Autoblog — We Obsessively Cover The Auto Industry

...loading

Browse posts by:

Make/Model Vehicle Style/Type

All Categories

Features Close Features

Drew Phillips

California - http://www.autoblog.com

LA 2009: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 on show floor with little fanfare

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd, 2009 at 6:58PM

2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

You would think that with all of the new powertrain improvements to the 2011 Mustang V6 that Ford would be making a big deal about the car here at the LA Auto Show. Not so. While the Fiesta display took up nearly a third of the West hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center, a sole V6-powered Mustang sat alone on the show floor. We can understand why Ford would want to turn the spotlight on its new B-segment small car, but thought that its legendary pony car deserved a little more love.

What's the big deal, you ask? For starters, the new 3.7-liter V6 is putting out 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque, a significant improvement over the aging 4.0-liter engine that it replaces. As a bonus, the new engine will net an expected 30 mpg on the highway thanks in part to new 6-speed transmissions, available in both manual or automatic. The updates were a long time coming, and we fully expect them to put the Mustang back in the lead of the pony car sales war.

Hit the jump for full details about the 2011 Ford Mustang V6, or check out both official and live photos in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Mustang V6

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 3.7-liter V6

LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta unveiled by agents of the Movement

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd, 2009 at 6:38PM

2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been hearing about the 2011 Ford Fiesta for so long that it's hard to imagine that the U.S. version of the car was just officially unveiled today. We gave you all of the official details and photos late last night, but we can now give you our first live impressions of the North American-spec version. Ford's own Mark Fields officially introduced the car along with numerous Fiesta agents on hand who helped pull the sheets off the various Fiestas on the show floor.

Although just 60 percent of the parts on the U.S.-spec Fiesta are common with the European version, it seems that most of the charm of the car remains. Up front the grille has been revised to include the three-bar design (at least on the sedan), and the fog lights have been replaced by LED light strips surrounded by chrome. The interior design is relatively the same as well, although it's been tweaked to conform with U.S. crash standards and features soft touch materials, a four-inch LCD display, and available SYNC, auto climate control, leather seats, moon roof and more. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder putting out a respectable 119 horsepower and 109 lb-ft torque. A 5-speed manual or new 6-speed PowerShift electronic dual clutch automatic will be the transmissions of choice, though the automatic goes without any manual controls.

There's plenty of more details in the multitude of press releases after the jump, and we've included all of our live shots of the 2011 Fiesta in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta

LA 2009: Mazda unveils North American spec Mazda2 for 2011

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Dec 2nd, 2009 at 3:31PM

2011 Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Ford Fiesta may have been the big B-segment reveal last night, but Mazda has finally decided to bring its own compact runabout to North America, and it's based on the same architecture as it Blue Oval sibling. Originally launched in Europe, Japan, and Australia a couple of years ago, the Mazda2 was very well-received by media and consumers alike, a warm reception that probably helped make the case for the Japanese automaker to bring it over to the United States. That time has arrived, and the Mazda2 will be available in North America as a 2011 model.

Although Mazda revealed what the North American spec version will look like, it's still holding back additional information, including engine specifications, interior details, and pricing. We'll get more details soon, but in the meantime, check the full release after the jump and our live pics from the floor below.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Mazda2

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2

Classic Recreations reveals specs of Shelby GT500CR Mustang

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 30th, 2009 at 10:29AM

Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Earlier this month during SEMA, Oklahoma-based Classic Recreations announced that it had scored a licensing deal with Carroll Shelby to build a continuation version of the legendary Shelby Mustang GT500. At the time of the announcement, we didn't know much about the car, aptly named the GT500CR, except that each would come with an official Shelby serial number and be included in the Shelby Worldwide Registry.

However, thanks to new information recently released by Classic Recreations, we now have the preliminary details for the GT500CR. Three separate models will be available, starting with an Intro model that comes standard with a 427ci V8, 150-hp nitrous system, upgraded suspension, power rack-and-pinion steering, Tremec five-speed manual transmission, Baer brakes, and more. One step up from that is the Performance package that also gets items like upgraded seats, larger rear wheels, and a coilover suspension system. At the top of the range is the Venom model, featuring an intercooled supercharger system that boosts the V8 to 780 horsepower, along with other performance upgrades. More details about the GT500CR can be found in Classic Recreation's press release posted after the jump, and we've included the original renderings of the car in the gallery below in case you missed them the first time around.

Gallery: Classic Recreations Shelby GT500CR

[Source: Classic Recreations]

Essen 2009: Brabus tweaks the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 28th, 2009 at 12:44PM

2010 Brabus B63 S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Don't have enough money for Brabus to swap out the V8 in your E63 AMG for a V12? Not to worry. Today at the Essen Motor Show, the German tuner officially launched its B63 S performance package for 6.2-liter V8 in the four-door Benz. The upgrade consists of dual "sport" air filters, high-flow catalytic converters, and revised program for the engine and results in a 30 horsepower increase.

Brabus is also offering other modifications for the E63 AMG as well, including a carbon fiber aero kit, wheels in 18 to 20-inch sizes, and various interior trim pieces like stainless-steel scuff plates, a new 225 mph speedometer, and wood or carbon fiber inlays. For the most part ,we'd skip the visual bits and stick with the engine upgrades. Hit the jump for full details in press release, or check out the high-res gallery below courtesy of Brabus.

Gallery: 2010 Brabus B63 S

[Source: Brabus]

Geiger continues excessive use of bright paint, boost with 790-horsepower Ford GT

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 27th, 2009 at 7:58PM

Geiger Ford GT HP790 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Geiger, the German tuner with a fascination with American performance cars, generally produces modified vehicles in not-so-subtle and "look at me!" variations. This Ford GT encompasses both varietys, with plenty of performance upgrades to boot. Geiger has previously modified the Blue Oval's retro supercar and ended up with impressive results - 701 horsepower, 617 lb-ft torque, and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

This latest version takes it one step further, and the 5.4-liter V8 now produces 790 horsepower and 637 lb-ft torque thanks to a larger 4.0-liter supercharger that replaces the stock 2.3-liter unit as well as a larger throttle body and a new air filter. Geiger claims the same 0-100 km/h time of 3.5 seconds, probably limited by traction, but top speed has been stretched to 223 mph. Hit the jump for more details on this lime green beast and browse through the high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Geiger Ford GT HP790

[Source: GeigerCars.de]

Essen Preview: speedArt to debut PS9-650 Panamera

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 27th, 2009 at 12:02PM

speedArt PS9-650 Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Essen Motor Show is just days away, and all of Europe's tuners are set to unveil their latest and greatest aftermarket parts at Germany's version of SEMA. One of those companies will be speedArt, which will be introducing its new performance and appearance packages for the 2010 Porsche Panamera.

Using the Panamera Turbo as a base, speedArt have transformed Porsche's four-door into a 650-horsepower monster thanks to larger turbochargers, an upgraded exhaust system and a revised ECU. The German tuner claims impressive performance figures: a top speed of over 200 mph and 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The body kit fitted to the PS9-650 is fairly subtle, and dare we say tasteful. The aerodynamic package consists of a front chin spoiler that improves air flow to the brakes, rear diffuser, roof spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper. Several other items are available as well including 22-inch forged wheels; an upholstered steering wheel; various trim pieces in aluminum, wood, or carbon fiber; and color-matched stitching. Hit the jump for speedArt's official press release, and be sure to browse through the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: speedArt PS9-650 Panamera

[Source: speedArt]

Fesler-Moss shows off new line of tuned 2010 Camaros

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 23rd, 2009 at 8:00PM

2010 Fesler-Moss Camaros - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in April, we told you about the new partnership between Chris Fesler's custom car shop and Jon Moss, the former director of General Motors' specialty vehicles division. At that time, we only had renderings of the proposed Fesler-Moss Camaro, but these fresh photos of a pair of completed cars is evidence that the duo has been hard at work since then.

The Fesler-Moss Camaro is currently available in two flavors. First up is the Competition Package, which commands a $50,000 price tag in addition to a donor car, and it mainly focuses on a variety of carbon fiber or billet body components, but it also features performance upgrades like a supercharger and six-piston brakes. For customers who want the ultimate Fesler-Moss Camaro, they can opt for the Limited Edition Package. This adds even more carbon fiber items, color-matched leather seating surfaces, a custom sound system, and best of all, swaps out the LS3 for a supercharged LS9 V8. Just sixty will be built at a daunting price tag of $150,000. Follow the jump for a full list of upgrades for each package.

Gallery: 2010 Fesler-Moss Camaros

[Source: Fesler-Moss via SeriousWheels.com]

Rare Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight going to highest bidder at RM's Arizona auction

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 20th, 2009 at 7:24PM

1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With just 75 built between 1959 and 1963, the Aston Martin DB4 GT is a rare breed. Of those, a mere six are the coveted lightweight models that cut weight by using aluminum components (instead of steel) and delete items like the radio, speakers, and heater. It's not very often that one comes up for sale, but this January, RM Auctions will be offering a pristine example at their sale in Scottsdale.

The car going up for auction is chassis #0175/L, the last DB4 GT Lightweight built. It underwent a total restoration in the mid-Nineties where it received upgrades like Dunlop racing tires, Dayton wire wheels, and a four-point roll bar. The car wasn't competitively raced in the Sixties, but several owners have competed with the car in various vintage races at tracks like Lime Rock Park and Laguna Seca.

Sound like your kind of car? RM estimates you'll need anywhere from $950,000-$1,000,000 to take this ruby beauty home. If you don't have that kind of cash, then you'll have to settle for the press release after the jump and the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 1963 Aston Martin DB4 GT Lightweight

[Source: RM Auctions]

Dutch Exodus: Spyker relocating vehicle assembly to the UK

by Drew Phillips (RSS feed) on Nov 20th, 2009 at 6:31PM

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder - Click above for a high-res image gallery

In these tough times automakers are doing everything they can to cut costs. For Spyker, that means moving its vehicle assembly from its home country of the Netherlands to Coventry, England. How does that save money, you ask? "With approximately half of our vehicles' parts and components sourced in the UK, and virtually all key suppliers being located there, moving closer to our suppliers and engineering partners will result in substantial savings and tangible efficiency improvements," according to Spyker CEO Victor R. Muller.

The assembly of the Spyker line, which includes various iterations of the C8 supercar, will move to CPP Manufacturing before the end of the year. CPP has worked with the Dutch manufacturer since its reincarnation in 2000, and even built Spyker's first prototype. Other portions of the company, such as engineering, marketing, and the race team will stay at the Zeewolde headquarters. Full details can be found in Spyker's press release after the jump.

Gallery: Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

[Source: Spyker]

Popular
Breaking
Featured

View all

Autoblog Podcast #155: 'Twas the night before LA...

Chris, Dan, and Editor Paukert go over some LA Preview action and quietly whoop it up on the podcast.

Featured Galleries

AOL Autos

Find Your Next Car

Resources

10 Most Searched Cars on AOL Autos

Autoblog Video

Team Autoblog

Editors

John Neff: Editor-in-Chief; Email

Damon Lavrinc: Managing Editor; Email

Chris Paukert: Executive Editor; Email

Alex Nunez: Weekend Editor; Email

The Team

Autoblog bloggers (30 days)

#	Blogger	Posts	Cmts
1	Noah Joseph	111	0
2	Jonny Lieberman	89	0
3	Chris Shunk	70	2
4	Jonathon Ramsey	68	0
5	Sam Abuelsamid	58	0
6	Frank Filipponio	52	7
7	Jeremy Korzeniewski	51	1
8	Damon Lavrinc	38	0
9	Drew Phillips	34	0
10	Sebastian Blanco	33	0
11	Michael Harley	27	19
12	John Neff	26	0
13	Chris Paukert	19	0
14	Dan Roth	16	5
15	Alex Nunez	12	4
16	John McElroy	3	0
17	Tim Stevens	2	1
18	Domenick Yoney	2	0

Tech

Finance

Joystiq

Travel