Sam Abuelsamid

Ypsilanti, MI - http://sam.abuelsamid.com

After 22 years of working as an engineer for car companies and automotive suppliers I now spend my days writing about cars and alternative fuels.

REPORT: Opel President Carl-Peter Forster quits after sale collapse

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 6th, 2009 at 11:00AM



German magazine Der Spiegel is reporting this morning that Opel President Carl-Peter Forster has resigned from General Motors following the board's decision to kill the sale of a majority stake to Magna International. Apparently, Forster was disgusted at the way that GM officials handled the whole process. Over the past several months, GM went back-and-forth, first agreeing to sell to Magna, then opting for another bid before returning to Magna, only to finally kill the deal altogether and keep the brand for itself.

A statement issued by GM Europe today declines comment on the whole matter, dismissing speculation about any personnel changes. The statement as translated by Google appears after the jump.

[Source: Der Spiegel via Autocar]

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SCCA approves Honda Fit-based engine for Formula F

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 5:59PM


Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image

For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.

Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.

The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.


Gallery: Honda Fit FF engine


[Source: Honda]

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LA Preview: Porsche reveals new lightweight Boxster Spyder [w/VIDEO]

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 5th, 2009 at 9:00AM

Porsche Boxster Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're less than a month away from the LA Auto Show, which means that automakers are starting to dribble out some of what we'll be seeing there. The gang from Zuffenhausen will be rolling out a new lightweight edition of the Boxster dubbed "Spyder" especially for those who live where the sun shines and the roads twist. Like the classic 550 Spyders of the Fifties, the top mechanism in this new Boxster is merely a formality – rather than providing fully enclosed driving is more of a sun-shade than anything else.

Overall, Porsche's engineers have pared off about 176 pounds from the Spyder, bringing it down to 2,811 pounds. Propulsion comes via a direct-injected 3.4-liter boxer six with a 10 horsepower boost over the Boxster S for a total of 320. With the automaker's seven-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox, the Spyder gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and manages a combined 25.3 mpg (US) on the EU drive cycle.

In Porsche's time-honored "less is more" (money) world, the Boxster Spyder goes on sale in February 2010 with a base price $61,200. We're quite sure your local Porsche dealer will happily offer to put back some additional weight in your car in the form of options, but, hey – at least your wallet's heft will be pared back significantly to help offset the difference. For the rest of you dreamers, be sure to check out our high-res gallery below along with the some videos and the press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder


[Source: Porsche]

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street edition arrives in January

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 4th, 2009 at 2:20PM


2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we were in Germany last month for the launch of the 2010 Golf, VW product planner Andres Valbuena told us that a special street replica of the Jetta TDI Cup race car would be launching in January 2010. We just got the first photo of the new limited edition model along with further details. The TDI Cup "Street" edition gets the same deeper front fascia, rocker panel and rear bumper extensions used on the race cars. Unfortunately, the replica keeps the standard 140-horsepower engine rather the uprated 170-hp diesel used in the track cars... but it does get some functional upgrades.

The replica won't be any quicker off the line, but it will stop and turn better than standard TDI models. The brake calipers are larger than standard and painted red to let observers know they are special. The suspension gets thicker sway bars and the retuned springs and dampers from the Jetta GLI along with 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cup car gets a paddle shift steering wheel to go with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. The Cup Jetta starts at $25,000 and will be available in January.


Gallery: Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition


[Source: Volkswagen]

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Ram considering new mid-size unibody pickup to replace Dakota

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 4th, 2009 at 1:20PM


2008 Dodge Dakota - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a rambling presentation that presented almost nothing of any value, Fred Diaz, CEO of Chrysler's newly-created Ram brand, did drop at least one little tidbit in passing. Currently the Dodge truck offerings consist of only two vehicles, the full-size Ram and the mid-size Dakota. The long-term fate of the Dakota has been the subject of much speculation but one of Diaz's slides did mention that Ram was considering a replacement. The key word was "considering."

Interestingly, the possible replacement would be based on a unibody platform which in all likelihood would be derived from the new Grand Cherokee/Durango architecture. That would be a big departure for Chrysler – jumping into a vehicle type that currently consists of only the slow selling Honda Ridgeline. If Chrysler were to build this vehicle, it would make sense to do something to differentiate it from the big Ram, and perhaps with the right styling and powertrain – perhaps something like the Rampage concept from 2006 – it could be more successful than the Honda.

The current Durango will remain in production until mid-2011 and the new truck, if approved, would not launch until at least then.


Gallery: 2008 Dodge Dakota


Gallery: 2006 Dodge Rampage Concept

BREAKING: Dodge to end Viper production in July 2010, new car in 2012

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 4th, 2009 at 11:49AM Breaking

2009 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the Chrysler business plan meeting this morning, Ralph Gilles, CEO of the Dodge car brand, dropped big news on the Viper. After going back and forth for the past 18 months on what to do with Viper, Chrysler has decided that production of the current Viper will end in July 2010. Before that happens, 500 final cars will be built that, according to Gilles, will be the most special Vipers ever. Gilles explained that the company wanted to preserve the value of existing Vipers by not continuing the current generation indefinitely. He didn't give any details on what would be special with the final 500 cars.

However, Viper fans need not mourn yet. Gilles revealed that an all new car is being developed with a launch targeted in 2012! Even better the Viper will be getting some help from Chrysler's new Italian colleagues... and lets not forget about a certain Fiat outpost that uses a yellow-and-black Prancing Horse for its logo that's based in Maranello. Let's just hope they keep the Viper's elemental nature in the new generation.


Gallery: First Drive: 2008 Dodge Viper ACR

Spy Shots: Next generation BMW 3 Series pops up swathed in swirlies

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 4th, 2009 at 10:39AM Spy Shots

2012 BMW 3-series prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

This morning we get our first "clear" look at the next generation BMW 3 Series as one of our intrepid spy photographers captured one sitting on a trailer somewhere in Germany. The newest version of BMW's mainstream model is expected to debut sometime in 2011 as 2012 model. Judging from these shots, it does not appear that the size of the new 3 will change much, although we can expect BMW to implement some weight reduction measures in order to help meet new fuel efficiency and emissions standards. The overall proportions look pretty similar to today's car, but the profile shot indicates a more upright grille stance similar to the new Z4 and 5 Series GT.

The next 3 is also expected to adopt some new powertrains including a new turbocharged and direct-injected three-cylinder engine. When the new 3 arrives here in the U.S., it will likely also mark the return of four-cylinder engines to the brand's U.S. lineup, to which we say, bring on the fuel savings. Thanks to Annie and Andrus for the tips!


Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 3 Series


[Photos: CarPix]

Kia Forte Koup going racing in 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 3rd, 2009 at 2:10PM SEMA

Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am racer – Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time in its history in the U.S. market, Kia is going racing in 2010. Kia announced today at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas that it has partnered with the Kinetic Group to build and compete with a pair of new Forte Koups in the 2010 Grand-Am Koni Challenge series. The Koups will be driven by Andy Lally and Nic Jönsson in the Street Tuner class of the Koni Challenge. Kia says it chose the Kinetic Group for its experience working in NASCAR, ALMS, IndyCar and, of course, the Koni Challenge.

The front-wheel-drive Kias are based on the production Forte Koup and will be running against the likes of the Mazda MX-5, Honda Civic Si and MINI Cooper. The Kias will make their debut January 8-10 at the Grand-Am test days at Daytona and then really hit the track in anger at the end of the month for the season opener as part of the Daytona 24 Hours weekend. Will the little two-door from South Korea have the racing chops to hang with other, more experienced production-based racers? Time will tell, but it's great to see Kia hop into motorsports with both feet and choose a series where its actual cars have the potential to shine.


Gallery: Kia Forte Koup Grand-Am Koni Challenge


[Source: Kia]

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Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 3rd, 2009 at 7:30AM



Over the past decade, Hyundai has rapidly moved up into the top echelon of the worlds automakers and part of its success has come from better tailoring its cars to local needs. To help in that respect, the South Korean company has opened a network of technical centers in the regions where it does business.

Last week, Hyundai opened it fourth R&D facility outside of Korea with its new location in Hyderabad, India. The Indian center will focus on developing small cars and the home office has named it the global center of excellence for the segment.

The Hyderabad Center is starting off with 300 engineers and will also be providing support services to other locations in South Korea, Japan, Germany and the United States. The 300,000 square-foot facility took two years to build at a cost of $25 million.

[Source: Hyundai]

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SEMA 2009: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 packs 411 HP

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) on Nov 3rd, 2009 at 12:02AM

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor in Blue Flame – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Ford first revealed the new F-150 SVT Raptor a year ago, the initial powerplant was the same 5.4-liter V8 found in more pedestrian F-series trucks. At the launch, however, Ford officials promised that an all-new 6.2-liter V8 would become available right about ... now!. Well a month from now. The order books for the Raptor 6.2 officially open on December 1. Ford has already taken 3,000 orders for the 5.4-liter Raptor and 700 have gone to customers.

Last year, Ford told us the 6.2 would crank out at least 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of twist. Now that the engine has been certified and the final numbers are in, the targets have been exceeded. The 6.2-liter for the Raptor has been officially rated at 411 hp at 5,500 rpm and 434 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm.

According to F-150 Marketing Manager Mark Grueber, the Raptor 6.2 will get to 60 mph 1.5 seconds faster than the 5.4 while matching its fuel economy (as though anyone buying a Raptor will car about MPGs). That should put the 6.2 somewhere in the upper six- to low seven-range for a 0-60 mph run (Mike Levine at PickupTrucks.com clocked a Raptor at 8.8 seconds with a brake torque). But take heed, with more power comes a higher MSRP: the new engine will cost $3,000 more than the carryover 5.4, starting at $41,995 delivered.


Gallery: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor


[Source: Ford]

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Autoblog Podcast #151: With Car and Driver's Eddie Alterman

Eddie Alterman wades in with Sam, Chris, Dan, and Jonny to talk about SEMA and other recent events.

 
 

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