7/18/2012

TopSpeed Daily Update

Report: Aston Martin Thinking About Smaller Engines
BMW M6 GranCoupe
Mazda 6
Travis Pastrana and His Dodge Dart Get First Win
Jaguar XF-R
Spy Shots: 2013 Audi RS5 Convertible
Suzuki SX4
Acura could build non-hybrid NSX
Lexus IS-F Convertible
Lindsay Lohan Claims the Porsche&#39;s Brakes Failed, Porsche Finds no Faults

Report: Aston Martin Thinking About Smaller Engines

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 08:00 AM PDT

Aston Martin is not exactly your poster child for fuel economy, as every model, sans a re-badged Toyota iQ, boast either a V-8 or V-12 engine. That about puts them near the bottom of the list in average fuel economy. With new CAFE and emission standards coming about each and every year, Aston Martin needs to get up to speed with creating slightly more efficient cars.

According to a report from Autocar, Aston Martin boss, Ulrich Bez, said that Aston is "open to the concept" of using small-displacement engines under the stipulation that they do not hamper the boutique automaker’s desirability. This ultimately translates out to "as long as it is still fast."

This need for speed means that the likely replacements for the powerful V-8s and V-12s that Aston Martin uses would be 6-cylinders with some serious boost. A supercharger certainly would not give a 6-cylinder the kind of pop that Aston Martin would require, so a turbo or pair of turbos would definitely be the only route to take.

We have already seen BMW making use of forced air to pump up its in-line 6-bangers. Take the 2012 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe for example; it has a 3.0-liter engine that pumps out a healthy 300 horsepower. Of course, BMW also de-tuned it a little to avoid it conflicting with M3 sales. At full tilt, we would anticipate a boosted 3.0 to crank out upward of 400 horsepower.

That would give Aston the chance to just about match their V-8-powered cars’ current output rating while helping save a few mpg. It would obviously be a win-win situation, with the exception of the likely price hike for the increased technology.

We’ll keep an eye on this situation and update you as more information becomes available.

Report: Aston Martin Thinking About Smaller Engines originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 15:00 EST.

BMW M6 GranCoupe

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 10:00 AM PST

After unveiling the 6-Series Gran Coupe at the end of 2011, BMW has started testing the most powerful version in the series: the M6 Gran Coupe. Interested buyers will have to wait until the end of 2012 before actually laying their eyes on it, but we can assure you that it will be worth the wait.

As with any other M6 model in BMW’s line-up, the Gran Coupe will be distinguished by a more aggressive and sportier look compared to the standard model. The list of changes will include more aggressive front and rear fascias with the usual M-type elements, larger wheels, and, of course, a quad-exhaust system.

As far as power goes, the M6 Gran Coupe will be powered by the same turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine found in the M6 Coupe with about 600 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque on tap. What’s better is that BMW will be offering the M6 Gran Coupe in both coupe and convertible versions.

Updated 02/29/2012: The upcoming BMW M6 Gran Coupe has been spotted during cold weather testing in Scandinavia.

gallery: 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe

BMW M6 GranCoupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 19 January 2012 18:00 EST.

Mazda 6

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 07:00 AM PDT

Although we were able to catch a semi-glimpse of the new Mazda6 when the Mazda Takeri Concept debuted in late 2011, we all know that concepts are the jazzed up versions of production models. Luckily, our spy photographers were able to catch a mule for the new generation Mazda6 testing in winter conditions. This mule sits on the next model’s platform, but still maintains the chopped up body of the current generation Mazda 6.

Mazda has made it clear that the next generation Mazda6 will have nothing in common with the current model, with the new model being wider and longer and its exterior design modeled after the aforementioned Takeri Concept. The new Mazda 6 will be built using the company's new SkyActiv technologies, including a Skyactiv-D Clean diesel engine, a new six-speed automatic transmission, and an engine start-stop system. The next Mazda6 will also be the first Mazda equipped with regenerative braking. This system converts kinetic energy into electricity during braking and stores it in capacitors for use later in powering electrical equipment such as the air conditioning, lighting, and audio system.

The new generation Mazda6 will also feature a coupe version set to be released sometime in 2014, but expect to see the Mazda6 sedan at the 2012 Paris Auto Show.

UPDATE 07/10/2012: After already spotting the next generation Mazda6 during a few of its testing rounds, we can now bring forth the first teaser video released by Mazda for the all-new Mazda6. "The deeply sculpted face with sharp eyes gazing forward, defined by the chrome ’signature wing’, instantly conveys to onlookers that this must be Mazda’s new flagship sedan", says Akira Tamatani, Chief Designer of the new Mazda6. Check it out by clicking on the image above!

UPDATE 07/13/12: Teaser number two of the all-new Mazda6 has now been released. This time, Mazda is teasing the prominent front fender and the sculpted hood creases that looks like it was inspired from the Takeri Concept. Chief designer Akira Tamatani is back, describing the teaser with the following comment: "The angle of the A-pillar and positioning the rear-view mirror give a distinctive look to the new Mazda6 and also provide the driver with an excellent field of vision." Check it out by clicking on the image above!

UPDATE 07/17/12: The official debut of the all-new Mazda6 is getting closer and we have a new teaser video to prove it. This time, the new video reveals the rear view of the all-new sedan. "The car’s form manages to convey both a dignified tension and suppleness at the same time, and Soul Red is brilliantly vivid with a deep luster. It’s the way these two elements complement each other which produces the charm of the new Mazda6," says chief designer Akira Tamatani.

Mazda 6 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 14:00 EST.

Travis Pastrana and His Dodge Dart Get First Win

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 06:00 AM PDT

Travis Pastrana and his 2013 Dart rally car have had a run of bad luck in this year’s Global RallyCross Championship, as a series of crashes have knocked him out of just about every race. Well, Travis’ run of bad luck appears to be coming to an end, as the Dart he pilots finally won a RallyCross race.

The win came on the New Hampshire Motor Speedway last weekend and it began nearly as well as it ended. Travis pulled in a 3rd place start, giving him an advantage over the majority of the field. He took advantage of his great positioning to overcome the two cars ahead of him and pull out the checkered flag in this heat.

Thanks to that win in his heat, Pastrana got a front-row seat to start the final race and managed to secure and keep hold of 1st place through the race. Needless to say, Travis has been rather disappointed with his results so far this year, as he was quoted saying "It’s been so long, I almost forgot what it’s like to win."

Pastrana is definitely a TopSpeed favorite, thanks to his openness to hop in front of the camera and give us witty comments, awesome rally videos, or even challenge his own teammates, so to see him finally bring home a checkered flag is nice. Here’s to many more this year and we hope the worst is behind him.

Travis and his Dart tackle their next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on September 28th and 29th.

You can check out the above video to see the summary of the entire event.

gallery: 2012 Dodge Dart Global Rally Championship Rally (...)

Travis Pastrana and His Dodge Dart Get First Win originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 13:00 EST.

Jaguar XF-R

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 05:00 AM PDT

For the better part of the last decade, Jaguar has been slowly rebuilding its image, eliminating the cushy luxury car image it has had since the mid-1980s and replacing it with a more performance-based luxury image, much like it had in the 1960s. The 2012 Jaguar XF is a key example of how Jag has been rebuilding that image.

Even at the base level, it is obvious what Jaguar’s intentions were with the XF, as it not only boasts luxurious features, but also a 385-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine that sends the sedan to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds.

As we said, that is just at the base level. At the top end, you have the XFR, which is a completely different animal that really ties together luxury and performance, and wraps it all with a nice little bow.

The true test is how does this luxury performance sedan actually stack up to its competition, like the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG?

Click past the jump to read our full review and see exactly how the 2012 XFR stacks up.

Jaguar XF-R originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 12:00 EST.

Spy Shots: 2013 Audi RS5 Convertible

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 04:30 AM PDT

Today is Power Convertible Day at the Nürburgring. Earlier, we introduced spy shots of the upcoming Lexus IS-F Convertible, and now we have another set of photos, this time of the Audi RS5 Convertible during its own testing on the ’Ring.

The strange thing is that - unlike the previous prototypes caught testing - this vehicle is wearing heavy camouflage leading us to believe that there will be some minor tweaks on the exterior which Audi wants to keep a secret.

Just like the coupe version, the RS5 Convertible will be powered by a 4.2 liter V8 engine delivering a total of 450 HP at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 317.15 lb-ft available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph will be made in 4.7 - 4.8 seconds - because the convertible version will be bit heavier when compared to the coupe, but top speed will still come limited to 155 mph.

Expect to see the new Audi RS5 Convertible launched by the end of the year.

Spy Shots: 2013 Audi RS5 Convertible originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 11:30 EST.

Suzuki SX4

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 04:00 AM PDT

Launched back in 2006, the Suzuki SX4 has only been offered as a hatchback or a sedan. However, the second generation - set to arrive in 2013 - will include a new five-door SportBack version which will add a bit more sportiness to the car.

The new Sportback SX4 has been caught testing for the first time, and it seems Suzuki has decided to heavily camouflage the prototype in order to keep us from learning anything new about the upcoming model. Still, it is pretty clear that the next SX4 will be heavily influenced by the look of the Kizashi sedan, while the interior will receive a series of new technologies.

As for the engine line-up, expect to see a choice of smaller engines, with the top version receiving a 2.0 liter four-cylinder with an output of about 150 HP. Suzuki will offer both front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, plus a choice of manual or CVT transmissions.

Suzuki SX4 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 11:00 EST.

Acura could build non-hybrid NSX

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 03:00 AM PDT

The NSX Concept unveiled by Acura at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show is powered by a VTEC 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection combined with a built-in electric motor. The production version will be offered with exactly the same powertrain, but other versions may be coming out of the woodwork. In an interview with Autoguide, an individual involved in Honda's motorsports efforts announced that Acura is also taking an NSX supercar under consideration and this version could be powered by a conventional gasoline engine. Before you get too excited, know that this model may only be built for racing competitions.

The same Acura insider announced that the company is aiming for a possible competition in North America, highlighting the Grand Am series as one option. However, if the company wants to race in this competition, they will have to come equipped with a gasoline engine because hybrids are not allowed to race in the series.

Acura PR manager Gary Robinson said: "we do intend to race the new NSX… it is much too early to discuss where or what the specifications might be." Robinson did, however, rather decisively shoot down the rumor, commenting that, "You can expect that any plans we make will be consistent with the concept and purpose of the car."

gallery: 2012 Acura NSX Concept

Acura could build non-hybrid NSX originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 10:00 EST.

Lexus IS-F Convertible

Posted: 17 Jul 2012 02:00 AM PDT

Shortly after Lexus released the IS-F sedan on the market, people began talking about a possible IS-F convertible version. Unfortunately, that was back in 2009 and all of us have yet to see a convertible in action...until now. Our spy photographers have captured the IS-F Convertible during some quick laps on the famous Nürburgring.

True to coupe/convertible traits, the convertible version will borrow all of the design elements from the sedan version. It will get the same new front bumper, quad exhaust pipes set up, wider wheel arches, and wheels. The prototype also shows a huge rear wing, but we strongly hope Lexus has only placed it there for aerodynamic reasons while testing and that it doesn’t find its way into the production version.

There will also be a more powerful engine underneath the hood. Expect to see the same 5.0 liter V8 engine to deliver at least the same as in the sedan: an impressive 416 HP!

Expect to see the new Lexus IS-F launched sometime in 2013 and yes, the upcoming BMW M3 (oops M4) Convertible will have plenty of reasons to fear their place on the market!

Lexus IS-F Convertible originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 09:00 EST.

Lindsay Lohan Claims the Porsche&#39;s Brakes Failed, Porsche Finds no Faults

Posted: 16 Jul 2012 11:00 PM PDT

So there have been a few new details to emerge about Lindsay Lohan’s rented Porsche turned derby car since we last paid the story a visit, so we figured we should package it all up nice and neat, and let you know what’s up.

It all begins with Lohan driving a Porsche 911, which was rented, to the studio where her newest TV show was being filmed. In the process, she managed to position the front end of this beautiful piece of German engineering firmly under the tail end of a semi-truck. Shortly after that, we found out that the insurance company insuring the TV show she is in strictly prohibits her from driving while the show is being filmed, thanks to her many run ins with the boys in blue while behind the wheel.

TMZ, our leading informant on this topic, then dug up a report that Lohan was claiming that the brakes on this nearly brand new Porsche failed to stop the car when the 18-wheeler [ahem] "cut her off." So it couldn’t have been her fault, right?

It just so happens that Porsche decided that it needed to find out what was wrong with the brakes on this flagship sports car, so Porsche investigators called up the rental company that owns the car and had it shipped to a testing facility so the investigators can check the brakes. The investigators tested every inch of the braking system trying to find the root cause of his high-profile Porsche smash-up job.

There was just one problem with the tests... The brakes passed all of Porsche’s tests with flying colors! So, now Lohan is caught in a boldface lie and has officially garnered a large portion of our attention to see what kind of boneheaded excuse she can come up with next.

As we said before, we highly doubt that this is the end of this story and we anticipate a lot more information coming out soon. As soon as we get wind of anything else, we’ll let you know.