Ferrari 458 Italia Officially Unveiled...562 HP and 0-62 in 3.4 Secs
Ferrari has officially unveiled the mid-engined V8 replacement for the Ferrari F430, the Ferrari 458 Italia.
The 458 Italia will be officially unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, but Ferrari has been nice enough to release some of the info early. The 458 is powered by a 4.5L V8 that pumps out 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The power is put to the ground through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. 0-62 mph comes in a fast 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph.
Alfa Romeo MiTo Too Small for the US...We'll Get the Milano Instead
Small cars don't usually do that well in the US, wIth the exception of a few models such as the Honda Fit and Mini, many of the small cars sold here are not that great. Especially the current small cars from Detroit. Because of this many US car buyers stay away from the sector, which means tiny sales and even tinier profits for automakers. Alfa Romeo's MiTo would be a great competitor to the Mini, but CEO Sergio Cravero recently stated that the small Alfa may not be coming here.
"A preliminary product assessment for a sporty three-door small hatchback showed potential volumes in the U.S. right now are roughly 20,000 units a year," Cravero said. "That is not enough to make it a viable business case."
Of course this could all change if US car buyers start buying more small cars. In the meantime we will be getting a five-door mid-sized hatchback, named the Milano in 2011.
Spy Shots: 2010 BMW X6 Hybrid Caught in SC
BMW's first hybrid, a hybrid version of the X6 is expected to be released by the end of the year. The X6 hybrid in these photos was caught near BMW's Spartenburg, SC plant.
The 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid is supposedly already rolling off the production line, which means we will start seeing it at dealers in the next few months. The X6's two-mode hybrid system is the same system used in GM's full-size hybrids and Chrysler's now dead Durango and Aspen hybrids. Although the system has been BMW-ized in the X6 hybrid. The system should improve mpg numbers by 20 percent over the regular X6. Prices are expected to start around $70k.
2010 Audi R8 V10 Starts at $146K
Audi has announced the pricing for the 2010 R8, including the new V10 powered R8.
The 2010 Audi R8 4.2 FSI quattro starts at $114,200, which is unchanged from the 2009 model, while the R8 5.2 FSI quattro starts at $146,000. The V10 powered R8 puts out 525-hp and 391 lb-ft of torque and reaches 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
"The R8 is a proven worldwide success story for Audi," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "The positive effects of the vehicle on dealers, customers, and Audi fans alike have exceeded all expectations. The addition of the V10-powered R8 5.2 FSI quattro adds further equity into the already sought-after R8 nameplate and the Audi brand."
aguar Has Already Received 55 Orders for the 2010 XJ
Jaguar took the wraps off the 2010 XJ last week in London and according to the automaker there have already been at least 55 pre-orders.
55 orders in a matter of days may not seem like much, but according to Jaguar that is about the same numbers it received when the XF was unveiled. Some of the orders were placed at the XJ's launch at the Saatchi Gallery in London last week and the rest have come from people who haven't even seen the car in person. Production is expected to start this fall, with sales starting in January.
2010 Jaguar XJ Officially Unveiled in London
Jaguar has officially taken the wraps off the 2010 XJ in London that goes on sale in December 2009, with deliveries starting in early 2010.
The new XJ looks somewhat like a larger XF with coupe-like roofline and a rear end that is a big departure for Jaguar. There's also a standard panoramic roof.
The 2010 XJ will be available in regular and extended wheelbase versions.
In the US we will have a choice of three engines: a 385-hp 5.0L V8, 470-hp 5.0L supercharged V8 and a 510-hp 5.0L supercharged V8.
Pricing for the 2010 Jaguar XJ starts at $72,500.
2010 Porsche Panamera Gets U.S. Debut at Pebble Beach
The upcoming 2010 Porsche Panamera is set to have its U.S. debut at the 2009 Pebble Beach Conours d'Elegance, which runs from August 9-16.
Porsche's first four-door sedan is expected in showrooms in October with pricing ranging from $89,800-$132,600.
Jaguar Announces the 2010 XF Supercharged with 470HP
Jaguar has announced the introduction of the 2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged, which brings the total XF models to four.
The XF Supercharged is powered by a 470 hp version of the 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine and reaches 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It slots in below the 510-hp XFR in the lineup and will start at $68,000 when it hits showrooms this October.
Mercedes-Benz CL to be Renamed S-Class Coupe in 2011
Just as the CLK has officially been renamed the E-Class coupe, Mercedes is also going to rename the revised CL the S-Class coupe when it launches for the 2011 model year.
The S-Class coupe will feature a facelifted front fascia with a more upright grille and LED headlights. Outback there will be new LED taillights and a new bumper design.
(2009 model pictured above)
Audi R8 Convertible Confirmed for 2011
Audi insiders have confirmed that the automaker is working on a convertible version of the R8 supercar that will be released in 2011.
The details are scarce, but the R8 convertible is expected to have a full length convertible roof that will likely be a made of fabric since the R8's mid-engine layout leaves no room for a retractable hardtop. Audi also has a preference for soft tops.
There has been no confirmation if the R8 convertible will be powered by the R8's V8 or V10 engines.
2012 Volkswagen Mid-Sized Sedan to Start Around $20K
VW's North American CEO, Stefan Jacoby recently revealed more info about VW's upcoming mid-sized sedan.
In an interview with Automotive News, Jacoby discussed the upcoming sedan that will be built at VW's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The un-named sedan will hit the market in the spring of 2012 with a price tag around $20,000. It will be powered by VW's current 2.0L and 2.5L engines. No official photos are renderings of the car have been released, but the styling was finalized a few weeks ago. The car is expected to be larger and sleeker than the current Passat.
2010 Jaguar XF Details and Teaser Released
Jaguar has released a teaser image of the upcoming 2010 XJ sedan that will officially be unveiled on July 9th.
The next-generation Xj will feature an aerospace-inspired aluminum body and will be available in standard and long wheelbase versions. The XJ will be powered by a series of V6 and V8 engines, including the 510-hp supercharged, direct-injection, 5.0-liter V8.
The XJ will also feature the same JaguarDrive gear selector as the XF with paddle shifters.
The 2010 Jaguar XF is expected to hit showrooms in early 2010.
Audi to Unveil Audi TT RS Roadster at Leipzig Motor Show
Audi has announced the world premiere of the Audi TT RS Roadstar at the Leipzig Motor Show next week.
The Audi TT RS Roadster is powered by a 340 horsepower turbocharged 2.5L engine that propels the car from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds. It features all-wheel-drive and an ungraded suspension with high-performance brakes.
The Audi A4 allroad quattro, Audi A5 Cabriolet, S5 Cabriolet and Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro are also going to have their premieres at the show.
