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Motor Authority - blog Tag: V8

  • Arden Works Over The 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible

    Arden Works Over The 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible August 9th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, August 9th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 0 Comments

    Arden Works Over The 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible German tuner Arden has a penchant for taking British cars and tuning them into performance powerhouses, and we've already seen the work it’s engineers have done on Land Rover, Mini, Bentley and Jaguar models. It is this last brand, Jaguar, that the company really specializes in, and while it has previously worked on the Jaguar XK Coupe the company has just released a new tuning package for the 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible.

    The package includes a range of performance and styling upgrades - not that the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 powered XKR was lacking in performance already, or in style. Under the hood, Arden’s engineers have... German tuner Arden has a penchant for taking British cars and tuning them into performance powerhouses, and we've already seen the work it’s engineers have done on Land Rover, Mini, Bentley and Jaguar models. It is this last brand, Jaguar, that the company really specializes in, and while it has previously worked on the Jaguar XK Coupe the company has just released a new tuning package for the 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible. The package includes a range of performance and styling upgrades - not that the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 powered XKR was lacking in performance already, or in style. Under the hood, Arden’s engineers have managed to liberate some horses from the engine thanks to a new exhaust system. Featuring sport catalysts the new exhaust lifts power by 30 horsepower, bringing the final power output to a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera-toppling 540 horsepower. At the same time the torque figures are pushed up from the standard 461 pound-feet to 498 pound-feet of torque, enough to propel the Arden XKR Convertible to a top speed of 200 mph flat. In terms of styling upgrades, Arden customizes the XKR Convertible with a new chrome grille up front, and modified air intakes. At the rear, a new diffuser houses the custom-installed quad-exhaust pipes from the new exhaust system. At the corners, 21 inch Sportline alloy wheels that also featured on Arden’s previously tuned XKR Coupe can be found. Other upgrades for the Coupe, such as big brakes, a leather sports steering wheel and a lowering system will likely be available for the Convertible as well, although Arden hasn't given any official word to that matter yet.2010 Jaguar XKRArden 2010 Jaguar XKR Convertible Read More

  • Build your own Jaguar XJ with new configurator

    Build your own Jaguar XJ with new configurator August 1st, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, August 1st, 2009 Kenneth Hall 4 Comments

    Build your own Jaguar XJ with new configurator Jaguar has launched a dedicated website for its new 2010 XJ sedan, with a number of interesting features to keep potential customers and the curious interested in the car. The site showcases the design and engineering elements what went into creating the svelte new Jaguar, and includes a configuration tool to build up your own personal XJ to your liking.

    It includes the current range of six models, starting with the basic 5.0-liter V8 gasoline short-wheelbase model and topping out with the long-wheelbase Supersport model powered by a 510hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8.

    The new XJ can be ordered right now in the U.S., with prices starting from... Jaguar has launched a dedicated website for its new 2010 XJ sedan, with a number of interesting features to keep potential customers and the curious interested in the car. The site showcases the design and engineering elements what went into creating the svelte new Jaguar, and includes a configuration tool to build up your own personal XJ to your liking. It includes the current range of six models, starting with the basic 5.0-liter V8 gasoline short-wheelbase model and topping out with the long-wheelbase Supersport model powered by a 510hp supercharged 5.0-liter V8. The new XJ can be ordered right now in the U.S., with prices starting from an MSRP of $72,500 for the base 5.0-liter V8, $87,500 for the XJ Supercharged and from $112,000 for the XJ Supersport. Click here to start building your own XJ.2010 Jaguar XJ Read More

  • Advanced GM Duramax V8 turbodiesel on hold until market is ready

    Advanced GM Duramax V8 turbodiesel on hold until market is ready July 22nd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 22nd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 7 Comments

    Advanced GM Duramax V8 turbodiesel on hold until market is ready General Motors’ financial woes have lead to another casualty, this time an advanced turbodiesel engine the company was planning to launch in its light-duty trucks and rumored to appear in the Cadillac CTS. Everything is under review at GM, from entire brands, to new models and consequently powertrains as well.

    The engine in question is an updated 4.5L Duramax V8 turbodiesel, which was scheduled to enter production in the third quarter of the year at GM’s plant in Tonawanda, New York. The first vehicles to use it would have been the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, and given its relatively small size there was a... General Motors’ financial woes have lead to another casualty, this time an advanced turbodiesel engine the company was planning to launch in its light-duty trucks and rumored to appear in the Cadillac CTS. Everything is under review at GM, from entire brands, to new models and consequently powertrains as well. The engine in question is an updated 4.5L Duramax V8 turbodiesel, which was scheduled to enter production in the third quarter of the year at GM’s plant in Tonawanda, New York. The first vehicles to use it would have been the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, and given its relatively small size there was a strong chance that GM may have installed it in some of its passenger cars. The engine was based around the original Duramax 4.5L block but was updated to make it lighter and more efficient, as well as offer the performance and driving characteristics of a petrol engine. Initial testing showed a peak output of 310hp (231kW) and 520lb-ft (704Nm), but its best aspect was the fact that it cost significantly less than GM’s other V8 diesel powertrains. GM Powertrain spokesperson Susan Garavaglia previously revealed that productions plans had been put on hold though the rights to the engine may be sold to another company. Speaking with Ward’s Auto, GM vice chairman Tom Stephens explained that the engine is ready when needed. “The program is essentially complete and could be implemented whenever we choose to do that,” Stephens said. One of the biggest stumbling blocks is that the price of gasoline has declined, making fuel-saving diesels less alluring for many consumers. However, diesel engines are typically more fuel efficient than gasoline units and the price of diesel can be lower than that of gasoline in some parts. Stephens went on to reveal that the advanced turbodiesel is among several potential technologies ready on the shelf for volume applications. “I could pull any one off and put it into production very quickly, because they’ve already been concepted, designed, developed. All I’d have to do is pull them out and integrate them into a vehicle and then validate the vehicle.” As for GM’s existing 6.6L Duramax, the heavy-duty V8 will continue but will be modified to meet tougher emissions standards coming in next year. Read More

  • Jaguar releases mega-gallery for 2010 XJ saloon

    Jaguar releases mega-gallery for 2010 XJ saloon July 12th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 12th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 20 Comments

    Jaguar releases mega-gallery for 2010 XJ saloon Though the current Jaguar XJ is only about 7 years old - a pretty typical vehicle lifespan - the body styling is derivative of the same basic shape that's been around since the 1970s, causing many to think the car lacked technical sophistication despite an all-aluminum chassis and an impressive spec sheet. Today, after several leaked images were revealed yesterday, Jaguar has released official images and information for its all-new, redesigned 2010 Jaguar XJ.

    Borrowing traits from the new Jaguar aesthetic first demonstrated on the XF sedan, the 2010 XJ is definitely not stuck in the past. Details reminiscent of the Aston Martin Rapide are... Though the current Jaguar XJ is only about 7 years old - a pretty typical vehicle lifespan - the body styling is derivative of the same basic shape that's been around since the 1970s, causing many to think the car lacked technical sophistication despite an all-aluminum chassis and an impressive spec sheet. Today, after several leaked images were revealed yesterday, Jaguar has released official images and information for its all-new, redesigned 2010 Jaguar XJ. Borrowing traits from the new Jaguar aesthetic first demonstrated on the XF sedan, the 2010 XJ is definitely not stuck in the past. Details reminiscent of the Aston Martin Rapide are also evident, though the XJ's long lines and expansive profile are unique enough to set the car apart at a glance. A low, sloping roofline gives the XJ a four-door coupe look, while the black D-pillar gives a 'floating roof' effect from the rear, and a huge glass sunroof lets abundant light into the cabin to help improve the sense of space and counter the low-slung roof. The rear is sure to draw both fans and critics; its vertical tail lights and tall deck are love-'em or hate-'em details. Inside, the decidedly stuffy interior of the current XJ is replaced with a much more modern cockpit featuring a pop-up transmission control interface, laser-inlaid wood trim, a leather headliner and a new instrument panel that abandons traditional dials in favor of a high-definition screen that displays all the information the driver needs. A unique feature enabled by the new high-def instrument panel is a soft red glow used to indicate performance driving modes. Under the hood, the new V8 found in the XF will be the central player, though Europeans will also get a 3.0L V6 turbodiesel. The 5.0L V8 engine will be available in a naturally-aspirated base form rated at 385hp, while a supercharged variant will pump out 470hp and an even higher-performance 510hp version for the Supersport edition will also be available. Only one transmission - a paddle-shifted six-speed auto - will be available, hustling the standard XJ to 60mph in 5.4 seconds, or slingshotting the Supersport version to the same speed in a mere 4.7 seconds. Suspension dynamics are controlled via air springs, with computer-controlled settings of Normal, Dynamic and Winter. Like its predecessor, the new XJ makes extensive use of aluminum, weighing in at a mere 3,800lb in its lightest trim or up to 4,300lb at its heaviest. That's still 500-1000lbs lighter than most of the competition. The combination of light weight and a powerful engine will make for a solid performer but also for surprisingly good fuel economy if our experience with the current-gen XJ Super V8 is any indication. The new XJ can be ordered now with sales to officially open in December for early 2010 delivery. Prices start from an MSRP of $72,500 for the base 5.0L V8, $87,500 for the XJ Supercharged and from $112,000 for the XJ Supersport.2010 Jaguar XJUnveiling of the 2010 Jaguar XJ Sedan Read More

  • Hennessey working on 705hp ‘Z700’ Corvette ZR1 for 2010

    Hennessey working on 705hp ‘Z700’ Corvette ZR1 for 2010 July 6th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, July 6th, 2009 James Martinez 3 Comments

    Hennessey working on 705hp ‘Z700’ Corvette ZR1 for 2010 The world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638hp (476kW) ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. After all, for most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7m 26s is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of "too much horsepower is never enough", Hennessey Performance Engineering has something special in store for them next year.

    Building upon the already launched ZR700 package, Hennessey is currently working on a new 705hp (526kW) upgrade for the Corvette ZR1 designed for track day enthusiasts as well... The world's fastest and most powerful production Corvette, the 638hp (476kW) ZR1 has become the pinnacle of American sports cars. After all, for most ZR1 owners, having a car capable of Nurburgring times of 7m 26s is more than enough to satisfy performance to satisfy their need for speed. However, for the select few who subscribe to the mantra of "too much horsepower is never enough", Hennessey Performance Engineering has something special in store for them next year. Building upon the already launched ZR700 package, Hennessey is currently working on a new 705hp (526kW) upgrade for the Corvette ZR1 designed for track day enthusiasts as well as professional race drivers. Porsche fans wanting a ready-to-race 911 can order the GT3 RS. Dodge Viper enthusiasts wanting the ultimate road race Viper have the ACR. Now ZR1 owners can opt for the Hennessey Z700 upgrade for their Corvettes. Hennessey's Z700 performance package starts by upgrading the engine supercharger, exhaust and air induction systems and is dyno tuned to 705hp (526kW) at 6,400rpm and 717lb-ft (970Nm) of torque at 3,200rpm. But this is just the beginning. Additional upgrades include lightweight carbon-fiber wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, which reduce rotating weight by nearly 60lbs. Hennessey's Z-Aero carbon-fiber front splitter, canards and rear spoiler also add over 300lbs of down force helping to put the added power to the road and track. Rounding out the Z700 upgrade package is a revised interior with lightweight carbon-fiber seats, Alcantara steering wheel and shift knob. Only 24 examples will be produced, and customers who order a Z700 also get a one-day performance driving instruction course at Hennessey's Lonestar Motorsports Park. Total cost for a base Z700 will start at $207,150, which includes the cost of a donor ZR1 but is essentially double the price. Later this year Hennessey engineers plan to take the car to the Nurburgring to come back with some performance numbers – and possibly some new records. Some of the claims include a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds, 0-100mph in 6.4 seconds, a quarter mile ET of 10.6 seconds at 134mph, and finally a top speed in excess of 212mph.Hennessey ZR700 Corvette ZR12010 Hennessey Z700 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Read More

  • Jaguar expands lineup with 470hp XF Supercharged

    Jaguar expands lineup with 470hp XF Supercharged June 29th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, June 29th, 2009 James Martinez 2 Comments

    Jaguar expands lineup with 470hp XF Supercharged Jaguar today announced the introduction of the fourth and newest member of its acclaimed XF lineup, the 2010 XF Supercharged sedan. Joining the 4.2L and 5.0L naturally aspirated models and the range-topping XFR super-saloon in the U.S. market, the new XF Supercharged comes with a 5.0L force-fed engine pumping out a 470hp (351kW) and 424lb-ft (574Nm) of torque - a 12% increase in power over the 4.2L 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged.

    This bump in output is courtesy of the new 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine that debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show. However, it’s not just about more power. The new XF Supercharged also gets... Jaguar today announced the introduction of the fourth and newest member of its acclaimed XF lineup, the 2010 XF Supercharged sedan. Joining the 4.2L and 5.0L naturally aspirated models and the range-topping XFR super-saloon in the U.S. market, the new XF Supercharged comes with a 5.0L force-fed engine pumping out a 470hp (351kW) and 424lb-ft (574Nm) of torque - a 12% increase in power over the 4.2L 2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged. This bump in output is courtesy of the new 5.0-liter supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III engine that debuted at this year's Detroit Auto Show. However, it’s not just about more power. The new XF Supercharged also gets Jaguar’s latest ‘Adaptive Dynamics’ variable suspension damping system and the ‘Active Differential Control’ electronically controlled rear differential as standard. The end result is a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds – just 0.2 seconds off the pace of the 510hp (380kW) XFR. Other features include uprated ventilated disc brakes, 20in wheels, contrasting color twin needle stitching on the instrument panel and door top rolls, a unique Rich Oak veneer, a 440W Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, HD radio, and a heated steering wheel. The XF Supercharged will go on sale this October and will be priced from $68,000. As for the rest of the lineup, the 300hp (225kW) 4.2L naturally aspirated XF is priced from $52,000, the 385hp (287kW) 5.0L naturally aspirated XF Premium at $57,000 and the aforementioned XFR at $80,000. Sadly, we Americans still miss out on one other XF variant, the XF Diesel S. This super frugal sedan is limited to European markets and is powered by a 3.0L commonrail turbodiesel returning 34.5mpg (6.8L/100km) in fuel economy.2010 Jaguar XF Supercharged Read More

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