Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rumormill: VW Microbus back on the table?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/06/rumormill-vw-microbus-back-on-the-table/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/06/rumormill-vw-microbus-back-on-the-table/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/06/rumormill-vw-microbus-back-on-the-table/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the '01 VW Microbus concept

The 2001 VW Microbus concept was really cool; so much so that it looked like it was headed for 2005 production. Then the project started getting expensive at the same time the U.S. dollar began to hit the skids. So, then-boss Bernd Pischetsrieder swung the axe, and it was curtains for the retro breadbox. Fast-forward to the present. Instead of a spiffy new Microbus, we now have the Routan, which is fake German for "Dodge Caravan." Not very exciting, to say the least.

A revival of Flower Power's official vehicle seemed hopeless -- until now. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that VW's entertaining the possibility of a 21st-century Microbus built on the same platform as the new sedan that'll pe produced at VW's Chattanooga, TN facility. An unnamed "senior Volkswagen official" told the paper that European production's basically a non-starter, and Volkswagen Group of America's Jill Bratina played it coy, saying only that a second vehicle line out of Chattanooga is "conceivable in the foreseeable future." A locally-built, car-based Microbus is an idea that certainly piques our interest. How about yours?

(Oh, and by the way, should you ever decide to move to Brazil, you can still kick it old-school down there in the meantime.)

Gallery: 2001 VW Microbus Concept


[Source: Sydney Morning Herald via Squob.com]

 

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]]>chattanoogakombimicrobusvolkswagenvw2008-09-06T18:15:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW 8 Series on the way, no M-version planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/rumormill-bmw-8-series-on-the-way-no-m-version-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/rumormill-bmw-8-series-on-the-way-no-m-version-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/rumormill-bmw-8-series-on-the-way-no-m-version-planned/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above for our high-res Concept CS gallery

With their scopes aimed squarely at the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW's M performance division is rumored to be working on their own four-door luxury GT for a 2010 launch. With its styling based heavily on the BMW Concept CS (pictured above), the platform for the new flagship will be shared with the new 7 Series. Under the hood, most expect to see a 6.0-liter V12 based on the current M5's V10, or a twin-turbocharged V8 like the one rumored for the next-gen M5. Even though both of those engines promise prodigious amounts of power, and the lightened chassis will be tuned for performance, BMW insists the new car will not be badged an M8. Regardless, we seem to recall that the lack of an M badge on the mid-90's BMW 850CSi didn't seem to deter enthusiasts.

Gallery: BMW Concept CS

[Source: Drive.com]

 

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]]>8 Series8SeriesBMW Concept CSBMW M8BmwConceptCsBmwM8conceptConcept CSConceptCsfuturenext generationnext-getNextGenerationplannedRumored2008-09-05T09:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW considering four-cylinder 3-series for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/rumormill-bmw-considering-four-cylinder-3-series-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/rumormill-bmw-considering-four-cylinder-3-series-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/rumormill-bmw-considering-four-cylinder-3-series-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Four-cylinder BMWs are commonplace in Europe, but here in the States you can't buy anything Bavarian with less than six pistons. Inside Line is reporting that the German automaker may change that by adding the direct-injected 2.0L four-pot from Europe to the 3-Series. The 170-hp engine powers the 320i and 120i across the pond. The models are well-received there, and for good reason, too. The ultra-efficient powerplant averages over 38 mpg in the European combined test cycle while still providing the razor-sharp handling that is BMW's trademark.

BMW project director Oliver Friedmann said that a four-cylinder petrol Bimmer would have a "desirable effect" here in the U.S., but didn't commit any concrete plans for a U.S. four-banger. He did say that the U.S. probably isn't ready for a diesel four-cylinder, but we beg to differ. Our friends at AutoblogGreen had a blast in the twin-turbo 123d and managed 37 mpg while thoroughly testing the oil-burner's limits. We think the petrol 2.0L would be well received as well. While four-cylinder luxury cars were taboo just a few years ago, high fuel prices have given Americans plenty of motivation to welcome a 2.0L Bimmer with open arms.

[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>BMW 120iBMW 320ibmw four-cylinderBmw120iBmw320iBmwFour-cylinderfour cylinderFourCylinder2008-09-04T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: GM kills the Kappa II platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/rumormill-gm-kills-the-kappa-ii-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/rumormill-gm-kills-the-kappa-ii-platform/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/rumormill-gm-kills-the-kappa-ii-platform/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The ruthless pruning continues, with GM Inside News reporting that the rear-wheel-drive Kappa II platform has gone to heaven before ever touching this mortal coil. Back in 2004, a vehicle line executive said "The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe." Apparently, not one for which GM could make enough different models to actually earn some money.

Reasons for the sequel platform's demise are allegedly that the first hydra-formed Kappa is just too expensive to fabricate; the cars based on it use expensive, hydra-formed parts; assembly requires inordinate amounts of human labor; and GM didn't make its money back fast enough to justify the investment in a new RWD - read: thirstier - platform.

The current Kappa's suspension and design geometry aren't shared with any other car;, the platform was created to accept one engine, the Ecotec 4-cylinder; and it served under only four varieties of the same car: the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, Daewoo G2X and Opel GT. It was a lot to ask such a limited platform to achieve the volume's GM needed with cars on expensive underpinnings that didn't demand expensive prices. And if the rumors are true, then your Solstice GXP could be worth more than you expected, and sooner than you expected.

[Source: GM Inside News]

 

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]]>gmkappakappa iikappa ii platformkappa platformKappaIiKappaIiPlatformKappaPlatformplatformplatformspontiac solsticepontiac solstice gxpPontiacSolsticePontiacSolsticeGxpsaturn skySaturnSkysolstice2008-09-02T08:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Fisker planning four hybrid models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-fisker-planning-four-hybrid-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-fisker-planning-four-hybrid-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-fisker-planning-four-hybrid-models/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Fisker Karma

Fisker Automotive is going to have its work cut out for it when it comes to meeting its self-imposed deadline of bring the Karma sedan to market by the fourth-quarter of 2009. To complicate matters even further, the automaker is now rumored to be working on three more plug-in hybrids. That would represent a truly serious undertaking for such a small automaker. To ease matters slightly, all four models would use the same basic underpinnings -- including the most important piece of all, the lithium ion battery and its assorted bits. Fisker has recruited Quantum Technologies, a company which has seen success building vehicles for the military, for help in creating the drivetrain for its electric vehicles. Reportedly on the drawing board are a coupe, a convertible and an SUV, all of which should go a long way towards meeting Fisker's goal of selling 15,000 vehicles a year by 2011.

Gallery: Fisker Karma


[Source: Channel 4]

 

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]]>fiskerfisker automotivefisker karmaFiskerAutomotiveFiskerKarmaphevplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in-hybridplug-in-hybridsPlug-inHybrid2008-08-29T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mid-engine Audi R3 to replace TT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/rumormill-mid-engine-audi-r3-to-replace-tt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Over the past week, CAR has donned its prognostication cap and tapped it's "internal sources" in an attempt to foretell Audi's future product plans. A few of stories have ranged from inane to insane, but one post seems entirely plausible and has blinded us with excitement.

Audi's mid-engine R4 was pronounced stillborn this past year, but with Volkswagen bringing its own midship concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show this November, Audi might revive plans its own version to market in the next five years. The new R3 would effectively replace the TT, providing a better business case for VAG to produce a mid-engine platform and silencing critics that have constantly complained that the TT is merely a tarted up Golf.

If the Volkswagen version is well received and given the green light, expect it to debut in 2013, with Audi's variant following shortly thereafter. In an attempt to keep from directly competing with the Porsche Boxster, Audi will exclusively offer the R3 with four-cylinder engines, including a 180 hp, 1.8-liter TFSI, 220 hp, 2.0-liter and a 280 hp, 2.0-liter on the S-line model. Diesels are also being considered, ranging from a 125 hp, 1.6.-liter to a 204 hp, 2.0-liter.

[Source: CAR]

 

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]]>audiaudi r3AudiR3r3volkwagenvw2008-08-29T16:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-lexus-lf-a-stillborn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-lexus-lf-a-stillborn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/rumormill-lexus-lf-a-stillborn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

The writing has been on the wall for some time. Although the Lexus flagship graduated from "concept" to "prototype" when it campaigned in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, Toyota has refused to even hint at a production date for the V10 supercar. Then Toyota declined to plonk an LF-A silhouette on their Super GT racer, electing to continue with the doomed SC 430 jello mold.

Then news broke that production cars would cost a whopping $225,000, but the LF-A still wouldn't turn a profit. Needless to say, Toyota doesn't like things that are not profitable.

Finally, members of the testing and development crew who have been putting the car though its paces in Germany, as well as test drivers from rival Honda and Nissan crews, have told Autoblog that the LF-A is not destined for the showroom, and will remain only a development platform.

No reasons were given, but we can think of a couple. How many people are willing to part with nigh on a quarter of a million bucks for a Toyota/Lexus? Also, the world's most prolific car maker may not be willing to join the current Nurburgring pissing contest unless it is 100% sure that they can beat the Viper, ZR-1 and perhaps more importantly, the GT-R and upcoming NSX replacement.

Actually, one 'Ring test driver didn't mind going on the record with his opinion. Former Nissan racer, NSX development driver and Nurburgring legend Motoharu "Gan-san" Kurosawa reckons, "Toyota are good at making money, but they're no good at making sports cars."

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar - Exterior and Interior


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar at the Nurburgring

 

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]]>breakingcancelcancelleddeadlexuslexus lf-alexus lfaLexusLf-aLexusLfalf-alfaToyota2008-08-28T12:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Cadillac to get its own Volt?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/rumormill-cadillac-to-get-its-own-volt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With enormous V8 land-yachts and even bigger Escalades rolling down America's boulevards, Cadillac doesn't have the most environmentally friendly of images. But that's a perception that the premium GM division is working hard to combat. After unveiling the Escalade two-mode hybrid, reports have begun to surface that Cadillac is considering a four-cylinder model for the American market like the Saab-based BLS it offers in Europe.

New emerging reports now suggest that Cadillac might get its own version of the highly-anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid from its sister-company Chevrolet. No telling at this point if the Cadillac version would be based on the Volt, transplant the Volt's powertrain into an existing Cadillac model, or breed an entirely new Caddy - or for that matter if there's any substance to the rumors - but sources suggest a higher sticker price than the Volt's anticipated $40k.

[Source: Automotive News (subs. req'd) via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>cadillaccadillac hybridcadillac voltCadillacHybridCadillacVoltchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevy voltChevyVoltvolt2008-08-26T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Plans for an all-RWD Pontiac shelved?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

A quick glance at Pontiac's (rumored) future product plans reveals just how much fuel prices have affected plans for an all rear-wheel drive lineup. Let's see, we've got the Solstice and the G8, and, um... that's it. Sure, we're expecting the G8 ST soon, but the El Camino-come-lively will never sell enough to keep bean counters happily sliding their abaci beads in their cubicles. The Solstice also plays to a relatively small crowd, so its future could be up in the air, as well.

As for the rest of the brand's lineup, the Grand Am G6 will remain on the same front-wheel drive platform for the foreseeable future as there's just not enough funds to switch it to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the G5 is tied to the Cobalt and the future Cruze from Chevrolet that uses the FWD Delta platform. The Vibe comes from Toyota and is based on the Corolla's underpinnings. Please, don't get us started on a possible Aveo-based subcompact from GM's "Performance Division". As our esteemed editor says, "So sad, G8 rules." Indeed it does, and it may be the best we'll get from Pontiac for a while.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>pontiacpontiac g8pontiac solsticePontiacG8PontiacSolsticerear wheel driverear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveRearWheelDriverwdrwd pontiacRwdPontiac2008-08-25T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Mercedes BLK on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/rumormill-mercedes-blk-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/rumormill-mercedes-blk-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/rumormill-mercedes-blk-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While there is a mad rush for automakers to make smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles for the U.S. market, many of the vehicles we crave are already available to European customers. Mercedes sells A- and B-Class vehicles were deemed too small for U.S. consumption. One product Mercedes doesn't have in either of its two biggest markets is a small crossover vehicle, but that could change in 2011.

Autocar is reporting that Mercedes is looking to rectify its small crossover position with the BLK, which will be positioned to take on the BMW X1 and Land Rover LRX. If Mercedes does build the BLK, it will likely be on an all-new FWD chassis that will also accommodate the next-gen A- and B-Class, as well as other like-sized models. The guys and gals on team Benz were looking to strike a deal with another automaker to platform share, but talks apparently came up empty. Mercedes is still looking to partner up with BMW on engine development, which would help drastically reduce engineering and development costs. BLK engine choices are rumored to be between 1.6- and 2.2-liters, with direct injection gasoline and diesel variants.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>compact CUVCompactCuvcrossovermercedes benzmercedes blkMercedesBenzMercedesBlkrumors2008-08-20T17:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[Enter the Rumormill: 2012 C7 Corvette ZR1 with twin-turbo V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/enter-the-rumormill-2012-c7-corvette-zr1-with-twin-turbo-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/enter-the-rumormill-2012-c7-corvette-zr1-with-twin-turbo-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/enter-the-rumormill-2012-c7-corvette-zr1-with-twin-turbo-v6/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While the world watches in awe as the Corvette ZR1 wretches the performance crown from its competitors, some people are already concerning themselves with its successor. How could GM possibly improve on its best 'Vette yet? Popular Mechanics speculated on what the 2012 Corvette could have in store, and some of the answers they've dug up are a bit surprising. Dual clutch gearboxes? Nope. Mid-engine? Nope. How about losing a few cylinders? Heresy! Before all of the V8 loyalists get their panties in a bunch, remember that you can do a lot with a twin-turbo six. While the Nissan GT-R is the latest example of huge pressure-induced horsepower from a six, the Jaguar XJ220 and past Noble efforts have proven the engine configuration more than adequate. While we don't have any problem with the idea of a high-boost 3.6-liter direct-injection sixer, we know that there's still plenty of room for a range-topping V8 engine and we feel confident that America's preeminent sportscar will soldier on with one -- at the very least -- as an option.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1


[Source: Popular Mechanics]

 

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]]>2012 corvette2012 corvette zr12012Corvette2012CorvetteZr1corvettecorvette zr-1corvette zr1CorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr12008-08-20T14:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[2010 Pontiac G8 ST may get direct-inject V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/2010-pontiac-g8-st-may-get-direct-inject-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/2010-pontiac-g8-st-may-get-direct-inject-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/2010-pontiac-g8-st-may-get-direct-inject-v6/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST

The Pontiac G8 Sport Truck was originally supposed to be powered only by General Motors' 361-horsepower 6.0L V8, but tough fuel economy standards and customer demand for fuel efficient products have conspired to change the General's plans. Edmunds Inside Line quotes an anonymous senior engineer at the General saying that the unique sport ute will receive automaker's 3.6L V6, as well. That's good news for fuel economy, but the better news is that the 3.6L V6 of choice will be the direct injection versoin. That will likely give the G8 ST the same 300+hp as the 2010 Camaro and Cadillac CTS. That should also make the base ST more appealing to enthusiasts and the average Joe, with more power at the pedal and a healthier torque curve. The DI version of GM's 3.6L V6 will also likely be available in the base G8 sedan for the 2010 model year, as well.

It makes sense that GM would go with direct injection for the G8 ST, as the General has already promised the powerful V6 for the Chevy Traverse and Camaro. Putting DI in more vehicles will help drive down the cost of producing these more high-tech engines economy of scale while also giving customers V8ish performance with V6ish fuel economy. Keep in mind, however, that though a GM engineer was quoted, none of this is official word from GM, so plans could change.

Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST


[Source: Inside Line]

 

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]]>3.6L v63.6lV6direct injectionDirectInjectionG8 SedanG8 sport truckG8 STG8SedanG8SportTruckG8StPontiac G8PontiacG82008-08-20T12:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Report: Ferrari wants Alonso and Kubica for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/report-ferrari-wants-alonso-and-kubica-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With both Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa contracted with Ferrari through next year, reports are circulating that the Scuderia may bring on board both Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica for 2010.

After Kimi and Felipe, and with Lewis Hamilton firmly in place at McLaren, the pairing of Alonso and Kubica in Maranello would provide a formidable team against the rest of the field. Alonso, of course, is a two-time world champion and one of the only drivers to repeatedly beat Schumacher to the title, while Kubica has proven himself a competent driver of the highest degree. Whether the reports are accurate, and whether Ferrari would just dump Kimi and Felipe like that remains to be seen.

[Source: Tuttosport via Axis of Oversteer, Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty]

 

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]]>alonsoalonso ferrariAlonsoFerrarifernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrarikubicakubica alonsokubica alonso ferrarikubica ferrariKubicaAlonsoKubicaAlonsoFerrariKubicaFerrarirobert kubicaRobertKubica2008-08-14T07:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Jaguar XFR to debut in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/jaguar-xfr-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/jaguar-xfr-to-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/jaguar-xfr-to-debut-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Jaguar XF has been a shot of adrenaline for the perpetually struggling leaping cat, as sexy lines and ample performance are adding new customers to the brand. We love the balance of the naturally aspirated V8 and the ample bite of its supercharged sibling, but we'll always be agreeable with the prospect of more power. Spy photos have shown us that an even more vicious feline is on the horizon with a blown 5.0L V8 that cranks out north of 500 ponies.

The folks over at Auto Telegraaf are reporting that the XFR will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next January, which would give Jaguar a big introduction at North America's biggest auto show. We liked what we saw when the XFR made its cloaked debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (that graphic on the side should so be an option), and we're looking forward to seeing Tata's most powerful vehicle when it hits Detroit.

Gallery: Jaguar XF-R


[Source: Auto Telegraaf]

 

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]]>JaguarJaguar XFJaguarXfsuperchargertata motorsTataMotorsXFR2008-08-12T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lexus delays LF-A, GS-F and more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/lexus-delays-lf-a-gs-f-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

Lexus sales have been down every month so far this year, which may be due in part to its SUV and crossover-heavy lineup. It also seems that Toyota's luxury division doesn't quite have redesigns of its sedans ready yet. According to Automotive News, the automaker's smallest car, the IS, won't be redesigned for another few years. While the SC coupe/convertible is set to go the way of the Dodo, expect to see a coupe and convertible iteration of the IS sometime soon. Some sales help is also likely forthcoming from the Lexi-fied version of Toyota's next-gen Prius.

In a blow to high-performance sedan lovers, however, the rumored GS-F performance edition of the marque's rear-wheel drive mid-size sedan has been put on hold with fears that the sinking economy will shrink the market for gas-guzzlers too much to make it worthwhile. In more bad news, the $200K-plus LF-A supercar is also being delayed, reportedly in part for failing to meet its desired performance targets. Could that have anything to do with the recent Nissan GT-R and Corvette ZR-1 'Ring lap times? You bet'cha.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


[Source: Automotive News]

 

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]]>lexuslexus flexus gslexus gs-flexus hybridlexus is-flexus lf-alexus priusLexusFLexusGsLexusGs-fLexusHybridLexusIs-fLexusLf-aLexusPrius2008-08-11T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Owners refute rumors of firing Ecclestone and selling F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/owners-refute-rumors-of-firing-ecclestone-and-selling-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rumors have been circulating that CVC, the commercial rights holders to Formula One, have considered selling the series. But before that could happen, they would have to give Bernie Ecclestone the boot.

The reports were fueled by comments made by Max Mosley, the embattled president of the FIA, who related to reporters that conversations about the subject had taken place with executives at CVC. According to Mosley's conclusion, CVC would consider selling Formula One if a huge offer were made - possibly by an Arab consortium - but Ecclestone would need to be replaced because "the whole business depends on a man who is 78 years old". However, CVC issued a strong statement at this past weekend's race in Hungary that it had no immediate plans to sell F1 and was pleased with its performance as well as that of Bernie Ecclestone.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty]

 

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]]>bernie ecclestoneBernieEcclestonecvccvc ecclestoneCvcEcclestoneecclestonefiafia mosleyFiaMosleyfomformula one managementFormulaOneManagementmax mosleyMaxMosleymosley2008-08-07T08:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW considering a 3-wheeler, large scooters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-considering-a-3-wheeler-large-scooters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Rumors from various European motorcycle mags indicate that BMW is considering getting back into the scooter game. The Bavarian company's last foray into scooterdom resulted in the C1. Being that this was BMW Motorrad, its scooter would need to be different from everyone else, and indeed it was. Featuring a full roof, roll bars and seat belts along with ABS brakes, BMW claimed that C1 riders were safe enough that they did not need to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, though, not everyone agreed and low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002. Now, BMW is said to be considering a three-wheeled machine, which could allay some of the safety fears which ultimately led to the demise of the C1.

Rotax is also rumored to be involved, offering an 80 degree, four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine in three different sizes and ranging from 33 to 75 horsepower. The machine is said to retain the C1's windshield and roof and add BMW's paralever rear suspension design. BMW: You've got our attention, now please don't disappoint.

[Source: Visor Down]

 

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]]>bmwbmw c1bmw c1 scooterbmw motorradbmw scooterBmwC1BmwC1ScooterBmwMotorradBmwScooter2008-08-06T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Lotus considering a Carlton successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/rumormill-lotus-considering-a-carlton-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/rumormill-lotus-considering-a-carlton-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/rumormill-lotus-considering-a-carlton-successor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a gallery off the original Lotus Carlton.

Of all the sleepers in automobiledom, the Lotus Carlton holds a special place in our hearts. Based off the Vauxhall Carlton sold in Europe, Lotus stroked out the 3.0-liter inline-six of the standard car to displace 3615 cc, added a couple of Garrett turbos and sent the resulting 382 hp and 419 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed ZF transmission pulled from the original Corvette ZR-1. In short, it was the ultimate low-flying aircraft, with room for four, a 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of over 175 mph - in 1990.

Lotus head Michael Kimberley told Autocar, that he would "like the company to build another car in the mould of the Lotus Carlton." What could form the basis of the sleeper sedan's revival? The recently unveiled Vauxhall Insignia is the modern equivalent of the Carlton, and with a modified 2.8-liter V6 packing a set of turbos and sending power to all four wheels, GM could have a serious performance package on its hands. And if the General decides to bring over the Insignia to the U.S... Lotus Aura has a nice ring to it.

Check the gallery below for more shots of the original Lotus Carlton and make the jump to watch Tiff Needell work his magic with the boosted sedan.

Gallery: Lotus Carlton


[Source: Autocar]

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]]>carltonlotus2008-08-06T15:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Paris 2008 Preview: Citroen to bring back the 2CV?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/paris-2008-preview-citroen-to-bring-back-the-2cv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/paris-2008-preview-citroen-to-bring-back-the-2cv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/paris-2008-preview-citroen-to-bring-back-the-2cv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Citroen 2CV

Resurrecting the cars that put automakers on the map seems to be all the rage in the industry these days. Volkswagen brought back the Beetle a few years back and, more recently, Fiat resurrected the 500. Porsche... well, the 911 never really went away. But you get the idea. One iconic turning-point of an automobile that has yet to be awakened is the Citroen 2CV.

Launched after the end of WWII in 1949, the Citroen 2CV (so named because of its two-steam-horsepower equivalent rating) grew extremely popular due to its low cost and versatility. It could go anywhere, consumed little gas, and was extremely simple both to build and to maintain. By the time the last one rolled off the production line in 1990 - now that's one heck of a run - over 3.8 million units were built, and the 2CV gained iconic status and a cult following. Next year Citroen will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 2CV. Given the momentous occasion, the coincidence of the show's alternate location in Paris this year and how poised the current economic climate would be for such a vehicle, it would seem an ideal time for PSA to give us a new 2CV that could put the French automaker back on the map with a low-cost vehicle to rival the Tata Nano, only with more character. Whether Citroen actually has any such plans is of course pure speculation at this point, so we'll just have to sit back and wait until October to find out.

Gallery: Citroen 2CV

[Source: Auto Unleashed]

 

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]]>60th anniversary citroen 2cv60thAnniversaryCitroen2cvcitroencitroen 2cvcitroen parisCitroen2cvCitroenParis2008-08-04T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM offering buyouts and bonuses to HUMMER dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-offering-buyouts-and-bonuses-to-hummer-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-offering-buyouts-and-bonuses-to-hummer-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/gm-offering-buyouts-and-bonuses-to-hummer-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the above image for our 2009 Hummer H3T high-res gallery

Taking heed of lessons learned when it shed the Oldsmobile brand, General Motors is quietly negotiating with HUMMER dealers to prevent lawsuits if the brand is sold or extinguished. Even though confidentiality agreements have been signed, HUMMER dealers are reporting heavy discussions with GM to buy back stores and compensate owners. GM has even paid second- and third-quarter bonuses (averaging six figures) in advance. June delivered gloom to HUMMER as the brand's sales fell 59.3 percent (to just 2,072 units) as near $5-per-gallon fuel prices began flowing through pumps. If that weren't bad enough, the rugged off-road brand was hit with another mass exodus of sales on GM's announcement that HUMMER might be sold. With sales falling, experienced dealership staff leaving, and fuel prices still up in the air, GM's Jeep-fighting brand has literally fallen off the road.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd, Photo by Scott Olson/Getty]

 

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]]>bonusesbuy outBuyOutdealersHummerOut of businessOutOfBusinessretailersSaleSold2008-07-28T11:28:00+00:00