Wednesday, April 25, 2012

2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD

2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD
2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
The Sorento is a respectable but not outstanding three-row crossover.

Here's an example of when not to pick the smaller engine. Compared to the V-6-powered example we drove last summer, this four-cylinder Kia Sorento feels lethargic in urban driving. There's plenty of power for merging onto a highway, but the lack of torque is notable in the city. Because the all-wheel-drive Sorento is relatively heavy (3737 pounds) and the engine doesn't make that much low-end torque (181 lb-ft at 4250 rpm), the automatic transmission hunts up and down with annoying frequency.


Photo Gallery: 2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Kia Sorento EX AWD - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine


Conny Andersson

Monday, April 23, 2012

2007 Porsche Cayman

2007 Porsche Cayman
2007 Porsche Cayman - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The new Porsche Cayman (sans the "S") may be the perfect sports car for budget shoppers.

The new Cayman (minus the S) is not the lightest, cheapest, or cutest Porsche, but it may be the smartest one to buy. What the 245-hp, 2.7-liter flat six lacks in low-end vim it more than makes up in 7300-rpm vigor; lighter engine internals and electric throttle response hurl a heavy-footed operator to 60 mph in less than six seconds on the way to 160 mph. The stout coupe body and mid-engine layout are the ideal serving tray for the chassis engineers' most inspired work. And a base price that's barely over $50,000 means that "value" and "Porsche" can share a sentence. Upgrades--such as a six-speed manual, sport seats, eighteen- or nineteen-inch wheels, a navigation system, active dampers, and the Sport Chrono Package--are dear, so don't linger too long over the options list.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Porsche Cayman - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Vittorio Brambilla

Friday, April 20, 2012

Spyker aiming for a comeback, wants to build Peking-to-Paris concept

In a recent interview, Victor Muller revealed that he wants to revive Spyker and put the six-year old Peking-to-Paris concept into production

Walt Brown Warwick Brown Adolf Brudes Martin Brundle Gianmaria Bruni Jimmy Bryan

2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 caught undergoing testing [video]

A YouTube user has managed to catch a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette C7 prototype undergoing testing on public roads.

Alain de Changy Colin Chapman Dave Charlton Pedro Matos Chaves Bill Cheesbourg Eddie Cheever Andrea Chiesa Ettore Chimeri

AMA SBK: Main Attraction Remains The Same

Josh Hayes versus Blake Young is reason enough to pay attention to this weekend's AMA Pro Superbike battle at Road Atlanta.

George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard Piers Courage Chris Craft Jim Crawford Ray Crawford Alberto Crespo

2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds two doors to the iconic rock crawler which adds to its everyday usability and on-road handling characteristics. The new Wrangler, both in two and four-door form, adds a bevy of interior upgrades and top options which adds up to hundreds of ordering possibilities.

The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds two doors to the iconic rock crawler which adds to its everyday usability and on-road handling characteristics. The new Wrangler, both in two and four-door form, adds a bevy of interior upgrades and top options which adds up to hundreds of ordering possibilities.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Bill Cantrell Ivan Capelli Piero Carini Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert

2007 Maserati GranSport MC Victory

2007 Maserati GranSport MC Victory
2007 Maserati GranSport MC Victory - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Get a peek at this super-limited edition Maserati here.

Maserati has reason to celebrate, since the automaker just wrapped up a victorious 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup season. The trident brand's victory cigar? This beautiful, blue, limited edition GranSport. A total of 180 MC Victory coupes will be made this year, featuring carbon front and rear spoilers, unique carbon-colored wheels, and Italian flags behind the front wheel, just like the winning MC12 race car. While the car doesn't officially go on sale until May, we're pretty sure the order list will be filled soon after the car's Geneva debut.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Maserati GranSport MC Victory - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Chris Amon Bob Anderson Conny Andersson Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella

Porsche Panamera Revealed

Porsche Panamera Revealed
Porsche Panamera Revealed
Porsche has released the first official pictures of its upcoming Panamera four-door GT, ahead of its debut next spring. Mechanical details are scant, but the company did reveal a few basics.

Porsche has released the first official pictures of its upcoming Panamera four-door GT, ahead of its debut next spring (likely at the Geneva motor show). Mechanical details are scant, but the company did reveal a few basics.


Photo Gallery: Porsche Panamera Revealed

Photo Gallery: Porsche Panamera Revealed


Jimmy Davies Colin Davis Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler Pedro Diniz Duke Dinsmore Frank Dochnal

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG
2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
In addition to the optional urine-dependent Bluetec diesel, the 2007 E-class, which goes on sale with a mild face-lift in July '06, got two new meaty gasoline engines. The normally aspirated, AMG-tuned, 514-hp, 6.3-liter V-8 is the top choice for the horsepower hungry, while the new S-class donated its 388-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 for those who like ample power without that diesel aftertaste. For '07, Mercedes-Benz also endows the mid-sizer with standard crash-anticipating safety features and an op

In addition to the optional urine-dependent Bluetec diesel, the 2007 E-class, which goes on sale with a mild face-lift in July '06, got two new meaty gasoline engines. The normally aspirated, AMG-tuned, 514-hp, 6.3-liter V-8 is the top choice for the horsepower hungry, while the new S-class donated its 388-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 for those who like ample power without that diesel aftertaste. For '07, Mercedes-Benz also endows the mid-sizer with standard crash-anticipating safety features and an optional lighting system that will make many other cars' headlights seem like gas lanterns. Mercedes also claims to have retuned the car's chassis and improved its steering.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco

F1 Drivers and Teams - 2012

Roberto Bonomi Juan Manuel Bordeu Slim Borgudd Luki Botha JeanChristophe Boullion Sebastien Bourdais Thierry Boutsen Johnny Boyd

Formula 1 rewind?

Peter Collins Bernard Collomb Alberto Colombo Erik Comas Franco Comotti George Connor George Constantine John Cordts

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Will Hendrick's 200th win come at Kansas?

Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa Lorenzo Bandini Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza John Barber

Newgarden says contact caused Turn 1 crash

Skip Barber Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer Zsolt Baumgartner

Team Lotus Launch Their 2011 Machine The T128

Team Lotus (the one who raced last year) have become the second team to officially pull the covers off their new 2011 car. The green and yellow liveried machine will start be raced by Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen this season under the name of Team Lotus as the management’s row with Group Lotus, now [...]

John Cordts David Coulthard Piers Courage Chris Craft Jim Crawford Ray Crawford Alberto Crespo Antonio Creus

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - First Drive - Automobile Magazine
This time, SL really does mean Super Light.

The great irony of the Mercedes-Benz SL is that, for decades, its name has stood for Sport Lightweight -- two characteristics attributable to not a single SL produced in the last fifty years. If Stuttgart would stop promising "sports car" levels of performance, we'd probably stop expecting Porsche 911 levels of involvement. If the engineers stopped calling the SL "light," we wouldn't criticize it for being nearly as heavy as an S-class sedan.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - First Drive - Automobile Magazine


Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso Giovanna Amati George Amick Red Amick Chris Amon Bob Anderson

2012 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli Eric Brandon Don Branson Tom Bridger

KV Racing to run Fourth chassis at Indy...

Phil Cade Alex Caffi John CampbellJones Adrián Campos John Cannon Eitel Cantoni Bill Cantrell Ivan Capelli

First Look: 2013 SRT Viper

First Look: 2013 SRT Viper
First Look: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine
The unlikely resurrection of an American icon.

Barry Manilow’s 1970s hit song “Looks Like We Made It” wasn’t blaring from the loudspeakers on the Chrysler stand at the Javits Center in Manhattan today, but it might as well have been. There was no better way for Chrysler to announce to the world that it’s back from the brink, it’s made it through its bankruptcy and painful restructuring, and it fully expects to thrive than by taking the wraps off the 2013 SRT Viper at the 2012 New York Auto Show. After all, imagine how unlikely a new Viper was only three years ago, when Chrysler almost went out of business altogether. If the company survived, bread-and-butter products like family sedans, crossovers, and pickup trucks would, naturally, have to command the bulk of product-development dollars. How could there possibly be interest in something as indulgent as a low-volume, expensive, high-performance sports car?


Photo Gallery: First Look: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: First Look: 2013 SRT Viper - Automobile Magazine


Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert Eugene Chaboud Jay Chamberlain Karun Chandhok

Driven: Hennessey Cadillac V700 Wagon

Driven: Hennessey Cadillac V700 Wagon
Hennessey Cadillac V700 Wagon - Driven - Automobile Magazine
Please Hammer, don't hurt em.

If you've ever driven a Cadillac CTS-V, you know that the main problem is that it's not fast enough. The 98-pound weakling under the hood makes only 556 hp, barely enough to pull Bambi across the proverbial frozen pond. Fortunately, longtime speed merchant John Hennessey recognized the Caddy's noodle-armed feebleness and resolved to do something about it, creating the V700 package at his Texas skunk works. With a little old-fashioned hot-rodding, perhaps the CTS-V could be transformed into something that's not a plodding embarrassment to all America.


Photo Gallery: Hennessey Cadillac V700 Wagon - Driven - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Hennessey Cadillac V700 Wagon - Driven - Automobile Magazine


Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli Eric Brandon Don Branson Tom Bridger

Ferrari 599 styling program by Vorsteiner announced

American tuner Vorsteiner has released first photos and details for the Ferrari 599 styling/aero program called 599-VX Coupe.

Frank Dochnal Jose Dolhem Martin Donnelly Carlo Abate George Abecassis Kenny Acheson Andrea de Adamich Philippe Adams

Honda Plans to Recycle Rare Metals from Hybrid Cars

Although they consume less gasoline than traditional models, hybrid cars can hurt the environment in another way: by using up precious rare earth metals in order to build the batteries. To combat this, Honda plans to institute a recycling program to recover these materials from its hybrid vehicles. Starting at the end of this month, [...]

Franco Comotti George Connor George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard Piers Courage Chris Craft Jim Crawford

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

My little Go Daddy Girl!

Jean Behra Derek Bell Stefan Bellof Paul Belmondo Tom Belso JeanPierre Beltoise Olivier Beretta Allen Berg

2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible Is Complete

A new WIP featuring a new storyline with McNally, Boston PI.  This WIP is more about the build than the story.  The story is only to illustrate what the build is about.  All characters are fictitious and are not related to anyone living or deceased.

The Build

I am using the new Revell 2010 Mustang GT kit and the body from the Revell 2010 Mustang GT Convertible Snap Tite kit.

I wanted something in the way of a green for paint and a search shows no green paint for the 1:1 2010 Mustangs at all.  I am using Model Master No. 28101 Citrus Yellow Metallic Lacquer for this build.  I think this color will look good on this model.

The Story  Justice In Her Eyes

ADA Caitlyn Scotson storms out of the courtroom after losing a case...something she is not use to.  She passes McNally, Boston PI and sneers at him since it was his testimony that got the defendant out of a murder charge.  In the hallway, McNally sees his part-time employer, lawyer Charlotte "Charlie" Rothmann and walks up to her and asks if Charlie knows the ADA.  She replies she only knows the ADA by reputation alone...that she is very good at her job with an excellent conviction rate.  McNally says that the ADA is mad at him because of his testimony cost her the case, but he has to go since he has a stake-out to set up and he wants to get a nap in before he starts working tonight.

McNally is getting his gear together when he hears a car pull up in front of his house.  He looks out the window to see a metallic green Mustang convertible parked at the curb with ADA Scotson walking towards his front door.  He opens the door to greet her as she barges in past him and starts demanding an explaination to his testimony in court.  He tells her that he will not explain his testimony as he did present the facts, as he had investigated them, in court.  He offers her a beverage, which she refuses, she turns and walks out the front door and back to her car.  McNally stands in the doorway, watching the ADA leave, as he sees the newly released Jake sitting in an old Ford Taurus start the Taurus and leave.  McNally takes note of Jake watching Caitlyn as she drives away and decides he'll have to see what is going on with Jake.

McNally will return... 

Alan Brown Walt Brown Warwick Brown Adolf Brudes Martin Brundle Gianmaria Bruni Jimmy Bryan Clemar Bucci

2012 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

JeanPierre Beltoise Olivier Beretta Allen Berg Georges Berger Gerhard Berger Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia

'72 GMC GRILL

HELLO,

WOULD ANYONE KNOW IF SOMEONE IS CASTING THE GRILL FOR THE '72 GMC?

Alberto Ascari Peter Ashdown Ian Ashley Gerry Ashmore Bill Aston Richard Attwood Manny Ayulo Luca Badoer

Rosberg shines after my Shanghai shenanigans

I've just achieved a minor miracle here at Shanghai airport - managing to get changed in the tiniest toilet cubicle imaginable before checking in for my flight to Abu Dhabi, and ultimately Bahrain.

The reason it was so tough is that I had my two-weeks-away-from-home suitcase and my laptop bag and I was also trying not to drop my new maroon velvet jacket onto the toilet floor. I wouldn't want to get such a beautiful piece of clothing soiled now, would I?

If you don't know what I'm talking about, take a look at the video below and you can see our 'Sex and the City' opener from Sunday's first live race show of 2012.

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.



It was a fun morning's filming actually, the low point being Eddie Jordan's well-intentioned but rather unconventional offer of breakfast. You see, we filmed most of that opening skit on Friday morning and it required an early start.

I stay with the production team at most races while Eddie and David Coulthard often stay somewhere else (usually with softer beds and more powerful showers).

So at half six on Friday morning, the crew and I set off in the minibus from our hotel near the track and headed for the Shanghai rush-hour: four-lane highways criss-crossing the city, all of them busy, most of them full of stationary traffic.

Eventually we arrived at EJ and DC's place and they came down to join us. Eddie turned up, dumped his bag and immediately disappeared back into the hotel.

As we were wondering where he was and what he was doing, he returned with a small brown bag and proceeded to dish out a pilfered breakfast.

I am afraid to say I rejected the small piece of brown bread with a single limp rasher of bacon, squished in Eddie's grip and thrust in my face. But fair play to the crew and DC for accepting his offer.

I also blame our exhaustion for the fact we ended up going down the 'Sex and the City' route as it was suggested by Ian the cameraman on the bus as a joke, and suddenly Dave the incredibly creative VT producer had seized on it.

The shoot itself was fun. One of the things I've missed in the first two races is the time spent with EJ and DC. There just isn't the time on a highlights show to transmit long, involved opening pieces and so I relished being back with the guys doing what we enjoy.

It was fantastic to be back in the old routine, prowling the pit-lane hoovering up the stories. I particularly enjoyed showing Ross Brawn the footage of the 1957 Mercedes win in Monza, and sharing with you at home the story of the first pole position for Nico Rosberg's father Keke.

I think it's these kinds of things that add depth to our coverage, put the events in perspective, and also inject a human element into such a technical sport.

And what a race it was by Nico in the Mercedes. It was a real shame for team-mate Michael Schumacher, but while he and Jenson Button shared pit-lane problems, and the rest of the field indulged in some classic racing, Nico simply drove the perfect race.

Maybe a late overtake such as Jenson's in Canada in 2011, or defensive brilliance such as Sebastian Vettel's in Spain last year is a more exciting way to win a race. But the manner in which Nico did it demonstrated complete dominance by car and driver. That is what the F1 community strive to achieve every week.

I'm not sure what was in DC's mid-race cuppa, but remarkably on the F1 Forum, he was the one diving in to grab Nico, in true EJ style. Before we know it he'll be wearing mad shirts and getting members of the Beatles muddled up!

I'm now in the airport and our flight leaves in about 45 minutes so I'd better sign off. Incidentally every time a plane takes off the roof of this place rattles rather violently. I'm hoping it's just a design issue.

I don't know what has happened to the rest of our team, but on the bus, nine out of 11 people were fast asleep - so don't be in any doubt that they've been doing their bit for you today.

Before I sign off, a word on Bahrain.

There has been much said about the next grand prix on the 2012 schedule, including significant coverage of the issue across the BBC's news outlets.

We felt it was important in our show that we put the relevant questions to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone not just on the decision to race but also the motivation behind it.

Whether it is the right decision to stage the race is not for me to answer. I've had many
people ask whether I am happy to go. Of course I have safety concerns personally - but we are journalists. The BBC's role, as part of a free media, is to chronicle the big stories and events and we take great pride in transmitting the most significant moments in F1 to your living rooms.

Next weekend is arguably one of the most important in the history of F1. All eyes will be on Bahrain so it's essential we are there too, to accurately and honestly reflect the events both on track and off.

Thanks for tuning in this weekend and for making us the number one trending topic on Twitter in the UK on Sunday morning.

But the real story was Nico Rosberg. After 111 races, the wait is finally over.

See you in the desert.

Bill Cheesbourg Eddie Cheever Andrea Chiesa Ettore Chimeri Louis Chiron Joie Chitwood Bob Christie Johnny Claes

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550
2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - First Drive - Automobile Magazine
This time, SL really does mean Super Light.

The great irony of the Mercedes-Benz SL is that, for decades, its name has stood for Sport Lightweight -- two characteristics attributable to not a single SL produced in the last fifty years. If Stuttgart would stop promising "sports car" levels of performance, we'd probably stop expecting Porsche 911 levels of involvement. If the engineers stopped calling the SL "light," we wouldn't criticize it for being nearly as heavy as an S-class sedan.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - First Drive - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL550 - First Drive - Automobile Magazine


Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert Eugene Chaboud Jay Chamberlain Karun Chandhok

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG

2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG
2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
In addition to the optional urine-dependent Bluetec diesel, the 2007 E-class, which goes on sale with a mild face-lift in July '06, got two new meaty gasoline engines. The normally aspirated, AMG-tuned, 514-hp, 6.3-liter V-8 is the top choice for the horsepower hungry, while the new S-class donated its 388-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 for those who like ample power without that diesel aftertaste. For '07, Mercedes-Benz also endows the mid-sizer with standard crash-anticipating safety features and an op

In addition to the optional urine-dependent Bluetec diesel, the 2007 E-class, which goes on sale with a mild face-lift in July '06, got two new meaty gasoline engines. The normally aspirated, AMG-tuned, 514-hp, 6.3-liter V-8 is the top choice for the horsepower hungry, while the new S-class donated its 388-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 for those who like ample power without that diesel aftertaste. For '07, Mercedes-Benz also endows the mid-sizer with standard crash-anticipating safety features and an optional lighting system that will make many other cars' headlights seem like gas lanterns. Mercedes also claims to have retuned the car's chassis and improved its steering.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E63 AMG - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi Chuck Arnold

2007 Porsche 911 Targa

2007 Porsche 911 Targa
2007 Porsche 911 Targa - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The 2007 Porsche 911 Targa is coming soon.

The 911 rollout continues not just with the higher-performance variants but with the new Targa as well. As 911 fans know, the Targa concept has changed somewhat since the model first appeared in 1966. Where the early cars had a removable roof section over the front seats, more recent models have an all-glass roof and a power-operated sunshade with a front section that slides rearward. The 2007 Targa continues with that setup, and it also has a hatch-opening rear window that provides a second way to access the cargo hold behind the front seats. What's new this time is that the Targa will be offered exclusively with four-wheel drive and the wider, flared-fender body style. The Targa 4 gets the standard 911's 325-hp, 3.6-liter flat six, while the Targa 4S packs the larger, 3.8-liter engine and an additional 30 hp. As before, all 911 Targas have pointed rear quarter-windows, helping the cognoscenti pick the Targa out of the 911 crowd.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Porsche 911 Targa - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli Eric Brandon

Schumacher happy with Mercedes handling ? and DRS legality

Michael Schumacher topped the times in Shanghai this afternoon, and the German reported himself happy with the performance of the Mercedes W03 ? although as ever, he remained a little cautious. ?Generally it?s been OK, a troublefree day considering we … Continue reading

Roberto Bussinello Jenson Button Tommy Byrne Giulio Cabianca Phil Cade Alex Caffi John CampbellJones Adrián Campos

Two and half hours after the race ? and 85 page e-magazine!

The Chinese Grand Prix GP+ magazine will be coming soon… In this week’s issue, all the action from Shanghai, plus an interview with Jenson Button, discussion on Bahrain, the most influential engine in Grand Prix history and the star who nearly was, Stephen South.

Don Branson Tom Bridger Tony Brise Chris Bristow Peter Broeker Tony Brooks Alan Brown Walt Brown

Next Ferrari Enzo will be powered by the same V12 engine as the F12


There have been all kinds of rumors about what kind of beast will power the upcoming Ferrari Enzo, starting with the first rumor of a turbocharged V8 engine and going up to a hybrid V12 engine. Now, MotorTrend is stating the engine will be the same 6.3-liter V12 found in the F12 Berlinetta. Sorry, F12 Berlinetta, but your reign won’t last long, because the future Enzo will end up being the most powerful Ferrari available with an incredible 920 HP.

This would mean that previous rumors stating the shared 6.3L V12 engine were correct, but output was miscalculated. The next Enzo - or F70 as it is codenamed - will get a tuned engine delivering 800 HP - and not 740 HP as in the F12. When combined with the 120 HP electric motor, the new Enzo will deliver a total of 920 HP. With a total weight of around 2550 lbs, the new Enzo will easily beat the Veyron’s 0 to 62mph sprint time of 2.46 seconds.

Expect to see the new Ferrari Enzo launched in March 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show. When it goes on sale, it will start off at about $700,000.

Next Ferrari Enzo will be powered by the same V12 engine as the F12 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 April 2012 13:00 EST.

read more




Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Art Bisch Harry Blanchard

Houston returns to IndyCar fold...

Jorge Daponte Anthony Davidson Jimmy Davies Colin Davis Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler Pedro Diniz

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

2012 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix

Thierry Boutsen Johnny Boyd David Brabham Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla

Ford to use all-electric car as NASCAR pace car

Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa Lorenzo Bandini Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza

Chevrolet, Ford, Mercedes-Benz Big Winners in Weekend of Racing

Despite a series-imposed penalty, Chevrolet dominated the top 10 results of both NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the Texas Motor Speedway, and the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Chevrolet-powered cars took eight of the top 10 spots in the Long Beach race, and five of the top 10 in the Sprint Cup race. But [...]

Don Branson Tom Bridger Tony Brise Chris Bristow Peter Broeker Tony Brooks Alan Brown Walt Brown

2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited

2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited
2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Limited to just 800 units, this U.S.-only STI variant is aimed at the shy, quiet wannabe banzai rally driver. The transformation from wild-child base STI to the business casual STI Limited was achieved primarily by swapping the regular car's gargantuan rear wing and roof-vane spoiler for a far more subtle, single decklid spoiler. The Limited also gets foglamps, a front air dam, unique Enkei wheels, and black Brembo calipers in place of the usual gold grippers. Inside, heated leather seats, s

Limited to just 800 units, this U.S.-only STI variant is aimed at the shy, quiet wannabe banzai rally driver. The transformation from wild-child base STI to the business casual STI Limited was achieved primarily by swapping the regular car's gargantuan rear wing and roof-vane spoiler for a far more subtle, single decklid spoiler. The Limited also gets foglamps, a front air dam, unique Enkei wheels, and black Brembo calipers in place of the usual gold grippers. Inside, heated leather seats, satellite radio, and a sunroof improve the livability. Of the 800 cars, half will be painted white and half will be gray.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Subaru WRX STI Limited - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


John CampbellJones Adrián Campos John Cannon Eitel Cantoni Bill Cantrell Ivan Capelli Piero Carini Duane Carter

Towing a Rolls Royce with an F-150: I?ll take the V-6, please.

I don?t know what was more horrifying, the fact that I got suckered into buying a $500 Rolls Royce, or that I had to tow the damn thing home using a full size truck with an engine the size of a pea. For the first terrifying part of that sentence, I blame my friend Bill. [...]

Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer Zsolt Baumgartner Elie Bayol Don Beauman

Super Bowl 2012 Car Ad Watch: Dogs Rule, Adriana Lima Drools?

It doesn?t matter if you supported the New York Giants or the New England Patriots Sunday night, because there were a few winners at this year?s Super Bowl who never clutched a pigskin, rushed a passer, or performed at halftime. We?ve rounded up what we think are the winners (and, regrettably, a couple of losers) [...]

David Clapham Jim Clark† Kevin Cogan Peter Collins Bernard Collomb Alberto Colombo Erik Comas Franco Comotti

Under Pressure: The driver?s who need to deliver in 2012

Whilst Sebastian Vettel had the year of his life, for some of the other frontrunners, 2011 proved to be an unhappy hunting ground. Matthew Roulstone assesses the drivers who need to find form fast in 2012. Three wins and three podiums would be considered by some drivers as an incredible feat but for Lewis Hamilton [...]

Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco

2007 Maserati GranSport Spyder

2007 Maserati GranSport Spyder
2007 Maserati GranSport Spyder - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The GranSport Spyder is the convertible version of the GranSport Coupe. Check it out here.

Maserati's L.A. and Detroit auto show stands featured, for the first time in the U.S., the new GranSport Spyder. Not surprisingly, the sporty two-seater is nothing more than a convertible version of the GranSport Coupe. The GranSport designation indicates the fitment of pronounced aerodynamic add-ons, chrome mesh front and rear grille inserts, sexy tailpipes, and multi-spoke nineteen-inch wheels. A 0.4-inch ride height reduction combines with standard Skyhook active suspension to further sharpen the handling of the Spyder. The glorious, Ferrari-sourced 400-hp V-8 is unchanged for GranSport duty, but the Cambiocorsa sequential manual--the only transmission available--has been reprogrammed for 35% faster gear changes.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Maserati GranSport Spyder - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler Pedro Diniz Duke Dinsmore Frank Dochnal Jose Dolhem Martin Donnelly

Driven: 2012 Nissan Maxima

Driven: 2012 Nissan Maxima
Driven: 2012 Nissan Maxima - Automobile Magazine
Remember the four-door sports car?

The Maxima is a storied nameplate, at least at Nissan. It's actually older than the Nissan name in the United States, as it dates back to the Datsun days. For a long time, the Maxima enjoyed a reputation as a fast, comfortable, sporting machine, back when most Japanese sedans were depressing econo-boxes. Years ago, it was advertised as "the four-door sports car." Recently, Nissan has resurrected that claim. But is that still the case?


Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Nissan Maxima - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Nissan Maxima - Automobile Magazine


George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard Piers Courage Chris Craft Jim Crawford Ray Crawford Alberto Crespo

Red Bull under the spotlight


Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel celebrate with Red Bull boss Christian Horner on the podium © Getty Images
Sections of the international media have questioned Red Bull's strategic approach to the world championship. After Sebastian Vettel won the Brazilian Grand Prix from the team's points leader Mark Webber at Interlagos, Der Spiegel noted: "Red Bull gives (Fernando) Alonso wings". Not switching the places means that Spaniard Alonso can take his Ferrari to just second place this weekend in Abu Dhabi and be champion, whereas the alternative strategy would have set up Webber for a straight fight. "It is not easy for Webber to drive in a team that considers him a burden to be up against Vettel," said La Gazzetta dello Sport. Tuttosport noted that it seems "the Austrian team would be happier to lose than to see Webber beat Vettel". "No team orders at Red Bull. Another own goal," headlined La Repubblica. Joan Villadelprat wrote in his El Pais column: "Had Red Bull opted for Webber a few races ago, the Australian would probably now be champion." Red Bull, however, is unrepentant. Team owner Dietrich Mateschitz told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper that "second under proper conditions can often be more valuable than a first". But there is a feeling that the team is not simply giving up the fight for the drivers' title. One columnist in Brazil's Globo wondered if Vettel's radio message in Abu Dhabi might sound something like 'So ... Mark is faster than you'. "I'm always in favour of leaving the fight on the track with equal chances for both sides," said Rubens Barrichello. "But I wonder if they would do that if the situation was in reverse. ?Mark has done a great job this year and he has been told by his team what position he is in," said Lewis Hamilton. "Against adversity he has kept at it. I want to see Mark win." Webber believes that, if a strategy is deployed, it will only be on the "last lap" of the season this weekend. "Sebastian is part of a team," said Niki Lauda, who believes Webber should be backed fully by Red Bull. "If he does anything it should be helping Webber and not just on the last lap." Webber is quoted by Bild newspaper: "It makes sense. Otherwise it would mean that Ferrari's team orders would have paid off for Fernando." Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hints that sense will ultimately prevail. "We have already given too many presents to Fernando this year," he is quoted by Autosprint.

Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa Lorenzo Bandini Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza

F1 Drivers and Teams - 2012

JeanChristophe Boullion Sebastien Bourdais Thierry Boutsen Johnny Boyd David Brabham Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack

2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG

2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine
As self-proclaimed big wigs on the food chain, humans have little fear observing dangerous, wild animals, so long as they're kept in captivity. Mercedes-Benz has taken that philosophy and applied it to its S-Class sedan. AMG's 518-hp, 6.2-liter lion resides under the hood of the new S63 AMG, but it's been tamed by Mercedes' finest zookeepers.

As self-proclaimed big wigs on the food chain, humans have little fear observing dangerous, wild animals, so long as they're kept in captivity. Mercedes-Benz has taken that philosophy and applied it to its S-class sedan. AMG's 518-hp, 6.2-liter lion resides under the hood of the new S63 AMG, but it's been tamed by Mercedes' finest zookeepers. Enthusiasts can look at it, salivate all over it, and even drive it, all without fear of being eaten alive.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine


Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Art Bisch Harry Blanchard

Feature Flick: WOT Highlights the Best New York Auto Show Debuts

On the latest episode of Wide Open Throttle, host Jessi Lang passes the mic off to Motor Trend Detroit editor Todd Lassa for a look at the most important unveilings from the New York auto show floor. Lassa starts with one of the coolest New York show debuts?the SRT Viper. Though we covered the 2013 [...]

Skip Barber Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer Zsolt Baumgartner

2012 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

Johnny Claes David Clapham Jim Clark† Kevin Cogan Peter Collins Bernard Collomb Alberto Colombo Erik Comas

Driven: 2012 Kia Rio

Driven: 2012 Kia Rio
Driven: 2012 Kia Rio - Automobile Magazine
A rising tide lifts all boxes.

Let's face it, the Kia Rio pretty much defines the term "econobox." But if the latest version does nothing else, it shows the extent to which the current generation of entry-level, B-segment cars has progressed. Consider the econobox redefined.


Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Kia Rio - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Kia Rio - Automobile Magazine


Red Amick Chris Amon Bob Anderson Conny Andersson Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis

Ride 'em, Garcon des vaches!

Ride 'em, Garcon des vaches!
Ride 'em, Garcon des vaches! - Automobile Magazine
Home on the range at Disneyland Paris.

Unreasoning passion is inexplicable to anyone who's not caught up in its throes, so it's essentially impossible to explain why a couple who live in the history-rich Three Musketeers region of southwestern France should be totally enthralled by the legend of America's "Mother Road." The now nearly extinct U.S. highway catchily described in Bobby Troup's 1946 song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66" so inflamed the imagination of Robert and Gisele Mauries that they created a nonprofit organization in 2006 called, wait for it, the Route 66 Arizona France Association.


Photo Gallery: Ride 'em, Garcon des vaches! - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Ride 'em, Garcon des vaches! - Automobile Magazine


Sebastien Bourdais Thierry Boutsen Johnny Boyd David Brabham Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla

Monday, April 16, 2012

Report: Auto Bailout Losses Reduced to $21.7 Billion in Latest Treasury Estimate

The U.S. government now stands to lose an estimated $21.7 billion for the auto bailout, a figure �$2 billion less than the forecast from January 2012. The improved outlook is due to an uptick in General Motors stock value, which closed at $24.03 on Wednesday, according to The Detroit News. GM?s stock is up about [...]

Erik Comas Franco Comotti George Connor George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard Piers Courage Chris Craft

F1 2011 Launch Catch Up ? McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Sauber, Toro Rosso, Renault?

Catching up on the launches in one mega post. �Here in you’ll find quick interviews with senior members of the team and photos from the Red Bull, Sauber, Renault Lotus, Toro Rosso, Mercedes and McLaren launches. Apologies for being somewhat late, the whole blog isn’t running at full power until the season starts again. Red [...]

Skip Barber Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels Edgar Barth Giorgio Bassi Erwin Bauer Zsolt Baumgartner