More rumors: C7 Corvette said to sport smaller, high-revving turbo V8

As the current generation Corvette (C6) began to near the end of its life cycle, a plethora of rumors began to circulate – some more extreme than others – concerning the direction that Chevy’s iconic sportscar would soon take.Leftlane eventually brought you clarification surrounding most rumors, such as the claim that a turbocharged V6, a wet dual-clutch or a mid-engine design would be used, but now we must introduce yet another suggestion.

This time around the rumor is a bit more believable and it arrives in the form of an optional engine that would displace about three liters, while making use of a turbocharger and eight cylinders, according to The Detroit Bureau. This concept is apparently less offensive than the thought of using anything less than eight cylinders to purists, but by pairing a smaller displacement V8 with a turbocharger GM can still offer a somewhat less thirsty Corvette variation.

It is believed that the turbocharged engine will be good for around 400 horsepower and about the same torque, as is common with turbocharged V8s. One new and exciting attribute that would result from the small displacement, however, comes in the form of a high-revving engine that would be more at home with many European sports cars.

The engine is expected to be so high-revving in fact, it may even reach as high as 10,000 rpms, which would deliver a very different driving experience than what is traditionally expected from a Corvette – potentially appealing to a whole new audience of prospective buyers, which fits the public direction GM executives have stated the next Corvette will take.

Look for the C7 to debut for the 2014 model years, possibly arriving in the 2013 calender year.

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More rumors: C7 Corvette said to sport smaller, high-revving turbo V8

As the current generation Corvette (C6) began to near the end of its life cycle, a plethora of rumors began to circulate – some more extreme than others – concerning the direction that Chevy’s iconic sportscar would soon take.Leftlane eventually brought you clarification surrounding most rumors, such as the claim that a turbocharged V6, a wet dual-clutch or a mid-engine design would be used, but now we must introduce yet another suggestion.

This time around the rumor is a bit more believable and it arrives in the form of an optional engine that would displace about three liters, while making use of a turbocharger and eight cylinders, according to The Detroit Bureau. This concept is apparently less offensive than the thought of using anything less than eight cylinders to purists, but by pairing a smaller displacement V8 with a turbocharger GM can still offer a somewhat less thirsty Corvette variation.

It is believed that the turbocharged engine will be good for around 400 horsepower and about the same torque, as is common with turbocharged V8s. One new and exciting attribute that would result from the small displacement, however, comes in the form of a high-revving engine that would be more at home with many European sports cars.

The engine is expected to be so high-revving in fact, it may even reach as high as 10,000 rpms, which would deliver a very different driving experience than what is traditionally expected from a Corvette – potentially appealing to a whole new audience of prospective buyers, which fits the public direction GM executives have stated the next Corvette will take.

Look for the C7 to debut for the 2014 model years, possibly arriving in the 2013 calender year.

View the original article here

2011 Hyundai Sonata - 2.0T Turbo - Hybrid

It’s true in cars as it’s true in politics—to rise above the clutter, you need to make a dramatic statement. While Hyundai won’t be telling anyone it can “see Russia from its house!” anytime soon, it’s given its mainstream, mid-size Sonata a refreshing new look and a new mission.

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata takes some smart styling and performance risks to raise its profile.

The goal: to dislodge some Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion buyers (along with shoppers considering the Camry, Malibu and Accord) and bring them into the Hyundai fold.

So, how’s the hopey-changey thing working out for the big Hyundai four-door? Very well, thanks. Sales are the best ever, and it’s largely a matter of the right look, matching up with the right features and the right fuel-economy number on the sticker. The Sonata’s ditched formality for fab new lines, inside and out. It’s skipping the V-6 route and instead fitting the car with a four-cylinder that rates up to 35 mpg—a little lower if it’s fitted with a turbocharger, considerably more if it’s teamed with Hyundai’s new hybrid technology. In any version it meets our performance expectations; both the Hybrid and 2.0T versions thrill us beyond the norms, for their own distinct reasons.

Inside, there’s more usable room than ever, and it’s finished in an agreeable way, though we’d love to see softer seats and a little less gloss black plastic. The steering could use some more refinement in feel, too. It works great in sweeping turns, but wanders a touch on some highway surfaces. While they’re at it, Hyundai needs to buckle down on interior noise. On asphalt roads, the Sonata’s low rolling resistance tires generate lots of noise, overpowering even the good mid-level speakers.

You’ll probably overlook those minor flaws given the Sonata’s extremely smart pricing. All this space, frugality and good looks can be had for less than $20,000—and comes with USB, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. The turbo version adds more than 80 horsepower, but only raises the price to about $25,000 base. The Hybrid will earn around 39-40 mpg in highway driving—with a base price of about $26,000, not much more than the much smaller Honda Civic Hybrid.

Any version of the new Sonata gets class-leading fuel economy; the Hybrid version stands out for its extreme highway economy number. See details and best of the Web Zoomy new stylingFuel-conscious in all formsWell-damped rideBig standard features listHuge value for the dollarGet Dealer Price Quotes Inconsistent steering feelSeats feel rather firmCabin gets noisy at higher speedsIf you have to have a V-6, you?re out of luck

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UPDATE: Porsche reveals 550 horsepower, range-topping Panamera Turbo S!

Wednesday, Mar 30th, 2011 @ 4:05 a.m.

Less than 24 hours after rumors began to circulate that a possible new king for the Panamera model range was coming, the German automaker has decided to fully let the cat out of the bag and reveal its new Gran Turismo range-topper.

If you were to walk into a Porsche dealer today and demand the best of the Panamera lineup, you would be offered a 500 horsepower Turbo model, but if you can wait until deliveries start in June, a 550 horsepower Panamera Turbo S will also be an option.

The addition of the Turbo S isn’t exactly surprising, given the sister 911-range already had a Turbo S model. In the Panamera Turbo S, power was boosted to a very healthy 550 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque from a bi-turbo 4.8-liter V8. The 10 percent power bump from the standard Turbo will surely help offset the added bulk of the four doors.

If that isn’t enough, opt for Sport Chrono Package and utilize either the “Sport” or “Sport Plus” modes for 35 extra torque, for a total of 590 lb-ft of torque. Zero-to-62 miles per hour is surpassed in a scant 3.8 seconds, with top speed limited to 191 mph.

How did they do it?
Porsche says the power bumps are largely attributable to improved turbochargers with titanium-aluminum turbine wheels, as well as modified engine mapping in the computer. Porsche explains that the titanium-aluminum alloy reduces the weight of the compressor wheel in the turbo, and in turn reduces the energy required to spin the turbos, resulting in more airflow.

Of course Porsche didn’t just boost the power and call it a day, other features include 20-inch Turbo II wheels with increased rear axle track width, side skirts from the Porsche Exclusive range and the adaptive extending four-way rear spoiler, painted to match the body.

Inside, Porsche applied a contrasting bi-color leather finish, standard. Porsche says that the new combination of black/cream is offered exclusively for the new Panamera Turbo S with agate grey/cream also being added as an exclusive combination.

Deliveries of the Panamera Turbo S begin this June, with European pricing beginning at 167,076 euros in Germany, including value added tax (VAT). In the U.S., the new model will start with a base price of $174,175.

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