Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 Malibu "good" in frontal offset crash test

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Chevrolet

click above image to view a new high-res gallery of the 2008 Chevy Malibu

Results of the first crash test of the new Chevy Malibu are in and they're good. After analyzing the results of tests conducted by GM, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the car came out of the frontal offset crash with "good" in every category but one. An "acceptable" grade was given in the leg/foot right category because "Forces on the right tibia indicate that injuries to the lower leg would be possible." It's an improvement over the previous model, which got two "acceptables." We'll have to wait and see if the ratings hold up when IIHS crashes the new 'Bu in its independent test regimen.

In any case, it's a good, safe start for Chevy's new mid-size sedan and we look forward to seeing its performance in side and rear impact tests.

[Source: IIHS]

Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Chevrolet Malibu


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Toyota rethinks Prius ad, issues recall

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota


Toyota just can't seem to catch a break lately. Increasing recalls and slipping Consumer Reports ratings and now this. In a seemingly innocent commercial touting the fuel efficiency of its much-loved Prius hybrid, the company took a playful jab at Fresno, California. Basically, they made Fresno look like a place in which you would only stop if you needed gas on the way to someplace better, which didn't sit too well with folks who call Fresno home. The ad made it to Digg and then all heck broke loose. Fresno didn't think it was so funny, and California Senator Dianne Feinstein even wrote Toyota to complain. Toyota decided to recall the spot (that was only airing in the East) and issue an apology. Click over to AB Green to see what all the fuss was about.

[Source: Autoblog Green]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Subaru Impreza STI pre-orders begin November 15th

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagons/Estates, Hatchbacks, Subaru


Word came down from Subaru today that beginning this Thursday, November 15th, it'll be taking orders for its newest roadgoing rally rocket -- coinciding with its NA debut in LA. Although pricing hasn't been revealed yet, Subaru's letter to dealers confirms US-spec output at 305 HP and 290 lb.-ft. of torque. Exterior color choices include Obsidian Black Pearl, Aspen White and WR Blue Mica (natch), along with three new hues: Spark Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic and Lightning Red. The STI still gets 18-inch BBS aluminum-alloy wheels in either Silver or Gold, depending on the chosen exterior shade.

[Source: Straightline]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Quick and painless: Ford-UAW contract ratified by rank-and-file

Filed under: Ford, UAW/Unions

UPDATE: Automotive News (sub. req'd) reports that the Ford-UAW labor contract passed by a margin of nearly 4-to-1, compared to a 2-to-1 margin for GM's contract and only 56% voting in favor of Chrysler's contract.

Ford has just announced that its union-represented employees have ratified the new four-year labor contract that was reached back on Nov. 3 with the UAW. Unlike new labor contracts with General Motors and Chrysler that didn't attract overwhelming support from the UAW's rank-and-file membership, the Ford contract appears to have passed the popular vote with ease. The contract includes the increasingly popular VEBA account to take over for retiree health benefits, though Ford is contributing only 40% of the cash that will fund the account, compared to 54% for GM and 59% for Chrysler. Also like the previous two contracts, a new two-tier wage system will be employed, though only until 20% of Ford's UAW work force occupies the lower wage tier. Finally, Ford will take the money it saved on the VEBA account and reinvest it back into various manufacturing facilities to make them more flexible. Despite that, both the Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant and the Ohio Assembly Plant are being shuttered in addition to those already announced, while the automaker plans to make new product commitments to its remaining plants in the near future.

We're not sure whether UAW workers for Ford accepted the contract so readily because of its more favorable terms or the apparent futility in opposing the UAW leadership on things like labor contracts. There was a considerable amount of rank-and-file opposition to Chrysler's new labor contract, but at the end of the day it too won the popular vote thanks to the support of union leaders.

[Source: Ford]Continue reading Quick and painless: Ford-UAW contract ratified by rank-and-file

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Karma's a bitch: Car burglar flees police, nabbed by gator instead

Filed under: Etc.


Hindsight being what it is, an unidentified thief (allegedly) burglarizing cars behind the Miccosukee Resort in Dade County, Florida might have picked a different hunting ground had he known that he'd become the hunted. And we mean that in the most literal sense. You see, witnesses called the cops on the burglar while he was breaking into cars, and the boys in blue arrived on the scene and gave chase. Hoping to elude the fuzz, the suspect dove into a pond behind the resort and casino where he was greeted by a 9-foot alligator unfamiliar with the concept of Miranda rights. Unfortunately for the suspected burglar, the gator was of the aggressive and unpleasant variety, and thus, a law-breaking career came to a grisly and unexpected end. He'd have been a lot better off spending the night in the clink instead of heading into the drink. Unfortunately for the gator vigilante, Florida fish & wildlife reps saw to it that he followed his erstwhile prey into the afterlife.

Follow the jump for local news video.

[Source: AP via Breitbart]Continue reading Karma's a bitch: Car burglar flees police, nabbed by gator instead

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Hyundai RWD Coupe caught on floor of LA Auto Show

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Hyundai

click either image to view three spy shots of Hyundai's RWD coupe

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/motorsport/Hyundai_RWD_Coupe_caught_on_floor_of_LA_Auto_Show_pics'; The rear-wheel-drive Hyundai Coupe is mere hours away from being debuted at the 2007 LA Auto Show, but we're too excited to wait. These shots were taken minutes ago on the show floor, and reveals that the car Hyundai will have on hand is wearing orange and sporting styling cues not seen on the car that was spied at a marketing event last week. For instance, the wheels on the model debuting later today are different and much more attractive than those on the earlier car. This car's front end also appears to be different than the earlier marketing car, with a chin spoiler in black hanging off of what appears to be a larger lower air intake. Finally, there's also what appears to be black trim ahead of the rear wheel that could be for show, could be a faux scoop or may be a protective piece that's pulled off before the debut. Either way, we're happy to bring you these photos and sate your curiosity for a few hours before we can publish the mother load of info on Hyundai's new rear-wheel-drive coupe.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: Hyundai RWD Coupe - spy shots from LA


Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: 2009 Lincoln MKS revealed live [VIDEO]

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Lincoln

click above image to view new high-res live shots of the 2009 Lincoln MKS

With the momentum of 13 straight months of increased sales, the latest Lincoln bid to keep that trend going is the launch of the 2009 Lincoln MKS. The full-sized sedan will be initially launched with FWD, but will offer AWD as a cost option (and a turbo gas engine with direct injection), and will start at $37,985. That price, Mark Fields was sure to tell us, is $5,000 less than a Cadillac STS V6. Even fully optioned, the MKS won't touch $50,000, which puts it at $5,000 under a similarly-equipped Lexus GS350 and Acura RL. Check the 'value' box, then, will you?

Designed by Peter Horbury (ex of Volvo), the car has "jewel-like headlamps, well proportioned athleticism," stainless steel accents, and a host of other design cliches. However, it also has some novel design touches. And it's got the only 20-inch wheels as standard in its class. The overall shape of the car looks good from the side -- and it's even better if you're a fan of stainless steel accents (it is a Lincoln, after all) -- and we are terrifically happy to see a car make it from concept to showroom with a standard set of wheel-well-filling rims. The rear end genuinely interests us, with Euro-Asian cues and a raked rear window that truncates the trunk profile making us think (forgive us) Sebring Done Right.

Follow the jump for more, including video of the live reveal in LA.Continue reading LA 2007: 2009 Lincoln MKS revealed live [VIDEO]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids get a price: $50,490 - $53,775

Filed under: Car Buying, LA Auto Show, SUVs, Green, Chevrolet, GMC

click above image for a high-res gallery of the Chevy Tahoe 2-mode Hybrid

Over the past several months, General Motors has been trotting out its new full-size hybrid SUVs at every press preview and auto show telling us all about how great they are. More recently the automaker told us that the official fuel economy ratings from the EPA had come in at an impressive 21 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The one thing GM has declined to discuss, however, was how much the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid was going to cost the consumer. Until now that is. The Two-Mode hybrid Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon now have their official MSRPs, with the rear-wheel-drive Tahoe hybrid starting at $50,490. At the high end, the all-wheel-drive GMC Yukon tips the price scales at $53,775. So far we don't have an exact standard equipment list for comparison against the regular 5.3L SUVs, but a rough estimate would put one of those in the mid to upper $40,000 range, leaving a price premium of probably $3,000 to 4,000 for the hybrid power-train. Given the likely cost of the upgrade, it looks like GM is definitely not passing along the true cost of the hybrid technology to the customer. Once hybrid tax credits are factored in, the bottom line to the customer may well turn out to be almost the same, which ain't bad when you consider the fuel savings.

• Tahoe Hybrid (2WD): $50,490
• Tahoe Hybrid (4WD): $53,295
• GMC Yukon Hybrid (2WD): $50,945
• GMC Yukon Hybrid (4WD): $53,755

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid

Continue reading Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrids get a price: $50,490 - $53,775

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[DMC]

I've started merging all the Autoblog news items that only have 1 viewing, thus maybe showing that they're not that interesting, into 1 thread.. Short term fix until Max gets back and we can edit the permissions on this feed.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008 Preview: GM goes mean and green! Schizophrenia rules!

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Supercars

We briefly interrupt coverage of the LA Auto Show for a moment to bring you a preview of what General Motors has planned for the '08 Detroit Auto Show. At dinner with a group of bloggers last night, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz spilled the beans. GM is going for a full personality split in January with their fastest cars ever and some of their most environmentally friendly. The long-awaited Corvette ZR1 will finally drop alongside the new Cadillac CTS-V. On the other side of the coin, Saturn will show the next three generations of green in the shape of the Two-Mode Hybrid Vue, the plug-in version of the Two-Mode Vue and a Saturn-badged version of the Opel Flextreme that debuted at the Frankfurt show in September. Let the mind games begin!

[Source: Bob Lutz]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Aveo5 arrives in the U.S.

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Economy, Hatchbacks, Chevrolet

click above image to view high-res gallery of the Chevy Aveo5
For 2008, Chevy is adding to its small car lineup with the return of the Aveo5. Two trim levels are being offered, including a Special Value Model and LS. Key standard features include 60/40 flip-and-fold rear seats, standard dual front and side-impact air bags, and body-color rear-view mirrors and door handles. Those wanting a little more with the LS version can opt for ABS brakes, cruise control, power sunroof, remote keyless entry, a six-speaker sound system and more.

The look of the new Aveo5 is identical to the one introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show for the European market. Whereas the Euro model features your choice of a 1.2L producing 84 HP or a 1.4L producing 98 HP, the U.S. version will only be available with a 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 107 HP. The looks, however, are the same, which in our humble opinion is not a good thing. Surprisingly, many of you disagreed with us when the Euro-market Aveo5 debuted, claiming that it's not that bad. Still think so?

Hit the jump for a full Chevy's official press release and view our gallery of high-res live shots below.

[Source: GM]
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5


Continue reading LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Aveo5 arrives in the U.S.

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: 2009 Nissan Murano shows its new face

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Nissan
UPDATE: Video of live reveal and official press release added after jump

click above image to view TONS of new 2009 Nissan Murano pics

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/television/2009_Nissan_Murano_looks_like_a_Cylon'; The new front end of the 2009 Nissan Murano is now visible in all its, ummm... glory, and the new shots of the interior may have eschewed Alex's initial concerns about the chintz-factor that plagued the last generation.

While we'll avoid any Battlestar Galactica references, we will say that the new front clip is a pretty large departure for Nissan, which obviously nixed the idea of aping the redesigned G-series sedan for a clean sheet makeover of its avant garde CUV. The profile is much the same as the current Murano, but the rear benefits from new LED taillamps and the roof has a skylight hovering over the second-row passengers.

Inside, the new Murano gets a huge helping of refinement, complete with a push-button start-system, wood and aluminum trim, optional Intelligent Key, Bose audio, DVD navigation, 9.3-gig hard drive and iPod connectivity (on LE models). Buyers who haven't ticked off all the options will get a standard audio system with a six-disc changer and an auxiliary jack.

Front- and all-wheel-drive models will get power from Nissan's 265-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a CVT,with five trim levels available: S, LS and LE, the latter of which will only be available with AWD.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Murano

Continue reading LA 2007: 2009 Nissan Murano shows its new face

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R huge performance bargain at $69,850

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Supercars, Nissan
UPDATE: Video of live reveal added after jump

click above image for high-res live shots of the U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/business_finance/2009_Nissan_GT_R_will_start_at_69_850_available_next_June_in_U_S'; Not only did we finally get to see the new U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R for the first time on these shores, but we also found out how much it will cost when it goes on sale next June in the States. Starting at $69,850 or slightly more for the premium package, this 7:38 Ring lapper represents a true performance bargain. In fact, with its twin-turbo 3.8L V6 churning out a healthy 480 HP and 430 ft-lbs of torque, this AWD supercar may bump the Z06 as the best bang-for-your buck when you factor in the practicality of its design. Fans of the new GT-R are well-versed in what they get for that money and can now see the undisguised face and tail in American trim. Carlos Ghosn himself revealed the car after we were teased with a quick animated trailer in which the GT-R led a certain German Turbo around various tracks and roads, seemingly without working up a sweat. That aforementioned Ring time certainly seems to back up the performance claims. Look for the GT-R in a select group of Nissan dealers that meet specific and stringent certification standards by early summer. Pre-orders will start in January, but we suggest you buy a tent and start camping out now.

Gallery: US Spec 2009 Nissan GT-R

Continue reading LA 2007: U.S.-spec Nissan GT-R huge performance bargain at $69,850

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Audi Cabriolet Quattro Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Crossovers/CUVs, Audi

Click the image above for a gallery of the Audi Cabriolet Quattro Concept.

Despite the rumors, Audi didn't show off its X3-fighter here in LA. Instead, the quad-ringed quattro folks pulled the curtains on a drop-top version of the Cross Coupe Quattro concept it originally debuted in Shanghai. Designed by the automaker's studio in Santa Monica, CA, Audi maintains that the Cross Cabriolet Quattro concept is distinctly American in its styling, with a jacked up ride height, elongated wheelbase and retractable soft-top.

As mentioned previously, power comes courtesy of a diesel mill putting 240 HP and 369 lb.-ft. of torque through all four wheels. Audi says the Cross Coupe will make it to 60 in 7.2-seconds, and if you tap the "Drive Select" option, fuel economy is boosted by an additional ten-percent.

While both the presentation and styling of the concept left us cold, some of the interior appointments piqued our curiosity. The MMI infotainment system combines traditional GPS functionality with Google Earth, to provide a real-time rendering of the world in which it's traveling, and while wind noise is always an issue with convertibles, Audi decided the best way to facilitate conversation within the cabin was to employ an intercom system that picks up the voices of the occupants and amplifies them through the Bang & Olufsen sound system.

According to Audi, the aforementioned X3-competitor - the Q5 - will debut sometime next year, and the Cross Coupe Quattro and its drop-top sibling foretell the design direction the automaker plans to take.

Gallery: LA 2007: Audi Cross Cabriolet Quattro


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR Live Shots

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge

click above image for more live shots of the 2008 Dodge Viper ACR
Seeing the 2008 Dodge Viper ACR in person makes you wonder even more how this thing is legal to drive on public streets. The carbon fiber front spoiler and winglets have more of a visual effect up close, and the rear wing would be absolutely ridiculous if it weren't functional... but it is. The asymmetrical paint scheme back up the race car look even more, although it looks a little goofy from straight on. We've added another 18 live shots to the 2008 Viper ACR's gallery for you to closely inspect the car, as well.
Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Deja Vu with Volkswagen space up! blue

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Minivans/MPVs

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

Volkswagen didn't appear to take this year's LA auto show very seriously - its press kit appears to have been assembled by a kindergarten class on a budget. The car it unveiled here in the City of Angels was little more than a redressed version the van concept they showed in Tokyo, as well.

The space up! blue takes the up! space and adds a hydrogen-electric hybrid powerplant and a solar panel on the roof. Volkswagen says the van will go into production, in one form or another, but without the advanced powerplant. And likely without the solar roof, either. They're "Pie in the sky" as the Volkswagen board member called it. And so, we're back where we were in Tokyo (only with a cameo by former pro baller John "Spider" Salley). That being said, the car itself is a quirky take on the retro-modern theme that could prove popular with young, trendy families if VW has its way.

Click on the galleries below to check out live shots from the space up! blue's unveiling VW's original factory images. The press release has also been included after the jump. Sit down with a nice cup of tea and enjoy.

Gallery: LA 2007: VW space up! blue concept


Gallery: VW space up! blue

Continue reading LA 2007: Deja Vu with Volkswagen space up! blue

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007 VIDEO: Alan Mulally delivers keynote

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Green, Videos, Ford


A little over a year ago, Alan Mulally's time was spent managing Boeing, and here in LA just 14 months later he's the keynote speaker for at an international auto show. He's a year older, and he also knows a heck of a lot more about cars than he did when he took the helm at Ford Motor Company. In that time, Ford has begun on reversing its massive losses, a new contract with the UAW has been ratified, and new products like the MKS introduced today are on the verge of production.

Much of Mulally's keynote speech focused on the green initiatives that Ford is undertaking, and we've attached the above video clip with the meat of Ford CEO's message. Click play above to check it out.
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Toyota debuts the 2008 Sequoia

Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUVs, Toyota

click above image to see high-res gallery of the 2008 Sequoia

Toyota rolled out the 2008 Sequoia today and as expected, it is essentially a Tundra in SUV form. The Sequoia's front end and interior take design cues straight from its pickup truck brethren. The new model will also get the option of the 381 HP 5.7L V8 engine mated to a six-speed transmission. While on the surface the new Sequoia is based off of the Tundra, it is also designed with an active family lifestyle in mind. The addition of independent front and rear suspensions offer a more comfortable ride for lengthy trips along with increased handling and stability. It is also rather capable of clambering over rough terrain as was demonstrated live on stage. The rear seats and the third row are more adjustable for better storage, access and comfort, as well. Toyota also threw in more electronic gadgets to keep up with consumer demands. A JBL synthesis 14-speaker sound system is available complete with Bluetooth connectivity, MP3 player ports, XM satellite radio and a rear DVD player.

Follow the jump for the complete release from the Toyota camp. Also check out our hi-res images from the live unveiling along with Toyota's own photography in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Sequoia

Continue reading LA 2007: Toyota debuts the 2008 Sequoia

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Liveblogging Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe reveal at 5:30 PM EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Hyundai
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/motorsport/Autoblog_liveblogging_Hyundai_RWD_Coupe_reveal'; The Hyundai press conference begins at 5:30 PM EST. Come back here and keep hitting refresh to find out all about the Korean automaker's new rear-wheel-drive coupe in real-time from the floor of the 2007 LA Auto Show.


click above image for big gallery of high-res pics

5:15 PM: Sitting around at Hyundai's display listening to some generic techno. T-minus 15 minutes until the press conference begins.

5:30 PM: Joel and John from Hyundai USA are talking on stage. We're about to start!

5:32 PM: They admit enthusiastic car buffs don't usually look at Hyundai, save for a few Tiburon owners.

5:34 PM: CONFIRMED: Front-wheel-drive Tiburon replacement and rear-wheel-drive coupe are two different vehicles.

5:35 PM: Showing video of RWD test mule all covered up being thrashed on the road. Now it's being chased by a photographer on a motorcycle. We're so confused here.

5:36 PM: The sheet's pulled off. Pics are on their way, but we can tell you the vehicle is very tuner-oriented. Called the Concept Genesis Coupe. Bright orange paint and vented carbon fiber hood pop. Dropping beltline behind doors is a signature design feature, helps rear passenger see out. Carbon fiber-tipped spoiler sits out back while the front is capped by a carbon fiber fascia.

5:38 PM: Engines will be a turbo four-cylinder and the 3.8L V6 from the Genesis sedan with over 300 HP. Brembo brakes and an LSD will be offered.

5:42 PM: Hyundai reportedly used the BMW E46 M3 as a benchmark!

5:39 PM: Production version will be shown at New York Auto Show in late March.

5:48 PM: Official press release added after jump. Tons of pics will be uploaded in minutes.

6:10PM: Our entire catalogue of live shots and official shots have been added to the gallery, and we've included a more robust press release after the jump. That's it! Clearly the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe is the hottest car of the show, and for what it's worth, the thing looks even better in person.

6:28 PM: Video of live reveal added after the jump.

Gallery: Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe

Continue reading LA 2007: Liveblogging Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe reveal at 5:30 PM EST

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Vector Avtech WX-8 even worse in person, but there's hope

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Supercars

click image above for more pics of the Vector Avtech WX-8

Remember the new Vector we told you about yesterday, the one we likened to a previous gen Camaro? Believe it or not, the Vector Avtech WX-8 looks way worse in person. But don't let that turn you off. This is clearly just a prototype and although the overall shape may stay the same, there are a lot of tasty nuggets we learned about the car from stopping at its booth here in LA. First of all, the engine will be longitudinally mounted, not transverse. Secondly, besides that 7.0L V8 with its twin-turbo setup, there will also be an optional upgrade to a single whippled marine mill that should pump out somewhere north of 750 HP. If that seems too tame, you can opt for a twin-supercharged version that promises a whopping 1850 HP (!). The performance stats for that one are listed as 0-60 in 2.5, the quarter in a superbike-like 10.0, and a top speed of 275 MPH+. Well, that plus sign after the 275 can make it 300 MPH with Bonneville gearing, according to Vector. By the time this thing reaches production, we wouldn't doubt claims of 3,000 HP and 400 MPH knowing Vector. And as a slightly veiled slap at a certain super-Lambo displayed just on the other side of the wall, there is a huge photo of an F-22 Raptor behind the Vector to remind us of the inspiration and aeromotive engineering behind it. No pricing or production dates were announced though, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Vector Avtech WX-8


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