Spy Shots: Lotus to upgrade Elise and Exige with V6 engine?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Lotus

A Lotus Exige-based mule has again been spotted out wearing tacked-on fender extensions facilitate significantly wider track than current versions. Sources suggest that this machine is drawing power same Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter ͢ found in new Evora due fact that this particular Exige had a very similar exhaust note an Evora that was running nearby.

We′re not so sure that stuffing the V6 into the Elise/Exige would such a positive move given the extra bulk it would add. Newer direct inject injected and boosted inline fours can easily match the output of the V6 a smaller package.

It’s also worth noting that the reported sound this mule isn’t guarantee what’s the engine bay. After all, this the company that invented active noise cancellation and capable producing almost any sound it wants car.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Lotus to upgrade Elise and Exige with V6 engine? originally appeared Autoblog Tue, 01 Jun 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kruse gets Indiana auction licenses revoked

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Government/Legal

The legendary Kruse auction house has hit yet another rough patch. The company that once broke $1 million bid barrier for a classic car has had its licenses revoked State of Indiana. It appears that revocation result of a number of complaints lodged against house over past year. Buyers have reported lengthy delays obtaining vehicles they had purchased, and some consigners had lodged complaints after not receiving payment after their vehicles were sold. According Automotive News, Dean Kruse (pictured), the company’s president, has said that the poor economy has lead to cash flow woes.

Indiana has indefinitely suspended Dean Kruse’s license, though he can petition to get it back in two years. Meanwhile, his company won’t eligible for new licenses for a total of seven years. Kruse International is facing a total of $70,000 in fines, and must now submit quarterly reports from a certified accountant detailing all payments to consigners.

None this necessarily means that Indiana-based Kruse is getting out the auction business good, though. At present, no other state has pulled the company’s license… so far.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Kruse gets Indiana auction licenses revoked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

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HRT F1 parts company with Dallara, reportedly eyes abandoned Toyota chassis

Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota, Racing

The Hispania Racing Team has had rough start this year in F1. The upstart squad has retired seven times in as many races, failing score single championship point so far. Which is still better than Virgin has fared so far – surprisingly Sauber too – that’s no way enter field. Now outfit formerly known as Campos Meta 1 has split with its chassis supplier, with reports indicating it’s already looking into another for next season… if not for remainder this one.

Rather than design its own chassis scratch, HRT opted outsource veteran constructor Dallara. But despite having managed reach the grid in time the start the season, HRT claims Dallara didn′t put in enough testing time. There’s no question that HRT needs better car, where find one on such short notice?

According to some reports, HRT is reportedly looking to acquire TF110 – car that Toyota would have fielded this year had they not withdrawn – and race that chassis instead. The pair Toyota cars is reportedly up for sale after another F1 hopeful, Stefan GP, didn’t get slot on grid subsequently defaulted on payments to Toyota. The Cologne-based facility reportedly still operation, providing services to other racing teams, could prepared to support HRT or any other team means to make go of it.

[Sources: Autosport, Axis Oversteer | Image: Guillaume Baptiste/AFP/Getty]

HRT F1 parts company Dallara, reportedly eyes abandoned Toyota chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoblogGreen for 06.01.10

	Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn is still really, really bullish Leaf electric car The EV advocate just doesn’t stop.		Study: Mass adoption EVs China will lead tremendously higher emissions But the researchers still can’t make fair comparison to gas vehicles.
	Report: Bugatti developing battery-powered 800 hp supercar – range might be minuscule Tradeoffs are reality.	Other news: Report: Elon Musk says he’s broke Auto Alliance speaks out against CARB’s possible “feebate” program MSU students win stage 2 of EcoCAR challenge 118 MPGe plug-in hybrid

AutoblogGreen 06.01.10 originally appeared Autoblog Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi designs a foosball table, redefines "fine motor skills"

Filed under: Etc., Audi, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Audi Design Foosball Table – Click above for high-res image gallery

We know what you’re thinking. I love me some foosball; only game were infused bit more… car. Well, Audi Design has answered your prayers, good friend.

The design was initially unveiled a couple years ago, only now entering production, albeit limited: Only 20 examples this soccer table are being produced specialist firm Leonhart, each carrying a heft €12,900 (~$16k) price tag.

And yes, you could probably get yourself behind the wheel nice used A4 that amount. But would that as much fun? Well, probably. But fanatic who’s already got an R8 in driveway, this very well might ultimate addition gaming room. Details – including endorsement none other than head Bavarian Table Soccer Association – in press release after jump.

Gallery: Audi Design Foosball Table

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi designs foosball table, redefines “fine motor skills”

Audi designs a foosball table, redefines “fine motor skills″ originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

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Spy Shots: New BMW 5 Series M-Sport package out and about

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, BMW

2011 BMW 5 Series M-Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

For those BMW fans who appreciate more aggressive looks automaker’s M division models either don’t have budget or don’t need their full performance capabilities, Bimmer also offers M-Sport packages that take you part way there. With new 5 Series now making its way to dealers customers Europe North America, the corresponding M-Sport pack can’t be far behind.

As with previous iterations, this prototype suggests that the new model will receive deeper front air-dam with larger intakes, side sill extensions re-contoured back bumper to accommodate the larger the tailpipes. We don’t have any interior shots but M-Sport packages typically including some trim upgrades like aluminum or carbon-fiber, along with more aggressive sport seats potentially different steering wheel.

Mechanical changes with M-Sport packages typically limited wheels and tires, brakes and perhaps some suspension bits. Both M-Sport and M5 expected debut at Paris Motor Show September.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5 Series M-Sport

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: New BMW 5 Series M-Sport package out and about originally appeared Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms use feeds.

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Report: U.S. safety bill could triple cost of automotive black boxes to $5,000

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

When word first came down that Congress was looking mandate that all new vehicles sold Event Data Recorders, we knew that added tech was going pricey. According Automotive News, if legislators have their way, new automotive black boxes will need both fire resistant waterproof. Add in significant amount recording time before after an accident, suddenly price tag per unit could soar up lofty $4,000 $5,000. Currently, EDRs track five seconds worth information just before an accident, though some legislators pushing up 75 seconds recording pre-crash. Between fire insulation added recording time, analysts believe devices will swell shoebox size, also creating new packaging issue automakers.

And who’s going shelling out cash indestructible, mammoth recorders? The short answer is automakers, though you can bet they won’t just soaking up cost out goodness their hearts. Odds that $4,000-per-box price tag will passed right along consumers such devices become law, so don’t surprised see sticker prices climb boxes become mandatory 2015.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: U.S. safety bill could triple cost automotive black boxes $5,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 May 2010 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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