Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy

Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy: "

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Military

Ferrari 599 GTO presented at Modena's Ducal Palace Military Academy - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari brought out the big guns last night for the official presentation of the new 599 GTO. A big gun in its own right, it was presented by the company's chairman Luca di Montezemolo, chief executive Amedeo Felisa and vice-chairman Pierro Ferrari, son of the legendary Enzo. Which is a good thing considering the venue: Modena's Ducal Palace military academy... the same location, incidentally, that sister company Maserati chose to unveil the Quattroporte Automatic over three years ago.



The grand gala, which also involved the participation of Ferrari factory test drivers and military cadets in front of a crowd of 500 clients, almost seems like overkill. Never mind that the fastest road car ever built by Ferrari speaks for itself, and that the supercar is set for an additional unveiling at Beijing Motor Show later this month. But the 599 GTO, according to reports, is already sold out. All 599 examples of it. Which means that, even if you've got the £300,000 asking price, the closest you're likely to get is via the video after the jump. Check it out. (It's actually dubbed over in English this time!)

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO presented at Modena's Ducal Palace Military Academy

Gallery: Ferrari 599 GTO

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy

Video: Ferrari 599 GTO already sold out before presentation at Italian military academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vin Diesel's F-Bomb 1973 Camaro for sale

Vin Diesel's F-Bomb 1973 Camaro for sale: "

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Celebrities

Fast and the Furious F-Bomb 1973 Camaro Replica - Click above for high-res image gallery

We won't ask you whether or not you want the real-life F-Bomb 1973 Camaro because, let's face it, deep down inside, we all want a 1,500 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 beast to play with. But would you lay down your hard-earned pay check on a facsimile of the car built for the latest Fast and the Furious? If so, here's your chance. One of the movie cars built just for filming and piloted by Vin Diesel himself is up for grabs.



The car is being sold by the Volo Auto Museum for a measly $39,998. We're assured that the Camaro is fully functional, and is capable of being driven on the street if your heart so desires. It's worth noting that the replica gets its power from a fairly healthy 350 V8 bolted to an automatic gearbox instead of the glorious mill Hot Rod Magazine chose for the genuine article. Originally set up for wheelie scenes and camera work, the faux F-Bomb still boasts all of the hardware for those duties.



Could you build your own F-Bomb replica for less than $40k? Maybe, but it wouldn't have a film history behind it.

Gallery: Fast and the Furious F-Bomb Camaro

[Source: Volo Auto Museum]

Vin Diesel's F-Bomb 1973 Camaro for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.15.10

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.15.10: "

Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS performs, assuming Audi AG decides to deliver

We track-test the TT RS to answer one question: Should Audi bring it to America?

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Accent caught testing near Disneyland

A funny thing happened on a recent road trip. Hyundai's new Accent pulled along side us, covered in camo, and we were all too happy to snap off some shots.

2011 Ford Explorer will debut new four-mode terrain management tech [w/video]

The all-new Explorer may be built atop a unibody platform, but Ford isn't letting it get soft with the help of some all-terrain tech.

Also of interest:

• Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG lights up its rotors at the 'Ring


• Toyota may be readying fix for Lexus GX 460 safety concerns as NHTSA begins investigation


• Competition-spec Ford Mustang to take on FIA GT3 European Championship


• Chinese-market Buick Excelle sedan caught without camo


• Beijing Preview: BMW adding all-wheel drive to Gran Turismo line

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.15.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bio-CNG Sciroccos To Run The ‘Ring

Bio-CNG Sciroccos To Run The ‘Ring: "

Volkswagen is returning to the famed Nürburgring circuit to make another run at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race with its natural gas-powered Sciroccos.

Three new Scirocco GT24-CNG racers join a field rife with alt-fuel cars, including two diesel Peugeot CRZs, and VW says its race cars feature “the most eco-conscious powertrain in the world.” In addition to running on bio natural gas as an alternative fuel, one of the factory-prepared and factory-fielded sport coupés also use new differential technology.

“The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is a highlight on the German motorsport calendar and a major technical challenge,” Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg said in a statement. “We want to tackle the challenge in front of this enthusiastic audience and again demonstrate the innovative prowess of the Volkswagen brand.”

VW swept the alt-fuel field last year, but then the two CNG-burning ‘roccos it sent were the only cars in the class. Still, one of the two Scirocco GT24-CNGs took 17th overall, which isn’t a bad showing.

The centerpiece of this year’s car is the 2-liter TSI turbocharged engine running on CNG. VW said burning the alt fuel cuts CO2 emissions by 80 percent. The fuel VW’s team will use was produced entirely from renewable materials in Germany and VW said its production is carbon neutral. VW’s engineers found another 48 ponies since last year; this year’s car produces 330 horsepower, up from last years’ 282.

“Compared with last year, the Scirocco GT24-CNG has clearly improved,” Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen said in a statement. “At the 24-hour race it will demonstrate to a large crowd that an eco-conscious bio natural gas engine and sporty performance are not opposites.”

One of the GT24-CNGs will run a trick differential. Instead of a conventional unit, it features an active electro-hydraulic differential. It combines the functional principle of a conventional locking differential with improved handling, reducing the car’s tendency to understeer — similar to traction control systems but it doesn’t limit the engine’s power output.

Photo: Volkswagen

See Also:

• Natural Gas VWs Rock the ‘Ring


• VW Launches ‘Eco-Friendly’ Natural-Gas Racing


• Peugeot Diesels To Race ‘Round the ‘Ring


• Hybrid Porsche Racer Makes the Podium


• Peek Inside Porsche’s Super Hybrids

"

Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video]

Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video]: "

Filed under: Technology, Ford, Lincoln

Ford Eco Route - Click above for high-res image gallery

MyFord Touch promises to better connect drivers to their phones and MP3 players as well as the functions that are traditionally controlled by buttons and knobs. The screen will be displayed on a 4.2-inch LCD located directly in front of the driver next to the speedometer, with a five-way switch on either side of the steering wheel that enables the driver to access information without turning his or her head or taking a hand off the steering wheel.



MyFord (and MyLincoln) Touch already sounds impressive, but Ford apparently isn't done wowing with its functionality. The Blue Oval announced today that its new touch interface will also help drivers save fuel by arming them with real-time feedback on fuel efficiency performance, helping coach drivers on how to conserve fuel. Jim Buczkowski, Ford director of Global Electrical and Electronics Systems Engineering, says in the company's press release that MyFord Touch 'provides an unprecedented level of information and interaction so drivers can make the choice to be more fuel efficient.'



Ford's newest interactive infotainment creation will accomplish this feat by providing additional fuel economy information, similar to the SmartGauge leaf display utilized in the Ford Fusion Hybrid. SmartGauge rewards efficient driving with an increasing amount of leaves and flowers, and drivers can also track their fuel economy with a graphical bar chart next to the fuel gauge display that shows mile-per-gallon averages for the past five, 10 and 30 minutes.



Ford also plans to utilize its excellent navigation system to help drivers become more efficient. MyFord Touch pairs up with the map-based navigation to provide drivers an Eco-Route that instantly utilizes both historical and real-time traffic data to map you to the most efficient route possible. Ford says that while the Eco-Route isn't necessarily the fastest route, it can help drivers consume up to 15 percent less fuel on any given trip.



MyFord Touch arrives this summer with the launch of the 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. Hit the jump to watch a video and read over Ford's MyFord Touch press release, which also lists 10 useful tips for conserving fuel.

Gallery: Ford Eco Route

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video]

Blue Oval adds fuel economy coach to MyFord Touch [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: BMW geeks out, recounts history of 5 Series

Pics Aplenty: BMW geeks out, recounts history of 5 Series: "

Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Luxury

History of the BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the last 28 years, there have been five generations of 5 Series cars, and millions of 5 Series fans made around the world. In an effort to continue that tradition with the introduction of this latest five series, BMW has recapped the gripping story so far of a car that has come to define and then redefine the phrase 'sports sedan.'



Follow the jump for the tale, and wait until you get to the part about the precisely defined deformation zones in 1988 - you simply will not be able to turn away. Well, unless you're checking out the high-res gallery of photos below...

Gallery: Five generations of the BMW 5

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: BMW geeks out, recounts history of 5 Series

Pics Aplenty: BMW geeks out, recounts history of 5 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker

2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker: "

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 L - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi is pulling out its biggest gun yet for the Beijing Motor Show, and while the big news for the A8 L might be the 6.3-liter W12 and the sedan's longer wheelbase, it's the rear seat accommodations that have us frothing at the mouth.



Seriously, just look at it.



With an overall length of nearly 17 and a half feet, the A8 L is almost a half-foot longer than its standard sibling, with a wheelbase of 10.24 feet. Those extra inches are put to good effect, with an interior that's enough to make a Maybach look downright spartan.







Open the lengthened rear doors and occupants are greeted by acres of leather, a full-length center console and two power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats that not only move fore and aft, but include adjustments for cushion depth, lumbar support and seat back angle. Ten remote-controlled air-bladders massage your cares away, and if the front passenger seat - with its power-adjustable folding ottoman - cramps your style, you can move it forward with the flick of a switch.



The standard four-zone automatic climate control is manipulated by no less than 25 adjustable motors, and the massive center tunnel contains everything from a folding table to a refrigerator. It's all first-class, from the ambient lighting to the Valonea leather, and when the time comes to put the laptop away, crank up the 1,400-watt, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and enjoy a movie on one of the two 10.2-inch LCD displays.



If you're ready to give your chauffeur a rest, take solace in the fact that the W12 puts out 500 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque through Audi's new eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The result is a remarkably quick 4.9-second run to 60 and a electrically-limited top speed of 155 mph.



The W12 will be the standard engine at launch, with a few diesel and petrol-powered engines available further down the line. We'd expect pricing for the A8 L to be revealed shortly after its official debut later this month, but in the meantime, make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8 L

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker

2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter

Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter: "

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz

Daimler 16 passenger Sprinter shuttle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Travelers across American can expect to see a new addition to the airport rental, parking and hotel shuttle fleets with the availability of a new version of the familiar Sprinter from Daimler Vans USA. The new shuttle version differs from the existing passenger van with the installation of a hinged, bus-style passenger door that can be remotely activated by the driver.



The long body, high roof van is available in four seating configurations including the familiar perimeter style of airport shuttles or a commuter version with 16 forward-facing seats and an aisle down the middle with two seats on one side and a single seat on the other. Naturally, the existing cargo, chassis cab and passenger Sprinters remain available.

Gallery: Daimler 16 passenger Sprinter shuttle

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter

Airport Bound: Daimler launches new 16-passenger Sprinter originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tuned Japanese car is (very) off camber

Video: Tuned Japanese car is <i>(very)</i> off camber: "

Filed under: Japan, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Japanese domestic market is home to some pretty interesting tuning styles, and we're grateful that there are plenty of cameras in The Land of the Rising Sun to catch these wonky rides in action. One such style is VIP, which mixes large, rear drive luxury vehicles with mods designed to give the vehicle more luxury, more flare and more bling. And sometimes, VIP can apparently be associated with the bizarre.



One gentleman sporting a video camera and a legitimate case of disbelief couldn't help but drop an F-bomb (Seriously, NSFW) when he witnessed one of the most off-camber vehicles the world has ever seen. Hit the jump to see the brief yet bewildering footage of four very thinly rubbered wheels trying to do the splits. We can only hope the driver was on his way to the shop to have this issue looked at.



[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tuned Japanese car is (very) off camber

Video: Tuned Japanese car is (very) off camber originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Formula One considering 1.5-liter turbo engines

Report: Formula One considering 1.5-liter turbo engines: "

Filed under: Motorsports

It's been 21 years since a turbocharger found its way onto a Formula One racer. In 1989, the FIA banned forced-induction due to the ridiculous power and speed they were generating. For better or worse, things haven't been the same since, but if a report from Pitpass is to be believed, we may see the reign of the turbo return once again.



The site is claiming that the FIA is seriously considering bringing a new turbocharged 1.5-liter engine to F1, but don't expect to see early '80s power from these machines. The four-cylinder engine is being considered for one reason alone - to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.



So we won't see over 1,000 horsepower from the 2011 grid, but to make up for the dip in grunt, Pitpass says the FIA is also considering allowing KERS to return. While we're sure the sanctioning body is keen to get the eco-minded off its back, odds are the FIA wouldn't mind spicing up the racing a bit, either. While we were promised heart-stopping action from the 2010 season, so far the racing has been much of the same. Here's hoping...



[Source: Pitpass]

Report: Formula One considering 1.5-liter turbo engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reportedly testing all of its SUV's stability control systems

Toyota reportedly testing all of its SUV's stability control systems: "

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Lexus, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Lexus GX460 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Further proof that Toyota is taking Consumer Reports' recent test and subsequent Do Not Buy rating of its Lexus GX 460 sport utility vehicle seriously is a report from AutoWeek that the Japanese giant is testing all of the stability control systems used on every single one of its SUV models.



Toyota took the decisive action of issuing a stop sale on its new Lexus GX 460 here in the United States (also in the Middle East and Russia) after CR found that it was possible to coax the big 'ute into a massive sideways slide when the throttle is lifted mid-corner, seemingly defeating the standard stability control in the process. Under certain situations, the tall, heavy vehicle could potentially roll over.



According to Toyota, none of the 5,400 or so owners here in the States have reported any issues with their GX 460's handling characteristics, but that doesn't mean the issue isn't serious. Click here to read our own explanation as to what might be prompting the errant handling woes and expect to hear plenty more on these SUV handling issues in the coming weeks and months.

Gallery: 2010 Lexus GX460

[Source: AutoWeek]

Toyota reportedly testing all of its SUV's stability control systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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