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General Motors is boasting that the new microcontroller in the ECM behind the Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 2011 Buick Regal is the ultimate power in the automotive universe. According to the company, the computer packs the quickest processing power of any microcontroller in any vehicle on the market right now. The ECU uses three megabytes of flash memory to handle a host of adjustments for things like air intake and “spark optimization.” The tech plays a big part in the amount of horsepower and fuel economy that GM has managed to squeeze out of the tiny 2.0-liter.

All told, the ECM is good for 125 million operations per second. Compare that to the 1 million operations per second of the company’s first powertrain control module, and you can see just how far on board computers have come since the 1980s. Of courses, given how quickly technology advances, something tells us the Regal’s brain won’t hold onto its title for long. Hit the jump for the press release.

Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM claims Buick Regal sports most powerful processor

GM claims Buick Regal sports most powerful processor

In which we learn not to judge a book by its (very familiar) cover…

We admit it – we nearly got it wrong. But can you blame us? We’ve seen dozens – nay, hundreds of Shelby Cobra homages and outright knockoffs over the years, and while many of them have offered road-bludgeoning performance, precious few have been high-quality efforts, and fewer still brought something new to the table. So when images of the Iconic AC Roadster first hit our inboxes along with blustery talk of 800+ horsepower and a massive price tag, we didn’t pay much attention. Here was yet another Cobra replica whose biggest innovation appeared to be a set of awkward looking head- and taillamps. Why bother?

And then we drove it. And oddly, just as importantly, we took a peek beneath its skin, only to realize that the car’s familiar shape is something of a Trojan horse whose familiar twin stripes mask a shocking amount of cutting-edge technology.

Continue reading to find out what changed our minds.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Iconic AC Roadster

First Drive: 2012 Iconic AC Roadster

Few cars can hold a candle to the immense performance capabilities of the Pagani Zonda. Few can touch the number of versions that have come along the way, either. First came the C12, then the C12 S, the C12 S 7.3, the Zonda F, the Zonda R Clubsport and roadster versions of just about each one. But that’s not even accounting for the special editions – often limited in production to a single example – that have followed since.

The Cinque and the Cinque Roadster have been followed by the PS, Uno, Tricolore, HH and most recently the 750. Each has been built to the exacting specifications of the wealthy client who’s commissioned them, and now there’s another: the Zonda RAK.

Like previous editions, the Zonda RAK is distinguished by its unique color scheme: bright yellow in this case, covering the body, the brake calipers and even the top-stitching on the interior. It’s otherwise mechanically similar to the five-of-a-kind Cinque edition, packing a 700-horsepower version of the AMG-sourced V12 engine.

The Zonda RAK was reportedly commissioned by a dealership in Germany – Auto Salon Singen – which is putting it up for sale at €1.85 million, equivalent to over $2.5 million. If you’ve got the cash sitting around it can be yours. Or of course Automobili Pagani would be glad to create one to your tastes.

[Source: Teamspeed]

Pagani Zonda RAK commissioned by German dealership

It’s been an achingly long, three-year slog up until this point, but Chevrolet has finally taken the wraps off the production version of the 2011 Camaro Convertible ahead of its big day at the LA Auto Show.

The somewhat small images posted on Facebook give us our first view of the drop-top pony car with its canvas roof in place, but other than that, the ‘vert is exactly what you’ve come to expect. Both V6 and V8 models will be available at launch, with the six-pot RS putting out 312 horsepower and the range-topping LS3-equipped SS producing 426 ponies. Sales are set to begin this March, with an entry-level price tag of around $30,000.

[Source: Facebook]

LA Preview: Chevrolet reveals Camaro Convertible on Facebook

While it may not have registered on the radar screens of many American racing fans, Czech automaker Skoda took the top honors this year in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge. In the process they captured both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles against the likes of Ford, Subaru, Mitsubushi, Honda, Peugeot, Proton and Fiat/Abarth on special stages across Europe (including the iconic Monte Carlo Rally) and a pair in South America. To celebrate, the Volkswagen subsidiary has launched a special edition of its Fabia RS hot hatch.

The Fabia RS Edition S2000 packs a 177-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbo four mated to a seven-speed DSG for a 7.3-second sprint to 62 and a 139 mph top end. What sets the S2000 edition apart, however, is the livery: rally green paint, white roof, white wheels, and decals inspired by the competition version that claimed the title with Juho Hänninen behind the wheel. Only 200 examples of the special edition hatch will be offered, and you can read more about it in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Skoda]

Continue reading Skoda celebrates IRC victory with special edition Fabia RS

Skoda celebrates IRC victory with special edition Fabia RS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall for 2010 and 2011 model year Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS models. A total of 13,780 vehicles, all equipped with V8 engines, are subject to this recall which effects power steering return lines.

According to NHTSA, the starter or alternator cable can wear through these lines, causing a power steering fluid leak. This can not only result in the loss of power steering, but the liquid could drip onto hot engine parts, resulting in a fire.

Owners can bring their cars to General Motors dealers to have the problem fixed free of charge. Technicians will either secure or reroute the power steering return lines in order to prevent contact with these cables. The recall is expected to begin later this month, and the full details are available at NHTSA’s website.

[Source: NHTSA]

2010-11 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS recalled over electrical issues

We’re coming up on big time auction season again, and Gooding & Co have a few highlighted entries for its 2011 Scottsdale auctions, including two cars being offered for public consumption for the first time. Those would be the 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic (pictured), and a 1948 Tucker with chassis #1010. The Fiat was a Ghia creation, the first of 12 Supersonics produced and kept in the collection of a single owner for the last 55 years. The Tucker has spent 50 years in a barn, which explains why it has but 10,000 miles on the odo.

Three other notables from the gaggle of metal crossing the stage will include a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton with coachwork by LeBaron – this done before the LeBaron name became irrevocably associated with a very different kind of car – a 1933 Stutz DV-32 Dual Cowl Phaeton, and bringing up the 21st century, a 2005 Saleen S7 from Iron Man.

As far as price goes, the Saleen looks to be the least expensive of the collection with a pre-auction estimate of $300,000. So unless you’re on the angelic list, you might want to put your call into Santa now if you wish to have any hope of carting something home.

[Source: Gooding & Co]

Continue reading Gooding & Co’s 2011 Scottsdale Auction has something old, new and blue

Gooding & Co’s 2011 Scottsdale Auction has something old, new and blue

Minivans are back in the spotlight again, thanks in part to the large effort Toyota put forward in reintroducing its Swagger Wagon, the Sienna. Since then, Honda has released its all-new Odyssey, Nissan has teased its all-new Quest, and Chrysler’s reworked Town & Country and Grand Caravan twins are set to hit dealerships in the next few months. Kia, on the other hand, isn’t making great strides in improving its minivan, the Sedona, though the friendly family-hauler does get some modest updates for the 2011 model year.

Most significantly, the Sedona is now powered by Kia’s 3.5-liter V6 with output rated at 271 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque. This represents a gain of 27 hp versus the outgoing 3.8-liter mill, though torque output is actually down by five pound-feet (we doubt you’ll even notice). Power now runs through a six-speed automatic transmission, and because the Sedona retains its front-wheel-drive-only setup, the Sienna is the only minivan to offer four-wheel power.

Visually, the Sedona now wears Kia’s new corporate grille, and LED turn indicators have been added to the side mirrors. Aside from that, no other major updates have been made for 2011, save the addition of standard Bluetooth connectivity across the model range. Pricing starts at $24,595 for the base Sedona LX, and the full details are available in Kia’s press release, after the jump.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Sedona gets corporate face, new engine

2011 Kia Sedona gets corporate face, new engine

General Motors is ready to begin taking orders for the 2011 Opel Ampera, the European cousin of the Chevrolet Volt. The MSRP has been set at €42,900, which equals roughly $58,718 USD based on current exchange rates, or $18,438 more than a Volt here in the States. Sure, the front end is more aggressive and the wheels are better but is the Ampera nearly $20,000 better than the our all-American electric sedan?

The answer lies with Europe’s Value Added Tax, otherwise known as VAT – add German’s 19 percent VAT, and the final price becomes €42,900. Take away the VAT and the price is €36,050 or about $49,280, which is a bit closer to the cost of the Volt.

Those interested in purchasing an Opel Ampera can register at Opel-Ampera.com to become “ePioneers.” Those brave, electric pioneers will have access to updates on the car, a chance to test drive one and the first opportunity to purchase the Ampera when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011. More information can be found in the press release idling silently after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Opel Ampera priced from 42,900 euros ($58,718 USD!)

Opel Ampera priced from 42,900 euros ($58,718 USD!)

There’s so much going on at SEMA it’s all-too easy to miss a few things. And while there are a ton of Mustangs, one would think that this Shelby prototype would have caught our attention – particularly since we were aware of its existence. Back in September we reported that on some potential future Shelby models, one of which was a 1,000 rwhp twin-turbo GT500.

Nicknamed “Code Red,” this particular GT500 was created in collaboration between Shelby American and Nelson Racing Engines – the same firm responsible for the 1,800 horsepower Mosler MT900S. The heavily modified 5.4-liter V8 features twin 61mm Turbonetics turbochargers along with a dual fuel system that includes cells for both race and street gas as well as an electronic boost controller that can vary boost for each gear.

If Shelby offers a production of the “Code Red” GT500, expect plenty of other goodies to be included like Baer 14-inch brakes, Shelby/Eibach adjustable suspension system, 9-inch Currie rear end, 10-point roll cage, and plenty more? Price tag? Shelby estimates that the package (car not included) would cost around $100,000.

You can get a better look at the Code Red from the photos below courtesy of Nelson Racing Engines, and we’ve also included a video with Tom Nelson and Shelby’s Gary Patterson testing the car out on the street after the jump.

[Source: Nelson Racing Engines, Shelby]

Continue reading Shelby builds 1000+ rwhp twin-turbo GT500 prototype [w/video]

Shelby builds 1000+ rwhp twin-turbo GT500 prototype [w/video]

The Bentley Continental has become the default choice for the upper crust of car buyers that it’s become known as the Toyota Camry of the luxury market. The thing is, not everyone wants to pull up the country/yacht/private club in the same thing everyone else is driving. It’d be a shame, though, if more individualistic customers were deterred from considering the Bentley, because it’s one heck of a car. So to offer a little extra touch of individuality, Crewe has rolled out the Series 51.

Already available on the Continental GT coupe and Continental GTC convertible, the Series 51 edition can now be ordered as well on the Continental Flying Spur sedan. The choice trim level gives customers a broader range of color options, including two-tone exteriors, three-tone interiors, special veneer choices, and new nine-spoke, graphite-finish 19-inch alloys unique to the Series 51 (and different from the 14-spoke dubs on the coupe and convertible versions). Crewe’s design team has put together 14 special color combinations for the Bentley Continental Flying Spur Series 51 (which also challenges for the title of longest name yet), but buyers can specify an infinite array of combos of their choosing.

Along with the Series 51, Bentley has announced new front-fender air vents for any Flying Spur, as well as blue brake calipers, and the inclusion of a new touchscreen infotainment system on the Spur or the Supersports coupe and convertible – an upgrade that was far overdue. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump, along with the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading How Very Continental: Bentley launches Flying Spur Series 51

How Very Continental: Bentley launches Flying Spur Series 51

We recently spied two next-generation Porsche 911 prototypes out testing, showing off its slightly revised shape and new exterior features. We can only imagine what sort of rigorous testing procedures are involved with creating a new 911, so it doesn’t surprise us to see the the almost-naked Porsche back out on the road again.

Mum’s the word on exactly what lies underneath the 911’s new skin, though earlier reports have stated that the 3.6- and 3.8-liter flat-sixes will carry over unchanged, though a new electro-hydraulic steering could be on hand in an effort to improve overall efficiency. We’ve heard rumblings about more spacious rear seats and an electronic parking brake being fitted to the new 911, as well.

We expect Porsche to take the wraps off of the new 911 sometime early next year, possibly at March’s Geneva Motor Show. Until then, get another glimpse at Porsche’s pride and joy in our gallery of spy snaps below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Porsche 911 struts its stuff

General Motors has released official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, and the automaker’s original target of 40 miles per gallon (highway) has been surpassed. The Cruze Eco is officially rated at 28/42 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission, making it the segment-leader in terms of efficiency.

To achieve this, the Eco uses GM’s latest 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, rated at 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. On its own, the engine is efficient enough to deliver 24/36 mpg, but a host of aerodynamic changes and weight reductions on the Eco account for the extra bump in fuel economy. In addition to a lower front air dam extension, rear spoiler, lowered ride height and revised underbody panels, the Cruze Eco rides on lightweight 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-rolling-resistance tires. What’s more, a front grille shutter has been developed to improve airflow at higher speeds, thus accounting for a 10 percent coefficient of drag over standard Cruze models.

The Cruze Eco is priced from $18,895 and hits dealerships in January of next year. For the full details, hit the jump for GM’s press blast.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco rated at 42 mpg highway

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco rated at 42 mpg highway

Badge Engineering Is Alive And Well At The New GM

Haven’t we seen this play called before? Take a well-regarded European model, tweak it for the U.S. market, slap on a badge from a beleaguered North American brand, and hope for a touchdown. Indeed, the Buick Regal conforms to what has become General Motors‘ version of the spread offense. Never mind that this wasn’t a winning strategy for Saturn, which tried selling various derivatives of Opel models from The General’s European operations before its demise – GM is back at it with the Regal.

Dredging up a name from the past is a curious move for a brand that wants to reinvent itself to appeal to a younger audience. (Even more curious is that the Regal moniker has dubious value, having been hung on all manner of mediocre and mostly badge-engineered cars over the past four decades.) Yet for all the skepticism inherent in the “new” GM going back to its old playbook, the Regal might actually be the car that makes this offense click.

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Buick Regal CXL

Review: 2011 Buick Regal CXL

General Motors has announced that it will launch its next generation Buick GL8 van in China on November 28. While minivans on this side of the globe are relegated to ferrying screaming broods from school to soccer practice, Buick is marketing the GL8 directly toward business people as a more spacious, comfortable alternative to executive limousines. Fittingly enough, the Buick marketing department has decided to call the van an “executive wagon.” Play time is officially over.

Under the hood, buyers can expect to find one of two engine options. The GL8 will be available with either a 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 3.0-liter V6, though both will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

What say you? Would Buick be wise to offer a minivan in the U.S. again like the GL8, or is it still too soon since the Terraza?

Hit the jump for a look at GM’s brief press release.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Buick GL8 minivan for China will debut on November 28

Buick GL8 minivan for China will debut on November 28

Porsche has officially announced its plans to reveal a “mid-engined sports car” next week at the Los Angeles Auto Show, in addition to showing off its latest crop of 911 models – the GTS and Speedster. It might sound vague, but we’re placing bets that the German automaker’s big reveal is the much-rumored Cayman Clubsport, a sort of “hardtop Boxster Spyder.”

According to earlier reports, the Cayman CS will be motivated by the automaker’s 3.4-liter flat-six, with power expected to be around 333 horsepower. Much like its Boxster kin, the Clubsport’s main objective will be lightness, with sources saying that anywhere from 162 to 184 pounds will be shed from the stock Cayman S body. This means things like fabric door pulls, aluminum body components and lightweight alloy wheels will be on hand, keeping the Clubsport focused on being a nimble, spirited track day queen.

We’ll have the official word live from Los Angeles next week, so stay tuned. To read all of the elusive details, follow the jump for Porsche’s press release.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche will reveal new mid-engine sports car in LA

Porsche will reveal new mid-engine sports car in LA

As if the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 wasn’t tempting enough with 440 horsepower and killer good looks, Ford is throwing in a few extra goodies to make it that much more desirable.

First off, the Blue Oval announced today that owners of the new Boss 302 will receive a dual set of keys, one of which, ‘TracKey,’ activates a secondary PCM race tune that alters nearly 200 engine management parameters for the 5.0-liter V8. “From an engine management standpoint, we’ve done just about everything possible to give TracKey users a full race car experience,” says Jeff Seaman, Mustang powertrain engineer. “It’s not for use on the street – for example, the deceleration is set up to preserve the brakes, and the throttle response is very aggressive. A skilled driver on a closed course will really appreciate the benefits.” The TracKey also features a two-stage launch control feature similar to the one on the Cobra Jet Mustang that can be controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.

Not wanting all of that new technology to go to waste, Ford has also announced that it will be offering customers a complimentary track day to test out their new ride. Offered through Team Mustang and Ford Racing, Boss 302 owners will be treated to driving instruction and track time at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT. Owners will need to book their own travel arrangements, but once there, everything is free of charge.

With the way things are shaping up for the Boss, we’re already pondering second mortgages and/or raiding our children’s college funds for one of the coolest pony cars ever. If you’re good at resisting such temptations, hit the jump and read all of the details in the press releases from Ford.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Mustang Boss 302 to come with special key for race calibration, free track day

2012 Mustang Boss 302 to come with special key for race calibration, free track day

Lotus isn’t the first, just the latest, to encase one of its vehicles in the quixotic amber of conceptual art. In this case the project is called The Lotus Metamorphosis, and the aim is to express the company’s own reversal in some way that is grander than a press release.

Lotus employed French photographer Gérard Rancinan to conjure some ideas, and he gathered the five concepts from the Paris Motor Show for a photo session that created the images like the one above. The fact that Lotus has admitted that only the Esprit is being developed, the inclusion of the other four is a bit intriguing.

On the art itself, Lotus CEO Dany Bahar said of Rancinan, “I felt instinctively that he would be the perfect person to demonstrate our vision and encapsulate the spirit of our brand with his images.” We aren’t equipped to judge the art, but we do admit to watching the video after the jump with the same half-howled wonder as Double Rainbow Guy, namely, “What does it meeeeeeeeeeeeean?” If that isn’t enough, the presser might explain things.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus creeps us out with Metamorphosis campaign [w/video]

Lotus creeps us out with Metamorphosis campaign [w/video]

The Ferrari P4/5C that will race in next year’s Nürburgring 24 is taking shape. All we have at this point are a bunch of shots of carbon fiber layups being adhered to a roll cage, but shouldn’t that be enough? At this rate it looks like the car, using an F430 chassis, will be ready early next year for testing, which should give the four drivers named to the team -Mika Salo, Nicola Larini, Fabrizio Giovanardi, and Luca Cappellari – plenty of time to find any cracks in its blood red armor. The next video segment of the racer’s gestation should be coming online soon, but in the meantime check out the shots below to see the P4/5C’s progress.

[Source: Autoblog.it]

New images of the P4/5 Competizione

Polyphony’s Gran Turismo games tread the line between fantasy and reality with the balance of a trapeze artist. Not only are the games themselves a close approximation of reality, but once in a while, reality jumps out of the digital world and into the tangible.

A couple of years ago the game’s creators worked with the French automaker to give birth to the GTbyCitroën – a supercar designed specifically for the game. But then they made it into a concept car and put it on display. And while it never came to be, they even considered a limited production run.

The latest collaboration brought the recently-crowned world champion Red Bull Racing team on board for the X1 prototype. Again, an extreme high-performance vehicle designed specifically for the game – this time a vision of what an F1 car could be if not for all the pesky regulations. Initial reports that the car is powered by a turbine engine are now being corrected to an F1-derived, direct-injection, twin-turbo V6. Fortunately, the 1483-horsepower output remains.

Actually building the X1 into a functioning track car would be a little pointless and undoubtedly extremely expensive, but they have made a full-size mock-up that will be unveiled during the game’s launch party, scheduled (don’t hold your breath) for Madrid in a few weeks’ time. Here’s hoping GT5 can follow that same fantasy-to-reality trajectory and land in our hands on (the revised and revised again) schedule.

[Source: GTPlanet]

From Virtual to Reality: GT5’s Red Bull X1 prototype jumps out of the screen