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Ford works on 4×4 Fiesta
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The Ford Fiesta has been a “pretty big deal” lately, and everything about it – small size, low fuel consumption, and the funky face – has people jumping on the hatchback wagon. Everyone, except for maybe the 4X4 loving people in the USA. This group of people like a car that can drive through whatever the road may through at them, be it sand, mud, or snow. And a standard Fiesta just can’t do that, but Ford’s future 4×4 Fiesta will. The future 4X4 will set out to compete with the recently launched Nissan Juke and will fit nicely under the Ford Kuga.
Ford is already testing the first prototypes in secret locations in Europe. The prototypes feature a trapezoidal grille that has been restructured and moved upwards, larger steel wheels, raised ground clearance, and a larger gap between the tops of the tires and bodywork. There is also a wider track and four-wheel drive system. The exterior design will be inspired by its larger brother, Kuga. The future crossover will be offered with two- and four-wheel drive variants and EcoBoost engines.
Ford works on 4×4 Fiesta originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 19:30 EST.
Saab Boreas Sports Coupe Concept
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Things sure have a way of coming full circle, don’t they?
It wasn’t that long ago when Saab was teetering perilously close to getting sent to the chopping block until a last minute intervention by Spyker not only gave Saab a new lease on life, but an opportunity to make things right again.
Now that Saab is finally on the right track, it doesn’t surprise us that design proposals bearing the Saab badge have been coming out left and right, with the latest one done by Spanish designer, Jorge Martí Vidal.
Vidal’s work is all kinds of sexy, if we do say so ourselves. Calling it ‘Boreas’ as a reference to the Greek God of the North Wind – yeah, we’re nerds too – the design features some pretty awesome curves coupled with a shiny pearl exterior paint that ironically accentuates the overall simplistic look of the concept.
Truth be told, Vidal’s work merits a pair of thumbs up and, if Saab does want to get back in the good graces of their customers, then they can’t do any better than having this car see the production line. Sure, that’s still unlikely to happen, but we’re just saying Vidal’s design is a sure winner.
Saab Boreas Sports Coupe Concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 19:00 EST.
Next Jaguar X-Type to be built on XK platform
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Jaguar has already confirmed three new models for the next four years, and a new generation X-Type is one of them. The X-type will be offered in both sedan and station wagon versions, and will attempt to take on models like the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Okay, so that’s all old news, but we do have some new details to report. The latest reports surrounding the sedan suggest that the next X-Type will be built on the next-generation XK platform. The decision for the use of this platform comes down to money – as these things usually do. Jaguar’s goal is to keep the price of the X-type in the $40K area.
The exterior design will follow the same language as the new XJ sedan, but the interior will most likely offer lower quality materials and less technology. Under the hood, the future RWD sedan will offer small-displacement turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines to continue Jaguar’s focus on improving fuel economy, especially in the European market.
Expect the new X-Type to go on sale in 2014.
Next Jaguar X-Type to be built on XK platform originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 18:00 EST.
Top Gear USA gets introduced to the Raging Bull from Sant’Agata
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Top Gear USA has a long way to go to even be mentioned in the same breath as their counterparts from the UK, but as this new trailer of the show suggests, they’re off to a pretty good start.
Unlike the last trailer we saw of Adam Ferrara driving a ’76 Cadillac Deville through a “moonshine” run dirt course, this new trailer features the type of cars that we’re getting all excited about: three Lamborghinis!
Not only are they three Lambos, but their three special edition models, too. There’s the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, the Gallardo Valentino Balboni Edition, and the Murcielago SuperVeloce. That’s a lot of snorting bulls in a two-minute trailer.
More importantly though is that the three hosts – Ferrara, Tanner Foust, and Rutledge Wood – seem to be in their element behind the wheel of these Lamborghinis. Whereas they didn’t show a whole lot of testosterone in the last trailer, this one’s got them in fair amount of supply.
Like we said, they still have a long way to go before they can stack up against the iconic trio of Clarkson, May, and Hammond. But if they can have more supercars in their show and a little less giggling and high-fiving, then they should be in good shape.
Top Gear USA gets introduced to the Raging Bull from Sant’Agata originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 15:00 EST.
Subaru’s version of the FT-86 Spied!
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Toyota got a lot of the spotlight when they first started talking about their version of the FT-86 because, well, they were the first ones of the Toyota/Subaru partnership to offer any details. Now, however, Subaru seems to be slipping in there to reveal a – some might call- better version of the FT-86. This version was just caught testing in Death Valley and, although little is known about the Subaru FT-86, we are liking the aggressive design the two door coupe is sporting.
The Subaru FT-86 will utilize a horizontal 2.0-liter four-cylinder motor customized with some modifications and turbocharging to produce around 250 horsepower. It will sit on a revised Legacy platform and will utilize the Impreza’s rear suspension. What may be a little surprising to Subaru fans is that this vehicle will not be coming in AWD as popular Subaru cars do. This model will be a rear wheel drive car, with no conversion offered.
In terms of design, the Subaru FT-86 will further differentiate itself from its Toyota brethren by changing up the grilles, bumpers, and wheels. A big hood scoop is visible in these spy shots possibly making room for a top-mount intercooler. Some gold rims may also add to the flare of the Subaru.
Expect the Subaru FT-86 to officially show its pretty little face sometime in November 2011.
Subaru’s version of the FT-86 Spied! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 14:00 EST.
Renault looking to buy back Formula One team?
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The 2010 Formula One season has been ripe in unpredictably and, while we kind of figured that it would be a three-headed race for supremacy with Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren, we didn’t expect one other team to have had the success they’ve had this year.
That team is Renault and the team’s success has generated some interest from the French carmaker Renault SA to consider buying back a majority stake in the team that bears its name.
If you recall, earlier this year Renault actually sold a majority stake of the team to Genii Capital, an investment firm in Luxembourg. The sale was widely viewed as Renault’s intention to cut their losses with the team after a major scandal rocked Formula One that centered on then Renault boss Flavio Briatore. Add that to the economic crisis that gripped a number of brands, and it seemed like a perfect time for the French manufacturer to drop the team and focus more on their production cars.
But now that the economy has stabilized and the Renault F1 team is doing surprisingly well this year, the French auto brand is rumored to be looking to buy back a piece of the F1 team’s pie. Whether or not this happens is still up in the air. But if you ask us, it does look suspiciously like a boyfriend looking to get back together with a girl he previously dumped because she lost weight and got hot all of a sudden.
And we know how those things turn out.
Renault looking to buy back Formula One team? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 13:00 EST.
A Wagon For The 21st Century: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Americans love their wagons. Actually, that’s not true in the slightest. Americans hate wagons for some odd reason. Instead, they love crossovers that are about as fun to drive as a horse and buggy. Nonetheless, Cadillac thought it would give the wagon thing a go, hoping that they could succeed where BMW and Mercedes failed. For those anoraks out there, this is the first time in the company’s 106-year history that they have built a wagon, or estate as some call it.
While some estates offer maximum cargo space, the Cadillac went for a more stylistic approach. It’s only 1.25-inches taller and about 200 pounds heavier. It’s like wearing flip flops in the winter, simply a fashion thing and not practical in any way. The look is deceiving though, as Cadillac has stretched the taillights to a total of three feet. They’ve also added roof racks and, of course, no Cadillac would be complete without chrome.
Hit the jump to read the review.
A Wagon For The 21st Century: Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 12:00 EST.
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Hyundai releases teaser sketch of new iX20 mini MPV
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Hyundai’s bringing a new vehicle to the Paris Motor Show, and they were nice enough to give us a sneak peek of what this vehicle should look like.
Sure, it’s only a teaser sketch of the ix20, Hyundai’s new mini-MPV, but with nothing else to compare it too, this teaser sketch is about as close as it gets before we see the real thing in Paris at the end of the month.
We also don’t know a whole lot about the car because Hyundai has done a good job keeping the details under wraps, but we do know that the car bears some similarities to the Tucson – or ix35 – in terms of their design language. As for the what’s underneath its hood, it looks like it could have something similar to what the Kia Venga has: 1.4-liter gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter diesel variant that produces between 75 horsepower to 115 horsepower.
All of this, of course, is still speculation. But the good news is, we won’t have to wait long to find out the real deal behind the ix20 because Hyundai is officially pulling off its covers on September 30 at the Paris Motor Show.
Hyundai releases teaser sketch of new iX20 mini MPV originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 11:30 EST.
Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition trailer is all loads of awesome
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Now this is how you introduce a new car.
Spy photos? Yeah, okay. Teaser videos? Uh-huh. Public unveiling? Go on. Hair-raising trailer with freakishly scary music? That’s the way to go!
Never mind that it’s got a little unidentified animal aggressively ramming a cargo container feel to it, the three-and-a-half minute trailer of the BMW M3 Tiger Edition is a definite must-watch.
The limited-edition M3 is decked in an Orange Fire finish and is only available for the Chinese market. To go with the exclusivity, the sports car comes with a number of unique styling cues, including the aforementioned Orange Fire paint color, black air intakes, kidney grilles, dark chrome exhaust tips, and a set of 359M 19-inch styling wheels.
As for the interior, BMW gave it a black Novillo leather upholstery treatment with an embroidered orange tiger emblem on the headrest to commemorate the car’s unique name, which was given to it as a tribute to the year 2010 as “The Year of The Tiger” in the Chinese calendar.
So, whatever you’re doing now, drop it and spend the next three minutes watching this trailer. You won’t regret it.
Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition trailer is all loads of awesome originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 11:26 EST.
Subaru To Bring Out New Flat Four Motors
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
One of the most iconic engines will be getting an upgrade. Subaru’s flat “boxer” four-cylinder motor that is used in most of their products will be getting a 20th birthday present in the form of a new flat four that will debut in the Forester.
The motor that will be in the Forester will be connected to a CVT transmission, most likely the same one that we find in the Outback and the Legacy.
The motors will likely be around 2.0 and 2.5-liters and we would expect there to be many different variations on the new boxer. We can expect a turbocharged version, direct injection versions, and maybe even a hybrid version. According to Japan’s Nikkei Sangyo daily, the motors will be 10 percent more fuel-efficient and will be offered on all of Subaru’s more popular models.
We would expect the new Forester to get around 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway when equipped with the new flat four and the CVT transmission.
Subaru To Bring Out New Flat Four Motors originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 10:30 EST.
Video: First images of Jeep’s crossover built on Fiat platform
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
The recent Fiat-Chrysler partnership will bring about big changes in both of the companies’ line-up. And while Fiat is preparing to make a come back in the US market, Jeep is pretty busy preparing a new crossover that will be built on a Fiat platform. Of course, since no auto brand is ever that good at keeping a secret, we have the first sketch of the future car thanks to an internal mistake. The video is about a Jeep intern that learns a bit about the company’s design process, and while working diligently on a little bit of homework, the intern gives us an opportunity to take a look into the future.
Unfortunately, this image is the only thing we have at the moment. The glance into the future came with no name or launch date. We figure, that if this “mistake” leads to some interest for the new crossover, then all of that will change in the near future. So, let’s give them what they want. What does everyone think of the sketch? Is this something that should or shouldn’t see the light of day. You know what to do; hit us up in the comments section below.
Video: First images of Jeep’s crossover built on Fiat platform originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 09:30 EST.
Judge decides against BBC on "Stig-Gate"; Ben Collins allowed to release book
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Chalk this one up to a twist put on a legal contract as Ben Collins has won his fight against BBC to release his memoir revealing The Stig.
In case you don’t know what we’re talking about, our favorite mystery test driver has been in the headlines recently after BBC took offense to his plans of publishing a memoir and thus took legal action to block the publishing of the book. According to BBC, publishing something as revealing as that would violate the terms of his contract, which specifically includes a confidentiality agreement to keep his true identity under wraps.
But, as it turns out, the network’s efforts were all in vain after a judge decided to reject BBC’s injunction to keep The Stig from publishing his written masterpiece. The reasoning behind the judge’s decision hasn’t been given, and we would find it quite interesting to know how BBC couldn’t win this fight. If a legal contract was signed, then how can it be ignored. Don’t get us wrong, we love that the cat is finally out of the bag, but the legality of the issue is quite perplexing.
In the days leading up to the hearing, a lot has been made about Ben Collins being identified as The Stig and while no confirmation has been made, the proof that Collins is, in fact, the mystery driver wasn’t any more evident after the man was spotted leaving the courthouse after the ruling was made. Collins kept mum on whether he was the man BBC wanted to put its shackles on, but you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to put two and two together.
As of now, though, The Stig, or Ben Collins, doesn’t have anybody – not even the BBC – impeding him from releasing his book which is set to launch on September 16th.
Judge decides against BBC on "Stig-Gate"; Ben Collins allowed to release book originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 09:00 EST.
Mansory prepares two new models for Paris Show
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Two of the coolest sports models on the market, the Maserati Gran Turismo and the Mercedes SLS AMG are about to get even cooler. Mansory has announced plans to unveil two new tuning kits for the models with an official debut at the Paris Auto Show. And if you remember the Bugatti Veyron Vincero, you can understand why we expect to see the best tuning kit ever for the SLS AMG.
While the only information Mansory is giving is that the two models “will come soon,” we expect to see a lot of carbon fiber, new spoilers, and larger wheels. We can also only imagine that there will be an upgraded interior, but that’s the least important upgrade given to these two models. We are anxiously awaiting the two kits because we want to see what upgrades will be given to the engines.
So, stay tuned, we’ll get back with more details as soon as we have them.
Mansory prepares two new models for Paris Show originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 06:00 EST.
Maybach will go on
September 2nd, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
It was back in March that rumors started circulating that the end of Maybach was near. In fact, they had even produced two new facelift models whose purpose was to bring in a huge sales increase to serve as a life preserver for the brand. Now, Daimler is seeing some new opportunities in China, North America, the Middle East, and Russia, so the brand may live on regardless of whether or not the two life preservers do their duty.
With these markets in mind, Daimler is preparing a big revival for Maybach. The new generation will be launched in 2012, on an entirely new platform. There will be five models, including a four-door coupe and a long-wheelbase convertible. For the sake of simplicity, all five models will be powered by the same engine: the faithful 6.0-liter V-12 used in Maybach’s current 62S and Zeppelin editions. This engine produces 545 HP for the base versions and 630 HP for the S ones. There is also a possibility for a more advanced hybrid engine.
Maybach will go on originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 2 September 2010 02:00 EST.
Video: McLaren MP4-12C
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
It’s already been about two weeks since the Pebble Beach Concours has ended and we are still receiving news from the event. Earlier today, we heard that the Ferrari 599 Roadster made a secret appearance at the Concours, and now we receive a video of the McLaren MP4-12C at the event as well. The video shows the interior and exterior of the car, as well as s Start UP followed by some driving and light revving.
The supercar is powered by a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower and 433 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled to a McLaren seven speed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox (SSG). It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and can hit a top speed of more than 200mph. The McLaren MP4-12C will go on sale in the summer of 2011 with prices starting between $225,000 and $250,000.
Video: McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 23:00 EST.
Aston Martin Cygnet coming to USA
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
When Aston Martin first unveiled the Cygnet they announced that it would only be offered in Europe, and only to those customers who already owned an Aston Martin model. Oh, how things change, as Aston Martin has now stated that the Cygnet will be making its way over to the US in 2012.
What we don’t get is why Aston Martin would put a more expensive, rebadged Toyota iQ in the States. Sure, cars like this would make sense in highly congested cities or for people who like to throw some extra money away for a badge that says Aston, but, overall, wouldn’t people just buy the cheaper iQ?
When the Cygnet is offered in 2012, it will come with a 1.3-liter gasoline engine. An electric-only version with a 60-mile range will arrive in 2013. In the USA, the mini car will be priced at a steep $35,000. Of course, this price is nothing compared to the $200K for the newly launched Rapide sedan, but the rule still stands, only current Aston Martin owners can purchase the Cygnet. All the rest of us will just have to stick with the iQ if we want a vehicle like this, which is just fine by us.
Aston Martin Cygnet coming to USA originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 22:00 EST.
Ferrari officially recalls the 458 Italia
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Ferrari has finally issued a safety recall of the 458 Italia. Yes, finally.
After a disastrous few months that featured no less than five 458s inexplicably catching fire, the Italian supercar maker has finally conceded that there may, in fact, be something wrong with their new pride and joy.
Ferrari finally issued the recall after discovering that a certain adhesive material they used to attach a heat shield under the car’s rear fender has the potential to catch fire when subjected to high temperatures, which, in turn, could lead to a fire in the car’s engine. From all the photos we’ve seen of the burning 458s, each one of them looks to have taken place in the rear end of the car, which could indeed point to the adhesive as the main culprit behind the 458 barbecue fest.
To fix the problem, Ferrari has designed a new heat shield material that can replace the use of the defective adhesive by attaching it with rivets thereby completely removing the adhesive material that has caused all of these fires. So, if you happen to own a still-to-catch-fire 458 Italia, it’s absolutely a-must to contact your dealer as soon as possible and have this egregious problem fixed. You never know; if you don’t act quickly, that fire just might catch up to you and your beloved supercar.
Ferrari officially recalls the 458 Italia originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 20:00 EST.
Video: Jay Leno receives his Jaguar XJ
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
Usually when someone buys a new car, they follow a very specific procedure. They start things off by going to their local dealer and arguing numbers for awhile – sometimes a long while. After the little “chat” with the annoying salesman, the customer usually gets to drive home with their brand new car. Of course, when you’re Jay Leno, things are a bit different.
During a very grand event, Jay Leno received his brand new Jaguar XJ. And just to conceptualize just how big this event was, two of Mr. Leno’s special guests were Claudia Schiffer and David Hasselhoff.
Check out the video so you can see both the presentation of the Jaguar XJ and the creation of the luxury sedan as well.
As a reminder, US customers will only get the 5.0 liter V8 engine, in both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions. Output will range from 385 hp to 510 hp. The European customers, however, will also get a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine.
Video: Jay Leno receives his Jaguar XJ originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 19:00 EST.
Interstate-10 Westbound becomes the scene of a 69-car pileup
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
We’ve seen some pretty mind-boggling headlines about traffic incidents lately, like that ten-day traffic jam in China. Now, we have another ridiculous traffic episode to report – a 69-car pileup along westbound Interstate 10.
You read that right, fellas. It included 69 cars. It’s absolutely ridiculous to comprehend the thought of 69 cars involved in a chain reaction of collisions, but as it turns out, that’s exactly what happened when heavy rains caused sub-standard driving conditions in the area of I-10 near downtown Phoenix.
The crashes resulted in a number of injuries with six people being taken to a number of hospitals in the area for treatment of injuries, two of which were serious cases. In addition to that, a number of other people were also treated at the scene for minor scrapes and bruises.
According to local authorities, the crashes came as a result of the sudden downpour that eventually made the roads impossible to see, causing cars to hit each other in rapid succession. Hours after the pileup, a number of people were still at the scene and were being given snacks and refreshments by local authorities while keeping them in city buses until arrangements were finished to take these stranded motorists back to their homes.
No word yet on how long the highway is going to be closed, but we can only imagine that the clean-up from this traffic incident will be a pretty significant one, and could take days – at the very least.
Interstate-10 Westbound becomes the scene of a 69-car pileup originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 18:00 EST.
Jaguar to unveil secret new sports car concept in Paris
September 1st, 2010 | Author: topspeed.com
We already know that Jaguar has plans to unveil a new sports car, but before we can feast our eyes on the final product, we will have to settle for the concept version coming to us in September at the Paris Motor Show. The concept will not only be previewing the company’s future design language, but they will also be celebrating the brand’s 75th anniversary….again.
For this particular concept, Jaguar took its inspiration from the success that the Porsche 918 Spyder had at the Geneva Motor Show.
The concept will bring a big change for Jaguar’s previous design language of the oval, E-type-inspired grille that has identified Jaguar’s sports cars. Instead, Jaguar will be offering a single grille design for both sedan and sports cars. This will be the design language that will be used in the next XK.
And, as the trends rear their environmental heads, the Jaguar sports car concept will feature a hybrid drive-train consisting of a V6 petrol combined with an electric engine and the ZF’s new eight-speed auto transmission.
Jaguar to unveil secret new sports car concept in Paris originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 September 2010 17:00 EST.
