Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Automotive Addicts

Automotive Addicts

BMW to get Toyota Hybrid and Hydrogen Technologies: Report

Posted: 26 Jun 2012 05:59 AM PDT


In the ever-growing efforts for automotive manufacturers to satisfy upcoming CAFE standards and make more efficient vehicles over-all, joint efforts have been considered to synergize efficient technology. BMW plans to be on the forefront of 'all things efficient' as reports have uncovered plans for Toyota to supply BMW with hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

In most situations, collaborative efforts from automotive manufacturers assist with reduction in development costs. This seems to be the ultimate plan, according to reports on Automotive News, where BMW will continue to better their relationship with Toyota. They already announced future plans to share diesel engines and co-develop lithium-ion batteries. Now the two automakers, from Germany and Japan, could spark a new relationship for alternative energy vehicles ultimately drive up production volumes while reducing production costs. Toyota already plans to start selling a new fuel cell vehicle in 2015, so sharing such technology and development costs with others (BMW) could be a win-win.

Is The 2013 Mustang GT A Poor Man’s Boss 302? Video

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 12:30 PM PDT


2013 Ford Mustang GT

We'll come clean: some of us here have a thing about 5.0-liter V-8 Mustangs. No, they're not as sophisticated as the latest Bavarian bratwurst rocket, but neither are they as expensive to buy and maintain. Sure, even the track-ready Boss 302 is saddled with a live rear axle, but (trust on on this) that's only an issue when pushing the car hard at the roughest of racetracks. Yes, it weighs over 3,600 pounds, but it's still lighter than the Camaro (and sounds better, at least to our ears).

Throw a few options on a Boss 302 Laguna Seca, and you're over the $50,000 price point, which narrows the field of potential buyers. On the other hand, a base Mustang GT with the cloth Recaro seats and the Track Package (including Brembo brakes, custom stability control tuning, 19-inch wheels, Torsen limited-slip differential with 3.73 axle ratio, high-capacity radiator and engine oil cooler) can be had for around $15,000 less.

Motor Trend asks, "Is the Mustang GT an affordable Mustang Boss 302?" The answer, sadly, is "not really." While the GT with the Track Package is still a very entertaining track day car, it doesn't have anywhere near the Boss 302's limits. On the other hand, the GT gives you a blank slate to build from as your budget allows: upgrade the suspension, add a short shift kit and throw on some stickier rubber than the stock Pirelli P Zero Neros, and you may well have a car that's almost as entertaining as a Boss 302 Laguna Seca for a lot less money.

First 2013 SRT Viper Sells For $300,000

Posted: 25 Jun 2012 06:30 AM PDT


The 2013 SRT Viper

At this weekend's Barrett Jackson auction in Orange County, California, the very first production 2013 SRT Viper was sold to raise money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation, which helps children with pediatric cancers. Bidding seemed to stall at the $250,000 mark, until an SRT Track Experience (which comes with all new SRT vehicles, anyway) and a VIP trip to the Petit LeMans were added to the deal.

The final hammer price was $300,000, all of which was donated to the Austin Hatcher Foundation. In return, the new buyer is the first on his block to put a 2013 SRT Viper in his garage, and gets the honor (and collectibility) of owning serial number 001.

As with most charity auctions for new vehicles, we doubt the car crossing the block was the actual car to be delivered. Buyers lucky enough to get a first production model generally get to choose whatever options and colors they like, although we'd be just fine with a new Viper in any color, thanks.

While $300,000 is a nice donation to the Austin Hatcher Foundation, the selling price pales in comparison to the winning bid for the very first Corvette ZR1: back in 2008, that car sold for a cool $1,000,000, with proceeds going to benefit the United Way.
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