The speculation on power is unconfirmed at this point, but sources are placing the figures at around 590 HP and 430 lb-ft of torque. Considering the original got up to about 290 HP and 240 lb-ft of twist, this represents one hell of an upgrade. Speaking of upgrades, the other rumor we're hearing points to the possibility of some form of special 2009 Acura RL fitted with the same NSX V10. Obviously such a car would bend our fragile little minds to the breaking point and cause droplets of sweat-like dew to form on every other performance sedan's hood. Although this'll certainly help potential RL buyers interested in performance, unless it comes to market with a less-toothy grille, it won't do much for those looking for something better to look at. [7Tune.com]

This is an extreme shift for Ford, an automaker planning on offering only V8 engines for the 2009 Ford F-150. While the 4.6-liter V8 at the bottom of the current truck's range supposedly delivers more horsepower and torque with the same fuel economy numbers as the outgoing 4.2-liter V6, it's still huge. Is it true? We're not sure yet. What we do know is that EcoBoost technology better be damn good to deliver the same HP and torque..

But, the numbers PickupTrucks.com is hearing indicate 250 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque on this new EcoBoost four-banger. Our thought is that'll be plenty of power — as long as it's getting fuel economy somewhere above 20 MPG. We guess time will tell. We hope Toby Keith doesn't mind things getting smaller in the engine compartment. [via PickupTrucks.com]

There will be a two hour satellite broadcast to all domestic Chevy dealers on July 22nd. The sole subject will be Camaro. Complete info is anticipated (inc dates and pricing). It is assumed that real orders for real cars will then be able to be accepted.

If one where to go out on a limb, news like this bolsters the talk of a VW/KTM partnership to produce the car using KTM's expertise in low production numbers and carbon fiber fabrication. We'll have to see if the rumors of this radical, top secret project have any weight to them, but a jet-canopied, carbon fiber, hypermileage rule breaker would certainly spice up the pending 2010 mileage wars. [Car via WCF]

"GM recently canceled two GMC product programs. The next-generation GMC Acadia program is the first program to be cut from the product plans at GMC. Originally the Acadia was slated to stay on with the next generation lineup of Lambda crossovers...however, that has obviously changed.

The next GMC product program to get sliced was the GMC Lambda SUT program. GM is currently working on two Lambda SUT's to combat the truck market with higher fuel efficiency. Chevrolet and GMC were both going to get a variant of the Lambda truck around the 2011-2012 time-frame. However, like its Acadia brother, this GMC has too bit the dust within the product plans at GM. That leaves only the GMC Theta program running (to replace the Pontiac Torrent) between now and 2012."

Though still based on a slightly stretched version of the delightful Ferrari F430, this car will be adding both horsepower and serious lightness. Although our sources give us different numbers than the 1000 Kg and 2,200 lb target originally given with the concept. Our whispers, coming by way of a source with intimate knowledge of Ferrari's upcoming product lineup, tell us the targets are far more aggressive than other outlets are reporting, with Ferrari setting goals of 900 Kg, or 1,984 lbs on the weight side. And on the power side — 900 HP coming out of a V8 instead of Car und Driver's reported V10. Those are pretty eye-popping numbers — which we're hopeful will lead to eye-watering performance.

But what should we expect? The technology behind it is supposedly to come primarily from their dominating racing program. Reportedly the name Millechili won't survive, which is no loss, but the idea of a horse per kilo is a magical thought, even if the price will bring everyone right back to reality. [via Car & Driver]

Our sources at Ford say that Mr. Mulally has already made the decision to convert at least three truck/SUV production facilities in North America as soon as possible to produce Ford models currently sold in Europe, where Ford is renowned for its small cars. The timeline Mulally prefers, according to insiders, is "yesterday". He has made up his mind and is pushing forward.

1. It's expensive
Retooling is not cheap. We don't have an estimate for what it would cost to convert three Truck/SUV plants into full-time small car production, but it doesn't take a room of accountants to figure out that it would be an incredibly large investment involving establishing and expanding supplier relationships.

2. Ford is already moving in that direction
Ford is already working out its plans to build Fiestas in Mexico for North American consumption. We'd also point out the Ford Transit Connect is on its way over, as well.

3. Inferior American Ford Focus is selling fairly well
Though the American Ford Focus is inferior to the European Focus, it's still selling well, especially with SYNC-equipped models. Plus, the 2011 Ford Focus is going to be C1-based, as we already know.

4. It's not a horrible idea
Though we liked the 2009 Ford Flex, we're not overwhelmed with Ford's short-term battle plan. The company seems to be doing a slightly better job of prepping for the future, but prescience isn't exactly a quality we associate with the automaker.

With all that being said, it could happen. It isn't the craziest thing we've ever heard, but we're not holding our breath. [AutoSavant]

A Chevy version of the Astra? The Daewoo Lacetti draped in a single bar grille (we admittedly kind of like that one)? A Vega for the new century? And who could forget Chevelle. Considering that it'll be built with dubious quality and high fuel economy, we've got to go with Chevette. Our favorite belonged to a buddy in high school, and sported a John Deere green body with non-matching blue rear hatch. Eventually a wheel fell off and it ended up in the ditch, where he paid the tow driver with the title in order to get it out of his sight. We can only hope this new product turns out so well. [Automotive News (Subscription) and Vindy]

Anyway, the push for the new architecture has a target date of 2012, or just about the time gas hits $15,000 a gallon in the US, so the idea is to provide room and size while reducing weight and improving gas mileage. We're wondering why they don't just follow through with the Autonomy concept that they spent so much money (and the motoring press spent so much time) on. [Bloomberg via Carscoop]

Power supposedly comes from a 1.8 L turbo four and 2.5 L V6 and drives the rear wheels. If they can manage to keep the weight down this could prove to be a very interesting little car. Production may start as early as 2010, but that's only if this isn't all a big made up farce. [AutoExpress]

We're also not surprised given that Cerberus has already envisioned the death of the Dodge Viper and the PT Cruiser and Pacifica. It's a new day! Less products more... something. [Bloomberg]

"[Ford's] going to drive this [and other vehicles shown to Ford dealers] right up Toyota's ass."

We feel the headline really says everything necessary about this artist's rendering. [Best Car via WorldCarFans]

The Post From Solara Guy:

OK ... on rare occasions I have been wrong. It's usually for a very good reason though. When I originally posted up about the Death of the Solara, I thought I was absolutely correct.

As a supplier to Toyota, I would get APV information (Annual Planning Volume) that would show production forecasts by manufacturing plant. I would also be involved in future projects.

When I received the APV for 2008, the TMMK (Georgetown, KY) plant #2 showed that the volumes for Solara dropping to zero and the "Ace" (now named Venza) starting production in August 2008.

I immediately called the buyer at Toyota and asked if TMMK was going to discontinue the Solara. My second thought was that it would move to another plant. (Like they did to the first Gen Solara going from TMMC - Canada to TMMK) He said there were no plans to make the Solara here in North America.

What I didn't hear was " ... here in North America." Because the Solara was dropping in volume so much, it made more sense to move production to Japan and import the car. This frees up precious manufacturing lines to make higher volume cars like the boring Venza.

Yes, you heard me right.

This morning I got a note from the same buyer. (Sent from his personal email) No pictures of the Gen 3 have been released. No press releases, nothing. There's been so much hype about the death of the Solara, that Toyota decided to let the rumors cover up the project.

A prototype car had been sent to the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor for emissions testing and certification. One of his coworkers was up for a supplier launch meeting on the Venza when he caught sight of prototype Gen3 Solara at a local gas station. (The car had most of its camoflauge removed) So my friend got these camera pics. Sorry they are very bad but this guy did not want to be seen taking photos since he is a Toyota employee.

Good News and Bad News: (This is what information the buyer could get through his connections at TTC in Toyota City, Japan)

Good News first:

The Gen3 Solara is to be made in the a new Kanto Works plant in Sagamihara, Japan. (Near Tokyo)

Engine: 3.5L V-6 (Supposedly rated over 287Hp - not finalized yet) FWD of course. No 4cyl option anymore.

Transmission: A six speed manual is in the works but will launch 6 months after the 6spd AT with paddle shifters.

According to him, the options are very limited to keep inventory down. Only a SLE model will be available.

Other Features standard on all Solaras:
- Dual Exhaust
- LED Headlights in a round bulb like shape. (Like Infiniti's?)
- Push button start with remote start in the key FOB
- Heated front and rear seats (Driver's seat has cooling function)
- 6 disc changer with Navigation (Previously 4 disc)
- LED Gauge cluster and LED interior lighting.
- 18" wheels standard (3 variations w/ 1 by in a TRD version made by Enkei)
- TRD has a prototype vehicle at their Torrance, CA facility for development of "enthusiast" parts.

The Bad News : (I can hear the groaning already)The 2 door market is deemed to be dead to Toyota. The Gen3 Solara will be a 4 door that will compete with the Altima. (Except more upscale and more performance oriented.)

So no more convertibles.

(Hat tip to SMAN!) [SolaraGuy]

The regular 2009 TL sedan will inherit the 3.5-liter V6 under the hood of the current TL Type-S. That motor puts out 286 HP now however, we expect this V6 to be tuned up to just over 300 horses when it finds its new home in the 2009 TL's engine compartment. Initially that news has us just plain giddy — however, all that horsepower will be heading torque-spinningly straight to the front wheels. Frankly, that has us a little worried. For now we'll just hold out hope Acura has invented an insanely great torque management system.

The much more exciting news lies in the next generation TL Type-S. Under the hood you will find the 3.7-liter V6 from the MDX CUV. That's an engine already rated at 300 HP in the MDX and our industry sources tell us to expect this motor to be good for around 330 HP in the TL's hot rod version. That said, we've also heard whispers that a number in the 340-350 HP range is not totally out of the realm of possibility.

If those horsepower numbers get your blood flowing, remember that power will also be coursing through Acura's torque-vectoring, SH-AWD system on the Type-S. That leads us to hope those rumors about a number closer to 350 HP turn out to be true.

The last bit of good news on the Type-S is the slush box. A 6 speed, manumatic DSG gearbox will be standard equipment on this faster-than-average sports sedan. Expect to be able to shift the gears through steering wheel-mounted, flappy-paddle shifters, or with the "stick" itself via a "+/-" gate.

Watch for the regular 2009 TL to go on sale during the summer or fall of 2008 and we expect the meaner S-Type following 6-12 months later.

"There is plenty of evidence out there hinting to a future G8 GXP, one with a more powerful V8 and maybe a six-speed manual."

What I would like to see:

*At least LS3 power. That means 430hp or more.
*A available six-speed manual. Please leave out the knife in the peanut butter jar shifter feel.
*Supportive bucket seats with GXP stitched in the head rests.
*No callout badges to the power level, just the engine size.
*Reduce the weight to about 3750lbs, or similar to the V6 model.
*Large brakes. I am a brake nut, so anything with outstanding brakes leaves me gawking.
*Larger wheels, perhaps a 19x9 wheel to leave a larger footprint and house the monstrous rotors.

There's something magical about old Jaguars, E-Types especially, which are capable of making you completely lose your ability to process rational thought. They are beautiful without compromise, with exotic and sometimes maddening engineering. You just can't help but stare at an E-Type. With the revival of the S-type and all but tragedy of platform prostitution, and the original lackluster design of the E-Type mimicking XK8, can the designers pen really be trusted to reinterpret the old XKE? It is a tantalizing prospect, but if it comes to pass, the suspense will probably kill us.

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

This time we get the rear view which, JPCN points out, sadly differs from the attractive version of the concept. But this is all in someone's head... we think. Hey buddy, can you spare some speculation? [BestCar via Japanese Performance Car News]

Initially, GM was planning a next generation Hummer H2 model built on the GMT-900 chassis for sometime in 2010. Internally, it was referred to as "GMT915." It was the next-gen chassis for the vehicle that GM has now decided to do away with.

The plans now call for the H2 to remain on the GMT-800 chassis, with significant refresh coming sometime between the latter half of 2010 and the first half of 2011. At this point, the H2 will be allowed to run its course and then die. That would put the H2 ending sometime around 2014.

So while the H2 is still going away eventually, our first story was off by a couple of years. We apologize. Serves you right for listening to a blog on "news" stuff anyway. Fercrissakes, we have a feature here called "Hoon of the Day."

While we can think of a few reasons for the demise of the Hummer H2, one reason is greater than the rest — CAFE. Up until recently, the H2 had been exempt from Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards due to it's gross vehicle weight rating. Vehicles above a 8,500 lb. GVW rating did not have to comply with CAFE. The H2's GVW came in at a convenient 8,600 lbs. Just hulking enough to miss the Federal fuel economy misers. However, with the new standards passed by Congress at the end of 2007, the H2 would fall under the CAFE umbrella by 2011. No official fuel economy number have ever been released on the H2, but most reviewers have observed an average somewhere between 12 MPG and 9 MPG. That means continued production of the H2 would've taken a huge, wet, 87-octane bite out of GM's CAFE pie that no number of Aveos sold could fill.

Past its fuel economy woes — or likely because of them — the H2 wasn't exactly flying off dealer lots as of late. Only 12,431 people decided they couldn't live without an H2 in 2007, a sales figure 27.3% lower than the heady, fuel-friendly days of 2006.

The H2 was also the only vehicle left still being built on the General's ol' and busted GMT-800 chassis. With all the other large GM SUVs and trucks now on the newer GMT-900 chassis, the idea of spending money on the older platform may have quickly fallen out of favor with "Slick" Rick Wagoner and "Maximum" Bob Lutz.

With the FUH2.com website now irrelevant, we'd like to suggest a new site — one where we could all wave goodbye to the H2 instead of giving it "the bird." Excuse us while we go register CUH2.com.

Though this is a rumor, no one should doubt the will of Ratan Tata to do whatever he wants and Tata already has a small stake in Fiat, Ferrari's parent company. [Motor Authority

One will be the generation three Prius, the other a Lexus

"lifestyle wagon-like vehicle based on the Prius platform and drivetrain."

"Cadillac will roll out the 2009 XLR roadster in July with fresh styling in and out.

XLR is based on the Chevrolet Corvette, but Cadillac won't get a version of the 2009 ZR1 due in late summer with a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 that cranks out 620 horsepower. Chevrolet hints at a price of around $100,000 and says it will build only about 2,000 per year."

So those Ford-based V8s and V12s, as well as those Volvo-sourced electronics and interior bits may be on the way out in favor of Mercedes replacements. Another possibility is that a future Mercedes SL made of aluminum may share a platform with a future Aston Martin. Only time will tell... but the mere thought of an AMG twin-turbo V12 sitting between the fenders of a 007-tastic Aston will have us up all night. [via Reuters, Autocar]

The next generation Viper roadster, referred to internally as ZC-D27 — and ZC-D29 in the case of the coupe — are no longer part of Chrysler LLC's future plans. They've been shuttled to the side — we're assuming as part of "Project Genesis," the new game plan "intended to align the needs and wants of the customer with its [Chrysler's] product portfolio and the dealer network." Or perhaps it was part of "Project Alpha" the game plan prior to "Genesis" and before Cerberus really got a good look at the books. All we know is the decision was made during the period Cerberus has been running the show in Auburn Hills.

In other words: Shit.

Originally, the new version of Dodge's halo car was set to start rolling down the assembly line in January of 2009 alongside two Chrysler badged platform mates. These two new Chrysler branded performance vehicles were to be modeled after the Firepower concept car. The first one, a roadster, was given the internal name ZC-C27, and a coupe version was given the internal name ZC-C29. However we know the decision to kill the Chrysler-brand versions was made sometime in the middle of last year.

This certainly would've hurt the business case for the entire "ZC" program. The Viper is hand built at the Connor Avenue Assembly Plant. A plant that, without the Firepower, would do nothing but build Vipers and the big V10 engines that go in them. Its a plant that we're fairly certain Chrysler's new Six Sigma-loving management would probably like to close.

The general unrest and financial struggles of Chrysler played a huge role as well. When this embattled company chooses how to spend their R&D money, they have to choose very carefully. Sadly there are many other vehicles in the Chrysler lineup that need attention before they can start to think about a low volume, hardcore sports car again — halo status be damned.

What now?

Chrysler recently launched the freshened, more powerful, fourth generation Viper for the 2008 model year. Original plans had this car being built for only two model years. It was meant to be a stop-gap model until the next generation "ZC" car could be brought online. Now that an all new Viper won't happen, sources tell us that the fourth generation Viper will instead be built until around the 2011 model year. We'd also venture a guess that so long as the fourth gen is being built, a few of the track prepped ACR models will continue to trickle out of the factory.

What happens after 2011? That's a question we don't yet have an answer for.

It's hard to imagine Chrysler leaving the halo car market for good — but we're thinking the future will call for a more affordable halo. Not just more affordable for the buyer but more affordable for Chrysler build. We know they'll want something that can still put up a fight with the Corvette — at least the base model — but at the same time, be much closer to the Corvette's base MSRP.

In the next one or two years, we can only a hope a concept car pops up on the auto show circuit that can give some hope for an all new, SRT hot rod. For now though, we mourn the loss of a legend.

RIP
Dodge Viper
1992-2011

Audi press conference with two world premieres

* Worldwide transmission by satellite of Audi press conference
* Tuesday, 11 September, 12.00 midday, Audi stand, hall 3

"See what's driving tomorrow": the 62nd International Motor Show in Frankfurt (IAA) gives an insight into the automotive world of the future. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG, will present two models making their world debut and many more innovations besides during the Audi press conference at the IAA: Audi Press Conference, Tuesday, 11 September 2007, 12.00 midday, Audi stand, Hall 3, Frankfurt exhibition grounds.

The Audi Press Conference will be broadcast worldwide by satellite. We will send you details of the downlink well in advance.

As a further service, we will be happy to provide you with technical support for your TV reporting on Audi during the press days in Frankfurt. We can help you with organising a camera team for filming your interviews, with editing, with the voiceover and with broadcasting your report from Frankfurt. Please contact us in plenty of time - well before the event if possible.

We can also provide technical support for your radio coverage during the press days: editing facilities for your audio reports will be available to you at the Audi stand, together with a recording booth for the voiceovers.

Live radio recordings of the Audi press conference and additional TV footage will be available to download after the press conference from Audi MediaServices at www.audi-mediaservices.com. A password is required to use this service so please register at this address beforehand.

The Audi press conference will also be broadcast live on the internet at www.audi.de/tv.

We already knew another E-Flex was coming, but now we're hearing from the folks at the UK-based online mag all about cars the General will be bringing a diesel-engined E-Flex concept car to the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. We've already been told by GM the E-Flex plug-in hybrid platform can be paired with a variety of different systems for generating power for travels greater than 40 miles — and have already seen a gas and hydrogen version. But this is the first time we've heard confirmation they'd be hitting a show with a diesel version of the eco-concept in tow. Better yet, they're also reporting the General will be collaborating with Dean Kamen's two-wheeled replacement for walking, the Segway. We've no idea what they've got in store. However, while at the Riverwalk Festival in downtown Detroit a couple weeks back one of us spied amid the Saturn display a creation that represents the last time the General and Segway tag-teamed up for a joint venture. – Ray Wert

GM's next eco-concept car [Carmagazine.co.uk]

Related:
GM's Personal Jesus: The Chevy Volt Electric Concept Car; Shanghai Auto Show: GM Reveals Volt Concept Version 2.0 — This Time It's Hydrogen-Powered!; Das Folgende Volt! Next Volt Concept Coming to Frankfurt, Lutz Says [internal]

Many claim there's little doubt the current 3-series is the ugliest car in BMW's history. Furthermore, those same folks claim it's awkward and not aging well. Realizing that, and according to the lads at Motor Authority, BMW is changing course big time. Most notable in this design preview are the cues borrowed from everyone's favorite Shanghai surprise, the CS Concept. Note the front end is lifted almost exactly from the CS, though the renderings for the 3-series have much sharper, 5-series influenced headlights. The hood is also inflated to protect the pedestrians of Europe, only it doesn't look awful. The rear is a best-case evolution of the 7-series's bustled butt. The proposed 3 looks good in profile, too. Is this preview accurate? Who knows, but boy oh boy would it be a big step in the right direction. – Jonny Lieberman

Preview: Next-gen BMW 3-series [Motor Authority]

Related:
BMW Bosses Greenlight New 3-Series Crossover, AutoWeek Says; Hybridnomics! BMW to Put Hybrid Tech in 3-Series Next [Internal]

We've heard conflicting reports over the past year about the future of the Mercedes "Baby Benz" — some quoting a "weak Euro" while others providing "the falling dollar" as reasoning for abandonment of the A-class. This latest report claims the A-class will get the ax after what we're told is a planned change in both the A and B-class lineups in 2011 because of a Teutonic flight to "luxury." While we're unsure about all of this tea leaf reading, we're sure of one thing — the board of DaimlerChrysler is most assuredly against anything right now that looks even remotely like "non-luxury." – Ray Wert

DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes considering exiting from A-class model - report [AFX via Forbes]

Related:
Mercedes A-Class in America? Think A -Gain; Oh, No, Vaneo!: Mercedes Recalls 50,000 A-Class Cars [internal]