built an last year, showed off an this year, now Autocar reports that Mercedes is open to considering an electric offering. To be precise, Autocar said such an “is not being ruled out” and that ‘ technical head Thomas Weber said, “We are looking at customer demand.” All that really means is that it’s on the table, probably alongside a whole lot of other things that might or might not ever happen.
However, Mercedes is part-way there with its , and the next S-Class due in 2013 will add a plug-in hybrid option. Until then it’ll be up to to – eventually – bring ionized motoring to the luxury sedan masses.
If you have even a passing interest in the world of two-wheeled transportation, you likely already know all about Ace Cafe. The place started as a roadside diner, but quickly evolved into a haven for young London bike nuts after World War II. As a result, the name is now synonymous with the café racer phenomenon. Mark Wilsmore took the reins at Ace in 1993 and completely restored the structure in 2001. Now, the little diner serves as a hub for thousands of riders from around the world every day.
Today, Ace Cafe is planning to open outlets here in The Land Of The Free. A total of ten locations are set to spring up across the country soon, and to mark the occasion, Dime City Cycles is throwing a grand-opening celebration in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, May 14.
We typically recoil from the commercialization of something as unique and special as the Ace Cafe, but if anyone can do this and do it right, it’s Wilsmore. The man knows a thing or two about putting together a custom bikers, which leads us to believe the new Aces may actually be a place real riders want to spend time instead of a glorified t-shirt stand. for the full press release.
, , and are the only nameplates that failed to boast improved sales in April of 2011 when compared to the same period one year ago. Besides those Debbie Downers, things are looking pretty darn good for automakers in the United States.
We’re awfully curious to see what the impending summer selling seasons will have in store for Japanese automakers as they continue to claw back production lost due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that ravaged the country just weeks ago, but for now, it seems no shortages have yet to significantly impact any sales figures.
Breaking individual model sales out a bit yields some interesting results. For instance, the , with 25,160 sales, outsold the (24,215) but fell about a thousand units shy of the class-leading (26,777).
The brand also outsold , for those interested in that age-old American bragging right, but perhaps more interesting is the stunning success at . With 18,413 total sales, Buick managed to outsell Lexus () and is knocking hard on the doors of such luxury stalwarts as and .
There were a number of heavily redesigned models that boasted huge gains over their predecessors, such as the (16,955 total sales, a 74-percent increase) and the (4,050) and (9,802), which each outsold their 2010 counterparts by over 180 percent.
In all, the top 18 performers each posted double-digit sales gains in April of 2011. Impressive performances, to be sure. Check out all the numbers in our handy-dandy chart below.
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 27 selling days in March 2011 versus 26 selling days in March 2010, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company. Also, brands are combined and reported as companies only if their sales figures are released jointly.
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Podcast Team number one – Chris Shunk, Dan Roth and Zach Bowman – kick it for Autoblog Podcast #228. The crew mulls our First Drive of the Lamborghini Aventador, a Lincoln performance sect, Chrysler’s profit and loan payback and the Forbes worst car list. Your feedback and questions finish it off, and we’ve re-posted the Q&A at the bottom of this post so you can play along at home, too. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!
Autoblog Podcast #228: Lamborghini Aventador, Lincoln performance, Chrysler profit and loan payback
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2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost – Click above for high-res image gallery
sold 45,435 F-150s in April, up 11 percent versus the top-selling truck’s April 2010 totals. That’s a solid month for truck sales with soaring fuel prices, but the finer sales details show that truck buyers are very mindful of prices at the pump.
Ford announced in its monthly sales totals release that V6-equipped F-150s accounted for 50 percent of retail sales, up considerably from the 40 percent mix in March. The 3.7-liter V6 offers truck buyers 305 horsepower and 23 miles per gallon on the highway, so it’s not surprising that some owners are opting for the smaller mill.
But the more popular V6 offering is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, which boasts 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Ford says 75 percent of those V6 sales are of the EcoBoost variety, which makes sense, given the fact that the boosted mill of all F-150 sales in April. The EcoBoost F-150 gets up to 22 mpg on the highway, which is still as good as or better than the other pickup trucks on the market.
According to German site AutoBild.de, is prepping a new V8-powered flagship, and it could be wearing three digits on the back that’ll strike a chord with motorsports fans. Rumor has it that this next Porsche superstar will be called the 961. If those numbers ring a bell, that’s because Porsche created a 961 race car that only saw limited action. Based on the 959, the 961 ran three races before ultimately finding a home in Porsche’s Stuttgart-based museum.
It’s being reported that this modern 961 will be modeled after the 918 Spyder, yet will arrive in coupe form. Power will be provided by a V8, however, an electric motor will also be available to provide boost and push output up to 600 horsepower. We expect to see the flagship Porsche 961 by 2013.
The Age is reporting that may bring its new V8-powered sedan to this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Code-named the K9, the vehicle is said to slot right into the market void between the and with styling penned by none other than Peter Schreyer of and fame. While speaking with The Age, Schreyer said that a rear-wheel-drive layout is the most exciting for designers, but that he couldn’t speak about products that are “probably” in development. When it lands, the K9 is expected to draw inspiration from the , though that’s not exactly what we’ve seen from spy shots so far.
From the few photos that we’ve seen of the big four-door, the K9 looks to lift more generously from the design playbooks of and . With side ports on its fenders, a set of aggressively-wrapped headlights and a vertical grille, the vehicle seems to be a potluck of luxury looks, but we’ll wait to cast our final answer until we see the big Korean under the auto show lights. Thanks for the tip, Ed!
There’s been no shortage of new Italian exotics hitting the streets lately. Recent additions to the stable have included the Pagani Huayra, the and the . But do you notice something missing? That’s right: roadsters. Not one among these three are currently available with the wind-in-your-tupée experience, but that should change in due course.
Reports of of both the 458 and the Huayra have already surfaced, and now we can begin looking forward to the Aventador Roadster – at least, that’s what reports coming in from Italy would have us believe. With little indication of where it’s getting the information information, Autoblog.it and its English-language counterpart EuroCarBlog.com are anticipating that the successor to the Roadster and the Diablo VT Roadster before it will arrive sometime next year.
Considering that the Aventador is already sold out for the next 18 months, it would probably have to be quite late in 2012. But one way or another, you can bet it’s coming at some point.
has recalled of 2001-2003 Honda and models for airbag issues since 2008, and now the Japanese automaker is re-recalling those vehicles. Honda is inspecting 833,000 vehicles for airbags that deploy with too much pressure, which could lead to metal fragments passing through the airbag cushion material. This defect has resulted in 12 injuries and one death since 2010.
The recall covers vehicles that have already been serviced, as Honda is searching for 2,430 defective airbag inflator parts that were used during the original repair. Since Honda cannot determine which vehicles received the defective part, the Japanese automaker is re-recalling all 833,000 vehicles.
Among the 833,000 vehicles affected by the recalls are the 2001-2002 and , the 2002 and 2002-2003 . Acura models affected are certain 2002-2003 sedans and 2003 CL coupes.
This latest news means that Honda has recalled over 1.6 million vehicles for this issue since 2008. Honda recalled in 2009 and in 2010. The automaker’s official press release is available .
Wringing Out Two New Italians At Monticello Motor Club
Click below for high-res image galleries
Driving a late-model on public roads is akin to watching an epic film in mono – the senses are teased but left unchallenged.
Driving a Lamborghini on a track, however, is a mind-blowing charge of adrenalin. No speed limits, g-forces only capped by available grip, engine wailing, tires screaming, brakes cooking – it’s pure sensory overload.
With an invite in hand, I left New York City for an afternoon and headed north 90 miles to the . Lamborghini chose the private venue to host a hands-on introduction to the and , two of its newest models. The freshly arrived convertible and coupe join the ranks of more than a dozen Gallardo variants that have been released over the years.
While tooling around the countryside on public roads in a new Lamborghini is utterly enjoyable, the only place to truly experience an Italian exotic, or any sports car for that matter, is on a closed racing circuit, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do.
Gallery:
Gallery:
Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Spyder Performante and LP 550-2 Bicolore
Wringing Out Two New Italians At Monticello Motor Club
Click below for high-res image galleries
Driving a late-model on public roads is akin to watching an epic film in mono – the senses are teased but left unchallenged.
Driving a Lamborghini on a track, however, is a mind-blowing charge of adrenalin. No speed limits, g-forces only capped by available grip, engine wailing, tires screaming, brakes cooking – it’s pure sensory overload.
With an invite in hand, I left New York City for an afternoon and headed north 90 miles to the . Lamborghini chose the private venue to host a hands-on introduction to the and , two of its newest models. The freshly arrived convertible and coupe join the ranks of more than a dozen Gallardo variants that have been released over the years.
While tooling around the countryside on public roads in a new Lamborghini is utterly enjoyable, the only place to truly experience an Italian exotic, or any sports car for that matter, is on a closed racing circuit, and that’s exactly what I’m here to do.
According to Bloomberg, has delayed the release of the next-generation as a result of supplier constriction brought on by the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear tragedies in Japan. The report says that the 2012 Honda CR-V will debut a month later than originally anticipated, though that model won’t be the only vehicle in the Japanese automaker’s stable impacted by the events. Bloomberg also notes that the recently unveiled will see limited production for the next few months, as well.
Honda also announced that it will begin production of the CR-V at the company’s Alliston, Ontario manufacturing facility while continuing to build the vehicles in East Liberty, Ohio as well.
Like most Japanese automakers, Honda says that full-scale production won’t resume until late 2011 as the rebuilding process continues. recently announced that the company’s operations have been cut to 50 percent capacity and that it doesn’t expect to see full production again until December at the earliest.
2007 Kia Spectra EX – Click above for high-res image gallery
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that is recalling 58,322 2004 through 2007 Spectra models due to fuel tank straps that may corrode over time. The recall, however, is only taking place in northern states that utilize salt on roads during the winter.
The says that one or both straps may separate, allowing the tank to make contact with the ground. If that happens, fuel can leak, metal on cement could produce sparks and a serious fire could result.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by the automaker and instructed to go to a Kia dealership for a free-of-charge repair. A technician will replace the straps and attaching hardware with zinc-coated parts.
The Korean automaker is also recalling 12,690 crossovers with 2WD and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for a transmission issue. the intermediate shaft may suffer from noise and excessive wear due to a misalignment of the shaft with the right side output gear. If the condition goes unchecked, it could lead to a whirring or whining noise, and eventually the transmission could be damaged. Owners of the affected vehicles will need to take their Sorento to a Kia dealer, where a technician will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft free of charge.
UPDATE:NHTSA just added the 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe to the same recall affecting the 2011 Kia Sorento. Approximately 6,169 units of the Santa Fe are affected. for more details.
Former Stig Ben Collins in EV Cup 2011 Westfield iRacer – Click above for high-res image gallery
It’s said that racing improves the breed, and if ever there was a breed of vehicles that needs improving, it’s electric ones. The EV Cup is a racing series designed to encourage this very thing, and the announcement of its official 2011 inaugural calender reveals dates at Laguna Seca in November and California Speedway in December. The seven-event season starts off with four races in the UK and one in Belgium.
It appears the concept has been by former Stig Ben Collins, and he is expected to grip the wheel in at least one of three classes – a City EV class featuring race-prepared Think Citys, Sports EV with Westfield iRacers and a Prototype EV class. Another notable participant is Grayson Racing, who, despite , has decided to place the entirety of its efforts into electric competition.
for the official calender and press release as well as video featuring organizer Sylvain Filippi discussing the series earlier this year.
2012 Gemballa Tornado at Top Marques Monaco – Click above for high-res image gallery
If you want to pick up a new supercar, there are few better places to do so than at the Top Marques show in Monaco. This year’s Monegasque exposition featured a staggering array of exotic machinery packed into close proximity, and for the first time included a closed-off section of the street course used for the Monaco Grand Prix, placed at the disposal of automakers and interested customers for test drives.
Among the this year was the -based , made by Gemballa as its first new product since the mysterious passing of its namesake founder. Along with the -based , the Tornado was set to be available for test drives around the iconic Rascasse corner by the Monte Carlo marina, but it didn’t quite make it there. Not because of a problem in transit or some mechanical issue preventing it from starting or anything like that, but because an unnamed Arabian sheikh snapped it up before anyone else could get their hands on it. A mere 16 seconds after the doors opened, according to show organizers. Think he got good terms on a finance deal?
for the official show recap, including the story of one vehicle that barely made it through the doors of the Grimaldi Forum.
Chevrolet Tahoe SS at the Fast Five movie premiere – Click above to watch video
Books are made for reading, boots are made for walking and tires are meticulously engineered for burnouts. As you may or may not be aware, the latest chapter in the Fast and the Furious saga was released this weekend to the rejoicing of testosterone-soaked teenage crowds everywhere. Nowhere was Fast Five more celebrated than in Detroit, as after the final credits rolled, the movie-going masses retired to the parking lot for an impromptu burnout competition.
If you listen very, very closely, you can hear the cries of a million environmentalists.
Nearly everyone got in on the fun, from full-size diesel pickups to front-wheel-drive models and beater Nissan 240SX projects. Some of the more impressive smoke came courtesy of a Mitsubishi Evolution that retired to a far flung corner of the cinema parking lot to wring out some all-wheel-drive pirouettes. The fun seems to have lasted a good long time before the local PD showed up to put a stop to the party. Miraculously, very little sheetmetal was wrinkled in the smoke.
to see all of the shaky-hand-cam action for yourself, though be warned, some foul language may lurk between tire shrieks.
When Ram first showed off its new super-stretch Long-Hauler concept truck, we couldn’t help but think those initial photos looked like they were shot with a first-generation iPhone sporting a greased-over camera lens. Now, however, has been so kind as to bring in a professional who’s pulled a few high-resolution images off their memory card.
We’re assuming the photographer stood way back to capture the entire 24-foot-long, quad-cab pickup truck. It’s called the Long-Hauler because it can carry enough fuel (170 gallons in total) to .
Want to see it for yourself? Chrysler is taking its new super-steed out to a few shows. to see if the Ram Long-Hauler Concept will be making a pit-stop near you. Also, click through the gallery to check out this titan-truck from a different few angles, including a shot of the interior.
Set up to teach drivers how to get the best out of their own driving and, if they happen to own one, the best out of America’s sports car, it’s one of just two officialCorvette schools in the country.
It’s been years since Lincoln had a credible performance option, but if recent rumblings are true, the situation could be rectified soon.
Saab and China’s Hawtei are reportedly set to announce that the two companies have joined forces.
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Traditionally, buyers have been a V8-loving bunch. Over the past decade, the V6 came into vogue, but the four-cylinder has never really entered the discussion – until now. Car and Driver reports that Cadillac will offer turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the and . C/D opined that the engine of choice could be the 2.0-liter turbo that currently resides under the hood of the .
Based on current and (known) future applications of the 2.0-liter turbo, expect output to be somewhere between 220 and 260 horsepower, though we’d likely bet that even higher output could be in store. We wouldn’t be surprised if the full-sized XTS featured a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that will soon find itself under the hood of the . That way, could still offer 300-plus horsepower from a powertrain that is likely more efficient than the automaker’s similarly powerful V6 offerings. Cadillac can also help nudge power northward and further improve fuel efficiency with hybrid and plug-in powertrains.
While smaller powertrains are inevitable in the world of high gas-prices and increased fuel economy standards, getting Cadillac fans to buy into a four-pot mill could still be a challenge. But if gas prices continue to charge northward, we’re guessing some consumers will actually accept the diminutive power sources with open arms. If that happens, we can expect Cadillac to offer the next generation and with a four-cylinder option, as well.
Honda CR-Z Mugen – Click above for high-res image gallery
Call it anticipation or call it wishful thinking, but of a hotter version of the CR-Z have been circulating pretty much ever since the hybrid hatchback hit the market. The may be sportier than most hybrids, but when the faithful were expecting a spiritual successor to the iconic CRX with an added jolt of electricity, many were left disappointed.
Along those lines, we have good news, and we have bad news. The good news is that some new details on the hotly anticipated Mugen version of the CR-Z have dropped. The bad news is that it’s still strictly a one-off show car, at least for the time being.
The concept car will be revealed in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. And when it is, it won’t be turbocharged as earlier speculated, but it will be supercharged. With the added benefit of forced induction, the output from the 1.5-liter i-VTEC four that forms the internal combustion part of Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system will be increased by 50 percent, and when coupled with the electric component will serve up 200 metric horsepower (197 on our scale) and 181 pound-feet of torque.
To go with the added power, the pseudo-works Honda tuner is also fitting adjustable dampers, a wider track, upgraded brakes and rolling stock, an enhanced aero kit and a weight-reduction regimen. Although Mugen insists it holds no plans for producing its breathed-on hybrid, there’s no telling what sufficient demand might yield. for the press release and check out the two engine shots released to join the renderings released previously in the gallery below.
, , and are the only nameplates that failed to boast improved sales in April of 2011 when compared to the same period one year ago. Besides those Debbie Downers, things are looking pretty darn good for automakers in the United States.
