Autoblog

Dodge Challenger Super Stock shown from 2006 SEMA Show

Fans of going as fast as possible in a straight line, which includes some of us at Autoblog, have reason to rejoice. Chrysler has officially announced that the drag package for its upcoming Challenger, initially shown at SEMA in late 2006, will be released on an unsuspecting public. Previous rumors have the drag pack getting hi-po versions of the 5.9-liter Magnum and Hemi V8's, while jettisoning around eight-hundred pounds of dead weight unnecessary for mass-acceleration. The National Hot Rod Association is said to be going through the package as we speak in order to certify it for racing duty. After all of the necessary paperwork is complete, the Challenger is expected to race in the Stock Eliminator class. According to Chrysler spokeswoman Patricia Georgevich, Chrysler is looking at a possible introduction in July.

[Source: Inside Line]

We've been obsessively following the developments surrounding Nissan's rumored re-entry into the compact, RWD market, and up until now, it's been assumed that a small-displacement engine would be mounted up front, possibly fitted with a turbocharger. But according to a report by Drive.com.au, Nissan is actively considering a hybrid drivetrain to power its Silvia replacement.

The Aussie automotive news outlet spoke with Junichi Endo, Nissan's senior vice president of global marketing, who said that the automaker is trying to strike a balance between "fuel economy and driving pleasure," and that a hybrid-powered sports car has a "50-50" shot at production. However, the fate of such a vehicle hinges on the hybrid sports coupe's marketability.

While the idea certainly isn't original – Toyota is considering a gasoline-electric hybrid sports car inspired by the FT-HS concept and Honda has confirmed that the hybrid CR-Z is on its way – the move by Nissan would be a significant departure for an automaker that's kept hybrids and hybrid development at arms length, save the Altima hybrid. Additionally, Nissan maintains that if such a vehicle gains the affection of consumers, an all-electric sports car is the next logical step.

[Source: Drive.com.au]

2009 will mark the 45th year of production of Ford's iconic Mustang, and while the handsome pony car won't get its skin changed until MY2010, it will receive some festive badging to celebrate the occasion. The Stang fanatics over at Mustang Evolution got a hold of a picture of the new badging, which includes a galloping stallion over a horseshoe with the obligatory 45th Anniversary text below. The snazzy-looking four inch chrome badge will only decorate V6 Mustangs, which we're sure won't rankle many future GT owners. Thanks for the tip, Brent!

[Sources: The Mustang Source, Mustang Evolution]

This tractor Gallardo-trailer combination was been spotted somewhere in the wilds of Miami Beach. If there were any allowable reason to put a trailer hitch on your $180K coupe, this could be one of them. The dandelion yellow Lambo is pulling a custom trailer with matching wheels, and that trailer is holding a Lamborghini-badged (but obviously custom) chopper. And even though we're not a fan of yellow cars... this little combo is pretty sweet. Thanks for the tip, Philippe!

[Source: Top Speed]

Click above to view video after the jump

The London Motor Show is coming up quick and that means Lotus engineers are working overtime to get the Eagle ready for its time in the spotlight. A video of Lotus' new 2+2 doing its thing on the 'Ring surfaced today that gives us a very brief glimpse of some of the Eagle's details. The cloaked prototype's Metallic Persian Blue mirrors are peaking through the camo, and it appears that the tail lamps are remarkably close to the units fitted on the Elise/Exige. The more we look at this oft-spied prototype, the more we're imagining an Elise that's been upsized by about 30-percent. The bulging fenders, low front end and ducktail spoiler all lend credence to that assumption, but we somehow doubt that Lotus' designers would be that lazy. Regardless, we'll have to wait another couple of months before we get an eyeful of the Eagle.

Hit the jump to check out the video and get up on all the details on the Lotus Eagle in our previous post.


[Source: Pistonheads]

It's been a while since we have heard from Noble, the small British manufacturer that has put out some pretty impressive sports cars over the last decade. The company is currently developing a new car called the M600, and PistonHeads.com recently had the chance to interview Noble's head honcho Peter Boutwood about the upcoming model. Boutwood revealed that the M600 will be powered by a Yamaha-designed twin-turbo Volvo V8 and will have a full carbon fiber body shell. While no specific details were given regarding specifications or performance figures, the M600 promises to keep pace with the world's top supercars. It will also be absent of any driver aids like traction control and have a focus on being a pure driver's car. No word on whether the M600 will be available in the United States, but it may be imported as a rolling chassis sans engine like the current car. Thanks for the tip, pottz!

[Source: PistonHeads.com]

We're all fidgety waiting for the arrival of the Cadillac CTS coupe, but GM has already axed a potentially popular variant of the two door entry-Caddy. Despite indications that GM's turnaround plan is making headway, resources still need to be allocated carefully, so we're guessing that an alfresco CTS Coupe didn't make a good enough business case to justify the cost to bring it to market. While it certainly cost GM money to make the CTS a two-door, significant investment would have been necessary to engineer and fine-tune the reported retractable hardtop the convertible would have gotten. Convertible buyers are often a little different than hardcore coupe purchasers, opening up another sales niche. GM also misses out on another challenge to BMW, which offers a Skyliner-ized 3-series. If there's enough clamor for a convertible CTS Coupe, GM may eventually commit to it as Cadillac takes aim at BMW with it's awesomeized CTS.

[Source: Inside Line, Photo: Inside Line]

Click the image above for more hi-res pics of the Ferrari Concept 2008

We realize that not everyone will agree with us on this one -- passions seem to run highest over the cars that the fewest number of people will drive -- but if the Ferrari California looked like this concept, we'd put down a deposit right now. Once someone else gave us the money to do so.

Sure, from the A-pillar forward is pure Maserati, and there's no way a front intake like that could or should make it onto a Ferrari. Still, it's a good looking front end, and we don't mind design elements going up as well as down. Besides, a couple of keystrokes can get a proper Ferrari nose in place.

But from the A-pillar to the rear... those are the kind of aggressive, subtle lines we like in our Ferraris. Which is not to say we don't like the California -- we just like this a little better... A coupe, please. That color.


[Source: Sefsdesign]

Click above for high-res gallery of the Camaro prototype in more colors

It's true. The production Chevy Camaro will debut at Indy, but not at the Indy 500 race in a couple of weeks. Rather, General Motors has informed various Camaro fanboy circles that production Camaros will be in attendance at the Indy '08, Back at the Brickyard event from September 19-21. The Back at the Brickyard is an event attended by thousands of Camaro and Firebird fans, so it's appropriate that the production Camaro be welcomed into the world by friends. On hand will be a number of different Camaro models sporting the full engine lineup and, of course, all the different colors. Everyone thought GM would wait until the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to debut its new rear-wheel-drive coupe bearing the iconic Camaro name, but we're hardly disappointed the car will be unveiled more than three months earlier. We may just have to make a special trip to Indianapolis for this one.

Before you plan your trip to the Brickyard, we feel compelled to note that GM has not issued a formal press release confirming all of this, so it's possible some forum members are pulling everyone's leg right now. Thanks for the tip, Tommy!

UPDATE: We've contacted GM to inquire about the validity of this story, and they tell us that the production Camaro will not debut at this event. It will actually debut BEFORE then at a place TBD. Hmmm... what event takes place before September that would be an appropriate place to debut an iconic muscle car? If you'd all like to meet us at the Coney Island restaurant on Woodward Ave. the Thursday before the Dream Cruise, we'll buy you a coney.


[Source: LS1Tech]

Audi has been tearing up the automotive landscape with a torrent of new products, and now it's cleaning up on the awards circuit, too. The European Patent Office awarded Audi as its third inventor of the year for its innovative new products that are helping Europe excel in the global market. The product worthy of such an award is Audi's aluminum space frame, which underpins the Audi A8, TT, R8, and Lamborghini Gallardo. The lightweight platform provides substantial weight savings vs. a traditional steel frame, which results in better fuel economy and a reduction in CO2. The space frame also provides improved structural rigidity and improved crash protection.

Hit the jump to view Audi's press release.

[Source: Audi]