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Motor Authority - blog Category: Coupe

  • Report: Veritas planning RS III Coupe, all-new SUV

    Report: Veritas planning RS III Coupe, all-new SUV July 23rd, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, July 23rd, 2009 Kenneth Hall 1 Comment

    Report: Veritas planning RS III Coupe, all-new SUV From its raging 600hp BMW M5 V10 engine to its complete lack of ABS and traction control and its single-seater speedster layout, the Veritas RS III is perhaps the most potent yet completely pure driving experience available on the street today. But a new report out of England has Veritas planning a Coupe and an all-new fully custom SUV.

    The Coupe will feature the same performance as the open-cockpit speedster, though the addition of a hard top necessitated a ground-up redesign.

    “The car has been completely redesigned; the only thing the same are the wheels,” said Michael Trick of Vermot AG, maker of the Veritas RS III,... From its raging 600hp BMW M5 V10 engine to its complete lack of ABS and traction control and its single-seater speedster layout, the Veritas RS III is perhaps the most potent yet completely pure driving experience available on the street today. But a new report out of England has Veritas planning a Coupe and an all-new fully custom SUV. The Coupe will feature the same performance as the open-cockpit speedster, though the addition of a hard top necessitated a ground-up redesign. “The car has been completely redesigned; the only thing the same are the wheels,” said Michael Trick of Vermot AG, maker of the Veritas RS III, speaking with Autocar. “The coupe version will have a sloping rear that runs to the back of the car and it is designed for markets like the Middle East, where they need air conditioning.” With acceleration providing a claimed 3.0 seconds to 60mph and a top speed of 224mph, it might be nice to have more than a helmet in the way of protection from wind and rain, so Veritas thinks it will be able to sell as many coupes as it does speedsters: 30 of each. The SUV also revealed by Trick is still in the very earliest stages, but with a completely unique design, custom carbon fiber body and a small aircraft engine powering it, the project is off to a uniquely Veritas start. The RS III speedster itself is currently making its world debut at London's Salon Prive.Veritas RS III Read More

  • Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants

    Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants June 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 11 Comments

    Report: Next-gen BMW 1-series to get four new variants While its Mini dealerships expand and BMW plans to double North American production, it's even busier behind the scenes working on the next generation of its most compact platform. Four new BMW 1-series variants are rumored to be in the works for the next-gen model, known internally as the F20, in addition to the traditional coupe and hatch already in production.

    The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing... While its Mini dealerships expand and BMW plans to double North American production, it's even busier behind the scenes working on the next generation of its most compact platform. Four new BMW 1-series variants are rumored to be in the works for the next-gen model, known internally as the F20, in addition to the traditional coupe and hatch already in production. The new variants include a new version of both the Coupe and Cabrio, a GT-style Estate, and a crossover-like vehicle possibly wearing a Y1 badge. A roadster version called the Z2 and potentially a small coupe version of that car are also up for production, reports Autocar. Bringing the car to market now is thought to make sense both from a consumer perspective and for competitive reasons - Volkswagen is also reported to be going forward with the Bluesport roadster, which may also share its underpinnings with entry-level Porsche and Audi roadsters. So far the GT-style Estate and the crossover-like variant are still only possibilities, without official approval. A four-door sedan-profile car on the 1-series platform is also among the talk. The next-generation 1-series is expected to include a range of powertrains. A 1.3L three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine could replace the current 1.6L four-cylinder. If so, in Europe at least, five petrol models should be available: the 116i with a 136hp (101kW) 1.3L turbo; the 118i with a 177hp (132kW) 1.3L turbo; the 120i with a 218hp (162kW) 2.0L turbo; the 130i with the 272hp (203kW) naturally-aspirated 3.0L inline six; and the 135i with a 326hp (243kW) turbo six-cylinder. The diesel range will be somewhat more compact with a 118d featuring a 150hp (112kW) 2.0L turbodiesel, a 120d with a 184hp (137kW) 2.0L turbodiesel and a 123d with a 211hp (157kW) 2.0L turbodiesel. A series of high-performance 'ti' models could also come with design assistance from the M Division, though exactly what shape those might take is still up in the air. BMW's Megacity urban vehicle project, which had previously been linked to the next-gen 1-series, will not play a role in the coming lineup. The Megacity project is independent of the 1-series because of the unique nature of its design goals. According to previous reports, the first model released - the five-door hatch - will hit the market around 2011, while the top-end model will wait until early 2012 to make its debut, while the standard coupe will come toward the end of 2012. A cabrio will come in early 2013 as the last of the certain-to-be-produced models.BMW 1-series mule2012 BMW 1-series spy shots2012 BMW Z2 Roadster preview Read More

  • Plug-in hybrid option planned for Jaguar’s XE Roadster?

    Plug-in hybrid option planned for Jaguar’s XE Roadster? June 14th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, June 14th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Plug-in hybrid option planned for Jaguar’s XE Roadster? Jaguar's transfer to new ownership last year had many, from customers to dealers to industry analysts, worried about what might come of it. But Tata Motors' ownership has so far proven reassuring in its commitment to the Jaguar brand. The latest word from Ratan Tata reaffirms the vision Tata has for Jaguar, and it looks like an attractive one.

    The current economic recession has hit the globe hard in almost every sector - the car industry in particular finding it tough. Jaguar's position within the industry is similarly poor - though it has a plan for coming out the other side, and it includes a focus on a new roadster.

    Tata has previously... Jaguar's transfer to new ownership last year had many, from customers to dealers to industry analysts, worried about what might come of it. But Tata Motors' ownership has so far proven reassuring in its commitment to the Jaguar brand. The latest word from Ratan Tata reaffirms the vision Tata has for Jaguar, and it looks like an attractive one. The current economic recession has hit the globe hard in almost every sector - the car industry in particular finding it tough. Jaguar's position within the industry is similarly poor - though it has a plan for coming out the other side, and it includes a focus on a new roadster. Tata has previously confirmed that development of the roadster was well underway and that it was currently in the early stages of the design phase. According to Motor Trend, the car will miss its originally scheduled 2011 release date though the extra development time will allow Jaguar to offer a new plug-in hybrid option. The advanced drivetrain will reportedly feature a fuel-efficient three-cylinder petrol engine matched to an electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries. We already know that the British government has provided Jaguar with funding in order to speed up the development of emissions reducing technologies, and there have also been reports that the company is planning a plug-in hybrid option for its upcoming XJ flagship saloon as well. As for the roadster, expected to see Jaguar’s new 5.0L V8 engine rated at 385hp (287kW) in standard trim and 510hp (380kW) with a supercharger strapped on for the range-topping model. Even the company’s new 3.0L V6 diesel would pack enough punch to be exceptionally fun at 272hp (203kW) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) of torque, not to mention giving the expected diesel Mercedes-Benz SLK a run for its money. Jaguar recently registered the ‘C-XE’ trademark with the UK Intellectual Property Office, suggesting that the XE will appear at least in concept form. The concept version of the XF was labelled the C-XF, which means the new roadster model will likely be called the XE. Read More

  • Brabus-tuned Mercedes E-Class Coupe bangs out 456hp

    Brabus-tuned Mercedes E-Class Coupe bangs out 456hp May 20th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, May 20th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Brabus-tuned Mercedes E-Class Coupe bangs out 456hp The brand-new E-Class Coupe may be based on the old C-Class's underpinnings, but it's styled like the new car and is priced aggressively, making it a perfect car to buy and then build on. And that's exactly what Brabus has done.

    The primary upgrade to the standard E550 Coupe is the addition of a 6.1L V8 engine rated at 456hp (340kW) and 453lb-ft (615Nm) of torque, which comes on at just 3,100rpm. That's good for a 4.7-second 0-62mph (100km/h) run and a top speed of 196mph (315km/h).

    Getting that big-bore V8 into the little Coupe will cost you though - €29,000 or about $39,701. That's fully 70% of the base E550 Coupe's retail price,... The brand-new E-Class Coupe may be based on the old C-Class's underpinnings, but it's styled like the new car and is priced aggressively, making it a perfect car to buy and then build on. And that's exactly what Brabus has done. The primary upgrade to the standard E550 Coupe is the addition of a 6.1L V8 engine rated at 456hp (340kW) and 453lb-ft (615Nm) of torque, which comes on at just 3,100rpm. That's good for a 4.7-second 0-62mph (100km/h) run and a top speed of 196mph (315km/h). Getting that big-bore V8 into the little Coupe will cost you though - €29,000 or about $39,701. That's fully 70% of the base E550 Coupe's retail price, but speed is frequently measured in cubic dollars. And with custom-machined heads, custom camshafts and a billet crankshaft, it's hard to argue you're not getting your money's worth. Those with a taste for more sedate performance, an eye for efficiency and a home in Europe might prefer a four-pot diesel model based on the E250 CDI. Brabus tunes that little oil burner up from 201hp (150kW) to 232hp (173kW) with 413lb-ft (560Nm) of torque. A V6 E350 CDI kit adds some more bang to the diesel-drive offerings, with an upgrade kit pushing power to 268hp (200kW) and torque to 435lb-ft (590Nm). Any of the E Coupes can be fitted with a Brabus body kit that includes new aluminum front quarter panels with clear-coated carbon fiber inserts. New rocker panels house LED entrance lights, while the rear apron features a custom layout with cutouts for the quad-pipe Brabus custom exhaust. At each corner is a Brabus Monoblock alloy wheel, available in single-piece or multi-piece and in a range of sizes from 17in to 20in. Pirelli and Yokohama supply sticky tires to help get the most out of a custom suspension system and to harness the stopping power of the six-piston 14.2in (360mm) brakes. Inside, the car gets a fully custom treatment, with the customer free to spec it out as they please. Some of the options include a replacement steering wheel, Alcantara and Mastik leather upholstery and stainless steel accents. To see what the Brabus bunch did with the new E-Class sedan, check out our coverage here.2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class by Brabus2010 Brabus Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe Read More

  • Hyundai releases new drift videos with Rhys Millen

    Hyundai releases new drift videos with Rhys Millen March 29th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, March 29th, 2009 James Martinez 4 Comments

    Hyundai releases new drift videos with Rhys Millen Hyundai is trying extra hard to make its new Genesis Coupe, and the latest effort to promote the vehicle - as well as several upcoming ones – is a new series of videos whose release will be staggered over the coming months. The first of these videos focuses on the Genesis Coupe – in particular, the performance aspect of the Genesis Coupe.

    The video is simply titled 'Drifting 101 with Rhys Millen', and sees the drift champ explaining how drifting competitions work, as well as the unique additions to the drift-spec Genesis Coupe the team uses to race.

    A second video, also released over the weekend, shows the new Hyundai two-door... Hyundai is trying extra hard to make its new Genesis Coupe, and the latest effort to promote the vehicle - as well as several upcoming ones – is a new series of videos whose release will be staggered over the coming months. The first of these videos focuses on the Genesis Coupe – in particular, the performance aspect of the Genesis Coupe. The video is simply titled 'Drifting 101 with Rhys Millen', and sees the drift champ explaining how drifting competitions work, as well as the unique additions to the drift-spec Genesis Coupe the team uses to race. A second video, also released over the weekend, shows the new Hyundai two-door carving up a race track. Other videos for the rest of Hyundai’s lineup should be less heated and will likely showcase aspects other than performance. Either way, check back at our video section for regular updates.Hyundai Genesis Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull drift carHyundai Genesis Coupe drift talk Read More

  • Development has started on two-seater Jaguar roadster

    Development has started on two-seater Jaguar roadster March 20th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, March 20th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 2 Comments

    Development has started on two-seater Jaguar roadster Jaguar's transfer to new ownership last year had many, from customers to dealers to industry analysts, worried about what might come of it. But Tata Motors' ownership has so far proven reassuring in its commitment to the Jaguar brand. The latest word from Ratan Tata reaffirms the vision Tata has for Jaguar, and it looks like an attractive one.

    The current economic recession has hit the globe hard in almost every sector - the car industry in particular finding it tough. Jaguar's position within the industry is similarly poor - though it has a plan for coming out the other side, and it includes a focus on a new roadster which many think will... Jaguar's transfer to new ownership last year had many, from customers to dealers to industry analysts, worried about what might come of it. But Tata Motors' ownership has so far proven reassuring in its commitment to the Jaguar brand. The latest word from Ratan Tata reaffirms the vision Tata has for Jaguar, and it looks like an attractive one. The current economic recession has hit the globe hard in almost every sector - the car industry in particular finding it tough. Jaguar's position within the industry is similarly poor - though it has a plan for coming out the other side, and it includes a focus on a new roadster which many think will be called the XE. Speaking with The Economic Times, Tata confirmed that development of the roadster was well underway and that it was currently in the early stages of design sign-off. "We need to emerge with something shiny and new, which is why we are re-prioritizing the roadster right now," Tata said. “I’m highly excited about what I see.” Tata's confirmation of the car as a roadster conflicts somewhat with the expected derivation of the XE from the R-Coupe concept from 2001. The F-Type concept from 2000 (pictured) was a roadster, though the new car isn't expected to share any styling cues with that concept. Talk of a 5.0L V8 engine rated at 385hp (287kW) in standard trim and 510hp (380kW) with a supercharger strapped on in the lithe roadster promises truly impressive performance whatever the layout. Even the company’s new 3.0L V6 diesel would pack enough punch to be exceptionally fun at 272hp (203kW) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) of torque, not to mention giving the expected diesel Mercedes-Benz SLK a run for its money. Read More

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