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A sign of its commitment in China, Buick chose the 2008 Beijing Auto Show to unveil its Invicta concept car. This mid-sized sedan reveals the design direction for Buick’s next-generation vehicles for the United States and China, and the Invicta is expected to replace the LaCrosse later this year. The Invicta styling evolved from the well-received 2004 Velite convertible and 2007 Riviera coupe concepts, and it was designed collaboratively by GM centers in Warren, Michigan, and Shanghai, China. The name harks back to 1959, when it was first introduced in North America on a production vehicle. Invicta is Latin for “invincible.” The sleek exterior has a coupe-like profile in vogue with premium models, like the Mercedes-Benz CLS, accented with crisp lines and chrome highlights. The sheetmetal wraps tautly around the wheel arches stuffed with 20-inch wheels giving it a muscular, modern appearance. This is heightened by short overhangs and a sense of motion evoked by the wrap-around headlamps and aggressively raked windshield. The reborn Buick-signature portholes are placed on the hood, rather than on the fenders. Beneath the relatively flat hood is a turbocharged 250-horsepower four-cylinder...
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Known by car enthusiasts for its Mustang transformations and excessively gilled S7 supercar, Saleen has pulled the cover its latest potential high-performance model, the S5S Raptor. At the New York International Auto Show, Saleen revealed its brilliant, sharp-edged S5S Raptor, along with its Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang (more on that in the near future), and cover-car status with Rockstar’s latest Midnight Club video game. The S5S Raptor is the first ground-up vehicle to be conceived by the new Saleen management team. “The Raptor is just a glimpse of things to come from Saleen,” says Chief Technical Officer Chris Theodore. “Our company is unique in that we have the experience and knowledge behind some of the most exciting performance vehicles built over the past 20 years. Beyond the S7 Supercar, our team members have been involved in the Viper, Prowler, Ford GT, and the products of Chrysler SRT and Ford’s SVT performance groups. These ‘lessons learned’ are evident in the Raptor concept and we will continue to build upon them as the company evolves.” The Raptor is a two seat mid-engine super car that competes in size and style with core offerings from the most notable of Italian...
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Looking for the next big thing, Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe concept at the New York International Auto Show last week. Taking its name from the Japanese word for box, the Hako recasts the xB with a blend of Japanese aesthetic and vintage American car design. It seems that just as American youths covet all things JDM (Japanese domestic market), a rising trend in the East is to emulate classic American cars. Put it all in a blender, flick on a CAD workstation, and out comes the Hako. From the side, the chopped top and long hood the Hako looks like it escaped central casting for “Japanese Graffitti.” For now, the Hako is all about the appearance and seeking consumer feedback on whether the brand pursue a model in this direction. Presumably, it would be developed off the xB platform, sharing the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Inside, the Hako makes interesting use of video monitors, with two on the front passenger dash for mobile entertainment controlled with a large roller ball. Screens located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project images from cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars for viewing, saving, and editing. Think of it as a replay mode for a road trip...
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The 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe has made a splash online ahead of its official Wednesday unveiling, with sites like AutoBlog , AutoWeek , and Motor Trend posting press photos early. Hyundai remains tight-lipped on mechanical details, pending its scheduled press conference at the New York auto show. Having seen the Concept Genesis Coupe at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, we can say it is has a commanding presence and looks primed for aftermarket enhancement. Further, this sleek muscle car rides on a rear-drive platform shared with the upcoming luxury sedan of the same name. The Coupe will boast more than 300 horsepower from a 3.8-liter V-6 engine. It will likely be backed by an Aisin six-speed automatic transmission, with manual-shift ability. The sedan has an independent, five-link front and rear suspension, suggesting the two-model may have the same configuration. In Hyundai’s words: “When the production sports coupe arrives, it likely will be the most affordable 300+ horsepower car on the market.” Just when the American muscle car is seeing a resurgence, there is an Asian alternative. Should be interesting. Stay tuned, we’ll post full details once available. Research Hyundai...
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As the automotive world counts down to the New York auto show this week, Pontiac has released a preview of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP muscle sedan. Marking a significant gain in performance, the GXP produces Corvette-grade 402 horsepower from an 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. Preliminary performance figures from Pontiac show the GXP is capable of running 0-60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, continuing through the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds at 108 mph. The secret to the prodigious power output? This engine features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors. The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance. New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and...
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Ever flip through catalogs, browsing for a gift idea? We found one that may be better to receive than to give. Neiman Marcus Direct has an item in their spring men’s catalog that is certain to attract car enthusiasts, a special-edition 2008 Hennessey Venom 700NM. This ultimate Viper will retail for $179,500 and only seven will be produced, ensuring it becomes a legendary future collectible. John Hennessey and his merry, wrench-wielding crew at Hennessey Performance Engineering ( HPE ) have been transforming Vipers into ultimate, high-performance machines for years. Celebrated on magazine covers and in online videos , their Vipers have inspired legions of fans and set many records. The Venom 700NM isn’t quite the hairy, 1,000-horsepower beast that has enlivened recent Car and Driver , Motor Trend , and Road & Track magazines, but it will shame most any production car today and be a legend for the history books tomorrow. The 2008 Hennessey Venom 700NM features Batman-grade black paint with a 200-mph tested rear wing and Venom 700NM badges. Inside, custom details include black and red leather appointments, a numbered limited-edition dash plaque, embroidered floor mats, and matching...
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Infiniti revealed the all-new 2009 FX crossover vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show this week. An evolution of the original FX, the second-generation model adds to both the sport and luxury sides of the equation, while retaining a familiar form. Based on the Nissan FM (Front Midship) platform, the FX increases performance with a new 390-horsepower, 5.0-liter DOHC V-8. The base FX uses a V-6 engine. Infiniti hasn’t released specs for the V-6, though a 3.7-liter engine producing more than 300 horsepower is likely. Both powerplants will be paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control. All-wheel drive will be offered. The sporting character is enhanced with four-wheel independent suspension, which can be upgraded with Continuous Damping Control suspension, Rear-Active Steer, and 21-inch aluminum wheels. To balance out all this mechanical temptation, the FX also delivers a wide range of available safety technologies, including: Intelligent Brake Assist provides forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system to help keep the vehicle in its travel lane. Intelligent Cruise Control maintains a pre...
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The doors have opened at the Geneva Motor Show, and one of the more intriguing cars on display is the Volkswagen Scirocco. This is a fitting venue for the unveiling, since the original Scirocco made its world debut in Geneva 34 years ago. The fondly remembered VW classic is making its production return, at least in Europe. The coupe-like 2009 Scirocco has the same length and wheelbase as the Golf GTI. It will be offered in Europe with a range gasoline and diesel engines, including the engaging 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 197 horsepower is routed to the front wheels and commanded via a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearboxes. A range of gasoline and common-rail turob-diesel engines will be added to the range teamed with six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG gearboxes. The sporting character is enhanced with adaptive chassis control offering three driver-selected settings: comfort, normal, and sport. Noteworthy, especially at its low-20s price point, the system’s influence extends to the steering system. For example, in “sport” mode, the steering firms up to provide more feel while “comfort” mode makes the steering lighter and easier to operate at low speeds...
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At the Geneva Motor Show next month, Mini will debut its new, performance-focused sub-brand, Mini John Cooper Works. (OK, so it isn’t entirely new.) Two models will be shown in ever-icy Geneva--a JCW Cooper and a JCW Clubman--each promising maximum verve in their compact packages. Underhood, the 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is stoked to product 207 horsepower, marking an increase of 35 horses. This mini-displacement engine will be able to reach a matching torque peak during overboost state. It otherwise tops out at 192 lb.-ft. The standard six-speed manual transmission is fortified to withstand the increased power output. The combined powertrain enables the Mini JCW Cooper to boast a 0-60 mph time under 6.5 seconds, with the larger JCW Clubman trailing just 0.3 seconds behind. Three levels of suspension are available, from the sporty JCW configuration, to the firmer midlevel setup, to a lowered, track-focused arrangement. The brakes are derived from Mini Challenge race cars, with red-finished calipers emblazoned with JCW logos. The brakes are supported by an alphabet soup of safety systems, such as electronic stability control and brake assist. Inside, the cabin features a...
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The Chevrolet enthusiasts embrace the brand’s rich performance history and are drawn to special-edition models, like the current Corvette Indy 500 Pace Car replica. The latest such vehicle resurrects a classic moniker: 427. The 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06 pays homage to the big-block Stingray models of the mid-1960s whose engines match the displacement of the Z06’s 7.0L LS7 small-block V-8. Available this spring, the 2008 Corvette 427 Limited Edition Z06 will be priced at $84,195 and includes the 3LZ premium equipment package with a custom, leather-wrapped interior. A navigation system is the only option ($1,750). Only 427 will be offered in the United States and Canada, with 78 more exported outside North America. That’s a total of 505 production vehicles – the same number of horsepower produced by the LS7 engine. As with other Corvette models, customer delivery is available at the Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The 427 Limited Edition Z06 is distinguished by: Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior paint with stinger-style graphics and 427 hood badges. Exclusive chrome wheels. Body-color rear spoiler and door handles. Exclusive dark titanium custom leather-wrapped interior...
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Acura will follow up the Chicago reveal of the RL luxury sedan by unveiling the completely redesigned 2009 Acura TSX sedan at the 2008 New York International Auto Show. The new TSX is larger, more powerful, and more agile than the model it replaces. The first-generation TSX , based on the European-market Honda Accord, is a touch on the small side. It established itself as a luxury-appointed, fuel-efficient model for professionals on the move. The new TSX builds on this premise with a traditional “bigger is better” approach, growing in scale though remaining dedicated to the car’s core values. The tale of the tape shows the 2009 model has grown 2.4 inches in length and rides on a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase. The sedan has expanded three inches in width, likely providing a bit more elbow room. Underhood is a 2.4-liter, 201-horsepower in-line four-cylinder with a broader power band and more torque than the previous engine. Buyers will have a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic with Sequential SportShift. There will be no additional charge for the automatic, whose appeal is bolstered by steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Estimated fuel mileage is 20/28 mpg...
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Hyundai had a busy booth at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show , with the freshened Sonata sedan and i-Blue fuel-cell vehicle capturing much of the spotlight. However, the compact Hyundai Elantra Touring is worth a closer look. More than just a hatchback variation of the Elantra sedan, the Touring is based on a European model with a longer wheelbase and a more sporting character. Think better-equipped Mazda3 with a lower price and longer warranty... The powertrain will be shared with the sedan, meaning a 2.0-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder with decent power and fuel economy. An interesting novelty: the manual transmission is a short-shifting B&M Racing unit. The car's character comes from the handling dynamics. The front springs are 24 percent stiffer than those on the sedan, and the rear springs are 39 percent stiffer. (Of course, part of the difference addresses the additional weight and cargo capacity for the Touring.) Both front and rear stabilizer bars are also significantly firmer. In the sporting spirit, this small car has 11.8-inch front disc brakes and 10.3-inch rear discs. ABS and electronic stability control are standard, along with traction control and six air bags....
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Two core business hemispheres of Suzuki --recreational vehicles and automobiles--finally meet with the Equator pickup truck. Adapted with nominal changes from the Nissan Frontier , the Equator expands the Suzuki offerings and dove-tails nicely with its ATV, marine engine, and motorcycle offerings. Unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show , the Equator made its first appearance as a trio of mildly modified, SEMA -ized trucks. Under the graphics and paint jobs, we see the respected Frontier, ready for action. The Equator will be offered in extended and crew cab configurations, with both rear- and four-wheel drive. The base engine is a 2.5-liter, 152-horsepower I-4, and the top offering is a much more potent 4.0-liter, 261-horsepower V-6. Both engines can be matched to a five-speed automatic transmission, although only the four-cylinder is available with a manual shifter. The bed employs the Nissan rail system, making it easy to add bed accessories, or cinch down a load. Crew cab models can be had with a roof rack. The Equator features a unique front-end appearance, though the rest of the truck, from features to hardware, carries over from the Frontier. For truck buyers, the Equator offers...
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After releasing numerous teaser images, and collecting thousands of customer pre-orders, Dodge finally unveiled the production Challenger SRT8 at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show . Big muscle was on stage for the media presentation, with Paul Teutul and Paul Teutul, Jr. from Orange County Choppers surrounded by Hemi Orange, Bright Silver Metallic, and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl coupes. The Challenger SRT8 marks the return of the Dodge muscle car after a 35-year absence, giving Mopar enthusiasts a modern coupe to rival the current Ford Mustang . Dodge bursts from the garage with its top offering, a fortified SRT8 hardtop with a 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 producing 425 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. Other, less-potent variations are expected later with a 5.7-liter V-8 and 3.5-liter V-6, giving the Challenger a broad line-up akin to the related Charger sedan .) The big Hemi is teamed with a five-speed automatic transmission that allows manual gear selection. The power is put to the ground via Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires wrapped around massive 20-inch Alcoa aluminum wheels. (Three-season Goodyear F1 Supercar tires are available.) Behind each dub is a four-piston Brembo brake caliper, painted...
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Acura pulled the cover off its updated RL luxury sedan at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show , revealing a new brand design and a host of vehicle refinements. The most dramatic element of this mid-life freshening is the trapezoidal grille surround and large horizontal crossmember. This treatment represents the new face of Acura. Beyond the grille, the refinements are subtle throughout. The engine, for example, bumps from 3.5 to 3.7 liters, gaining 10 horsepower. The RL now produces 300 horsepower from the V-6 while achieving squeaky clean ULEV-2 emissions standards. This enhanced engine is fitted with a new version of the Sequential SportShift five-speed automatic transmission. The less-than-modestly named Super Handling All-Wheel Drive has been upgraded to be quicker responding and better performing, aided by a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and more aggressive wheels and tires. Inside, the 2009 RL features an updated cabin that addresses numerous detail items, such as easier-to-use front seat belts, door-mounted pull pockets, softer arm rests, redesigned vents, and easier actuation of climate control functions...
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