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The golden age of horsepower ended a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, right? Well, no. In reality, it seems that every new model year brings more and more ponies from the likes of the reborn Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger along with the stalwart Ford Mustang.

According to the internet rumormill, that pattern isn’t going to change any time soon. Car and Driver reports that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will boast as much as 620 horsepower. Naturally, the powerplant providing all those ponies will be a supercharged V8, in this case bored out to displace 5.8 liters instead of the 5.4 we’ve been seeing for the last several years.

Car and Driver’s math tells us, assuming the power and weight estimates are in the ballpark, to expect a scorching 12.0-second quarter mile time from the 2013 GT500, a top speed that could be as high as 190 miles per hour and a sticker price of roughly $60,000.

For what it’s worth, Chevrolet is estimating that the supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter LSA V8 engine that will power its Camaro ZL1 – the top run (so far) of Chevy’s muscle car lineup – will put out around 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, that’s all subject to change…

[Source: Car and Driver]

Rumormill: 2013 Shelby GT500 to boast over 600 horsepower

Better late than never, they say. And whoever said it could very well have been talking about the Hispania Racing Team. In its debut season last year, the upstart team’s two cars – driven by an array of pilots over the course of the championship – retired nine times and failed to score a single championship point. But that’s okay, because neither did the other two newcomers, Lotus and Virgin.

This year, though, Hispania has gone back to the drawing board, bringing in veteran designer Geoff Willis to thoroughly work over last year’s Dallara-sourced car. After every other team unveiled their new cars and ran them at the successive pre-season tests, HRT was still building theirs, showing us some renderings of the new livery in the meantime and running the old car to test the new tires. But now they’ve finally put on the finishing touches, shown it to the world and took it out on the track for the first time.

While they were at it, HRT has also announced its final driver line-up, filling in that last TBA on the 2011 driver roster with the hiring of Tonio Liuzzi (who lost his seat at Force India) to drive alongside Narain “Tata Money” Karthikeyan this season. Check out their new Cosworth-powered ride in the high-res image gallery below.

[Source: Hispania Racing Team]

Hispania Racing finally joins the party with new F1 car and drivers

Walter Röhrl is a magician behind the wheel of… anything, really. From Group-B WRC monsters to exotic Nürburgring beasts, Röhrl is probably capable of beating your local Autocross club’s fastest using a riding mower.

Recently, the automaker brought the stunning 904 GTS out of its museum and on to the racetrack. Our man Damon Lavrinc was lucky enough to get time in the shotgun seat, but the track was like an ice rink and the two literally went for a spin. Thankfully, Porsche set aside time for Röhrl to push the car around on a dry track. The result is pure driving excellence and the clip is waiting for you after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Walter Röhrl takes on the Porsche 904 GTS, wins

Video: Walter Röhrl takes on the Porsche 904 GTS, wins

First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The 2012 SLK’s driving experience was a good one. It did, however, leave us wondering about a few things. We’re looking forward to some time behind the wheel of the lighter SLK250. The SLK350’s smaller-engined sibling could end up being the better of the two offerings – that is, until the V8 AMG model enters the mix.

Mini Goodwood Concept headed to Shanghai Motor Show

At the recent Geneva Motor Show, a source within Mini revealed to Autoblog that the automaker will be bringing a new concept, dubbed “Goodwood,” to the Shanghai Motor Show next month.

Spy Shots: BMW flings M3 pickup around the ‘Ring

Trust us when we say that we’re going to sleep more soundly tonight knowing that somewhere in the world, this creation exists. We have no idea what the BMW engineers are up to with this one, though we love the idea of an M3-powered spiritual successor to the El Camino throne (bonus points for the camouflage as racing stripes motif, too).

Also of interest:

• GM, OnStar announce ‘Push On’ sweepstakes
• Spy Shots: Latest look at Porsche’s upcoming 911 Turbo
• Peeved Lamborghini owner destroys car with sledgehammer, others help
• Avera Motors changes name to Rivian Automotive, begins road tests
• Video: Chris Bangle on supercars

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.15.11

BMW just can’t seem to help itself when it comes to sharing frosty videos of the next-generation M5 undergoing winter testing. The German automaker has released this second clip to accompany the first, complete with plenty of shots of the muscle-bound sedan getting sideways on the powder. We’re a little handicapped by the fact that we don’t speak German, but that certainly didn’t stop us from enjoying watching the big four door do what it does best on the white stuff.

We still can’t help but feel a pang of remorse for the loss of the naturally-aspirated V10 that powers the current M5, but from what we hear, the new twin-turbo V8 will give us plenty to sing about. Unfortunately, rumor has it that buyers won’t be able to pick up their next-gen M5 with a manual transmission. Still, we’ve got our fingers crossed that BMW will still offer a third pedal in the meanest of the fives. After all, if American buyers can take home the new 6 Series with a row-your-own gearbox, a manual transmission option shouldn’t be too much of a stretch for the M5. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW releases official M5 flick

Video: BMW releases official M5 flick

China’s Guaungzhou Auto Corp may have not approved it, but the first look at the company’s new X-Power crossover has trickled out onto the internet. According to ChinaCarTimes, the automaker just recently purchased the Alfa Romeo 166 platform from the Italian manufacturer, and the X-Power is the second model that we’ve seen arise from those bones. Judging from the photos, the production take on the CUV wears much of the same styling as the concept version, though it would seem that the taillight design has received some tweaks.

ChinaCarTimes reports that the X-Power will hit the streets with an Alfa-sourced 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with around 163 horsepower when it debuts. GAC has also used the 166 platform for its Trumpchi sedan, which is powered by the same 2.0-liter engine.

Chinese car buyers can look forward to seeing the X-Power in showrooms soon. No launch date has been released, but the vehicle is slated for an unveil at next month’s Shanghai Motor Show.

[Source: ChinaCarTimes]

GAC X-Power crossover rendering leaks ahead of Shanghai debut

Cars 2 is coming to theaters everywhere on June 24, and if we’re honest, we’re pretty stoked. The original Cars movie was, after all, a great flick with an all-car cast. And thanks to the popularity of the first Cars movie, Disney and Pixar plan to make a Mater-load of cash with this second round, and not just on the movie itself.

Disney Pixar is (predictably) working on the video game Cars 2: Spies Wanted, which will reportedly become available in July for the Sony PlayStation 3, XBOX 360, Nintendo Wii and DS. And this time, it looks like Lightning McQueen and the gang won’t be maxing and relaxing in secluded Radiator Springs.

Judging by the post-jump trailer, there appear to be bad guys, guns and rockets. We’re typically not all that thrilled about games that are based on a movie (because they usually aren’t that great), but since we always fans of games that involve driving, we may be willing to give this one a shot. Hit the jump to watch the trailer.

[Source: HEYUGUYS]

Continue reading Video: Cars 2 game gets own trailer

Video: Cars 2 game gets own trailer

There aren’t words to convey just how happy this makes us. With Spring officially licking at the sanctified asphalt of the Nürburgring, testing season has kicked into high gear. Our elite squad of spy photographers has set up camp to take in the action and happened to catch this bizarre beastie obliterating its tires amongst a herd of other BMW mules. As you might expect, there’s exactly zero information on the machine other than it looks for all the world to be an M3 pickup.

Trust us when we say that we’re going to sleep more soundly tonight knowing that somewhere in the world, this creation exists.

We have no idea what the BMW engineers are up to with this one, though we love the idea of an M3-powered spiritual successor to the El Camino throne (bonus points for the camouflage as racing stripes motif, too). Assumed to have the same 4.0-liter V8 found in the nose of the current M3, this beast should be be good for 414 horsepower – perfect for making lickety-split runs to the hardware store.

We’d sell a passel of vital organs for a little seat time in this thing, even if it does simply turn out to be an early April Fool’s joke. The shots are real, so perhaps BMW’s design team are just blowing off some steam, or readying a one-off for Europe’s tuner extravaganza of choice, the Essen Motor Show?

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW flings M3 pickup around the ‘Ring

Mercedes-Benz has already announced big plans for its compact A-Class and B-Class vehicles. The platform that underpins these small cars will also form the base of a compact SUV and a four-door coupe, and according to a report from Automotive News’ European bureau, three more A-Class variants could be in the works.

During a phone interview with AN, Mercedes-Benz marketing chief Joachim Schmidt revealed that the luxury carmaker is mulling shooting brake, convertible and three-door versions of the next-gen A-Class. Such a move would no-doubt aid MB in its quest to win buyers in the budding luxury compact segment. At the same time, a comprehensive lineup of A- and B-Class variants could also help the German automaker reach ever-tightening European CO2 standards.

Schmidt stresses that the automaker hasn’t made any final decisions regarding these potential A-Class variants. The first B-Class is scheduled to be released to the European market by the end of 2011.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Mercedes-Benz planning three additional A-Class variants

The American International Automobile Dealers Association has gone through the trouble of working up an informative website to break down which foreign automakers have a presence here in the land of the free. Even after decades of manufacturing products in the United States, automakers from Europe and Asia are still occasionally confronted with protectionist sentiments. Just look at the spate of vandalism toward Toyota vehicles at this year’s Chicago Auto Show as evidence. As the American economy continues to stumble along and unemployment stays high, it’s possible that the AIADA is attempting to educate the public about exactly what it means to “buy American.”

The site allows you to click through the foreign automakers with American manufacturing facilities to see exactly how many employees each have on the payroll and how long they’ve been on U.S. soil. According to the AIADA’s information, there are 21 “import” vehicle manufacturing plants in U.S. that employ a combined 86,507 workers.

That’s not to say that there aren’t some issues with the data. For example, Suzuki is allowed to claim the same Tennessee manufacturing facility as Nissan since the plant cranks out the Equator pickup alongside the Nissan Frontier. You can check out the full site here. Hat tip to Aiden!

[Source: WhatIsAnAmericanCar]

American International Automobile Dealers launches ‘What Is An American Car’ website

At the recent Geneva Motor Show, a source within Mini revealed to Autoblog that the automaker will be bringing a new concept, dubbed “Goodwood,” to the Shanghai Motor Show next month.

The Goodwood concept is a fully plushified, hand-wrought hatchback updo that pays hommage to not only the current Rolls-Royce headquarters on the Goodwood estate (hey, it’s all in the BMW Group family), but also to the Rolls-Royce/Bentley glory years of bespoke treatments by the in-house Mulliner Park Ward department. Consider it a high-margin fluff job for present-day good-taste barometer nations like China, Russia, India, Abu Dhabi and Switzerland.

Coachbuilder Park Ward of London became a wholly owned part of Rolls-Royce/Bentley in 1939, while H.J. Mulliner & Co. was absorbed in 1961. Together these workers melded into one under the legendary Mulliner Park Ward bespoke umbrella. In 1998 when Rolls-Royce and Bentley were hewn asunder, Mulliner was eventually reconstituted under the Bentley brand as its bespoke group, while Park Ward lasted until 2002 at the end of the limited-run Rolls-Royce Park Ward extended-wheelbase model.

We’re eager to get our hands on the official images and details sometime before the Wee Roller’s debut next month. Should be rich.

[Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]

Mini Goodwood Concept headed to Shanghai Motor Show

Regardless of where you stand on Chris Bangle’s contribution to BMW design, the man possesses a unique insight on the state of automotive design today. The guys at Car Design News recently got the chance to catch up with Bangle at the Geneva Motor Show, and rather than ask him about whether or not he has any intention of returning to the automotive sector any time soon, Editor Eric Gallina pinged the former BMW design boss on what he thought of supercar design today.

The answer was far more enlightening and entertaining than any pre-manufactured sound bite.

By and large, Bangle seems to think supercar design has hit a plateau, and that if automakers are willing to be politically incorrect by manufacturing high-horsepower, fuel-thirsty speed machines, they also need to be willing to take some risks on the design front as well.

Oh, there’s also a bit where he says that Lamborghini products were typically designed to be given to prostitutes. Or something. If you can stand a little shaky-hand-cam to the max, the clip after the jump will be well worth your time.

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Chris Bangle on supercars

Video: Chris Bangle on supercars

Kia has become an active presence in both the National Basketball Association and Grand-Am Challenge racing series. Participation in both requires a fair amount of investment for the automaker, but so far, Kia says this marketing gamble is paying off handsomely.

In 2010, Kia sold 356,268 vehicles to U.S. consumers. That’s a record for the automaker, and it tops efforts by more established brands Mazda, Volkswagen and Subaru. Kia is optimistic that 2011 could be even better thanks to the increased brand exposure coming as a result of its NBA tie-ins.

Viewership of this NBA season is up, which means Kia’s messaging is reaching a greater number of fans. That messaging got a massive surge during All-Star Weekend when Los Angeles Clippers forward used a 2011 Optima as a prop in the slam-dunk contest. Millions of people watched Blake Griffin soar over the hood of the strategically placed sedan, and many continue to view clips of the dunk on YouTube. (You can do the same, by clicking past the jump).

Beyond the NBA and the Optima, Kia has outfitted its Forte Koup for racing duty. Running in the Grand-Am Challenge Series, the Forte has been hitting the track for two solid years now. This year, the team was able to make it on to the podium.

It’s two very different markets, but the Kia lineup is getting exposure to a very large audience. Traffic to both its website and dealerships is up, and Kia has been so buoyed by its Grand-Am involvement that it is also understood to be considering going racing with the Optima.

[Source: WardsAuto Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images]

Continue reading Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected

Kia says NBA partnership helping awareness more than expected

What does Keira Knightley have to do with Ducati? Well, nothing really… at least not on the surface. In fact, the British actress doesn’t even know how to ride a motorcycle, at least, not that we know of… and notice that the Duc in the photos is firmly strapped in place and has outriggers when Keira is in the saddle.

So, what’s she straddling that oddly colored 750 Sport for? Ostensibly as a way to promote Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle perfume, but we think it was just another opportunity to put a pretty girl atop a motorcycle to take some photos and make a video.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

No matter the reason, after the break awaits a video detailing Knightley’s time with the Ducati, where she’s wearing a bespoke (and matching, naturally) beige leather catsuit, boots and Ruby helmet. Oh, and feel free to peruse the photo gallery below.

[Source: Youtube via Hell for Leather - sub. req]

Continue reading Video: Keira Knightley straddles Ducati for Coco Chanel

Video: Keira Knightley straddles Ducati for Coco Chanel

Review: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

Does the long-successful brand have the staying power to move away from boxy SUVs and trucks in favor of a kinder, gentler crossover?

Why Geneva has evolved into the must-see motor show of the year

Why has the Geneva Motor Show become so important – so much so that industry leaders and media alike struggle to find $1,000 rooms, often staying an hour away and driving in during the pre-dawn chill?

Spy Shots: 2012 Chevrolet Malibu prototype gives us best look yet

GM is finishing development of its next mid-size sedan, and this almost-done prototype gives us a very good glimpse as to what’s in store for the all-new ‘Bu.

Also of interest:

• Video: BMW’s new 6 Series Coupe hits the road
• New Kia Rio to spawn hot hatch?
• Consumer Reports picks best used cars for teens [w/video]
• Video: First Apple iPad 2 in-dash install
• First sketch of 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class leaks out

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.14.11

According to the American Public Transportation Association, gas prices have jumped by 28 cents per gallon in the last 10 days, bringing the national average up to a staggering $3.47/gallon. The new hike in prices means commuters can save an average of $9,904 annually – $825 per month – by switching from personal to public transportation. That figure includes the national average rate for unreserved parking.

The numbers are the highest they’ve been in two years, due to global unrest and continuing economic problems. Savings were highest in big cities, where public transportation is more readily available, with New York topping the list. The APTA estimates that commuters in the Big Apple could save $1,198 per month or $14,376 a year by switching to public transportation.

[Source: American Public Transportation Association]

With rising gas prices, how much can you save using mass transit?

Some Jeep Wrangler owners say they’ve been getting a nasty surprise from their 2007-2008 Wranglers. According to 600 complaints and 900 warranty claims, the Jeep off-roaders have been spitting gas at their owners during fill ups.

According to owners, the Jeeps have a tendency to spit fuel back out of their filler lines if you aren’t paying close attention at the pump. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the claims in November 2010, but closed it in February after finding that the fuel leaks don’t pose any significant safety hazard.

NHTSA also said that internet forums had played a role in the number of complaints they received, after forum members posted messages telling other owners to file complaints with NHTSA. Despite the number of complaints, NHTSA says many of them were unfounded and based solely on the urging of message boards.

Jeep owners who experienced the problem aren’t convinced, however, saying that the problem is dangerous, and carries a repair valued at about $600, though Chrysler warranties cover most of the repair.

[Source: CFNews13]

Are 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler SUVs spitting up gas?

A recent study anointed Geneva the most livable city in the world. Sitting where Lake Geneva flows into the Rhone River, the old city has a surprisingly small town feel and probably wouldn’t even be on the global map were it not for the presence of the United Nations – and the annual Geneva Motor Show.

There are plenty of international auto shows in cities across Europe, yet with the exception of those in Paris and Frankfurt, which occur in alternating autumns, none bears the significance of Geneva. The 81st “salon,” which just opened to the public, will see 100s of thousands squeeze through the turnstiles at PALExpo, and for good reason considering the scores of new products unleashed during the two media days – which included 64 separate press conferences on the first day alone.

Why has the Geneva Motor Show become so important – so much so that industry leaders and media alike struggle to find $1,000 rooms, often staying an hour away and driving in during the pre-dawn chill? Organizers have taken to heart the very central tenet of Swiss existence – in a word, “neutrality.”

Continue reading…

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Why Geneva has evolved into the must-see motor show of the year

Why Geneva has evolved into the must-see motor show of the year

Renault says it wrongfully fired three of its executives, Michael Balthazard, Bertrand Rochette and Matthieu Tenenbaum, on suspicion of industrial espionage. The admission comes after French authorities looked into the company’s dismissal of the men and determined that Renault’s accusations against them were baseless.

Now, Renault has the embarrassing task of meeting with the execs and figuring out a way to compensate them for the loss of their jobs and the scrutiny that comes with this kind of accusation. Renault originally claimed that the execs had satellite bank accounts in Switzerland and Lichtenstein where they hid funds for spying.

Renault says it’s now looking at another employee as a possible spying suspect. Renault is also imposing sanctions against those who were involved in the original terminations, including Dominique Gevrey, the head of security who led the original investigation. Gevrey has been charged by French authorities, led by Paris prosecutor Jean Claude Marin (above) with organized fraud for his hand in the firings. Thanks for the tip, Jason!

[Source: Financial Times via Business Week Image: Christophe Ena/AP]

Report: Renault admits wrongful termination in espionage case

According to Autocar, the minds at Kia may be mulling the creation of a hot hatch based on the all-new Rio. The news has sprouted from comments made by Benny Oeyen, Kia marketing and product planning boss in Europe. Oeyen said that the brand’s perception in the old country still lags behind the quality and design that the automaker currently has to offer, and that one way to rectify that problem is with a new vehicle that can help sway public opinion. Exactly what type of vehicle are we talking about here? Oeyen pointed to a hot hatch, cabriolet or coupe as viable options.

Autocar says that a hot hatch version of the Rio is the most likely of those options, thanks largely to the fact that the segment is booming in the UK. Kia just recently unveiled a Rio show car at the Geneva Motor Show that came with a few sportier touches, including a set of large alloy wheels.

Even if Kia does pull the trigger on a hot hatch version of the Rio, chances are that the vehicle would be a Euro-only offering. If you live in the land of the free, you’ll have to turn to the Hyundai Veloster for your Korean hot hatch fix.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

New Kia Rio to spawn hot hatch?