Hummer getting plans in order for H4 and H5 models

The last piece of the Hummer reclamation project is adding those new models. When Tengzhong gets the keys to the Hummer kingdom, it will also receive engineering plans for the H4, a new smaller model that is reportedly based on the HX Concept from the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. Taylor reportedly told AN that Hummer's Jeep Wrangler fighter could arrive within three years. Also possible is an even smaller Hummer H5, which would help the SUV automaker to meet future CAFE requirements. Taylor even goes as far as to say that the smaller H4 and H5 could one day replace the brand's heavier and thirstier H2 and H3 mainstays. The next big challenge for Hummer once the sale becomes final is to find a manufacturing partner to build these vehicles. GM will reportedly cease building Hummer models as early as the end of 2010.


First on the "Honey Do" list is to arrest the free-fall of Hummer sales. Right now, sales are down 64% on the year to about 8,500 units, but Hummer is looking for 25,000 sales in 2010. That will be a tough nut to crack, but Automotive News reports that the company optimistically plans to get things done in part with some aggressive marketing. Ultimately, however, new product will be needed to get dealerships buzzing with customers again. In the meantime, Hummer's 154 U.S. dealers need more inventory in the showrooms to help move metal. AN says that dealers only have 1,300 units in stock, compared to the 7,400 vehicles at the same time in 2008.


As a brand, Hummer has been in limbo since General Motors announced it was selling the downtrodden marque to China's Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co. Ltd. Speculation remains that the sale could be completed on or around December 1, pending approval from GM and the Chinese government. For now, everything is on hold, though Tengzhong and new Hummer CEO Jim Taylor are apparently still working hard to plan Hummer's future.
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Lutz says 'perhaps' to twin-turbo Camaro

It was far from an admission of intent, but it does confirm the fact that Chevrolet is looking very closely at the idea. Lutz also confirmed a production version of the Camaro Synergy concept shown at SEMA as well as an all-black special-edition model.


In addition to confirming a production version of the limited edition Camaro Synergy shown at SEMA and murdered-out Camaro, Lutz hinted at the possibility of a production version of the boosted, 425-hp V6 Camaro GM created for Jay Leno for this month's SEMA show. While it's far from a confirmation – and we all know how these things go with Lutz – it could be an indication that Chevrolet may be looking to beat Ford to the punch by offering a turbo'd version of its pony car. The only question now is when we'll receive an email from GM's PR team issuing the prerequisite denials... or an announcement that Fritz Henderson will require Lutz to wear a ball-gag at all future media events.


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Rumormill: Porsche planning road-going RS Spyder?

L'Automobile, our new favorite purveyors of outlandish stories and Photoshopped
speculation, is reporting that Porsche is considering building a road-going
version of the RS Spyder to fill the vacuum created by the dearly departed
Carrera GT.


According to the French rumormongers, the RS Spyder's road-legal progeny will
measure in at 183 inches (about eight inches longer than a 911) and will consist
of a carbon fiber monocoque to keep weight to a minimum. A version of the
Spyder's 3.4-liter V8 would be mounted amidships, but will be de-tuned from its
current 503 hp (at 10,000 rpm) to around 400 hp.


Naturally, we're suitable skeptical about the report, particularly since it's
lacking some basic information about the powerplant (is this the new
direct-injected engine?) and there's no word on the transmission, running gear
or even a possible debut date. Regardless, we can dream, and as far as fantasies
go, an LMP2 car for the road is good starting point.

via:

autoblog

Rumormill: Next Dodge Ram HD to get 6.4-liter V8?

Based on the current 6.1-liter version of the HEMI, an engine that appears in any number of SRT-branded cars, the new engine would feature both a larger bore and a longer stroke, with resulting power figures estimated to fall somewhere between 450 and 500 galloping ponies.


An engine with that much power would need a beefy transmission bolted up to its crankshaft, something Dodge already offers with its diesel engines. Levine suggests ChryCo could use the latest six-speed gearbox from German specialist ZF.


If you think there's nothing wrong with Chrysler's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that an extra dollop of horsepower can't fix, we have some great news for you. Our friend and knower-of-all-things with a pickem-up-bed Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com is reporting that Dodge's next Heavy Duty Ram will be offered with a big 'ol 6.4-liter version of the OHV V8.


Of course, all of this assumes that Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy with these projects intact. Bug assuming that, we're being told that in addition to its spot in the Ram HD lineup, the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is also likely to make an appearance under the hood of Jeep's next Grand Cherokee SRT8. The next obvious question, then, is how much money will the powerplant add to the cost of the vehicle and what kind of fuel mileage will it be able to muster?
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2011 Nissan Murano Convertible is Still a Go

Much of the information we published last August is still right on. The 2011 Murano convertible will be produced in limited numbers, and will be targeted at empty-nesters who need room to carry the grandkids, but still want something fun. And like the new 370Z convertible, it will stick with a more traditional soft top to keep weight and cost down.

According to IL, the 2011 Murano convertible will be produced in limited numbers, come equipped with a retractable soft-top and will be packing the same 265-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and CVT to send power to either the front wheels or all four.

However, we did get one thing wrong. Unlike the image above, the 2011 Nissan Murano Convertible will be a two-door. That's right, sort of like a higher riding PT Cruiser convertible.
Source: InsideLine

Rumormill: MINI GTI-fighter based on Crossover?

With the release of the Clubman, bigger MINIs have arrived and the MINI Crossover concept signals more are on the way. Lest you think that BMW's little guys have gone truckin' crazy, there's supposedly a sporty variant of the five-door MINI 'ute in the works.

The butch wagon will have 180 hp on tap to fend off Volkswagen GTIs (Autocar's confusing assessment, not ours), and if that's not enough, a Works version will deliver around 220 hp.

You can't have a high-performance version without high-zoot duds, and there's bound to be a distinctive body-kit to go along with the engine's fortitude. Interior upgrades will be aimed at keeping the driver planted and looking fancier, too. Expect the first Crossover to bow sometime next year, with the slightly hotter version coming towards the end of 2010, followed by the JCW variant in 2011.
Source:Autocar via:autoblog




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Bugatti future unfolds in September

Bugatti unfolds in September its future, as Autovisie message after a conversation with Bugatti chief executive Franz-Josef Paefgen. In that month in home port Molsheim the anniversary event held to mark the 100th anniversary of the name.


Behind the scenes is currently working hard on a new model, as the Bugatti-leader on. "We are working on several projects," he says in Autovisie. The new Bugatti is certainly not smaller or less exclusive copy.

The Volkswagen subsidiary has its hands full for the construction of the Veyron. From the coupe version, the sales counter is already at more than 250 units, which means that less than 50 cars still exist. For the Grand Sport has the brand to own several dozens of orders received. Bugatti produces only 150 two-open. Special editions will be based on both variants come. Whether there is a stronger copy out is not clear. Paefgen leaves at least know that Bugatti is not the throne late strike. "If someone tries to beat us, we will have an answer ready," said Paefgen in Autovisie.


In an earlier interview with Autovisie, the Bugatti boss that "only in 2011 or 2012" is a completely new model. "The new car must fit into the Bugatti history, but also to the Veyron. A totally different direction is not an option." According to the principles of founder Ettore, the new car "at least one plane extreme, though not necessarily for performance. Bugatti affected the limits and always searched for new ideas to outdo the competition," said Paefgen.
via AutoTelegraaf




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Rumormill: Audi TT RS, RS5 coming Stateside

Although the current report and Audi's own official statements show that the Audi TT is not remote sensing to the United States, U.S. Audi sources tell us the contrary, This is a very high opportunity, it can make the United States. Audi views the new 335 hp special remote sensing (This is the newly released 2009 Geneva International Motor Show) as part of its halo car, therefore, think this is an important image of the United States at the car, not to mention a vehicle that can take on The United States likes the Porsche Cayman why Europe has been the way the RS at the United States?


We are the industry told us that the United States would prefer to stagger the release of the Audi lane change in order to maintain fresh models and buyer interest. In other words, so that the recently introduced 265-horsepower Speech Synthesis some sales and praise before the RS steals focus. When can we expect the RS in the U.S.? European sales start this month, a figure this autumn.


Of course, we also asked whether the madness of remote sensing will be a 6-garde American homeland, and the Federal Reserve usually line - it is still "under consideration." Translation? This is a long shot. Without such a long shot are the upcoming RS 5, should give future buyers a large number of suspended M3.


Expected to have around 500 horsepower, rear biased four-wheel-drive, rear differential torque vector, and enormous braking systems from Audi coupe stealthiest 4.


As for Friday, if you enjoy the current 4.2L 354-horsepower V - 8, then you will have a 2010 model year through the selection of a. Once the 2011 model year or so volumes, Audi acquired five new 333-horsepower 3.0L supercharged V - 6 (also available in the new Medium four), mating or six-speed manual or seven-speed version of S-car dual-clutch gearbox automatic transmission.
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Will the new Focus be Ford's last RS?

Ford Focus RS is an epoch-making performance cars, but it also will be the last sign of the remote sensing Express Ford ever

This is the end of an era. We can reveal the new Ford Focus RS model is likely to be the last to wear the company's legendary performance badge.

The current financial crisis and future emissions regulations mean that developing countries such as high-performance gasoline cars in the future is no longer a viable company.

The news will be a shock, the United Kingdom Express Ford fans, because it marks the beginning of a long-term blue oval-shaped line of high-performance vehicles to escort RS1600 in 1970.

Please read our review, Ford Focus RS here.

Ford insiders told reporters: "The new Focus RS is a very special, not only because of its incredible performance, but because it is likely to be the last time this type of car you'll see from Ford."

He explained that the economic recession has meant that "absolutely no business case" of any new model of remote sensing at the moment, the situation is likely not going to change.

This is because, once recovery started in all the company's focus will be economic and environmentally-friendly vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

The insider said: "People should be enjoyed by automobile, such as Fox, RS, and they can be. This is unlikely you will see the drivers once again focus on high-performance hatchback."
Source: iMotor Mag




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