Barbara Woodhouse Car Blog

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Nissan

When we got our hands on a Nissan GT-R, we can admit to laying waste to a little bit of rubber. With at least 480 horsepower at our command, it was hard not to. At no point, though, did we feel obligated to grind through 20 seconds of squealing, smokey donuts, but we can now be sure that at least one GT-R owner has. After the jump is one man's attempt at YouTube fame behind the wheel of a Silver GT-R. He effortlessly (because the GT-R is badass) dives into a dizzying volley of tight spins that we like to call a donut, and when finishes appears to be awfully proud of his accomplishment. We're not sure why, though, because all he did was get closer to a visit to his Dunkin Dunlop retailer for a new set of expensive rubber. He should be careful, because that kind of wear and tear on his GT-R is being captured on a black box recorder, and we're just now learning what happens to the warranty when one engages in tom-foolery using one of the world's fastest production cars.

[Source: YouTube via egmCarTech]

Continue reading VIDEO: Nissan GT-R doing donuts with no regard for warranty

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz took the easy route when it comes to making its current CLC, using the previous C-Class coupe as a starting point instead of engineering a new entry-level model from the latest C-Class platform. That may be about to change, as CAR is reporting that MB will introduce a proper C-Class coupe to replace the CLC. The new model will ditch the cut-off hind-end of the current car, which isn't quite as pretty as its competition from Audi and BMW. A soft-top convertible is expected to follow a few months after the new 2010 C-Class coupe is introduced.

Moving up the Mercedes line, a new E-Class coupe is also in the works to offer a direct competitor to the Audi A5. We wonder if a "shooting brake" style hatchback could be offered as well. In any case, the two-door will lose its CLK nomenclature in favor of being known simply as a coupe. Also dead is the CL moniker, which will be replaced with an S-Class coupe. In addition to the expected gasoline and diesel-powered models, hybrids are expected to be offered across the entire Mercedes-Benz range in an effort to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.



[Source: CAR]

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Filed under: Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Mitsubishi, UK

It was only a matter of time before Mitsubishi's British engineers tired of relentlessly beating the FQ300 and FQ360 versions of their homegrown Evos. So it's no surprise that after a 400-hp version of the Evo X successfully campaigned in the Britcar Championship, Mitsubishi finally gave the go-ahead to its crack team of in-house tweakers to produce a road going version for public consumption. The FQ400 is on its way.

If the Mitsu team holds true to the original ADR Motorsport-developed Evo, expect a new turbocharger, exhaust manifold and fuel system, along with a reworked ECU to make use of the extra boost and petrol. Naturally, output will be related to the FQ400's name, with 400hp being delivered to all four wheels through a manual gearbox. A top speed of 170 mph and a 0-60 time of around 3.5 seconds shouldn't be too hard to achieve, and with a reworked suspension, upgraded brakes and some aerodynamic enhancements, Lambo owners should think twice before cutting the FQ400 off at their first track day at Silverstone. Pricing hasn't been released yet, but expect the Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400 to crest the £45,000 mark when it goes on sale next year in the UK.


[Source: AutoExpress]

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Filed under: Tuners, SUVs, Mercedes-Benz, Brabus

BRABUS tunes all manner of Mercedes-Benzes, and even branches out by pumping performance into diminutive smart cars that have very little business going fast. Likewise, BRABUS also tunes Mercedes SUVs that usually have no business bragging about their performance, and there's a new Merc ute on the scene that has yet to get the German tuning firm's treatment... until now. BRABUS has just released details on its new Exclusive Program for the Mercedes-Benz GLK that allows owners to tune the new soft-roader to their heart's content. Whether you're driving a diesel-powered GLK or gas-powered variant, BRABUS has a host of engine mods to eke out more power and two new suspensions to firm up the ride. Likewise, there's a new front apron, roof attachment, rocker panels and rear apron, as well as an array of new wheels to choose from. There's also a catalogue's worth of interior accessories, and in all more ways to customize your GLK than we care to enumerate here. The gallery below shows a model decked out with all the goodies, and you can check out the official press release from BRABUS after the jump for more details.


[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading BRABUS turns attention towards Mercedes-Benz GLK

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Filed under: Car Buying, Convertibles, Coupes, Euro, Supercars, Ferrari, UK

As you read this, journalists in Europe are getting their first taste of the Ferrari California, flogging the new coupe/convertible through the rolling hills of Italy, and periodically stopping to snack on shaved white truffles and sip Brunello di Montalcino. Jealous? We are. But rest assured our time will come. If it doesn't, then at least we know what we'll have to remove from our tanking 401k to get a California of our own... in Europe.

Evo is reporting that the Ferrari California will set back our friends abroad £143,000, placing it right in between the F430 coupe and spider. To put that into a U.S.-dollar perspective, the F430 coupe costs around $185,000 in the States, while the drop-top F430 is priced somewhere north of $210,000.

We'll have to wait to see how the 460-hp California fares in the first round of reviews, but in the meantime, start saving your pennies and get in line.


[Source: Evo]

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan

Inside Line was given a thorough peek at and allowed to drive the coming Nissan 370Z, and appears to like what it has seen. Many of their findings have been previously guessed at based on spy photos of the car, but their viewing seems to prove that it all fits together well enough in person. Unfortunately, they were barred from commenting on the driving experience. The most controversial aspect is still the shortened rear of the car, which IL guesses has gone back to 99 inches. To look at the pictures, there really isn't room for much behind the driver's door but wheel arches and a taillight. Interestingly, IL also suggests that the car will be available with a 7-speed automatic, which brings to three the number of potential non-manual transmissions. The proof, as always, will be in the pudding, and the first serving will come on October 29 when the official photos are released.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Filed under: Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Sports/GTs, Green, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Tesla is now on its fourth CEO in just 12 months as the fledgling all-electric automaker has announced today that chief fund-raiser, architect and Chairman Elon Musk will take up the mantle from current CEO Ze'ev Drori. Early this morning Valleywag reported that Tesla would be firing up to 100 of its staff and that Drori might be leaving. A call to Tesla SVP Darryl Siry revealed that the story was not entirely accurate. Drori is not leaving the company, but will move over to become Vice Chairman. Exactly what that means is not entirely known at this point, although clearly Musk intends to take a more hands on role now that his Space-X rocket finally managed to get into orbit. Tesla is also laying off some staff, although the extent of lay offs is unknown at this time. Siry promised an official announcement sometime this morning, but we're still waiting.


[Source: Tesla Motors]

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Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUVs, HUMMER, Toyota, First Drive

The world's maddest battles usually earn a brief sobriquet: Red vs. Blue, Holyfield-Tyson, Lingerie Bowl. Although the battle we'll describe today isn't finished, the clash of HUMMER vs. Any Decent Off-roader - especially HUMMER vs. Jeep - has made so much noise on Autoblog alone that we decided it was time to investigate. Not having a Jeep at our disposal, we pitted an H2 against the Toyota Landcruiser on three trails in the California desert to find out if either of them had any quit - or if they'd keep going but complain about it. Follow the jump for the answer we came up with, and check out the gallery of off-road shenanigans below.

Continue reading Autoblog Comparo: Moving Mountains - Toyota Landcruiser vs. Hummer H2

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Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Ford

The painfully slow undressing of the 2010 Mustang continues today with a clear shot of the car's new shifter. Specifically, we can see that a five-speed stick is still standard-fare for the pony car from Ford, though its closest competitors, namely the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro, are equipped with six row-for-yourself ratios. On the positive side, the gear knob looks very high class and appears hewn from aluminum. Judging from the last teaser, the matte aluminized finish is carried out through much of the GT's interior, from the shifter to the steering wheel and dash. There are five more teaser images to be revealed before the 'Stang's final reveal at the LA Auto Show, where we'll be on hand to bring you the goods in living color. For now, all of Ford's early teasers can be seen in our gallery below.


[Source: Ford]

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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Hyundai

The Genesis Coupe is being launched in South Korea this week, and we've already heard from CAR regarding their testing of the 310-hp 3.8L V6 model. Hyundai released its own performance numbers for the hotly anticipated RWD coupe, and it also included information for the turbocharged 2.0L base model. While CAR achieved a fairly respectable 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds for the V6 model, Hyundai is claiming a sprint to 62 takes 6.3 seconds.

In the Korean home market, the force-fed 2.0L base model will achieve 223 hp and 220 lb-ft with premium fuel, and 210 hp with regular. U.S. customers will reportedly only receive the 210-hp version, and you'll hit that magic number at 6,000 RPM while the turbocharged nature of the 2.0L helps you hit peak torque at a low 2,000 RPM. Hyundai claims the base Coupe's 0-62 time is a rather leisurely 8.3 seconds, but we're guessing that plenty of enthusiasts will get their hands underhood in an effort to greatly boost those numbers.

Korean market pricing starts at 23,200,000 Korean won for the base model and 33,920,000 won for the top of the line V6 model. That's $18,728 and $27,382 in U.S. currency, but Hyundai won't announce official U.S. pricing until closer to the Genesis Coupe's spring 2009 debut.


[Source: World Car Fans]

Continue reading Hyundai releases Genesis Coupe performance numbers

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Porsche

Click above for a high resolution gallery of the Roock RST 600 LM

About a decade ago, Roock Racing was one of the most dominant GT racing teams at Le Mans and a short time later in the ALMS with their Porsche GT2 race cars. Since then they have focused their attention on tuning street Porsches, the latest of which is the RST 600 LM that commemorates their victory in the GT2 class at the 1996 24 Hours of Le Mans. The package includes upgraded turbochargers, a titanium exhaust system, and an upgraded ECU good for just over 600 horsepower and 611 lb-ft torque. Performance numbers are a claimed 3.1 second sprint to 60 mph and a top end of 211 mph. Roock also adds a carbon fiber clutch, fully tuned suspension, and massive 380mm drilled and vented brakes. Inside, the RST 600 LM gets carbon fiber trim, oil and temperature gauges, and custom seats with four point harnesses. Finally, subtle exterior modifications are added including a new front splitter, rear diffuser, rear spoiler, and lightweight aluminum racing wheels. Full details are in the press release after the jump and high resolution photos can be found in the gallery below.

[Source: Roock via SeriousWheels.com]

Continue reading Roock celebrates Le Mans win with RST 600 LM

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Filed under: SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Jeep, India

No other brand is as patriotic as Jeep, boasting the WWII-era General Purpose military vehicle that helped win the war for the Allies. As it stands, current Jeeps are all U.S. made, with the Grand Cherokee and Commander hailing from the Detroit area, the Wrangler and Liberty being assembled in Toledo, Ohio and the Patriot and Compass coming from Illinois. That all seems set to change, though, as rumors swirl regarding India's Argentum Motors being tapped to build some of the SUVs abroad. Before everyone gets too upset, consider that Jeeps have been built in many other countries in the past, with even the classic Wrangler coming from Canada for a time. What this means for American jobs, though, we don't know. Colonel Bhagwati Prasad Suman from Argentum Motors suggests that any automaker building vehicles in India will save at least 15-percent in costs as compared to the United States. This being the case, we wouldn't be at all shocked if the rumors were true and if more such announcements were made in the future.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, LLC., UAW/Unions

In an announcement that should be anything but shocking to anyone who even remotely follows the auto industry, United Auto Workers head Ron Gettelfinger says he and the UAW would be against any merger between automakers that would reduce either company's workforce. Considering that the Union's main job as of late has been safeguarding the jobs of its members, we would expect nothing less than an all-out war between Gettelfinger and the automakers involved, if such a merger were to take place, as much of the potential money savings would undoubtedly be in duplicate workforce reductions. In any case, Gettelfinger says that the UAW has not officially been contacted by either party regarding anything of the sort, lending further credence to the notion that any talks that are currently taking place are very much in the early stages.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Tech

Everything is in line to be a convergence device, and now the boring rear view mirror has stepped under the lights to get stuffed with extra equipment. The Azentek SmartMirror has a four-inch touchscreen on the right for a 2D and 3D text-to-speech GPS display. It's also offers Bluetooth connectivity, a call log, and caller ID. It has two video inputs, one that can be used for a rear view camera, and an SD card slot in case you want to record... well, whatever you might want to record with your rear view mirror.

The only thing missing from the mirror is availability -- it's been so popular that Azentek can't supply enough of them. The company says that will change later this year when you'll be able to get it at major retailers. The other potential hitch: it'll cost you $800 to do what your phone, TomTom, and regular mirror already do.

[Source: Engadget]

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Filed under: Gadgets, Green

Kids, do not try this at home. Researchers at Temple University have been experimenting with what happens when an electric current is run through fuel. Big boom, right? Well, apparently not.

According to a paper the Temple team has published in "Energy & Fuels", done right, a small electric current applied to fuel just before it enters the combustion chamber, makes for much smaller droplets of fuel which burn cleaner and more efficiently. The team installed and tested their device on a diesel Mercedes where it showed a 20% decrease in fuel consumption in the lab.

The technology is currently being tested on a fleet of diesel trucks in Pennsylvania. How soon might you see it on a car lot? Actually you may see it on a late-night informercial first.

The company will most likely bring the tech to market is the same one running the Pennsylvania test: Save The World Air, Inc. That's the same company that sells the MagChargR which is basically a magnet that supposedly does the same thing this new technology does. It's also the same company that at one time was selling the Zero Emission Fuel Saver (ZEFS) device which was basically a magnet that, um, did the same thing. The RAND Corporation looked into ZEFS and found "at best mixed results." STWA is also the company that was sued by the SEC for stock fraud.

So, maybe they've got something that works this time around, maybe not. The science sounds solid, but only time will tell if it translates into a working product.

[Source: Gizmag]

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