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Monday, August 27, 2007

EVO X Brochure allegedly leaked


Once again, our friends at AutoBlog have the scoop on a leaked EVO X brochure. Downside is, it's in Japanese. However, it has pictures, and it reports 276 HP and 311 lb/ft of torque. AutoBlog expects we'll see more power stateside. If anyone comes up with an English translation, I'll update here.

Friday, August 24, 2007

The new Viper - cheaper, quicker, faster

The 2008 Viper will come with the 600 HP 8.4L V10, which will launch everyone's favorite venomous reptile to 60 in a mind-bending 3.7 seconds. Top speed is now 200 mph. But that's not the best part.

They were able to improve the fuel economy substantially, to 13/22. But that's not the best part, either.

The best part is that because of the fuel mileage improvement, the gas guzzler tax is $1700 lower - and that makes the car cheaper than last year's model.

I want one. Who doesn't?

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Mazda fans rejoice

Big news from Mazda. Here's the cliff notes:
  • Mazdaspeed MX-5 is expected, and will sport a slightly downtuned version of the 2.3L turbo monster from the Mazdaspeed 3
  • The Kabura may still be in the cards.
  • Mazda is moving RX-8s well enough to justify a redesign in 2009 or 2010.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Infiniti M45x and EX35 Announced

AutoBlog has the scoop on the latest from Infiniti - the 2008 Ex35, which is a compact version of the FX, and the redesigned M, which will offer the 4.5L V8 with AWD in the M45x.

I've had the good fortune of renting an M35. It's an exceptional car. Add AWD and a v8 and you've got something truly special.

The way FX owners brag about their SUV's handling, the idea of a compact version with the VQ engine in Nissan's latest, greatest state of tune promises lots of practicality along with more fun than an SUV owner should be allowed to have.

BMW to offer 335 xi COUPE

BMW has announced that they will offer the BMW 335xi coupe for about 2 grand more than the sedan. AutoBlog claims it's the first 3-series coupe ever with AWD, but actually the 328xi is currently available in a coupe.

H/T AutoBlog.

After driving my STi for the last year, I have really started to appreciate AWD in a sports car. This sounds really good.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Kyle Busch to drive #18 for Joe Gibbs Racing

As a diehard Bobby Labonte fan, the 18 car is very special to me. And now, Kyle Busch will drive it.

0-60 and 1/4 mi. Times for Stock Vehicles

Thanks to the folks at the Super Coupe Club of Iowa, we have a nice list of 0-60 times and 1/4 mi. times for lots of vehicles, up through the 2007 model year. Bookmark this - it's a great reference.

The times are either magazine test results, or manufacturer claims.

Nice job to those of you maintaining this list... and just for the record - I thought the T-Bird SC and the Cougar XR-7 were cool, too.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Nissan GT-R: rumored 480 PS, 3.8L Twin Turbo

From the folks at 7Tune, more rumors on the highly anticipated Nissan GT-R. They are claiming that the GT-R will make 480 PS from a twin-turbo 3.8L engine with variable valve timing.

H/T AutoBlog.

Edit: the 7Tune article does not describe the engine as a V6. The AutoBlog article does.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Automobile Magazine's top 25 cars

Automobile Magazine has announced their 25 Greatest Cars of All Time. (H/Ts AutoBlog, dBusinessNews.)

The winners, which cover both the 19th and 20th centuries, break down into five segments:

Driving Enthusiast Cars: BWM E30 M3, Ferrari F430, Lotus Elan, Porsche 911 Carrera RS and Volkswagen Rabbit GTI

Technologically Innovative Cars: Audi Quattro, Benz Patent Motorwagen, Citroen Traction Avant, BMC Mini and Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Supercars: McLaren F1, Lamborghini Miura, Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Ferrari F40 and Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B

Racing Cars: Lotus 49, Auto Union, Miller 91, Porsche 917 and Dodge Charger Daytona

Icons: Military Jeep, Volkswagen Beetle, Chevrolet Corvette, Jaguar E-Type and Ford Model T


The larger list of potential nominees is here.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

2008 Subaru WRC car to debut in Frankfurt



Hat tip to Autoblog, who tips us off that the 2008 WRC concept will be unveiled in Frankfurt next month. Follow the link for bigger pictures.