Automotive News

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertibles, Mazda

click above for more images of the M1Stang “Miastang”

One could argue that the Mazda Miata has become our generation’s Pontiac Fiero. We’ve seen the Miata become the kit car du jour in the form of a BMW Z3 and Aston Martin, but this conversion may take the cake. Though we have dubbed this car the Miastang, it’s real name is the M1Stang. Carscoop reports that the man behind this Miata-based Mustang replica is one Bill Carnes, who will take your Zoom Zoom roadster and approximately $12,999 plus tax in exchange for his strange concoction. Clearly, the entire body of the Miata save the windshield is replaced with all steel body panels that nicely mimic the Mustang of old. Unfortunately, the $13k base price doesn’t include painting or updating the decidedly un-Mustang interior, but the conversion can be performed on any Miata from 1990-2005. Some may call it an abomination, but we think it’s pretty amusing and actually a fairly faithful recreation.

[Source: M1Stang via Carscoop]

 

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Filed under: SUVs, Euro, Audi

Click image for hi-res photo gallery

With 326 horsepower and 550 lb-ft on call under the driver’s right foot, the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI is the world’s most powerful diesel SUV (at least until the Q7 V12 TDI launches). It’s 4.2L 90-degree V8 incorporates a pair of variable-geometry turbos (one for each cylinder bank), and channels all that juice to the four corners via quattro AWD. It’s pretty spry, too. It does the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) thing in just 6.4 seconds and will keep going until the speedo hits 146 mph, if you have the desire to explore those limits. Well, you have to live in Europe, too. This Q7’s not available here, unfortunately.

Inside, the carnival of luxury you’d expect to find is present and accounted for. Leather, wood, and aluminum cover most of the touch surfaces, and Alcantara adorns the headliner. If you have money to spend, the stupendous optional Bang & Olufsen audio system is a nice choice, as is the Audi Music Interface, which lets you control your iPod using the MMI system. A lane departure warning system is now available, too, so that €70,000+ base price can quickly climb skyward as the goodies are added in.

Of course, one of the best features this particular Q7 brings to the table is its combined-cycle fuel economy rating of a smidge over 21 mpg. Have fun finding another big V8 luxury blingwagon that can do that.

[Source: Audi AG]

Continue reading Torque monster: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI launches in Europe

 

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Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

I know when people ask me to what car to buy, I always tell them to grab a copy of PC Magazine. After all, given all the electronics it takes to make a new car even start, who would know more about them more than a computer magazine? And if you’re a PC mag writing about cars, then clearly you must give out some kind of award, too.

Actually PC Mag’s Digital Drive Awards are focused on all sorts of technology in new vehicles. They first established a list of new technologies that are becoming mainstream and then sought out those vehicles with equipment that is currently bleeding edge. iPod connections are so 2006, but built-in hard-drives and lane departure warning systems are the new black. In spite of iDrive, PC Mag gave its overall Car of the Year award to the new second generation BMW X5. You can check out the rest of the Digital Drive Awards, which include Best Nav, Best Parking and Best Audio, by clicking the Read link.

Thanks for the tip, Corinne!

[Source: PC Magazine]

 

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Sports/GTs, Ferrari

Some thought it was tasteful, some thought it was bland. One way or another, the 456 GT was a refreshingly understated touring machine from Maranello when its contemporaries were dominated by enormous ducts and wings. Compared to its successor, the 612 Scaglietti, the 456 was an exercise in good proportions and tasteful lines. Then some nutcase went and ruined it.

Like drawing a moustache on the Mona Lisa, this GT had an oversized rear wing grafted onto its boot-lid. The flip-up headlights - the last of its kind for Ferrari - were replaced with clear lenses mimicking the 550 Maranello. And the elegant five-spoke wheels were swapped out for multi-spoke racing rims.

It’s bad enough when some tuning house rips up an F430 or 575 and mods it beyond recognition, but this example makes us wish Ferrari retained the right to repossess any of its creations that are being mistreated. Where’s the SPCF when you need them?

[Source: Carscoop]

 

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet

Another batch of pics have surfaced of the new Corvette Z07/SS/Blue Devil/Sting Ray/Grand Sport, this time from Popular Mechanics ace Jim Dunne. The car is virtually unmasked, save a cover on the front fender vents and over the hood. The only real differences we see on the outside are the ten-spoke wheels, a black roof and the covered-but-visible hood bulge. Oh yeah, and it’s wearing a Devil Red paint job.

The roof is rumored to be carbon fiber to save weight and add strength, a trick commonly employed on a few BMWs. The hood might also be made of the carbon weave, and with or without scoop, PM confirms it’s covering a supercharger. Even the wheels might be carbon fiber to save on unsprung weight. Whatever their made of, they look good and appear to be wrapped in even wider tires, especially at the rear. Other changes out back include integrated mudflaps and a revised spoiler lip with a restyled cyclops brake light.

The first Vette to possibly crack the $100,000 mark should be a real supercar, with between 600 and more likely 700 hp coming from its blown 7.0L V8. Click the Read link for several full-car shots from PM.

Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

 

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Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA, Convertibles, Pontiac

click above image to view additional high-res pics of the Mallett Pitbull Edition Solstice

Mallett was one of the first aftermarket companies to shoehorn a V8 into the diminutive engine bay of the Pontiac Solstice. While an amazing feat, the resultant car still looked like a normal four-cylinder Solstice. At this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, however, Mallett will be debuting this car, the Pitbull Edition V8 Solstice, that gives this roadster some sharp teeth to back up its bite. The Pitbull Edition is highlighted by a six-piece body kit made of fiberglass, though it will also be available by special order in carbon fiber for the weight watchers among us. Up front the new fenders increase the car’s width by four inches, and out back another five inches is granted to allow for a much larger wheel/tire combo all around. The revised front fascia with a new lower air intake and scooped hood also allow for more air to reach the big engine. Only a limited number of Pitbuil Edition V8 Solstices will be made by Mallett at a cost of $16,000 to $18,000 above the normal price of the V8 conversion car. You’ll get the requisite badging and signed dash plaques, though, in case you need to auction the car when your kids demand their college fund back.

Read the press release after the jump and check out the very high-res gallery below.

Thanks for the tip, Zack!

[Source: Mallett]

Continue reading Beware of Dog: Mallett reveals Pitbull Edition V8 Solstice

 

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Filed under: Car Buying, Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Green

Brother blog AutoblogGreen just relayed a tidbit about Tesla Motors new dealership strategy that’s set to be the most significant change in the way we buy cars since Saturn arrived on the scene. Tesla Chairman Elon Musk posted a new entry on the company blog explaining the new Tesla Stores in detail. He describes them as a place that “combines the feel of an Apple store, a Starbucks, and a good restaurant.” He goes on to say that he envisions Tesla ownership as a type of club membership that offers access to VIP lounges around the world, just like airline frequent flier programs. Sounds good to us, but where are the cars? Taking the restaurant analogy a step further, he wants technicians to be accessible, just like chefs at finer dining establishments with nothing to hide, welcoming the attention and the chance to share the process with their clients.

The theory grew out of frustrations with existing dealership practices. As previously reported, Tesla Stores will be company-owned, unlike typical franchise dealerships. They’re also planning on bringing the service area right up front. Another dealer oddity is the fact that employees will also be shareholders. It’s an interesting plan that typically gives workers more incentive to perform. You can read the rest of Elon’s blog post by clicking here.

[Source: Tesla Motors via AutoblogGreen]

 

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Porsche

With its official introduction just a week away, Britain’s Car magazine has snagged photos of the new Porsche 911 Turbo cabriolet sans any disguise whatsoever. The monster ragtop will have all the goodness of its closed-roof sibling, while adding the ability to work on one’s tan at (high) speed. Expect performance statistics that are nearly on par with the regular 997 turbo, and a price that eclipses it. We’ve been looking forward to this one, and it’s not too far off now.

[Source: Car]

 

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Filed under: Time Warp, Auction Action, Dodge

Click image for full gallery of John Schneider’s original General Lee

While we might stop just short of calling it “The most famous model of the most famous car in the world!” as the seller does, we wholeheartedly agree that this is one of the most iconic cars in cinematic history. And when the seller happens to be one of the stars of the show that made the car famous, well, this is easily one of the most valuable star cars in recent memory. Bo Duke, aka John Schneider, (aka Jonathan Kent - Ed.) is auctioning off his personal “General Lee” Dodge Charger R/T. According to John, this particular car was one of the cars featured in the last REAL Dukes of Hazzard movie, “Dukes Go To Hollywood”. The underside of the the hood is autographed by all of the surviving orginal cast members and crew from the TV show, as well. It was also the prototype for all of the General Lees used in the most recent Jessica Simpson Dukes of Hazzard movie.

Thanks for the tip, Matt!

[Source: eBay]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: John Schneider’s General Lee going for $2.3 million

 

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