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Meet the Fiesta ST concept – it’s all the goodness of the newly introduced Focus ST, just in a smaller package. It looks just about ready to hit the streets, and that’s a good thing, since
Ford says that it is “seriously looking” at bringing this hot little number to production.

The beating heart under the Fiesta ST’s bonnet is a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, producing somewhere between 175 and 180 horsepower. The concept car uses a six-speed manual transmission and sends power exclusively to the front wheels, and Ford claims that the Fiesta ST is capable of running to 62 miles per hour in under seven seconds.

The big reason why we’re hoping the Fiesta ST gets the go-ahead? Ford says that the car will be a global model, meaning we’ll have two new Ford performance products to sink our teeth into in the United States. We’ve seen plenty of spy shots of the hotted-up Fiesta, so we’re fairly confident that this little darling will see the light of day sometime after the Focus ST goes on sale. The question is, will we get the three-door configuration, or will it spawn a set of rear doors?

We’ll have a slew of live images direct from the Frankfurt Messe in short order. For now, hit the jump to read over Ford’s official press release.

Continue reading Ford Fiesta ST Concept is tiny-tough hotness

Ford Fiesta ST Concept is tiny-tough hotness

German automaker Volkwagen is recalling 30,294 of its 2011-2012 model year Jetta sedans for tailpipe finishers that extend beyond the vehicle’s rear bumper.

On certain Jettas, stainless steel exhaust tips – sold at the point-of-purchase and installed at port during importation – may extend beyond the original length of the factory-installed exhaust pipes, a situation that could result in burns if bumped or touched while hot.

VW will notify owners of affected Jetta models by the end of November and says that dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the stainless tips with updated versions. Owners are urged to contact Volkswagen for additional info. Follow the jump for more details.

Continue reading 2011-2012 VW Jetta models recalled over…. excessively long exhaust?!

2011-2012 VW Jetta models recalled over…. excessively long exhaust?!

The McLaren Automotive Company (MAC for short) is presently holding a string of dealership grand opening ceremonies on a city-by-city basis around Europe. We caught up with them in Milan, Italy, at opening ceremony number five of the planned thirty-five ceremonies worldwide.

Located in the “expendable income” part of town, the dealership is more of a boutique storefront with a McLaren logo above a couple of the entryways. On the main part of the floor in the corner window is the star car, the MP4-12C, painted silver with a nice burgundy red interior.

Beautiful folks abounded, making us feel even drabber than usual. Then the moment arrived when the police escorted a black MP4-12C to a corded-off bit of curb in front of the showroom. Up went the driver’s side swan door and out came McLaren F1 driver and 2009 Formula One Drivers Champion, Jenson Button. Click through the jump to read more and watch a video of Button’s arrival.

Continue reading McLaren MP4-12C deliveries on schedule; Jenson Button makes sure of it

McLaren MP4-12C deliveries on schedule; Jenson Button makes sure of it

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a safety recall covering
295,123 vehicles, a pair of Subaru models and a close relative from Saab. The recall concerns front control arms that may fail if corroded, making the vehicle difficult to control. The action covers select 2003-2008 Forester crossovers, 2002-2007 Impreza models and some 2005-2006 Saab 9-2x hatchbacks, the latter heavily based on Subaru mechanicals.

In April, NHTSA launched an investigation after receiving seven complaints from owners of affected vehicles. In two instances, owners reported losing control of their vehicle due to control arm failure. The agency’s investigation revealed the front lower control arms may break at the hanger brackets due to corrosion if exposed to salt or humid environments.

This is a geographic recall, meaning that Subaru will inspect the degree of corrosion and either replace or rustproof the control arms on vehicles registered for use in the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and West Virginia.

Saab dealers will be responsible to inspect and repair affected 9-2x models as necessary, including the possible rustproofing or replacement of control arms. Owners who think that their vehicle may be covered under the recall are urged to contact their dealer.

Continue reading Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X recalled over control arm corrosion

Subaru Forester, Impreza and Saab 9-2X recalled over control arm corrosion

Earlier this year, we headed out to California’s Willow Springs Raceway to see Vaughn Gittin Jr. play with his 1969 RTR-X Ford Mustang for the very first time. It took just a few minutes for Gittin and his pony car to get acquainted, then it was all sideways action and tire smoke for the next couple of hours.

We weren’t the only ones watching Gittin that day, though. A film crew had their lenses pointed at the RTR-X as well, getting footage for a video about the making of the car. That video, produced by Team Need for Speed, has now been released, and it provides a glimpse into what it took to build the car, along with the people behind the project. There’s also some great footage of Gittin doing his thing in the RTR-X at Willow Springs. To watch the video just follow the jump and hit play.

Continue reading The making of Vaughn Gittin Jr’s 1969 RTR-X Ford Mustang

The making of Vaughn Gittin Jr’s 1969 RTR-X Ford Mustang

Honda has released a smattering of images that give us lots more to chew on when it comes to the brand-spankin’-new European edition of the 2012 Civic.

It’s been said before, and we’re going to say it again: The European-market Civic hatchback is much funkier and – to our eyes, at least – more attractive than its North American equivalent. Some things never change. According to Honda, design inspiration for the latest Euro Civic came from “a ‘blended wing body’ airplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.” Alrighty then.

In any case, the new body blends sharp new headlamps and more assertive fender flares with a unique Y-shaped blacked-out front fascia, but it shares design elements with the successful last-generation five-door, including a split-glass hatch area and rear door handles hidden in the C-pillar.

There aren’t any details just yet on what’s underneath that form-fitting sheetmetal, but we’re sure the typical small-displacement gasoline and diesel powerplants will be on offer along with various automatic and manual gearboxes. The automaker is claiming reduced carbon emissions (a given these days), improved ride and handling and class-leading interior space.

We’ll be getting an official debut from the floor of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but in the meantime, we suggest you browse through our high-res gallery of images and check out the brief press release after the break.

Continue reading Europe’s Honda Civic hatchback spills out ahead of Frankfurt debut

Europe’s Honda Civic hatchback spills out ahead of Frankfurt debut

With three different variants of the 2013 Lexus GS in the pipeline, Lexus is taking to the Frankfurt Motor Show to highlight the hybrid version just a few weeks after the GS 350 debuted in Pebble Beach.

Nothing’s particularly different on the outside of the GS 450h compared to its standard sibling, with the exception of a few hybrid badges and Lexus’ trademark blue logos. Under the hood, an Atkinson Cycle 3.5-liter V6 with a 13:1 compression ratio, some intake tweaks and a high-output, water-cooled electric motor brings output up to 338 horsepower and an undisclosed amount of torque. In standard Eco mode, the PCU dolls out 500V on justice while Sport increases voltage to 650V to maximize off-the-line acceleration. Lexus claims a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds, but isn’t giving up fuel economy numbers just yet.

All the runnings bits from the standard GS carry over unchanged, including the Lexus Dynamic Handling System with four-wheel steering. Expect more from the show floor tomorrow, but in the meantime, check out the first batch of images and press release below the fold.

Continue reading Lexus debuts GS450h ahead of Frankfurt

Lexus debuts GS450h ahead of Frankfurt

Hot hatch fans have been waiting patiently for Ford to officially reveal its new Focus ST. Well, stop waiting and start securing your deposit, because the Blue Oval brand has finally pulled back the sheet and peeled off the camouflage. The 2012 Ford Focus ST will makes its global debut at this week’s 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and we’ve got all the details on the hi-po hatchback for you right here.

The Focus ST features a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder under its hood, rated at 247 horsepower and an impressive 265 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission should pair nicely with the torque-loving engine, which Ford says was painstakingly tuned to produce exquisite engine and exhaust notes by its sound engineers.

Continue reading Ford reveals production 2012 Focus ST, shows off Euro-only Focus ST Wagon

Ford reveals production 2012 Focus ST, shows off Euro-only Focus ST Wagon

Ford may be showing off its new Focus ST and ST Wagon, but there’s also something in store for those seeking a far more track-focused ride. The Ford Focus ST-R is a product of Ford Racing, and it will be made available to North American motorsports teams in the very near future.

The Focus racer has been homologated out of the gate to conform to U.S. and Canadian touring car racing specs, including items like an FIA-spec rollcage and a specifically tuned suspension tuned for track work. Ford has stated that it will eventually filter into other regions throughout the world, providing a turn-key racer to motorsports teams across the globe.

Besides helping professional racers, Ford Racing will take the knowledge gleaned from the Focus ST-R to develop performance parts for the roadgoing production Focus.

Continue reading Ford Racing unveils Focus ST-R

Ford Racing unveils Focus ST-R

Ford’s EcoBoost offerings may have started off big and powerful, but the Blue Oval is quickly moving towards small and thrifty. Ford will soon offer its smallest turbocharged offering yet, as a new 1.0-liter, three-cylinder has been announced in advance of the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The new EcoBoost truoke will be available in the Ford Focus, C-Max and B-Max, and it will be available in 99 horsepower and 118 hp variants. A respectable 125 pound-feet of torque is available from a scant 1,300 rpm thanks to a turbocharger that can spool up to 250,000 revolutions per minute. Ford was able to extract so much power out of such a small, boosted engine thanks to improved twin variable camshaft design and an exhaust manifold cast that is cast into the cylinder head. And get this: While other EcoBoost offerings start with an aluminum block, the 1.0-liter includes an iron engine block, which isn’t only cheaper, it reduces engine warmup time by 50 percent.

The key benefits sought from engine downsizing, of course, are improved fuel economy and lowered emissions. In this scenario, Ford promises 120 g/km C02, which works out to right around 45.5 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the European cycle. That 120 g/km figure, in case you’re wondering, is identical to the much smaller Scion iQ, which gets a 36 city / 37 highway EPA rating. The diminutive engine will be fitted with five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions.

The three-liter EcoBoost will start off as a Europe-only affair, arriving early in 2012. Ford hasn’t announced any availability of this engine in the U.S., though presumably consistently high fuel prices could change that over time. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

Continue reading Ford 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder finds a home in the Euro-spec Focus

Ford 1.0L EcoBoost three-cylinder finds a home in the Euro-spec Focus

Around this time last year, Jaguar unveiled the incredible C-X75 Concept at the Paris Motor Show. With four electric motors and two micro-gas turbines powering all four wheels, we knew the C-X75 had little chance of going to production – at least in concept form – let alone finding a place in our own garages.

Fast-forward a year later, and it’s an entirely different theme at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Earlier today, Jaguar revealed the C-X16 Concept here in Germany ahead of its auto show debut tomorrow, and we were on-hand to take it all in.

Unlike the C-X75, the C-X16 is most definitely headed for production and could actually be fairly affordable. Although it looks like a replacement for the aging XK, it isn’t. In fact, a version of the C-X16 will actually slot below the XK to battle smaller sporty coupes like the Porsche Cayman. Under the hood of the concept is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 producing 376 horsepower and 332 lb-ft torque, and an electric motor in the eight-speed transmission delivers another 92 horsepower and 173 lb-ft torque. Jaguar estimates that the C-X16 concept can achieve 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph.

You can see our live photos from the debut in our exclusive gallery above or you can read more about the C-X16 Concept in the official press release after the jump.

Continue reading Jaguar C-X16 Concept previews entry-level Porsche Cayman fighter

Jaguar C-X16 Concept previews entry-level Porsche Cayman fighter

The Aventador is the Lamborghini that’s currently getting all the attention, but the automaker doesn’t want its entry-level Gallardo range to feel left out. Enter the “all-new” Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. Named after the famed one-make race series created as a collaboration between Blancpain and Lamborghini, this limited-edition Gallardo will drop weight while adding racecar spec goodies.

Still, we can’t help but feel like we’re looking at a car Lamborghini already released. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the Italian automaker showed off the LP570-4 Blancpain Edition, which wore dark black paint, a big rear wing and tipped the scales at just 2,954 pounds.

According to the folks at TeamSpeed, the Super Trofeo Stradale seen above wears a beautiful shade of red called Rosso Mars. It also wears a massive rear wing and weighs 2,954 pounds. Both cars run from 0-62 miles per hour in 3.4 seconds thanks to the 570-horsepower V10 engine and all-wheel-drive setup.

Is Lamborghini simply trying to wring out every last coin and dollar that it can from the aging Gallardo? That might be the case, but who can blame them? We expect every one of the 150 examples to be snatched up quickly, and each owner will undoubtedly have a smile on their face when coaxing that 10-cylinder engine into full song. Stick with Autoblog over the next few days, as we’ll have live shots and impressions of the Super Trofeo Stradale upon its reveal at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Continue reading Limited-edition hardcore Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale leaks out

Limited-edition hardcore Lamborghini Gallardo 570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale leaks out

Today, Motor Trend announced the winner of its 2011 Best Driver’s Car competition. The Ferrari 458 Italia took the top honors, beating out the other ten cars in the field. The annual roundup takes into account several factors, including lapping at California’s Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, instrumented testing and street driving.

Interestingly, the 458 Italia didn’t have the quickest lap time, nor did it record the best straight-line numbers. A Chevrolet Corvette Z06 with the Z07 suspension package and barely street-legal tires managed a blistering 1:34.43 second lap at Laguna Seca, beating the 458 Italia by nearly two seconds. The 458 Italia also fell short of winning the acceleration tests, losing out to the 2012 Nissan GT-R and its all-wheel-drive.

So why did it win? You’ll have read the full article over at MotorTrend.com, or hit the jump to see a video of all eleven contenders drag race simultaneously at the El Toro Marine base.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia named MT’s best driver’s car of 2011, participates in 11-way exotic drag race

Ferrari 458 Italia named MT’s best driver’s car of 2011, participates in 11-way exotic drag race

German Porsche tuning specialist Techart has released new renderings of some upcoming products including the GTStreet RS that will debut at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, as well as their new individualization program for the 2012 Porsche 911 that will make its first appearance at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

First up is the GTStreet RS, based on the potent Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Techart has fitted Porsche’s flagship 911 with a multitude of modifications, ranging from aerodynamic upgrades to a new power kit that pushes the twin-turbo flat-six to around 720 horsepower and 664 lb-ft torque. Techart says that the GTStreet RS is capable of reaching 62 mph from a standing start in just 3.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 219 mph.

Still several months away is Techart’s individualization program for the new Porsche 911. Porsche is only debuting the new 911 for the first time in Frankfurt this week, and Techart says that they will be the first to have an aftermarket program for the car. Various body components, interior upgrades and wheels in 20- and 21-inch sizes will be available. A 911 featuring Techart upgrades will be on display at the company’s booth at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Follow the jump for full details on both the Techart GTStreet RS and the Techart 911.

Continue reading Techart previews new wares ahead of Frankfurt, Geneva

Techart previews new wares ahead of Frankfurt, Geneva

It was a lengthy and Facebook-y process to get the Audi TT-RS to come to the United States, so why not grab all the TT-RS that you can? Audi is offering a racing version of its hottest TT model: a 380-horsepower, front-wheel-drive hardtop that has already won its class in the Nürburgring 24-Hour race and is legal for the VLN’s SP4T class. Nor has the lack of quattro unduly compromised it, since it also took first-in-class at a six-hour race in changing conditions.

It will run €180,000, but that comes with “optimal support to our customers” according to Audi. You’ll find the full presser after the jump, and enough high-res photos for a taste of the kerb-eating goodness.

Continue reading Audi releases 380-hp, front-drive TT RS that you can buy

Audi releases 380-hp, front-drive TT RS that you can buy

Honda Motor Co. is recalling nearly 347,000 examples of its Pilot crossovers worldwide for a potential issue with the front seatbelts.

Honda says the recall, which affects 2009-2011 model year Pilot models built in Alabama, is “due to a manufacturing error on a small number of front seat belts, where the stitching connecting the lap section of the belt to the outboard anchor webbing may be incomplete or missing.” The affected seatbelts could disconnect from the anchor webbing in an accident, increasing the risk of an injury.

Honda will contact Pilot owners in early October and will inspect the stitching on front seatbelts of the recalled vehicles. Assemblies will be replaced free of charge if Honda deems them to be defective. Honda says almost 311,000 of the recalled Pilot models are registered in the U.S., 10,000 in Canada, 8,000 in Mexico and the rest in other countries. Fortunately, Honda says no injuries or deaths have been reported related to this issue. Check out Honda’s official statement after the jump for more information.

Continue reading Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue

Honda recalls 347,000 Pilot models over seatbelt issue

Spiegel Online set the rumormill ablaze with an unconfirmed report that General Motors is seeking some sort of cooperative deal with German automaker BMW. Speigel says The General’s interest in BMW is primarily related to the German firm’s gasoline and diesel engine technology.

Beyond that, Spiegel reports that Stephen Girsky, GM’s board member in charge of strategy, has started discussions with BMW on “far-reaching joint projects.” For his part, BMW chairman Dr. Norbert Reithofer previously went on record saying the German automaker was open to the idea of selling engines to other companies so long as such a move – like the recent agreement BMW made with Fisker Automotive – wouldn’t strengthen a direct competitor’s position or damage BMW’s reputation.

In exchange, Spiegel reports that BMW is intrigued by the technology behind the Opel Ampera. This should come as no surprise considering that former Opel exec Frank Weber (pictured) now heads research and development at BMW. Weber is known as the leader of the team that transformed the Chevrolet Volt from a wild-eyed concept to a production vehicle.

Dow Jones says neither General Motors nor BMW were immediately available for comment on this alleged deal.

Lured in by Opel Ampera tech, BMW seeks deal with GM

Toray Industries, a multinational corporation headquartered in Japan that specializes in industrial fibers and textiles, has teamed with world-renowned designer Gordon Murray to dream up the T-Wave AR1, a two-seat electric concept that showcases Toray’s carbon fiber expertise.

Toray says the T-Wave AR1 can hit speeds of up to 91 miles per hour and has a range of around 115 miles. Although it’s nothing more than a concept, Toray claims the T-Wave could be modified for on-road use.

The T-Wave’s extensive use of carbon fiber keeps weight to a minimum (1,865 pounds), and its carbon fiber monocoque makes it Superman strong. Toray says the AR1’s frame is roughly ten times as rugged as a steel equivalent and that it can absorb 2.5 times more energy during a collision. The T-Wave will get an official debut at the Toray Advanced Materials Symposium at the Tokyo International Forum on September 14.

Gordon Murray and Toray unveil electric T-Wave AR1 concept

It’s easy to talk endlessly about unbelievably powerful cars, almost to the point that numbers become meaningless. In an effort to crystallize what 1,200 horses in a 2,685-pound car can do in the real world, we present a new video of the 2012 Hennessey Venom GT.

In the time it takes your wheezy Civic to go from 65 to 75 mph, the Venom GT has sprinted from 70 mph to a staggering 215 and is on its cool-down run. If you were to push hard enough with enough road, the Venom GT wouldn’t stop until it hit 275 mph. Click past the jump to see the what the instrument cluster in the Venom looks like when you drop the hammer at 70 mph.

Continue reading How powerful is the Hennessey Venom GT? Just you watch

How powerful is the Hennessey Venom GT? Just you watch

The flagship Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG represents the pinnacle of the company’s considerable engineering prowess. Yet there are always those looking for a little more. And for such customers, Mercedes has announced a series of new options available on the Gullwing coupe and its roadster counterpart.

The list includes new wheels and paint finishes (like the Sepang Brown Metallic pictured above), as well as the company’s latest blind-spot warning system. But the salient point of the announcement (which you can read in full after the jump) is the new AMG Ride Control suspension.

Available as a ~$3,000 option over the stock setup, the new adjustable suspension offers drivers a choice between Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus settings. Some buyers will invariably revel in the choices, but then as Lotus founder Colin Chapman once famously quipped, “Make the suspension adjustable and they will adjust it wrong.” Good thing, then, AMG has taken the guesswork out of the equation.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz offers new Ride Control suspension on SLS AMG