Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, GM, GMC, Mazda, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Saab

Eight vehicles you can still buy new - Click above for high-res image gallery
Was your heart crushed when vehicles like the Mercury Sable, Pontiac Grand Prix or Dodge Durango got the axe? Well, fear not - these hot little numbers (and many more!) are still available from dealerships all across the country.

Automobile magazine has detailed a list of eight cars that are still on sale - brand new - even though they aren't 2010 models. And while these vehicles don't necessarily represent the sexiest cars currently sitting on dealer lots, it's probably safe to assume that they're all being offered with substantial incentive packages, not to mention full warranties (we hope).

Click through the gallery below to see high-res shots of all eight rides, and head over to Automobile to read the full details.

Gallery: Eight Vehicles You Can Still Buy New

[Source: Automobile]

Eight vehicles you can still buy new... seriously originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Racing

The #90 BMW M3 GT2 - Click above to watch video after the jump
The last 24 hours have been tough for Dirk MÏ‹ller, one of the drivers of the BMW M3 GT2 in the American Le Mans Series. After setting the fastest GT2 time in qualifying on Friday for today's 12 Hours of Sebring, his time was disallowed because of an issue with his car during tech inspection. That meant the #90 car was pushed down to the 13th spot on the GT2 grid. To make matters worse, the #90 M3 smacked a wall during the morning warmup and missed the recon laps before the race.

As a result, MÏ‹ller had to start the race from the pits after all the other cars pulled away. He spent the opening laps making his way through the crowd of GT Challenge Porsches before tackling the GT2 field. By the time hour one was over and he came in for the first pit stop, MÏ‹ller was running fourth in GT2. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: Sebring 2010: BMW's Dirk MÏ‹ller talks about hour 1

Video: Sebring 2010: BMW's Dirk MÏ‹ller talks about hour 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Lotus

Bruce Rice with his new Lotus Evora
2010 is big for Lotus, as the new Evora has it its first full year of production and the legendary marque returns to both Formula One and Indianapolis. On the road car front, the first customer Evora in the United States was delivered to its new owner this week. Bruce Rice of Austin, TX got the keys to his bright red Evora at John Eagle European (also in Austin).

Lotus calls the Evora the world's only four-seat mid-engined sports car, but those rear seats are really only theoretical. Nonetheless, being fans of the Lotus design philosophy of adding "lightness" we can't wait for our own stint behind the wheel of Hethel's first new product in over a decade - especially in a car that's not as snug as the Exige.


[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading First Lotus Evora delivered to an American customer

First Lotus Evora delivered to an American customer originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc.

Virtually every driver will, at some point, get that sinking feeling that comes when your car doesn't start. Digging out a set of jumper cables to boost a battery is a rite of passage. Jump-starting a car can be a slightly tricky process, though. The positive and negative terminals of the booster and "boostee" need to be connected properly or the battery can be blown up. Which is, you know, sub-optimal. Over the past decade, a number of devices have come out to help ease the battery-jumping process, including portable booster batteries and even jumper cables that plug into a 12V outlet inside the car. Those plug-in cables will never be connected with reverse polarity, but they might not be able to carry enough current to actually crank your engine.

Enter the Michelin Smart Jumper Cable. Instead of the usual color-coded clamps for your battery's positive and negative terminals, the cables are all Michelin blue. Halfway down the cable is a box of electronic smarts. Just put one clamp on the positive terminal of the battery and the other on any piece of bare metal and the electronics will detect whether you've made a complete circuit and illuminate an LED on the central box. When the second battery is connected, the electronics automatically determine the polarity and switch it as needed. A set of these smart jumper cables runs about $30 to $40.

[Source: Daily Giz Wiz, Michelin]

Continue reading Never blow up your battery with Michelin Smart Jumper Cables

Never blow up your battery with Michelin Smart Jumper Cables originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Racing

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) held a press conference Friday morning before qualifying for this weekend's 12 Hours of Sebring to announce an expansion of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. When it was first announced late in 2009, the three-race championship was only going to apply to the top LMP1 class. The new championship will now apply to all four main classes: LMP1, LMP2, GT1 and GT2.

The cup will be based on results from Le Mans series races in Europe, the United States and Asia. The European and American rounds will be the Silverstone and Petit Le Mans races, with the Asian event likely to be held in Shanghai. For each of the classes to be considered part of the cup, at least four cars will have to be entered. So far in P1, Audi and Drayson racing have committed. Peugeot has not yet decided whether to go to PLM or Asia.

After Le Mans, Peugeot plans to focus on development of its all-new 2011 car and may skip the remainder of the 2010 races. In spite of reduced restrictor sizes and boost, the Peugeots still managed to capture the top to starting positions for Saturday's race. The Highcroft Acura grabbed the LMP2 pole while Gunnar Jeannette got the LMP Challenge pole. In GT2, the Flying Lizard Porsche of Jörg Bergmeister had the fastest time after Dirk MÏ‹ller's was disallowed due to a problem with his BMW.

Gallery: 2010 Sebring Qualifying

[Source: American Le Mans Series]

Continue reading Intercontinental Le Mans Cup expanded to LMP2 and GT classes

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup expanded to LMP2 and GT classes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, SUV, Recalls, Off-Road, South Korea, Daihatsu

Stop the presses! While the rest of the world has been yanking its hair out over that little dustup at Toyota, some actual recall news has been slipping through the cracks. For example, did you know that 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavors are having salted road issues that lead to fuel leaks? Or that 2005 Honda Odysseys have bad liftgate struts? Tsk, tsk. However, all that pales in comparison to the following paragraph.

Turns out, that the check valve in the fuel vapor evaporative emissions control system of 1990-1992 Daihatsu Rockys might crack, causing fumes to fill the cabin. Gasoline fumes inside your Rocky's cabin are bad (think fire, explosions), especially if you smoke. Of course, if you own a convertible Rocky, this won't be too much of an issue. Still, might as well take advantage of this NHTSA recall at your local Daihatsu dealer. Wherever that might be.

Also, in case you've been worried sick about it, there are no recalls for the Toyota Starlet. Phew!

[Source: NHTSA | Image: Wikimedia Commons]

Recall: 1990-1992 Daihatsu Rocky has check valve issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Lamborghini, UK

Initially, authorities in England charged Glenn Knowles and Richard Mant with trying to defraud their insurance company. The pair of men co-own a Lamborghini, or at least they did, until Knowles misplaced it during a night of binge drinking. Prosecutors weren't buying the story that Mr. Knowles took the car and then drank until he erased his mind as a way of coping with a bad time in his personal life.

The matter went to trial, and after six days, a jury conceded that it didn't seem like fraud, ultimately acquitting the pair. It's not the first time Knowles has lost a car. He once tucked a Mercedes behind a nightclub so well that it took a deep search to find it. This time, the Lamborghini seriously cannot be found, despite having a tracking system installed. Mitigating the charges of fraud are the long history of high-end car ownership by the two men, and their ability to keep making payments. So, despite the nutty insurance claim, it didn't strike the jury that this was an attempt to bilk the company. Perhaps, even though exonerated, Mr. Knowles might do well to be sentenced to a period of walking. Then, he'll only have to worry about losing a shoe.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

Report: UK man claims he lost Lamborghini while drunk, beats insurance fraud charges originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Etc., Jeep, Toys/Games

Rugged Ridge's Pinewood Derby Jeep CJ8 - Click above to enlarge
While some of us have never tried to fashion a Pinewood Derby racer out of a block of wood, the chances of such an endeavor turning out half as well as the work of art that is the Rugged Ridge Jeep CJ8 is next to nothing.

The Jeep Scrambler is a classic, and this wooden Derby version is impressively accurate, right down to fender flares, mirrors, off-road lights, jerry can, Hi Lift Jack, tube steps and spare tire carrier - all hewn from a single block of pine.

While we're not experts on the subject, we imagine the scale Jeep's aerodynamics are about as good as the real thing - which is to say, pretty darn bad. Still, the Pinewood Derby Jeep CJ8 managed to snag a third place finish in its racing debut. Nicely done!

[Source: Rugged Ridge]

Pinewood Derby Jeep deserves a merit badge of excellence originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet, Porsche, Racing

Click above to view the video after the jump
The 57th running of the 12 Hours of Sebring is set to begin tomorrow at 10:30 AM, and with Audi out and Peugeot already dominating the LMP class in the qualifying sessions, the attention turns to the ALMS GT cars - specially the Porsche and Corvette teams.

The rivalry between the Flying Lizards and the Corvette C6.Rs has been stoked (even further) by Chevrolet's new racing webisodes, and after last year's final lap at Laguna Seca, the GT-class feuding is sure to make for some great racing.

After the jump you'll find a video documenting the Lizard's practice session yesterday, including Hans Herrman - the winner of the 1960 race - taking a lap around Sebring in a immaculate Porsche RS 60 Spyder. If you're planning to tune in tomorrow, you can download Andy Blackmore's stellar spotter's guide in all its high-res glory here and read our breakdown of this year's season here.

Gallery: 2010 ALMS Corvette C6.R

Continue reading Video: Porsche vs. Corvette prequel at the 12 Hours of Sebring

Video: Porsche vs. Corvette prequel at the 12 Hours of Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance

McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you read our deep dive on the McLaren MP4-12C, you're thoroughly up to speed on the automaker's first full-on foray into supercardom. However, something was missing. McLaren hadn't provided the rudimentary performance figures to keep bench racers and keyboard jockeys frothing at the mouth. Until today.

According to recent reports the MP4-12C is able to crack the 60 mph mark in "under three seconds" when utilizing the launch control feature on its seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Partnered with its 2,870 curb weight (there's still some debate if that's "dry" or fully loaded with fluids) and 600 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, the more telling stat is its 0-124 mph time of "under 10 seconds."

For those of you keeping track at home, the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo hits 60 in 3.2 seconds, the Corvette ZR1 breaks the mark at 3.5 seconds, with the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 and Ferrari 458 Italia coming in at 3.4 and 3.3 seconds respectively - not to mention the Nissan GT-R's 3.5-second run. So, is Maranello losing sleep tonight? Not likely. But there's officially a new player in the supercar set, and we can't wait to get our grubby paws on it.

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C

Gallery: McLaren MP4-12C At Company Unveiling

[Source: Car and Driver]

McLaren MP4-12C performance stats have arrived originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There Will Be Mud: An express course in ice racing with Subaru

We spend a day flogging the WRX and STI around an ice course and come away with a new appreciation for our left foot.

If you're green, are you more likely to be mean? A new study suggests you are...

A study in Psychological Science contends that eco-conscious consumers have a penchant for overt righteousness and a general feeling of superiority. You don't say?

Charting the Five-Ohs: Next-gen Cop Car Comparo

With both GM and Ford providing all-new police-specific vehicles next year, we take a look at the old stalwarts and their black-and-white successors.

Also of interest:

• Mazda considers offering diesel CX-7 in the States
• Akio Toyoda sitting out this year's Nurburgring 24
• Rolls-Royce Phantom to undergo major overhaul in 2016
• Next generation Volkswagen Beetle coming next year
• McLaren could develop racing version of MP4-12C for privateers

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.19.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni on mountain roads - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Talk about a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The boys over at Motor Trend got their hands on Lamborghini's hottest two-wheel-drive creation, the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, but instead of taking it to the track or recording performance data, they decided to show what this car does best - attack winding roads with brute force and staggering beauty. We'd be lying if we said we weren't just a wee bit jealous.

We highly suggest you take three minutes out of your day to watch this example of Italian supercar hotness storming through the mountains of California. It's a treat for both the ears and eyes, and you can experience it for yourself by clicking through the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: MT wrings out Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni on mountain road, leaves soundtrack at home

Video: MT wrings out Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni on mountain road, leaves soundtrack at home originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler Pentastar V6 engine begins production - Click above for high-res image gallery
The artist engine formerly known as Prince Phoenix has officially hit the assembly lines at the Chrysler Group's plant in Trenton, Michigan. The first version of the mill, which now bears the Pentastar moniker, displaces 3.6 liters and will see its first production application in the engine bay of the brand new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Expect this all aluminum, 60-degree, dual-overhead cam (with variable valve timing) powerplant to see lots of use in the near-term future - Chrysler boasts that the Pentastar V6 will replace seven current V6 engines. In the new Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar will put out 280 horsepower (a 22-percent increase) at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque (an 11-percent improvement) at 4,800 rpm.

Just as importantly, Chrysler tells us that the new engine will be 11 percent more fuel efficient than the unit it replaces, and it will run on either regular 87-octane gasoline or E85. This family of engines represent a $730 million investment, and the 822,000-square-foot Trenton facility will be able to produce more than 400,000 engines per year. See the complete press release after the break.

Gallery: Chrysler Pentastar V6 enters production

Continue reading Chrysler kicks off production of Pentastar V6 engine, formerly known as "Phoenix"

Chrysler kicks off production of Pentastar V6 engine, formerly known as "Phoenix" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hyundai, Nissan

Over the past couple of years, Hyundai has been credited as having some of the best marketing efforts of any automaker in the U.S. The executive most credited with such programs as Hyundai's Assurance program is Joel Ewanick. As vice-president of marketing at Hyundai Motor America, he led the team that came up with ideas like Hyundai Assurance, which promises to continue making payments or take a car back if a buyer loses his or her job.

Ewanick is now moving over to Nissan North America where he will take on the same task for the Nissan division. Ewanick is replacing Christian Meunier, who was recently appointed president of Nissan Brazil. Ewanick starts at Nissan on Monday March 22, so prepare for some marketing magic out of Nissan's Tennessee headquarters shortly thereafter if he does for Nissan what he did for his former employer.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Joel Ewanick defects from Hyundai to Nissan, takes top marketing post

Joel Ewanick defects from Hyundai to Nissan, takes top marketing post originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal

Omar Ramos-Lopez' retaliation on his former employers' customers might be something we conjure up while lying sleepless in bed, but we've got the power of self-restraint. Omar? Not so much. Ignoring his locus of control, Ramos-Lopez retaliated against Texas Auto Center after he was fired from by activating the GPS-enabled immobilizer systems the dealer fits to some of its cars. Some customers missed work, others had horns that kept honking and many had to pay for towing and repair.

In all, more than 100 people were impacted by the actions of Ramos-Lopez, a 20-year-old now facing charges for breach of computer security. Austin police say Ramos-Lopez accessed the computer system in an attempt to block the dealership's access to its own Pay Technologies account. Customer names were changed to things like "Tupac," and it took a couple days to figure out who the culprit was. Ramos-Lopez had been fired a month before the incident, and he's now facing between four months and two years in state prison if convicted.

[Source: wishtv.com | Image: Travis County Jail/AP]

Report: Disgruntled hacker disables 100 cars in Texas remotely originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Edge Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
After spending some time with the 2011 Ford Edge Sport, it's obvious Ford did more than just a run-of-the-mill mid-cycle refresh. And with the overhauled crossover hitting showrooms this summer, more and more information is trickling out. A member of the Blue Oval forums apparently found the Edge's order guide, giving us a complete rundown of the four Edge packages available at launch.

First, let's begin with what we already know. The Edge will be available in SE, SEL, Limited and Sport trims, come standard with an overhauled 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 powerplant and the Sport model will get the same 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that powers the 2011 Mustang V6. According to the ordering guide, Ford expects 17 percent of customers to opt for the base SE model, 39 percent to go for the mid-level SEL, 40 percent to choose the Limited and only four percent to choose the 22-inch wheels of the Sport model.

SE buyers will have two Rapid Spec option packages from which to choose, though the pickings are slim. Spec 101A includes a convenience package with auto-headlamps, a compass, keyless entry and a reverse sensing system. The SEL will add everything from the best SE model plus standard equipment including 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, heated mirrors, a six-way power driver's seat and dual-zone temperature control. The SEL trim will also afford three different packages: Rapid Spec 201A includes the eight-inch LCD MyTouch interface with SYNC and a rear-view camera while Spec 202A adds features like leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat and ambient lighting.

Stand alone options include an expansive Vista Roof (available with spec 201A or 202A) and Ford's excellent navigation system (available with spec 202A). Jump to the Limited Edge and MyTouch, SYNC, leather, heated seats with power adjust in the front row and visual cues all around are all standard. The Limited has three rapid specs, with The Blue Oval expecting 301A to be the most popular. The package includes navigation, HID headlamps and the Vista Roof. Spec 302A adds BLISS blind spot protection and adaptive cruise control, while the low volume Sport model comes with scores of standard features including the aforementioned 22-inch wheels and 3.7-liter drivetrain. All options, including navigation, are a-la-carte. What the alleged Edge order guide doesn't include is pricing or any information about the 2.0-liter turbo model, which reportedly won't be available until 2011. Check the gallery below for the full guide.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Edge Ordering Guide

Gallery: First Ride: 2011 Ford Edge Sport

[Source: Blue Oval News]

2011 Ford Edge ordering guide hits the Intertubes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Crossover, Mazda, Diesel

2010 Mzda CX-7 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Two years ago, Mazda introduced an advanced new 2.2-liter four cylinder diesel engine in the European market. Since then, we've asked Mazda officials on several occasions whether they would offer that engine in the U.S. market. The company has never ruled out bringing a diesel here, but it has also never said it would. Instead, Mazda has always said that it's watching the market and if there was demand for a diesel in the U.S., it would look at offering the efficient engines. Perhaps the success of Volkswagen's diesel offerings in the U.S. has convinced Mazda to look more seriously at oil-burners.

Mazda also offers a higher revving, more powerful 2.3-liter diesel which would be better suited to U.S. tastes. Mazda already offers the CX-7 with an SCR after-treatment system that would go a long way to meeting American emissions standards. However, at last fall's Tokyo Motor Show, the company also showed a next-generation diesel dubbed Sky-D, which is 20 percent more efficient. According to Road & Track, Mazda has acknowledged that the Sky-D diesel could be part of the lineup for the next generation CX-7 and CX-9, but the obvious question is: When?

Gallery: 2010 Mazda CX-7

[Source: Road & Track]

Rumormill: Mazda considers offering diesel CX-7 in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, Etc.

The name John DeLorean is synonymous with the automotive industry. From his days at General Motors, where he turned Pontiac into the automaker's de facto performance division with the creation of the GTO, and, therefore, the muscle car genre in general, to his days running his eponymous car company that gave us the classic stainless steel gullwing wedge that became an iconic time machine through the magic of the movies, DeLorean was at the forefront of the industry for three decades.

Sadly, John DeLorean died in March of 2005. We'll never know what exactly he may have had in store to bring DeLorean Motor Company back to the market, though a telephone call two weeks before his death gives us a few clues. Apparently, DeLorean was planning to relaunch DMC with a new take on the classic DMC-12, complete with an engine from Renault with an optional hydraulic hybrid drivetrain and carbon fiber panels to keep it all lightweight.

The above information comes courtesy of our sister site AOL Autos' Maintenance Editor Tom Torbjornsen, who had planned an interview with John DeLorean that was to take place one week after his death. Torbjornsen pieced together information from a conversation he had with DeLorean and his "best guess at what [he] thought John might have said based on [their] conversation." It's an interesting read, and you can check the whole thing out by clicking here.

[Source: AOL Autos]

The last interview DeLorean never gave? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is due for a major overhaul and the next generation 2+2 is expected to grow in size, be available with all-wheel drive and come packing Ferrari's new HY-KERS system.

Caught cold weather testing near the Arctic Circle, the 2012 model is sporting a longer wheelbase and redesigned front and rear fascias, along with a massive hood bulge. Power is expected to be provided by an Enzo-derived V12 putting out around 530 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, and delivering grunt to a modified seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox found in the 458 Italia and Ferrari 599 HY-KERS concept.

Although the fitment of all-wheel drive remains a rumor, there's a significant chance that the next 612 will be equipped with Ferrari's new hybrid system, complete with lithium-ion battery pack and three-phase electric motor to put out an addition 100 hp. If we're reading our tea-leaves properly, we'd expect the new 612 to be unveiled early next year with sales beginning in late 2011.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Ferrari 599 HY-KERS

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: 2012 Ferrari 612 successor spied originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Police/Emergency

It used to be that every full-line American automaker offered a version of its mainstream full-size sedan to make it appropriate for police duty. By the time 1996 rolled around, the Chevrolet Caprice, which was the last would-be competitor to the standard-setting Ford Crown Victoria, was discontinued, leaving the lucrative police market to the Blue Oval Boys.

The automotive industry took notice, and plans began in corporate board rooms to remedy that situation, and even a few new entrants - most notably Carbon Motors - sprung up with promising designs that eschewed the mainstream production-based sedan design.

In 2005, Dodge rolled out a factory police package for its full-size Charger sedan, and for the first time in a decade the Crown Victoria faced some stiff V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive competition. Then in 2009, Chevrolet announced that its new Zeta platform Caprice would be returning for the 2011 model year packing a strong 6.0-liter V8 of its own.

How would Ford answer this newly mounted competition? Would the aging Panther-based Crown Vic finally get an update? Nope. Instead, Ford just recently announced that it would soon offer a highly ruggedized version of its most recent Taurus sedan, optionally equipped with the stout 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine powering all four wheels as seen in the revived Taurus SHO.

We decided to see for ourselves how the three new competitors stacked up against the old guard Crown Vic on paper, and as you can see, there's little to separate each offering on the spec sheets. It should prove interesting to see how police agencies react to these choices, especially since reliability and durability will be mostly unknown factors for the first time in ages. See for yourself.

Ford Crown Vic Ford Taurus Dodge Charger Chevrolet Caprice Availability Forever Late 2011 2005 - Present 2011 Type Four-door, body on frame Four-door, enhanced unibody Four-door, unibody Four-door, unibody Engine 4.6L V8 3.5L V6
Twin-turbo 3.5L V6 5.7L Hemi V8 6.0L V8 Power 250 horsepower 263 horsepower
365 horsepower 368 horsepower 355 horsepower Torque 297 lb-ft 249 lb-ft
350 lb-ft
395 lb-ft 385 lb-ft Fuel Economy 14 City / 21 Highway 18 City / 28 Highway (2010 Ford Taurus FWD)
17 City / 25 Highway (2010 Ford Taurus SHO AWD)
16 City / 25 Highway 15 City / 24 Highway (2009 Pontiac G8 GT)
Driveline Rear-Wheel Front or All-Wheel Rear-Wheel Rear-Wheel Shifter Column Column Column Console Wheels 17-inch steel 18-inch steel 18-inch steel 18-inch steel Brakes Four-Wheel Discs Four-Wheel Discs Four-Wheel Discs Four-Wheel Discs Cop Brakes Y Y Y Y Cop Suspension Y Y Y Y Cop Cooling Y Y Y Y Seats Front - Cloth
Rear - Vinyl Bench Front - Cloth
Rear - Vinyl Bench Front - Cloth
Rear - Cloth Bench Front - Cloth
Rear - Vinyl Bench Interior Volume 106.4 Cubic Feet 102.3 Cubic Feet 104 Cubic Feet 112 Cubic Feet Trunk Space 20.6 Cubic Feet 20.1 Cubic Feet 16.2 Cubic Feet 18 Cubic Feet Special Features
Overwhelming Ubiquity

Tough as nails

Capable of withstanding 75-mph rear impact Seats with downsized lateral bosters, cut-outs for utility belts

Ford SYNC

Safety Canopy(R) side-curtain air bag

Rollover protection system

Customizable steering-wheel switches

Rear doors swing 71-degrees

Capable of withstanding 75-mph rear impact

BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System)

Cross Traffic Alert

Rear View Camera System

Reverse Sensing System 160-mph (certified) calibrated speedometer

AM/FM radio with CD player, changer controls, four speakers and clock with auxiliary audio input jack

Load-leveling, height-control shock absorbers

Independently switched red/white LED dome lamp Seats with downsized lateral boosters, cutouts for utility belts

In-dash touch-screen computer technology

Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature

Charting the Five-Ohs: Next-gen Cop Car Comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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