After being teased for quite some time now, the Rimac Concept One has finally made its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Concept One is not only the proof that "supercar" and "electric" can be used in the same sentence, but it also previews a limited edition model that will arrive in 2013 in a quantity of only 88 units.
Mind blowing as it is to comprehend, Rimac is promising an output that’s unheard of for an electric sports car. Concept One uses a unique powertrain which is divided into four sub-systems, each consisting of one motor, inverter and reduction gearbox. With a total output of 1,088 HP and 2,802 lb/ft of torque, the Concept One will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.8 seconds and comes with an electronically limited top speed of 189 mph.
The Concept One is the work of some of the most famous designers around the world. The carbon-fiber body is designed by Adriano Mudri, while the interior is designed by a team of former Pininfarina employees, led by Mr. Goran Popović.
UPDATE 04/20/12: The Rimac Concept One has been on display at the 2012 Top Marques Monaco, which was the perfect opportunity for the company to unveil new images of the supercar. Check them out in the picture gallery!
UPDATE 05/07/12: Rimac has unveiled a cool teaser video for their Concept One supercar that will be produced in a limited run of only 88 units. Watch the video and see if this car is really worth the €740,000 ($980,000 at the current rates) price tag associated with it.
Hit the jump to read more on the Rimac Concept One.
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After a very long wait, Ford has finally unveiled the production version of the dramatic new Focus ST at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and they’ve also announced that, next to the standard five-door model, Europeans will also be getting a station wagon version. The Focus ST is Ford’s first truly global performance car and Ford promises it will combine power with fuel efficiency and an impressive handling characteristic.
For the new model, Ford has tuned the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine with a redesigned intake and a new exhaust system with a unique engine calibration for a total output of 250 HP. The engine was combined with a 6-speed manual transmission which has also been specially revised for the ST.
Ford has also announced that many of the design elements seen in the Focus ST will also be used in all the future ST models. These elements include the aggressively enhanced front and rear bumpers and the addition of a rear spoiler and sideskirts, plus a unique signature color.
UPDATE 05/01/2012: All hatchback performance enthusiasts are monitoring the upcoming release of the new Ford Focus ST salivating like a pack of dogs surrounding a meaty T-bone steak. There is good reason for this excitement, as this 2.0-liter turbocharged Focus pumps out a stout 247 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, which is an astonishing 45 percent more horsepower and 83 percent more torque than the final model year of the Focus SVT (2004).
Well, the Ford Focus ST ordering books are now open and prices have been revealed. Let’s start with the base model Focus ST, which it is set at $23,700. The Ford Focus ST2 (group 201A) has a base MSRP of $26,205 minus a $120 discount and the ST3 (group 202A) has a base MSRP of $28,540 minus a $405 discount. Granted, this is all barring dealerships doing the ultimate screw-the-customer move and slapping a “Market-Based Markup” on the sticker price. Hit the jump for more pricing details!
Hit the jump to read more about the Ford Focus ST.
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As automotive journalists, we see a lot of varying racecars and racing trucks, so only a few actually make us do a double take and think “what the…” Well, the 2011 Ford “Bronco” Trophy Truck is one of those vehicles that we just cannot walk away from.
This beast was built by Marshall Madruga in honor of the classic road-racing truck, the “Big Oly.” This off-road racing version of the “Big Oly” made its debut in 2009 at the Off-Road Expo in Pomina, CA. It also made a cameo in the Bilstein booth at SEMA, in 2009 and has been in a few magazines, including DirtSports, Off Road, and Bronco Driver.
So why is this important to you? Well, the 2011 Ford Bronco Trophy Truck has just popped up for sale on Ebay. To boot, this truck is even registered as street legal in the state of California.
So how realistic is it to drive this pickup on the road? Check out the full review to see if this is a feasible mode of transportation, or just eye candy to take to the dunes every now and again.
Hit the jump to read the full review.
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The world heard the Beetle name for the first time back in 1938 and with 73 long and impressive years tucked away nicely under their belts, Volkswagen has never really strayed away from their original design. The appeal for the Beetle never really faltered because it was, in fact, a unique design, but Volkswagen has made the decision to reignite the passion for the Beetle with efficient engines and innovative features combined to obtain a ‘modern classic’ in the 2012 Beetle. The vehicle will make its first appearance in China, at the Shanghai Motor Show, and then it will be brought to the 2011 New York Auto Show. Sales on the North American market will begin this autumn, while Europe sales will start in early 2012.
The new Beetle shares its platform with the new Volkswagen Jetta and will be 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower), and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). Thanks to the new proportions, the roof is extended further, the front windscreen shifted back, and the rear section follows the contour of the original Beetle.
US customers will have the possibility to choose from three trim levels - "Beetle", "Design," and "Sport" - and three engines - one diesel and two petrol.
UPDATE 03/08/12: Just in time for Spring, Volkswagen has updated the Beetle line-up with the addition of two more engines that will make the car even more affordable. The first is a 1.2 TSI engine that delivers a total of 105 HP and the second is a 1.6 TDI engine with an output of 160 HP. The company has added a series of new images from the Spring Drive. Check them out in the picture gallery!
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Leaving the other debuts of the Chicago Auto Show in the dust is the brand-spanking new Camaro ZL1 - the most powerful Camaro ever. This beautiful beast is powered by a LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine that provides enough juice to get our hearts racing and our fingers twitching to grab the wheel.
"Camaro ZL1 is about high-tech performance and design, and is a type of car no one has ever brought to this segment previously," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "It’s the most technically advanced Camaro ever, so we’ve chosen a name from the most elite and exclusive Camaro in history."
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be distinguished by a new front fascia, hood with air extractors, and a signature center section constructed of carbon fiber rendered in satin black finish. Completing the look is a set of 20-inch wheels and exhaust tips with ZL1 badge on the grille, hood, and brake calipers.
UPDATE 02/22/12: Chevrolet has unveiled new details on the ZL1’s automatic transmission. It will be equipped with newly improved TapShift technology that allows drivers to control up- and down-shifts with paddle shifters. When equipped with the automatic gearbox, the ZL1 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds – a tenth of a second faster than the manual transmission time.
"By staging hydraulic pressure in the clutch for the next gear, the new control module algorithm reduces tap delay for the 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, and 4-5 up-shifts by 200-300 milliseconds. The system anticipates shift requests based on current gear, throttle, torque and speed. By pre-filling the clutch for the next gear, the tap up-shift response is near instantaneous."
A new video explains everything we need know about the new TapShift technology. Check it out by clicking on the picture above!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
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The Audi RS5 is headed to the US market, that much we already know, but in order to prepare it for its trip, Audi has decided to give it a little refresher. The 2012 Audi RS5 will be headed to our side of the pond with a few exterior modifications and an updated interior, but power will still come from the sports coupe’s V8 engine.
The facelift isn’t all that surprising considering the RS5’s slower brethren - the Audi A5 - received its own little modifications for the 2012 model year.
The facelifted RS5 has received several new, sharp accents to clean up its look, although at first glance, these changes may not be so obvious. The two that stand out the most are the new single-frame grille with beveled upper corners and standard xenon plus headlights with a more modern shape, framed by narrow strips of LED daytime running lights. Inside the RS5, Audi has dropped in race-style front seats.
The bells and whistles of the exterior and interior just about cover the minor facelift provided for the RS5. In terms of power, the sports coupe will be enjoying the fruits of the standard 4.2 liter V8 engine’s labor, delivering a total of 450 HP at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 317.15 lb-ft available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 4.6 seconds, while top speed can be increased to 174 mph, upon request.
UPDATE 03/15/2012: Audi has unveiled a very cool video for their latest RS5 coupe which will go on sale soon. In this 10 minute video, you will be able to watch the car from every angle and see it in action. Hit the jump for the video.
UPDATE 04/06/2012: The new Audi RS5 has been presented on the New York Auto Show floor and that gave us the opportunity to shot a few pictures for you. Check the picture gallery to find them.
Hit the jump to read more about the Audi RS5.
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Following in the Cayenne GTS’ footsteps from three years ago, the Panamera is getting introduced to its own GTS package. Porsche has unveiled the new Panamera GTS which will go on sale in February 2012. US prices will be announced at a later date.
The GTS in the car’s name stands for Gran Turismo Sport and promises the same extraordinary Porsche performance that started with the legendary 904 Carrera GTS back in 1963. The Panamera GTS uses a modified 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, the same engine used in the 4S trim model, but it now develops 30 hp and 14.75 lb.-ft. of torque more. It also has a faster-revving engine with a maximum engine speed that has been increased by 400 rpm to 7,100 rpm.
Next to more power, the GTS has also received a more aggressive design thanks to reduction of ten millimeters in ride height, a high-gloss black exterior package, upgraded brakes, and a sportier interior.
UPDATE 11/22/2011: Porsche has released the first promotional video for the new Panamera GTS unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week. Check it out!
UPDATE 02/14/2012: Porsche has unveiled today a new video for the Panamera GTS presenting Rally legend Walter Röhrl on a lap around the Ascari circuit in Spain.
Hit the jump to read more about the new Porsche Panamera GTS.
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With just one day before its official debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2013 Ford Mustang has been fully unveiled. It will be offered in four different packages: V6, GT, Boss 302, and Shelby GT500. All models will be built at the AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan with sales beginning in Spring 2012.
Changes for the 2013 MY include a more aggressive design with a more prominent grille, a new hood, and new LED signature lighting. There is also an optional GT Track Package that brings an engine cooler, an upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads, and the same Torsen differential found on the Mustang Boss 302.
Power for the 2013 Mustang will comes from a 5.0-liter V6 that delivers a total of 420 HP - a 8 HP increase over the previous 412 HP.
"The new Mustang is the perfect example of continuing to build on excellence. It takes the greatness of the 5.0-liter and V6 and pushes the refinement to the next level," said Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. "The car has been spot-on functionally and now we’re adding more features and technology to further improve the driver’s experience."
UPDATE 02/16/2012: Ford found a very interesting way to promote their latest Mustang GT model. The company has placed an advertisement page in the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition that shows a very cool Mustang and, next to it, the even hotter Dalena Henriques. If her name doesn’t sound familiar to you, it’s because the hot model doesn’t actually exist. Ford decided to have a little fun and invent a model to pair with their new Mustang. So far, it’s working. Any time someone wants to look up this "model," the only pictures they’ll find is of the Mustang. Well done, Ford!
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Ford Mustang GT.
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Jaguar made a sensational decision in producing the XKR-S Coupe and they have decided it’s time to expand the impressive line-up with the addition of a new Convertible model. The new XKR-S Convertible made its world debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show and is the most powerful and fastest open-topped GT Jaguar has ever built.
The convertible uses the same 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 engine as the coupe version. It delivers a total of 543 HP and a peak torque of 502 lbs-ft; enough power to sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on its way up to a top speed of 186 mph.
Just like the coupe version, the XKR-S Convertible received an impressive aerodynamic package that helps maintain stability in an open-topped car capable of speeds as high as 186mph. More than that, all the exterior changes make the XKR-S look more aggressive and sportier than ever.
Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director says, "There is nothing as liberating as life behind the wheel of an open-topped Jaguar and the new XKR-S Convertible takes the Jaguar GT experience to new heights."
UPDATE 02/02/2012: Jaguar has unveiled a new video showing the XKR-S Convertible as it plays in the snow somewhere in Finland. Enjoy!
More details on the 2012 Jaguar XKR-S after the jump.
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Okay, so this isn’t exactly the most surprising news of the day, but it sure ranks up there with the coolest. Audi is said to be launching a Spyder version for the R8 GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall. As with the coupe version, the Spyder will be limited to 333 units and should be priced at about $20,000 higher than the coupe, which is sold for about $196,800 in the U.S. The similarities will even extend to the number of units available in the U.S. We last heard that we were getting 90 units of the GT Coupe and we expect the same number for the Spyder version.
Under the hood, Audi will place the same 5.2 liter V10 engine that delivers a total of 560 HP and 398 lbs-ft of torque. The Spyder version will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and will be capable of a top speed of 196.97 mph. Thanks to body parts made in carbon fiber the R8 GT Spyder is 187 lbs lighter and in the same time delivers performance numbers that makes it the top-of-the-line version of the high-performance sports car.
UPDATE 11/16/11: The Audi R8 GT Spyder made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The lightweight, drop-top German supercar will be available in North America beginning next year and will be limited to just 90 units in the region. Audi is planning on building 333 units of the R8 GT Spyder so 90 models in North America is a pretty sizable chunk of the whole inventory. Interested parties should be on their toes so they can be part of the 90 people that can score the German supercar when it becomes available.
UPDATE 02/02/12: Audi of American has announced that the R8 Spyder will be priced at $210,000 plus a $1,200 delivery fee for the US market. Only 50 units will be offered on our side of the pond.
UPDATE 04/06/12: One of the only 50 R8 GT Spyder units to arrive on the US market has been presented on the NY floor and we have some pictures of it for you. Check the pictures gammery to find them.
More details on the Audi R8 GT Spyder after the jump.
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