The Auto Blog .ru

“She Blinded Me With Science”

The Chevy Volt has finally, successfully, made the leap from science fiction to fact. Quite a bit has changed in the nearly four-year journey from the 2007 Detroit Auto Show to last week, when General Motors let us drive a production-spec car. The Volt may not be the stuff of Blade Runner, but it’s a technologically advanced showpiece for GM, and the first widely practical electric vehicle, ready and waiting for mainstream acceptance.

But first some basics: The Volt is a four-passenger, compact hatchback. While there’s considerable controversy over whether or not to call it a plug-in hybrid, that’s how we’ll be referring to it, following the lead of the Federal government. GM prefers “extended-range electric vehicle,” which is somewhat misleading, since the Volt is only an electric vehicle for the first 25-50 miles. In EV mode, the Volt’s electric drive system draws power exclusively from a 16 kilowatt-hour battery pack, at all speeds up to its 100-mph maximum. Once the battery gets drawn down to 35 percent of its capacity, the Volt’s gasoline engine fires up, spinning a generator to produce more electricity.

Of all the changes GM’s engineers have wrought since the first Volt concept, the most controversial has to be the design of the transmission, which GM kept a secret until last week. GM has been saying all along that the Volt was driven purely electrically, but as it turns out, this is not exactly the case. At highway speeds in extended range mode, the Volt’s gasoline engine is actually clutched together with the electric drive system inside the vehicle’s transaxle. There’s no point in belaboring the controversy beyond saying that the design is 10-15 percent more efficient, according to GM. Since efficiency is pretty much the whole point of the vehicle, we’re satisfied, even if we’re not happy that we (along with the rest of the media) were misled. However, it’s time to move on and focus on evaluating the Volt as a vehicle, and to that end, it’s an amazing piece of machinery.

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

If the rumors circling the internets concerning the Ford Ka are to be believed, the tiny three-door may be looking at the end of the line… eventually. Inside Line is reporting that Ford is making bigger waves about bringing a production version of its Start concept to market as a replacement for the Ka, and the new car is likely to come packing a tiny EcoBoost three-cylinder engine under the hood. Word has it that the direct-injection, turbo 1.0-liter could be good for as much as 120 horsepower all while going easy on the gasoline.

The production version of the 2010 Beijing Motor Show starlet is expected to carry a price tag of $13,000 and bow in markets like India, South America and China before spreading to the rest of the globe. As of right now, there’s no indication as to whether or not the Start will show up in the U.S., but it could prove to be a viable competitor to the likes of the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper. Of course, the rumors say that the Start isn’t slated for production until 2014, so this could all be smoke and mirrors. Besides, there’s no clear indication that even if the production car is Start-based, that it won’t be called the Ka when it arrives.

Live photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Inside Line]

Will Ford replace Ka with production version of Start concept?

At this point, SEMA is so close we can almost smell the tire shine. Toyota has rolled out a gaggle of official photos and information on the company’s mighty Tacoma RTR Concept, saying it wanted to build the quarter-mile king to demonstrate what exactly is possible with off-the-shelf parts. For those that don’t recall, the company’s engineers managed to snug a supercharged 5.7-liter V8 borrowed from the Tundra into the engine bay. The final concoction is good for 504 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, and it all gets funneled to the rear axle via a six-speed automatic gearbox.

While we’re on the subject of the rear axle, Toyota says the piece is a narrowed version of what’s found in the stock Tundra, though a TRD limited-slip has been plopped in to get both wheels pulling from get go. The whole concoction should be good for quarter mile passes in the 11-second range. Hit the jump for the full details.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota shows off more of the Tacoma X-Runner RTR

Toyota shows off more of the Tacoma X-Runner RTR

Honda has given the interwebs a quick look at what we can expect from the front of the company’s V4 Adventure Concept slated to be unveiled in Milan. Judging by the teaser, it looks like the bike will boast a narrower profile compared to its VFR cousin, helping keep the engine cool and things from going squirrely should the rider decide to visit the upper registers of the speedometer. Additionally, Asphalt and Rubber reports the bike may not pack the same behemoth 1200cc mill as the current VFR as initially believed. Instead, Honda may opt for a smaller engine to keep weight down – think something in the 800cc range.

The company has also indicated that the V4 Adventure Concept will carry floating gauges akin to what’s found in the sport bike crowd in order to help keep the rider’s eyes forward. That fits in line with word that Honda still intends this concept to me more of a soft roader and less of a true adventure warrior.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Honda keeps teasing V4 Adventure Concept

Mercedes has been doing it for years with their AMG sport-utes. BMW finally caved with the X5 M and X6 M. Even Porsche’s in the game with the Cayenne Turbo and anticipated upcoming Cajun. But Audi’s not about to follow suit, according to reports from across the pond.

Our (unrelated) Italian counterparts claim that Audi’s technical chief Stephan Reil has ruled out the possibility of ever slapping an RS badge on any of its SUVs or crossovers. Audi’s high-riding range currently includes the Q7 and Q5 and is soon to be joined by a smaller Q3. The top of the line Q7 is available with a twin-turbo V12 diesel churning out a massive 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, but a big engine, says Audi, does not an RS make.

Of course the difference may come down to badging. S variants remain a possibility, but though they may have the engines and even the suspension and other ingredients, Audi insists that the RS badge is to remain exclusively for high-performance models, and that a big lumbering crossover – no matter how quickly it’s capable of covering all types of terrain – doesn’t fit the mold.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

Report: Audi won’t churn out RS sport-utes

The Internet is hard at work again, and you know what that means: in this case, fuzzy images of things that might or might not be legit Lamborghini shots. With the aid of Google Translate, an Italian site says it came across these shots “while wandering the net,” and wonders what they might be. A logical guess might be the Murcielago successor codenamed Jota, but there’s little to recommend that guess and a lot to discount it.

In the front aspect there is a row of LEDs flanking a central scoop, but no headlights can be discerned. In back there’s an Estoque-esque taillight treatment and a beautiful set of haunches, but the tailpipe positioning is awkward, both how high it is and how far to the left. And there’s that “20122012″ at the top, and what looks like a magnification cursor in the center of both photos.

Yet while we can’t say this passes any tests, if the back of the next Lambo looks anything like this we’ll be very pleased indeed.

UPDATE: Ah, the collective brain responds: the car is a concept called the Cnossus done by two students at the Scuola Politecnica di Design in Italy. Thanks to everyone for the tips

[Source: Car Concept Design (translate)]

2012 Lamborghini Jota teasers leaked? [UPDATED]

Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo 5 won’t be hitting the shelves next month as originally recently scheduled, but that isn’t stopping Toyota from hosting a 24-hour Playstation 3 GT5 endurance race at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. The Japanese manufacturer has announced that a total of 48 drivers split into two teams – red and white after the company’s corporate colors – will race virtual interpretations of the FT-86 G Sports concept for a full day and night.

That doesn’t mean that the same 48 guys will be planted in front of television screens for 24 hours, though. Toyota says that the 24 members of each team will race for one hour each starting at 3:00 PM. today and wrapping up at 3:00 PM. the next day. Toyota has chosen the epic Nürburgring as the field of battle.

Interestingly enough, neither Toyota nor Polyphony Digital are saying exactly what spoils will go to the winning team. We’re hoping it’s more than bragging rights.

[Source: IGN]

24-hour Gran Turismo 5 enduro race planned for Aussie Motor Show

When we think of the most capable sporting chassis manufacturers in the auto industry, BMW sits near the top of the list. So it makes sense that Saab would be interested in forming a partnership with the German automaker to produce a front-wheel drive platform for the 9-2 supermini.

Saab boss Victor Muller told Reuters it was searching for a partner to provide hardware, adding that he can’t say which automaker he’d prefer to work with. Having said that, Muller added “BMW would make a wonderful partner.” And Muller would know a thing or two about partnering with the boys and girls at the Bavarian Motor Werks since the two automakers just consummated a tie-up on engine development.

At this point we don’t know for sure whether the 9-2 will ever see the light of day. But if the supermini does materialize it makes quite a bit of sense to us that a BMW chassis will accompany it’s powertrain. If we’re lucky the 9-2 will look as good as the above concept.

[Source: Autocar]

Saab boss Victor Muller: BMW would make “wonderful partner” for chassis development

Remember back in the day when BMW revived the Mini and there was just one version? That was the three-door hatchback, but was also a long time ago in product lifecycle terms. These days, the Mini franchise has expanded to include a convertible, the Clubman and the Countryman crossover. There are diesel, gasoline, supercharged and JCW versions of each, and there are more yet on their way: never mind the Mini E or the electric scooter concept unveiled in Paris (let alone the WRC rally version). In the cards are said to be coupe and seven-seat versions of the Countryman, along with production versions of the Speedster and Coupe models unveiled last year in Frankfurt.

Engine choices and one-offs aside, that’s already eight body-styles off one little car. But that ain’t even the end of it. Not according to reports from Mini’s homeland of jolly old England.

Britain’s Autocar magazine reports that BMW is working on two parallel programs to put a Jeep Wrangler or Honda Element-style crossover into the mix as well. One program apparently calls for a high-riding three-door model tentatively known as the Canyon Coupe, a model that revives the old Mini Moke beach car bodystyle. The other is closer to the above-pictured Beachcomber Concept unveiled nearly a year ago, and while doors would be added, so might removable roof panels, frameless doors and a wind-down rear window to give a real open-air experience.

Only one will be given the green light (if at all), but either would offer the All4 all-wheel drive system and a pillarless frame that would allow easier access, as well as a proper four-door version of the next-gen Clubman, addressing criticism that the single rear suicide door on the current model doesn’t work well for right-hand drive markets (like Mini’s own domestic market in the UK).

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models

Nissan has officially confirmed reports that it will, in fact, be storming the LA Auto Show with a host of new vehicles. A total of three new models will be on hand, including the much talked-about 2011 Nissan Murano convertible (or “CrossCabriolet” in marketing-speak) and the debut of the production version of the all-electric Leaf. The third model is something more of a mystery. So far, all Nissan is saying is that it’s a new sedan concept that sails under the Ellure banner. We’re guessing some sort of EV hijinks are involved with that one.

Infiniti will also show off a raft of new metal, including the 2012 M Hybrid. Additionally, visitors to the LA show can expect to get their first in-person glimpses of the 2011 G25 Sedan and the IPL G Coupe. The 2010 LA Auto Show gets rolling on November 19 and runs through the 28th.

[Source: Nissan Image: Inside Line]

Nissan confirms blockbuster LA Show including Murano CrossCabriolet and Ellure concept

Episode #200 of the Autoblog Podcast goes down tonight, and we’ve got some things to talk about. Drop us your own feedback and questions below if you think there’s anything we’ve missed, or vote on your fellow readers’ submissions to help determine what we discuss this momentous evening. You can subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already to hear your question answered.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #200

• SEMA
• Hybrids aplenty at Porsche
• Prius MPV debut at Detroit Auto Show
• Sportier Forester?

Subscribe to the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #200

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve known all along that General Motors planned to ramp up production of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, with 10,000 to 15,000 sales in the first year of production. But what of 2012? The Detroit News is reporting that Doug Parks, GM’s electric vehicle executive, said at the Business of Plugging In conference that in 2012 the Volt will “be in this max rate of 60,000.” Parks insists that The General can move that many Volts in 2012, and possibly more. Given the fact that the Volt’s 2012 production was moved from 30,000 to 45,000, we’re thinking there’s a solid chance GM hasn’t stopped adjusting it’s production figures.

In other Volt news, GM is hoping to get official efficiency figures from the Environmental Protection Administration within the next month. Parks said at the conference that the company expects the Volt will fall somewhere in the 25-50 mile range in electric-only mode. GM has said since the Volt concept was unveiled in 2007 that it was shooting for 40 miles in EV mode, though Parks is hoping the Volt will over-deliver. As far as miles per gallon go, Parks says the Volt is hitting mid to high 30s combined while the gasoline engine is charging the batteries.

[Source: Detroit News]

Report: GM exec says 60,000 Chevy Volts may be built in 2012

Much like the 2010 9-5 sedan, the fate of Saab’s 9-4X crossover hung in limbo during General Motors‘ sale of the Scandinavian automaker. Now that Saab is safely under the umbrella of Spyker Cars, the new 9-5 is trickling out on the road and we’ve just received the full host of images and data detailing the production-spec 9-4X, set to be publicly revealed at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

While the 9-4X’s styling is clearly the evolution of Saab’s Aero X concept, the Cadillac SRX provides much of the crossover’s groundwork – this vehicle was wholly developed during the GM era, after all. This means that both the Caddy’s 3.0-liter V6 (265 horsepower) and turbocharged 2.8-liter V6 (300 horsepower) are on hand in the 9-4X, mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. The base engine can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the turbo engine is solely offered with Saab’s torque-vectoring XWD all-wheel-drive system. Saab has also fitted its DriveSense adaptive chassis system to Aero models, which offers three different drive setups: Comfort, Sport and Eco.

The 9-4X’s cabin is similar to what you’ll find in the 9-5, with a cockpit-like, driver-focused center stack and a push-button ignition on the center console. If the Saab’s cabin is anything like what GM has crafted for the SRX, things should be pretty luxurious, albeit with a sprinkling of quirky Scandinavian touches.

Look for the 9-4X to hit North American dealerships in May of next year with prices being announced closer to launch. For now, follow check out the images below and hit the jump for the full details in Saab’s press release.

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show

Officially Official: 2012 Saab 9-4X makes its digital debut ahead of LA Show

Describing an Alfa Romeo as a rolling work of art is easy enough. We’ve done it, you’ve likely done it, and everyone else has, too. Heck, the blokes over at Top Gear even tried to sell a Brera to an art museum on exactly that basis. Actually turning an Alfa into a work of art – you know, one you can hang on your wall – takes another kind of talent altogether.

That’s where Federico B. Alliney comes in. Alliney is the artist to whom James Cameron turned to render his vision of how the Avatar world should look. And say what you will about overgrown Smurfs romping through the Pocahontas storyline, the scenery and animation is really what made Avatar the blockbuster success it was. Now the artist has worked his magic on some of Alfa Romeo’s most beautiful creations for a series of factory-sanctioned paintings called “The Cross and the Snake” collection.

The seven works of art depict 100 years’ worth of picturesque Alfas – including the original 8C 2300, the otherworldly Disco Volante, Giulia, BAT 9, and Carabo concept – against such backdrops as the Venice waterfront, a retro gas station, a race track, Batman’s lair, and of course a surrealistic tropical jungle. Each is available in a limited reproduction series of 30 editions each. The cars and their settings are achingly beautiful, as you can see for yourself from the gallery below, with full details available in the press release after the jump and the website at this link.

[Source: Alfa Romeo Images: (C)Cultwork/Alfa Romeo]

Continue reading Alfa Romeo partners with Avatar’s Federico Alliney on official artwork collection

Alfa Romeo partners with Avatar’s Federico Alliney on official artwork collection

You may not have guessed it on your own – we probably wouldn’t have, either – but Australia ranks as the fifth largest market worldwide for Mercedes-Benz. And yet all the exciting show cars are almost invariably unveiled at auto shows in the United States or Europe. You couldn’t blame the Aussies for feeling neglected, so Mercedes arrived this year at the Australian International Motor Show with two special AMGs.

The first is called Concept 358, and it’s essentially a tweaked C63 AMG sedan featuring the AMG Performance Plus package (which boosts the 6.3-liter V8’s output up to 480hp), 19-inch alloys, special leather interior and a unique Pearl Orange paint job.

The unique SLS AMG unveiled Down Under also features a special paint scheme: in this case a unique Night Black matte-finish with red accents. They’re not ground-breaking concepts, but interesting takes on some of Affalterbach’s best. Details are in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes shows C63 and SLS AMG specials in Australia

Mercedes shows C63 and SLS AMG specials in Australia

First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

We’re living in the future, and it’s a place stocked with a blazingly-quick, fully capable and quasi-efficient SUV from Germany with love.

Subaru Forester S-Edition concept points towards sporty new model for 2011

Subaru Forester S-Edition concept previews what the automaker says is “an exciting development in our Forester range” set to debut early next year. Consider our interest piqued.

Video: Conan O’Brien turns stuntman, pilots explosive ‘69 Dodge Dart

“Conan” premieres November 8th at 11pm on TBS. Watch the funnyman drive a ‘69 Dodge Dart off a cliff. Oh yeah: Dynamite, fireworks and popcorn… oh my!

Also of interest:

• Video: 2012 Ford Focus ST hits the road
• Working for Toyota makes you healthier?
• Volkswagen opens floodgates on 2011 Passat
• Want to test drive a Nissan Leaf? Live in Southern California?
• Chrysler 200 to spawn European Lancia model?

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

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.15.10

Honda is planning to debut an arsenal of eight bikes in Milan, and we may have our first inclination of what to expect from at least one of the machines. Behold the VFR Adventure Concept – a 1200cc behemoth designed to cater to those who like the style of dual-sport tourer but loathe the notion of actually heading off of the beaten path. Think more along the lines of the Ducati Multistrada than the KTM 990 Adventure.

As of right now, details are remarkably scarce about what to expect from the machine, though some seem to think that the bike will likely show up as a 2012 production model.

So what does the VFR Adventure bring to the table over the current VFR? From what we can see, it looks like riders can expect a slightly taller stance with more ground clearance and a skimpier fairing, but not much else. Honda has been pretty tricky about letting this one out of the bag, keeping news of the concept to its European press site. Does that mean that American buyers won’t be able to get their gloves on this one? Hard telling.

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Honda VFR Adventure Concept: Big gets badder

The Holden Efijy Concept is set to have a little extra (and very well deserved, we may add) time in the spot light. The slinky machine has been chosen to headline Australia’s first international concours d’elegance at the end of this month, where it will be joined by classic and exotic vehicles from around the world. Holden first debuted the Efijy back in 2005, and the car immediately garnered praise from hot rod fans and designers alike thanks to its ’50s-inspired lines and otherworldly powertrain. You see, under that retro skin sits a thoroughly modern driveline, including a chassis borrowed from a Chevrolet Corvette.

This thing isn’t just a looker, either. Under that lead-sled coupe hood sits a fire-breathing, supercharged, 6.0-liter LS2 V8. Should you decide to open up both taps, there’s a full 645 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque at your beck and call.

The Australian International Concourse d’Elegance kicks off on October 22 and runs until the 24th. Hit the jump to see the full press release.

[Source: Holden]

Continue reading Holden Efijy Concept to be honored at Motorclassica Concours in Australia

Holden Efijy Concept to be honored at Motorclassica Concours in Australia

There once was a time when the press shaped the news, not just reported on it. When newspapers still had budgets that stretched as far as their print runs… budgets big enough to commission their own show cars. GQ recently reached into that history when it teamed up with Citroën on its own concept, but long before that, England’s Daily Telegraph had a stab at it on its own.

Called the Jaguar Pirana prototype, it was a vision of what a cost-no-object car might look like. It was designed by Bertone – hence the similarity in shape to such contemporary exotics as the Lamborghini Espada and Alfa Romeo Montreal – and packed a 4.2-liter six.

Originally conceived for and unveiled at the Earl’s Court Motor Show in London back in 1967, the Pirana concept has since been resprayed from its original silver to a very Jag-like forest green. It’s got 16,000 miles on the odometer, but the best part is that it could be yours. For a price of course: the current owner in Palm Springs has put it up for grabs on eBay Motors with a starting price of $150,000. If only there were a newspaper baron alive today to give it a good home.

Follow the link to the auction page, check out the images in the gallery below or the video (pertinent footage begins around the 2:03 mark) after the jump.

[Source: eBay Motors via MotoBullet.com]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: ‘67 Jaguar concept commissioned by newspaper from Bertone

eBay Find of the Day: ‘67 Jaguar concept commissioned by newspaper from Bertone

The Sydney Motor Show doesn’t grab the full attention of the global media like Paris or Geneva, though this latest bit of news from Subaru certainly piques our interest. We had heard rumblings of a more potent Subaru crossover before, and now this, the Forester S-Edition concept, previews what the automaker says is “an exciting development in our Forester range” set to debut early next year.

Subaru has boosted the Forester XT’s turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four up to 259 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque, gains of 32 and 20, respectively over the normal Australian model. That power runs through a five-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters (a proper stick-shift would be preferred, Subaru), and a new variable torque distributing all-wheel-drive system keeps things in check on the road. Other enhancements include a revised sport suspension, 17-inch STI wheels, Alcantara seat trim and S-Edition badging throughout.

Forester STI redux? Certainly sounds like it. Our only hope is that Subaru doesn’t make this hot new Forester a JDM-only affair. (Fingers crossed!) Hit the jump to read the full details in Subaru’s press release.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru Forester S-Edition concept points towards sporty new model for 2011

Subaru Forester S-Edition concept points towards sporty new model for 2011