motivemag.com

Woerthersee '08: Audi A3 Clubsport Quattro Design Study

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:45:57 PST

It certainly isn't the mind-blower that was last year's GTI-W12 (or even the TT Clubsport) but Audi's entrant at this year's Woerthersee show is cool nonetheless. The A3 Clubsport Quattro was designed to build some hype around both Audi's small hatch and diesel engines in motorsports. Thanks to a 224 hp, 332 lb-ft four-cylinder turbodiesel, 0-62 mph is done in 6.6 seconds with a top speed of just a few tenths under 150 mph. The transmission is a six-speed manual, which borrows its shifter knob and gate from the R8. Click through for pictures and full details.

Today In Silly Dealer Mark-ups: $40,000 Honda Civic

Fri, 16 May 2008 15:01:38 PST

The trend of tacking on a hefty dealership profit to window stickers of popular enthusiast cars continues to build popularity, what with $100,000+ Nissan GT-Rs and BMW M3s, not to mention the astronomical prices new sports and muscle cars have been fetching at major auctions. But what we've got here is proof-positive that a six-figure price isn't necessary for a dealer mark-up to seem absolutely ridiculous. A reader snapped a shot of this Honda Civic Mugen Si window sticker today, and it boasts a final price of $40,134--$10,000 over MSRP and almost double the price of a normal Civic Si. Keep in mind that the Mugen is little more than a dress-up package, getting only cosmetics and firmer suspension. No, this doesn't seem like much of a deal to us, either, especially when we could have a BMW 135i or a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for that same price.

A Different Kind of Reaction. A Different Kind of Car.

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:15:34 PST

So you may remember those forgettable Saturn ads that ran a few years ago, where people stare into the distance while asking, "That's a Saturn?" You don't remember? Don't feel bad; we tried to repress the memory, too.

Steve Hall at AdRants, however, stumbled across a different version of the commercial. In his own words, "Likely bored out of their minds shooting the spot, the creatives, crew and actors decided to spice things up by offering up a version in which the exclamations more closely match the ones real people might utter when something suddenly changes."

See the video after the jump!

Japanese Companies Working to Make Carbon Fiber Mainstream

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:26:44 PST

Lighter and stronger than steel, carbon fiber could be the ticket to overcome the last great obstacle for vehicle efficiency: weight. But mass-producing the amounts of carbon fiber weave needed for the technology to go large-scale is fraught with problems, ranging from the inconvenient — it takes hours for the resins of carbon fiber to set — to physical shortages of the material. Then there's the issue of production costs — carbon fiber not only requires enormous amounts of energy to heat and treat the fibers, but the time required to lay out each piece takes a comparative eternity in a world where steel can be stamped out in milliseconds.

Now, three Japanese companies are aiming to make carbon fiber affordable for the masses. Toray Industries, Teijin and Mitsubishi Rayon are working independently to develop quick-set resins that require only ten minutes to cure and manufacturing processes that allow the rapid production and heat treating of carbon fibers. The companies envision the material being used in everything from belly pans to driveshafts, shaving precious pounds off cars' weight and helping manufacturers boost their CAFE averages.

Not For Us: 2008 Subaru Legacy STI S402

Fri, 16 May 2008 10:05:20 PST

We don't get the Legacy STI here. Hell, we don't even get the Legacy wagon here, but Japan is getting both of those, thrown into one package, with a cherry on top. The S402, which will be limited to just 402 units, gets big wheels, big brakes, side vents, and some extra bodywork. It also gets a 285 hp version of our WRX STI's 2.5-liter turbo four and sport suspension. But enough details--we're not getting this thing--so click through to just drool over the photos.

Motive Drivers Ed: Junkyard Dogs - How to make the most of your boneyard excursions

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:49:11 PST

Enter the Junkyard: Motive explores the art of picking and pulling.

Near-Production Camaro Interior Spied at Camaro5.com

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:26:22 PST

We already heard the great news today that we won't have to wait until the next Detroit show to see a finalized production Camaro (it's coming in September) and now there's more news about the most drawn-out debut ever. Camaro5.com procured a new set of spy photos showing off an almost fully-bare interior full of concept car goodness. Check it out by visiting the link below or by heading into our forums.

(Source: Camaro5.com)

Audi TT Clubsport Quattro Almost Ready for Production

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:36:24 PST

Audi must've really liked the looks of it's first-generation TT. That's because in the 7 years it was in production, Audi did very little for the coupe's aesthetics in terms of facelifts or special models.

But the game has changed since the second generation, with the Four Rings bringing out a TTS, a TTRS, and now, arguably the wildest of the bunch, the Clubsport Quattro, which we found a few spy shots of over at Jalopnik.

There are a few changes from the concept, mostly unnecessary things like the addition of door handles and a windshield. But the addition of a government-pleasing third brakelight tells us that Audi is very serious about putting this car on the road. Motivation from under the hood is still unknown, as is a launch date. But one thing's for certain, we can't wait to have some one-on-one time with those Euro-spec RS4 seats (at least that's what we think they are).

Volt Mules Successfully Drive 40 Miles on Electric

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:05:41 PST

GM's Jon Lauckner, VP for Global Program Management, once told me that he would never commit to a Volt timetable because "we" would crucify him if he couldn't deliver. Vice-chairman Bob Lutz, however, had no such reservations, telling BusinessWeek last Thanksgiving that they should "wait for the Easter Bunny" and that somebody was "going to have egg on their face."

GM blew by its anticipated easter announcement without so much as a blip. But a month and a half after their achievement was supposed to be shouted from the rooftops, the first drivable Volt prototypes have successfully achieved a range of 40 miles on electric power alone.

The successful mule tests have a confident Lutz stating that, barring unforseen obstacles, November of 2010 looks to be the Volt's launch date.

Prius Flying Off Lots, Again

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:12:34 PST

The frustrating thing about the Prius is... Alright, let me start over.

One of the frustrating things about the Prius, aside from the attitude of its owners; its generally amorphous, sexless shape; and the fact that they're always driven or economy, is that as much as we'd like to slag the car, it actually returns on its promise of economy, in spades.

On the tail of news that the millionth Prius has been produced, the Detroit News is reporting that Toyota's hybrid doorstop is, again, selling like hotcakes. Chalk it up to record-high gas prices, which have helped thrust the battery-operated wedge into the realm of waiting lists and dwindling inventories.

Video: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V's Record-Setting 'Ring Run

Wed, 14 May 2008 21:30:38 PST

We reported to you last week that, with a time of 7:59.32, the upcoming 550-hp Cadillac CTS-V has set the record around the 'Ring for a production sedan, bringing Cadillac a step closer to that old "Standard of the World" claim from decades back. Next step? How about a production Sixteen, only with a wonderful and revolutionary powerplant that gets 35 mpg highway. To feed our short-term dreaming, Cadillac has released video of the record run. Click the title above to watch.

Video: Honda ASIMO Conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:51:24 PST

I know the questions running through your head after seeing this headline, as they went through mine as well. Did ASIMO fall? Did sparks shoot from his head and ignite a cello? Is he the the next Beethoven? The answer to all the above is no, but he is at least close buddies with Yo-Yo Ma. Click through for photos and video from the performance.

Nothing Can Stop Certain Ford Trucks

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:33:34 PST

If you're the owner of a 2005-2006 Ford F-150 with the 5.4-liter V8, expect to be hosed in the near future. Your truck is being recalled to replace a vacuum hose that runs from the intake manifold to the power brake booster, supplying the vacuum necessary to assist in brake operation.

The hose, we're told, can swell over time and come unseated. When drivers peg the brake pedal, then, the truck will still stop, but it'll take significantly more effort than before to halt the rig.

The recall affects 655,000 F-150 pickups and Lincoln Mark LTs, and notices are going in the mail around the end of July.

Nissan Leak Day: Possible Future 370Z, Cube Photos Accidentally Slip Out

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:35:39 PST

Nissan's next Z-car has been a hot topic in recent weeks with details and sketches leaking out here and there. Today, what appears to be a real-live, official photo of the car has revealed itself and we must say, it's better than what some initial renderings hinted at. In other news, our forums recently picked up the shot you see above, which could very well be the upcoming third-generation Cube that we'll see on sale in the States early next year.

To see the full 370Z photo, click here.

For the full Cube shot, click here.

IIHS Kicks the Crap Out of Two Smarts, Assigns "Good" Rating

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:20:41 PST

"That's so wasteful!" squealed one of our office staff when looking at pictures of what had previously been a canary-yellow smart fortwo. That happens more often than I'd care to admit, with viewers of IIHS crash tests unloading on your humble news editor over their shock and rage at the destruction of perfectly dandy new cars. A word of advice? Don't. I'm just the messenger. A conduit for information. And like any good host organism, I have another writhing payload of illumination to disseminate.

The IIHS has smashed two new smart fortwo coupes into their offset barrier and truck-height sled, and the results are promising. The Institute has given the models a rating of "good" for front and side crash protection. Its seat and head restraints earned the second highest rating of acceptable for protection against whiplash when rammed from behind. Read the full press release after the jump, and check out the carnage in our image gallery.

Motive First Drive: 2008 Lamborghini LP560

Wed, 14 May 2008 02:05:06 PST

Eddie Alterman drives the new LP560-4 in Las Vegas, gets it on with a tubby cougar.

Loder 1899 Turns Jaguar XF Feral

Tue, 13 May 2008 14:36:19 PST

Read the title. You knew we couldn't resist the feline reference, and neither could Loder 1899... even working in curried spin to honor Jag's new Tata ownership. The Loder PR folks worked in a Siamese reference and, more importantly, their engineers have worked a performance spin on the latest sedan from Jag. Upgrades include body kit, lower suspension, larger wheels and a 40hp bump.

Ferrari Tuner Novitec Rosso Takes Stab at Fiat 500

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:58:18 PST

Known for its trademark fiery Ferrari concoctions, Novitec Rosso is branching out... at least as far as Ferrari's corporate cousins. We've seen Novi's take on the Maserati Quattroporte and figure Alfa's not too far behind, but were surprised to hear that the next offering beyond the prancing horse is the Fiat 500. Low on the totem it may be, but the 500 is as iconic as the MINI Cooper and BMW tuners lined up to sink their teeth into the little Brit... so maybe this is just a parallel move topped with marinara. Regardless, you can bet the car's much improved - from styling to improved (non-prancing) horses.

Spyker Makes Lotus Its BFF

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:17:13 PST

On the surface, Spyker and Lotus are quite similar. Both are niche sportscar manufacturers who build and develop their own aluminum-bodied exotics that are powered by mass market sourced engines - Lotus using Toyota power, Spyker tapping Audi. Underneath, the differences are more striking - Lotus focused on minimalism and performance while Spyker lavishes its owners with opulence and a clear focus on form over function. In the end though, there's synergy to be made if they work together and thus the Brits and the Dutch have joined forces. No, it's not a merger, but the cooperation should spawn parts and platform commonality and that will particularly benefit cash-strapped Spyker following their losses attributed to recent F1 efforts.

Ford Re-Focuses

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:00:38 PST

Anyone who has ever watched American Idol must be familiar with the ~~cheesy~~ effective Ford ads that the contestants are featured in each week. Well for us car nuts the ads won't focus on the contestants so much this week, as Ford is debuting its new face-lifted Focus coupe on the program.

In response to the criticism it heard after the new Focus was launched last year, Ford has taken the initiative, and addressed some of the car's design snafus in favor of subtler cues. Most obvious is the razor-blade-esque front grill, and a darker grill has been fitted instead. A close second is the lack of faux-fender grills. The car also sports a global face, with a large lower intake opening, akin to the Ford Fiesta's front bumper.

For now, the changes are only going on the coupe, so we'll have to see if Ford adopts them on the sedan as well if the public likes it enough.