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“We asked Ram Truck customers – boaters, campers, fishing enthusiasts and hunters – what features would they like to see in a truck. They answered ‘more capability, more room for my gear and ready to hit the trail. And make it affordable.’”

So says Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Chrysler’s Ram Truck Brand. And apparently, he’s not just blowing smoke. Chrysler’s internal research suggests that 62 percent of fullsize pickup truck owners hunt, fish or camp. The automaker’s response to these apparent needs is the new 2011 Ram Outdoorsman.

Functional upgrades include standard trailer towing accommodations, limited-slip differential, 17-inch wheels with off-highway-ready tread pattern tires, underbody protection, tow hooks, halogen head lamps and fog lights. In order to set the truck apart from its siblings, the Outdoorsman will get a two-tone paint scheme with Mineral Gray on the lower portion, wheel lip moldings and, of course, appropriate compass-themed badges.

No matter what configuration you order – 1500, 2500 or 3500; Regular Cab, Quad Cab, Crew Cab or Mega Cab; four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive etc. – Ram promises that the Outdoorsman will be available towards the end of the year, and it will be a replacement for the old TRX4 trim level. Pricing will begin at $28,350 including destination.

In related outdoorsy news, Ram has also announced a new Holster option (right) for 1500 trucks equipped with the RamBox. For just $205, it will “gently, yet securely cradles two rifles or shotguns, or can be rotated 90 degrees to hold up to six fishing rods.” Really, how could you possibly pass that up? See all the details of both new products in the press release after the break.

[Source: Ram Trucks]

Continue reading Ram Trucks debuts new 2011 Outdoorsman, RamBox Holster

Ram Trucks debuts new 2011 Outdoorsman, RamBox Holster

Our Peeping Tom spy photographers normally catch prototypes while they’re out and about on the street, but sometimes they catch a peek inside automakers’ development studios from the street, snagging shots of test mules before their tires even touch the ground. This is one such case, and though these photos aren’t clear as day, it’s no secret that Audi’s new Q3 crossover, based on the Volkswagen Tiguan, is what’s being prepped behind closed doors (but not behind closed blinds).

We’ve known that Audi would be creating a CUV smaller than the Q5 for quite some time now, and while the baby soft-roader relies heavily on Tiguan underpinnings, we’re sure that the quad-rung crossover will be much more shapely. Here, we see the sloping roofline and more rakish hatch, giving the Q3 a sportier stance than its VW-badged kin. Set to compete head-on with the BMW X1, the Q3 should make its debut sometime in 2011 with the first production models hitting dealers later that year. Take a close look at these spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Tiguan-based Audi Q3 peeped through a window

The Porsche 918 Spyder is an impressive vehicle in almost every conceivable way. The stunning, production-approved drop-top should be motivated by something close to the concept’s 500-horsepower V8; almost weak by supercar standards but the still-powerful mill is only part of the powertrain story. The 918 concept also featured a pair of 109-hp electric motors powered by a lithium-ion battery capable of EV-only propulsion that theoretically enables the 918 to drive 16 miles on electricity alone. Then there is perhaps the most awesome statistic: the 918’s rumored €500,000 ($650,000 in U.S. dollars) price tag.

What could make the 918 still more impressive? How about a 7:20 lap around the famed Nürburgring? That’s the word coming out of the Teamspeed forums, where an image quoting the ‘Ring time (see it here) was allegedly used in a presentation by Ferdinand Piëch. If true, the 918 would best ‘Ring kings like the Corvette ZR1 and Nissan GT-R. A lap time of 7:20 would even best the time of the last exotic Porsche, the Cerrara GT, by eight seconds.

Such a quick lap isn’t out of the realm of possibility, especially since we’re talking about a $650,000 Porsche, but we’re not inclined to believe it until we see some in-car video. For one, we don’t even know if the 918 Spyder has actually been to the ‘Ring yet, let alone laid down such quick times. If it had, we would expect our spy photographers to have caught it on film, which they haven’t… yet. Second, the forums are also claiming that Piëch once said his hybrid supercar did a simulated lap of the Nürburgring in 7:30, which further adds to the confusion. Finally, the 7:20 lap time could also just be a target for the production 918 Spyder, something not yet achieved but that Porsche hopes the car will do on the other side of its development.

Whatever the case may be, even the mention of being that quick around Germany’s Green Hell implies that Porsche is developing the production 918 Spyder to compete like no Porsche has before.

[Source: Teamspeed forums via World Car Fans]

Rumormill: Porsche 918 Spyder lapped the ‘Ring in 7:20?

Up until recently, Infiniti wasn’t entirely sure what its brand was all about. But since its latest reboot, the brand has staked a claim as an unabashedly Japanese performance luxury automaker – in essence, the anti-Lexus.

Today, it’s taking another step in that direction with the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line and unveiling the first vehicle to wear the new badge: the IPL G Coupe. And anyone expecting an answer to BMW’s M division or Mercedes’ AMG line might be slightly disappointed.

Like most in-house component offerings, Infiniti is putting an emphasis on style, performance and OEM-level fit and finish, beginning with new front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler and 19-inch seven-spoke graphite wheels. Matching the Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black exteriors are a new set of sport seats with thicker bolsters, manual thigh extenders (ala BMW), torso and thigh support adjustment, along with de rigueur contrasting red stitching.

Far more important is what’s been done under the hood and at each wheel well. A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Infiniti hasn’t released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we’re hoping the price premium isn’t excessively high for what’s essentially a glorified sport package. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Our first stop during the annual classic and exotic car feast up in Monterey every year is always the Jet Center Party, more formally known as McCall’s Motorworks Revival. This year was no exception and aside from the copious amounts of food and drink available, there were of course some cars to sate our appetites.

One that immediately caught our eye was sitting right in the middle of the centerpiece Lotus display. It was the just-announced Lotus Exos T125 single-seat racer. Even alongside Takuma Sato’s current Indy Racing League Lotus Dallara, the Exos draws a huge crowd.

This customer car will be available to a select few enthusiasts who wish to part with a million dollars or more to experience the thrills of Formula 1 racing for themselves – or at least a reasonable fascimile. The 650-horsepower Cosworth engine is limited to just 10,300 RPM for longevity, but that should be more than enough to keep the 25 projected customers happy.

We’re hoping Lotus takes this Exos out on the track this week so we can see it in action. If that happens we’ll be sure to bring you more pics, but for now, check out the gallery of photos from Wednesday night’s Jet Center Party below.

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Monterey 2010: Lotus Exos Type 125 debuts in front of crowd that can afford it

The annual Monterey classic and exotic car festivities may culminate in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, but there are literally dozens of events during the week to keep everyone happy. Check out our official Autoblog Monterey Calendar if you doubt us. Our favorite way to kick off the week is always Wednesday night’s McCall’s Motorworks Revival at The Monterey Jet Center. The Jet Center Party, as it’s more informally known, brings together some of the most significant cars from all of the other events, along with many of the celebs and VIPs, lots of fabulous food and beverages, and an awesome assortment of classic warplanes and new jets for sale. It might sound like an odd mix, but it makes for a perfect start to our week in Monterey every year.

While the Lotus booth was truly a worthy centerpiece this year, with its all-new, million-dollar Lotus Exos T125 single-seat racer, Lotus Evora Cup GT4 car, Takuma Sato’s Indy Racing League Lotus Dallara and a production Lotus Evora, there was plenty more to see as usual. Bonham’s brought over several of their top offerings; a few race cars made it over from the track, some vintage Jaguars snuck over from Quail, and Bentley, Jaguar, Audi, Porsche; and several other manufacturers had their usual grand displays. There were even a few oddball, one-off and fledgling builders on hand, like the Singer 911 and Morgan.

Highlights included the Jaguar XJ13 and XK-SS, Audi Sport Quattro and R10, Lola T220, the bare metal Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, Maserati A6GCS, Porsche 550 and 917 Spyders and that super rare drag pack Shelby GT350 Mustang. Heck, we even got to hang out with Takuma Sato who said he’s really enjoying his rookie season in IndyCars and that ovals are a real test of your concentration. He also said he loves the way the Lotus Evora Cup GT4 car feels. Real nice guy.

Click below to check out our gallery of photos from Wednesday night’s Jet Center Party.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Monterey 2010: McCall’s Motorworks Revival kicks things off

Let’s include this one in the highly improbably file. The Mopar specialists at Allpar.com are reporting that the previously reported 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T minivan could come powered by a V8 engine. Along with most of the Chrysler lineup, the Town and Country and Caravan will be getting a substantial mid-cycle refresh in the coming months. While the main focus will be on upgraded interiors, the minivans are also getting new powertrains with the fresh Pentastar V6 replacing the tired old 3.8- and 4.0-liter V6s.

However, putting a V8 into the Grand Caravan seems like a stretch at best. Chrysler’s own 4.7- and 5.7-liter V8s almost certainly won’t fit in the vans, which are designed around 60-degree V6 engines. That leaves an engine out of the Fiat lineup as the only option. Unfortunately, the only V8s at Fiat reside under the hoods of Maseratis and Ferraris (along with the late Alfa Romeo 8C). Aside from the fact that these probably wouldn’t fit either, none have ever been configured for a transverse application and they would all be enormously expensive.

As intriguing as the idea of a 400+hp Ferrari-powered Grand Caravan might be, it makes about as much sense as a Bentley-powered Volkswagen Golf. Wait a second…

[Source: Allpar]

Rumormilll: Ferrari-powered 2011 Dodge Caravan R/T coming?

There was a time, not so long ago, that if you wanted a proper fullsize luxury sedan (short of a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, at least), your choices were “largely” limited to the German three: the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But that was before the Lexus LS came along, the Infiniti Q45 came and went, when Jaguar’s XJ was still a tight fit (and an unreliable one at that) and the Maserati Quattroporte didn’t really factor into the equation. Don’t even get us started on underdogs like the Volkswagen Phaeton and Hyundai Equus, but you get the point. Volvo recently became the latest rumored to be joining the fold, and now it looks like Cadillac could as well.

Substantiating earlier reports, the latest batch indicate that the call for a fullsize Caddy to battle the German stalwarts came right from the top, from GM CEO Ed Whitacre. And why shouldn’t it? After all, if the head of one of the largest corporations in the world needs a new ride, he shouldn’t have to look to a competitor like his Japanese counterpart Toyoda-san was spotted doing.

As is often the case with such rumors, few details are known at this point. But the project is expected to slot above the upcoming XTS – the model that’s slated to replace both the STS and DTS sedans – with a rear- or all-wheel-drive setup and arrive no sooner than 2014. So we’ve got a while to wait before we find out if there’s anything to these reports. But they certainly are intriguing.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Whitacre wants a flagship S-Class rival for Cadillac

The full-on competition version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now officially available to order for race teams in preparation for the 2011 season. Mercedes-Benz will start delivering the GT3-class race cars in February of 2011, leaving plenty of time for teams to do their own preseason testing.

The GT3 class for production based sports cars is truly heating up these days with Mercedes joining Audi, BMW and, of course, Porsche. The American Le Mans Series has dipped its toe into GT3 waters this year as well with the GT Challenge class. At present, GT Challenge is currently limited to Porsche 911s but hopefully, Porsche will open it up to other GT3 contenders.

AMG and HWA AG are developing and producing the SLS GT3, and track testing began in June with veteran Mercedes-Benz DTM and GT driver Bernd Schnieder at the wheel. Before customer deliveries begin, the SLS will appear in some VLN endurance series races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year. The SLS AMG GT3 costs €334,000 before value added taxes (about $430,000 U.S.). Check out the official press release after the break.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 order books open for 2011 race season

Last week, we informed you that sales of the Toyota Prius had sharply dropped off this July, falling some 30 percent from the reported numbers a year ago, yet Toyota was pleased with the results. While it seemed rather odd that Toyota was satisfied with a drop in sales, the fact that the Cash for Clunkers program kicked off in July of 2009 helped to make some sense of the decline.

Though sales of the Prius may have fallen, the company is surely pleased with its continued dominance in the hybrid market. Toyota and Lexus have combined to capture 73.9 percent of U.S. hybrid sales for July, and surely that’s something to be pleased about. The seven hybrid models from Toyota and Lexus accounted for 17,504 sales in July, with the Prius capturing a rather astounding 59.6 percent of the hybrid market for the month.

Ford placed a far distant second to Toyota by reporting just 2,896 hybrid sales in July, while Honda remained planted in third with a total tally of 2,475 hybrid sales. So, while Prius sales may have dropped off compared to last year, there’s no denying that Toyota still retains its position atop the hybrid market.

[Source: Green Car Advisor]

Toyota and Lexus combine to capture 73.9% of hybrid sales in July

Karl Stracke, General Motors VP of global engineering, has unequivocally denied the recent rumors about a mid-engine version of the next-generation Corvette with a wet-dual-clutch transmission. Stracke spoke with editors at Automotive News and Autoweek and addressed the latest batch of rumors. For decades, speculation about what will be done with a next-generation Corvette invariably pops up almost immediately after a new model is introduced.

For example, a mid-engined Corvette has reportedly been on the cards since at least the mid-60s, thanks in part to a string of concept and experimental models of that configuration. The last Corvette-badged mid-engine concept was the 1990 CERV-III, but that hasn’t stopped the speculation – especially in recent years as the Corvette has gained increased respect among the ranks of high-end sports cars. According to Stracke, “There is no mid-engine in the plans.”

The same goes for a the story revealed by a Saab engineer about development of a wet DCT. Automakers are increasingly moving away from wet-clutch gearboxes to dry-clutch units because they are less expensive and more efficient. While Stracke shoots down the wet DCT, no mention is made of a dry-clutch unit… if Chevrolet follows Ferrari and Porsche down the dual-clutch path, that is almost certainly the type we will see.

Stracke also put the kibosh on a V6 Corvette. GM has already announced a direct injected small-block V8 is coming soon for its full-size pickup trucks and the Corvette will no doubt follow. Stracke did acknowledge that a hybrid is a possibility for the sports car and since competitors are going that way it wouldn’t be out of place.

That said, we want to know what you think – What should power the next Corvette? Click past the break to vote in our informal poll.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading GM quells Corvette rumors: No mid-engine, maybe a hybrid [w/poll]

GM quells Corvette rumors: No mid-engine, maybe a hybrid [w/poll]

Motor Trend is reporting that Toyota’s may be getting back into motorsports big-time with a GT entry based on the Lexus LFA. According to the report, Lexus would enter the FIA GT1 championship to take on the Nissan GT-R. This seems like a move downmarket for the $375,000 Lexus sports car from a marketing standpoint. GT1 is also a faltering race class that’s being eliminated under the new 2011 Le Mans rules.

If Toyota wants to race the LFA, it would make more sense to head to Le Mans where it can take on Ferraris, Aston Martins and Porsches in the GT2 class. The LFA race edition (above) that’s already been developed and run in the last two 24 hour races at the Nürburgring would already be close to GT2 specification and could be ready for the 2011 race season.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Lexus to build GT racing version of LFA, GT1 or GT2?

The Chrysler Group is only a few months away from bringing the Fiat brand back to the United States, starting with the launch of the too-cute 500 later this year. The automaker will be holding a Fiat Experience event in Detroit at the end of August, and around 600 dealers from around the country have been invited to attend.

These 600 dealers are located in cities where Chrysler is planning to have Fiat franchises – a total of 119 different markets around the country. The Fiat Experience program will give dealers a detailed overview of Chrysler’s exact plans for the brand in the U.S., and dealers will be allowed to submit proposals for snagging a Fiat franchise through mid-September.

No, not all of these 600 dealers will be approved for Fiat franchises, and Chrysler will be announcing its final list of Fiat locations in the fourth quarter of 2010. Hit the jump to see the current list of market considerations to find out if a Fiat dealer might be heading to a city near you.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler chooses 600 dealerships for possible Fiat franchises

Chrysler chooses 600 dealerships for possible Fiat franchises

While we’d all love to see 1,000-horsepower supercars that effortlessly reach 100 miles per gallon, the pace of fuel economy improvement is far less aggressive. Automakers are scratching and clawing for every mpg they can find by doing things like downsizing and turbocharging engines, adding direct injection and variable valve timing, utilizing electric power steering and cutting weight. Another great way to save fuel is through improved aerodynamics, as evidenced by an enhancement made to the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco that helps the new C-segment sedan reach 40 mpg on the highway.

The Eco Cruze utilizes an innovative automatic air shutter system that closes the grill vents at higher speeds to reduce drag by .016 – adding .5 mpg and helping push the Cruze to the magic 40 mpg number. The shutter system is fitted to sensors that measure changes in speed or temperature. If the temperature drops or the sensors measure sufficiently high speeds, the vents will be closed by electric motors, cutting down the amount of air that enters the engine bay. Why not simply keep the grill vents closed all the time? Because added airflow is needed to help cool the engine at lower speeds. Follow the jump to read the General Motors presser and watch a minute-long video that shows how the shutter system works.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Exploded view of Chevy Cruze “shutter” grille [w/video]

Exploded view of Chevy Cruze “shutter” grille [w/video]

The turnaround at Jaguar/Land Rover is happening even faster than the company’s owner, Tata, had planned. A year ago, JLR posted a net loss of £64 million ($101M U.S.) in Q2; compare that to this year’s second quarter and its £233.8 million ($369M U.S.) net profit on 57,135 vehicles sold.

While we’re sure they aren’t complaining, the boost has left JLR in bit of a lurch: production has bottlenecked because it needs more engines from Ford, after already buying “considerably more” than it expected. Ford hasn’t offered any comment, but it is reported that the two companies are working together to figure out how to get Jaguar the powerplants it needs.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Engine shortages holding back Jaguar Land Rover sales

Scion is about to expand past its initial three-model lineup with a rather intriguing new vehicle that’s set to take on the Smart Fortwo as the microcar of choice for those looking to downsize as far as humanly possible. While the upcoming iQ is a pretty nifty machine, it won’t quite be practical for a large number of drivers here in the United States.

Hence, it’s not entirely surprising that Scion is reportedly considering a possible fifth, sixth or even seventh model. As before, talk of a small pickup truck is apparently on the table. Interestingly, Scion vice president Jack Hollis suggests that something like the Toyota A-BAT concept could be revived in Scion guise.

Another possible Scion model could be based on the love-it-or-(more-likely)-hate-it Hako Concept from the 2008 New York Auto Show. Finally – and certainly most interestingly for enthusiasts – a small, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe is also on the table for consideration. We know where we’re casting our vote…

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Pickup, crossover and RWD coupe being considered for Scion?

Don’t get us wrong. We love ourselves some DeLorean, and we’d argue there may not be a more iconic motorsports paint scheme in history than the classic Gulf Racing livery. But sometimes, two rights make one horrible wrong. Such is the case with today’s eBay Find of the Day.

Call us purists if you must, but DeLoreans should all be left in their bare unfinished stainless steel suit. And so it’s a rather good thing that this otherwise fine example of the breed isn’t actually painted at all – the horrid coating you see in the images below is actually a vinyl wrap. Thank God for small miracles.

Looking past the unfortunate wrap, what we have here appears to be a very nice gullwinged coupe with under 10,000 miles. It’s got the preferred five-speed manual transmission, has been updated with an Eibach suspension kit and it’s been otherwise completely refurbished by the experts at DeLorean Motor Company.

At the time of this writing, the top bid sits at just over $15K and there’s five days left. Happy bidding (and happy removal of its vinyl wrap…)!

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: Gulf Racing DeLorean is a very bad idea

And he’s going racing with it. Marek Reichman, the design director for Aston Martin, will be hopping into the saddle of a Vantage GT4 for his first shot at the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Brittain. Reichman has gone fender to fender before, though he typically keeps to vintage club racing. This will be the first time he’s stepped up to the 90-minute big boy leagues of his company’s one-make series. Reichman won’t be doing it alone, though. Chris Porritt, the engineering manager for Aston Martin, will be sharing driving duties.

Porritt has helmed the mighty Vantage GT4 in the past, though most of his experience has been at the Nürburgring. We’re thinking that if he can keep the car shiny side up around Green Hell, he should have no problem going toe to toe with the rest of the field. That doesn’t mean that the competition is going to be a cakewalk for the team – so far this season, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge has proven to be full of more than capable racers. The race is slated to kick off at Oulton Park on Saturday, August 21. Hit the jump for a peek at the press release.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin design director gets custom Vantage GT4

Aston Martin design director gets custom Vantage GT4

The Ford F-150 is getting a lineup of four all-new engines for the 2011 model year that includes two V6s and two V8s. According to Ford, the entire new engine family will be more fuel efficient than the outgoing 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 by at least 20 percent.

The same 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 found in the 2011 Mustang will be available at launch this fall in the F-150, as will the 6.2-liter V8 from the 2011 Super Duty truck. Then, early in 2011, the F-150 will be the first rear-wheel-drive application of the much praised 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.

The base 3.7-liter V6 will be rated at 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque while yielding a 6,100-pound towing capacity, which matches the Silverado hybrid. The 3.7 liter will be offered in the XL, XLT and STX trim levels only. The high volume engine is expected to be the new 5.0-liter V8, which you can read more about after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

Ford F-150 engines for 2011 announced, includes EcoBoost V6

The arrival of the Audi A7 in the U.S. is almost a given, designed to slot in – predictably – between the A6 and all-new A8, while finally providing Audi with a Mercedes-Benz CLS competitor. But what of the A5 Sportback?

According to our sources, the success of the A7 will play a key role in Audi’s decision to import the A5 Sportback into the States. If the A7 is well received, the Sportback could be slotted in as a smaller alternative to the larger A7 and its closest competitor, the CLS. We haven’t been given a timeline on when the A7 could arrive, but with the European launch happening early next year, a Stateside debut in 2011 isn’t out of the question.

Audi’s product expansion isn’t just limited to new models, but includes the continued proliferation of available drivetrains. To that end, a diesel-powered A8 should arrive in the U.S. sometime next year.

When the A8 goes on sale this November, both the standard and long-wheelbase versions will launch simultaneously, each packing Audi’s 450 horsepower 4.2-liter TSI V8. The 500-hp W12, however, won’t be an option on the A8L until the first quarter of 2011. If Audi decides to equip the A8 with a diesel, expect the same 3.0-liter V6 TDI fitted to the refreshed Q7, outputting around 225 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Audi A5 Sportback could come to the States, A8 diesel due next year