2013 Corvette Stingray concept

Corvette Stingray concept, which debuted at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show and had a starring role in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, on the surface looks as though it could provide some design and powertrain influence for the next C7 Corvette. However Tom Peters, designer of both the Stingray concept as well as the new Chevy Camaro, told Jalopnik's Ray Wert "It's not the C7, but that's not to say there aren't elements here that could translate into what the C7's about." Peters took the methodology used designing the Stingray concept and applied it to both the C6 Corvette as well as the new Chevy Camaro. That's why you'll see design elements from the Stingray concept in both the C6 Corvette (like the raking in the side coveys) and the Camaro.

Taking cues from art and the exterior, GM interior designer Micah Jones built a dual-cockpit design. On the steering wheel are two spherical balls. Right side controls shared functions like entertainment, climate control and navigation. The center console screen is a dramatic and expansive display with five settings controlled by a haptic touch screen—the same five you find on the wheel—Entertainment, Air, Home (laptop mode), Nav and Race modes.
for full review about 2013 Corvette Stingray concept read to the popularmechanics.com

Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini Reventon

Lamborghini Murcielago

Lamborghini Murcielago

Lamborghini Murcielago

Lamborghini Murcielago

GM Debadges Itself, Finally

Finally, GM has come to its senses and is removing (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125115331402254991.html) that stupid little square GM badge that they started sticking on every car.  It was a silly idea (and I blogged so), because they were promoting a brand that wasn't really much of a brand, while annoying their high end customers.  If you bought a $50k Cadillac, or a Saab, or a Corvette, did you really want to be reminded that your car was built by the same corporate amoeba that builds the Aveo?

Good job Mr. Lutz!

Bill Frist Trades Down

Bill Frist said in a Larry King Live interview that he Cash-For-Clunkered a Chevrolet Suburban to get a Toyota Prius.  

He didn't have to choose Toyota, there are other excellent options. 

As an employee of an American based automotive related company, I would like to send Mr. Frist a hearty "go to hell".

For the first time ever, I find myself appreciating something about Howard Dean, who on the same program said that he was going to get a hybrid Ford Escape, because he wanted to support American manufacturers. 

This is an example of why I will always say that I am a Conservative, but not a Republican.  Because as badly as they need my vote, sometimes they just don't have a clue. 

New Leon Cupra R gets 265HP 2.0 TSI

Frankfurt Motor Show, being held from 17-27 September, will see Seat unveiling its most potent series production model to date, the new Leon Cupra R. Based on the 2009MY Leon Cupra facelift that was revealed at the Barcelona Show in April, the R replaces the standard model's 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot with a 265-horsepower direct injection 2.0 TSI.

It's not clear if the 2.0 TSI is the same engine found in the Audi S3, but Seat claims that the new four-banger features a new, high-pressure fuel pump injector to "satisfy its greater performance demands, while fully complying with strict EU5 emissions standards."S

The extra grunt allows the front-wheel drive only Leon Cupra R to slash the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint from 6.4 seconds (standard Cupra) to 6.1 seconds and top speed climbs from 247 km/h (154mph) to 250 km/h (155mph). The standing kilometer takes 25.7 seconds while Seat announces a combined fuel economy of 8.1 lt / 100km or 29mpg US / 34.9mpg UK.

Aside from the 'R' logos on the central grille and at the lower right of the hatch, the right instrument dial and the remote control key, the range-topping Leon also gets 19 inch, five double-spoke wheels shod with 235/35 tyres. The larger wheel assembly allowed Seat's engineers to upgrade the braking system with 17 inch 345 x 30 mm discs at the front and 16 inch 286 x 12 mm at the rear.

Inside the Leon Cupra R gets a pair of racing-style bucket seats in grey alcantara upholstery, LED lighting on the instrument dials, a leather multi-functional steering wheel and an aluminum pedal arrangement.

Seat is expected to reveal further details including prices and the official launch of the Leon Cupra R date closer to the Frankfurt Show.

2011 Kia Sorento at its first U.S. Plant in Georgia

2011 Kia Sorento CUV will be produced at Kia's first U.S. plant in West Point, Georgia, making it the company's first domestically built vehicle, the Korean automaker announced today. The first examples of the new Sorento that has already been unveiled in its home market are scheduled to begin rolling off the assembly line before the end of the year.

"It will be a historic milestone when the first Sorento rolls off the assembly line at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia later this year," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing, KMA. "Our first domestically built vehicle, the all-new Sorento will be built by team members who have undergone rigorous training and who have great pride in their newly learned skills."



The 2011 Kia Sorento gets seating for seven while it also features a unibody design rather than the previous model's body-on-frame setup.