Chrysler has issued a set of limited-edition Furious Fuschia Dodge Challengers in recognition of the muscle mogul’s 40th anniversary. The scheme will be offered in both R/T Classic and SRT8 varieties. The Fuschia doesn’t have any reason to be furious, but the Challenger certainly does–has the automaker been resenting it for the past 40 years?
It draws nearer, but still no official Prius recall in the States. According to sources, Toyota will be issuing a U.S. Prius recall within the next few days–so if you’re a Prius owner, keep your eyes out. As discussed in depth all over the Web, the Prius suffers from a momentary loss of braking when switching between regenerative and regular braking driving over bumpy road. The fix will likely involve reprogrammed software–thank you Mr. Wozniak.
If you weren’t too busy restocking the guacamole bowl yesterday, you likely watched Audi’s “Green Police” ad, which showed a green movement gone awry with people getting arrested by the green police for simple, every-day acts of non-greenery like using incandescent light bulbs. The ad had a little fun with green fever, while advertising Audi’s more eco-friendly A3 TDI engine.
Well, according to USA Today, some couldn’t take a little funny and are a bit offended by the ad, believing that it does more to make fun of the eco-movement than to advance it.
Some spy photos of two upcoming Pagani C9 supercar prototypes undergoing road testing in South Africa have surfaced on the Web. Unfortunately, the photog in question only managed to grab shots of the rear ends, but when we’re dealing with under-the-wraps supercar prototypes, we’ll take what we can get.
The two cars feature divergent back ends: one with centrally-mounted quad exhaust and a more rounded version with dual exhaust pipes.
We got a sneak preview of the new Shelby GT500 last week and today Ford made it official. The new Mustang features a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine that produces 550 hp and 510 lb-ft. The extra 10 horses over last year’s version are derived from a re-tuned exhaust. Weight savings are garnered from the aluminum-block engine (102 lbs.) and other measures like composite coating for the cylinder bores.
The new 2011 BMW X5 SUV will make its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show in April. BMW has provided a full rundown of what we can expect from the updated X5.
The updates begin with a host of turbo-only engine options. The X5 gets two petrol options: the N55–a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six worth 300 hp (xDrive35i) and a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 worth 400 hp (xDrive50i). The xDrive35d will be the only diesel option available in the States and will feature a 265 hp six-cylinder. The Europe market will get xDrive30d and xDrive40d diesel options.
According to a new report in Automotive News, GM vice chairman of global product operations Tom Stephens has said the company plans to move its truck-only Two Mode hybrid system over to rear-wheel drive cars beginning with the Cadillac ATS and then CTS.
The move will be made possible by GM’s new in-house electric motors, which are expected to be 25 percent smaller and 20 percent more powerful than current motors. Last month, GM announced plans to begin building these motors in the U.S. When that announcement was made, 2013 was given as the year that its motors will debut.
The new Two Mode hybrid system will debut on trucks first and then make its move over to Cadillacs.[via Automotive News]
Power and performance are two terms that always tickle the ears of any car lover, especially a Porsche buyer. Porsche has unveiled its new top-of-the-range Turbo S, which packs a little extra power and performance “for the customer who will only settle for the very best”. The all-wheel drive S adds 30 extra horses to the boxer six’s standard 500 and features a max torque of 516 lb-ft. Despite the boost in numbers, the Turbo S maintains the same fuel consumption as the standard Turbo. The Turbo S makes it to 62 mph in just 3.3 seconds and doesn’t hit the wall until 195 mph.
2010 Shebly GT500
We got a glimpse of the Shelby GT350 last month, and now the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang is set to become official on Monday. Details of the primed ‘Stang popped up a little early.
The new GT500 will pump 550 hp out of Ford’s 5.4-liter V8. Pairing the extra 10 horses with a svelter feel, Ford uses an aluminum engine block said to cut weight and increase handling and fuel economy. An SVT tuning package adds 19-inch forged aluminum wheels in front, 20-inch wheels in back, limited-slip rear axle, and upgraded springs and shocks.
