Fast Car Daily

Filed under: Coupe, Performance

When we sat down with Antony Sheriff in Pebble Beach, we bombarded McLaren’s managing director with a raft of questions about the MP4-12C. Properly geeked on the Ferrari 458-fighter, we asked what else McLaren had planned in its quest to become a sort of full-line sports car purveyor.

Naturally, Sheriff remained mum, but we know based on earlier reports that three core models are in the works, with the MP4-12C out first, followed by either a F1 supercar successor or a Porsche 911 competitor.

Now word comes that McLaren is planning to release one new product each year for the next five years, and it’s likely to be a mix of MP4-12C variants and all-new models. It’s safe to assume that wealthy privateers are champing at the bit for a club-racing version of the 12C and that would mean a dedicated racer (can you say long-tail?) couldn’t be too far off.

[Source: AutoGuide]

Report: McLaren planning five new models over five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Budget, China, Europe, Chery

There were plenty of reasons to love the Austin-Healey Sprite. Besides being super affordable when they debuted, the Sprite was light and capable of out-handling high-dollar sports cars of the era, not to mention the plucky British styling that was unlike anything else on the road. That combination has helped make the Sprite Mk 1 a sought after collectible, but it hasn’t inspired anyone to come up with a recreation of the car. Until now. Feast your eyes on the Norster 600R.

This, um, unique creation isn’t actually billed as an automobile, slipping instead into the heavy quad classification in the European Union to beat pesky hang ups like crash test and emissions standards. Penned by designers in Finland and built in China, the Norster 600R uses a 580cc two-cylinder engine with a whopping 20 horsepower and 36.8 pound-feet of torque. You aren’t going to be taking the checkers at Le Mans with the Chery-sourced powerplant, especially considering the 1,150-pound unladen weight. Of course, the upswing of such a tiny engine is that the Norster can happily put along at around 50 mpg U.S.

At least there’s that.

If you’ve suffered an aneurism recently and find yourself smitten with this multinational mid-engine creation, you can hop over to the Norster site for more information. Thanks for the tip, Tomi!

[Source: Nordian Commerce]

Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Europe, Volkswagen

If you had your heart set on a Volkswagen Amarok before the company made it clear that the truck wasn’t heading to North America, prepare to have your wounds lightly salted. A company by the name of Bimobil has gone through the effort of creating a camper conversion for the handsome pickup. Instead of the drop-in style units that we’re used to seeing here in the states, the Bimobil piece actually replaces the Amarok’s bed altogether. From what we can tell, owners can easily detach the camper once they get to a suitable location in the event they have to go to town for important supplies. You know, like beer. Or a snake-bite kit.

Our Google Translator isn’t much help in discerning exactly how much Bimobil is asking for the swank digs, nor what other special features the camper boasts. Even so, we’re thinking that there are few better ways to vacation than from the back of a pickup. Besides, how awesome does this thing look? If you happen to speak German, you can head over to Bimobil’s website and dream a little dream of mobile living. Otherwise, content yourself by having a look at our gallery below.

[Source: Bimobil via German Car Blog]

Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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	Official: Volt production begins November 11 As predicted, so it is.		Epic fail? Mitsubishi i-MiEV gets it charge from diesel generator during cross-Canada tour It’s almost like EVs need to recharge now and again.
	Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012 Tough restrictions are tough for a reason.	Other news: Electric vehicle charging times will depend on both the charging station and the car VIDEO: Fully Charged takes on BBC, Mitsubishi for i-MiEV depreciation story GM trying to trademark “range anxiety” to tell you about “electric vehicle capabilities”

AutoblogGreen for 09.02.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru

We’ve read many reports lately having to do with Toyota’s FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn’t forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door – it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the “Toyobaru” to come to market in the near future.

Details are still very slim on what Subaru’s version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand’s image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that’s the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it’s also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.

Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru’s version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what’s to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 “Toyobaru” coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: By the Numbers

Luxury marques gain ground while volume brands suffer

Just like any spending spree, there are consequences. And for the second straight month, the automakers that benefited most from Cash For Clunkers have seen their sales figures fall through the floor compared to August of last year. The program officially ended August 24, 2009, and if you take a look at the chart below, the brands with inexpensive, fuel efficient rides suffered the most last month.

On the upside, luxury marques like Cadillac, Jaguar, Porsche, Infiniti and Acura were going gangbusters compared to August of 2009, which could be further proof that America’s high-rollers are either confident the recession is over or – more likely – were less affected by the downturn than us peons. No matter. When it’s bust for some, it’s boom for others, and this month’s sales figures speak for themselves.

Note: Volvo hasn’t released monthly sales figures yet, so when the Swede’s new owners at Geely get their act together and send out the numbers, we’ll update the chart.

*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 25 selling days in August 2010 versus 26 selling days in August 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.

By The Numbers – August 2010: The C4C hangover continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: FireBreather Camaro

With 600 hp and a body made for sin(ema), the Firebreather more than another Hollywood hero car.

Ferrari 458 Italia recalled over fire risk

The 458 Italia is so hot it’s on fire. Literally. And Ferrari is asking owners to come in for a fix before their prancing horse goes up in flames.

Spy Shots: Last look at 2012 Bentley Continental GT before internet reveal

With less than a week to go before it’s unveiling, our spies catch the new Continental GT prepping for its moment in the spotlight.

Also of interest:

• BBC loses court battle to block the Stig book
• Austin’s F1 track gets laid out
• How EPA’s new fuel economy label would grade current cars
• Aston Martin Cygnet could come to the States
• Jaguar sports car concept bound for Paris

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.1.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Videos, Chevrolet

“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 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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Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, Ford, UK

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover mule – click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is enjoying early success with the Fiesta here in the United States, but in Europe, where the Fiesta has been on sale for years, it’s time to start thinking about the future. Our friendly neighborhood snappers at CarPix have scored spy shots of what appears to be a high-riding Fiesta-based crossover designed to slot in below the Kuga crossover in the automaker’s European lineup.

A Fiesta crossover might sound a little odd at first take, but when it comes to production, it should be roughly the same size as a Nissan Juke or Mini Countryman. That in mind, don’t rule out the possibility of the Fiesta CUV making its way to the U.S. Expect to see a variety of powertrains offered for European customers including some EcoBoost options, and both front- and all-wheel drive configurations should be available. Check out our gallery of high-res pics before to get a closer look at the forthcoming Blue Oval tall boy.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Ford Fiesta-based crossover headed for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

UPDATE: We just got word from Nissan that the Leaf is eligible for the All Access stickers under a previous bill passed (AB 1500) earlier this year. That means if you take delivery of a Leaf today, you can be flying in the HOV lanes tomorrow.

[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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