Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO]

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Jaguar

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Jaguar XKR

Emerging from Jaguar's press conference yesterday from a cloud of manufactured smoke and amidst the too-loud blare of the Gallagher Brothers were the stonking new XKR Coupe and Convertible.

While the exterior receives subtle changes (new front and rear bumper designs, LED taillamps), the real news is under the hood. More than just an augmented supercharger, the blown XKs receive Jag's all-new Gen III AJ-V8 that's supercharged and features direct injection, which makes it good for 510 brake horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. That newfound power helps the 4700+ pound XKR reach 60 miles-per-hour in just 4.6 seconds. The new XKR also enjoys the same interior theater experience upon startup that debuted in the XF, including air vents that rotate around and the flush JaguarDrive gear selector.

In our time with the current XKR, we always enjoyed the shape and the interior as well as the ride, but were somewhat underwhelmed with the performance and handling. The new R promises to rectify at least the power deficiency versus some other European performance luxury coupes, so we're hoping that the handling comes along for the ride. Check out the gallery of live shots below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: 2010 Jaguar XKR

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XKR

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Jaguar]

Continue reading Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: White Lightning - Jaguar shows 510 bhp XKRs [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin

Filed under: Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Green

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tesla Roadster

With 150 Roadsters delivered to customers and another 1,100 people on the waiting list, Tesla decided now's the time to release a more performance oriented version its Elise-based EV. The Tesla Roadster Sport features a hand-wound stator that increases winding density to help eliminate resistance while increasing peak torque. In conjunction with a set of Yokohama Ultra High Performance tires (likely the same Advan A048s fitted to the Elise/Exige), Tesla claims a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds - 0.2-seconds faster than the standard Roadster. The Roadster Sport also benefits from a few other Lotus-derived components, including adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that can be tweaked to suit the driver's tastes.

Deliveries of the Roadster Sport will begin in late June, with a starting price of $128,500 in the US and €112,000 (excluding VAT) in Europe. Customers on the waiting list for their "base" Roadster have the option to upgrade to the Sport model, but if you're looking for more stick, a nice set of Ohlins, some aftermarket sway bars and a new set of tires could be had for considerably less than the $28,000 premium of the Sport model.

Continue reading Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin

Tesla Roadster Sport packs a little more punch for a lot more coin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Auction Action, BMW

Click above the view a gallery of this custom convertible BMW 850i

Long before the retro-licious Z8 and the modern 6 Series, BMW's range-topping sport coupe was the 8-Series. Characterized by its distinctive shark nose and available with a choice of eight- or 12-cylinder engines, the 8-Series was sadly never offered as a convertible. But it would have made a smart-looking roadster, as one customer was evidently determined to discover.

Commissioned by Erik Williams, offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys back in their glory days, this one-of-a-kind 1991 BMW 850i convertible is now up for sale by a dealer in New Braunfels, Texas. Craftsmanship of the folding soft-top, as you can see from the images in the gallery below, may not be up to world-class standards, but for a unique V12-powered German cabrio, the $25,900 asking price is at least accessible.

[Source: Automaniacs via CarScoop]

Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Mid-Engined Roadster Skipping LA For Detroit Auto Show Unveil [Detroit Auto Show]

The debut of the mid-engined Volkswagen Roadster — with design based on the above shot of the Volkswagen Concept R — was reportedly planned for the LA Auto Show later this month. Automotive News is reporting it's skipping out on fun in sunny So-Cal and it's now heading straight for the Detroit Auto Show early next year. A spokesman for VW claims it's to attract more attention to the debut of the vehicle, which is likely to see production as early as 2011. This makes perfect sense because when we think of convertibles, we think Detroit in the middle of winter. A brief rundown of what we think we know about the Roadster below the jump.

Following on the heels of the Volkswagen Concept R, the mid-engined Roadster should be set to compete with cars like the Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxster but at a lower cost. The appearance is said to be borrowed from the Scirocco while engine choices will likely include a small diesel option and a turbocharged, direct-injection gas engine. All engines should be mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

[Automotive News Europe via 4WheelsNews]

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