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Jan
17th

Porsche 918 Spyder Concept

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So, you've got a million dollars. Where to spend it? Well, how about on Porsche's latest venture into supercardom: the Porsche 918 Spyder? Really, why look anywhere else at this point?

First introduced to the world back in 2010 at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, the 918 Spyder Concept has since sparked a buyer's brochure that leaked online late last year. So, it's the real deal, and we're so glad it is.

Let's start with a few highly impressive numbers: The name isn't just a coincidence. Only 918 will be produced and sold (same goes for the 911 Turbo S Edition 918 Spyder). Porsche means business when it comes to numbers, so here are a few more: The Porsche 918 Spyder will sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of over 198 mph (and 93 mph in full electric mode). And yet, it's not like another other gas-guzzling supercar you've come to know. This is a hybrid, plug-in monster capable of estimated (read: not yet finalized or fully tested) mileage numbers in the 3.1L/100km range. Yup, you read that correctly.

So, after you spend your million dollars, you'll save money at the pumps. Ironic? Slightly.

How does it do so well on performance and gas mileage? Well, the 918 Spyder is powered by a 4-cylinder V8 that pushes out over 500 hp as well as a permanently energized electric motor located on the front and rear acels which provides a total mechanical output of over 218 hp. The gas engine can work together with the electric motor, or they can perform separately.

All this power in the Porsche 918 Spyder is controlled via their fabulous PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual-clutch system that offers up blisteringly fast gear changes and a smooth, even acceleration for maximum performance behind the wheel.

Porsche 918 Spyder
Photo: Porsche

And you can achieve that maximum performance on the road or track with the help of Porsche's reknowned PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) together with the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Unlike any other “nanny” system out there, Porsche's stability systems ensure you stay precisely where you need to be: on the road, pointed in the right direction.

When it comes time to wind down and come to a stop, Porsche's got you covered there as well. Equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and calipers painted a bright acid green, you'll have the Porsche 918 Sypder's 20” front and 21” rear wheels haulted in mere seconds.

Because performance was key with the Porsche 918 Spyder, the position of the engine and the lithium-ion battery pack are low and centralized to keep the balance of the vehicle close to perfection. Positioned behind the passenger cell, the Porsche's battery can be charged while driving (the car's kinetic energy via braking and propulsion is converted back to electrical energy via a recovery mode system), or via your household socket in your garage or at the track, as it is a plug-in hybrid.

The Porsche 918 Spyder can travel in full electric mode for up to 15 miles before the gas engine kicks on.

Of course, the hybrid engine isn't the only interesting thing about the Porsche 918 Spyder -- far from it. To ensure the car was as light as possible for optimal performance and fuel numbers; the 918 Spyder's lightwight monocoque structure is fashioned from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CRP). Ideal for the best power-to-weight ratio and high-performance driving, the Spyder's two-piece roof can also be removed and the pieces stored in the luggage compartment.

No word on when the Porsche 918 Spyder will be available for purchase in Canada.
Jan
17th

Endurance: Lotus LMP2 to race in World Endurance Championship

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From press release

Lotus announces it will participate to the 2013 FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The deadline for the Championship registration ended yesterday, January 16 and the team has submitted the entry for two cars for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

WEC Lotus LMP2
Photo: Lotus

Furthermore the team confirms that the German Thomas Holzer and the American Kevin Weeda will lead the driver's line up. Both of them were competing for Lotus in the previous year and gained a lot of experience in endurance racing.

After a successful first season in FIA WEC, the team will compete in LMP2 class with two brand-new Lotus T128 in 2013. The new car will be presented to the public in the next few weeks.


Jan
17th

Rally: Sebastien Loeb still in the lead at Monte Carlo

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Sebastien Loeb (Citroen DS3) concluded the second day of the Rally Monte Carlo with more than one minute and a half ahead of Sébastien Ogier's Volkswagen Polo R WRC.

The nine-time World Rally Champion increased by 15 seconds his lead over his closest rival on Thursday. Although he opened the way and was forced to clean the road sometimes in very snowy and slippery conditions, the Frenchman was able to take two stage wins, after Ogier was quickest of the opening stage of the day.

Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R
Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R (Photo: WRI2)

Dani Sordo (Citroen DS3) now stands third in the provisional standings. However the Spaniard is under pressure from Evgeny Novikov, who had a brillant second day in his Ford Fiesta Rwith two stage wins. Novikov moved up from 6th to 4th, and is now targeting a podium finish.

Meanwhile, Mikko Hirvonen had a tough day. The No.1 Citroen driver struggled during the second day, dropping down from third to 5th in the rankings, 3m22 behind Loeb.

Jari-Matti Latvala could not do better in the second Polo WRC, and today stands in 6th position, ahead of his fellow countryman Juho Hanninen, who posted his very first WRC stage win in ESS9 in his Ford Fiesta.

Team Ford M-Sport number one driver Mads Ostberg was still struggling in this opening round of the season. The Norwegian driver was only 9th on Thursday evening, and could not match the pace of his teammates, Novikov and Hanninen.

Classification after day 2 :
1. Loeb / Elena (Citroën DS3 WRC) 3h16'29''1

2. Ogier / Ingrassia (VW Polo R WRC) +1'35''0

3. Sordo / Del Barrio (Citroën DS3 WRC) +2'38''0

4. Novikov / Minor (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +2'53''2

5. Hirvonen / Lehtinen (Citroën DS3 WRC) +3'22''7

6. Latvala / Anttila (VW Polo R WRC) +3'43''2

7. Hanninen / Tuominen (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +4'11''3
8. Bouffier / Panseri (Citroën DS3 WRC) +5'45''8
9. Ostberg / Andersson (Ford Fiesta RS WRC) +5'49''5

etc.

Jan
17th

Chrysler presents 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

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The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is coming soon to showrooms with a host of improvements, led by an all-new 8-speed automatic transmission delivering smoother shifting and improved fuel economy.

Towing capacity has been increased by 44% to 7,200 pounds, while the exterior design is even more aggressive than before, with new signature LED lighting, a brawnier front grille, and a new rear spoiler.

The interior has received a fair amount of attention, too. Consider driver-friendly technologies such as the new 8.4'' touchscreen, UConnect Access Via Mobile feature allowing customers to stream music from their smartphone, and a redesigned steering wheel with more ergonomically shaped paddle shifters.

More importantly, though, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT houses a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology that produces 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Pricing has yet to be announced.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT front view
Photo: Jeep


Jan
17th

DTM: Technical changes in the works for 2013 season

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The technical rules of the DTM will likely be slightly modified for the 2013 season.

Last October 20th, (artid 148866) Auto123.com revealed that the DTM's organisers, ITR was looking to implement technical changes to enhance the quality of the show in 2013.

Three solutions were apparently examined: the use of a DRS (Drag Reduction System), the usage of a “push-to-pass” button and the introduction of an “option” tire by supplier Hankook.

Having talked to an insider of the series, Auto123.com understands today that the DRS is very likely to be implemented this season. The rear wing of the car would be allowed to pivot at certain areas of the race tracks to reduce drag and facilitate the passing manoeuvres.

Robert Wickens, Mercedes
Robert Wickens, Mercedes. (Photo: René Fagnan)

The introduction of an option tire (softer rubber), alongside a prime (harder compound) tire is also quite likely to be introduced this year. It is not known at this moment if the rule would be similar to Formula 1, with the mandatory use of the two types of tires during a race.

The “push-to-pass” button is apparently still under consideration, but the final decision is still pending. By pressing on this button, the driver allows the engine to rev slightly higher to pass another car.

In other DTM news, several motorsport publications, including Britain's Autosport, reveal that former Renault Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica will test a Mercedes C Class DTM car at circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia, Spain next week.

Kubica's right hand and forearm were badly damaged in a horrific rally crash that happened early 2011 in Italy, putting an instant stop to his F1 career.


Jan
16th

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-01-16 22:44:46

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Automakers' attempts to boost sales and profits by broadening their U.S.product lineups could backfire, billionaire private-equity investor Wilbur Ross said Wednesday.
Jan
16th

Amid home-market turmoil, Europeans top shareholder value

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Two German automakers and two European suppliers have delivered the best shareholder return in the industry this year, despite troubling economic conditions in Europe.
Jan
16th

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-01-16 21:20:35

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GM's top U.S. executive delivered a staunch defense of electric vehicles and the Chevrolet Volt, noting that the plug-in hybrid's sales tripled in 2012.
Jan
16th

Panel: Industry can meet 54.5 mpg, but at what price?

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It's not yet clear how automakers will achieve the federally mandated 54.5 mpg fuel-economy standard in 2025, but the industry and consumers are likely -- though not guaranteed -- to adjust to the requirement.
Jan
16th

Lamborghini stops selling cars in Iran: Autoweek TV

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Also in this episode: BMW introduces the 4-series and a CEO inserts his foot into his mouth
Jan
16th

Panel: Online experience new battleground for buyers

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With brand competition so close these days on vehicle quality, cost and styling, the customer shopping experience online and in the store has become a key battleground for automakers, panelists from Google, Hyundai and TrueCar said at the Automotive...
Jan
16th

Carmakers get creative with crossovers as SUV alternative

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The 2013 Detroit auto show demonstrates an increasing diversity in crossovers, or car-based vehicles that provide the space, styling and functionality of a truck-based sport-utility vehicle without the penalty at the gas pump.
Jan
16th

Carmakers get creative with crossovers as SUV alternative

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The 2013 Detroit auto show demonstrates an increasing diversity in crossovers, or car-based vehicles that provide the space, styling and functionality of a truck-based sport-utility vehicle without the penalty at the gas pump.
Jan
16th

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-01-16 19:02:52

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Thank or blame the digital world and social media, but there's no hiding a bad dealership experience today.
Jan
16th

More production means more cooperation with suppliers

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Rising production in North America has forced automakers to collaborate more closely with their suppliers. And suppliers, in turn, are reaching outside the auto industry to get help.
Jan
16th

Welcome to Scottsdale, no lowballers: Or, how we ended up with a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron convertible

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We haven't called the local chamber of commerce to confirm it, but it seems safe to say that a significant portion of economic activity in the Phoenix-Scottsdale metropolitan is generated by private vehicle sales facilitated by Craigslist.
Jan
16th

Ford celebrates 65 years of the F-series: Pickup was launched after World War II

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On the heels of this week's reveal of the
Jan
16th

Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

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Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - Automobile Magazine
We dissect three versions of the luxury sport/utility flagship.

It's a great week when you get behind the wheel of an all-new Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. Even better when you drive three. Editor-in-chief Jean Jennings, Deputy Editor Joseph DeMatio and associate web editors Jake Holmes and Donny Nordlicht recently cycled through the GL350 BlueTec, GL450 4Matic and GL550 4Matic. Starting at $63,305, the GL350 has a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 under the hood. The $64,805 GL450 4Matic has a 362-horsepower, 4.6-liter bi-turbo V-8, and the $87,805 GL550 ups the 4.6 bi-turbo's power to 429 horses. All come with a seven-speed automatic and have a 7500-pound towing capacity.


Photo Gallery: Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Automobile Takes on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class - Automobile Magazine


Jan
16th

2012 Audi A7 – A Letter to the Thief

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2012 Audi A7 - A Letter to the Thief
2012 Audi A7 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine
Here are a few things you should know about your new car.

To whoever now has our Audi A7:


Photo Gallery: 2012 Audi A7 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Audi A7 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine


Jan
16th

Shelby Ford Focus ST unveiled

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Shelby Ford Focus ST front
News 16 Jan, 2013

A tuned Shelby Ford Focus ST has been unveiled at the Detroit show

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