota Q4 profits fall 77% due to quake
• Report: Porsche to relocate U.S. headquarters to ex-Ford facility, plans to build track

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

What you missed on 5.11.11

In 2010, Dallara was announced as the new chassis manufacturer for the 2012 IndyCar Series. Now, two concepts have been presented; both of which use the same chassis but have different skin so as to show off what’s possible as far as aerodynamic tweaking is concerned.

One version is set up for oval racing while the other is prepped to run a road course. The idea behind the two cars is to show the IndyCar teams that the 2012 Dallara chassis will allow for a lot of ingenuity and engineering. The race cars can be outfitted in a manner that works best for a specific team, yet still adheres to IndyCar rules.

While the aero stylings shown on these two concepts are simply serving as a mock-up of what might be, Dallara is still putting its concepts through all sorts of testing programs. The company wants to ensure that safety and performance come together, while it also keeps cost as low as possible without affecting the finished product.

IndyCar unveils future car concepts created by Dallara

When Lamborghini unveiled the Sesto Elemento concept car at the Paris Motor Show last year, few thought it would ever get past the show stand. Sure, elements of its lightweight construction would trickle down to future production models, but as for producing the Sesto as is seemed rather outside of the realm of possibility. But then the rumors began circulating.

In the wake of the show car’s debut, we began receiving reports that Lamborghini was, indeed, preparing to put it into production, albeit severely limited. Then follow-up reports suggested that the car could be strictly limited to closed circuits in order to avoid costly homologation procedures.

Now those rumors are rounding the mill again, as Sant’Agata reportedly prepares to bring the Sesto Elemento to market. If and when it does, Lamborghini will count on the concept’s advanced composite construction to stick to the 995-kilogram (2,200-pound) curb weight. Coupled with the Gallardo’s 5.2-liter V10 engine – possibly tuned for extra power – the production model is expected to hit 62 from a standstill in just 2.5 seconds, making it quicker even than the new Aventador which hits highway speeds in just 2.9.

Somewhere along the way, the Reventón-matching million-Euro price tag that we thought was astronomical already will reportedly double to €2 million, or around $2.8 million USD based on current exchange rates. That’s an enormous chunk of change, especially for a car you can’t even take out onto the street. But considering the multi-millionaires who drop bigger figures on a decommissioned F1 car just for track days, the Raging Bull marque could very well have little trouble offloading the 20 examples pegged for production.

Lamborghini tipped to produce 20 examples of the Sesto Elemento at €2M apiece

Rumors of a mid-engine C7 Corvette simply refuse to die, despite a long string of denials that such a project is in the works from a number of General Motors executives. The latest such story comes all the way from the UK, as Autocar reports that statements from GM North America president Mark Reuss hint that the next ‘Vette may abandon its front engine for 2013.

As we’ve heard before, General Motors is also thought to be downsizing the engines used in the Corvette – possibly even switching from a V8 to a V6 – though tricks like turbocharging and direct injection would likely keep horsepower at supercar levels.

As far as styling goes, we have no idea what shape the 2013 Corvette may take. Autocar indicates the classic split-window design from the 1963 Corvette may make a comeback, and the interior, the design of which is being led by global design chief Ed Welburn himself, will be fully modern and “absolutely world class.”

In any case, we’re expecting big things for the Corvette C7, and we’re sure the ‘Vette’s German and Italian rivals are just as eager to find out the details as we are.

Mid-engine Corvette C7 reports surface yet again

You’re looking at what appear to be the patent images for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The images found their way into Belgian automotive site AutoScoop.be, and you can peruse them in the gallery below.

We expected the car to ditch most of the concept-crazy before it winds up in dealer showrooms. The version seen here does stick to the overall form of the concept, minus the hypnotic grille and several of the deep creases found all over the conceptual car’s body.

What we’re left with is a car that’s clearly a Mercedes-Benz, but not particularly far from the hatchback standard. Bits of CLS can be found in the curving roof-line and that familiar MB mug is staring you down front and center. We’re excited to see this hatch (expect CUV and sedan variants as well) in the flesh at an auto show later this year.

2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatches a bit early

The Lamborghini Indomable was born from the minds of Daniel Chinchilla Ochoa and Alberto Fernandez Albilares. A concept, it was created as part of a design program sponsored by Lamborghini. Now, however, this conceptual vision is going to become a reality – only it won’t be built in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

A company called 215 Racing has acquired the rights to the Indomable design, and it plans to turn out a production version of the design team’s rendering. Based in Abington, PA, 215 Racing will produce the car, which will be called the SF22, through its sub-company Mostro Di-Potenza. That name means “Monster Power” in Italian, and the moniker doesn’t lie.

According to the company, power for the SF22 will be provided a mid-mounted twin-turbocharged 9.4-liter(!) V8 engine. The mill is a General Motors 572, which will be paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox. 215 Racing expects this beast to produce 2,000-horsepower and 2,000 pound-feet of torque. Just a quick recap for you, this isn’t a train we’re talking about but a road-going two-door that is propelled via its rear wheels.

Of course, any company can claim such dramatic power numbers. So, we can only wait to see just how capable the finished Mostro Di-Potenza SF22 turns out – if indeed salable examples are produced at all. The company plans to build 50 examples total, at a rate of two per month over the course of two years, and says it’s now taking orders for mid-2012 deliveries. The initial deposit will only cost you $1,000, but the fully built vehicle will run you close to $950,000. Click past the jump for the full press release and a video that shows off the Indomable concept from all angles.

Continue reading 2,000-hp “Lamborghini” Indomable Concept to find its way into production

2,000-hp “Lamborghini” Indomable Concept to find its way into production

Retasking a supercar as a pace car for a racing series has almost become standard fare. We’ve even seen the odd exotic commissioned to serve as a police car. But as an ambulance? Of all the vehicles that could fit the task, the supercar might seem the least likely, but Mercedes-Benz is evidently out to prove this notion wrong this year at the RETTmobil emergency vehicle expo.

To highlight their medical vehicle offerings and the versatility of their range, Mercedes has outfitted their top-of-the-line SLS AMG gullwing as an emergency medical vehicle. For the task, they’ve equipped it with the traditional German ambulance livery, a pair of flashing lights on the hood and a host of communications equipment.

The 6.3-liter V8 engine, Alubeam “liquid metal” paint job and the gullwing doors (equipped with explosive charges to blow them off their hinges if there’s a rollover) carry over from the showroom-stock model. No word on whether medical equipment like a portable defibrillator has been fitted to the first-responder concept car, but a quick spin around the block in this puppy ought to be enough to revive anyone from even the deepest coma. Follow the jump for the German-language press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz showcases SLS AMG ambulance concept at emergency vehicle expo

Mercedes-Benz showcases SLS AMG ambulance concept at emergency vehicle expo

Android developers across the world have descended on San Francisco for this week’s Google I/O conference, and Ford is getting in on the action with its announcement to utilize Google’s new Prediction API to increase efficiency and decrease commute times.

The Prediction API has a range of location-based uses, but Ford’s plan involves tapping into your driving habits, gathering historical commute and errand data, and then optimize your route depending on traffic, weather and a host of other information.

Cutting down commute times and increasing fuel efficiency are at the top of the list, but it’s obvious Ford is primarily planning to use the tech for its future all-electric and plug-in hybrid-driving vehicles. By determining drive routes ahead of time, storing that information in the cloud and directing drivers to the most efficient roads, Ford can eliminate some of the range anxiety EV drivers have to contend with.

Tomorrow, a group of Ford researchers will be showing off concept version of the system at Google I/O, complete with a prototype use case that involves the driver opting in for the service (Ford is adamant that personal information security is of the utmost importance) and then utilizing the Google Prediction service to determine the most efficient route. The vehicle would ask the driver, “Good morning. Are you going to work?” and if the driver responds, “Yes,” the system will choose a route that’s optimized for the powertrain. This could also include EV-only zones, something that’s being experimented with throughout Europe.

We’ll have more on Ford’s implementation of the Predictive API tomorrow, but in the meantime, check out the press release after the jump for more.

Continue reading Ford’s plan to make commutes more efficient, optimize EVs

Ford’s plan to make commutes more efficient, optimize EVs

Jaguar has prodigious plans for its revival, but laying blueprints on a table is effortless; anyone with a pencil and some 20-lb paper stock can do it. Eventually, you’ve got to show us what you’ve got. Paul Alcock, project manager of the XF, said “the most significant change in 2012″ is the addition of the 2.2-liter diesel to that line, and the engine is joined by tech like Intelligent Stop/Start, an eight-speed ZF transmission with drive-disconnect, and aero improvements honed by computational fluid dynamics.

We’ll truly know how they perform when we can live with them in our driveways, but the initial report is promising they deliver on the kinds of supplemental, foreground technologies we have been waiting for from the kind of company that could introduce the first aluminum monocoque bodyshell (a different concept than the Audi Space Frame from 1997) and first dual-view screen. Continue reading…

Continue reading Jaguar: A Look Into The Leaping Cat’s Future – Part 2

Jaguar: A Look Into The Leaping Cat’s Future – Part 2

With all these intriguing boat designs crossing our desk – like the Audi trimaran and the Bugatti Sang Bleu speedboat – we’re going to need something to tow them around with. And what could be more suitable than the Dartz Prombron Nagel?

Looking something like a Lego car, the Nagel is envisioned specifically for pulling boat trailers. It’s based on the same platform as the colossal Prombron SUV, but with a new sedan-like form penned (appropriately enough) by Gray Design – the same designers behind the Beach Cruiser concept, the Corvette Stingray speedboat and that megayacht with the supercar inside.

Now, a sedan may not seem like the best choice for towing boats, but this particular vehicle is pegged to pack a fantastical 2,000 horsepower. (Unless they’re planning to package two quad-turbo W-16 Bugatti engines under the hood, don’t ask us how they intend to get to such a stratospheric output figure.) That’s claimed to be enough for “the world’s first armored Sportback” to pull a five-ton, 15-meter (50-foot) boat or drive to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), hopefully not at the same time.

Perhaps most incredibly of all, the Nagel is scheduled to hit production sometime next year. It serves as a rolling tribute to the 100th anniversary of the journey undertaken by a Russian team to the Monte Carlo rally, a venture that earned them numerous decorations from both the Monegasque crown prince and the Russian czar. Scope out the details in the press release along with the video slideshow after the jump, and the renderings in our high-resolution image gallery.

Continue reading Dartz Prombron Nagel packs 2,000 boat-pulling horsepower [w/video]

Dartz Prombron Nagel packs 2,000 boat-pulling horsepower [w/video]

Hyundai has released a glimpse of its upcoming i40 sedan ahead of the sedan’s May 12 debut at the Barcelona Motor Show. The i40 represents the latest Hyundai to be released under the company’s new “New thinking. New possibilities” ad slogan, along with its “fluidic sculpture” design language. According to Hyundai, the design brief uses shapes found in nature to make vehicles with a distinct flowing shape. To our eyes, we see a subtle evolution of the styling that made the Elantra so popular, and there’s a little Lexus IS thrown in there for good measure.

When it debuts, Hyundai says the i40 concept will lead the D-segment for front head, shoulder and leg room, but until its debut next week, powerplant and production details are kept under lock and key.

Continue reading Hyundai i40 to debut in Barcelona

Hyundai i40 to debut in Barcelona

The Bugatti Veyron has sufficiently proven itself to be king of the road, but what happens when you run out of road? The earth’s surface is, after all, covered in more water than it is land, let alone paved portions thereof. Ben Walsh’s solution? This Bugatti-inspired speedboat design.

A graduate of the Royal College of Art, Walsh was largely responsible for the interior on the Cadillac Converj concept, and has since left GM’s Advanced Design studio for an interior design position at PSA Peugeot Citroën. So he clearly has a passion for French cars, but for this project has set his sights on the exclusive Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu edition.

Like other boat designs we’ve reported on, this example isn’t likely to ever see production, but it’s beautiful. It takes the Veyron’s aluminum and carbon fiber construction and applies it to the form of a 30-foot speedboat that’s vaguely reminiscent of the spaceships from Star Wars (Episode I) and Flight of the Navigator. The rear shot best illustrates the connection to the Veyron. The boat’s single propeller indicates a single engine, but when you’re packing a 1,000-horsepower, quad-turbo W16, do you really need more than one? Have a closer look in the high-resolution image gallery below, and at the car that served as its inspiration in the gallery below that.

Bugatti Veyron Sang Bleu speedboat concept by Ben Walsh