Cobra GT500

DETROIT — Inside Line has confirmed with supplier sources that production of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo will cease at the end of the 2007 model year. That means the last Monte Carlo will roll off the line sometime this summer.

In recent years, the Monte Carlo has been one of General Motors’ biggest successes on the NASCAR stock-car racing circuit. But the two-door companion to the Chevrolet Impala sedan has not resonated with the buying public.

The Monte Carlo nameplate was originally introduced in 1970 to give Chevrolet a rival to the Ford Thunderbird. The Monte Carlo was produced from 1970-’88 and again from 1995-2007. The latest iteration of the front-wheel-drive coupe made its debut at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. The current model has a base 3.5-liter V6 that makes 211 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. The Monte Carlo SS is equipped with a 5.3-liter small-block V8 that makes 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

There had been speculation for months that the Monte Carlo was set to be retired from the Chevrolet lineup.

Via 5nizza

(from Lotec) Chassis and body: Manufactured from the lightest and most modern materials applied in the aerospace and automobile industries, carbon fiber composites combined with tubular steel.

The bodywork is produced from the optimum combination of carbon, Kevlar and glass fiber materials.

Engine: Mercedes 600 V 12
Position: Mid-engine
System: V-12 engine, 48 valve, double Turbo
Cylinder capacity: 5987 ccm
Bore x stroke: 98,0 x 80,2
Compression ratio: 8,5 : 1
Valves: 4 per cylinder
Turbo charging: 2 special KKK Turbo charger K 27
Intercooling: twin air - air intercooler
Lubrication: drysumplubrication
Cooling: water

Performance / horse power (variable):
0.85 bar boost: 1.000 h.p. at 6.300 r.p.m.
1.20 bar boost 1.200 h.p. at 6.300 r.p.m.
Performance / KW (variable):
0.85 bar boost: 735 Kw at 6.300 r.p.m.
1.20 bar boost: 882 Kw at 6.300 r.p.m.
Max. Torque:
0.85 bar boost: 811 lbf ft at 3400 r.p.m.
1.20 bar boost: 974 lbf ft at 3400 r.p.m.
Acceleration (km/h):
0 - 100 at 3.8 sec.
0 - 200 at 7.8 sec.

Top speed: V - Max up to 400 km/h (optional transmission)
Tachometer: up 400 km/h
Brake system front: Brembo ventilated racing disk brakes with ABS
Brake system rear: Brembo ventilated racing disk brakes with ABS
Gearbox and power transmission: 6 speed manual gearbox from CIMA, synchronized limited slip differential, transmission oil cooler
Motor-Management: LENZ Turbo-Tronic, www.lenz.de
Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension with unequal length upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks, anti-roll, bars and power steering. Racing power brake system including ABS

Tires and Rims: 3-piece Works-Rim with
9,5 x 19″ 255/40 ZR 19″ front
13 x 19″ 345/30 ZR 19″ rear

Exterior and Interior: Free choice of colours and interior finishing, Instrument panel with circular type instruments, rev. Counter, speedometer up to 400 km/h., middle console with display for several indication functions, air conditioning, velour carpeting, sport seats and three point safety belts. Tinted glass fitted as standard. Full leather upholstery optional.

Dimensions and Weight: length: 4.120 mm
width: 2.080 mm
height: 1.120 mm
ground clearance: 80 mm
curb weight: circa 1,280 kg

Via 5nizza

(from VW Press Release) Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the return of its motorsports-inspired R32 at the Chicago Auto Show. First introduced in 2004 to an enthusiastic reception, the R32 delivers the ultimate in Volkswagen sports performance with dynamic handling and refined road manners.

The R32’s power comes from a 3.2 L naturally aspirated 15-degree narrow angle V6 engine. With 250 horsepower and 236 ft. lbs. of torque, the R32 is all muscle. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system transfers at least 75 percent of available torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen’s acclaimed DSG® transmission allows for seamless gear changes and accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 6.4 seconds.

With a fully independent multi-link rear suspension that sits wider and lower than its GTI sibling, the R32 flaunts its authority both inside and out. Twin chrome exhausts, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, a uniquely shaped front grille and R32 badging distinguish this car from anything else on the road. A rear roof spoiler and deep front spoiler, coupled with body-colored bumpers, side bump strips, door handles and door mirrors, add to the streamlined, sporty look.

The R32 boasts a long list of safety features, including Electronic Stabilization Program that reacts to critical driving situations in milliseconds by controlling the speed of individual wheels; and a confidence-inspiring Anti-Lock Braking System that helps to prevent wheels from locking under heavy braking. Brake Assist boosts brake pressure in emergency braking situations and the state-of-the-art Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s brakes based on road and driving conditions.

Inside, the R32 takes it cues from racing with aluminum-look foot pedals and deep front sports seats. Features such as automatic climate control (Climatronic™), ten-speaker premium CD stereo system, rain sensing wipers, automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control and trip computer are standard luxuries that complement this performance-driven champ.

Via 5nizza

STUTTGART — Silver equals sporty in the new sports package for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The German automaker rolled out the new package on Wednesday with a price tag of $3,925.

The package is designed for SL350 and SL500 models with black leather cabin trim only. That provides the best palette to show off the silver-colored contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel, dashboard, center console and other parts of the cabin. Other interior treatments include a roof liner trimmed in black fabric, “new look” aluminum trim and perforated leather on the steering wheel.

The chief technical highlight of the new sports package is a 7G-Tronic Sport seven-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles. Mercedes-Benz said the 7G-Tronic Sport is “capable of shortening gearshift times by as much as 30 percent.” A new sports air cleaner helps to produce a “richer sporty sound in the SL350,” the company said.

The sports package includes new 19-inch wheels with a new five-twin-spokes design, silver front brake calipers and dark-tinted taillights.

Via 5nizza

Jaguar’s XJ has gone the way of so many executives staring down the barrel of a mid-life crisis and turned all sporty.

The most noticeable change is the new front bumper, which juts proudly and squarely from below the grill, like a well-manicured goatee.

There’s also some wire mesh for the grille, side vents, a rear lip spoiler and some handsome new alloy wheels.

Inside, Jag has freed up a little extra rear legroom for when those tired executives want to stretch out.

In the front, the seats have been completely redesigned to give even greater comfort and all models now come with heated front seats as standard. Air cooling for the front pews is now also an option.

The revised XJ makes its entrance at next week’s Geneva motor show and is on sale straight afterwards with prices ranging from £43,540 to £60,150.

source: topgear

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TURIN, Italy — Lancia is introducing a new package for its Ypsilon supermini, signed by Momo Design, at the Geneva auto show next week. Lancia is among the trendiest of Europe’s automakers, and its Ypsilon is already particularly popular among fashion-conscious young Europeans.

Industrial-design firm Momo Design was already responsible for a special bright-orange edition of the Ypsilon in 2005, so this year’s Geneva debut is for version two of the car — this time available in black, gray, yellow and white. Titanium-effect paint will be utilized on the tailgate, roof and wing mirrors. A discreet Momo Design logo will adorn the central pillar. Inside, the upholstery will match the exterior color.

The engine lineup remains unchanged, with a 16-valve 1.3-liter diesel making 105 horsepower and a 1.4-liter, 95-hp gasoline engine.

On the standard equipment list are a CD player, perforated leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift knob, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

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GENEVA — BMW’s stand at the annual spring show here will be anchored by the new M5 Touring, a station-wagon companion to the M5 sedan.

The M5 wagon — which BMW’s press department refers to as “a sports car with roof racks” — shares the sedan’s magnificent 5.0-liter V10 which, in European trim, produces 507 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is BMW’s controversial seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), which has probably irked more enthusiasts than any other aspect of the vaunted M-series cars.

This is the first BMW wagon to offer a 10-cylinder engine, and probably the quickest BMW wagon ever, with the ability to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds. But the M5 Touring won’t kill you at the fuel pump; highway fuel economy is 22 mpg.

Of course, families who opt for this performance-oriented grocery getter will appreciate the subtle differences between the M5 and the standard 5 Series wagon: a front airdam, side sills, air intakes in the side panels and the rear airdam, plus four round exhaust pipes. In addition, the M5 Touring gets the usual upgrades to suspension, steering and brakes.

What the five-passenger wagon offers over its sedan counterpart is an ample cargo bay, with 57.8 cubic feet of storage space. An optional cargo-storage package includes dividers for the floor, folding partition panels, lashing belts in the side panels and multifunction supports.

Features include leather upholstery, dynamic stability control, air suspension, electronic damper control, variable differential lock, multifunction steering wheel, two-piece panoramic roof and BMW’s iDrive controller.

Among the options are heated rear seats, power tailgate, head-up display and navigation system.

Via 5nizza

(from Spyker Press Release) In March 2005, during the 75th International Motor Show of Geneva, Spyker officially introduced its new race car, the Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R. This race car is the race version of the production car Spyker C8 Spyder and is entirely developed in-house by Spyker Squadron.

The Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R runs the Audi V8 engine used in all road cars. The race version of this engine has been developed in-house by Spyker Squadron’s technical team, headed by Peter van Erp and is mated to a Hewland six speed sequential gearbox.

The company has already won two major victories with its new race model, the Spyder GT2R. This race car obtained two podium places in 2005 by finishing second in its class in September 2005 during the LMES 1000km of Nьrburgring (LMGT class), Germany and in November 2005 during the FIA GT (GT class) race in Dubai.

Inspired by the encouraged results in 2005, Spyker has expanded its 2006 race program in 2006 by entering two factory Spyker C8 Spyder GT2Rs in 10 races including Sebring, 24-Hours of Le Mans, all Le Mans Endurance series races and some FIA GT races.

The Spyker C8 Spyder GT2R is also available to privateers. The factory provides full service to privateers throughout Europe and the United States.

As a serious and challenging participant during the LMES and FIA GT races, Spyker Squadron offers interesting opportunities to sponsors. By becoming a sponsor, the sponsor and its guests also become members of the highly select inner circle of the world’s most renowned race events such as the 24-hours of Le Mans and the 12-hours of Sebring.

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A post for kids of all ages. Everybody remembers the ubiquitous Hot Wheels orange race track pieces. Hot Wheels now has a virtual version in the game section on its web site. The game section includes variety of car-related games, all free to play without having to register (only premium version games require registration).

On a related note, the 7th Annual Hot Wheels Collectors Nationals will be held in Dearborn, Michigan on April 25, 2007. The average collector between the ages of 5 and 15 owns 41 cars. The average adult collector can own hundreds or even thousands. According to the Mattel web site, two Hot Wheels cars are sold every second of the day.

This was my best attempt at a virtual Hot Wheels track:

Original post by nospam@example.com (Todd Jensen)

I finally took the leap and got a Flickr account. I just uploaded most of the pictures we took from the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. You won’t most of these on AutomoBlog.net, the Flickr set is my personal collection, which include 160 of the pictures we took.

AutomoBlog on Flickr

I have the pics up from the Auto Show (here’s the set,) and some Pagani Zonda R pictures from the post that will be up tomorrow. I plan to add many more pictures in the future.

Be sure to subscribe to the AutomoBlog Photos Feed and add me as a Contact.

Via egon