Turbo

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Earlier this year, Shelby announced it would focus less on building complete cars and more on selling parts, and that transition began when the company brought much of its manufacturing in-house and created a new speed shop to customize Mustangs at its Las Vegas facility.

Looking to the future, Shelby has now posted a query online asking its customers what they want to see from the company, and in the process it’s proposed four Mustang aftermarket packages ranging from a V6 model to a twin-turbo Shelby GT500.

While probably the least likely to appeal to the everyday Mustang enthusiast because of its cost (0,000 not including the car), the twin-turbo GT500 obviously caught our attention. The concept, codenamed 2010-04a, would be based off the 2007-2009 GT500 and would feature a twin-turbo system with variable boost good for 1000+ horsepower at the rear wheels in addition to an adjustable suspension, widebody kit, 10-point roll cage and more.

On the other end of the spectrum, Shelby is considering offering a package for 2010+ V6 models carrying the Shelby GTS moniker. This seems more likely to make it to production, especially since Shelby has already produced a working prototype. The GTS would feature various visual and performance upgrades and the package would retail for somewhere between ,000 to ,000. Finally, the last two concepts are based on the new 2011 Mustang GT and would feature the same styling upgrades as the V6 version. Follow the jump for a full list of proposed features for both the twin-turbo GT500 and the GTS model, and let us know which packages you think Shelby should offer.

[Source: Shelby American]

Continue reading New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500

New Shelby Ford Mustang models could include V6, twin-turbo GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style, Electric

When the Paris Motor Show opens up next month, Kia will roll out a new battery powered commuter concept.

Thus far, Kia has only released a few details about its door-stop-shaped Pop Concept, including its sub-10-foot length and its three-seat layout. Interestingly, Kia has gone with a bench with the driver on the left rather than a central driver layout like the Gordon Murray-designed T.25. For a tiny car like this, it would seem like putting the driver in the middle would be more space efficient, allowing the driver to be shifted forward between the front wheels for better legroom. Perhaps Kia is going for a more traditional motoring experience, however, or they may have some other spacial tricks up their sleeves.

Either way, it’s too early to tell if the Pop EV concept is a precursor of Kia’s future styling, but this is certainly a different look. Check out the images in our high-res gallery below and visit the jump for the Korean automaker’s official press release.

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept

Kia adding fizz to Paris Motor Show with Pop Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Ferrari

Ferrari has plenty in the pipeline, and not just off in the distant future, either. There’s a 599 roadster that was shown in secret during this year’s Pebble Beach festivities, as well as a handful of 458 derivatives on their way. And that’s just the start. Now comes word that the automaker has something big planned for this year’s Paris Motor Show.

According to reports coming in from Italy, Ferrari is preparing to unveil another environmentally friendly prototype, similar in concept to the 599 HY-KERS displayed in Geneva earlier this year. This time, though, it’ll be a different car and won’t use hybrid technology.

Early speculation indicates we’ll be seeing a prototype based on the California, but how it differs from the model currently on sale remains to be seen. Instead of a hybrid or start-stop system, reports suggest that Ferrari could be tinkering with such innovations as reducing internal engine friction, cylinder deactivation, streamlined aerodynamics for lower drag and the further use of advanced composites to reduce weight.

Whatever Maranello has in store, we’ll find out soon enough when the show opens at the Porte de Versailles later this month.

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Noah Joseph / AOL

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Ferrari bringing fuel-efficient California prototype to Paris? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Performance, Videos, Porsche

One of the things we like most about Jay Leno, aside from being a hugely knowledgeable car guy, of course, is his access. Who else would Porsche pick for some private time in a hangar with its forthcoming hybrid supercar, the 918 Spyder, during last week’s festivities in Pebble Beach? Certainly not us. We waited by the phone, but sadly Porsche never rang.

Jay did get the call, however, and in addition to being allowed to place his all-denim outfit within inches of the 918 Spyder, he also got face time with Michael Mauer, Head of Design for Porsche. Jay didn’t have total access, however, as Mauer shot down his request to open the hood and view the car’s high-tech secret powertrain. Ah, well.

Follow the jump to hang with Leno as he learns more about the 918 Spyder straight from the designer’s mouth.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/AOL

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder

Video: Jay Leno gets private time with Porsche 918 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Electric

With the generous and quixotic assistance of Google Translate we’ve been able to cobble together random bits about the Izaro Motors GT-E. The brand itself is a resurrected name founded in Madrid in 1922, the Izaro Electric Car Factory. This new company is said to be run by the original founder’s grandson, and in keeping with that continuity, his new creation is a sports car that will use either electric or hybrid propulsion.

Originally developed on a Factory Five chassis, at least one source claims that Izaro no longer has any relationship with said company. Izaro explains that the roughly 2,200-pound chassis they’re using is fabricated from basalt fiber, magnesium and high-strength steel, and will hide one of two engines: a 495-horsepower electric motor or a 416-hp hybrid combo.

Since current fashion dictates that planned electric supercars need to be accessorized with whopping projected specs, Izaro doesn’t disappoint: 0-to-62 miles per hour in under four seconds, a 150-mile range in the electric variant and 428 miles in the hybrid, with a €60,000 (,089 U.S.) starting price. Since you probably won’t see it anywhere else for a while (if ever), you can check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

[Sources: Izaro Motors (translated), Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Izaro GT-E eco-minded supercar takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, China, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Luxury

Hold on to your lugnuts, kids, because here’s a rumor that’s so far out it practically qualifies as science fiction. Taken straight from Gasgoo.com, which has provided plenty of worthy news in the past, is this nugget: Lamborghini “will import its super luxury four-door sedan, Lamborghini Estoque to China for local production in 2012 with a price tag of around 4 million yuan (9,000).”

To be fair, it appears as though Gasgoo is just reporting on what’s being reported in other Chinese media. However, in case you haven’t been keeping up with the Estoque’s flirtations with production reality, first Lamborghini planned to make it after it was introduced two years ago, then the economic implosion supposedly killed it in early 2009, but Lamborghini quickly said that wasn’t true, then this month company CEO Stephan Winkelmann hinted about how a third model would help the brand.

To us, none of that means the 2008 Paris Motor Show traffic-stopper is going to be built at all. Somehow, though, the Chinese media have heard that not only is it going to be built, but it will be built in China as soon as 2012. On top of that, even though it hasn’t been developed, it’s already been priced, and at that price you could buy almost three Aston Martin Rapide sedans. Or, more accurately, three Rapides and an infinite number of leprechauns, gorgons, drop bears and the latest creature of fable, a Chinese-built Estoque.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

[Source: Gasgoo]

Crazy Rumor of the Day: Lamborghini Estoque to be built in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, UK, Luxury

We suppose it was only a matter of time before mighty Morgan threw its cap into the electric car realm. With everyone from Mercedes-Benz to Audi toying around with motor-powered supercars, the eclectic purveyor of long-hood wonders was bound to follow suit. According to Autocar, we can expect to see a pair of new models to emerge from Morgan in short order. The first, called the LIFEcar 2, is especially mouth watering. The svelte coupe supposedly gets its power from a diesel-electric powertrain and will pack a range of around 1,000 miles. Despite its city car name, the LIFEcar 2 will be a sports car above all else.

As for the second model, Autocar was able to drum up very few details, other than it will be more extreme with a focus on entertainment.

If you’re thinking this sounds like the standard Brit-pub rumor mongering, think again. Morgan says it will bring the LIFEcar 2 from prototype to production, and that it will weight a scant 1,700 pounds when it hits the road. Hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Autocar, Morgan]

Continue reading Report: Two new models coming from Morgan

Report: Two new models coming from Morgan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Ford, GM, Hyundai, Jaguar, Toyota, Electric

Chris, Sam and Dan return for Episode #192 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the reinstatement of GM’s high performance division and its new focus on small cars, the Ford Edge Sport being out-dragged by its lesser SEL sibling, and the BMW Megacity electric car. It’s an hour and eleven minutes, bookended by what’s in our respective garages and your questions/comments. See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #192 – Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity

In the Autoblog Garage:

Toyota Sienna LE
Jaguar XFR
Hyundai Azera

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

Runtime: 71:11

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Autoblog Podcast #192 – Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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