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Continue reading Hennessey’s Cadillac CTS-V ready for prime time [w/video]

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Hennessey’s Cadillac CTS-V ready for prime time [w/video]

by Drew Phillips on February 8, 2010

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Cadillac

Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V – Click above to watch the video after the jump

When we were fortunate enough to have a Cadillac CTS-V for a week to review, we said it was “one of the finest cars on the road today and one of the best vehicles ever built by General Motors.” Of course, there’s always room for improvement. At least Hennessey Performance thinks so, and they have come up with the V700 upgrade package that boosts the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 to more than 700 horsepower.

What does it take to squeeze more than 150 more horsepower out of the LSA V8? Hennessey adds a cold air induction system, an supercharger pulley, a new engine management system, long tube headers, three-inch exhaust system with high-flow cats, an upgraded intercooler, more aggressive cams, and high-flow heads.

The result? Horsepower is up to 707 at 6300 rpm, and torque is rated at 701 lb-ft. That all adds up to some impressive performance on-track, including a 0-60 mph time of just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of of 211 mph. Fortunately, Hennessey had the cameras rolling during test, and you can watch the Hennessey CTS-V tear up the drag strip in the video after the jump.

Gallery: Hennessey Cadillac CTS-V

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Hennessey’s Cadillac CTS-V ready for prime time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 gets Data Logger Visualization, imports track day video [w/VIDEO]

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Gran Turismo 5 gets Data Logger Visualization, imports track day video [w/VIDEO]

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Videos

Click above to view the video after the jump

One day we’re going to finally get our hands on Gran Turismo 5. And when we sample Polyphony Digital’s long-awaited sequel we’d be amazed (and delighted) if the game lives up to its constantly growing hype. While we still have absolutely no idea when GT5 will hit the shelves, when it does arrive it will come strong with a raft of new features gamers have been clamoring for.

Beyond damage rendering and a cornucopia of racing styles, GT5 will reportedly also come with Data Logger Visualization. DLV will enable gamers to go to a track in the real world and shoot in-car video, upload that clip to the PlayStation 3 and then compare that footage side by side against a virtual run in GT5. The folks at Polyphony Digital tested the functionality for themselves, and the resulting video after the jump is pretty impressive. Amazingly, the only difference between the live and game footage is that the real-world camera was shaky and uncrisp while the GT5 video is expectantly perfect. Very cool. Now if we can only get a copy for ourselves before Forza 4 arrives for the XBOX 360…

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Cover with Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

[Source: GranTurismo via Cold Track Days]

Gran Turismo 5 gets Data Logger Visualization, imports track day video [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.8.10

February 8, 2010

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 finally gets aluminum engine, loses 120 pounds

The all-new GT500 is here, and not only does the super snake pack more horsepower and torque, it’s gone on a much needed diet. Bow down.

Poll: What was the best Super Bowl car commercial of 2010?

Some people watch the Super Bowl for the game, others watch it for the ads. If you stepped out for a beer during one of the breaks, we’ve got the best of the best automotive spots for your perusal and a poll to determine the top ad from the game.

Porsche 911 Turbo S unveiled with 530 HP of goodness

The 997 Turbo has yet to benefit from an S variant, but that changes today with the arrival of the 204 mph 911 Turbo S.

Also of interest:

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack

Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 – Click above to watch video after the jump

You’ve no doubt read by now everything we’ve had to say about the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with its new aluminum engine. But what does it sound like? Glad you asked. We’ve got two clips of B-roll after the jump showing both the GT500 coupe and convertible out running on what appears to be a frigid Michigan afternoon (feel sorry for the guy driving the drop top). Fortunately, lots of time is spent mashing both their throttles so we can hear that new 5.4-liter supercharged aluminum engine howl. Question: Can a car look lighter? If so, the GT500 definitely does, especially at WOT as the car transfers its weight to the rear wheels with haste and boogies off. Follow the jump and twist the dial to 11 before you hit play.

[Source: Ford]

Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai HED-5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s been nearly two years since the Hyundai HED-5 concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show, but in late 2008, the Korean automaker announced that a production version of the compact crossover would arrive in 2010. And here it is.

Spied while testing in Northern Scandinavia, Hyundai’s unnamed answer to the Opel Zafira gets substantially toned down from its conceptual predecessor, although shades of Hyundai’s new “Fluidic Sculpture” design language are peering through the camo.

The hood’s squat proportions are balanced by the acres of windshield, and if there wasn’t enough glass up front, Hyundai has seen fit to add a set of small windows aft of the A-pillars. Even with the camouflage covering much of the rear hatch, it’s obvious that the mini-’ute is destined to provide plenty of cargo space, and judging by the size of the rear doors, back seat passengers won’t be wanting for legroom.

Although the original HED-5 concept was powered by a 2.2-liter diesel putting out 212 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, when Hyundai announced production plans for the crossover, it mentioned a new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine. When it eventually makes it to markets abroad, expect either the 115-hp 1.7-liter diesel from the ix35 concept or a 136-hp 2.0-liter oilburner to be available, along with a few choice gasoline powerplants. No word on U.S. availability, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the production version on the show stand in Geneva next month.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5

Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Patent drawings reveal Toyota’s next concept?

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota, Electric

It would seem that Toyota has an interesting and hitherto unknown concept vehicle up its sleeves, judging by a European patent that L’Automobile in France was somehow able to dig up. Despite our best efforts, we weren’t able to locate the actual patent filing ourselves, so you’ll have to head on back after clicking here to see the rest of the associated images.

So, what do you think? Judging by the absolutely minuscule engine compartment and Toyota’s well-earned position at the top of the hybrid vehicle food chain, it would be a reasonable assumption to conclude that this is some kind of new hybrid vehicle concept. It does seem to share some design cues with the 2007 1/X concept, though it could also be an all-electric, fuel cell or conventional design.

L’Automobile seems to think that this vehicle may wear a Lexus badge and could possibly debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but we can’t say for certain. In any case, it’s an intriguing design that shows what styling direction the Japanese giant may take with future people movers.

[Source: L'Automobile (translated)]

Patent drawings reveal Toyota’s next concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality

Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Saab, Earnings/Financials

Spyker’s deal to purchase General Motors’ ailing Saab division out of the throes of insolvency appears to be moving along quite nicely. Production of vehicles is underway, a plan is in place to launch critical new models and the European Union has approved of a European Investment Bank loan of 400 million-euros ($546 million) to Spyker.

It would seem that the road to a successful acquisition is so sure that the executive committee of Saab dealers have made an unsolicited offer of $24 million dollars to help Spyker complete the deal. Peter Hallberg, president of the association, said, “Those of us close to the business think that there’s substance to Spyker’s business plan for Saab, and that there are no great, imminent risks.”

What’s more, Spyker has just reported that it has entered into an agreement to secure a $25 million convertible loan from an investment company owned by Heerema Holding Company Inc. that’s conditional on the EIB’s aforementioned $546 million loan. Details can be found in the press release after the break.

[Source: New York Times, Spyker]

Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you?

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari

Few letters hold the same lore for Ferrari fans as G-T-O. Pontiac muscle-cars aside, the letters were first used on the iconic ’60s-era 250 GTO. The 288 GTO followed two decades later and laid the ground for the F40, the first in the modern age of Ferrari supercars. Now the name is set to come back again on an extreme version of the 599 GTB

Bridging the gap between the roadgoing 599 GTB Fiorano and the track-bound experimental 599XX – and filling the hole left by the Enzo – the 599 GTO promises epic levels of performance (and extreme exclusivity) worthy of the GTO moniker. The prospect first broke cover back in November when internal documents referred to a “599 GTO Limited Edition,” and was followed up with more speculative details – including a 700-horsepower output figure – early last month. Now an intrepid observer in Maranello with a camera handy appears to have snapped a camouflaged prototype out in the wild.

Aside from the yards of white vinyl and black tape telling you something’s up, this 599 test mule is wearing big black alloys, a blacked-out roof (like that of the 599XX, albeit sans the extra winglets), a monster rear diffuser and Prova-style factory plates. Beyond that there’s little to tell, but this is the first evidence we have beyond rumors and conjecture as to what Maranello is up to next.

[Source: alVolante.it]

Spy Shots: Ferrari 599 GTO, is that you? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings

February 8, 2010

Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle, Celebrities

It’s been a long time coming, but celebrity gossip site TMZ reports that American Chopper has finally been canceled. A spokesperson for TLC, which picked the show up after its first few years on The Discovery Channel, said, “The Teutuls will always be a part of the Discovery family and we congratulate them on a tremendously successful series run.” The final episode will air February 11 at 9:00 PM.

It wasn’t tough to see this one coming from a mile away. The hit show has seemingly been just a shell of its former self since two of the original Teutul trio have stopped speaking to their father and disappeared completely from the Orange County Choppers shop.

Recall also that Paul Teutul filed a lawsuit against Paul Teutul Jr. for over a million dollars a couple of months ago and it’s easy to see that things have been going south for quite some time. Finally, now that the crew has built customs that run on everything from gasoline to ethanol, diesel, compressed natural gas, electricity and even a hybrid, there just don’t seem to be any more alternative fuels left to conquer.

[Source: TMZ]

End of the Road: American Chopper chopped, fat lady sings originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.