GM Performance Tuning - General GM and Auto news http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/ en Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:22:35 GMT vBulletin 90 http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/images/misc/rss.png GM Performance Tuning - General GM and Auto news http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/ Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14095-paris-preview-gm-unveils-chevrolet-cruze-hatchback-europe.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:33:09 GMT Filed under: Concept Cars (http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/), Budget (http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/), Europe... Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors will be expanding Chevrolet of Europe's lineup by adding a five-door Cruze, and while we won't get our first look at this new hatchback for a few weeks, GM has decided to preview it early with a few pictures on the web. Sure to be one of the major draws at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks, the liftback ought to compete nicely with the 2012 Ford Focus five-door, but don't expect GM to offer the more functional Cruze in the United States. "Americans don't like hatchbacks," remember?

Much like the Aveo RS and Buick Regal GS from this year's Detroit Auto Show, GM calls the Cruze hatchback a "show car," but in this case, that means that it's somewhere between the stages of concept and prototype. Don't expect the body to change, but we can easily see the front LED light bar and larger wheels being scrapped for the sake of cost-cutting.

Chevrolet says it will begin selling the Cruze hatchback across Europe in mid-2011 and pricing will be announced closer to the model's on-sale date. Follow the jump for the full details in GM's press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!


Gallery: Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback



[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe

Paris Preview: GM unveils Chevrolet Cruze hatchback for Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14095-paris-preview-gm-unveils-chevrolet-cruze-hatchback-europe.html Report: Rattner bio reveals Obama Administration wanted Ghosn to run GM http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14094-report-rattner-bio-reveals-obama-administration-wanted-ghosn-run-gm.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:33:09 GMT Filed under: Government/Legal (http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/), GM (http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/), Celebrities... Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Celebrities



Steven Rattner, former automotive adviser to President Barack Obama, has just written a juicy account of last year's automotive bailout, complete with insights on the coming and goings of CEOs, courting foreign saviors and the General Motors plan to abandon its Renaissance Center headquarters. In his book, "Overhaul: An Insider's Account of the Obama Administration's Emergency Rescue of the Auto Industry," Rattner says that GM wanted to walk away from its expensive towers in downtown Detroit and move to Warren, MI. While the move would have likely saved the company plenty of money and lent the impression of a hands-on management approach, the Obama administration apparently refused to allow the move, saying that it would cause a double-digit drop in property values in the area.

There's also the fact that GM pays around $20 million in taxes to Detroit per year.

According to The Detroit News, Rattner also offered the GM CEO position to none other than Nissan/Renault head honcho Carlos Ghosn after Rick Wagoner was shown the door. Ghosn, who had previously sought a partnership between his empire and The General, politely declined the offer. How's that for a head job?

Even through all of the turmoil, The Detroit News quotes Rattner as saying that the automotive bailout is one of this administration's "unambiguous successes."

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neison Barnard/Getty for Fortune Magazine]Report: Rattner bio reveals Obama Administration wanted Ghosn to run GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14094-report-rattner-bio-reveals-obama-administration-wanted-ghosn-run-gm.html Report: Former GM CEO Fritz Henderson to lead Sunoco spinoff http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14093-report-former-gm-ceo-fritz-henderson-lead-sunoco-spinoff.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:06:30 GMT Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hirings-firings/), GM (http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/) Image:... Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM



If you've been wondering what former General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson has been up to since getting the boot, The Detroit News has the skinny for you. Henderson is now headed to Sunoco to fill in as the company's senior vice president, at least for now. The company is currently planning to spin off its SunCoke Energy arm during the first half of 2011, and when that happens, Henderson will become the subsidiary's chairman and CEO.

SunCoke produces metallurgical coke used to manufacture steel. The company currently operates plants in Virginia, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, and is currently building a second, high-capacity facility in the Buckeye State. That plant, in Middleton, is slated to produce 550,000 tons of coke while at max capacity.

Coke is formed by super heating coal to bond carbon and ash. The process burns off contaminates like water and coal tar to create an energy-dense fuel. Byproducts of the process are typically used to generate electricity, as in the case with the Middleton plant.

Henderson, a long-time GM man, held the company's reins for a short time starting in 2009, but was replaced with Ed Whitacre amidst concerns that the company's turnaround wasn't moving fast enough.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]Report: Former GM CEO Fritz Henderson to lead Sunoco spinoff originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14093-report-former-gm-ceo-fritz-henderson-lead-sunoco-spinoff.html <![CDATA[Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video]]]> http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14092-ferrari-release-virtual-academy-online-driving-simulator-w-video.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:21:19 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Videos (http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/), Ferrari... Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ferrari, Toys/Games

Ferrari Driving Academy Trailer - Click above to watch the video after the jump

There are a handful of F1 driving simulators out in the market today, ranging from Codemaster's F1 2010 to the $191,000 Cruden Hexatech simulator. Ferrari has decided to try their hand at their own version called Ferrari Virtual Academy 2010.

The simulation racing game will benefit from much of Ferrari's own expertise in Formula One. The team's engineers were consulted to provide realistic driving dynamics and each of the tracks were digitally recreated with Laser Scan and Motion Capture. Ferrari's current competitor, the F10, is the vehicle of choice, and Fiorano, Mugello and the Nürburgring are the current tracks available. There's no word as to whether historic cars or additional tracks will be offered.

The game will be available for download on September 9 with a price tag of 15 Euros (around $19 USD), although to tantalize potential users, Ferrari has said that there will be "exclusive Scuderia gadgets and further surprises" for the drivers. We don't know what that means, but we can't imagine a Ferrari gadget that we wouldn't like. Need to see more? You can watch the game's official trailer after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]Continue reading Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video]

Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14092-ferrari-release-virtual-academy-online-driving-simulator-w-video.html Video: Spectre Performance Speedliner takes to the salt http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14091-video-spectre-performance-speedliner-takes-salt.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:21:19 GMT Filed under: Aftermarket (http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/), Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Videos... Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Videos

Spectre Perfromance Speedliner hits 366 mph - Click above to watch video after the jump

Spectre Performance has been busy. The team made impressive progress toward its goal of toppling the 400 mph barrier in a four-wheel, gasoline-powered vehicle during this year's Bonneville Speed Week. Their weapon of choice? A twin-engined speedliner with a combined displacement of 1,026 cubic inches and a total output of somewhere between 3,200 and 4,000 horsepower thanks to twin turbo systems on each engine. In 2009, that contraption walked all the way up to 330.569 mph - good enough to set a world record at the SCTA World Finals, but still well short of the team's goal.

This year, they headed to the salt flats with driver Amir Rosenbaum at the tiller. Rosenbaum managed to squeeze quite a bit more speed out of the machine, pushing it all the way to 366 mph and breaking three records in two classes in the process. If you're like us, you're probably wondering just what it feels like to fly at those speeds with the seat of your pants mere inches from the Earth. Fortunately for all of us curious types, Spectre has put out an excellent video detailing the experience. Find it and the full press release after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Spectre Performance Speedliner takes to the salt

Video: Spectre Performance Speedliner takes to the salt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14091-video-spectre-performance-speedliner-takes-salt.html SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14090-sema-preview-wraptivo-honda-cr-z-type-f.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:29:25 GMT Filed under: Aftermarket (http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/), SEMA Show (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/), Hybrid... Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda

Honda CR-Z Type-F - Click above for high-res image

Nearly one year later, we're still digging the idea behind Meguiar's Wraptivo system. For under $2,000 you can design and have a professional installer wrap your car in vinyl, complete with custom graphics and textures. And to drum up more interest in the program after its debut at last year's SEMA show, Meguiar's has picked up a 2011 Honda CR-Z and enlisted the tuning talents of RJ De Vera and rendering artist Jon Sibal to show what it has planned for the 2010 show.

Naturally, the CR-Z Type-F Concept is focused on the matte black and "carbon fiber" wrap, but the real party pieces are underneath the vinyl.

A supercharger will be fitted to the anemic 1.5-liter four-pot, with a custom exhaust system and a Hondata ECU used to extract maximum power. Accessories from Honda's performance line will join a Tein suspension, HKS components and some Volk TE37 wheels, while the inside will benefit from a pair of Recaro buckets, Alcantara trim and a new shift knob. And while it might be easy to dismiss the Type-F (which apparently stands for "Fun") as a SEMA show queen, Meguiar's plans to enter it in Source Interlink's annual Super Lap Battle the week after the show. Get all the details in the press release after the jump and check out Sibal's high-res rendering above.

[Sources: Jon Sibal, Motorworldhype]Continue reading SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F

SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14090-sema-preview-wraptivo-honda-cr-z-type-f.html Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14089-report-lotus-bringing-pair-front-engine-hybrids-paris-motor-show.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:29:25 GMT Filed under: Hybrid (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/), Paris Motor Show (http://www.autoblog.com/category/paris-motor-show/), Lotus... Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus

Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds' Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.

Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.

We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.


Gallery: Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid



[Source: Green Car Advisor]Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14089-report-lotus-bringing-pair-front-engine-hybrids-paris-motor-show.html Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14088-paris-preview-hyundai-ix20-mpv-sketched.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:29:25 GMT Filed under: Concept Cars (http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/), Minivan/Van (http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/), Paris Motor Show... Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai

Hyundai ix20 Concept - Click above for high-res image

When it comes to designing an MPV, it's difficult to move beyond the standard two-box form. That's where Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language comes into play. Penned by the automaker's European R&D studio in Rüsselsheim, Germany and set to debut at Paris Motor Show at the end of the month, the ix20 attempts to add a level of style to the utilitarian MPV segment.

There's no word on an engine or output, but Hyundai says the soiree in Paris will have a heavy focus on the brand's BlueDrive drivetrains, and joining the ix20 on stage will be a refreshed i10 city car, complete with a new 1.0-liter engine. Full details in the press blast after the break.Continue reading Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched

Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14088-paris-preview-hyundai-ix20-mpv-sketched.html <![CDATA[Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned]]> http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14087-video-bad-habits-monster-truck-world-record-practice-session-doesnt-go-planned.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:50:33 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Truck (http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/), Videos... Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Videos, Off-Road, Racing

Bad Habits takes a dive - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Few realms of motorsport live the "Go big or go home" mantra to the fullest quite as well as the monster truck world. Aside from one of the largest voiceovers in the industry ("Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!!"), the guys who wrangle the epic horsepower, rear-wheel steering beasts of the Monster Jam circuit also boast some of the biggest egos. You know, the kind of sheer will of character that it takes to look at Bigfoot's 202-foot, record-setting jump over a jetliner and think, "Nah, I can do better." Such is the case with Joe Sylvester, the 26-year-old driver of the Bad Habits truck.

Sylvester has got it into his mind that he can embarrass the Bigfoot record, and has set about building a truck and a ramp to do just that. Only thing is, things didn't go so swell during a practice session this week. After nailing his homemade ramp, the Bad Habits truck promptly began to turn its nose back toward terra firma, and it wasn't long before the machine evaporated into a cloud of giant tires and red clay. Sylvester was unharmed in the accident and plans to officially attempt to break the record at this weekend's Cornfield 500 at Columbus, PA's Miller Farm. If you can't make it, don't worry - the folks at DirtVision plan a live webcast of this Sunday's attempt.

Either way, we wish Sylvester the best of luck. You may want to do the same after hitting the jump and watching his failed practice attempt for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Shawn!

[Sources: YouTube, Cornfield500, DirtVision]Continue reading Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned

Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14087-video-bad-habits-monster-truck-world-record-practice-session-doesnt-go-planned.html Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparison http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14086-report-gm-asks-chevy-dealers-buy-honda-civic-toyota-corolla-cruze-comparison.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:50:33 GMT Filed under: Car Buying (http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/), Chevrolet (http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/), Honda... Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota

2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery

Even with the impending launch of the Volt later in the Fall, the Chevrolet Cruze may be the biggest vehicle General Motors will launch in the U.S. this year. The reason is money. The Cruze should make some of it, while the Volt and its pricey development and battery packs likely won't for a long time.

The Cruze looks pretty good to us, but we know that the new sedan will only be successful if it is properly launched and marketed. So how do you best show off a refined interior, 10 standard airbags and more hip- and shoulder-room than the top sellers in the class? Automotive News reports that The General will ask its 3,000 dealers to purchase a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic so Bowtie shoppers can compare and contrast the newest Chevrolet against the C-Segment stalwarts from Japan.

Since the Cruze is all-new in the U.S. market and both the Civic and Corolla are a bit long-in-the-tooth, we're thinking the Chevy will win more than its fair share of buyers, but we'd like to see Chevy stores step up to the challenge of the Mazda3, as well. Perhaps the bigger challenge, though, will be to get customers who would traditionally buy a Honda or Toyota to shop at a Chevy store in the first place. GM plans to officially launch the Cruze in late September.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze: First Drive



Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.] Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14086-report-gm-asks-chevy-dealers-buy-honda-civic-toyota-corolla-cruze-comparison.html <![CDATA[Austin's F1 track gets laid out]]> http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14085-austins-f1-track-gets-laid-out.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:43:27 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/) Image:... Filed under: Motorsports

2012 Austin F1 Track - Click above for image gallery

Here it is. Race promoter Tavo Hellmund has pulled back the sheets on the Austin formula one track, and the course looks damn impressive at first glance. The 3.4-mile course packs in 20 turns, a total change in elevation to 133 feet and a back straight that's a full three-quarters of a mile long. What's more, the circuit is designed to promote passing for American fans with short attention spans thanks to plenty of long straights followed by tight, 45-degree turns. Hellmund said that the cars should be able to click off a 200 mph top speed, and will sail by the grand stands at 180 mph or more.

Interestingly enough, the course's designers have borrowed heavily from other tracks from around the world. Turns 3-6 are nearly carbon copies of a series of apexes at Silverstone, while 12-15 pay homage to Hockenheim. One section that's guaranteed to generate plenty of action is turns 16-18, a multi-apex monster cut from the same cloth as Istanbul's turn 8.

The Austin F1 course is slated to bare its first race by 2012, and there's some word that construction will get under way this December.


Gallery: Austin F1 Track



[Source: Formula 1, The Statesman]Austin's F1 track gets laid out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14085-austins-f1-track-gets-laid-out.html Video: Chevy Vega development film yields priceless look at 1970s auto design http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14084-video-chevy-vega-development-film-yields-priceless-look-1970s-auto-design.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:43:27 GMT Filed under: Classics (http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/), Coupe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/), Etc.... Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Vega Car & Track segment - Click above to view the video after the jump

"The goal is to be nifty." Quite a gem of a quote from Car & Track's look into the work behind bringing the Chevrolet Vega to market. C&T was among the first national television shows that covered both auto racing and road tested the cars of its day, and their videos remain fun to watch and offer a glimpse into the past to see cars that have become both famous and infamous in their original context.

Looking at the Vega's design, testing, engineering and construction, C&T calls it "the most precisely engineered car built in America." Uh-huh. Thankfully, 'precisely engineered' means something rather different today, and even if we don't lust after the Vega like some other cars from its era, we can still enjoy a glimpse inside some of General Motors' vehicle development and testing methods from some forty years ago. Check out the video after the jump - and be sure to scroll down to see what C&T has to say about the one-and-only 1971 AMC Gremlin, too! Top tip, Tom!

[Source: Car & Track via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Chevy Vega development film yields priceless look at 1970s auto design

Video: Chevy Vega development film yields priceless look at 1970s auto design originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14084-video-chevy-vega-development-film-yields-priceless-look-1970s-auto-design.html Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14083-event-alert-september-2010-calendar-automotive-events.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:29:37 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Classics (http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/), Auctions... Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Paris Motor Show, Event Alert



September means the end of summer vacation, but the automotive festivities continue, including the Paris Motor Show at the very end of the month. We'll have a full team coverage in the City of Lights, but that's almost a month away. Between now and then there are hundreds of car-related events to keep all but the most rabid gearheads satisfied.

While our coverage of Monterey and the Woodward Dream Cruise last month gave us a year's worth of classic and collectible car memories, September has a lot more to offer for classic car fans. Here's some highlights:If you'd like to buy your own classic, there are plenty of auctions in September as well: RM Auctions: Auburn Fall Collector Car Auction, Worldwide Auctioneers Auburn Auction, The Branson Auction, Vintage Toy Vehicle Auction, Mecum St. Charles Auction and the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction.

Racing fans can take in Formula 1 action during the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix. NASCAR has stops at Atlanta, Richmond, New Hampshire and Dover. IndyCar heads to Kentucky and Japan in September before wrapping up the 2010 season in Miami in October. The WRC hosts the Rally Japan this month, while the ALMS heads to Georgia for the Petit Le Mans at the end of the month. Grand-Am fanciers can catch the last race of the season at Miller Motorsports Park. Two-wheel fans can see the AMA Pro Superbike Championship at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the comments section to add or modify listings.Continue reading Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: September 2010 Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14083-event-alert-september-2010-calendar-automotive-events.html Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14082-chevrolet-volt-will-not-eligible-hov-lane-access-until-mid-2012-a.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:29:37 GMT Filed under: Hybrid (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/), Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Government/Legal... Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Nissan, Electric



Prospective owners of the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf shouldn't get too excited about driving in California carpool lanes as soon as they take delivery. Late Tuesday night California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 535 into law, extending access to the high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes to certain very low and zero emissions vehicles. This new class of vehicles known as Enhanced Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (enh-ATPZEVs) and includes plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles like the Leaf and Toyota's Prius PHEV.

Unfortunately, there are some caveats. SB 535 doesn't take effect until January 1, 2012 and even then only 40,000 of the special stickers needed for HOV access will be made available. In order to qualify, the vehicle has to be rated as an enh-ATPZEV, which brings up the second problem for Volt drivers. A General Motors spokesperson confirmed that the 2011 and 2012 Volt will not be enh-ATPZEV certified. The requirements to earn the enh-ATPZEV label are significantly tougher than the standard ATPZEV. Given the escalated development of the Volt, GM didn't have enough time to calibrate and verify that the plug-in hybrid would meet the standard over a 10-year/150,000-mile period.

That's also why the Volt battery only has the eight-year/100,000-mile warranty required for the non-enhanced ATPZEV. GM spokesman Rob Peterson verified that the Volt will be updated to enh-ATPZEV in mid-2012 when the 2013 model is introduced. In the meantime, you'll just to make sure to bring a friend if you want to ride in the carpool lane.

[Source: General Motors]Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14082-chevrolet-volt-will-not-eligible-hov-lane-access-until-mid-2012-a.html Official: Chevrolet Volt production begins November 11 http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14081-official-chevrolet-volt-production-begins-november-11-a.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:31:59 GMT Filed under: Hybrid (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/), Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Plants/Manufacturing... Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, Electric



General Motors confirmed this morning that November 11, 2010 has been set as the official Job 1 date for the Chevrolet Volt. The news initially reported by Translogic was verified to AutoblogGreen by GM spokesman Rob Peterson. November 2010 has always been the targeted production launch timing for the Volt, but a specific day couldn't be set until other development milestones were met.

Now that development and testing is virtually complete and certification testing is underway, production and customer deliveries will soon start unless there are any showstopping issues. Generally, dealer deliveries start about three to four weeks after Job 1, so those early models should be rolling off trucks and onto dealer lots in early December.

However, with California being one of the launch markets for the Volt, we would be surprised if GM doesn't hold some kind of event to deliver the first customer car in conjunction with the press days for the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17-18. Between now and November, the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant will continue building the pre-production units that are going into GM's captured test fleet for use by employees for real-world evaluation.

[Sources: Translogic, General Motors]Official: Chevrolet Volt production begins November 11 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14081-official-chevrolet-volt-production-begins-november-11-a.html <![CDATA[NASCAR's greatest cheats detailed]]> http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14080-nascars-greatest-cheats-detailed.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:16:02 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/) Image:... Filed under: Motorsports



It is only fitting that NASCAR has as history of cheating that's as cunning and varied as the methods of the original, moonshine-running racers skirting the law. Popular Mechanics has detailed 11 great moments in the bending and breaking of NASCAR rules, which include a cheating incident and ejection in the very first series race in 1949, an inflated basketball to circumvent gas tank capacity and frame rails loaded with BBs to get around weight restrictions.

And although a stricter rule book and the Car of Tomorrow might make "rules violations" harder ever year, it certainly hasn't stopped: a site that keeps track of NASCAR penalties shows the series has docked five teams five teams already this year. Perhaps that's because, as Darryl Waltrip said after getting busted in 1976, "If you don't cheat, you look like an idiot."

[Source: Popular Mechanics | Image: Jason Smith/Getty Images]NASCAR's greatest cheats detailed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14080-nascars-greatest-cheats-detailed.html <![CDATA[Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video]]]> http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14079-tanner-foust-wins-first-rallycar-rallycross-event-u-s-w-video.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:16:02 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Ford (http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/), Racing... Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Racing

RallyCar Rallycross at New Jersey Motorsports Park - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tanner Foust took the top spot in the first-ever Rallycross competition in the United States this past weekend, piloting an all-wheel-drive Rockstar Engergy/Etnies Ford Fiesta.

Rallycross has existed around the world for years, but the sport officially debuted in America at the 2010 X Games, where it was called Super Rally. Foust just happened to win gold in the inaugural X Games competition, too. Rallycross mixes circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition on a short course, featuring jumps, hills, unbanked turns and quick transitions between different road surfaces. Two more Rallycross events are scheduled to take place this year, all of which will be held at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

Foust has been participating in European Rallycross events for quite some time, and he's also gained exposure by competing in Formula Drift and previous X Games competitions. What's more, Foust is one of the hosts for the U.S. version of Top Gear. Somebody get this guy a vacation.

Look for the next U.S. Rallycross event to take place on October 2-3 and follow the jump for the full release about Foust's win along with a brief video of Tanner ripping down the front straight with his rear bumper flapping in the wind.


Gallery: RallyCar Rallycross at New Jersey Motorsports Park



[Source: Tanner Foust]Continue reading Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video]

Tanner Foust wins first RallyCar Rallycross event in U.S. [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14079-tanner-foust-wins-first-rallycar-rallycross-event-u-s-w-video.html Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14078-report-jaguar-sports-car-concept-bound-paris.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:16:02 GMT Filed under: Concept Cars (http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Europe... Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Jaguar, Rumormill, Luxury

With the Paris Motor Show a mere month away, automakers from around the globe are unleashing a barrage of teasers and rumors that hint to what will be on display. According to Auto Express, Jaguar is the latest company to let slip what it has planned. The murky report says the Leaping Cat will pull the covers off of an XK-sized sports car inspired by the Porsche 918. While that likely means the concept will boast a fantastical hybrid drivetrain with more torque than sense, it doesn't mean that Tata is going to fast-track this car for production. Auto Express says the car is more to flex the company's styling muscles than anything else.

While that means we likely won't be seeing another sultry two-door in the Jaguar stable any time soon, the new concept will give us some insight into what's coming down the pike in terms of Jaguar design. That may include some new, oblong grille language to replace the slinky oval of the E-Types of old. Supposedly the company's designers are having a hard time maintaining the oval grille's proportions on the company's new widebody platforms.

[Source: Auto Express | Image: Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL]Report: Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14078-report-jaguar-sports-car-concept-bound-paris.html Quick Spin: FireBreather Camaro http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14077-quick-spin-firebreather-camaro.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:16:02 GMT Filed under: Concept Cars (http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/), Coupe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/), Performance... Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Specialty, Design/Style, Quick Spin

FireBreather Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hollywood movies are chock full of kick-ass superhero cars. There are radical vehicles, like the Batmobile and Mach 5, and then there are the gussied-up street cars like Eleanor, Greased Lightning and Austin Powers' Shaguar. Aside from the extreme styling, most of the mechanized celebrities from Hollywood are only capable of conjuring their supernatural performance on-screen. Step aside Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and make room for FireBreather.

Getting a jump on Jinn, a film due to be released next year by Exxodus Pictures, Classic Design Concepts is introducing its own superhero car. Unlike the aforementioned movie props, relegated to static displays in museums or car shows, the satin-black hero in the upcoming supernatural thriller will make it into limited production and offer enough performance to back up its enhanced persona.

Autoblog caught up with the wickedly-styled Camaro coupe at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance a couple weeks ago. While the venue is hardly an ideal setting for putting any car through its paces, there was plenty of time to take in the FireBreather aura and persuade its supercharged 600-horsepower engine to remove more than a few layers of rubber from the rear tires.

As expected, there were many questions in need of answering. How was it transformed? Who's behind the styling and what's the logic behind the name? Most importantly, what's it like to drive this real-life superhero car? These answers and more, after the jump.Continue reading Quick Spin: FireBreather Camaro

Quick Spin: FireBreather Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14077-quick-spin-firebreather-camaro.html Rumormill: General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14076-rumormill-general-motors-mid-size-sedans-going-all-four-cylinder.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:35:56 GMT Filed under: Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Buick (http://www.autoblog.com/category/buick/), Chevrolet... Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Chevrolet, GM

Straight from the "No Surprise" department comes word from GMInsideNews that all of General Motors mid-size offerings will come equipped with four-cylinder engines as the only available powerplant.

GM has made it clear for the last few years that a large part of its future product strategy is to downsize its engine line-up in preparation for the new 2015 CAFE standards. The shift has already begun with the introduction of the 2011 Buick Regal, available with either a 182-horsepower direct injected 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 2.0-liter putting out 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The next model to go all-four-banger will be the next generation Chevrolet Malibu, slated to arrive late next year and likely packing - to begin with - the same 2.4-liter four. A range of direct injected engines, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, are in the works, so the General won't be hurting for options, but expect the V6 to stick around for GM's larger offerings, including the next Impala.

[Source: GMInsideNews]Rumormill: General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14076-rumormill-general-motors-mid-size-sedans-going-all-four-cylinder.html Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14075-paris-preview-toyota-verso-s-gets-iq-inspired-makeover.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:31:57 GMT Filed under: Budget (http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/), Europe (http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/), Paris Motor Show... Filed under: Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota Verso-S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Small MPVs might not be the hottest commodities here in the United States, but these little functional wonders sell like hotcakes in other markets, especially Europe. To keep up with the growing segment, Toyota has given its Verso hatch a rather substantial makeover, and we'll see the all-new Verso-S debut at the Paris Motor Show in just a few weeks.

Upon its launch in the UK in early 2011, the Verso-S will be the shortest B-segment MPV in Europe - the car is less than four meters (157 inches) long. It's a sharp little hatch, too, looking like the lovechild of a Honda Fit and a Toyota iQ, the latter of which supplies many of the visual cues seen here on the new Verso-S.

Toyota is still keeping quiet about the full specifications, but expect the floodgates to open at the end of September closer to the little MPV's official debut. Read more in Toyota's press release, after the jump.


Gallery: Toyota Verso-S



[Source: Toyota]Continue reading Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover

Paris Preview: Toyota Verso-S gets an iQ-inspired makeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14075-paris-preview-toyota-verso-s-gets-iq-inspired-makeover.html Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotu http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14074-autoblog-podcast-193-hot-mustangs-volt-mileage-1-series-m-mazda-design-lotu.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:31:57 GMT Filed under: Aftermarket (http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/), Podcasts (http://www.autoblog.com/category/podcasts/), Etc.... Filed under: Aftermarket, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Mazda

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Sam, Alex and Dan convene for Episode #193 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the Ford Boss Mustang and Roush supercharger package, the latest Chevrolet Volt fuel economy dust-up, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Mazda's apparent new design language and the Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS. We finish it off by talking about snow tires, that most summery of topics. It's an a quick 51 minutes, See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras


In the Autoblog Garage:

Honda CRZ
Lexus RX450h

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

 Runtime: 50:59

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14074-autoblog-podcast-193-hot-mustangs-volt-mileage-1-series-m-mazda-design-lotu.html Was a Ferrari 599 Roadster present at Pebble? http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14073-ferrari-599-roadster-present-pebble.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:20:22 GMT Filed under: Convertible (http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/), Performance (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/), Misc. Auto Shows... Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari



We may have obsessively covered the cars of Pebble Beach Week out in Monterey, California, but it appears that we - and everyone else in the media - may have missed one.

If a letter sent to a Ferrari owner is to be believed (and we're not convinced it should be), the automaker held a special gathering for a select group of owners to view a 599 Roadster prototype. The letter, which you can view at Luxury4Play.com, thanks the attendees for their "first feedback" on this "upcoming limited edition product." There's no way to verify the authenticity of this letter, but if we're honest, it looks kinda-sorta legit.

Ferrari usually does a pretty good job of keeping these things under wraps, and since we didn't get to see the 599 Roadster during our time in Monterey, we wouldn't be surprised if it shows up at a future auto show (Paris, perhaps?). We'll keep our eyes peeled.

[Source: Luxury4Play via 0-60 Magazine]Was a Ferrari 599 Roadster present at Pebble? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14073-ferrari-599-roadster-present-pebble.html <![CDATA[First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE]]]> http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14072-first-image-2011-volkswagen-passat-leaks-out-update.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:08:26 GMT Filed under: Hybrid (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/), Sedan (http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/), Europe... Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen, Diesel

2011 Volkswagen Passat - Click above to enlarge

A Norwegian website claims to have snagged the first official photo of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat from one of the automaker's European retailers (they didn't, see the UPDATE below), and sources suggest we could see the restyled mid-size sedan as early as the Paris Motor Show this October.

There's still some question about what engines will be available when the new Passat arrives in Europe, but VW's ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is sure to make an appearance, while a new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 will be available in higher-spec trims, along with the normal assortment of diesel mills. A hybrid model has also been confirmed by VW, and soon after the sedan launches abroad, the wagon variant will debut, along with a possible R36 model. Expect the full details to be revealed before the end of the month.

UPDATE: Looks like the Passat pic is a rendering by the artists from Autobild.

[Source: DadBladet via WCF]First image of 2011 Volkswagen Passat leaks out? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14072-first-image-2011-volkswagen-passat-leaks-out-update.html Report: Fiat wants to sell 50,000 500s in the U.S. through 165 dealers http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14071-report-fiat-wants-sell-50-000-500s-u-s-through-165-dealers.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:08:26 GMT Filed under: Car Buying (http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/), LA Auto Show (http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/), Budget... Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is set to debut its American-spec Fiat 500 at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show with the first examples being sold near the end of 2010. During the 2011 calendar year, Chrysler hopes to sell 50,000 of the Mini Cooper fighters, including the 500 Cabrio, which goes on sale sometime in 2011.

Built in Toluca, Mexico, the 500 will be sold through a network of 165 dealers across the United States, mostly in cities that have the largest small car markets. Will Chrysler be able to move 50,000 of the new Fiats? That's mildly ambitious, since the Mini brand only moves about 50,000 Coopers annually. Still, consider our fingers crossed.


Gallery: Fiat 500



[Source: Associated Press via Google]Report: Fiat wants to sell 50,000 500s in the U.S. through 165 dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14071-report-fiat-wants-sell-50-000-500s-u-s-through-165-dealers.html GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14070-gm-releases-2011-holden-series-ii-family-australia.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:08:26 GMT Filed under: GM (http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/), Holden (http://www.autoblog.com/category/holden/), Australia... Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia


2011 Holden Series II family - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll admit it - we miss the Pontiac G8. A lot. General Motors' Americanized version of the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore met its death with the demise of Pontiac last year, and of all the GM products that we've lost in the past twelve months, the G8 is the one we'd immediately rebirth if we could (especially the GXP). Holden, however, is still alive and well in its native Australia, and the automaker has just released its Series II family, which offers up a host of small changes to nearly the full line of products.

There isn't anything drastically different about the Series II versions of the Commodore, Calais, Caprice, Berlina or Omega - just the typical new model year additions. Most notably, the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines are now capable of running on bio-ethanol fuel, and slight improvements to fuel economy have been made across the range. In addition, small visual tweaks have been made to the fascias of all models and new paint colors have been added.

A similar story can be told about these cars' interiors - minute tweaks to fit and finish have been made, though the big news is the addition of GM's new Holden-iQ infotainment system, available on all Series II models. Holden-iQ incorporates audio, Bluetooth and navigation functions into one 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, as well as a back-up camera (not available on the Ute).

For the full list of changes, browse through Holden's press release, available after the jump, and see the full 2011 Series II range for yourself in the high-res image gallery below. Hat tip to Neil!


Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family



[Source: General Motors]Continue reading GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia

GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14070-gm-releases-2011-holden-series-ii-family-australia.html LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14069-la-auto-show-preview-infiniti-launch-2012-m35-hybrid.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:23:28 GMT Filed under: LA Auto Show (http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/), Hybrid (http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/), Sedan... Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Infiniti

2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has officially announced plans to debut its first hybrid sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The M35 hybrid first appeared - badged as the Nissan Fuga hybrid - at last fall's Tokyo Motor Show, propelled by Nissan's first in-house hybrid system. The M35 is powered by a retuned Atkinson cycle version of the 3.5-liter VQ V6 paired with a 50-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack that uses the same type of cells that power the Nissan Leaf.

The motor is a disc-type unit packed between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission in a similar fashion to the systems from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Porsche. Infiniti claims the M35 will deliver V8 performance with the fuel consumption of a four cylinder. While the Fuga is set to go on sale in Japan this fall, the M35 hybrid arrives in the U.S. next year as a 2012 model.


Gallery: 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid



[Source: Nissan]LA Auto Show preview: Infiniti to launch 2012 M35 hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14069-la-auto-show-preview-infiniti-launch-2012-m35-hybrid.html Revenge of the Electric Car coming to a theater near you... sometime http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14068-revenge-electric-car-coming-theater-near-you-sometime.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 15:23:28 GMT Filed under: Ford (http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/), GM (http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/), Nissan... Filed under: Ford, GM, Nissan, Electric



Remember the documentary "Who killed the Electric Car?" Director Chris Paine created the film in 2005 and 2006 to bemoan the decision of some automakers to kill off their electric car programs. It's now five years later and Paine and company are back with a vengeance videotaping "Revenge of the Electric Car."

In the original film, General Motors was reviled for its decision to deep-six the innovative EV1 all-electric two-seat car. But thanks to the impending production of the Chevrolet Volt, GM is now considered one of the reasons that the EV is on the comeback trail. Paine and his crew were allowed access to The General's Detroit Hamtramck plant to witness - with cameras rolling - the assembly production of pre-production Volt number 100. And to think that five years ago Rick Wagner and his crew would have been more likely to lend a size 14 boot to Paine's rear end than allow him to film inside one of the company's most important plants. My how times have changed.

There is no solid timetable for the release of "Revenge of the Electric Car" right now, but the documentary will likely align very well with the release of the Volt and Nissan Leaf, which are followed by an electric Focus not long after.

[Source: Revenge of the Electric Car]Revenge of the Electric Car coming to a theater near you... sometime originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14068-revenge-electric-car-coming-theater-near-you-sometime.html Report: Muller in talks with three automakers about Saab 9-2 revival http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14066-report-muller-talks-three-automakers-about-saab-9-2-revival.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:30:52 GMT Filed under: Saab (http://www.autoblog.com/category/saab/), Spyker (http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyker/) Image:... Filed under: Saab, Spyker

Eduard Gray's Saab 92010 Sixten concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab has already talked up its hopes for entering the forthcoming 9-2 in a future installment of the World Rally Championship. But before it can, the 9-2 needs to exist. And before that can happen, Automotive News reports that Saab needs the technology and money from a partner automaker. A recent rumor surfaced that Saab was talking to BMW about building the 9-2 on the Mini chassis. At the same time, another rumor came to light that Saab was discussing using Mini engines for the next 9-3.

Now word has it that Spyker's Victor Muller is in talks with three companies about getting the help necessary to build the 9-2. Muller hasn't disclosed the companies' names, but we assume one of them is BMW. The hook is that the cost of the 9-2 wasn't included in the turnaround plan, so Saab needs its chosen partner to injects some cash as well. The model has yet to be officially confirmed, of course, so at this point, it isn't even clear that a teardrop Saab will get off the ground at all.


Gallery: Saab 92010 Sixten Concept by Eduard Gray



[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Report: Muller in talks with three automakers about Saab 9-2 revival originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14066-report-muller-talks-three-automakers-about-saab-9-2-revival.html 13-year old motorcycle racer killed during warm-up lap at Indy http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14065-13-year-old-motorcycle-racer-killed-during-warm-up-lap-indy.html Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:15:16 GMT Filed under: Motorsports (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/), Motorcycle (http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorcycles/), Racing... Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing



Tragic events unfolded at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend when Peter Lenz, 13, was killed after falling off of his motorcycle and being hit by another rider during a warm-up lap.

Ben Spies, who took second place during Sunday's MotoGP event, commented on the unfortunate events:
"I told myself before the race, I was riding my heart out for him today. I've lost a teammate in the past, my best friend. He was at an age at least he knew what he was doing; he obviously loved it. He knew how dangerous it could be."
Lenz was set to compete in a USGPRU series race, which is for riders ages 12 to 18 who would like to gain experience for higher-level competitions like MotoGP. This was the first fatality in the nine-year history of USGPRU. Our condolences go out to Lenz's family and friends.

[Source: The Indianapolis Star | Image: Facebook]13-year old motorcycle racer killed during warm-up lap at Indy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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More... ]]> General GM and Auto news jamz http://www.gmperformancetuning.com/general-gm-auto-news/14065-13-year-old-motorcycle-racer-killed-during-warm-up-lap-indy.html