New Cars Review

New Rolls-Royce RR4 Car getting 500+HP turbo V12 Pictures

Historically, Rolls-Royce has somewhat smugly declined to quote horsepower numbers, utilizing amusingly evasive language like “entirely sufficient” to describe its engines’ power outputs. Perhaps a sign of the times, Rolls is now being a bit more forthcoming about details for its upcoming “baby” RR4 model, including approximate horsepower numbers.
The company has disclosed that the RR4 will be powered by a new, 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine that gives “upwards of 500bhp.” Further, it will route that prodigious output through a ZF transmission with no less than eight forward ratios. Despite its ability to generate big power figures, Rolls says that one important drivetrain figure will be smaller than any other Rolls on the market: C02 output.
The news came from CEO Tom Purves himself at a New York press event for the 200EX, where the Geneva concept car is making its first stop on a world tour designed to get prospective clients in the car and booking orders for the production RR4 version.
The BMW-owned British automaker has long been famous for its peerless interiors and isolated ride, but Purves promises that the RR4 will bring with it a new emphasis on driving entertainment: “… we have consciously engineered this car to be more involving and dynamic for those owners around the world that will wish to drive it themselves.”That’s the perfect commuter car for me.Perfect commuter for me would be an chaffeured RV Office equipped with secretary and king size bed. So I can work or sleep on the way to the office.

[via:autoblog]

New 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Car first drive Picture

Like Bumblebee on his interstellar voyage from Cybertron, the New 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Car has taken years to arrive. If we take the Transformers analogy further (bear with us), the Camaro has landed after a few Decepticons – the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang and Nissan 370Z – have already begun staking out territories. More than the others, the Camaro has to justify its place in the battle, while at the same time backing up three years of unrelenting hype.The outside looks good Yellow or Black would be better. BUT the interior is a let down for me. It looks really cheap. Too bad. I don’t know why Chevy can’t make an interior.

[via:autoblog]

New 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI Car coming Stateside this summer Pictures

The New 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI Car (Mark VI) is upon us, and as suspected, the thinly-veiled “concept” shown in Paris is an exact duplicate of the production model we’ll be getting in the States this summer.
With redesigned front and rear fascias, artfully sculpted haunches and Scirocco-inspired headlamps, the Mark VI is a subtle evolution of the outgoing model that lends a bit more aggression to the three- and five-door hatch. Power is provided by a tweaked and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four putting out 210 horsepower (10 hp more than its predecessor) and 206 lb-ft of torque beginning at 1,800 rpm. The run to 60 mph comes in at 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.
A six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch gearbox are available, along with a standard sport suspension, DCC adaptive damping (with settings for Normal, Sport and Comfort) and an XDS electronic differential that monitors traction and sends power to the outside wheel. The interior remains largely unchanged, with standard plaid seating (leather is optional), along with stainless-steel pedals, aluminum shift knob and a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel.I’ll be interested to see how this car sells in the arm chair number obsessed north America, so few ‘enthusiasts’ seem keen to take advantage of active suspensions and actually drive cars like this on the track or down a favorite mountain road.

[via: autoblog]

Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano car Pictures

It’s been a long time in the making, but the official launch of the Tata Nano has finally taken place. Billed as the World’s Cheapest Car, the diminutive Nano will sell for just Rs. 1 lakh (about $2,000 U.S.) as it leaves the factory, though shipping, taxes and registration adds a considerable amount to that total. Still, there’s a great deal of anticipation for the little car in its home market of India.
In base trim, the Tata Nano comes in just three colors without a radio or air conditioning, although higher-spec versions are available that include more color choices, along with such niceties as central locking, front power windows, fog lamps, a cup holder, and even a rear spoiler.
While it may be short on amenities, the real intent of the Nano is to get Indian families off their two-wheelers and inside the relative comfort and safety of a proper automobile. As such, the 33-horsepower, 623cc two-cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox is reportedly powerful enough to get the Nano to Indian highway speeds, and the car meets all required safety and emissions requirements. It also comes standard with an 18-month/24,000 kilometer warranty.
Due to the huge demand expected for the car, the automaker has created a special process for reservations. A computer will randomly choose the first 100,000 customers that will have the opportunity to purchase a new Nano. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July, but in the meantime, Nano-intenders will soon be able to accessorize their life with appropriate accoutrements, including a Nano phone, wristwatch, and t-shirts. People in the US need to realize that if they (most of them driving 35K cars) did not have financing they would only be able to afford this kind of stuff. That might just happen.

[via:autoblog]

reporting the demise of the Lamborghini Estoque Picture

After a series of stories surfaced over the weekend reporting the demise of the Lamborghini Estoque, the supercar manufacturer has issued a statement addressing the rumors. According to Lamborghini, the Estoque has not been killed off, but it hasn’t been approved for production either.
The release continues to tow the company line that if a new model is added to the Lamborghini line-up, “a four door luxury performance saloon could be a logical product strategy.”
When the Estoque was revealed in Paris, the 500-horsepower, V10-powered all-wheel drive sedan was hailed as the automaker’s first volume model – a daily driver that could conceivably sell between 2,000 and 3,000 units annually. Speculation of the Estoque’s eminent arrival in 2011 was stoked when the company’s R&D chief Maurizio Reggiani, said that a case was being made to VW’s board and that a mule was currently undergoing testing. I think Lamborghini is quite confortable without much logic. To my eyes, a LM002 is as much of a Lambo as a Miura.

[via:autoblog]

Dodge recalling 72,000 Rams and nearly 17,000 Journeys from 2008-09 Picture

The 2008 and 2009 Dodge Ram and 2009 Dodge Journey are being recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each for a different reason. The Ram’s windshield wiper motor isn’t adequately protected from water, so it could fail completely due to water intrusion. Initial numbers suggest 72,138 Rams are affected. The fix is a stop at the dealership to have some vented wiper motor housings installed.
Some 16,852 Dodge Journeys that do not have the optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet are also being recalled. The unused electrical connector for that optional component could potentially cause a fire. It’s the second fire-related recall for the Journey, and akin to the unused connector issue that affected the Town & Country and Grand Caravan. Dealers will remove the fuse and reroute the wiring. Good that they’re easy fixes — bad that they’re fire and water damage related issues.

[via:autoblog]

new low-cost 1.8 Audi TFSI TT Roadster in the UK Picture

Audi UK sold 100,845 cars in 2008, and this year it wants to sell even more. But how can the automaker pull that off in days like these? By putting its smaller 1.8-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine in the TT Roadster (since the Brits just looooove their convertibles), thereby creating a car that is more economical, environmentally friendly and, hopefully, almost as fun as its 2.0 TFSI brother.
The four-pot’s 158-horsepower, 184-lb-ft works through a six-speed manual and pulls from 0-to-62 mph in 7.4 seconds and maxes out at a top speed of 139 mph. The car’s single trim specification offers 17-inch Y-design alloy wheels, a power top with heated glass rear window, power wind deflector, power windows and mirrors, Tetrus cloth upholstery, climate control and a Chorus CD audio system.
The TT Roadster 1.8 can be ordered now with an on-the-road price pegged at £23,910 ($34,717 USD), versus £27,355 ($39,748 USD) for the 2.0 TFSI. Deliveries will begin in April and the full press release from Audi is after the jump.I love it that they always post a direct conversion just so we get to see which nubbies actually think that’s what it would sell for in the US.

Porsche 356 Speedster reborn Picture

In order for VAG to make a profit on a production version of the Bluesport, the chassis would need to underpin at least new two models: one from VW and another from Audi. But a variant from Volkswagen’s new parent – Porsche – was always in the background. German auto pub AutoZeitung decided to cobble together its own interpretation of the Porsche version and came up with this: the Porsche Speedster.
If Porsche decides to adapt the Bluesport’s platform for its own model, expect it to slot in below the current Boxster sometime in 2013. Power could be provided by a either a 1.4-liter four-pot or, more likely, a variant of the Audi TT’s 2.0-liter TFSI putting out around 250 hp to the rear wheels through a dual-clutch gearbox. Weight distribution would be a thoroughly entertaining 45:55 front-to-rear, with an overall curb weight of around 2,600 pounds. Porsche could employ its PASM active suspension system and offer carbon-ceramic brakes as an option, but as the kit list expands, the Speedster’s price would get dangerously close to the Boxster’s — one reason this project may never see the light of day.This looks nice! A fun weekend car or a snazzy commuter!I am not sure if Porsche really should reach downmarket. If the buyer is can’t afford the 911, tell ‘em to buy one that is 3 years old.

[via:autoblog]

Porsche Panamera trailer hitch Picture

As if Porsche’s Panamera isn’t already strange enough, the European options list will apparently include some items you’d never imagine on a car from Zuffenhausen. When you think about it, though, a trailer hitch isn’t the most far-fetched thing you might want on your Panamera. After all, the S version is going to have plenty of grunt to drag that Tabbert Paganini all over The Continent, and other high-end sedans are fitted with hitches, so why not the Panamera? After all, it’s not like you’re trying to turn a 911 into a Peterbilt, but then again, isn’t this what the well-heeled buy Cayennes for?

It’ll go great with your Panamera’s TruckNutz.I think you may not understand the title. It is unlikely because it is an $80k 4 door sports car. Yes, people in Europe love their Opel diesel putting along with a caravan, but I think AB is insinuating that the average Porsche buyer isn’t taking this car out for the weekend.

[via: autoblog]

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T Inside Line Dyno Test Pictures

As much as we’re impressed by the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and its big, optional V6 engine, it’s the little 2.0-liter turbocharged four banger that we’re most excited about. The idea of a (relatively) lightweight and inexpensive rear-wheel drive coupe with a six-speed manual transmission is enough to make us weak in the knees, and the fact that it comes in a nice looking wrapper is an added bonus. Inside Line managed to score an early example from Hyundai equipped just the way we like it, and their testers have kindly strapped it on the dyno.
Fortunately, the results don’t disappoint, with the force-fed motor putting out 197 horsepower at the rear wheel and a peak of 227 lb-ft of torque at just 2500 rpm. Those figures compare very favorably with Hyundai’s factory ratings of 210 ponies and 223 lb-ft, meaning that this little Korean’s power is probably underrated by a fair margin. Looking at the graphs, it’s also clear that there’s plenty more to be extracted with a bit of tuning and a proper (uncrimped) exhaust system.

Genesis is the new brand. Give it some time, but it will become apparent that Genesis is not just one model, but a new brand within Hyundai.

[via: autoblog]