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Enter the rumormill: VW planning rear-engined answer to the MINI?
February 24, 2007 21:45:00Filed under: MINI, Volkswagen
 Is the world really desperately crying out for another ass-engined machine? An even better question might be: if Volkswagen really wanted to compete with MINI on the diminutive nostalgia front by making a rear-engine compact, why wouldn't they just scale down the new Beetle and put its engine where it was originally intended? Granted, that's a loaded question, since the amount of engineering resources necessary to fit any mill able to get out of its own way into the cramped confines of a new Beetle would be beyond even the most geeky of Deutschland's engineers. But we digress.
Our boys at the German Car Blog are helping to spread AutoBild's rumor that VW is planning a rear-engine vehicle to fight it out with the MINI. As GCB pointed out, "...it would certainly fit [sic] Dr. Winterkorn's statement to go into lucrative niches." Sure it would. And if this comes to fruition, we'll eat AutoBild's first road test of the RR V-Dub.
[Source: AutoBild via the German Car Blog] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Pressure Builds For eBay To Rat Out Sellers To IRS
February 24, 2007 18:41:54
Now I've bought quite a few car parts on eBay; in addition to having more used parts than the biggest junkyard you ever saw, eBay is also a great source for NOS stuff. It was a relief when the pawnbrokers weren't able to ram through their pet bill requiring California eBay sellers to get fingerprinted and licensed, but now there's pressure looming to get eBay to report all sellers' transactions to The Man. Since big-time eBay sellers already report their income to the IRS or face the steely glare of auditors- The Man knows when you're making real money on eBay, because unless your buyers pay cash (not bloody likely) the money's gonna hit a bank account at some point- this would have the effect of scaring away all the guys selling the box of old parts gathering dust in the garage. – Murilee Martin IRS urged to go after eBay sellers [San Francisco Chronicle] Related:
IRS Seizes Man's 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 for Back Taxes [internal]
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POLL: RR of the Week
February 24, 2007 14:43:00Filed under: RR of the Day
    
How could we best describe this week's selection of Reader's Rides? Diverse? Too vague. Erratic? Too negative. How about a motley hodgepodge of four-wheeled absurdity? Sure. We'll run with that.
Absurd doesn't even begin to describe the idea of piling several of your soon-to-be closest friends into a short bus, destined to travel from one end of the earth to the other, all in the name of charity. But that's exactly what the Penitent Yanks did and that's why they made it onto our page Tuesday. The school bus was the high water mark of insane conveyances, but Oli's autocrossing S4 wasn't far behind, followed by a much more sedate Passat Syncro, '69 Bug and the oh-so-delectable classic Mini.
We can't pick our favorite, so we'll leave it up to you. Vote below and be sure to submit your own ride to our Flickr pool by following the directions after the jump.
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Spy Shots: BMW Z4 (not Z9)
February 24, 2007 13:12:00Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, BMW
 Way back in January, we saw pictures of what many thought was the new Z9, but we Autobloggers weren't so sure. The folks over at KGP Photography captured a series of spy shots that shows that it's extremely likely that this future BMW is likely the Z4 or even a still smaller Z2.
The size of the vehicle, which led many to believe that it was an ultra-exclusive Z9, is turning out to be little more than clever camo. Obvious gaps at the base of the windshield show four to six inches between the padding and the actual vehicle. Also visible were cloth seats, which could be evidence of a less pricey convertible. The mythic Z9 has been a dream to BMW enthusiasts all over the world, but we're sure they won't mind a more affordable Bimmer roadster either.
[Source: Winding Road] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Audi releases official info on A5 / S5 with NEW PICS!
February 24, 2007 03:51:00Filed under: Coupes, Audi
click above image to view our high-res gallery of the Audi S5 and below for the A5
This evening Audi released its official press release heralding the arrival of its new A5 and S5 coupes. The cars will be available to order presumably in Europe only at first on March 6 with deliveries scheduled to begin in June. The boys and girls from Ingolstadt point to the Nuvolari Concept as the source of inspriation for the A5 / S5. Clearly the resemblance is there, as well as all of the other cues from Audi's current design language.
The A5 will be offered with two gas engines, the new 1.8T FSI that produces 170bhp and a 3.2L FSI V6 that makes 265bhp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. The TDI motors include a 3.0L oil burner making 240bhp and 369 ft-lbs. of torque and a smaller 2.7L mill making 190bhp. It appears that only the 2.7L TDI is front-wheel drive only, while the other three models are available with quattro all-wheel drive. All models of the A5 will come with a standard six-speed manual transmission, while the 3.2L FSI and 2.7L TDI models are available with Audi's CVT transmission called multitronic. One can also choose an S-line sports package for the A5 that makes it look the part of a performance coupe. Unfortunately, Audi made it clear in its press release that no TDI models will be made available in the U.S.
The S5, meanwhile, features a V8, presumably the venerable 4.2L unit, though Audi doesn't mention its displacement. It does, however, reveal the S5 will produce 354bhp and peak torque of 325 ft-lbs. at 3,500 rpm. A six-speed manual and quattro all-wheel drive come standard of course, and help the S5 reach 62 mph in 5.1 seconds, so we're guessing it will hit 60 in 5.0 seconds or a bit under. In addition to the more powerful engine, the S5 benefits from a sharper suspension and larger brakes.
There's more info contained in the official press release after the jump, and Audi released a brand new batch of high-res images to ogle, as well.
[Source: Audi]
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GM assembles group to explore relationship with Chrysler
February 23, 2007 21:33:00Filed under: Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, GM, Earnings/Financials
According to the Financial Times, General Motors has actually created a group to explore a potential purchase, alliance or other relationship with the Chrysler Group. Rumors have continued to persist that General Motors is interested in outright purchasing the Chrysler Group from DaimlerChrysler, but the fact that this exploratory group is headed by the same guy, Fritz Henderson (shown), who led the team that studied and eventually recommended against a possible tie-up with Nissan/Renault, adds more fuel to the fire. Of course, GM is still sticking to its original comment on the situation, which is that it regularly has discussions with other automakers on topics of mutual interest.
So far Hyundai, Volkswagen, Fiat and Nissan/Renault have ruled themselves out as potential buyers for the Chrysler Group, though reports have surfaced that at least four private equity groups are in preliminary talks with DCX concering a possible purchase deal. DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche has been quoted as saying that "all options are on the table." Just like it was with the exploratory group set up to study the Nissan/Renault deal, it will be months before Fritz and the gang will be able to provide a recommendation to GM.
[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Size Matters: Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard Pullman limousine in development
February 23, 2007 20:03:00Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Mercedes Benz
click above image to view a pair of high-res pics of the MB S600 Guard Pullman limo
80 years after Mercedes-Benz introduced its first Pullman limousine, so named after luxuriously appointed rail-road cars, the German automaker has announced it will be introducing the newest iteration based on the S600 sedan in late 2008. The new Pullman Limousine will be based on the S600 long wheelbase Guard model, which means it will have a B6/B7 resistance level as certified by various state organizations. This means it will be able to stop anything short of a direct hit from would be terrorists trying to harm its upper crust occupants. This thing won't have sheetmetal, it'll have armor, in addition to a fully reinforced body structure, run flat tires, a self-healing fuel tank and on board fire-extinguishing system. Of course, being stretched like silly puddy and armed to the hilt adds a bit of weight, so power will be provided by 5.5L twin-turbo twelve-cylinder engine generating 517 hp and 612 ft-lbs. of torque. That should be enough for the well trained chauffeur to motor his four dignitaries out of harms way in a hurry. While Mercedes-Benz didn't divulge the new Pullman's price, we're guessing its something only a government could afford.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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Mark the date: 2008 Porsche Cayenne hits Euro dealers this Saturday
February 23, 2007 18:33:00Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Porsche
Click image for gallery of 72 wallpaper-sized images
The 2008 Porsche Cayenne will be at dealerships this Saturday, February 24th, awaiting new owners with wallets big enough to tame the German sports car maker's only SUV. Clearly, there are many equestrians who need the Cayenne's combination of sport, utility and exclusivity to haul around their thoroughbreds, as the picture above, one of many released today by Porsche, illustrates. Make no mistake, however, the new Cayenne is no gelding. In fact, all three models have received a significant bump in power thanks to the addition of direction injection. The base model increases 40 hp to 290 hp, the S gets 45 hp more to make 385 hp and the Turbo S jumps a full 50 hp to a nice, round 500 hp (Those are European numbers. Despite the increases, Porsche claims that each engine consumes 15% less fuel.
As for the 2008 model's styling, most of the changes occur up front to the Cayenne's polarizing front fascia. Its looks were always unmistakeably that of a Porsche, and that hasn't changed. The soft face up front has been changed to be much more aggressive with new headlights and larger air intakes. We have to say that the only model we find even remotely attractive is the Turbo S thanks to its trademark LED lights within the outer intakes. The intakes on the base and S model, however, just come off as gratuitously large. We have 85 high-rseolution shots of 2008 Porsche Cayenne to help you make up your own mind.
Check out the official press release for Euro pricing after the jump. We'll keep you updated on the U.S. versions, which should be around next month.
[Source: Porsche]
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And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts: Replace a Radiator or Heater Hose
February 23, 2007 18:00:00
While there are still a few air-cooled automobiles on the roads the good majority out there these days are of the liquid cooled variety. Those driving an old Karmann Ghia or a pre-98 Porsche 911 can take the time spent reading this series of articles on the automotive cooling system and instead check their oil frequently. The rest of the liquid cooled vehicle owners out there have three important components under the hood that take the heat out of an internal combustion engine. The radiator, the water pump, and the thermostat. Between all of these components are flexible rubber hoses that transfer the liquid engine coolant.
Cooler Heads The burning of gasoline, diesel, or corn cakes, produces heat from the instant an engine starts. This heat must be channeled away so the engine can keep spinning instead of fusing itself together. Surrounding the cylinders in which the pistons and valves do their internal combustion act is a jacket that contains engine coolant. The coolant transfers heat from the engine and is then circulated through the cooling system by way of a water pump. Coolant travels out of the engine, and through one rubber hose into the radiator. The radiator allows heat to pass from the coolant into the surrounding air, and presto! The coolant returns back to the engine through another rubber hose cooler than when it left. Circulating Coolant In this way the engine keeps cool. In a brilliant stroke of engineering, the automobile heating system utilizes a smaller radiator of sorts called a heater core. Smaller rubber hoses bring hot coolant from the engine into to the heater core. This miniature radiator along with a blower fan keeps toes and kiesters toasty in winter. So it goes. Over time this cold and hot act takes its toll on engine coolant and components. Heat unleashed by the radiator and engine itself especially beats up on the rubber the radiator and heater hoses are made out of. Trouble can come if either one of the radiator hoses cracks or starts leaking. Cooling system pressure and coolant can quickly escape and cause big problems fast. Engine overheating is the number one cause of cylinder head failure. Overheating can be caused by the failure of a ten buck hose, 37 cent hose clamp, or as we'll examine next week - a seven dollar thermostat. Hose Inspector Inspecting the radiator and heater hoses once a year or so is not only easy, it can prevent spending that summer afternoon pic-a-nic on the side of the road waiting for a tow, instead of down by the lake with the basket. Obvious signs of impending hose failure is coolant seeping from the hose itself. In some cases hoses will present a miniature version of Vesuvius. That radiator hose that looks like a snake that swallowed a rabbit will blow shortly, usually on the way to a job interview or to pick up a pal from the airport. Less obvious signs of decay can be seen and felt by grabbing hold of a cold radiator or heater hose and giving it a good squeeze. Brittle or cracking material, a spongy feel, or a hose sticking to the inside of itself are bad signs. Replacement radiator hoses for even the most obscure of automobiles are available from your neighborhood or online auto parts store. Up Front Since most sane automobile engineers place the radiator up at the front of the vehicle for superior heat transfer and engine cooling, replacing the radiator hoses is usually an easy job. Heater hoses, being smaller in size and trickier in routing, can present more difficulty. The best time to inspect your heater and radiator hoses is cooler weather. Ever notice how the first warm day of the year brings masses of steaming over motorists on road shoulders? An on the edge of failing cooling system or radiator hose will be fine during winter but give up at the first sign of hot weather. Never grab onto a hot radiator hose or attempt to remove a radiator cap from a hot radiator. The resulting steam can cause serious injury. Keep an eye on hoses until next week, when we move inside the cooling system. Next Week: Replace a Thermostat Stuff You'll Need: · Replacement Radiator and/or Heater Hoses
· Radiator Hose or White Lithium Grease
· Hose Clamps
· Utility Knife
· A Clean Catch Container
· Pliers or Hose Clamp Pliers and Hand Tools
· Funnel
· Ramps and/or Jack Stands
· Coolant
· Distilled Water  Disconnect the negative battery post. Allow engine to fully cool. Remove the radiator cap. Locate the radiator drain valve, usually on the bottom corner of the radiator. Turn the valve to drain the engine coolant. Close valve. Use a clean catch container. Keep one container for coolant, and the other for oil. If the coolant is still OK pour it back from where it came after hose replacement.
 Loosen radiator hose clamps. Move the hose clamps towards the center of the hose. The pictured clamps are of the original equipment manufacture [OEM] variety circa 1982. Screw-type worm-drive hose clamps may also be found or used as replacements.
 The quickest way to remove stuck-on or crusty old radiator hoses for replacement is utility knife surgery. Slice lengthwise and peel hose away. Don't go Gorilla Monsoon trying to remove the hose. The necks on the radiator and aluminum thermostat housings are often fragile from age.
 Transfer hose clamps to new hose. Compare old and new hose. Trim if required. Take a little off rather than a lot. Better a little too long than too short! A little radiator hose or white lithium grease will help with installation. Grease also prevents corrosion and makes for less difficult removal next time around. Just put a dab where the hose meets its mounts.
 Don't forget to put the hose clamps on the hose before installation. Slide hose into place. Attach or tighten hose clamps. Do not over-tighten screw-type worm-drive clamps! OEM style clamps create their own tension. Remove and install heater hoses the same way.
If the coolant looks OK return it to the cooling system. If the coolant looks like it came from the big lake they call Gitche Gumee, dispose of old coolant properly and refill the radiator a 50-50 mix of new coolant and distilled water. Minerals in tap water can contribute to cooling system corrosion buildup. Fill radiator 3/4 or so full. Start engine. Slowly top off radiator with engine running to burp any trapped air from the cooling system. Replace radiator cap. Check overflow tank level.– Mike Bumbeck
Related:
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts [Internal]
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Audi's True Hollywood Story
February 23, 2007 18:00:00
Audi's PR machine is a funny thing. Without a massive marketing budget compared to other big-name automakers, the company has resorted to going chichi viral; throwing indulgent soirees for journos and tastemakers, as well as trying the tack they've taken in the UK -- having celebrities seen in Audis. A cornerstone of that program in Southern California is Celeste Atkinson, a woman who certainly knows how to work a room. As a well-known autojourno once said to us, "Ah yes. Celeste. She has certain powers that few mortals can comprehend." In the runup to the Oscars, Atkinson's got Affleck in an S8 and Frank Gehry an a 12-pot A8. At a recent party, Penelope Cruz, Cindy Crawford, Mischa Barton, Brooke Shields and Christina Ricci all arrived in chauffeured Audis. All we know is that if Celeste invites you to eat food, you go and you partake. If Audi execs keep coming up with awesome catchphrases like "ALUMINUM UND SHTEEL!" and "Car for our vives," they might just break out of the .5% marketshare the company's held for the last five years. – Davey G. Johnson Audi Works the Ropes to Put Stars in its Cars [Hispanic Business] Related:
Eating With Audi; Audi Builds a Car for Our Wives: More From the R8 Reveal [Internal]
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German Catholics Called Upon to Give Up Cars for Lent
February 23, 2007 17:45:00
Back when we were a collegiate Jalopnik at a Catholic liberal arts school in the East Bay, Ash Wednesday was marked by a number of our friends by getting together to watch the Evil Dead movies. We could never figure out anything to give up for Lent, generally as we were celibate (not by our own choice) didn't eat meat and were far too hooked on cigarettes to give those up. So we trundled through, beset on all sides by lapsed-Catholic guilt; we'd never realized we could give up our car! But that's just what the main Katholischen bigwig im Deutschland is suggesting his flock do -- give up their cars. Unglaublich! – Davey G. Johnson German Catholics Giving Up Cars For Lent [Edmonton Journal (sub. req.)] Related:
Update: Pope's VW Golf Sells for $244,000 On eBay [Internal]
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Spy Shots: 2009 Lotus Esprit on the street
February 23, 2007 17:05:00Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lotus
 After many fits and starts over the last fifteen years, a replacement for the iconic Lotus Esprit finally seems to be nearing reality. Spy photos of various prototypes have been cropping up with increasing frequency in recent weeks, but this is the first shot of the latest prototype on the road, probably somewhere in Norfolk.
The Lotus designed 3.5L V-8 in the last iteration of the Esprit will be supplanted by a BMW supplied V-8 this time around, probably producing 370 hp or so. MotorAuthority expects the weight to come in around 2600 lbs., which should be easily achievable if Lotus uses the bonded aluminum extrusion technology of the Elise. With this much power in such a light car, it could put the likes of the F430 and Gallardo to shame.
[Source: Autovisie.nl via MotorAuthority] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Breaking! Nissan Vice Chairman Jim Morton Moves Company To Tennessee, Up And Leaves
February 23, 2007 16:42:00 We just received this news from a tipster at Nissan NorAm's new HQ in out-of-the-way beautiful Tennessee. Apparently the man who made the move happen has decided to move on himself. Jim Morton's retiring from Nissan on April 1st, and we're wondering what he'll do afterward. Maybe some fishing? Some hiking? Some running for Governor, perhaps? – Ray Wert From: N-COM US
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007
Subject: Internal E-News - Corporate - NNA Executive
Change Nissan North America Executive Change Nissan today announced a change to its senior leadership team in North America. Jim Morton, Vice Chairman for Nissan North America, has decided to retire, effective April 1, 2007. He will continue to serve the company as Senior Advisor for Government Affairs on a contract basis. Scott Becker, Vice President of Legal for Nissan North America, will take over Morton's responsibilities for government affairs. The Vice Chairman's position will be vacated. Immediately prior to being named vice chairman on July 1, 2006, Morton was senior vice president, administration and finance for NNA. In this function, he oversaw all finance, legal, human resources, business strategy, corporate communications, captive finance, security, corporate aviation... ...and audit for Nissan's North American operations. He is a member of the NNA Board of Directors;
Management Committee Americas (MC-A), the key decision
making body for Nissan in North, Central and South
America; and the U.S. Management Committee (MC-US). He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the
National Urban League, Chairman of the Association of
International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM), a
member of the Advisory Committee for the Trent Lott
Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi
and the Advisory Committee for the Hollings Cancer
Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. He
will keep an active role with the National Urban
League and the two advisory committees. Morton joined Nissan in May 2000. Prior to that, he
held a variety of positions with Michelin North
America, Inc., which he joined in 1976. From 1996
until his departure, he held the position of vice
president, public relations and government affairs.
Before that, he served as executive director of
external relations and held other positions in the
company's public relations, governmental affairs and
legal operations. While at Michelin, Morton's external activities
included serving as vice chairman, South Carolina
Ports Authority; chairman of the South Carolina
Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Board of
Directors of the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Prior to joining Michelin, Morton worked for Arthur
Andersen & Company and General Dynamics Corporation in
various tax accounting and legal positions. Morton holds an undergraduate degree in economics from
Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri,
and was awarded his juris doctorate at the University
of Missouri - Columbia. He received an
Alumni Achievement Award from Westminster College in
2003. "I appreciate Jim's hard work, commitment and
significant contributions to Nissan's organization
during his years of service, and we're looking forward
to his continued contributions in his new
role," said Carlos Ghosn, President and CEO of Nissan
Motor Co., Ltd. "I know that everyone at
Nissan wishes him and his family the best in the
future." # # # Related:
Breaking! Nissan Offers "Voluntary" Buyouts To Tennessee Hourly Workers; Carlos Ghosn Addresses His "Performance Crisis" While HQ Staff Go Bonus Bonkers [internal]
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Droptop C'eed: Kia to Show Concept Cabrio in Geneva
February 23, 2007 16:00:00
If it's the Geneva show, Kia is virtually bound by law to show some manner of C'eed concept car. This year it's the ex_cee'd cabrio, a prototype designed by Peter Schreyer, Kia's new design boss. If you'll remember, Schreyer created the Bauhaus-inspired first-gen Audi TT coupe. Now, he's charged with giving Kia a new, Euro friendly face. The ex_cee'd cabrio sports a fabric roof, intentionally bypassing Europe's folding-hardtop fad. Nonetheless, the show car will inevitably draw attention to the launch of its production-ready siblings, the C'eed three-door hatch and wagon, also set for the Geneva show. – Mike Spinelli 
Press Release: GENEVA WORLD PREMIERE FOR SCHREYER'S KIA CABRIO CONCEPT Kia's exciting all-new ex_cee'd cabrio concept car will be premiered at the 77th Geneva Motor Show on 6 March. The styling of the eagerly anticipated ex_cee'd cabrio is the work of Peter Schreyer, Kia's new Chief Design Officer, and hints at the future direction Kia vehicles could be taking under his guidance. Based on the new three-door cee'd hatchback, due to go into production at the Zilina factory in Slovakia from December, the ex_cee'd shares the same platform, but features all-new exterior panels and a powered folding fabric roof. By adopting a fabric roof, the ex_cee'd deliberately goes its own retro way rather than following the trend towards cabrios with folding metal roofs. Peter Schreyer paid special attention to designing a classic cabrio with a traditional soft-top roof: "I'm convinced that the fabric roof will have a renaissance. We've all lived with the romantic idea of open-air driving for a long time and for me, the fabric roof is the quintessential element of a truly rewarding cabrio." With its slight wedge shape profile, muscular wings over 19-inch alloy wheels, and aggressive nose with dynamic front styling, the ex_cee'd has instantly found a form that stands out from the cabrio crowd. The cabrio concept is finished in 'meringue white' exterior paint with a 'bitter chocolate' fabric roof - colours that are echoed by the interior's two-tone leather. "With this new cabrio concept car, Kia has once again demonstrated that it is a young, style-conscious company that knows how to combine elegance with dynamics," enthused Mr Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President and COO Kia Motors. "The Kia ex_cee'd is a fresh aesthetic high-point in our history, an encouraging sign of the growing internationalisation of our brand and a step in the process of evolving into a European company with Korean roots," he added. Related:
New Kia C'eed Concept Pics Surface [internal]
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Currency's 810 HP, twin-turbo M5
February 23, 2007 15:54:00Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedans/Saloons, BMW
 BMW Car magazine's March issue features what is likely to be the only 240 MPH, twin-turbocharged E60 M5 in existence. Put together by Currency Motor Cars in Westlake, California, this blown uber-sedan sports the aforementioned duo of turbos, acres of custom intercooler plumping and a modified exhaust that, when combined with what we'll assume is some pretty creative ECU tuning, creates an astounding 810 horsepower.
The car is owned by the company's founder, Ron Cash, and in addition to the substantial amount of work performed under the hood, Currency and Cash dropped another $100k on the interior. Can you say Florida Crocodile? We wish we couldn't either, but that's what's draped all over the inside of the M5. From what we understand, it's more attractive than we're imagining, but we'll have to pick up a copy of the mag to see how both the interior and engineering are executed.
[Source: M5Board, BMW Car magazine] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Custom Style! Mazda AZ-Wagon arrives in Japan
February 23, 2007 15:25:00Filed under: Economy, Japan, Mazda
Click image for one more high-res photo
Behold Mazda's new kei car, the AZ-Wagon. Like its predecessors, the new AZ is simply a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R. In this case, the donor vehicle is the just-introduced Wagon R Stingray, which eschews the standard Wagon R face in favor of a more squared-off ,Toyota bB/Scion xB-like (last-gen, that is) appearance.
Since the AZ-Wagon is a straight rebadge, all the features of the Stingray can be found here, including HID headlamps, black cloth interior, premium audio system (for the turbocharged, direct-injected Custom Style DI model), and keyless entry and start. Unlike its Suzuki twin, the Mazda gets only two kei-spec engines. The Custom Style DI gets the top-end 64 horsepower direct-injected 4-banger, while the Custom Style X receives a normally-aspirated 54-horse 3-cylinder with VVT. (Suzuki buyers get the added choice of a non-direct-injected turbo engine.)
As is always the case, 2WD and AWD are available for both trim levels. The only available transmission is a 4-speed auto. Complete details and pricing can be found after the jump.
[Source: Mazda]
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Em Five Madness: The Currency Motorcars M5
February 23, 2007 15:02:58
And speaking of Dutch masters, Vincent and his gang of millionjars at Autoblog.nl bring us this batshite-mad BMW twin-turbo M5. It's the product of Westlake, California's Currency Motorcars. It's not just some run-of-the-mill tweaker. The super-high-end work includes serious powertrain alterations to unlock upward of 800 horsepower from the V10. The intercooler is a custom job, and the gestalt adds up to a top speed, according to Currency, of 240 mph. As if that figure were not badshite mad enough, it's also gotten $100,000 in interior upgrades - mainly hand-stitched aniline dyed Florida Crocodile, leather and suede. It's an amazing achievement, though somewhere there's a conservationist who will never sleep again. – Mike Spinelli BMW M5 Twin Turbo [Autoblog.nl] Related:
Two-Tone Tweaker: Lumma Design's BMW CLR 500 RS [internal]
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RR of the Day: 2000 Audi S4
February 23, 2007 14:42:00Filed under: Aftermarket, Audi, RR of the Day
It's hard not to get all hot and bothered when we see an S4 doing the three-wheeled tango around an autocross course. However, this particular S4 is putting down 387 HP and 445 lb-ft of torque through all four wheels. In addition to such prodigious power figures, the 2.7L twin-turbo'd Audi has been piloted to a number of first place wins under the deft touch of Oliver Licul, an SCCA participant, instructor and Autoblog reader.
The extensive catalog of mods is listed after the jump, along with another photo of Oliver's ride doing its thing, but a few items deserve note. First, the suspension is made up of custom Koni double adjustable coilovers, sporting 800 lb. springs in the front, while 950 lb. springs hold up the rear. All those cushy stock bushings have been swapped out in favor of solid, spherical bearings, along with hollow sway bars fore and aft. Mr. Licul admits that it's still a porker, coming in 600 pounds overweight for its class, but judging from his accomplishments around the cones, he's made up for it with some serious skill behind the wheel (that, and gobs of power).
Check the rest after the jump, plus find out how to submit your own ride to our Flickr pool.Continue reading RR of the Day: 2000 Audi S4 Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Spy Photos: More on the New Lotus Esprit
February 23, 2007 14:34:41
The Dutch masters at Autovisie procured some shots of what spies say is the next Lotus Espirit. It appears to be the same test vehicle seen indoors recently. This time, it's out on the street, with its assumed BMW-sourced V8 getting a workout of some measure. We'll have to wait until 2009 or thereabouts to see the finished product, which the company's been working on since the Clinton administration. But at 2,600 pounds and nearly 400 horsepower, we're just going to assume its worth the wait. – Mike Spinelli Exclusief: nieuwe Lotus Esprit gesnapt? [Autovisie] Related:
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