Possible Hybrid Drivetrain for Next-Gen Lancer Evo
According to Motor Trend and Left Lane News, the next stage in the evolution of Mitsubishi’s Lancer will come in the form of a hybrid. The brand’s green efforts are expected to make their way into the drivetrain of the Evo XI.
The next Evo will be a plug-in hybrid based on the PX-MiEV concept. Power will come from the combination of a 2.0-L 4 cylinder engine and an electric motor.
Unlike traditional hybrids (have they been around long enough to be a tradition?), the Evo will use it’s electric motor to drive the front wheels most of the time, and the turbo 2.0-L to drive the rear wheels, when needed.
Not only will this combination improve fuel economy for the Evo, it will provide it with excellent acceleration. The 4 cylinder engine apparently packs 320 hp on it’s own, which should already be enough to really get the car moving. Add the torque of the electric motor and you’ve got yourself a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds.
Another nice benefit of the added electric motor is the absence of turbo lag. Since electric motors have great torque at really low speed, it will fill in the gap in the low RPM range, where the turbo’s effects aren’t completely felt.
Honda HSV-10 GT: Specs and Photo Gallery
The presence of Honda’s famous NSX in Japan’s Super GT circuit will finally end with the introduction of the HSV-10 GT. The HSV has already been spied testing at Japan’s Suzuka F1 Track. Honda has now released official photos of the HSV (Honda Sports Velocity) as well as a few performance specs.
The GT gets a Honda 3.4L V-8 (wait, Honda makes V-8s?) producing 496 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, according to The Torque Report.
Follow the jump for more photos
Tommy Kaira R35 GT-R
In an effort to steal the spotlight away from the Toyobaru FT-86 G Sport concept, Tommy Kaira has introduced a tuned version of Nissan’s GT-R at the Tokyo Auto Salon today. As expected, upgrades are predominantly cosmetic, including air intakes and side skirts, as well as a wing, under spoiler and diffuser at the rear. The kit is prepared with a sexy wet carbon finish.
Mechanical tweaks are kept to a minimum, but the GT-R doesn’t exactly leave tons of room for improvement. Even so, Tommy Kaira has made exhaust, suspension and brake upgrades available. Carbon black, 20″ rims are good for a few more style points on this GT-R. Overall, it’s a tastefully executed package that accents the existing style features of the GT-R, but contributes a welcome touch of aggressiveness. Two more pics after the jump
[Autocar]
Tokyo Auto Salon: New Toyota FT-86 G Sports Concept
Toyota is getting attention at the Tokyo Auto Salon today with the unveiling of the updated FT-86 G Sports concept. This is the latest version of the “Toyobaru” joint project between Toyota and Subaru. The G sports concept features a much more track-ready appearance from the outside, including more substantial air intakes and brake vents, and a hard-to-miss rear spoiler.
Power comes from Subaru’s 2.0-L, 4-cylinder Boxer , which has been given a turbo boost. Specs are not yet known, although there is speculation that it could share similar numbers with the Boxer found in Japan’s Limited Impreza R205. Ride height has been lowered by 30mm, compared to the original FT-86, and grip is provided by a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE050s on 19″ rims.
Porsche 911 GT3 R Photo Gallery
Inside line has posted a photo gallery of the new Porsche 911 GT3 R. The updated version of the GT3 is designed to be more drivable and easier to handle. The 4.0L, 6-cylinder boxer engine puts out 473 hp thanks to a turbocharger. Its got plenty of racing goodies too, like traction control, ABS, and the GT3 RS’s wide body. Treat your eyes to some Porsche goodness after the jump!
Source: Inside Line
Buick Regal GS Concept Photos from Detroit
It looks like Buick is planning to use the Regal GS to inject some excitement into its lineup. GM will give the Opel Insignia-based sedan sportier looks and some performance boosts.
On the outside, the GS gets some unique body work and 20″ wheels. It’s also lowered 0.4 inches thanks to a sport suspension with an adaptive shock system. The concept also has AWD with a 6-speed manual transmission. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged powerplant. Specs on the turbo 4 are 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Source: Car and Driver
SMS 620 Camaro From Saleen
Steve Saleen completes his SMS muscle car trio with the introduction of the SMS 620 Camaro. The Mustang and Challenger have already received the SMS brand treatment in the forms of the SMS 460 Mustang and the SMS 570 Challenger.
The 0-60 specs are 4.3 seconds for the 620 and a hair above 4.0 seconds for the 620X. Acceleration is provided courtesy of a 6.2L GM V-8. A supercharger will help boost performance to 575 hp and 600 ft-lbs of torque. The more extensively tuned 620X will get 715 hp and 700 ft-lbs of torque. Owners of the SMS Camaro can choose from a manual or automatic transmission.
To help you handle all that brute power, Saleen has provided the SMS Camaro with upgraded brakes and suspension. To keep things stylish, they’ve done up the interior with leather and fancy gauges.
Cadillac Introduces CTS-V Coupe, Promises V or Platinum Trim Across The Board
The Cadillac CTS-V coupe debuted in Detroit today, along with more “V” related news from Cadillac. The 3 siblings of the CTS family are expected to be available with V capabilities eventually. Although it wasn’t specifically promised at the debut, the autobolg writers are convinced the Sport Wagon will be included. Other models in the Cadillac lineup will get a Platinum package, which is geared more towards luxury amenities rather than track performance.
Also debuting today is the XTS sedan. This is expected to become Cadillac’s flagship sedan and possibly replace the STS and DTS. It will be a combination of Cadillac’s newer design and styling signature and the brands ability to compete with the upscale features and performance of European luxury cars.
Source: autoblog CTS-V Coupe, XTS
Hot Hybrids in Detroit: Proof that Green Can be Fun?
Sporty entries into the hybrid class prove green doesn’t have to be lame - no offense to those of our readers driving a Prius or Insight. (Remember, you too can have a stylish ride) Honda and VW have everyone talking 0-60 times with their sporty hybrid entries, the CR-Z and NCC.
Volkswagen claims some pretty impressive performance specs for the NCC. Even with an estimated 45 mpg combined fuel economy rating, VW predicts the NCC will reach 60 from zero in just over 8 seconds, with a top speed of 141 mph. It’s got to be one of the coolest looking hybrid concepts to date too.
Honda’s CR-Z is expected to have some soul too, at least, compared to “other” hybrids. Although it’s specs aren’t quite as impressive they are more likely the real deal. The CR-Z is being shown in production form at Detroit, and is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. later this year. Read more
A-Team Trailer: New A-Team, Same Old Van
The GMC van from the TV series The A-Team was undeniably cool. Even now, looking back, it’s totally awesome in an 80’s, A-Team sort of way. Thankfully, the legacy of the van continues in the upcoming A-Team movie.
At first I thought, “what if the movie is really corny?” Then I realized that would be perfect. Over the top car chases, building montages, countless fistfights, and guns (but no one being shot). So yeah, I’m looking forward to this movie.
Trailer Addict has the preview for your viewing pleasure
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