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Motor Authority - blog Tag: California

  • Hamann Takes On The Ferrari California

    Hamann Takes On The Ferrari California September 17th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, September 17th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Hamann Takes On The Ferrari California

    Tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport is known for its exploits with German exotics, but now the performance workshop has turned its attention to one of the latest Italian supercars in production--the Ferrari California.

    On offer is an engine tuning service that reprograms the ECU, giving a 20% improvement to the California’s standard 4.3-liter V-8 engine. This boosts output to 552 horsepower.

    Joining the list of engine mods is a host of aerodynamic and handling upgrades. These include a two-piece front spoiler with integrated side moldings in carbon-fiber. Hamann also adds custom side vents, new side skirts and a custom rear wing. All...

    Tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport is known for its exploits with German exotics, but now the performance workshop has turned its attention to one of the latest Italian supercars in production--the Ferrari California. On offer is an engine tuning service that reprograms the ECU, giving a 20% improvement to the California’s standard 4.3-liter V-8 engine. This boosts output to 552 horsepower. Joining the list of engine mods is a host of aerodynamic and handling upgrades. These include a two-piece front spoiler with integrated side moldings in carbon-fiber. Hamann also adds custom side vents, new side skirts and a custom rear wing. All the bodykit parts are available in either fiberglass or carbon-fiber. To top it all off, Hamann is also offering 21-inch alloy wheels. These sit underneath four new progressive suspension springs that lower the car by more than an inch. Inside, there are new aluminum pedals and custom leather trim is available at request. Read More

  • Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna Seca

    Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna Seca August 17th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, August 17th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 2 Comments

    Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid Makes Public Driving Debut At Laguna Seca

    Fisker Automotive's long awaited plug-in hybrid Karma sedan had previously only ever been seen in its complete production-ready form in photographs and at car shows, but for the first time onlookers got to see the luxury hybrid stretch its legs during its public driving debut at this year's Monterey Historic Automobile Races, held during the Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance.

    The Karma was a quickly-realized product by any standard, with Fisker taking just 19 months to take the car from concept to reality. Fisker will also exhibited its new hardtop convertible concept, the Karma Sunset, which recently won a SEAMO award for Concept Car of...

    Fisker Automotive's long awaited plug-in hybrid Karma sedan had previously only ever been seen in its complete production-ready form in photographs and at car shows, but for the first time onlookers got to see the luxury hybrid stretch its legs during its public driving debut at this year's Monterey Historic Automobile Races, held during the Pebble Beach Concours D’ Elegance. The Karma was a quickly-realized product by any standard, with Fisker taking just 19 months to take the car from concept to reality. Fisker will also exhibited its new hardtop convertible concept, the Karma Sunset, which recently won a SEAMO award for Concept Car of the Year. The public drive debut saw the Fisker Karma take to the legendary 11-turn Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca course, where onlookers got to see the capabilities of the two 201-horsepower electric motors that power the car as it maneuvered around the track. Now you, too, can see the car in action thanks to the video below. For those interested in paying the $87,500 purchase price for the sleek Fisker Karma, the waiting list is expected to be lengthy, with Fisker's CEO Henrik Fisker claiming that the entire production run has been sold out until mid-2010. For full details on the car's production, drivetrain and availability, check out our previous story by clicking here. Read More

  • Subaru holding WRX games in California

    Subaru holding WRX games in California July 31st, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, July 31st, 2009 Jeremy Weber 0 Comments

    Subaru holding WRX games in California Residents of California will be in for a treat this weekend when Subaru holds its first ever WRX games - an event that will feature a full day of Subarus and driving experiences. According to Todd Lawrence, the promotional manager for Subaru America, the WRX games will allow people to experience what it's like to be part of "the Subaru community".

    A number of activities will be held throughout the WRX games, but doubtless the highlight will be driving demonstrations from Subaru factory drivers, as well as guest drivers. Ken Block is already confirmed to be driving his Gymkhana 2 vehicle for the event, which is reason enough to check out the... Residents of California will be in for a treat this weekend when Subaru holds its first ever WRX games - an event that will feature a full day of Subarus and driving experiences. According to Todd Lawrence, the promotional manager for Subaru America, the WRX games will allow people to experience what it's like to be part of "the Subaru community". A number of activities will be held throughout the WRX games, but doubtless the highlight will be driving demonstrations from Subaru factory drivers, as well as guest drivers. Ken Block is already confirmed to be driving his Gymkhana 2 vehicle for the event, which is reason enough to check out the WRX games, but also present will be legendary drifter Steven Verdier and race-driver Kristian Skavnes. Apart from the driving demonstrations, there will also be some activities that allow WRX-games attendees to get behind the wheel, including a 2010 Legacy 2.5GT driving experience where Subaru will let drivers loose on a custom course. There will also be a Subaru Freestyle Gymkhana where visitors can drive alongside a professional driver and compete against other visitors in a timed driving competition. Finally, there will also be a video games center with Subaru racing games and a miniature rally stage complete with jumps - for remote-controlled Subaru cars that is. The WRX Games will take place Saturday, August 1, from 10-4 p.m. at the Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave, Pomona, California.Driven: 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Read More

  • EPA gives California and 13 other states waiver to regulate greenhouse gas emissions

    EPA gives California and 13 other states waiver to regulate greenhouse gas emissions July 1st, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 1st, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    EPA gives California and 13 other states waiver to regulate greenhouse gas emissions The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week granted California a long-anticipated Clean Air Act Waiver. Under the plan, California - along with 13 other states - will enforce its own emissions standards until the 2012 model year, when the federal government will begin phasing in new national standards that will require a fleet average of 35.5mpg by 2016.

    The issue dates back to 2004, when California adopted standards that were then significantly tighter than those of the federal government. Under the Bush administration, California had been denied the permission by the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce the new rules, after... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week granted California a long-anticipated Clean Air Act Waiver. Under the plan, California - along with 13 other states - will enforce its own emissions standards until the 2012 model year, when the federal government will begin phasing in new national standards that will require a fleet average of 35.5mpg by 2016. The issue dates back to 2004, when California adopted standards that were then significantly tighter than those of the federal government. Under the Bush administration, California had been denied the permission by the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce the new rules, after a long, intentional delay, but the decision to uphold them has been expected for some time under the Obama administration. In 2007, Congress had proposed a 35-mpg standard by 2020; with the anticipated slow ramp-up of the rule, it would have created more than a decade in which automakers would have to deal with complying with two disparate standards - costing the industry tens of billions of dollars, by some accounts. The new federal standards will be in step with California's effort to achieve another 30% reduction in tailpipe emissions - effectively avoiding the need for automakers to comply with two different standards, and hopefully keeping vehicle cost down. As part of the agreement, California retains its rights to develop future emissions standards independent of the federal government, but it won't impose tougher standards on greenhouse gas emissions until 2017; and in return automakers are expected to drop remaining lawsuits against the state. Although this means that automakers will have to comply with stricter standards in the 14 California-emissions states in the interim, this likely won't have much if any effect on the current market. Most automakers have already been issuing lower-emission PZEV versions of vehicles for these states. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) responded to the decision cautiously. "We are hopeful the granting of this waiver will not undermine the enormous efforts put forth to create the national program," said Dave McCurdy, the group's president and CEO. Read More

  • GM ends 25-year NUMMI partnership with Toyota

    GM ends 25-year NUMMI partnership with Toyota June 30th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 30th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    GM ends 25-year NUMMI partnership with Toyota General Motors has confirmed that it will dump its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) joint venture that it established with Toyota more than 25 years ago. Located in Fremont, California, the NUMMI plant was last responsible for versions of the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma, as well as the Pontiac Vibe.

    But with GM’s decision to discontinue the Pontiac brand, the automaker decided to stop selling the Vibe. There was hope that GM would use the facility to produce another model but it appears that all chances have since been eroded.

    Troy Clarke, GM’s North American chief said in a statement that GM... General Motors has confirmed that it will dump its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) joint venture that it established with Toyota more than 25 years ago. Located in Fremont, California, the NUMMI plant was last responsible for versions of the Toyota Corolla and Tacoma, as well as the Pontiac Vibe. But with GM’s decision to discontinue the Pontiac brand, the automaker decided to stop selling the Vibe. There was hope that GM would use the facility to produce another model but it appears that all chances have since been eroded. Troy Clarke, GM’s North American chief said in a statement that GM and Toyota could not reach an agreement on a future product “that made sense to all parties.” As a result, NUMMI would be considered part of the “Old GM” and sold off as the company works its way through bankruptcy. Clarke also said there were no future GM vehicles planned for the joint venture at this time. “We have enjoyed a very positive and beneficial partnership with Toyota for the past 25 years, and we remain open to future opportunities of mutual interest,” he said. The NUMMI facility currently employs more than 4,500 UAW workers and 890 salaried personnel. The plant produces about 250,000 cars and 170,000 trucks a year. Read More

  • Tesla will use DOE funding for Model S and electric drivetrain factories

    Tesla will use DOE funding for Model S and electric drivetrain factories June 25th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, June 25th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 1 Comment

    Tesla will use DOE funding for Model S and electric drivetrain factories Despite its small size, Tesla Motor Company, builder of the famed Roadster electric sports car, is as embattled as any major manufacturer these days. Between a lawsuit from a former CEO and materials costs far beyond the asking price of the Roadster, things haven't been going well lately. Things are starting to look up, however.

    Last month Tesla and German auto giant Daimler formed a strategic alliance and this week the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant the electric car company an approval for about $465 million in low-interest loans to help accelerate the production of affordable, zero-emission models.

    Tesla has since revealed that a... Despite its small size, Tesla Motor Company, builder of the famed Roadster electric sports car, is as embattled as any major manufacturer these days. Between a lawsuit from a former CEO and materials costs far beyond the asking price of the Roadster, things haven't been going well lately. Things are starting to look up, however. Last month Tesla and German auto giant Daimler formed a strategic alliance and this week the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant the electric car company an approval for about $465 million in low-interest loans to help accelerate the production of affordable, zero-emission models. Tesla has since revealed that a bulk of these funds, $365 million in fact, will be used for production engineering and assembly of its Model S all-electric sedan around 2011. The other $100 million will be used for an advanced powertrain manufacturing plant, which will be used to produce electric drive systems for a number of other companies. The new production facilities are planned to go up in San Jose, California, though the company is still in the negotiation stage with local authorities. Once complete, the two facilities are expected to employee roughly 1,650 staff. Not everyone is happy about Tesla winning approval for the substantial loans, however. There are many questioning the motives of the government’s decision to lend a small electric start-up catering mostly to wealthy enthusiasts more than $465 million, while established automakers struggling to meet mandated fuel economy regulations haven’t received much more. Ford was allocated roughly $5.9 billion, while Nissan received a little over $1.6 billion.Tesla Model S Prototype Read More

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