Lancia Centro Stile concept sketches – Click above for high-res image gallery
Lancia’s website links to Centro Stile, the design section of the brand, where you can find all manner of concepts drawn by the same people who might be by the end of the year. There are a couple of oldies in the bunch, but then there’s the sketch above, a concept coupe, and a new take on the that’s rumored to be under consideration as a bound for the U.S.
The thing that gets us most about these sketches is how utterly far away they are from Chrysler’s design language, stoking all kinds of questions about how the two brands will be combined. Sergio Marchionne has said that because Chrysler and Lancia don’t overlap in terms of vehicle sizes, the two brands could be joined to create a full line-up. Based on these designs we’re thinking there will be a Jekyll and Hyde line in there, because we just can’t wrap our heads around the pictured coupe with goggle-eye headlights and a giant grille.
Have a look at the other sketches in the gallery of high-res photos below, and maybe you can tell us how a Lancia Ypsilon becomes a Chrysler Ypsilon and doesn’t look like a bad episode of “Will it Blend?”
Turkey’s Autopia Europa – Click above for high-res image gallery
Istanbul, Turkey will reportedly be home to the world’s largest auto dealership, called Autopia Europia. The space is so big it’s probably more convenient to think of it as an industrial complex, rather than an auto dealer: more than two million square feet, each of the five floors almost 20 feet high, 200 auto sales outlets hawking new and used metal, shot through with 56 eateries, 48 repair shops, 24 banks and 42 insurance companies. And that’s just a taste of the options.
Perhaps the most unusual feature of Autopia Europia is the test-drive track on the roof of the building. The building’s developers expect six million visitors per year, and we can only imagine they’re including a lot of foot traffic in that estimate. With a 900-car parking garage, even with three people in every car, it would take nearly seven years to accommodate that many guests. Construction has just begun so they’ve probably got a couple of years to crunch those numbers again.
You can have a look at it in the gallery of high-res renderings below, or in the video . Hat tip to Brian!
2010 Ford SVT Raptor 6.2 – Click above for high-res image gallery
Unless you’re a died-in-the-burlap save-the-planet kind of person, you probably think the is freakin’ cool. There’s not a factory truck on the planet that can with equal ease, grace and unmitigated speed.
The 2010 Raptor genuinely has no competition In the world of production trucks, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. If you bent the ear of the right engineer, he would admit that the 2010 SVT Raptor was supposed to launch with the 6.2-liter SOHC V8 we’re testing today. The aging 310-horsepower 5.4-liter Triton mill included at launch was never the perfect fit for the radical Raptor. Too tame.
From the truck’s introduction last Fall, everyone knew the would be better. But no one knew how much better until now. Read about our wild test drive (and brief flight) after the ummm… jump.
Gallery:
Photos by Rex Roy / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. and Ford Motor Company
Cosworth Impreza STI CS400 – Click above for image gallery
This is the , the car Cosworth said would “humble” supercars. With a 0-to-62 sprint happening in just 3.7 seconds it’ll be quicker than a whole bunch of exotics, and at £49,995 ($71,368 U.S.), it’ll be a whole lot cheaper as well. If that sounds like a boatload of cash for a warmed-over WRX, well, it is. But bear in mind that thanks to factors like the 17.5 percent Value Added Tax, UK pricing is rather different than what pricing in the States would likely look like were Cosworth to sell the CS400 here.
The 395-horsepower, 398-pound-foot Cossie Scooby benefits from a thorough rework of its boxer-engined details, boasting new pistons, con-rods, turbocharger, exhaust and ECU mapping among its many modifications. Aiding the ’s all-wheel drive get power to the ground is a lowered suspension with components from Bilstein and Eibach.
Looks-wise, a different front bumper fitted with mesh inserts, a rear spoiler, a track widened by 12 millimeters, and 18-inch alloys over bigger AP brakes will make sure cognescenti don’t confuse you with anything else. Identification will also be made easier by the fact that there will only be 75 made for the UK market only, and available it’ll be available in red, silver, and dark gray. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
When gets around to expanding its line-up next year, the first model to benefit from the badge will be a compact MPV reportedly badged the Alpha. The small van will apparently be based on a stretched version of the current Prius platform, will add a third row of seats and should be the first production Toyota hybrid with a lithium ion battery pack. Toyota is currently testing a fleet of plug-in Prius hybrids with lithium batteries, but those aren’t slated for production until 2012.
The seven-seat Alpha is expected to be about one foot longer than the current Prius hatchback, while a shorter, five-seat version of the Alpha that may look similar to the from 2007 and could retain the nickel-metal hydride batteries of the current Prius to keep costs down. If all goes according to plan, expect the Prius Alpha to launch around March of next year.
2010 Suzuki Equator – Click above for high-res image gallery
Remember the – the overlooked, rebadged version of the that went on sale in early 2009? There hasn’t been much to talk about the slow-selling Fronquator, but now a recall involving vehicles manufactured between November 2009 and March 2010 (a whopping total of 582 units) brings the little truck into the front of our minds again.
According to the official recall statement from NHTSA, the Equator’s lower control link bushing collars may not contain welds that meet strength specifications, which can alter the wheel alignment over time. The safety recall is taking place as you read this, and dealers will replace one or both lower control links if necessary. The full details are available in NHTSA’s statement, after the jump.
Giorgio Bartocci Lamborghini Super Trofeo Crash – Click above to watch video
The Super Trofeo Cup saw a massive accident during Round 4 of the season. From what we can tell, the number 22 LP560-4 driven by Giorgio Bartocci got off into the gravel on the last turn before the front straight. It’s unclear whether Bartocci was nudged by another racer or whether a mechanical failure caused the slide, but either way, the car hit the wall at considerable speed and nearly disintegrated on impact.
The driver’s side door sprung open as the car slid down the tarmac, and Bartocci could be seen flailing outside the vehicle. When it finally came to a stop, the Raging Bull turned into a raging fireball. Fire crews initially took longer than expected to pull the driver from the wreckage and were seen using underpowered fire extinguishers to battle the blaze. The is expected to investigate the incident. Amazingly, Bartocci survived the ordeal and is currently in intensive care.
Lamborghini canceled the remainder of the event and rounds six and seven have been indefinitely nixed as well. for a video of the incident.
2011Volkswagen Jetta – Click above for high-res image gallery
A cameraphone-wielding member of GMInsideNews has caught what looks to be a pair of prototypes in Michigan, and while it’s hard to tell the full extent of the changes or the size of the sedans, he appears to have snagged the next-generation undergoing testing.
Even with the and Chrysler minivan providing a bit of scale, it’s hard to pin down the dimensions of the prototypes. However, we’re more inclined to assume that the VWs are the refreshed Jetta, particularly based on the roofline, greenhouse and overhangs, as well as the , which looks markedly more assertive than what we see here.
While the odd Toyota-like badge on the boot is a nice touch, don’t expect that element to make it to production. Instead, the 2011 Jetta will finally replace the current model’s ovoid headlamps with the more angular, aggressive units found on the refreshed and GTI. Out back, the trunk benefits from a subtle lift and tuck, with new rectangular taillamps and slightly blistered fenders finishing off the refresh. Assuming our product cycle prediction hats are on straight, we can expect to see the new Jetta in person later this year, with sales beginning in early 2011.
Infiniti Performance Line teaser – Click above for high-res image
Hot on the heels of the recent revelation that is working on slated to debut at this year’s Pebble Beach extravaganza, we’ve come across a trademark filing by Nissan North America for “IPL.” What’s IPL you ask? Infiniti Performance Line, a new catalog of in-house developed upgrades which – according to the filing – will include everything from air filters to cat-back exhaust systems, and – more intriguingly – “automotive engine parts, namely turbochargers and superchargers.”
The approach is likely to be similar to how NISMO develops and markets parts for or, more accurately, launch of its F-Sport performance line.
This new line of performance parts will likely be unveiled this August in Pebble Beach and be fitted to the . How extensive the modifications are remains to be seen, but as , one of the models set to debut will be “performance oriented,” and if forced induction is part of the package, we’re anxiously awaiting our rendezvous with the modded coupe this summer.
Kelley Blue Book Top 10 Cars for under $18k – Click above for high-res image gallery
Being in the market for a cheap new car used to mean resigning yourself to time bombs like the Citation or windups like the Geo Metro or Aspire, but the times, they are a-changin’, and the good folk at Kelley Blue Book have worked up their very own top 10 list of cool cars for under $18,000.
Not surprisingly, the 2011 nabbed a mention thanks to its 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway EPA rating and mile-long standard feature list. Likewise, the new 2010 received a spot on the list. The Korean automaker’s new long roof manages 23 city and 30 mph highway thanks to its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
The base also made the cut – another 2.0-liter bruiser, the baby brother of the Evolution nabs 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. also got some love on the KBB list with its . When optioned with the five-speed gearbox, the car walks away with 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Rounding out the list is the ever lovable . Just like the Suzuki, if you want a few more miles per tank, you’ll need to opt for the manual transmission. Thusly equipped, the little Honda can 28 mpg city and up to 35 mpg highway.
Want to see what else made the list? or visit KBB for the whole list.
As the action continues relentlessly in the premier venue of , round three took us to the land of champagne and baguette, as the lent the first glimpse of clarity into how the championship fight might turn out.
Straight out of the chutes, rider and international superstar Valentino Rossi converted a great start into an early lead, while Dani Pedrosa and points leader Jorge Lorenzo brought on the chase. The Yamahas were quickly one-two as Lorenzo passed Pedrosa and began to close the gap on Rossi. By lap seven, the points leader made his move for the front, only to see Rossi respond almost immediately to reclaim the lead. After ten loops, Lorenzo put a pass on that would stick, and was able to hold a convincing five-second lead as he passed the checkers, extending his overall points margin to nine ahead of Rossi, who repeated his . This also marked a third straight top finish for a Yamaha pilot in as many rounds, a feat that has not been repeated since 1980.
Behind the leaders, the battle to round out the top five was an intense one, using up the entire race to play out. During a dramatic final lap we saw Pedrosa surrender two positions in another battle of teammates, allowing Andrea Dovizioso to squeak by followed by the hard-charging Ducati topped by Nicky Hayden, who again carried the red team’s results. Casey Stoner struggled and was put out of the race early due to a turn-six crash that he would be unable to return from, begging the question of whether his mind has already ? Next stop: June 6th for all things Italian at Mugello and a chance for dethronement of the Yamahas. We can hardly wait!
Audi A1 e-tron concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
The original, all-aluminum A2 was a unique beast, which Heinrich Timm, Audi’s head of lightweight design, maintains was ahead of its time. However, the rumored is likely to utilize a steel unibody platform, and the latest reports indicate that Audi’s mini-lux will have a new reason for being special.
Autocar quotes anonymous sources who say the next A2 could be Audi’s first electric-only vehicle. While the UK rag doesn’t go into detail, Audi has dropped hints that a variant of the A2 could utilize the extended-range EV hardware under the hood of the shown at the Geneva Motor Show. The e-tron utilized a 60 horsepower electric motor paired to a 330-pound lithium ion battery pack. The “extended range” part of the A1 e-tron concept comes courtesy of a small, powerful rotary engine that would work as a generator whenever the battery pack was depleted. Audi quotes the EV range of the A1 e-tron concept at about 33 miles per charge.
Do we think the A2 will be electric-only? Our magic eight-ball says “ask again later,” so we’re thinking the earliest we’ll know anything is this September at the Paris Motor Show.
Lamborghini Murciélago – Click above for high-res image gallery
We’ve seen a rash of recalls in the past few months, but none of the cars and trucks under the spotlight of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have quite the cache of the .
The is recalling 428 of its 2007 and 2008 model year Murcielago coupes and roadsters for a potentially serious problem that could result in a fuel leak and possibly a fire. The problem apparently lies with the welds holding the fuel pump support inside the fuel tank. If the welds fail to hold, the tank could detach – and nobody wants a $350,000 exotic with a detached fuel tank.
Owners of the potentially defective Murciélagos can take their supercar to the nearest Lambo dealer for a free repair. Hit the jump to read over the official NHTSA press release.
Renault Zoe Z.E. concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Any marketing person will tell you that coming up with the right name is one of the most difficult aspects of launching a new product. Big companies will spend millions of dollars researching names to make sure that they aren’t already trademarked or have strange or offensive meanings in other countries.
, however, has a slightly different problem with the name of one its upcoming electric vehicles. The Zoe Z.E. is a compact, urban commuter due to be launched in 2012. Renault is not an uncommon name in France, wit its namesake, Louis Renault having begun building cars in the late 19th century. Unfortunately for a certain Parisian woman, having both her first and last names associated with a new car is apparently just too much. Thus, according to Autocar, Zoe Renault is threatening to sue Automaker Renault unless it changes the name of its forthcoming EV.
While we can certainly sympathize with Ms. Renault, her complaint here seems to be a bit of a stretch. The automaker apparently chose the name Zoe because it means “life” in Greek. Unless automakers start using nothing but made up or alphanumeric names, there is bound to be someone, somewhere that will have an issue with just about every name. It’s time to get over it.
After spending a week circumnavigating the country in a pair of sedans on a couple of weeks back, you might think that the drive home to Detroit from South Bend would’ve been a bit of a disappointment. On the contrary, we were glad to see our long-term , and have been so every day since then. Not that we didn’t enjoy the 550i (2010 model) or remember why we absolutely love the , but there’s a lot to be said for simplicity over unnecessary complication.
For one, the cruise control switchgear on the steering wheel spoke in the Subie is infinitely easier to use than the hidden stalk on the Bimmers. The Legacy’s arrangement is a model of ergonomic excellence, whereas the BMW necessitated that we give step-by-step how-to directions to our co-drivers from the back seat. Repeatedly.
And don’t even get us started on the differences in navigation systems. While the 2.5GT’s is far from perfect, its touchscreen is still much easier to negotiate than either of the two generations of iDrive we experienced in the BMWs – much improved though they are. We do wish that higher functions (address entry, etc.) could be accessed on the move – at least when there is more than one person in the car. Why can’t automakers learn that this safety ‘feature’ should have an automatic override tied to the passenger seat weight sensor that’s already there to govern airbag deployment?
Did we mention how much we like the ? Crisp display, a couple of rockers and a handful of buttons – it’s simplicity itself.
One area where our Subaru is arguably oversimplified is with its : It has two single-function switches – one for tilt, and one for slide open/close. Unless it’s a small cost win, we can’t see why there isn’t a unified dual function switch as on most other cars. At least they are differentiated in look and feel for less fumbling about.
More Long-Term Updates:
Gallery:
Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Bimmerfest 2010 – Click above for a high-res image gallery
Bimmerfest is billed as the celebration of being a enthusiast – but to most it is simply the world’s largest BMW event held in North America. After starting as a small get-together at a BMW dealership in Santa Barbara just over a decade ago, the show has outgrown all of its venues… until now. The 2010 show, its 11th annual event, was held at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena this weekend. Thanks to strong online forum support for , this year’s show was packed with thousands of BMW models covering decades of production and dozens of vendors peddling accessories. If you have a Roundel on your hood, it’s worth the trip (some drove from as far as Alaska and Florida just to attend).
The best part of Bimmerfest – and the reason we enjoy the show so much – is that nearly every single BMW at the show is privately owned. Sure, BMW North America brought some cars to display (among them an and a Alpina B7), but the diversity and customization of the owned cars meant no two were alike. We weaved our way through hundreds of freshly detailed and models to find dozens of real gems. Our favorites included the race-bred E30 M3 models, a sweet BMW Z8, and a rare BMW 850CSi six-speed manual. Check out our gallery to find some of your favorites.
Gallery:
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge – Click above for image gallery
The crew at the Axis of Oversteer have managed to snag what could be the first images of the upcoming Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge, and while no one’s claiming that this is the real McCoy just yet, it’s certainly packing the right kit.
The standard coupe’s five-lug wheels have been nixed in favor of a single lug units, with each nine-spoke, lightweight hoop framing massive carbon ceramic stoppers. The Challenge appears slightly lower than stock and includes some revised aero bits in the form of longer, wider side skirts, a revised fascia and a bonnet sporting a set of hood pins.
Out back and inside, things appear to be slightly rough around the edges, so it’s safe to assume this is just a prototype for the time being. However, the roll cage, plastic windows and deeply bolstered race seat are all sure to make the cut when the Challenge debuts later this year.
One thing we do know: The launch of the is going on this week in Italy, so it’s likely that journalists are getting a sneak peak at the Challenge between making runs in Enzo-beating GT. That being the case, expect all the details to be revealed shortly.
Last week, we heard rumors that had finally decided to produce the but no official announcement came from General Motors headquarters.
This morning as U.S. media gathered to drive the Regal in California, the GS officially became a reality. And while our man Michael Harley is on the launch, we also just received an email from Dayna Hart in GM communications proclaiming:
“At wave 1 of our drive program for Regal we just confirmed that the Regal GS will be added to the Buick portfolio. We are not providing any additional details at this point.”
As the quote notes, Buick isn’t sharing any other details about the GS such as timing, or what engine will be in the car. We’re expecting that Buick will stick with the 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected Ecotec inline-four that was listed on the spec sheet for the shown at the Detroit Auto Show last January. However, now that has announced the with 276 horsepower, we’re expecting that Buick will try to ensure that the Regal GS will have more than the 255 hp announced back in January.
Gallery:
Live photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
Porsche Cayenne “Utility Redefined” commercial – Click above to watch video
In its new television commercial for the , Porsche proudly promotes the middle letter in SUV, that “U” that stands for “Utility.” Because that’s why you’d buy a Cayenne, right – utility? Regardless of genuine or ersatz purchasing reasons, the commercial makes the new Cayenne look just and sound just as good as it does in real life, although the script is a bit staid, if we’re being honest.
Follow the jump to see the spot, and if you want to do a little dreaming yourself, you can always head over to the , now up and fulfilling (almost) all of your virtual wishes.
2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo – Click above for high-res image gallery
It appears that may have overestimated the U.S. market appeal for high-end versions of the , and executives now acknowledge that the six-cylinder 535i probably should have been available at launch. It’s not unusual for an automaker to launch an all-new model by shipping mostly loaded, top-level versions in order to absorb the maximum number of dollars from early adopters, but sometimes that approach backfires if the market isn’t ready for the new vehicle.
Case in point is the 5GT, of which BMW has apparently sold fewer than 1,200 units in the U.S. since the launch of the polarizing people mover late last year. Interestingly, BMW has found that more women than expected have bought the model, while its less-than-stellar fuel consumption has hurt sales in a still-weak U.S. economy. Gran Turismo sales are apparently ahead of projections elsewhere, but those other markets launched with both gasoline and diesel inline-six engine choices.
Given that the 5GT is best suited as a road trip machine, it might make sense for BMW to install the 3.0-liter diesel from the and as an alternative to the twin-turbo V8. So far BMW has not indicated any plans to offer a diesel GT in America, but the less costly 535i GT is still slated to arrive in the Fall.
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