Automobile News: Jan 7, 2009

Oettinger S350 based on the Audi S3

>> Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Unfortunately we don't have the Audi S3 in the U.S., but our base A3 hatchback does share the basic structure of the S3's 2.0-liter four cylinder engine (although it makes 65 less horsepower stateside). So if the German tuner Oettinger can boost the S3 from 265 hp to 350 hp, maybe it can push the the 2.0-liter in U.S.-spec A3s past the top-of-the-line A3's 250 hp V6. Even if that's not possible, having 350 hp is a lot to have on tap in a small car, lucky Europeans. Just so the Oettinger (...)

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Bugatti sedan rendering

Every once in a while we hear new rumors about a sedan coming from Bugatti. This has been going around for a few years, and while there hasn't been any recent news, we though we'd have a little fun anyway. Yes, this is a quick and easy rendering. We just did it to give ourselves a little boost and remind everyone that there may still be hope for fun and eccentric cars in tough economic times. (...)

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Nicolas Cage's 1970 Hemi 'Cuda for auction

Nicholas Cage may have raced around the Los Angeles area in a 1967 Shelby GT500 for the remake of Gone in 60 Seconds, but it seems his heart really belonged to 1970 Hemi 'Cuda Hardtop. Like all relationships, this one is coming to an end for Cage. The car is now up for auction Russo And Steele's event later this month in Scottsdale, Arizona. The options on this car include its original 426ci Hemi engine, 4-speed manual transmission (1 of 284 installed that year), Argent Shaker, Super (...)

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Audi S1 - new rendering and details

Audi learned its lesson with the A2. The unloved bubble car never made it to the U.S., but we never noticed. That will likely not be the case with the upcoming A1 and its hotter sibling the S1. Like most projects from the Volkswagen Group, the A1/S1 will dig deep into the parts bin for most of its goodies. The car will share a platform with the Volkswagen Polo, but it doesn't stop there. For the S1, Audi will utilize the same turbocharged 1.4-liter engine as the VW Polo GTi Cup Edition. (...)

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TopSpeed Car of the Year 2008

2008 was the year of the car. The cheap speed seemed to be in full effect from 638 hp $106,500 Corvette ZR1s to 265 hp $25,000 Subaru WRXs; Lamborghini seemed to have more versions of vehicles that total production a few decades ago; and although the Nissan GT-R was our favorite last year, we didn't get our hands on one until this year. 2009 doesn't look as promising. The global economic meltdown has not just sent domestic automakers running for cover, but has sent manufacturers worldwide (...)

BMW Z4 with 550hp M5 engine

There's still some fun to be had in the old BMW Z4. German tuner Hartge used the good 'ol American tradition of stuffing little cars with engines of their big brothers and transplanted the BMW M5's V10 into a Z4. If that wasn't enough, Hartge upgraded the 5.0-liter engine from 507 hp to 550 hp. That's not bad considering the M Roadster comes with 330 hp. All this extra power comes at a price, about $137,700 at current rates. (...)

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Citroen Concept GT in action

Citreon is going ahead with limited production plans for the GT, and here's some more proof as it's out to play on the streets in France. The concept from the game Gran Turismo 5 was listed as powered by hydrogen fuel cells that release no emissions. From the sound on this video it's obvious that Citroen has found something a little more conventional (and exciting) to power the GT in the real world. (...)

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Mercedes unveils CLS Grand Edition fashion car

The four-door coupe segment is rapidly growing, but the modern progenitor of the niche, Mercedes-Benz's CLS, is still powering along. Today the company released an all-new special edition of the CLS dubbed the Grand Edition. Mercedes' obsession with tying cars to fashion finds another outlet in the CLS Grand Edition. Presented by Mercedes model and brand representative Julia Stegner to help cement the car's tie-in to the accessory-rich world of design and style, the CLS Grand Edition is mechanically unchanged from the standard edition, instead relying on styling and materials to differentiate it from the pack. One of the most immediately noticeable features of the CLS Grand Edition is the matte platinum paint.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition

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Spy shots: 2010 Peugeot 3008 crossover undisguised

Peugeot is nearing competition of a new compact crossover model that it plans to launch in the first half of this year. The car is the 2010 Peugeot 3008, which was spotted recently testing in Europe completely undisguised. Peugeot previewed the upcoming crossover with its Prologue HYmotion concept vehicle that was showcased at the Paris Motor Show, and as expected the production version hasn't strayed far from the design of the concept. These most recent photos, from the French site Forum-Peugeot, confirm the spy shots taken in November of last year, and reveal that the car's interior is also essentially production-ready. The 3008 based on a modified version of the 308 platform and as such its engine lineup will be almost the same as the popular hatch.

2010 Peugeot 3008 crossover spy shots

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Electric Porsche conversions available from Florida company

A company based in Florida has found itself an interesting niche in the automotive world - converting Porsche models into electric vehicles that combine sports car handling ability with the economy of a battery-powered electrical motor. On top of this, the company also specializes in making their electric Porsche's resemble other cars, such as Lamborghini models and even iconic Porsche racing cars, such as their electric 962 with over 2,600lb-ft (3,500Nm) of torque. The company, which is named EvPorsche, is hoping to compete against companies such as Tesla that are already producing their own electric sports cars, as well as Lotus, which is currently developing one.

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Honda developing electric motorcycle for 2010

Honda announced today that it will be developing an electric-powered motorcycle, with sales of the bike expected to begin some time next year. The news will be pleasing for those of you who remember Honda's electric moped concept that was unveiled back in 2004 but failed to see production. Honda's CEO, Takeo Fukui, stated in December that Honda was "developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation". The decision to implement the technology in a motorcycle was explained by Fukui, who claimed that "the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel." Fukui expects the electric motorcycle to be extremely popular in "newly emerging countries in regions such as Asia and South America", because "motorcycles are being used for everyday transportation" and that these markets are exhibiting "long-term and steady market growth".

Spy shots: More Jaguar XF-R

If Jaguar is serious about pitting its XF saloon against the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, it will have to expand its lineup beyond the current handful of models. Jaguar currently has two gaping holes in its XF range, an entry-level model to rival the 2.0L diesel BMW 5-series and Audi A6 in Europe, and a performance flagship to compete with the likes of the RS6, E63 and M5. Officials are yet to green-light the launch of a new base model but we do know there's a range-topping XF-R in the works.

2010 Jaguar XF-R

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Hybrid sales plummeting as fuel prices drop

The crumbling U.S. economy and the plummeting price of fuel are two of the major factors behind a sudden drop-off in sales of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. market, and the falling popularity of hybrids has auto industry executives worried once more. According to one market research company, hybrid car sales in November were less than half of what they were compared to last year, while December sales are expected to follow this trend. In 2008, when the price of fuel in the U.S. passed the $4 per gallon mark, hybrids were on the wish list for almost every major carmaker without them in their lineup.

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Hamann announces upgrade program for Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed

German tuner and custom coachbuilder Hamann is perhaps best known for its work with BMW's machines, but now it has unveiled its plans for an upgrade program for the Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed. Full details of the upgrade kit are yet to be revealed, but so far Hamann has released these four photos and a promise that more will come soon. From the photos we can see an upgraded aero kit along the lower edge of the car including dramatic intake scoops below the headlights, a lowering job which suggests re-tuned springs and dampers for improved handling, plus new custom alloy wheels in the 22in+ range featuring black spokes and a polished lip.

Hamann Bentley Continental GT and GT Speed upgrades

Austrian design students envision range of KTM concepts

Students of the FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences in Graz, Austria have designed a set of six KTM-inspired concepts. Using the edgy, futuristic design language made famous in KTM's motorcycles and X-Bow roadster, the students have styled a high-performance buggy, an environmentally-friendly sportster, a water-borne motocross vehicle and more. [INLINE1=left]The most KTM-looking - at least for those familiar primarily with the X-Bow - is the KTM AX (pictured above), a four-wheel off-road buggy with a radically aggressive design.

KTM's new X-Bow roadster ready for Geneva

Bush administration defers CAFE decision to Obama

In a reversal on Bush's prior commitment to make a decision on the issue of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today revealed it will not make a decision before President-Elect Barack Obama takes office later this month. Proposed CAFE regulations on new cars would force fuel economy upward toward a goal of 35mpg fleet-wide by 2020. The debate exists on how to graduate the progression toward that goal. The NHTSA has proposed one avenue to raised standards, seeking a total of 25% improvement by 2015, but that would cost the industry about $47 billion over the five-year period, reports Automotive News.

Mazda6 'Circuit Trial' images surface before 2009 Tokyo Auto Show

The Tokyo Auto Salon will feature a number of firsts from Mazda and many other carmakers, including a new range of 'Circuit Trial' track-ready concepts. The Tokyo show will be running in opposition to the similarly-timed Detroit Auto Show, starting January 9, explaining Mazda's absence from the U.S. exhibition. Today new photos of the Mazda6 (Atenza) Circuit Trial concept have emerged ahead of its official reveal. Mazda's overall theme for the Tokyo show will be the rather ornate 'Driving-oriented environmental technologies for endless driving pleasure'.

Mazda Circuit Trial Concepts

Preview: 2010 BMW X1 SUV

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we've never seen before. The new X1, revealed in these new computer generated renderings and spy shots taken last year, falls into the latter category, taking the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The newest rendering shows the BMW designers will stick closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at October's Paris Motor Show. The most recent set of spy images, meanwhile, thoroughly reveal the upcoming X1 - the latest prototypes shedding the heavy camo gear seen on previous test cars in favor of less inhibiting material.

2010 BMW X1 Preview

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