All-new 6.7-liter diesel V8 of Ford

Ford's issues with its long-time heavy duty diesel engine supplier Navistar will soon be coming to an end. The 2011 edition of the Ford Super Duty pickup will get an all-new diesel V8 designed in-house code-named Scorpion. So now, if Ford has any durability issues with its big diesels, it will have no one to blame but itself.



Officially the Scorpion retains the Power Stroke badge, but that and eight cylinders in a V-configuration are all that is carried over. The Scorpion engine picks up a variety of technologies that have been appearing on other recent engines, both gas- and diesel-fueled, as well as adding a few new tricks, particularly the turbocharger. The biggest change for the architecture is the move to an inside-out layout. Since the early days of the V-engine configuration, most examples have had the intake system mounted in the valley between the banks with the exhaust on the outside. Like BMW's new turbocharged gas V8 and GM's current on-the-shelf Duramax 4500, the Scorpion switches this around. Read on after the jump to learn more.

2009 smart fortwo.

The RDX is Acura's turbocharged crossover, combining car-like performance and handling characteristics with the versatility of a compact sport utility vehicle.

The smart fortwo with its small stature provides excellent maneuverability in the city. On the road, its exceptional fuel economy makes it a great commuter vehicle.

The smart fortwo is available in either pure, passion, or BRABUS trims. The pure is solely available in coupe form, while the passion and BRABUS are offered as a coupe or cabriolet. Power comes from a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine mated to a five-speed automated manual transmission. Standard safety features include electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes, four-airbags, and tridion safety cell.

For 2009 the smart fortwo receives a new performance oriented BRABUS trim.

2009 Jeep Wrangler

The Subaru Forester is a crossover vehicle that combines some of the best attributes of a sport-utility vehicle with the ride and driving dynamics of a car.

The Wrangler is one of the most fun-to-drive, off-road-capable Jeeps ever made. For open-air driving at the beach or on the trail or even the just on the street, the standard soft top can be folded down or the available hard top can be taken off, the doors can be removed and the windshield can be folded down.

The two-door Wrangler is configurable in either X, Sahara and Rubicon trim with standard four-wheel drive. The standard 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces 202 horsepower, and the standard transmission is a six-speed manual with overdrive. An optional four-speed automatic with overdrive is available. Electronic stability control with roll control, traction control, brake assist and hill hold control are standard on all Wranglers. The Sahara offers body colour flares, Infinity speakers, remote keyless entry, power window, security alarm and 18-inch wheels. The Rubicon features equipment that off-road enthusiasts usually add anyway, including heavy duty axles, front and rear electronic locking differentials, 32-inch BF Goodrich mud tires, sway bar disconnect system, rock rails and a heavy-duty transfer case with 4:1 low-gear ratio. The available Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop allows panels to be removed above the driver or passenger. Other options include Dual Top Group, half doors, remote start system, front seat-mounted side air bags, and MyGIG infotainment system with navigation.

For 2009, the Sahara receives power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry as standard equipment.

2009 Honda Civic.

The Honda Civic is one of the most reliable and popular economy compact cars in its class. For years it has set the quality and performance standard for the affordable, compact car market.

Available in sedan or coupe bodies, all but the GX and Si trims are powered by a 140 horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission and optional five-speed automatic. The performance-oriented Si, comes with a 197 horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-4 bolted to a six-speed manual, while the GX is powered by a dedicated natural gas version of the 1.8-liter gas engine, and a five-speed automatic. Standard safety features on all Civics include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, active front head restraints and tire pressure monitoring.

For 2009, the Honda Civic gets refreshed exterior styling and new optional tech features, while the sedan adds two new trims, a DX-VP (Value Package) and an LX-S.

2009 Ford F-150.

The all new 2009 Ford F-150 pickup truck delivers outstanding performance with its distinct trim levels, equipment packages and its broad range of cab styles and pickup box configurations.

The F-150 trims consist of the rugged and reliable XL, the sporty STX, the versatile and well equipped XLT, the durable FX4 and the luxurious Lariat. Each trim boasts its own unique styling, appearance and capabilities. All 2009 F-150's come equipped with a V8 engine and an automatic transmission. A 2-valve 4.6-liter V8 is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 3-valve 4.6-liter or 5.4-liter V8 are mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The F-150's versatility offers 4x2 or 4x4 drive systems, three cab styles, various pickup box designs and a host of option groups and available features. The F-150 can be ordered in millions of combinations to suit specific needs and individual tastes. The King Ranch and the new for 2009 Platinum Edition package add to the refinement and distinctiveness of this pickup truck.

For 2009, the regular cab FX4 trim has been discontinued, and several new and innovative options have been offered. These include: pickup box side access steps, rear tailgate step, SYNC voice-activated mobile phone and digital music system, a trailer brake controller, a remote starter system and a host of useful Ford Work Solution options.

Bad Brakes.

There's surprisingly little to say here. "D'oh!" comes to mind, as does "Epic Fail." A picture of a spazzed out cat captioned with, "I can haz brakes?" would also work. As would a photo of Jill Wagner getting a tetanus shot. Other than that, um, you would think someone would have noticed something before it got this bad, right?

We've heard about wearing 'em down to the rotors, but this is just silly. And for all you heroic defenders of the mighty Panther platform about to come out of the woodwork, we agree – it's probably an aberration. But still... yeesh.

Man builds mini Batman

You jumped at the chance to pick up a full-size replica of the Batsuit as worn by the Caped Crusader during his cleanup of Gotham City in The Dark Knight. What's next? Might we suggest a fully functional replica of Batman's Tumbler... albeit somewhat downsized and powered by a 6.5-horsepower engine?

That's right, you can now purchase plans to build your very own Tumbler go kart on eBay or on T-Man's official site. Pictures of the finished product can be seen below, so there's no worry that it can't be built – assuming you've got the welding chops to make it happen. Full 31-page thread of the build available here, and a video of the (mostly) finished product in operation can be viewed after the jump. We can only hope a removable Batpod is up next.

Camaro Z28 reportedly dead.

Bob Lutz is back, and after what seems like five minutes into his job as GM's new marketing kingpin, he's doing what he does best: making headlines. Rest assured that this is a good thing, as El Generalissimo Roberto Maximo told Automobile Magazine that yes, the Pontiac G8 will live on in the United States as the Chevy Caprice. So much for Fritz "I'm not a fan of rebadging" Henderson's statement to the contrary a couple of weeks ago.

"The last time we looked at [the G8], we decided that we would continue to import it as a Chevrolet. It is kind of too good to waste," Lutz told the mag. As for the G8 being "too good to waste": Amen to that, Bob. This also makes us wonder if law enforcement-grade models will be part of the deal with Holden to continue production. Chevy Caprice police cars? That's got a very familiar ring to it. The next question is whether a U.S. Caprice would mimic the Middle East-market Caprice, which is based on the long-wheelbase Holden Caprice/Statesman, or whether it will simply be a Chevy-badged version of the standard-wheelbase Holden Commodore/Pontiac G8/Chevrolet Lumina. Frankly, as long as there's ultimately a Caprice SS that is identical to the Pontiac G8 GXP in every critical way, we don't care.

In his conversation with Automobile, Lutz also essentially confirms that next year's Cadillac CTS coupe will be joined by a V-series variant, saying that the CTS-V coupe was the car that had most of the Presidential Task Force members' tongues wagging during the product-pipeline tour they were given by GM. Lutz even hints that a CTS-V wagon is not completely out of the question.

On the bad news side, in a separate blog post, Automobile reports that Lutz kind of throws dirt on the idea of an LSA-powered Camaro Z28 (though he doesn't specifically state that the program's toast). He says that for "mainstream" sports models like the Camaro, powerful sixes (like the one in the Camaro LS and LT) and turbo fours (like the one used in the now-dead Cobalt SS, HHR SS and Solstice GXP) are more indicitive of the automaker's future direction in that regard. Hmmm. Well then, how about bolting a blower to the direct-injected V6?

Audi R8 Spyder

Audi is testing its forthcoming R8 Spyder, and the car is wearing what appears to be a completely stowable roof, not the targa-style top that has been suggested as a possibility. Yet disappearing along with the roof could also be your view of the engine. The droptop in the spy photos and in Audi's official sketch features a solid engine cover and two curious structures adorned with gills that run up to the rear window. They could line up with an interior element when the roof is down, but it would have to be mighty cool to be worth missing out on that engine. Audi's 552 horsepower competitor for cars like the Vantage V12 and Porsche 911 Turbo Cabrio will bow at this year's Frankfurt Auto Show.

Group 2 Widebody Challenger.

The Challenger SRT8 marked the official return last year of the musclecar to the Dodge lineup, and its retro styling, 425-horsepower V8 and tire-shredding capabilities had Mopar enthusiasts giddy with excitement. What, you say, could be much better? Enter Classic Design Concepts. The Novi, Michigan-based company has been adding its visual touch to cars since 1990, and recently tried its hand at Dodge's new musclecar. The result? The Group 2 Widebody Challenger that made its debut at SEMA in 2008. We were instantly smitten with the car's aggressive appearance on the show floor, and were determined to get a closer look if we ever had the chance. Jumping forward a couple of months, we recently learned that the car would be out in Southern California for a Mopar gathering. A phone call to CDC later and we were fortunate enough to land an afternoon behind the wheel of this 575-horsepower bona fide modern musclecar.

Powertrain mule of Chevrolet Volt.

It's been 28 months since we watched Bob Lutz drive onto the stage at Cobo Hall in Detroit and step out of the Chevrolet Volt concept. In the intervening period, a corporate drama of epic proportions has transpired as Lutz has gone into semi-retirement, Rick Wagoner has been ousted as CEO and the U.S. government and the UAW are about to take a 90% ownership stake in General Motors.

In the midst of this corporate chaos, a dedicated group of hundreds of engineers, scientists, designers, technicians and drivers have tried to keep their heads down and out of the line of fire as they worked to make the Volt a production reality. From the time we first saw the original concept, GM has selected a battery supplier (LG Chem), defined the final powertrain configuration and released the production design, among countless other tasks. After more than a year of pestering GM, the call finally came to get behind the wheel of a Volt prototype. Read the results after the jump.

For more information plz click it http://www.chevrolet.com/

Greatest Pontiacs Of All Time.

With Pontiac's death official, we decided it was only appropriate to take a look back to find the ten greatest vehicles that defined the brand's performance. As you will see and undoubtedly already know, there was a time when Pontiac really did build excitement.

First, some history: Pontiac was first launched in 1926 as a companion to the Oakland brand, which was purchased by General Motors way back in 1909. In 1949, Pontiac introduced a brand new model that was intended to usher in a new sporty flair to the automaker's stately line of automobiles. Though the new model was fairly successful, it was held back by the long-running straight-eight engine that had been used since the early 1930s. That was all about to change with the introduction of the first model on our Top 10 list. Want to know more?

Obama planning to announce Chrysler tomorrow.

According to a report by Bloomberg citing the usual unnamed sources, President Obama will announce tomorrow that Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while continuing to work on its alliance with Fiat.

Bloomberg's source made it clear that the there are still several loose ends and the plan "is not finished yet," but it will likely involve Chrysler's strongest assets being bundled and sold to a new entity. In that scenario, Fiat would become a 20% owner of the Auburn Hills-based automaker, the UAW retiree health-care trust would take a 55% percent stake and the government would gobble up the rest. Essentially, it's the same out-of-court deal initially proposed, but now, with all the benefits (and hurdles) of bankruptcy protection.

No surprise then that Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, was right in his assessment (see below), nor is it a shocker to anyone that's been following Chrysler's trials and tribulations over the last week and beyond.

Top 10 Prom Rides.

Prom is only a few weeks away for most American teenagers, which means high school juniors and seniors are prepping for what many feel are the most important night of their young lives. At our advanced age, we could really care less about proms, but we have a soft spot for the the transportation that ferries gussied up young un's to and from this teenage right of passage. Some choose to travel in the lap of luxury, some appreciate form over function (read: big back seat), while others look to one-up their friends. We poured over the many vehicles available to America's teens and compiled our own list of Top 10 Prom Rides. Click either image to begin and have fun... but not too much fun.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3.

The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 is unquestionably bad-ass. Its naturally aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six provides 435 hp from behind the driver's seat, and its track-tuned chassis can dance with the world's most nimble supercars. The free-wheeling product of Stuttgart has been undergoing testing at the famed Nurburgring in Germany (along with every other sports coupe worth its salt) and it's been timed at an unofficial 7:40. Porsche driving ace Walter Rohrl was behind the wheel for the sprightly lap.



While 7:40 isn't enough time to best the 7:26 from the 638 hp Corvette ZR1, it's a very impressive time nonetheless (BTW - During testing Rohrl posted a 7:45 in a borrowed Ferrari F430 Scuderia).


Nissan probably isn't impressed, though, since it recently clocked the GT-R at 7:27. Well, Porsche is still calling balderdash on that claim, telling Motor Trend that the twin-turbo Nissan is only good for a time of 7:56 in stock US form. Just under eight minutes is an amazing time, but almost 30 seconds slower than reports from Nissan.


The Nissan vs. Porsche 'Ring smack-down feels as though its about to peter out, but the grudge match is almost to the point that the GT-R vs. GT3 drama should play out on premium cable. Who can we call to set this up?

2010 Toyota Prius starts at $21,000.

Toyota has announced official pricing for the five (!) trim levels for the 2010 Prius, due to hit dealers in the States sometime in late May. The bare-bones version (which must be pretty bare, since Toyota hasn't divulged what's included) will be just $21,000. On the other end of the spectrum, the top trim level starts at $27,270 (add $750 to both prices for delivery), and the most you can pay for the new Prius this spring will be $32,520 for the V trim equipped with the Advanced Technology Package (ATP).

Full details are available after the jump, but note that you can't get the ATP, which includes the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Pre-Collision System, Lane Keep Assist, and Intelligent Parking Assist, if you want the solar roof option.

As mentioned earlier, the $21,000 base price is important, since it is only $1,200 more than the new Honda Insight. The current, second-generation Prius starts at $22,000. For more on the third-generation Prius get the info overload and check out our First Drive.

Audi confirms Q3 production in Spain.

The first shipments of Audi's new Q5 crossover have barely hit the docks here in North America, and already the kid brother to the Q7 is set to get a sidekick of its own. In an official announcement released today, the VW Group luxury arm has confirmed that it will build a Q3 crossover in Martorell, Spain in 2011.

The company plans to build around 80,000 units at the SEAT plant, but while production has been confirmed for Spain, the fortunes of a possible U.S. assembly facility have been put on ice. According to Audi CEO Rupert Stadler:

"We will systematically explore our options in the context of the current market crisis. Audi is in a good position. There is currently no urgent need to select additional sites.

Described by Audi as "A coupé-like five-door SUV with seat positions, wheel size, and ground clearance characteristic of a typical SUV," the Q3 is likely to look a lot like 2007's Cross Coupe Quattro Concept, and it is expected to come to the North American market – even if it won't end up being built here. Complete press release after the jump