Artisan Performance, Reed Speed team up to make 700-hp 2010 Ford Mustang GT

After bringing us a 600-hp SA-600 based on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, Artisan Performance has teamed up with Reed Speed to offer a high-performance, modified 2010 Ford Mustang GT.

With a pair of GTK350 turbochargers, the V8 Mustang GT puts out an estimated 700-hp to the wheels. The tuning team will also offer upgraded brakes and a new body kit.

The modified Mustang will be sold through Randall Reed stores and will carry Reed Speed SE badge. Sales will begin in the second-half of this year. Look out for the Reed Speed 2010 Ford Mustang at the 2009 SEMA Auto Show.

Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger Coming to NASCAR? Camaro to Follow? - Car News

During NASCAR's annual media tour in Charlotte last January, Penske Dodge Charger driver Kurt Busch said he was looking forward to the new season, which, he hoped, would be better than Dodge's grim 2008 campaign. One reason concerned some new bits and pieces that NASCAR was allowing to be introduced throughout the 2009 season, including a new engine that is just now debuting mid-season.

Just as important, according to Busch, was that the Dodge Charger got a new, more aerodynamic nose piece this year, too. As an afterthought, he added, "Really, it's the Chevrolet nose with Dodge decals on it."

With all four participating manufacturers, even Toyota, cutting back on motorsports support this year, one of their longtime complaints seems ever more valid. That’s that the old "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" adage fades with every NASCAR body mutation that makes the various stock-car models look as androgynous as Indy Cars or NHRA dragsters. No one thinks that the Chevrolet Impala Mark Martin drove to victory at last Sunday's LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway is a real Chevrolet Impala, and the fact that the cars must be labeled in large letters on the front bumper says it all. How can you cheer for a brand, when the cars are so similar?

Keep Reading: Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger Coming to NASCAR? Camaro to Follow? - Car News

Saab Sale to Supercar Maker Koenigsegg Pending

Continuing its restructuring amid bankruptcy protection, GM has announced a tentative agreement to sell its Saab division to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg. The agreement, if approved, would assist 72-year-old Saab in its reorganization that began on February 20, 2009, when it filed in Swedish court for protection from creditors. Saab Automobile AB would be owned and operated by a relative newcomer to the automotive industry, Koenigsegg Group, which was founded in 1994.

Like the recent sale of Saturn to Penske Automotive, the Saab deal is expected to be completed by the end of this year’s third quarter, subject to many conditions and government approval. One of those conditions is the Swedish government backing $600 million in funding from the European Investment Bank. Financially assisting in the purchase creates an ideal in-house alliance for the Swedish government, which has a vested interest in saving Saab.

Keep Reading: Saab Sale to Supercar Maker Koenigsegg Pending - Car News

2009 Artega GT - First Drive Review

Every year, new wannabe Porsches, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis turn up at the world’s motor shows, though most are incomplete and underfunded and never progress beyond the prototype stage.

The Artega is the exception. The GT was developed in secret by a respected auto-industry supplier. It took two years before it was ready, and there was no advance hype. The car emerged fully formed in 2007 at the Geneva show, ready for production.

And in October 2008, production began at a purpose-built plant in Delbrück, Germany. Clearly, there is a depth of planning and commitment here. The company behind the Artega is Paragon AG, an electronics supplier best known for the stopwatch/lap timers fitted to Porsches.

Paragon’s CEO is Klaus Dieter Frers, a prominent historic-car racer with an enviable collection of Porsches. So perhaps it is not surprising that Porsche was the inspiration for his very own sports car. The Artega is a lightweight, two-seat, mid-engined coupe with a transverse-mounted VW/Audi V-6 and DSG six-speed, double-clutch, automated manual transmission. It is short (157.9 inches), wide (74.0 inches), and low (46.5 inches). The closest equivalent is the Porsche Cayman S, although the Artega is more than a foot shorter.

Keep Reading: 2009 Artega GT - First Drive Review

2011 Dodge Circuit EV - First Drive Review

Automakers aren’t usually receptive to the idea of us driving their concept cars, as most of these are little more than million-dollar auto-show paperweights that may not even move under their own power. The case of the Dodge Circuit EV, however, is different. Lou Rhodes, president of Chrysler’s electric-car ENVI division, had no qualms about giving us the first chance to wring the neck of this electric-powered sports car on a road course—the 1.7-mile handling loop at the company’s proving ground in Chelsea, Michigan.

Shown last fall for the first time, the Circuit is a not-sold-here Lotus Europa (itself a slightly swollen version of the Elise) that’s had its powertrain replaced with a 268-hp, 295-lb-ft electric motor and a large, 35-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. Comparisons with the Lotus Elise–based Tesla roadster are inevitable.

When looking for a place to dock a 600-pound battery pack, a front-engine platform is all wrong from the perspective of weight distribution. And finding a mid-engine chassis from a manufacturer that will entertain inquiries for low-volume orders quickly trims the options down to one: Lotus. Its lightweight Elise and Exige S sports cars provide a tiny annual sales footprint in the U.S. (less than 2000 units), but the company is set to expand with its larger, more passenger-friendly Evora.

Rhodes touts the versatility of electric powertrains: A lower-power version of the Circuit’s motor can be shared with various other mainstream vehicles such as the Chrysler Town & Country minivan and the Jeep Wrangler and Patriot; the company has well-sorted running prototypes of each. While the Circuit is battery-only, the other variants are of the range-extended electric variety, as in Chevy’s Volt, which is powered by an electric motor but has a gas engine onboard to generate electricity if needed, which prevents occupants from being marooned when the juice runs out.

Keep Reading: 2011 Dodge Circuit EV - First Drive Review

2010 Subaru Legacy

The previous-generation Legacy was a great drivers’ car, especially within the family-sedan market. Standard all-wheel drive offered all-weather security and the chassis felt lively, but the car suffered from weak fuel economy and a tight backseat. Indeed, the shortcomings made it seem as though Legacy buyers were making a sacrifice simply by purchasing the car, opting to join a secret Subie society instead of purchasing a more sensible, practical model from another manufacturer.

The new fifth-generation Legacy retains Subaru’s now-trademark all-wheel drive—but is larger than its predecessor by every measure of the tape. We won’t bore you with every dimension change, but noteworthy is the 3.2-inch stretch in wheelbase (now 108.3 inches) with only a 1.4-inch bump in overall length (now 186.4).

Surprisingly Good CVT

The same 170-hp flat-four that powered the previous Legacy carries over as the base engine in the 2.5i; in the latest car it couples to either a new six-speed manual or new CVT. While the six-speed’s sloppy shifter disappointed us—blame cable-actuated shift linkages versus the old rod-actuated type, says Subaru—the CVT surprised us. It manages to keep the revs low when cruising and the droning, golf-cart-style acceleration typically associated with a CVT to a minimum. Also, according to the onboard fuel consumption gauge, the CVT delivers on Subaru’s 31-mpg highway claim (the CVT is rated at 23 in the city). The CVT also has a manumatic feature that allows for the selection of dedicated ratios via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. We consider fake “gears” to be a bit hokey, but it is handy when descending a steep grade, as the transmission will do some of the braking for you.

Few will remember, but this is not Subie’s first attempt at a CVT. The 1987 Justy featured one, but it was poorly received by U.S. consumers. Subaru claims this new CVT, dubbed Lineartronic CVT, is extremely durable, and also says that the fluid will never need to be changed over the life of the transmission.

Keep Reading: 2010 Subaru Legacy - First Drive Review

Shelby Releases Details on 2010 Mustang GT500 Super Snake and New Performance Upgrade Packages - Car News

Shelby Automobiles, Inc. has released a barrage of performance upgrade packages for last-generation Mustang GT and GT500 models, as well as a new-generation Shelby GT500 Super Snake. The upgrade packages add Ford Racing or Kenne Bell superchargers with outputs ranging from 500 to over 725 hp. Models range from the 2005–2009 Shelby Supercharged and SR, the 2007–2008 Shelby GT/SC and GT/SR, to the 2007–2009 Shelby GT500 SE.
Last and far from least is the new 2010 Shelby GT500 Super Snake which promises enhancements in handling, style, and power. Output ranges from 630 hp with the standard Ford Racing Whipple supercharger, and tops at 725 hp with an optional Kenne Bell supercharger. Dynamic enhancements include adjustable dampers, lowering springs, stabilizer bars, a front strut tower brace, a new exhaust system, 20-inch Alcoa wheels, a short-throw shifter, and Baer brakes. The Super Snake is visually differentiated by badging inside and out, stripes, and a unique fiberglass hood (with hood pins!).
Pricing, including installation, starts at $29,495 for the 630-hp package while 725 ponies will cost you $33,495. Production of the GT500 Super Snake will begin in limited numbers in August.

2011 Dodge Circuit EV

Surprisingly fun despite a hefty load of batteries.

Keep Reading: 2011 Dodge Circuit EV - Video

2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged to Receive New 5.0-liter Supercharged V-8

Jaguar has announced that there will indeed be an XF Supercharged model for 2010. Just a year after the model’s initial debut, the Supercharged’s V-8 will grow in size from 4.2 to 5.0 liters, utilizing a detuned version of the engine in the XFR. Slotting in between the XF Premium’s 385-hp V-8 and the top-dog XFR’s blown 510-hp V-8, the XF Supercharged’s new AJ-V8 Gen III motor makes 470 hp (up from the ’09 model’s 420) and 424 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the new motor, Jaguar’s Adaptive Dynamics and Active Differential Control systems are now standard equipment. Other minor changes for 2010 include new 20” wheels, upgraded brakes, quad exhaust tips, new interior trim options, and a heated steering wheel.

Expect the 2010 models to arrive at dealerships in October, starting at around $68,000.

Read our road test of the 2010 Jaguar XFR: 2010 Jaguar XFR - Road Test

2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante - First Drive Review

Aston Martin has been rather busy lately, finessing a big V-12 into the Vantage coupe, preparing for the launch of the highly anticipated Rapide four-door, and going all-out to create the $1.7 million, 700-hp One-77 supercar. Not to mention engineering a Toyota iQ–based microcar called the Cygnet. (Yes, it’s real.) Add the new 2010 DBS Volante (Aston speak for convertible) to the pile. Few would say that that the DBS coupe needs any help in the looks department. Yet the removal of its roof makes it even more alluring, not to mention one of the most indulgent tanning salons on the planet.

The Natural Look

Aston designed the DBS from the onset with open-air motoring in mind, and with the top up, the Volante keeps the coupe’s sleek profile mostly intact. By eschewing a trendy retractable hardtop, the ragtop also keeps the weight gain to a minimum and preserves much of the DBS’s limited trunk space. The roof can be raised or lowered in 14 seconds and at speeds of up to 30 mph. Compared with the fixed-roof car, the convertible is about 200 pounds heavier and 25 percent less rigid.

Keep Reading: 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante - First Drive Review

C6 Chevrolet Corvette - Feature

A brand-new standard-issue Chevrolet Corvette remains an incredible performance-car bargain. For less than two-thirds of the price of a Porsche 911, the latest C6 thunders to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds flat, corners at 0.99 g, and tops out at 190 mph. And for a two-seat rocket, a Vette is also very practical, with 57 percent more luggage capacity than a Honda Accord and tall gearing that, during relaxed highway cruising, squeezes more than 25 miles from each gallon of premium fuel.

Even so, the Corvette’s current base price of $49,515 might be more than some people can or want to spend. If you fall into this group, you’ll be happy to discover the many used Vettes on the market, given that today’s C6 generation was born in the 2005 model year. When you peruse secondhand Corvettes, you’ll also find that many of them have very low mileage, having been driven mostly on summer weekends in cold states. Three- and four-year-old cars with less than 10,000 miles are not unusual.

To reduce the risks of used-car buying, GM offers a certified used-vehicle (CUV) program. Similar to all such programs, GM’s starts with a detailed, 117-item checklist to make sure that everything is operating as it did when new. The car gets a thorough cleaning and detailing, brakes and tires that are more than half-worn are replaced, and the next scheduled maintenance is performed.

Keep Reading: Certified Pre-Owned: C6 Chevrolet Corvette - Feature

Jaguar to Show Hopped-up XKR, 225-mph XFR at Goodwood

At this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., Jaguar will show off two modified versions of new cars.
The Bonneville XFR Prototype is the fastest Jaguar ever. A regular XFR is electronically limited to just 162 mph, but the prototype hit 225 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. To make the power needed for the high-speed run, the XFR scored a new intake and exhaust, modified supercharger, and remapped ECU, although the six-speed automatic transmission was untouched. The body received “minor aerodynamic and safety modifications.”
Also present will be the Goodwood Special XKR. Based on a 2010 XKR, the Goodwood Special gets lime green paint with funky "XKR" graphics, 21-inch wheels, lowered suspension, and a “louder” exhaust. There are also graphite accents on the headlights, mirrors, and front grille inserts. Somehow we doubt we’ll see these options in a Jaguar dealership.
Jaguar will also bring three historical race cars: the XJ13, the 1957 Long Nose D-type, and the C-type.

2010 Lexus IS Convertible / IS250C / IS350C - Second Drive

Sales charts spawned this baby. About a third of BMW 3-series sales are coupes and convertibles, and Lexus wants a seat at that buffet. Impulsive? Hardly. Introduced nine years ago and well into its second generation, the entry-level IS sedan finally gives birth to a convertible two-door kitten.

In dealerships now, the IS250C and IS350C feature an aluminum hardtop roof that, in 20 seconds, marshals 15 electric motors and 37 sensors to split it into two panels, which seamlessly belly-flop into the waiting trunk. Ultraviolet bliss ensues.

Weary eyes could reasonably mistake the IS C for a sedan that lost a debate with a hacksaw, yet every exterior panel and molding except the hood is unique to the convertible. The IS C is 2.2 inches longer than the four-door, and the rear decklid hunchbacks upward, so there’s room for four adults, plus space for flat luggage under the pancaked roof.

Keep Reading: 2010 Lexus IS Convertible / IS250C / IS350C - Second Drive

2010 Lotus Evora - Second Drive

The inquisitive owner of a first-generation Elise we met near Inveraray, Scotland, calls it cheating. He’s referring to the fact that this all-new Lotus—the first in 14 years—comes with a stereo, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and a stitched-leather interior, not to mention available navigation and a backup camera. Had we wished to really upset him, we could have brought up the stability control and automatic transmission that will soon be offered.

Indeed, this is a very different car than the company’s intense, ultralight Elise and Exige models that we admire greatly for their delightful responses but whose limited appeal we fully understand. After all, there are dog carriers that may be easier to crawl into.

That’s why the Evora is so much larger—21.9 inches longer, with a 10.9-inch stretch in the wheelbase—putting it on par with more mainstream sports cars such as Porsche’s 911 and Cayman. Roughly five inches shorter than a 911, the Evora still houses a similarly sized (i.e., tiny) back seat, which is optional and seems adequate for little people and children up to 10 years old.

Keep Reading: 2010 Lotus Evora - Second Drive

Hurst Announces Special-Edition Pontiac G8 and G6 Convertible

How’s this for unfortunate timing? Just two months after GM axed the Pontiac brand, Hurst Performance Vehicles announces modified versions of two Pontiac models.
The tuning company will hand-build 52 “H.O.” copies of the 2010 G8. Details are sketchy, but the cars will be supercharged and ride on stiffened suspension. Like past Hurst special editions, white-on-gold and black-on-gold paint schemes, as well as forged wheels and a Hurst shifter, will be obligatory. Hurst also plans to offer ten modified G6 convertibles to serve as “parade and special event cars.” Whatever that means.
Check back August 1, when we should have full details and pricing on the Hurst cars.
Read about Pontiac’s demise: Pontiac Killed by GM - Feature
Read about another Hurst special: Hurst Dodge Viper – Car News