Lock Up Your Pink Slips: Dodge Greenlights Drag Race Challenger
By Jonny LiebermanMay 16, 2008 - 618 Views
I'm the first to admit, I'm not the biggest fan of drag racing. Yes, I intellectually understand how powerful, nifty and skilled everyone involved in the sport is. But I'm just not a fan. However — and a big however — I do love the technology that goes into and comes out of drag racing. More power, stronger components and lighter weight. Guess what? Chrysler is about to make all my dreams come true. Motor Authority is describing the Challenger drag racing kit as a throwback to the Hemi Dart and Barracuda packages of decades gone by. Specifically, what do you get? A lighter chassis. This is the big one, as the Challenger SRT-8 weighs more than a 1970 New Yorker. No, really. Internet speculation is claiming the chassis will be 800 pounds less fat. Which is (or isn't) huge. Draggers will also get lots of engine choices (duh), the possibility of a manual transmission, better brakes, seats, cooling, a working hood scoop and a lift off composite hood. The drag racing package is aimed at both pros and amateurs, is currently being vetted by the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) to sanction the kit for competition use. I can smell the top fuel now. And the pomade.
Posted in Future Vehicles | News Blog | 10 comments 
VW Boss Disses U.S. Market, Dithers on Product Strategy
By Edward Niedermeyer- 1,221 Views
VW's announced a new North American factory and whittled down the short list of locations in Alabama, Tennessee and (yeah right) Michigan. Volkswagen has only one problem with its U.S. market strategy, which calls for sales of 1m units per year: "we need models for the US market." Yes there is that. In an interview with Auto Motor und Sport, VW works council boss Bernd Osterloh says that picking the right models for the American market is a far more important (undecided?) issue than the American factory's location (yes way). That said, Osterloh claims the decision is not urgent; VW's Mexican facilities can begin production of the new, as-yet-undecided American models before the new factory is online. Osterloh calls the U.S. market a herausforderung (loosely translated as a pain in the ass) for the entire industry. Apparently VW doesn't even have a coherent diesel strategy for their deeply respected American consumers. For a German firm, that's saying a lot. Machts schnell burschen!
Posted in Future Vehicles | Industry | News Blog | 27 comments
Supercar Engine Watch: R8 Upgrades To V10, Zonda Downgrades to V8
By Edward NiedermeyerMay 15, 2008 - 600 Views
Autospies reports a probable reason for Audi's recently revealed R8 incenttives: an engine upgrade. The dons of Ingolstadt are looking to drop the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10 under the R8's freshly-minted hood. Sure, Sant'Agata may be embarrassed by all of the Audi-sourced components in its exotic whips, but that's not stopping Audi from raiding its corporate cousin's engine bin for a little go-fast. No one seems sure if the V10 will fully replace the V8, or if it will be offered as a higher performance trim (SR8? R8S?). But you can (supposedly) hear the extra cylinders by watching the video which seems to have sparked all this speculation here. Audi has yet to comment on the cylinder count speculation, so, caveat gawker. Meanwhile, the Pagani Zonda is "downgrading" from its AMG-sourced V12 to the McLaren-Mercedes SLR AMG SVP ASAP STAT's kompressor V8. AMG is phasing out its V12s, and the V8 in question ups the ante-matter from 540hp to 680hp (as well as improving fuel efficiency). Check out the prototype next-gen Zonda here.
Posted in Future Vehicles | News Blog | 5 comments
Infiniti G37 Drop Top In, Cadillac CTS Convertible Out
By Edward Niedermeyer- 680 Views
Car Magazine reports that Infiniti will be building a convertible version of its G37 coupe as part of Nissan's planned new model blitz. To give its new boulevardier the coupe-cabriolet look that's launched a hundred thousand SLKs, Infiniti will fit the drop top with a folding hardtop. As for drivetrain and handling, I got nothing. The usual rendered speculation is typically conservative, and given Infiniti's rep for, um, restrained styling, it's probably not far off the mark. Look for the G37 convertible to hit the mistress' hot button in February of next year. Meanwhile, Motor Authority reveals that Cadillac has axed plans for a CTS convertible. While noting that the two-door CTS coupe is still FAB, GM has refused to officially comment on the rumored stillbirth. While it's tempting to lambast GM for skipping an opportunity to build a vehicle which could boost The General's image, a half-baked convertible with an insufficient development budget would be disastrous for its premium brand. (Just ask Pontiac how it likes its drop-top G6.) Not as disastrous as, say, an entry-level model below the CTS, but bad. No word on whether there'll be a CTS-V Coupe, but we're reasonably optimistic Caddy's fascination for the Green Hell will continue apace. Literally.
Posted in Future Vehicles | News Blog | 8 comments
BMW Unveils Efficiency Innovations
By Edward NiedermeyerMay 14, 2008 - 966 Views
You know BMW is serious about improving efficiency when you hear they're equipping the M5 with a stop-start system. But what else have the bayerische wissenschaftlers been cooking up to improve efficiency? Auto Motor und Sport brings us up-to-date on the innovations unveiled by BMW at its unimaginatively named "Innovation Day 2008." One concept that's sure to have green chins wagging: solar roof panels designed to run the cars' electrical systems. BMW estimates a square meter of roofspace in northern European conditions could deliver 200 watts; more still if the entire roof's covered in photovoltaic cells. Solar panel could be used to reduce dependence on efficiency-sapping alternators for on-board systems, which could deliver small improvements to efficiency (0.3 fewer liters per 100km driven) or pre-heat the engine and fluids, improving inefficient cold start fuel consumption. Bimmer's boffins are also looking at generating electricity from excess engine heat. BMW claims that current thermodynamic generators from aerospace applications could deliver 200 watts of electricity today, with up to 1k watts available next Thursday (or so). The combination of thermodynamic generators, solar panels and engine pre-heating could yield a five percent increase in efficiency. We'll wait until we see a cost - benefit analysis, but the propeller people deserve credit where CAFE credit's due.
Posted in Technology | Gizmology | Future Vehicles | News Blog | 17 comments
New 370Z Details Emerge
By Edward Niedermeyer- 1,233 Views
Autocar UK has the latest details and a rendering of Nissan's updated 370Z sports coupe. The pic reveals an gently evolved version of the current Nissan offering. The Z's proportions, curved roofline and vertical door handles remain virtually unchanged. Other than new LED headlights, you'd be hard-pressed to tell elder and younger Zs apart. From what we can tell, a better-handling shortened wheelbase is the only major cosmetic change. The new sports car's 3.7-liter V6 will make 326hp, up from the 309hp offered by the outgoing 3.5-liter mill. Autocar speculates that the Z's new powerplant will sing a slightly more grunty tune than the G37's engine, thanks to variable valve lift and timing. Expect six-speed manual and seven-speed paddle-equipped automatic transmissions, as well as a welcome diminution of interior and road noise. Autocar suggests a diesel version, but they're going to pull the other one (it has bells on it).
Posted in Future Vehicles | News Blog | 12 comments
Audi New Q3 Previewed
By Edward Niedermeyer- 643 Views
As body-on-frame SUV sales crater, a number of manufacturers are prepping a new generation of lighter, compact soft-roaders. One such cute ute is Audi's Q3, based on the A3 platform and closely related to VW's Tiguan. Motor Authority has a rendered preview, showing off styling cues from the recently debuted Cross Coupe concept. Expect Ingolstadt's standard 2.0-liter TFSI four-banger, the 3.0 diesel V6 or the 3.6 FSI V6 to motivate the three and five-door Q3s. With Toyota's Urban Cruiser, Ford's Kuga, Landies LRX and BMW's X1 all coming online soon, the Q3 will have plenty of competition when it debuts in July of 2009. An official concept will hit the Auto Show circuit sometime before this time next year. While a higher roofline should help alleviate the A3's cramped cabin, the sharply-falling rear C-pillar won't win any friends amongst those relegated to the Audi's backseats. Let's also hope Audi designers do something about the rendering's weird flank lines, which have a confused, Bangle-on-PCP feel– especially compared to the clean lines of the A3.
Posted in Future Vehicles | News Blog | 6 comments
Tuk Tuk Three Wheeler Testing For American Market
By Edward NiedermeyerMay 13, 2008 - 1,022 Views
Regular readers should know by now that Autoblog Green will say nice things about anything that it considers "green enough." But as chic as it may be at the moment, the "green at all costs" posture has its downsides, particularly when you end up saying that the demise of the Bajaj three-wheeler is "unfortunate." Then again, maybe there really is something to be said for third-world three wheelers, because now ABG is all thrilled about the prospect of another pedicab special, this time from Thai firm Tuk Tuk, hitting the US market. The Tuk Tuk is currently undergoing EPA and NHTSA testing to see if the mainstay of Bangkok's taxi industry is ready for U.S. sales. And yes, for those who must know, the two-stroke engine which gave the Tuk Tuk it's goofy name is staying in the developing world where it belongs, to be replaced for American duty by either a 200cc or 650cc liquid-cooled four-stroke. It will be offered in a variety of body styles, for passenger, cargo or truck duty. The three-wheeled oddity may even be offered with an LPG drivetrain, which is sure to have the eco-friendly ice cream vendors lined up around the block.
Posted in Future Vehicles | Fuel Economy | News Blog | 21 comments
Lotus and Spyker Team Up Not to Build the Esprit
By Edward Niedermeyer- 569 Views
It ain't easy being a small independent sportscar maker. Just ask Spyker. The Dutch firm lost $110m and a Formula One team last year. While Lotus knows exactly what hard times look like, they reversed the curse by eschewing flashy F1 campaigns in favor of a profitable technical consultancy and contract manufacturing (including the Tesla Roadster). The Motor Authority reports that Spyker and Lotus are facing the future under the umbrella of a "Parts and Platform Commonality Agreement." Lotus will source parts and assist in the design of forthcoming Spyker C8 Aileron and D12 Sports Utility. Spyker will… pay for it. The two firms have worked together in the past; Spyker considered buying Lotus back in the day. With a Lotus-fettled Spyker at the top end of the market, is there still room for a new Lotus Esprit? No.
Posted in Future Vehicles | Industry | News Blog | 4 comments
Chrysler Cancels Crossover, Concentrates on Compact
By Frank Williams- 1,664 Views
Chrysler's finally seen the light. After years of building versions of everything they build to sell under every brand they sell, they've canceled the Chrysler version of the Dodge Journey CUV. Co-prez Jim Press stopped by the passive construction site to explain that "resources have been deployed to basically support" development of the small car to be manufactured by Nissan. "It's a segment we are not competing in now." (What was his first clue?) Bloomberg reports that this move means Chrysler will only be introducing three new models for the 2009 model year: the Journey, the Challenger and a redesigned Ram. That leaves Chrysler looking toward the magic year 2010, when they hope to have their new compact ready to go along with new versions of the Grand Cherokee and Durango (no mention of the Aspen, though) and a redesigned Charger and 300. Will it be a case of too little, too late? We'll have to wait a couple of years to find out — if Chrysler lasts that long.
Posted in Future Vehicles | News Blog | 19 comments
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