It’s April 2 today, which means we’ve made it through all the April Fools’ Day gags (stay tuned for more on that front…) and it’s time to turn to more serious stuff. And nothing is more serious than the 2013 SRT that debuts on April 4 at the .
While we’ve seen and , and some other of what the first Viper without a badge will look like, we think this latest one really kills it. Courtesy of artist Jon Sibel, this is one of those images that looks good enough to be the real thing. If it were, we’d be pleased with the new Snake. We imagine everyone at would too.
Besides this great rear three-quarter shot, Sibel has done up a nice Viper roadster that you can see in our .
A Daimler spokesman has to rumors that his employer is trying to outbid for an interest in motorcycle-builder Ducati.
Despite Daimler’s with the two-wheel wizards, it looks like Audi’s reported bid of $1.16 billion could be the only one. An Italian newspaper indicates the proposal from Audi is not a bid for the entire company, a strategy that Bloomberg suggests is more agreeable to Ducati.
We’ve also heard of India’s Mahindra also being interested in the high-performance motorcycle marque, but there’s no mention of it in this report.
The is right around the corner, so let the embargo-break-a-palooza begin. Ahead of its official unveiling later this week, a few images of the have leaked onto the web, and if you’re familiar with Merc’s new design language, the updates to the big GL will come as no surprise.
Up front, the new headlamp design seen on the and has translated to the GL, complete with LED running lamps flanking each side above large air intakes. The design almost looks AMG-like, and while we never truly warmed to the design of the current GL, we like the looks of this 2013 model. The interior design hasn’t changed too much, though we’re sure that nicer materials and more up-to-date tech are on tap.
As of this writing, no official powertrain details have been released, though we don’t expect them to change a great deal from the current model. We’ll likely see a GL350 Bluetec model fitted with the delicious 3.0-liter diesel V6, as well as a GL550 with Merc’s new twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 underhood. Seven-speed automatics will surely be offered with either engine, and all of the power will be sent to the ground via 4Matic all-wheel drive.
We’ll have the full suite of official details and images later this week, as well as live impressions direct from the New York show. Stay tuned.
has just wrapped up another impressive Antarctic expedition, this time traversing over 43,500 miles in the span of four months. In the process, the company says it snagged a new world record with three specially-prepared Hilux pickup trucks with each covering 5,903 miles of the frozen continent. Iceland-based Arctic Trucks handled converting the pickups for their stint in the cold, and while the alterations included creating at least two 6×6 versions, the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engines had to be reworked to consume Jet A-1 fuel. In the low temperatures of the Antarctic, standard diesel would simply turn to jelly.
The trucks were also outfitted with large tires running just 2-3 psi of air pressure, resulting in a contact patch around 17 times larger than a standard tire. Toyota reports the trucks ran incredibly well throughout the expedition and required no major repairs.
Starting last November, Toyota sent a team of 10 Hilux trucks to the far south to establish fuel depots, a weather station and to support scientific expeditions along the way. for the full press release.
Automotive News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun two separate investigations following reports of engine fires in both and models. The government agency received two complaints about fires in Cruze sedans and eight in Wrangler models, with some reporting their vehicles were completely destroyed. In both Cruze cases, the compact sedans were being driven when the fires occurred. One Cruze Eco owner reported seeing smoke emanating from the engine bay, and the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames five minutes after coming to a stop.
In seven of the Wrangler cases, the engine was running when the fires started. One owner reported seeing burning liquid pouring onto the ground that couldn’t be extinguished with water. In 2010, recalled certain Wrangler models to address automatic transmission fluid that could overheat and expel onto hot surfaces, causing fires.
Both General Motors and Chrysler are cooperating with their respective NHTSA investigations and say they are unaware of any injuries or fatalities stemming from the fires.
Bucking The Downsizing Trend For All The Right Reasons
Sometimes in life, you hit the nail right on the head, sink a hole-in-one or strike a perfect bullseye. It happens in all walks of life – from the original Star Wars trilogy to the Apple iPod. It even happens from time to time in the automotive realm. Take, for instance, the 1965 or the original Acura Legend.
Other times, we’re not so lucky. Like the ill-begotten Star Wars prequel trilogy, the automotive world has played host to a long line of underwhelming encores. The Mustang II comes to mind, and so does the .
Of course, every so often, automakers release a car to market that’s just isn’t quite fully baked, like the ill-timed and poorly received Edsel from Ford. Though not nearly as obvious, the first-generation falls into this unfortunate camp.
Originally marketed to the upwardly mobile male Gen-X population – a guy named Jason back in 2006 – it turns out that well-to-do, tech-savvy men aren’t actually all that interested in an entry-level premium crossover from Honda’s luxury division. And that’s why, for 2013, the Acura RDX is being re-aimed at the heart of the market: namely, baby boomers and young couples – defined by Acura as DINKS – “Dual-Income, No Kids” – who prefer quiet, comfortable and composed to quick, nimble and raucous.
will be showing the all-new 2013 SRT at the on Wednesday, in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest reveals of the show. While we’ve already seen , , , , and from the forthcoming Viper, this new teaser is our best official look yet.
Too bad then, that it’s not so good – just a blurry, poorly lit image that seems like it’s more Photoshop than photo. So we went ahead and tried to enhance the image we plucked off of SRT’s page ourselves. If there’s one thing we can see for certain from these pixels, it’s that the new hood design – with two front-mounted, rear-facing scoops – is confirmed.
While we eagerly await the rest of the picture, the good news is that there’s just two more days to go.
Check out all four official teasers of the new Viper in our .
When the goes on sale this fall, it will be the first mid-size family sedan in North America to be offered with start-stop technology. But since not all buyers are open to the idea of having their engines turn off at stop lights to save fuel, will be offering it as optional equipment, and the automaker has now announced that the stand-alone feature will cost $295.
The 2013 Fusion will launch with three powertrains (not including Hybrid and variants), but only the 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline-four is available with start-stop. This engine produces 172 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque, and can be had with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. As of this writing, it’s unclear whether or not start-stop will be available with both transmissions. The Fusion’s other powertrains – a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four and 2.0-liter EcoBoost four – will not be available with the technology.
According to Ford, the 1.6-liter Fusion should be good for up to 37 miles per gallon on the highway, putting it at the top of its class in terms of fuel economy. Based on its calculations, Ford estimates that drivers who opt for the start-stop-equipped Fusion will save “about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving.”
We’ll be interested to see what the take rate is on start-stop once the Fusion goes on sale later this year. For the full details, to read Ford’s press release.
is bringing its diesel-powered to the States after all. But don’t get too excited – it’s only coming in the form of a concept car at the . At least, for now.
We last saw the Alltrack at the in November where VW announced that it would offer the all-wheel-drive wagon in the UK with two versions of the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four. The engines are rated at 138 and 168 horsepower, the smaller of which is available with a manual transmission.
Despite the fact that the Tokyo show car was a full-on production model, VW is calling the New York-bound Alltrack a concept to presumably gauge the U.S. public’s perception. If Americans seem open to the Alltrack, it would be a welcome alternative to ’s pricey Allroad and granola-flavored .
Check out our Tokyo Motor Show below, and for the official press blast. Be sure to tell us if you think the Passat Alltrack should come to the states in our poll, as well.
must be expecting the to be a hit when it arrives in showrooms this fall. As a way to make sure that demand won’t outstrip production, Ford is investing $1.3 billion in its Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly facility. currently employs over 3,300 workers, and as part of its investment, Ford will be adding 1,000 new jobs in order to handle production of the 2013 Fusion and its twin.
The Fusion, with its wide range of powertrains and exceptional fuel economy, has mainstream sedan-watchers eager for seat time, and the Lincoln MKZ will be a direct beneficiary of the work done on the Fusion. Ford isn’t saying what its production capacity will be rising to after the upgrades are completed, but the company clearly wants to have enough available for every interested buyer. for the official press release.
, a company known largely for its aftermarket navigation systems, will officially debut its first factory-installed in-car infotainment system at this week’s . In the past, Garmin has partnered with some automakers to offer pop-up navi systems as an affordable solution to buyers who want the functionality in their vehicles. This new system, which will be available in most 2013 model year , now offers a full suite of infotainment tech.
The Garmin interface uses a 6.1-inch touch-screen display that fully incorporates all audio functions, as well as Bluetooth, backup camera support and, of course, navigation. There’s even a way to operate Pandora, though the app will run via a connected smartphone. The system also has full voice control functionality for all of its applications.
Additionally, this new infotainment system can provide real-time information such as traffic, weather, dynamic parking and fuel prices via the Android-based Garmin Smartphone Link app. The company says that Smartphone Link works off of the customer’s existing data plan, so users don’t have to shell out any extra money for additional data.
We’ll be checking out the new Garmin infotainment system this week at the New York Auto Show, so stay tuned for more impressions. For the full details, to read Garmin’s official press release.
This week, the racing yacht finished its run from Miami to New York City. Intended as a record attempt, skipper Giovanni Soldini because he didn’t feel it was reflective of the real speed Maserati is capable of. (The boat had to deal with several weather systems on its way up from Florida, which slowed it. Another attempt at a better time will be made in the future.)
With the boat spending a few days at Manhattan’s North Cove marina, just outside the World Financial Center, Maserati invited us down to take a look in person. Maserati, a 70-foot, carbon-fiber monohull, contested the 2008 Volvo Ocean Race under a different moniker. It was subsequently overhauled, had its weight distribution adjusted, and made 10 percent lighter, after which it was reintroduced in its current form, with Maserati as its primary sponsor.
It’s capable of traveling at an incredible 40 knots under sail (hence the 46 mph reference in the headline), and what’s striking about Maserati in person is that in addition to the hull itself, almost everything else on board is made of carbon fiber: the wheels at the helm, the mast, the grinders and winches, and so on. I pointed at and asked watch leader Brad Van Liew, “How much is that?”
“Around $80,000,” he answered. The whole boat apparently cost around $8,000,000. It’s the state of the art, and if you’re in Manhattan, you might still be able to check it out in person. It’s due to head out on another speed record attempt (destination: Cape Lizard, UK) in the coming days.
If you want to follow the ongoing exploits of VOR70 Maserati, bookmark for news, blogs, video, the crew’s Twitter feeds, and more.
Here it is, folks. This is the car that was a few days ago, and it’s going to be called the Fisker Atlantic when it debuts this week at the . These two images of the car appeared today on a , and the rear shot clearly shows a license plate bearing the name “Atlantic.”
Previously called Project Nina, the Atlantic will slot in Fisker’s fledgeling lineup below the , and reportedly cost considerably less. While any talk of pricing is just a guess at this point, rumor has it the Atlantic will be about half the price of the Karma, putting it squarely in the $45,000-$55,000 range. It’s a plug-in series hybrid, just like its big brother, but the Atlantic will reportedly use a turbocharged four-cylinder from as its range-extending generator.
We’ll have more detailed information about the Atlantic when it officially debuts at the this week, so come back for our live show coverage on Wednesday and Thursday, April 4-5.
It appears the right-wing wall against the is starting to crumble. Following months of beating on the Volt, Fox News aired a puff piece on earlier this week. Now we hear that for his son Neil as a birthday present. As our friend Chelsea Sexton , “Can’t wait to see what Fox News makes of that!”
In a sense, the Bush family should be among the first to buy one of GM’s plug-in hybrids, since the $7,500 federal tax credit that the car qualifies for was put into place during President George W. Bush’s second term. Since President Obama has also , that makes the Volt a vehicle that presidents from both major American parties can agree on.
Much like at its launch, remains largely a one-model make (here in the United States, that is). While that may not change anytime soon in the U.S., that the model lineup in Canada could expand.
Buoyed by sales proportionately larger above the 49th Parallel than below it, Fiat is apparently plans to add the new Panda (pictured above) and the aging Punto to the Canadian market. Coupled with the expected arrival of the 500L in Fiat “studios” both in Canada and the United States, suddenly the availability of affordable Italian cars looks on the up in the country where Sergio Marchionne was schooled.
Much like at its launch, remains largely a one-model make (here in the United States, that is). While that may not change anytime soon in the U.S., that the model lineup in Canada could expand.
Buoyed by sales proportionately larger above the 49th Parallel than below it, Fiat is apparently plans to add the new Panda (pictured above) and the aging Punto to the Canadian market. Coupled with the expected arrival of the 500L in Fiat “studios” both in Canada and the United States, suddenly the availability of affordable Italian cars looks on the up in the country where Sergio Marchionne was schooled.
Much like at its launch, remains largely a one-model make (here in the United States, that is). While that may not change anytime soon in the U.S., that the model lineup in Canada could expand.
Buoyed by sales proportionately larger above the 49th Parallel than below it, Fiat is apparently plans to add the new Panda (pictured above) and the aging Punto to the Canadian market. Coupled with the expected arrival of the 500L in Fiat “studios” both in Canada and the United States, suddenly the availability of affordable Italian cars looks on the up in the country where Sergio Marchionne was schooled.
Soon will disocntinue the as it ushers the new F12 Berlinetta into production, but until then the GTO holds its place as king of the hill. So before the ultimate incarnation of the 599 is swept off into retirement, Romeo Ferraris has developed a series of enhancements to the Ferrari flagship.
Given that Maranello has put just about everything it has into the 599 GTO, there wasn’t a lot of room to play around. So the tuner has released two small upgrades. Stage 1 encompasses a new air filter and exhaust for a 15-horsepower boost, while the Stage 2 kit remaps the ECU as well for 40-horsepower upgrade to bring overall output up to 710 hp – putting the final iteration of the 599 within spitting distance of its replacement’s 740 hp.
A series of extra carbon fiber components are also offered, but Romeo Ferraris apparently holds enough reverence for the donor cars to keep the modifications to a minimum.
We pity the fool who don’t think this is cool. Put aside the celebrity provenance of this “authentic replica,” allegedly “certified” by George Barris, for now and just take a look at the thing. It appears to be a spot-on knock-off of , the perfect midlife-crisis toy for anyone who grew up watching The A-Team. Imagine how cool it would be to drop the kids off at school in this?
Okay, the traffic snarl during drop-off time won’t clear out any faster, but when it comes to “,” you can’t top this custom 1983 G10. Wait, what’s that you say? B.A. drove a ? Of course he did. But this is a replica, and one that seems to have been built from a nearly identical Chevy donor.
The seller claims the van was built for none other than Mike Myers, he of Wayne’s World and Austin Powers fame. We’d like to see some documentation of this celebrity provenance, though it’s not the sort of thing that we’d see too much value in, regardless. We’re also curious about the last line of the sale ad: “Movie coming out in June!” It was back in June 2010 that the A-Teamfeature film debuted, which makes us think the seller might be willing to deal on his $20,000 price.
BMW i, the sub-brand within with its eye towards the future of mobility, has unveiled its third concept, the i8 Spyder. Based on the that debuted last year alongside the i3 city car, the i8 Spyder is at once an obvious followup, but also appears to be a couple of steps closer to the production models that will eventually go on sale to the public.
Like the coupe, the i8 Spyder is a plug-in through-the-road hybrid with a 96 kW (131 horsepower) electric motor up front powering the front axle and a mid-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine (presumably with a displacement of 1.5 liters like the coupe) producing 223 hp that powers the rear. A pack of lithium-ion batteries are located in a center tunnel between the two power sources, which together can produce a total system output of 354 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. On electricity alone, the i8 Spyder can travel about 19 miles before the gas engine turns on to recharge the batteries. BMW says the system is good for 94 miles per gallon on the Imperial cycle, which converts to upwards of 78 miles per gallon on our own EPA cycle.
The beauty of the i8 Spyder’s drivetrain is the car can be front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive depending on whether efficiency, performance or all-weather traction is called for. Like the coupe, the i8 Spyder also features a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and BMW claims to have completely cancelled out the extra weight of the hybrid drivetrain through extensive use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber and aluminum. Performance is also impressive, with 0-62 mph happening in five seconds and a top speed governed at 155 mph.
Not everything between the coupe and spyder is the same, though. The i8 Spyder has a slightly shorter wheelbase and overall length. Its upward-swiveling, windowless doors are also different. The car’s developers have also whimsically included a pair of electric scooters underneath a glass panel in the rear. Aside from a few more exterior tweaks to accommodate the open air design, which can be closed again with a two-section folding roof, the rest of the i8 Spyder is identical to the coupe, including the interior that features a slightly warmer choice of colors.
Scroll down for the official specs and info from BMW, and stay tuned while we hunt down the i8 Spyder for some in-person impressions. Though BMW makes no mention of its appearance at next week’s , the timing of this debut suggests it will be there.
