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Small SUVs: 4 safest and 4 that fell short

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:47:21 +0000

Four small SUVs aced new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests. Four others didn't fare as well. [via http://money.cnn.com/autos/ @ August 20, 2008 @ 7:47am]

2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso First Drive

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:35:41 +0000

It takes cojones to tuck into a new Ferrari in hopes of ending up with an improved street machine. Pininfarina showcars don't really count, since that's like cheating. And race-prepared GT2-class racing cars don't count either, since we don't see any Le Mans racers parked in front of sushi bars or Circle K. But the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso is another thing entirely. While a Ferrari 430 Scuderia impresses, this twin-supercharged Novitec Rosso enters the territory of shock and awe. Novitec's Wolfgang Hagedorn does business in the German town of Stetten (an undeniably manure-perfumed burg in the German province of Swabia, not far from Stuttgart). He's a hell of a businessman, but he's still what many non-risk-takers would call a nut case. After years of up-rating Fiats and Alfa Romeos (not hard to do in the 1990s), Hagedorn sucked it up in 2001 and bought three Ferrari 360 Modenas for tinkering purposes. At the 2003 Frankfurt Auto Show he revealed his supercharged Ferrari 360 Modena by Novitec Rosso and orders quickly appeared. Since then, Hagedorn has really made his Ferraris true specialty models, much more than simple tuner cars. And so here is the newest Novitec Rosso, Hagedorn's improved Ferrari 430 Scuderia, the V8-powered berlinetta that beats the lap time set at Ferrari's Fiorano test track by the overly worshiped Ferrari Enzo . How can the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso possibly improve on a car already so impossibly super? Heavy Breathing A look through the polycarbonate rear glass (so like a sneeze guard at the buffet table) in the Ferrari 430 Scuderia's rear deck reveals all. Here are two compact, belt-driven, Rotrex centrifugal superchargers fed by two immense carbon-fiber air boxes. Two front-mounted water-cooled intercoolers (with double the efficiency of the units that Novitec formerly specified in this sort of application) help keep the intake air at the right temperature. This engine conversion is referred to as the Novitec Race Bi-Compressor Engine kit, and the full deal runs $89,999 through Novitec's full-service importer CEC. Getting more out of the 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia evidently doesn't take much, as each Rotrex screwgie hits its max boost at 7.0 psi. It's all available in the twitch of an ankle from low revs all the way to 8,350 rpm, where the horsepower count surges from 503 hp to 708 hp. Meanwhile, the torque has been wrenched from a measly 347 pound-feet up to 533 lb-ft at 6,250 rpm. Novitec has managed to keep all the heat-inducing friction and combustion in control by applying competition-level cooling upgrades. The Ferrari-engineered 136E V8 engine (which also sits in the Alfa Romeo 8C and assorted Maseratis) is otherwise stock. So is the Scuderia's six-speed automated manual F1-Superfast2 gearbox; and its shift times remain wildly quick going up or down (70 milliseconds in the Race, CT-Off and CST-Off settings of the manettino mounted on the steering wheel). Naturally, the ECU has been fiddled with by a local German fiddler to boost the engine's self-confidence, while the port fuel injectors are now higher-flow units, a fact that further ruins the Scuderia's already sufficiently ruinous mpg rating. But if you whine about this mpg thing at a barbecue for Novitec Rosso owners, you're probably a waiter from the catering company. Nimble Jack While the technicians at Novitec's facility in Stetten have fiddled not one bit with the wheel alignment, new stiffer springs all around slightly alter the over-the-road feel of the five suspension settings afforded by the manettino, and the overall ride height is 1.2 inches lower than that specified by Maranello. The Ferrari MagneRide dampers are too complicated to modify, so the settings are the same as before.

Author: ShadowRejects
Keywords: 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia by Novitec Rosso First Drive Exclusive road test future edmunds car
Added: November 4, 2008

[via http://www.youtube.com @ November 5, 2008 @ 5:35am]

Technology Review: 2007 Ford Expedition

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000

Ford's full-size SUV is big on conveniences and standard features. [via http://autos.msn.com/ @ October 19, 2007 @ 7:00am]

CMV Inspection Contest Bestows Honor Greater Than Trophy

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:10:15 +0000

[via http://www.prnewswire.com/industryfocus/aut/main.shtml @ August 27, 2008 @ 9:10pm]

Garmin lowers GPS prices, discontinues some models

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:54:00 +0000

In the fast-moving portable GPS navigation market, the one constant is change. The latest move comes from Garmin, who has trimmed its car navigation line by retiring several, well-rated models including the Nuvi 350, 360, 370, 650, 660, and 670. The Nuvi 660 is a CR Best Buy at $350. A premium, full-featured device, the Nuvi 660 combines performance and portability with most available features, and it is a good choice for power users who can truly take advantage of its rich feature set. Despite their early retirement, you’ll likely still find these models for sale—at least for a while—in stores and online, possibly even at discounted prices . And speaking of discounts, Garmin has lowered the price of two other Nuvis: the 750 ($399 from $500) and the Nuvi 780 ($599 from $700). Be sure and check out our GPS Ratings (available to online subscribers), which are bigger and better than ever. We recently tested nine new GPS devices (including the Garmin Nuvi 205, Nuvi 205W, Nuvi 255, Nuvi 255W, Nuvi 880). We also updated how our Ratings are scored and displayed to better represent the factors that matter most to users, informed by a recent survey of over 2,000 GPS users, feedback on our Cars blog, forums, and user reviews. (Turns out, we’ll be updating our pricing soon to reflect this latest news.) Garmin has also just announced their roll-out of seven new Nuvi GPS models. We’ll be posting more on this soon. —Desiree Calamari [via http://www.consumerreports.org @ August 27, 2008 @ 6:54pm]

Ford Unsure on Bailout Price Tag: “We’re still dimensioning”

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:14:43 +0000

Automotive News [AN, sub] reports that Ford execs are prowling the halls at The Democratic National Convention, drumming-up support for "A Bailout Plan By Any Other Name Would Still Look So Green" low-interest federal loans. Leading the charge (in every sense of the word): Ford Purchasing Chief "Motown" Tony Brown and his company's duly [...] [via http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com @ August 27, 2008 @ 11:14pm]

Pony Gets New Look for 2010 Ford Mustang, Hints at More Chiseled Look of Upcoming Model

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:11:19 +0000

[via http://www.prnewswire.com/industryfocus/aut/main.shtml @ August 27, 2008 @ 11:11pm]

2007 Tokyo Motor Show: Top 10 Wacky Concept Cars

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000

MSN editors pick the 10 craziest concept cars at the Tokyo show. [via http://autos.msn.com/ @ October 29, 2007 @ 7:00am]

Chrysler Weighs Viper Options

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:05:00 +0000

Chrysler will explore options for the Dodge Viper hot-rod as the auto maker focuses on its core business and struggles to overcome its dependence on gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs.

[via http://online.wsj.com/public/page/autos_main.html @ August 27, 2008 @ 5:05pm]

Hyundai readies Genesis Coupe spots for Superbowl debut

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupes, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

Last year, many people got their first glimpse of Hyundai's new Genesis luxury sedan as the Giants beat the stuffing out of the Patriots during Superbowl XLII. Pleased with the results of that effort, Hyundai is coming back to the big game, this time with the Genesis Coupe. Outgoing creative agency Goodby, Silverstein & Partners is handling two 30-second commercials featuring Hyundai's sporty new rear-drive two door. While the agency change has raised some eyebrows, Hyundai insists that it will continue to work with Goodby for quite some time, even as it transitions creative duties to World Marketing Group, already handling media buys for the automaker. We'll have to tune in for all four quarters to see if the jilted ad folks mailed it in, but judging from the quality of Goodby's work on the Genesis Sedan - and the target-meeting 8,000 units sold - the pigskin-centric effort will likely meet with success.

[Source: Brandweek]

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[via http://www.autoblog.com @ September 23, 2008 @ 11:28pm]

Lexus IS Convertible coming next year, lightweight IS-F in the works

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:21:07 +0000

[via http://www.autospies.com/ @ August 27, 2008 @ 7:21pm]

Looks can deceive: 6.6L Duramax-powered Buick GNX clone

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:35:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupes, Etc., Buick, GM

The car you see here is not a GNX. Hell, it's not even a Buick. You'd be forgiven if you thought it was, though, and it does sport a turbocharger underhood. David Morad was so enamored with the 6.6L LB7 Duramax diesel in his truck that he wanted to put it into something lighter and more fun. He decided to build a Grand National around the engine, and started buying up whatever applicable Buick body parts he could find -- right down to legit GNX dash plates. Next, he bought an '82 Buick Regal diesel that was to be the subject of the transformation. Unfortunately, that car literally self-immolated as he drove it home, sending Morad straight back to square one.

He subsequently found and bought an '81 Olds diesel and got to work. The car was cut in half so that a Regal rear end could be welded on, and then a laundry list of major modifications followed. To retain the stock Buick exterior appearance while incorporating the new powertrain, everything under the skin is is either extensively modified or custom fabricated in order to allow for the deception. Sure, it looks like a GNX, but this is really a scratch-built machine. Wilwood brakes lurk behind some absolutely wicked deep-dish Budnik wheels (dig those steamrollers in back), which nicely compliment the menacing black bodywork. Diesel Power magazine covers all the build's specifics in detail, and it's well worth a read.

If you're gonna masquerade as a GNX, you'd better bring some punch to the costume party, and Morad's car does. As of Diesel Power's publication, it ran an 8.25-second eighth of a mile, which they figure works out to somewhere in the 12s for the quarter. He'll be gunning for the 11s next, and additional performance upgrades are in store. Best of all? This is Morad's daily driver! He reports that it gets around 28 mpg in regular use and in the mid-30s on the highway. Not a bad combination: the looks of a GNX, the grunt of a big turbodiesel, and the fuel economy of cars that are a lot more boring. This thing had to cost a fortune to make, but Morad's clearly getting his money's worth on the fun scale.

[Source: Diesel Power via Next Autos]

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[via http://www.autoblog.com @ August 24, 2008 @ 9:35am]

10 Industries Getting Rich And Poor Off $4 Gas

Sat, 17 May 2008 13:06:13 +0000

Who's getting rich off $4-a-gallon gas and who's feeling the pain? These will be the less-obvious winners and losers if energy costs continue to rise. [via http://digg.com/autos @ May 17, 2008 @ 1:06pm]

If The Keys For Both Of These Cars Were On The Table, Which Would You Pick Up?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:38:08 +0000

[via http://www.autospies.com/ @ August 27, 2008 @ 7:38pm]

At $100 for Tank of Gas, Some Choke on ‘Fill It’

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:00:21 +0000

Owners of large vehicles have hit an uncomfortable price milestone and are cutting back on recreational driving. [via http://digg.com/autos @ July 7, 2008 @ 7:00pm]

Preview: 2009 Honda Fit

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:44:00 +0000

We’ve been looking forward to driving the new Honda Fit since we first saw it at the New York Auto Show last March. We liked the old one, and this one addresses some of the complaints we had before, such as the driving position. (It now has a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.) Now Honda has released a few more details on the new Fit, including pricing and features. First, the bad news: The base price went up $1,270 to $15,220. You can now spend almost $19,500 on a top-of-the-line Fit, which includes a built-in navigation system. The good news is that you get more features for the price. Notable new features include a USB jack to control an iPod from the Fit’s stereo, 10 cup holders, and rear seats that are easier to fold. We had been looking forward to electronic stability control becoming available on the new-generation Fit. It is available, but only as part of a $1,850 option package that includes a navigation system. That is a steep price to pay to get a proven safety device, especially for buyers who would rather use an aftermarket navigation system or would prefer the simplicity of the standard radio controls. We think this feature should be available a la carte, especially on base models that may appeal to younger, less-experienced drivers. After a brief drive of a preproduction car at a New York event sponsored by Honda, our initial impressions from is that the Fit has grown up somewhat. It sounds quieter and more refined, and is certainly more comfortable to drive. The engine is now rated at 117 hp, up from 109, which feels like just enough to compensate for the new model’s extra two inches of length and 44 pounds. EPA fuel economy ratings remain at 31/38 for the automatic transmission, but drop 1 mpg for the manual transmission due to slightly lower gearing. The 2008 Fit is now sold out, according to Honda, and the new model goes on sale in mid-September. We’re looking forward to conducting a complete test on a production example. In the meantime, we still think the new version will likely fit the needs and budgets for a lot of people. —Eric Evarts [via http://www.consumerreports.org @ August 22, 2008 @ 7:44pm]

GM unveils new compact car

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:40:48 +0000

Slated to enter the U.S. market for the 2011 model year, the Cruze could replace the Cobalt small car. [via http://money.cnn.com/autos/ @ August 21, 2008 @ 5:40pm]

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to Address Clean Energy Priorities at Democratic National Convention Tonight

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:13:16 +0000

[via http://www.prnewswire.com/industryfocus/aut/main.shtml @ August 28, 2008 @ 1:13am]

Daily Podcast: Cadillac CTS-V Obliterates Physics

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:14:42 +0000

Many of us - and you - have posited that much like 1972, the time we're in now is the peak of the neo-muscle car era. Vehicles like the Camaro, Challenger, Charger, and Mustang are the best they've ever been. And yet, it seems like the writing is on the wall that they're going to [...] [via http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com @ August 27, 2008 @ 11:14pm]

Preview: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 07:00:00 +0000

Toyota's iconic machine gets more grunt, a smoother ride and sweeter duds. [via http://autos.msn.com/ @ October 18, 2007 @ 7:00am]

Unofficial: Dodge Viper ACR laps 'Ring in record 7:22.1 [w/VIDEO]

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:58:00 +0000

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Supercars, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge

We're not terribly surprised that the Dodge Viper ACR has apparently made it around the famed German racing circuit faster than pretty much anything else you'll find on a dealer's lot. After all, the ACR is a race car, as evidenced by the video that Motor Trend has posted. The most venomous Viper has done the deed in 7:22, fast enough to make grown men cry. To this blogger, the Viper is dead gorgeous, even with that yucky-but-functional rear wing on the ACR, and it definitely carries the spirit of hairy-chested cars of yore. The shifter wobbles around horrendously when the driver kisses the rev limiter a few times, and there even appears to be a flubbed shift near the end, so the ACR may have faster laps left in it. We're waiting on confirmation on whether or not this is an official lap, but it's certainly creating a stir, and the Viper wants to know, V-Spec who? Thanks for the tip, Rob.

[Source: Viper Alley]

Thanks for the tip, Rob!

video of run at MotorTrend

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[via http://www.autoblog.com @ August 27, 2008 @ 11:58pm]

Chrysler Shows its Suppliers its Books. Hey. What do YOU Care?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:10:24 +0000

ChyrCo's procurement Veep wants the company's suppliers to understand that they're part of the Chrysler family, which ain't goin' nowhere. Capice? (So wait for your God damn money, OK?) The Bradenton Herald spills the beans on Joe Campi's charm offensive. "On Friday, Campi said the 160 suppliers visited Chrysler's headquarters Thursday to hear from [...] [via http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com @ August 28, 2008 @ 5:10am]

Average gas prices--August 25, 2008

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:21:00 +0000

Gas prices decline significantly from last week. National retail fuel price averages Price Change from last week Regular gasoline/gallon $3.69 ↓ .06 Diesel fuel/gallon $4.15 ↓ .06 Regional regular gasoline prices Price Change from last week East Coast $3.63 ↓ .07 -New England $3.66 ↓ .07 -Central Atlantic $3.67 ↓ .06 -Lower Atlantic $3.60 ↓ .07 Midwest $3.69 ↓ .02 Gulf Coast $3.52 ↓ .08 Rocky Mountain $3.83 ↓ .05 West Coast $3.91 ↓ .07 -California $3.96 ↓ .08 Source: Energy Information Administration, 8/25/08 For more information on saving fuel see our reports on how to get the best gas mileage and where to find the cheapest gas. [via http://www.consumerreports.org @ August 25, 2008 @ 9:21pm]

With Friends Like These, Who Needs $50b?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:12:09 +0000

The same suits who said GM's GMT900 SUVs were going to be the bomb have watched SUV sales implode. And so they've said fuck that shit [paraphrasing] and cut back on GMT900 SUV production as fast as they can (which hasn't been very fast 'cause how that is what with the UAW and all, but [...] [via http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com @ August 28, 2008 @ 3:12am]

Toyota exec calls for rapid industry change

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:23:43 +0000

Read full story for latest details. [via http://money.cnn.com/autos/ @ August 14, 2008 @ 3:23pm]