Online Car Blogs

BMW 1 Series hybrid spotted in Munich

2009-11-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

by Sam Abuelsamid

At the launch of the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, officials acknowledged the automaker would be producing several additional hybrid models in the near future. Rumors have been floating around that the new 5 Series – due to launch in 2010 – will get the same mild hybrid system going into the ActiveHybrid 7 and its crossover counterpart, but what about BMW's smaller offerings?

Testing near Munich, a BMW 1 Series mule was caught wearing "Hybrid Test Vehicle" badging, proving that BMW's hybrid system won't be used exclusively on its larger models. Given the small size of the 1, this will undoubtedly use a version of the same mild hybrid system, a modular setup that has the motor/generator sandwiched between the engine and transmission with a compact lithium ion battery in the rear.

The 1 Series hybrid will take on the production version of the Lexus LF-Ch concept recently shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show when it hits the market in late 2011 or early 2012. The Lexus is similar in size to the 1er, but will only be offered as a hybrid, while the 1 will retain conventional powertrain options. There's no word whether the Lexus or the 1 Series Hybrid will make it onto U.S. shores, but if both automakers plan to recoup development expenses, sales in North America are almost assured.

Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP

2009-11-10T22:09:00.000-08:00

by Drew Phillips

With its latest creation, the CLR 730 RS, it seems that Lumma Design is making a play for the title of Europe's most garish tuner. However, this two-tone widebody BMW M5 is actually subtle compared to previous Lumma Design models, and we think the title still firmly remains with Mansory.

So what's special about the CLR 730 RS? For starters, 730 horsepower. The 50% increase in chutzpah comes from a set of twin-superchargers courtesy of G-Power, and Lumma Design claims an impressive top speed of 228 mph. Additional performance upgrades come in the form of a sport suspension, six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, and an upgraded exhaust system.

The candy cane interior of the CLR 730 RS is even more over-the-top than the outside, with a combination of carbon fiber, leather, and suede. It's not really our style, but we would probably be more accepting of it in a more subtle color. We have plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below, and Lumma Design's press release has full details after the jump.

Volkswagen to buy 49.9% of Porsche in first stage of merger

2009-10-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

by Sam Abuelsamid

The days of Porsche being an independent automaker will soon be drawing to a close. Volkswagen has announced that it is ready to move ahead with the first stage of its buyout of the smaller company that had tried to do the same thing to it just a short while ago. Back in August when the VW board approved the merger, the Wolfsburg company announced that it would start off by purchasing 42 percent of Porsche AG, the car building unit of Porsche. That stake has now been increased to 49.9 percent and the purchase will happen before the end of 2009.

According the announcement from Volkswagen, work on future joint projects between the two companies is moving ahead faster than anticipated. As a result, VW is buying a larger stake now with the expectation that Porsche's share price will increase next year due to these new projects.

Next year VW will be issuing more preferred shares in itself to help pay for the rest of the acquisition while maintaining its credit rating. The full merger is expected to be completed sometime in 2011.

Subaru's 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim

2009-10-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

by Damon Lavrinc

Despite dropping all the information about its Tokyo-bound concepts, Subaru hasn't hinted at when we'll be seeing its version of the Toyota FT-86 coupe. Thankfully, Japan's Holiday Auto has stepped up to the plate to throw more fuel onto the fire with a subtly modified sketch of the FT-86 and some possible powertrain information of Subaru's first rear-wheel drive coupe.

According to the report (and a heaping helping of common sense), the Japanese rumormongers expect the STI version of the coupe to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show (after the standard model is revealed next year), complete with Subaru's 250-hp EJ25 2.5-liter boxer. Similar to the dual-injected, 200-hp EJ20 fitted to its Toyota brethren, the engine will remain naturally aspirated, but a turbocharged version hasn't been ruled out.

In addition to a wider track and upgraded tires, wheels and brakes, expect the STI version to don a gaping front fascia and a sizeable rear wing, similar to the camo-covered mule we saw in the latest round of spy shots. If Subaru wants to compete with the rest of the high-horsepower sports cars in the U.S. and Japan, it better get cracking, because competition is fierce, and the only way it can compete is to keep the price down and the weight in check.

New VW Beetle coming in two years, Scirocco still not in cards for U.S

2009-10-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

by Sam Abuelsamid

We're in Wolfsburg, Germany right now for the launch drive of the 2010 Volkswagen Golf and we've just returned from a presentation at the company's design center with Walter de Silva. We'll have more on de Silva's comments a little later, but first, we did have a chance to chat with VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby about future products.

First up, despite de Silva's promise that VW wont do retro designs, there is a new New Beetle coming. When the NB debuted a decade ago, we lamented the fact that it officially carried the "New" prefix (unfortunately, Autoblog was not yet born so no one at VW heard our complaints). This time around it will just be called "Beetle." Contrary to some speculation that it might move to the NSF platform of the forthcoming Up! model, the Beetle will still ride on the Golf's chassis when it appears in two years. Jacoby didn't say how the next Beetle might change to meet de Silva's "no retro" statement, but it will continue to fill VW's niche quotient.

Speaking of niches, the Scirocco remains dead to us, despite the fact that Lower Saxony seems to be crawling with them. The problem, Jacoby explains, is that the Scirroco appeals to almost exactly the same buyers who opt for the GTI. Company research indicates that there would be almost no incremental sales increase with the Scirroco, instead it would just cannibalize the GTI. Why not just replace the GTI? Adding the coupe would be another niche product that requires more parts inventory, training, marketing dollars and so on. While we as enthusiasts might want another coupe, the numbers just don't add up for VW – especially when every Euro costs $1.47. Sorry.

Near-production Honda CR-Z "Concept" unveiled

2009-09-30T00:38:00.000-07:00

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

One of the most highly-anticipated new model releases scheduled to debut at next month's Tokyo Motor Show would have to be the production version of Honda's CR-Z hybrid hatchback. That's not happening. Instead, we're getting a concept version of the production car. First unveiled at the Tokyo show back in 2007 in pure concept form, the sporty two-passenger CR-Z is slated for production early next year in Japan. We expect the CR-Z to hit the States sometime thereafter.

Underhood will be a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to Honda's proprietary Integrated Motor Assist technology. Also on the menu will be a six-speed manual gearbox that will surely be a more entertaining partner for driving enthusiasts than the CVT used in the Insight hatchback.

While Honda is still calling the Tokyo-bound 2009 version of the CR-Z a concept, it's clearly one of those concept-in-name-only deals. Don't expect the attractive sheetmetal to be altered before the car hits the showroom floor, and that interior is pretty much the same one you'll be able to sample in 2010. That's fine by us – the car's wedge-shaped lines are very attractive and call to mind the seminal CRX from the early 1980s, though with a modern flavor reminiscent of the current Insight. See for yourselves in our gallery below.

Future Leno Show Green Car Challenge lineup leaked

2009-09-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

by Frank Filipponio

Last week, actress Drew Barrymore kicked off the Jay Leno Show's Green Car Challenge segment with a bang. Literally. Canons shot streamers and ping pong balls at the Ford Focus EV while she zipped around the track. Although the whole thing was a bit hokey, we know the segment is here to stay, hopefully with some healthy tweaking.

We say drop the second lap shenanigans, create a properly defined track and make it a real race with some interesting guests. Well, with what we just learned, we think they might be on the right track. No pun intended. It will be another Big Adventure for the next celeb to take the wheel, none other than actor Paul Reubens, better known to most of us as Pee-wee Herman. After Pee-wee has a crack at the challenge, other celebs scheduled to appear are sportscasters Bob Costas and Al Michaels, as well as the one and only, hybrid-loathing Rush Limbaugh.

Are any of these guys capable of besting Barrymore's lap time? Our money is on the lightweight Costas, although Pee Wee might be a shot in the dark. Michaels could surprise, but we doubt Limbaugh will be able to avoid the penalties that will ensue from mowing down the effigies of Al Gore and Ed Begley, Jr. What say you? Who will top the board after these guys complete the Green Car Challenge?

2010 Saab 9-5 is proof there's still some flight left in the ol' Griffin

2009-09-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

by Chris Paukert

To be honest, there have been points at which it felt like this new Saab 9-5 would never see the light of day. To say that the outgoing model had grown long in the tooth would be a colossal understatement, and in the hyper-competitive market that is the globe's entry-level premium segment, the 9-5 had become something of a placeholder, playing second fiddle to the automaker's newer, more dynamic 9-3. So with its own cheaper sibling playing the role of upstager and parent General Motors in the throes of bankruptcy, we didn't exactly have faith that Saab would ever launch this new sedan. But after an arduous development process and a new owner in the form of supercar maker Koenigsegg, the future looks – if not bright – at least markedly less dim.

If we sound like we're damning the 2010 9-5 with faint praise, we're not – after sitting in the car today at the Frankfurt Motor Show and talking extensively with members of Saab's team, we're actually rather optimistic that the perennially underweight automaker may yet emerge from its funk and put some rouge back in the 'ol Griffin. But until we drive it, we're going to reserve judgment before we break out the akvavit and reindeer steaks – we've been here before.

One thing's for sure – this new, larger 9-5 looks incredibly crisp in the metal. With clean flanks, a distinctive, cantilevered roofline paired with wraparound-look glass and handsome head- and tail lamp detailing, this is an attractive, cohesive design sans adornment – no gaping ducts, fender vents, or protruding aero addenda are in evidence anywhere. Very much in the Scandinavian mold, the 9-5 pulls design elements from the showstopping Saab Aero-X concept coupe and puts them in a real-world package. Similarly, like Scandinavian furniture, the design won't be to everyone's tastes.

Inside, there's gobs more space than in the outgoing car both front and rear, and the design has been tastefully updated in a driver-centric way that honors the marque's quirkiness (Night Panel button, eggcrate grid air vents, etc.) without becoming a caricature of Saabs past. Reinforcing the aeronautically-minded "Born From Jets" theme that had become something of a punchline with distractions like the 9-7x SUV, Saab has adopted new features like an optional heads-up display and a novel altimeter-like digital speedometer readout in case you aren't interested making use of the clear analogue gauges.

Another reason for quiet optimism: Thanks to new technologies and refinements, the world's markets are finally waking up to the joys of smaller displacement engines paired with turbocharging – a development that suits Saab just fine, as blowers have been a steady part of Saab's diet for the better part of 30 years. As such, the 9-5's engine lineup will be all turbo, all the time. Global choices will range from a 220-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo to a force-fed, 300-horsepower 2.8-liter V6 paired exclusively with Saab's lauded cross-wheel drive (XWD) system). A 160 hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine will also make the scene from launch, although we don't expect to see that motor, nor are we optimistic that the planned 180 hp 1.6-liter gas turbo or 2.0-liter E85-friendly BioPower powertrains will reach American shores. Whether fitted with a stir-it-yourself gearbox or an automatic transmission, all 9-5s will be equipped with six forward ratios.

Saab officials tell us they need a total of 50,000 units globally out of the new 9-5 (in both sedan and Sport Combi form) in order to be in the black on the model. While that's theoretically a modest goal, Saab is going to need more than the trickle of 9-5 sales that the U.S. has added to the books for the past few years if it is to make good on its international projections. To our eyes, the 2010 9-5 looks good enough, but given its front-drove roots (it's got GM's Epsilon II platform underneath), will it drive well enough? Perhaps every bit as importantly, will it be marketed effectively enough in order justify Koenigsegg's leap of faith? The jury's out – but with a new Swedish foreman running the show again and a distinctive new entry, we'll give them the benefit of the doubt... if only for a while.

Subaru considering using more CVTs

2009-09-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

by Chris Shunk

The 2010 Legacy will be the most fuel efficient Subaru in the Japanese automaker's US lineup, but only when it's powered by the 2.5i boxer engine mated to a CVT transmission. According to the EPA, that powertrain returns 31 mpg on the highway, a full four mpg better than the six-speed manual. With fuel economy standards set to climb over the next decade, Subaru is going to need more mpg success stories, and more CVTs could be a big part of the equation.

Japan's Nikkei Sangyo business daily reports that Subaru will flood its product lineup with CVTs over the next two years, starting with the popular Forester and Impreza models. The CVT, which is made at Subaru's engine plant in Oizumi, will eventually be offered on all models.

While the CVT is new for larger Subarus, the company has been using the transmissions in JDM city cars since 1987. Last week, Subaru began using a CVT in its Japan market Exiga MPV, which will soon be extended to the Australian market.

Ginetta developing all-new G40 for the road and track

2009-09-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Race cars are usually designed one of two ways. Either a company's engineers take an existing road car and adapt it towards racing (as with most touring, GT racing and rally cars, for example) or they start with a clean sheet of paper and design a race car from the ground up (as they do for Formula One and Le Mans prototypes). Ginetta appears to be taking a different approach, however. The British sportscar manufacturer has announced the development of a new product, dubbed G40, to slot below the G50 in its road car lineup – but there's a competition-spec model planned right from the start.

Few details have been released on the G40's specifications, but Ginetta does say that it will be powered by a 1.8-liter Ford Zetec inline-four and should weigh in at about 850 kg (1874 pounds), pack two seats and exceed FIA regulations for crashworthiness.

On the track, the G40 will be used in the Ginetta Junior Championship – a British one-make racing series for racers between the ages of 14 and 17, currently campaigned with purpose-built Ginetta Juniors in support races for the British Touring Car Championship. The G40 could also be made ready for GT4 racing as well.

Just 20 examples are planned for the first batch, and the G40 will start at £24,950 (around $40,600 USD). Interested? You can learn more by checking out the official press release after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Sean.

Renault Mégane Sport Tourer launches in no fewer than 21 flavors

2009-08-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

by Jonathon Ramsey

Renault has introduced its new Mégane Sport Tourer, which might rightfully called "Blackjack," because there are twenty-one different versions in the range. That's one car available with four different engines in five different trim levels. It's the antidote to the kind of economic rationalization we've been seeing, but hey, it means you win -- if you're in a country where you can buy one.

The Mégane Sport Tourer starts from £15,485 ($25,553 U.S.) for the Expression 1.6 -- which appears to have a 1.4-liter engine -- to £22,785 ($37,599 U.S.) for a kitted out Privilège model. There's even a TomTom edition if that's how you roll, and you can get all the info on them after the jump.

Corvette-based SV 9 Competizione

2009-07-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

by Noah Joseph

Reclothing Corvettes with Italian coachwork is a time-honored tradition; one that sadly lapsed for years in between the age of classics and the modern era. But in an industry where old designs and old badges are resurrected with increasing regularity, this is one practice we're glad to see come back. Following such recent examples as Castagna Aznom comes the SV 9 Competizione, a re-skinned C6 Corvette with a touch of Italian flair.

Imagine a cross between an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione – from which this creation clearly draws its inspiration (as well as its name) – and a contemporary Corvette and you're well on your way towards summing up the SV 9 Competizione's design. And while we have some reservations over the front-end styling with its protruding snout, overall, the design strikes an intriguing balance between American muscle and Italian style. And when you consider the price of many contemporary coachbuilt customs, the $99,995 sticker price – including the donor Vette – doesn't seem all that outlandish.

Along with the carbon fiber bodywork, SV has tweaked the interior, fitted a new intake and exhaust for a 14-horsepower boost to 450 and fitted a new set of wheels with Pirelli Pzero Rosso tires, giving the SV 9 Competizione a claimed 0-60 time of four seconds flat, a 12-second quarter-mile sprint, a braking distance from 60 of 107 feet and 1.03g of lateral grip. Not too shabby by any standard. And with configurations based on 25 exterior colors, five interior trims and four wheel choices, SV figures there's no reason any two of the 1,000 units to which production is limited will ever need to turn out the same. We wouldn't mind seeing one up close ourselves; the first example is set to debut in San Francisco this weekend ahead of its unveiling at the local Concorso Italiano next month, but in the meantime you can check out the computer renderings in the gallery below.

New Florida billboard campaign aims to curb distracted driving

2009-07-13T00:34:00.000-07:00

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

It seems to us that when we're glancing in the direction of a roadside billboard, we're not really keeping our eyes on the road. This undeniable fact hasn't stopped the installation of a new billboard in Fort Myers, Florida directing drivers to visit deathbycellphone.org. Good cause, poor implementation?

In a report that seems oblivious to the irony of an eye-catching billboard reminding drivers to pay attention to the road, the local NBC affiliate quotes Jay Anderson, founder of Stay Alive Just Drive, as saying, "Distractions are dangerous, period. At any given time, look left look right and you're going to see someone on their cell phone." Vinny Fazio of Lamar Advertising, which donated the billboard space, adds, "That's the good thing about outdoor advertising. We're looking to grab people's attention."

In related news, deathbybillboard.org has yet to be registered. Hit the jump to watch a video segment from WLBZ Channel 2 in Bangor, Maine along with a press release from the National Safety Council.

Porsche loan request rejected by Germany's state bank

2009-06-30T20:24:00.000-07:00

by Chris Shunk

Porsche is profitable and it owns a big chunk of the far larger Volkswagen, yet cash seems to be in short supply. Automotive News is reporting that the world-renowned luxury sports car maker's 1.75 billion euro ($2.45 billion USD) loan request from German state bank KFW has been rejected, leaving Porsche to search elsewhere for funding. Porsche secured 10.75 billion euros ($15.1B) in financing from banks in March to feed its 9 billion euro debt ($12.6B) mountain, but it's looking for alternative means for financing its cash crunch.

Porsche has already looked outside of Europe for funding to handle its mounting debt, as it worked with the Arab emirate of Qatar to secure a sizable stake in the company. VW, smelling blood in the water, reportedly gave Porsche an ultimatum, offering up 3-4 billion euro ($4.2-$5.6B) for 49% of the sports car maker in exchange for not forcing the repayment of a 700 million euro loan ($983M) in September. Porsche responded by saying that ultimatums don't belong in the 21st century. Unfortunately, bankruptcies are all too common in the new economy, so the proud German company may have to dig a bit deeper to keep themselves from falling into the financial abyss.

Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang introduced by Lee himself

2009-06-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

by Drew Phillips

If anyone deserves to have his own special edition Ford Mustang, it's Lee Iacocca. The former president of the Ford division, Iacocca is known as the father of the Mustang and recruited Carroll Shelby to create special versions of the horse in his own image. Now, 45 years after the original Mustang debuted, Iacocca has built his very own version.

Known as the 2009 1/2 Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang, this coach-built pony car features a special body designed by Michael Leone and built by the legendary Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. The car features a reworked front end including sunken headlights and a prominent fastback look with the slope of the roof reaching all the way to the rear of the car. Inside, Iacocca's Mustang gets Diamond Design leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with "I" logos, and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates. Finishing off the look of the car are 20-inch Iacocca Design wheels wrapped with Goodyear Eagle tires.

Performance enhancements come courtesy of the Ford Racing parts bin, all of which retain the factory warranty and include a cold-air intake system and the Ford Racing Handling Pack with new shocks and springs. Customers can also opt for a supercharger system that boosts the 4.6-liter V8 to 400 horsepower as well as a 14-inch front brake system.

Production of the Iacocca 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang will be limited to a scant 45 units, available exclusively at Galpin Ford in Southern California. Follow the jump for the official press release and a full list of specifications.

Ford launches new free app for 2010 vehicles with SYNC

2009-06-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

by Chris Shunk

SYNC has given Ford a much-needed technology boost. The infotainment device provides motorists with features such as voice-controlled integration with MP3 players and automatic calls to emergency services in the event of an accident. For the 2010 model year, SYNC adds GPS hardware, giving owners access to traffic, directions, and information.

SYNC TDI works through your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone to deliver real-time traffic information and turn by turn directions. SYNC TDI can also be personalized to deliver real-time updates of sports scores, weather, entertainment news and more. There is no subscription fee, either, because SYNC TDI uses your existing phone service, which you're already paying for.

This update is now available at syncmyride.com for owners of SYNC-equipped 2010 model-year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. The download only works with vehicles that aren't equipped with Ford's voice-activated navigation system.

To update your SYNC, load the SYNC TDI to a thumb drive, then start your car and plug into the USB port. SYNC will give you two completion notices; at one minute and again within 10 minutes. Once the download is complete, you have to reconnect your USB device to your computer, Log into syncmyride.com, and register the successful download. It's a bit of a bulky process to get SYNC TDI operational, but we're guessing real-time traffic, weather, sports, and directions will be worth your trouble. Hit the jump to pore over Ford's detailed press release.

North Carolina's Supercar Sensation gets you behind the wheel without breaking the bank

2009-05-18T01:30:00.000-07:00

by Noah Joseph

You've seen this concept before: Most folks can neither afford to buy exotic supercars, nor do they yearn for the headaches of ownership. But hey, it sure would be nice to get behind the wheel once in a while. That's where Supercar Sensation comes in.

They own the cars, they organize the drives; you just show up, cash in hand and they'll handle the rest. Most importantly, unlike the supercar clubs that have been folding left and right, there's no five-figure membership fee. Supercar Sensation's garage includes a Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 911 Turbo, Nissan GT-R, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG available to drive in autocross-style track sessions and open-road drive packages starting at $199. Piquing your interest? Follow the link to the company's website for more information.

GM China spokesman denies pondering selling Buick to SAIC

2009-04-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Yesterday's rumors regarding a possible Buick sale to China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC) might have been a wee bit premature according to an unnamed executive at GM China. This news should be anything but surprising – we didn't put much stock in the rumor when we first reported it – since the success of the Buick brand is one of GM's few current bright spots.

In America, General Motors has singled out Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC and Buick as the core brands that it will concentrate on, which gives further reason to believe that the Buick nameplate will be staying right where it is in the General Motors portfolio. Hummer, Saab and Saturn, on the other hand, remain very much for sale.

Gallery:2009 2009 Chinese-spec Buick Regal>

BMW Z4 priced from $46,575

2009-03-29T07:24:00.000-07:00

by Chris Shunk

The BMW Z4 is all new for 2010, and the updated roadster will be ready for production later this spring. BMW gave the Z4 sleeker sheet metal, a folding hard top, and upgraded powertrains, but the biggest change could be to its price tag. Buyers looking for a new Z4 can expect to plunk down $46,575. That's a big jump from the base $36,700 of the 2008 Z4, which packed less power and less road presence. The 46 large is also exactly the same price as the Z4's nemesis; the Porsche Boxster. The 2010 model will net you a 258-horsepower inline six capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The base Bimmer will also come standard with leatherette seating surfaces (upgrading to Kansas leather tacks on another $1,250).

The 306-horsepower, twin-turbo Z4 sDrive35i will cost a whole lot more, with a starting price of $52,475, including destination and handling. The 2008 Z4 M was a bit cheaper at $50,400 and carried more power, but the 2010 car's higher torque numbers make for an equally-quick droptop, as evidenced by its 5.1 second 0-60 time with the dual-clutch gear box.

Options abound for the Z4, and they're both expensive and confusing. Bundles include a Premium package at $3,900, or $2,800 when also ordering the $2,300 Sport package, which is $1,900 when also going premium. You can also get a performance 19-inch tire and wheel package for $1,200, but only if you purchase the sDrive35i and the Sport package. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox can be had on the 35i for $1,525. For complete pricing options, check out BMW's Z4 pricing sheet.

Gallery: 2010 BMW Z4

Audi Shark concept tells of a future with no wheels

2009-03-11T01:17:00.000-07:00

by Noah Joseph

There are certain terms used so often to describe automotive designs that they become cliche. Right up there on the list with "Darth Vader, your car has arrived" and "This could be the next Batmobile" is shark imagery, with every other car being equated to the deep-sea hunters. This is a shame, because once in a while a car comes along that really does look like a shark, leaving us poor automotive scribes at a loss for words.

Take this fine piece of work for example. The brainchild of Turkish design protege Kazim Doku, the Audi Shark is a conceptual futuristic four-ringed hovercraft that won Audi's most recent design competition. The styling borrows elements from the R8, TT and S5, and looks thoroughly Audi right down to the LED lighting. A front-hinged canopy and air foils replacing the wheels are straight out of sci-fi, though. It's a compelling vision of the future in which we'd love to take a ride, and it isn't Doku's first prize-winning design, either. His Ustuminki concept made the final cut in Peugeot's 2007 design competition, while his door-less KA-Design concept won first prize in his native Turkey's Ototrend competition. The Audi contest awards Doku with a 70% scholarship to the prestigious Domus Academy, but he tragically had to turn it down as he couldn't put up the remaining 30. If you're interested in helping Kazim out with a little tuition cash, we're sure he'd be glad to hear from you through his website, but in either case, you'll want to check out the images in the gallery below and the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Will!

Audi teases TT RS with superlatives, new high-res photos

2009-02-24T23:12:00.000-08:00

by Drew Phillips

We have to admit that we got excited when we saw Audi had officially posted a press release and new photos of the TT RS that is set to make its debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show. After all, up until now we had only received the bare details and a few low-res photos of the car.

The new pictures are great, but we have been left wanting with a press release that is largely devoid of any additional technical or useful details that we were not already aware of. What we have learned, however, is that Audi is really jazzed about the TT RS. The generally conservative Germans seem to be going all out on this one, describing the acceleration as "explosive," the sound as "unrivaled," and the brakes as "stupendous." Audi claims it will need "nowhere near five seconds to reach 100 km/h" (62 miles-per-hour), it will be able to "perform extraordinary feats" and overtaking will be "child's play." Come on, Audi, are you sure you don't want to bring the TT RS stateside? Check out the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

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Gallery:Audi TT RS

Caparo T1 debuts at private London show

2009-02-16T16:39:00.000-08:00

by Noah Joseph

Lots of cars claim the "race car for the road mantle", but few manage to pull it off with as much authority as the Caparo T1. Bringing all that competition technology to the road isn't easy, though – during one media test drive, the front suspension actually snapped because the journalist riding on that side was heavier than calculated – and the T1 has been in development for years now. Caparo, the conglomerate that financed the T1's development, apparently feels the supercar is ready and has presented it to the public for the first time at London's Salon Privé at the exclusive Hurlingham Club, where the T1 took center stage.

As part of the debut, Caparo is expected to announce the T1's final specifications, which will include five trim levels, ranging form a bare-bones track car all the way up to the top-of-the-line Race Extreme model, packed with the highest-spec engine, advanced electronics, carbon brakes and lightweight magnesium rims. The full announcement is expected shortly, but in the meantime you can check out the press release after the jump and the updated gallery below.

Ssangyong restarts production

2009-02-05T22:53:00.000-08:00

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Korean automaker Ssangyong has reportedly restarted five of its production lines at its plants in Pyeongtaek and Changwon. Earlier this month, Ssangyong was forced to enter receivership as a last ditch effort to stave off bankruptcy after failing to negotiate a deal with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., the Korean automaker's Chinese owners, and Korea Development Bank, its largest creditor.

Prior to those negotiations, Ssangyong was hemorrhaging money due to a 50% drop in sales, which ultimately led to the inability to make payroll and fulfill supplier contracts. At this point, Ssangyong must wait until February 9 to find out if the local court of Seoul will allow the automaker to enter bankruptcy protection proceedings. Sounds like the road will remain bumpy for Korea's fifth-largest automaker for the foreseeable future.

P1-E electric sportscar planned by ex-McLaren designer

2009-01-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

Remember the P1 project from ex-McLaren F1 designer Jim Dowle? Just about a year ago, announced plans to build an inexpensive sportscar that was supposed to be a Lotus Exige challenger. Why mess with something that's already so well established? Instead, Dowle has charted a new, greener course and will now use an electric drivetrain for his upcoming gullwing-doored sportscar, now named the P1-E.

Being green doesn't often come cheap, and adding a lithium-ion battery pack and dual electric motors powering all four wheels has raised the expected price to £55,000, or about $75,000 USD. That sum would theoretically undercut the Tesla Roadster, and Dowle is claiming a run to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds with a range of 230 miles to boot. Working prototypes are scheduled for 2009, after which some additional funding will likely be necessary. Stay tuned.

No Dummies: CPR instructor, others win custom Ford Transit Connect vans

2009-01-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

by Chris Shunk

Ford is bringing its Transit Connect van to the US this summer with hopes of generating sales to businesses that need 143 cubic feet of cargo space and wouldn't mind car-like fuel economy. To drum up some interest in the Euro-sourced vans, the Blue Oval has just given away five of them to small business owners. One of the winners is a CPR instructor in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Jerry Buffman had been lugging her dummies around in a 2001 Toyota Sienna, but needed more space. Buffman travels to locations with her bags full of CPR equipment and practice dummies, and the soon to be released Transit should make lugging all of her props a bit easier.

To showcase the Transit Connect's flexibility, Ford also gave away the mini cargo vans to a kayak company, a cleaner, a dog care business, and a pet and baby safety company. Ford is looking to introduce the production version of the Transit Connect at the Chicago Auto Show in February, with sales beginning this summer.

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