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Porsche tweaker Ruf makes an 8-cylinder 911, the mighty 542bhp RGT-8 supercar
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The Toyota FT-86 rear-drive sports car meets its Supra, Corolla and Celica family
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German tuner turns its attention to the Aston Martin DBS supercar. 542bhp, 199mph
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Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric 
Mercedes-Benz B-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery
Here in the United States, the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio starts off with the C-Class sedan. Those familiar with the alphabet may realize that there are at least two available letters before C that would theoretically allow the German automaker to offer something a bit less expensive before graduating up the ranks to the likes of the E-Class and S-Class, in all their assorted variations.
Wouldnt you know it, Mercedes has seen fit to fill those two pre-C-Class slots with A- and B-Class ranges across the Pond (okay, so Canada gets the B as well), and weve been hearing rumblings for quite some time that one of these models might make its way Stateside before too long. Those rumors gain new traction today with this report from Automotive News, which suggests that a compact car and a "small SUV" (read: crossover) may soon be in the offing in the U.S.
AN says that Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the next version of its B-Class in Europe in 2011, and thats the likely candidate for conversion to be sold here in the States. Included amongst the powertrain options will reportedly be some kind of fossil fuel alternative, perhaps either an electric version or one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
All of this news would seem to gibe with what Autoblog sources within MB have told us in recent days. While earlier reports indicated that the recently launched F 800 Style concept sedan was an indicator of the next CLS or E-Class, we now understand that the Geneva Motor Show star is actually more of a hat-tip regarding the next C-Class, a vehicle that is slated to grow slightly in order to better accommodate new models slotting in below it. Incidentally, we hear that the F-800s controversial snout is in fact a near match for the next-gen E, and that America could receive a sedan version of the rumored B-Class lineup as well.
So, when might we expect all this to go down? Depends. Says Joachim Schmidt, sales and marketing chief at MB, "The behavior of Americans depends on fuel prices. Nevertheless, we see a trend also toward fuel-efficient cars."
[Source: Automotive News - sub. reqd.]Report: Mercedes to launch B-Class-based hatchback, CUV in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show
After years of covering the worlds auto shows at Autoblog, the Geneva Motor Show never ceases to amaze. Its in Switzerland, so by nature, its neutral, and since theres no "home team" like in Detroit, Frankfurt or Paris, every automaker comes out to play. And play they did.
While this years showing wasnt nearly as impressive as the end-of-the-recession shindig we endured in Germany last September, the shear number of reveals boggles the mind and cramps the fingers. But despite six pairs of aching feet, one broken laptop, countless espresso triple-shots and braved our fair share of sharp-elbowed shooters and clueless colleges, we survived (mostly) unscathed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time in Switzerland.
After the jump weve assembled our favorite debuts from the show, but rather than creating another "Best and Worse" or "Top Picks" post, weve singled out two vehicles: One that embodies our no-cost, no-holds-barred, fantasy ride and another production-ready example that we could conceivably drive home tomorrow given our meager (or not-so-meager) means. Check out our picks after the break and let us know what your own choices are in Comments.Continue reading Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill, Electric 
Audi A1 e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this years Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 - the quirky little hatch that never came to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.
"Theres clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1," Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, its likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.
[Source: AutoWeek]Report: Audi working on successor to A2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., MISC 
TVR Sagaris - Click above for high-res image gallery
We dont hear all that much about classic British muscle/sportscar maker TVR, so heres a quick refresher on whats been going on over the last few weeks: Russian owner Nikolai Smolenski has signaled his intent to bring the overpowered brand back to the market using a classic American V8 engine of unknown origin, and well know more about that later this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Shortly after that revelation, we found out that remanufactured versions of the Tuscan, Sagaris and T350 were already available through Carmel Motorsports in Indianapolis, sans powertrain. As we told you at the time, these cars were being supplied by a company called Total Vehicle Remanufacturing... which, though that does indeed have the correct initials, is not the real TVR.
Not surprisingly, then, the "real" TVR doesnt sound all that pleased with its newly found competition. Says TVR Motors co-director James Oxley, "Wed like to make clear that this has nothing whatever to do with us, and it appears to conflict strongly with what TVR is trying to achieve in future." According to PistonHeads, "TVR intends to closely scrutinize the operation to ensure its own interests are appropriately protected." Ought to be interesting to see how this one plays out, no?
[Source: PistonHeads]TVR remanufacturer facing legal opposition? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Smart, Design/Style 
Daimler rang in the new year with an online design contest called "Style your Smart." Apparently, the idea of decorating a virtual Smart Fortwo appeals to a lot of people, since 50,000 design ideas we submitted by over 8,000 people from 100+ countries. The winner, pictured above, was submitted by Tamir Shefer from Jaffa, Israel. For his entry, Shefer will get €1,500 (about $2,000 USD) and had his car described on the contest website as:
The winner of the contest meets the philosophy of the brand perfectly and encourages the observer to open his mind. You cannot miss this car due to the artistically high level. It combines the joy of life, humanity and the spirit of the city in a modern, fresh and graphically convincing way. It is urban and human friendly at the same time and shows that cars and humans do belong together.
Not bad. Contest participants could also win cash awards for being active on the companys website, and three other designs drove off with some prize money. All told, Daimler gave out just €5000 (@ $6,800 USD) and received a lot of fan exposure for the money. Well played.
[Source: Smart]Continue reading "Style your Smart" contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas "Style your Smart" contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury 
Lexus IS C F-Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
As much as wed love to see a convertible version of the pulse-quickening Lexus IS F, it doesnt appear to be in the cards. Instead, Lexus is offering up plenty of F-Sport accessories for the IS C, including the new IS350C F-Sport Special Edition which goes on sale later this month. Only 100 of these F-tuned droptops will be produced, retailing for $58,375 (including the $875 destination charge).
Available in either Obsidian or Tungsten Pearl, the F-Sport isnt any more powerful than a standard IS350, but it includes things like new 19-inch wheels, a front and rear brake upgrade and Blistein shocks. Additionally, new lowering springs set the IS one inch lower to the ground, and a beefier sway bar is in place to aid in better overall handling. Inside, theres a leather-wrapped shift knob, embroidered floor mats and a numbered badge, all with F-Sport logos, of course.
While this is all well and good for the IS C, we cant help but think that, at over $58K, our money would be better spent on a BMW 335i or Audi S5 cabriolet. Still, Lexus buyers looking for a more sporting edge should like the F-Sport touches, and with only 100 units being made, we doubt the automaker will have any trouble moving them off of dealer lots. Hit the jump to read all of the details in the press release.
[Source: Lexus]Continue reading Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport Special Edition, priced from $58,375* Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport Special Edition, priced from $58,375* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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