Via \ AutoBlog

There are cues from the 458 Italia up front, rear three-quarter glass that’s more 599, then a tiny rear overhang and what appears to be a vent slapped on the back of the greenhouse. We know there are a slew of Ferraris coming, so the question is, which one is this? Follow the jump to see the video and weigh in yourself.

Via | AutoBlog

Most differences concern practical details such as the shape and size of the exterior mirrors, and the air-inlets on the front bumper. The car also keeps the show car’s five-door body style with a practical rear hatch.

In a similar fashion, the styling of the interior is almost identical to the concept, sans the colors and the decorative trim. From what we know, the just-under 5-meters long A7 Sportback will be strictly for four passengers.

Mechanically, the A5 Sportback’s (see photos here) big brother is heavily based on the next generation of the A6 and according to our sources, at launch it will be offered with both diesel and gasoline V6 engines including the new 3.0-liter TSI unit with some 290-horsepower. It goes without saying that the A7 Sportback will be available with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and S-tronic dual clutch transmissions.

Expect to see performance-oriented S7 and RS7 variants, as well as a hybrid model being added to the range within the next year or so.

The A7 Sportback will slot between the A6 and A8 executive saloons with its main competitors being the new Mercedes-Benz CLS and the BMW 5-Series GT (at least until BMW unveils the production version of the Gran Coupe).

Thanks for the photos Enrico B.!

via | Carscoop

According to the release on NHSTA’s website, the 5-Series Gran Turismo’s fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank. If this occurs, then the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will display a larger amount of fuel than what’s actually in the tank.

The German automaker has not yet provided details on the fix nor a notification schedule on the recall. Concerned owners of the affected models can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

via | Carscoop

Via | AutoBlog

We initially reported on the marque’s comeback a year ago and brought you the unveiling of the new Gordini Twingo and Clio from the Geneva show this past March. Based on the existing RenaultSport models, the Gordini editions revive the blue-and-white livery of their forebears in an exclusive new package. Feel free to check out high-res image galleries of those cars after the break. Now, it appears that Renault is preparing to give the same treatment to the Megane and the Wind.

In the case of the Megane, a RenaultSport version is already available and widely acclaimed. Reports of a Wind Gordini, however, also suggest that an RS version of the diminutive roadster is on the way as well. So if the racing stripes weren’t enough to pique your interest, RenaultSport’s legendary tuning prowess in an open-air package should. Or at least give us another European sports model to pine for.

Via | AutoBlog

Starting with the engine bay, Novitec strapped on a supercharger along with a new water-to-air intercooler to the Quattroporte’s 4.7-liter V8.

Other modifications include a new intake manifold and larger fuel injectors, while a recalibrated ECU takes care of the electronics. In both the Quattroporte S and Sport GT S, these changes help lift output to 590HP at 7,300 rpm, while torque grows from 490Nm to 572Nm / 421.9 lb-ft.

As a result, the Italian four-door saloon accelerates from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 4.6 seconds, an improvement of 0.5 seconds over the Sport GT S and 0.8 seconds over the S model. Novitec’s 590HP Quattroporte can sprint to 200km/h (124mph) in just 14.9 seconds while the car’s new top speed is 295km/h (183mph).

To improve handling, the tuner equipped the Quattroporte with a new electronically-controlled sport suspension that is continuously height-adjustable and features multiple settings for compression and rebound. In addition, the car rides on a set of three-piece 21-inch alloy wheels with five double spokes mounted on Pirelli P Zero high-performance tires in size 255/30 ZR 21 up front and 295/30 ZR 21 at the back.

A discreet boot lid spoiler made from clear-coated carbon fiber completes the package, though customers can also choose from a variety of options for the interior including special leather or Alcantara trim, and multimedia systems.

via | Carscoop

Thus, it might be a good time to take a look back at what made Honda so great. One of the all-time highlights of the company’s road car portfolio remains the Honda/Acura NSX. Although both Nissan and Toyota toyed with the idea of building mid-engine exotics, only Honda actually put one into production. The influence of the NSX on its market segment extended far beyond its commercial success. The NSX was the first “exotic” to demonstrate that you could combine everyday driveability and reliability with supercar performance. Before the NSX, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and the like forced drivers to make all sorts of compromises in order to have their performance at one’s disposal. It’s fair to say that the supercars of today are far better all-around drivers today thanks to the lessons taught by the NSX. Unfortunately, Honda shelved plans for a successor model, so in many respects, one could argue that the spirit of the everyday supercar remains alive in the Audi R8.

Perhaps Honda’s product planners and beancounters alike would do well to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit what once the company great. We can’t think of a better way than to check out the dramatic video tribute to the NSX after the jump. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

[Source: Format67 via YouTube]

Via | AutoBlog

The thought is an obvious one if you look at Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW–all of which are planning electric supercars of their own. However, it’s not so obvious if you consider that Toyota’s first and only true supercar, the Lexus LFA, is already as expensive as two Ferraris, slower than a Porsche 911 GT2 RS (which also costs about $130,000 less than the LFA), and relies on a V-10 gasoline engine and a single-clutch automated manual gearbox.

Finding the link from there to an all-electric, battery-powered supercar is a stretch. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW have all been working on concepts and prototypes of an electric-powered supercar for years now; Toyota/Lexus has been completely absent from the sector. In other words, there’s almost nothing in the way of the typical breadcrumbs we see before a brand-new supercar hits the streets.

Even the LFA was previewed for a full two years before making its debut, showing off as a roadster concept at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show–six months after we first caught spy shots of the coupe in testing.

The recent tie-up with Tesla does lend some validity–or at least the air of it–to the rumors, however. Leveraging the expertise and experience of the all-electric Roadster manufacturer could short-cut the development process by a few years, in theory. We still wouldn’t expect to see the “production” version of any such electric supercar until 2015 at the earliest. Catch more of the speculative details at the link below.

via | Motorauthority

Car Wash Power Hose KO – Watch more Funny Videos