Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Rumormill

Despite dropping all the information about its Tokyo-bound concepts, Subaru hasn’t hinted at when we’ll be seeing its version of the Toyota FT-86 coupe. Thankfully, Japan’s Holiday Auto has stepped up to the plate to throw more fuel onto the fire with a subtly modified sketch of the FT-86 and some possible powertrain information of Subaru’s first rear-wheel drive coupe.

According to the report (and a heaping helping of common sense), the Japanese rumormongers expect the STI version of the coupe to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show (after the standard model is revealed next year), complete with Subaru’s 250-hp EJ25 2.5-liter boxer. Similar to the dual-injected, 200-hp EJ20 fitted to its Toyota brethren, the engine will remain naturally aspirated, but a turbocharged version hasn’t been ruled out.

In addition to a wider track and upgraded tires, wheels and brakes, expect the STI version to don a gaping front fascia and a sizeable rear wing, similar to the camo-covered mule we saw in the latest round of spy shots. If Subaru wants to compete with the rest of the high-horsepower sports cars in the U.S. and Japan, it better get cracking, because competition is fierce, and the only way it can compete is to keep the price down and the weight in check.

[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

Rendered Speculation: Subaru’s 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By Damon Lavrinc

By rss.feedsportal.com

Powerful cars like Audi Q7 always got lots of attention from tuners. And this is the case with the facelift version of the SUV. B&B is offering a tuning package for all the three version in Q7 line-up.

For the top of the line, the 6.0V12 TDI engine B&B made an upgrade to the ECU, changed the suction pipe, airflow and air cooling system and modified the unit-injector element and got a total of 595hp and 1270Nm of torque. All that with 10,000 Euros.

For the smaller version, the 4.2 liter V8 engine you can choose from two different possibilities, depending on how full your wallet is: 375 hp and 850 Nm for 1.698 Euro, or 400 hp and 900 Nm for 4,950 Euro.

And finally the smallest model in the line-up, the 3.0 liter TDI gets three different packages: the first comes with ECU upgrade and and a slightly increase of the boost pressure of 0.15 bar to reach 280 hp and 585 Nm and is priced at 1398 euros; the second stage priced at 1.498 euros delivers 300 hp and 600 Nm while the third stage priced at 3.950 euros delivers a total output of 325 hp and a maximum torque of 640 Nm.

Next to all that you will be able to choose from 20″, 22″ and 23″ wheels for 3.998 euro and a new special air-chassis adaptation for 985 euros.

2010 Audi Q7 by B&B originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 18:00 EST.

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By Simona Alina

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Wagon, BMW

Manhart Racing BMW M3 E91 5.0 V10 SMG – Click above for a high-res image gallery

Wedging BMW’s V10 into an M3 is nothing new, but what if you want the convenience of a wagon? Manhart Racing has the answer. The German tuner has converted an E91 to look like the M3, then stuffed M5’s V10 into the engine bay complete with its seven-speed SMG. To quote Manhart Racing…”Attention all sporty, family men!”

The transformation from a standard E91 3-Series Estate to super wagon begins with the exterior, where the car gets the front fascia, front fenders, side skirts, and the powerdome hood from the M3. Manhart Racing then adds their own rear wheel arches and rear fascia that makes room for a stainless steel exhaust system sporting quad exhaust tips. Next, the 5.0-liter V10 gets stuffed into the engine bay along with the the gearbox, and a limited slip differential is mounted out back.

Manhart claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of just over 200 mph. You can buy your own turnkey version for a mere €120,000 or Manhart will gladly upgrade your current E91. Hit the jump for full details.

[Source: Manhart Racing]

Continue reading German tuner builds V10-powered BMW M3 wagon

German tuner builds V10-powered BMW M3 wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By Drew Phillips

By rss.feedsportal.com

The German tuning house Sportservice Lorinser has just revealed the first details about their appearance package for the 2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class sedan. The package includes a bold blacked out two bar grill like the unit from the smaller C63 AMG, a more aerodynamic front bumper, vented fenders and side skirts, subtle rear and roof spoiler as well as a more aggressive blacked out bumper complete with cutouts for the sport tuned quad tip exhaust.

The German design team at Sportservice Lorinser knew that by incorporating a strikingly different colored insert into the front bumper that it would emphasize the gills in the fenders as well as the intakes in lower hanging side skirts while the black center section of the rear apron serves a similar purpose complimenting the matte black trunk and roof spoilers adding to the tuned E’s attitude.

Finishing off the modified Mercedes is a set of Lorinser’s signature turbine inspired RS9 rims hiding a high performance sport tuned suspension underneath that ensures that the luxury sedan holds tight around turns and keeps the body level. After popping the 2010 E-Class’s hood, Sportservice Lorinser tweaked the 5.5 Liter V8 to produce a maximum output of 435 HP and 420 lb-ft of torque, up from the standard car’s 382 HP and 391 lb-ft of twist. Lorinser has successfully transformed the new E Class form a mid size luxury sedan into a sporty four door ready to take on the Autobahn with its speed inspired aero package and additional elbow grease deposited under the hood.

Press release after the jump.

Mercedes E-Class by Lorinser originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 19:00 EST.

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By Simona Alina, Terence Keon

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Renault, Alternative Fuel

Renault has created a new website that is dedicated to promoting its upcoming model range of battery powered cars. The site is actually about more than just the Fluence, Kangoo, Zoe and Twizzy. It also offers explanations of how Renault hopes to make these cars mainstream and affordable. It appears from the information provided that Renault plans to sell all of its EVs without a battery pack. The energy storage system will all be leased separately with payments going to a chosen energy supplier. There will be the three options for replenishing the charge.

Europeans can use their standard 220V / 10-16A outlet to charge in 6-8 hours. A standardized fast charge connector is currently being developed among multiple automakers and utilities, and it should facilitate 20-30 minute charges with a 400 V / 36 A, three-phase source. Finally, Renault appears set to implement battery swap capabilities across its full lineup for three minute battery changes. Along with the main site there, Renault has also added a video blog that thus far contains a series of videos shot at the Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the ZEV lineup. You can check out one the videos after the jump. Thanks to Shadowcast for the tip!

[Source: Renault-ZE.com]

Continue reading Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO]

Renault launches new site dedicated to its upcoming EV lineup [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By Sam Abuelsamid

Now that we have officially seen the Toyota FT-86 Concept is time to focus on the future Subaru 086A which is supposed to be revealed in just a few weeks. But besides the car we will see then, Subaru is also preparing a STI version for 2011.

The STi Version will be powered by the EJ25 2.5L engine that’s expected to produce between 240 – 250 hp and will have its design inspired by the Impreza WRX STi: wider front and rear guards to accommodate a wider track with wider wheels and tires, tuned suspension, a unique front bumper and rear trunk spoiler.

As a short reminder, the Flash Red FT-86 Concept is inspired by the Corolla based AE86 sports coupe from the 1980s. It is powered by a 2.0 Liter horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated four cylinder gasoline burning engine supplied by Subaru. In its non boosted form, the flat four make a maximum output of 150 HP.

2011 Subaru 086A STi originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 13:30 EST.

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By Simona Alina, Terence Keon

General Motors announced today that it will spend $230 million on four facilities in the Flint, Michigan area that will support the production of the new Chevy Cruze compact and the Volt extended-range EV. The biggest chunk of the money ($202 million) is being spent on the Flint South Engine plant. The line that currently builds the inline five- and six-cylinder engines used in the Chevrolet Colorado and Hummer H3 is being revamped. That line will now build the 1.4-liter Family 0 engines that will be used in the Cruze and Volt. Originally, GM had planned to construct a new factory adjacent to Flint South, but that plan was canceled last fall as the financial crisis hit the already embattled automaker.

The Flint Metal Center a few miles away is getting updates that will allow it to stamp the sheet steel body panels for the Volt. The other two facilities are designing and building the stamping dies and welding robots that will be used to produce the panels and put them together at the Detroit-Hamtramck (Volt) and Lordstown,Ohio (Cruze) factories. GM’s official press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM investing $230M in Flint area facilities to support Chevrolet Cruze, Volt

GM investing $230M in Flint area facilities to support Chevrolet Cruze, Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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By Sam Abuelsamid

The biggest news about the 2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Classic is that it comes stateside to try and show American riders how 48bhp and 54lb/ft produced by a 744cc, air-cooled V-twin engine can prove terribly enjoyable when the riding position and handling are just right. And if we take in consideration the clip-ons, upswept exhaust pipes, a bullet seat, revised suspension geometry and 40mm Marzocchi forks, which distinguish the Cafe Classic from the regular V7 model, the chances for that to happen are very real. Expect Moto Guzzi to price this at around $9,000. We’ve attached the press information after the break.

2010 Moto Guzzi V7 Cafe Classic originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 15:50 EST.

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By topspeed.com