The Web Page of Kristopher Linquist

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Lamborghini

Edo Competition Gallardo LP600/4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Edo Competition is no stranger to modifying Lamborghinis. Its unique touch has graced the Gallardo Superleggera and Murcielago LP640, along with a limited edition Christian Audigier edition Murcielago, among others.

Now the German tuner has taken the Gallardo LP560-4 and given it what it likes to call a little "added spice". The output of the Italian supercar has been bumped to an even 600 horsepower thanks to a new stainless steel exhaust system and an ECU tune, resulting in a claimed top speed of 211 mph. Other upgrades include an adjustable sport suspension system, 19-inch three-piece wheels, and a new front spoiler lip. You can read more details in the press release after the jump and check out the high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: edo competition Gallardo LP600/4

[Source: Edo Competition]

Continue reading Edo Competition creates the Lamborghini Gallardo LP600/4

Edo Competition creates the Lamborghini Gallardo LP600/4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Dodge Viper ACR-X ready to fill your track-rat, spec-racing needs [w/ VIDEO]

As a final farewell to the current Dodge Viper, the SRT group has created a turn-key track tool ready to tackle the SCCA and NASA Viper Racing League.

Pics Aplenty: Aston Martin revisits much derided Lagonda Concept

The Aston Martin Lagonda didn't receive a warm reception in Geneva. But Aston has released a slew of additional pics of the oddball crossover, leading us to wonder: Is the Lagonda headed for production?

Rumormill: Next generation Nissan GT-R to go hybrid

The most recent rumors out of Japan suggest that Nissan could use a hybrid drivetrain on the next GT-R. Given the automaker's recent push for efficiency, it's not out of the question, but could Godzilla really go electric?

Also of interest:

• Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job
• Spyker takes the lead in the Saab bidding sweepstakes
• Fed predicts it will lose $30B on auto industry bailout
• Nissan announces pricing on 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition, Rogue S Krom Edition [w/VIDEO]
• Renault pondering return to North America

Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 12.10.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Europe, Audi

Hofele Design R8 Look A5 - click above for high-res image gallery
And by "controversial," we mean "disgusting." Look, the R8 has those side blades because it's a mid-engine car, but Audi felt they still need a place for a set of golf clubs, so they lengthened the cabin so the clubs can be stowed behind the seats. Meaning that the body has a whole lot of extra length in the middle. Rather than go all BMW and start torturing the hell out of the metal, they slapped on some pieces and called it a day, leading to a look that some love and others loathe.

Now, the A5/S5 is a superbly beautiful car. From every angle, the seemingly minimalist design gets better and better. Especially when you run your eyes across the length of its rising and falling center line that runs from the front fenders past the doors only to terminate in the tail lamp. Just about pitch-perfect. Truly, one of the better designs this decade. German tuner Hofele Design apparently had but one simple mission: how to destroy it!

The results are self-evident. All those people that are moaning and complaining that their Audi A5 3.2s don't look anything like a R8 V10 can now cease their protests. All two of them. Also, and we know this doesn't need stating but here goes: why would you go through the trouble of mutating your car to the nth degree but then leave on the "A5" and "3.2" badges?

Most people who know Audis (i.e. the very people that might have an outside chance of being impressed by this) would agree that A5 and 3.2 stands for the automaker's worst engine/transmission combination, the slow-revving 3.2-liter V6 that's already been dropped from the new A4 and the numbskull six-speed Tiptronic box that likes to be in sixth gear by 39 mph. So, besides raw, inharmonious phony aspect of the body kit (nice fake quad pipes) why on earth bother? Especially as the badge on the back says A5 and the one in the grille says S5. That's a rhetorical question, because we all know there's answer/point. One more thing: the R8 Spyder doesn't even have side blades. And the camber on the rear wheel's messed up.

Gallery: Hofele A5 R8

[Source: Hofele Design]

Hofele Design introduces Audi A5/R8 mashup to controversial effect originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Dodge

Speculation regarding the 2011 Dodge Charger has run rampant ever since a particularly intriguing picture was shown during Chrysler's major day-long, five-year business plan slideshow that was broadcast online. It was obvious that the car pictured was not a current Charger or a previous concept, so the natural conclusion is that it was an intentional teaser of an exciting new product.

Judging by this series of spy shots from Car and Driver, it would appear that some of the more radical styling elements previewed in Chrysler's presentation will make it to production on the 2011 Dodge Charger. Starting up front we, see a more rounded and prominent crosshair grille. We also note that the greenhouse appears more flowing with a sharply raked windshield.

Along the bodysides, it's apparent that the 2011 Charger will have very pronounced hips and shoulders with what appears to be a camouflaged accent directly behind the front wheel wells. At the very rear, the next Charger echoes the changes we saw up front with a smoother rear fascia and new tail light design. So, do you like what you see?

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: 2011 Dodge Charger prototype bagged in testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports

BMW Sauber F1.09 unveiled at Valencia - Click above for high-res image gallery
We have to admit, it can get a bit tedious every January when each of the individual teams participating in the Formula One World Championship unveils its car for the upcoming season... one... at... a... time. This year, in fact, a couple of teams opted not to hold official debut events in light of financial restrictions. Seems a little silly to us when you consider how many millions of dollars each team spends every year, but they did it just the same. Next season looks to be even more berserk with an unprecedented 13 teams on the grid, even though three automakers have recently pulled out of the sport. But reports now indicate that rather than taking the wraps off one car at a time, all the teams will get together for one big event and present their cars together.

The debut event, which is shaping up to be an auto show in its own right, is expected to take place in Valencia, Spain, ahead of the first test session of the season. Exact details are being negotiated as we speak by the team principals at the meeting of the Formula One Teams Association in Monaco, where the F1 Business Forum is currently underway. But Brawn/Mercedes GP CEO Nick Fry has already revealed the basics. For our part, we'll look forward to bringing you all the new cars at once next month.

[Source: Autosport]

2010 F1 cars reportedly set to be unveiled at joint event in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: UK, Celebrities, Humor

What to Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May all have in common with the Village People? Well, nothing really, except for the fact that all of them were present and accounted for at last Sunday's taping of Top Gear in Britain. Sort of... actually, it was four men that the BBC crew hired to dress up like the stereotypically gay musical group of "Y.M.C.A." and "Macho Man" fame.

So, the next logical question: Why? To prove that Top Gear isn't homophobic, obviously. Just last week, word hit the Interwebs that a gay couple had been denied tickets to the super-popular British show due to a rule that TG's cast be made up equally of men and women. The BBC claims it doesn't deny gay people from its audience as long as the 50/50 rule is adhered to.

Never one to back down from controversy, Jeremy Clarkson reportedly said during the taping, "The truth is, we welcome homosexual couples. We particularly like the lesbian sort... I saw a film about lesbians on the Internet once. It looked very interesting." This is sure to smooth over any tensions between the gay community and Top Gear, dontcha think?

[Source: Mirror.co.uk]

Top Gear crew responds to gay audience kerfuffle by bringing on the Village People. Sort of. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The multi-piped brake cooling on the absolutely epic FIA GT GT1-Spec Nissan GT-R is absolutely epic. [via GTRBlog]

Telling the story of Ford's attempt to trump Ferrari at Le Mans is easy; it's well known and tailored to car enthusiasts. A.J. Baime's Go Like Hell so exceeds expectations you should skip this review and buy a copy.

The background has been told a million times, but it starts with Enzo Ferrari essentially using Henry Ford II to prop up Ferrari's public sentiment and improve its bargaining position with Fiat. This leads to Ford's new mission: beat Ferrari. Merely telling the story of what happened next could make for a passable book, but Baime enriches the chronology with such detail and context it's an enriching experience.

It's awkward writing this, but Go Like Hell is probably most similar to Michael Chernov's award winning Berlin Airlift book Candy Bombers. And not because they share similar stories of American ingenuity, spirit, and ultimately triumph. Both books build incredible empathy for characters, real people, the reader only thinks they know from history.

Important figures like Johns Surtees, Phil Hill, Carroll Shelby and Enzo Ferrari are filled out so considerately it's almost as if any knowledge of them is unnecessary. It also highlights the crucial and mostly forgotten role test driver/racer Ken Miles played in the success and controversial 1966 Le Mans finish. There's no boring extended biography or imagined detail. It's just the facts. The right facts.

And it's a fucking good read, too.

The writing sometimes leans towards sensational, with sentences like "The revolution was being televised. Spectacular crashes, the thrill of the chase — cameras mainlined speed into the nation's living rooms." But Baime read a lot of sports writing from the era as research and the occasionally purple prose heightens the drama and gives these four-decade old events the urgency of contemporary events.

The tagline for the book is "Ford, Ferrari, and their battle for speed and glory at Le Mans." We're guessing "and their deadly, intense, part-spewing, battle for speed and glory and European domination and history and Italian women" didn't fit.

It belongs on any car guy's shelf next to the Haines manual and coffee can full of bolts and washers.

The author provided us with a copy of this book for the review. We're not giving it back.

[Amazon]

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, UK, Tata

Ever since Tata first showed off its diminutive Nano, heavily hyped as the Cheapest Car in the World, the Indian automaker has continually said that it intends to sell the machine in somewhat modified form in both Europe and the United States. The blokes over at Autocar were given a sneak peek at the Nano Europa, which is currently slated for a 2011 introduction, and they've seen fit to share a couple of new details with the rest of us.

For instance, the Nano Europa will ditch the Indian market's 33-horsepower twin-cylinder engine for a new all-aluminum three-cylinder unit with 60 horsepower. That new powerplant will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission with ratios optimized for higher sustained speeds while still offering good fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions.

Not surprisingly, the Nano's tiny dimensions will grow a bit for European use, with overall length said to be up by about eight inches than the Indian market version. That extra bit of sheetmetal ought to prove sufficient for the Nano to pass European NCAP crash tests and help provide a bit more space for passengers and their goods. According to Autocar, the £4000 - £5000 Nano (roughly $6,500 to $8,100 on the pricy UK market) "will change the way car prices are viewed when it hits British showrooms." We'd imagine a similar reaction if it ever hits the States, especially if it comes with an even lower price.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Good news! The 2011 Mazda MX-5 will get the Sky-G engine and be lighter [Edmunds]

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent - Click above for high-res image gallery
Say what you will about its driving dynamics, but there's little doubt that the Alfa Romeo Brera is one of the most stylish and fashionable sets of wheels on the road today. As if to reinforce that notion, the Italian automaker has teamed up with fashion house Italia Independent for a special edition model of the angular coupe.

The Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent is distinguished by its titanium paint shade, 18" turbine-style dark alloys hiding red brake calipers and an aluminum fuel cap. Inside it's all carbon fiber, black leather and red top stitching, accented with Italia Independent logos.

The special edition is available with the 185-horsepower 2.2-liter four or 260-hp 3.2-liter V6, in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. Only 900 units will be sold in Europe, Japan and Australia, starting at €29,700 (the equivalent of about $41k USD) for the 2.2 and €38,850 ($57k) for the 3.2. Check out our gallery below for a closer view of this fashion-forward forbidden fruit.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo Brera Italia Independent

[Source: Alfa Romeo]

Alfa Romeo teams up with Italia Independent for special-edition Brera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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According to AboutCar, Kia presented this sketch of a Hyundai Genesis-based RWD sedan in Korea last week. The Kia K9 is expected to first birth a concept, then a production model during 2011 using a 385 HP V8. Update!

The sketch was presented by Peter Schreyer, the man who designed the original Audi TT and now heads up design for Kia. The company is owned by Hyundai, often selling even cheaper vehicles than its Korean parent so the K9 shouldn't come as a surprise in anything but how much car we expect to get for a medium amount of money. Like the Genesis, expect a full-size sedan equipped with a range of engines that will likely including the V6 and the Ward's 10 Best 365 HP Tau V8. [AboutCar via AutoGuide]

Update: MotorTrend's Todd Lassa's been saying since July that the next-gen Kia Amanti would be built on the Genesis platform...so this is nothing more than confirmation. [MotorTrend]

Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that the “Zoom-Zoom” automaker may have a new high-tech 4-cylinder engine, code named “Sky-G” in the works for their 2011 Miata. Reports put the potential mileage as high as 70 miles per gallon. According to InsideLine, the naturally aspirated 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that was first introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Show [...]

The "March of Dimes" campaign created by the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was both groundbreaking and immensely successful. It was one of the first such efforts to take on the funding of health research and awareness not as a task for wealthy families, but as the duty of every American regardless of wealth or status. It was, appropriately, Rooseveltian. Because of its operating style, and the use of celebrities, it achieved its goal of raising public awareness and creating a vaccine to fight polio. It's a model followed by organizations today, including one just created by Novaload and targeted at Jay Leno.

Dear Jay—

Did you know that thousands of Jalopniks will go to bed tonight without ever having ridden in a perfectly restored Citroen DS or even touched a Mercedes 300SEL 6.3? Some have never seen a lead sled in person or opened the door on a 55 Roadmaster.

Those of you blessed with a stable of cool vintage machines, please remember the less fortunate, especially during this holiday season.
Won't you please consider fostering at least one Jalopnik? It costs you nothing but a little time, some gas money, and a hefty liability rider on your insurance, but isn't giving what it's all about? Jalopniks are available individually or in sets in a variety of sizes, colors and flavors. You'll receive a photo of your little Jalopnik and a personal thank you note from Mr. Wert, who allows nothing but well mannered, or at least well meaning, often sober, dragons to reside here at the Jalopnik Academy.

So, please, won't you think of fostering a Jalopnik today?

—Novaload

For the price of a ride in your Model T...

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, UK

2010 VW Scirocco R -- Click above for high-res image gallery
The Volkswagen Scirocco R was recently introduced to the European motoring press, and all of its details have been delivered unto the people. The 2.0-liter, 265-horsepower front-wheel-drive hot hatch comes in two versions: six-speed manual and six-speed DSG, either of which will get you to 60 mph in six seconds or less.

The R is loaded with tech and mods: XDS electronic transverse differential lock to combat understeer, Dynamic Chassis Control for variable damping, Anti-Slip Regulation, and massive 17-inch brakes among other features. If that makes you want to see what one can do in the corners, VW's already found out: two slightly more powerful Sciroccos won the 2.0-liter turbo class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this year.

There's an exhaustive press release after the jump that will tell you all about it, and a high-res gallery of photos below if you like your stories in pictures.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading (More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Truck, Work, Dodge

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty - Click above for high-res image gallery
Motor Trend magazine's 2010 Truck of the Year competition was an odd one this year. Only four models met MT's criteria of being new or substantially changed from the previous model year. Of those, only two were actual work trucks: the 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty and Toyota Tundra 4.6-liter work truck. The other two contenders, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and Transit Connect, likely won't ever do much of the work that we normally associate with trucks (hauling, towing, etc.). Perhaps that hindered their chances at winning the coveted Golden Calipers, because the truck that did win was the purest pickup of them all.

If you hadn't guessed yet, the Motor Trend 2010 Truck of the Year is the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which was substantially redesigned for the 2010 model year. We'll let the MT editors explain why the Ram HD was their unanimous choice, but the gist is that it arrives to market a full year ahead of substantially new versions of Ford and General Motors' heavy-duty trucks. As such, it will be the reigning HD truck in nearly every category that matters to heavy-duty pickup buyers, at least for a model year or two.

Not to take away from the Dodge's victory, but we would've chosen the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor if it were our award to give. While the Ram HD no doubt beats it in every measure as a work truck, the Raptor is extra special if for no other reason than that it shows this industry of ours still has a little spark of life left. Ford deserves credit for not only driving out on a limb with the Raptor but also handing its development over to SVT, which guaranteed the final product offer legitimate high performance.

What about you? Did Motor Trend get it right or is there a more deserving Truck of the Year? Sound off in the comments. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Dodge Ram HD

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty named Motor Trend Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week's storm tracked far enough north to give Canada over six feet of snow this weekend, still, the friendly nation suffers enough petty crime for this E90 3-series' window to get broken before it was buried. More snow-denfreude below.

gawkerGallery(5423525,8,); With the help of eight friends, the owner eventually unearthed his BMW, but not before the interior was completely frozen in snow. [via E90Post]

Detroit’s Big Three automakers are voicing concern over Japan’s version of the cash for clunkers program, which declares virtually all imported vehicles ineligible for government rebates. The Big Three have taken their concerns to the U.S. Government in a call for action. Japan has recently launched its own version of the cash for clunkers program in [...]

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Buick, GM, GMC

Nine days ago, we posted about Michael Richards getting Susan Docherty's old post at General Motors, brand manager for Buick-GMC. Today, he walked away. According to The Detroit News, the official (yet still unofficial) reason is that Richards' previous employer - Trinity Automotive in Austin, TX - made him a very strong counter offer. Though it seems to us that Trinity would have made the counter offer before Richards packed up and moved north, and we've also heard rumblings from Detroit insiders that there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Whatever the actual reason for Richards' abrupt departure, Buick-GMC is currently without a leader. Chevrolet is in a bit of a better position, even though just yesterday its vice president and 31-year company vet Brent Dewar suddenly retired. Dewar was appointed to his position in July by ex-CEO Fritz Henderson, who just resigned/was outsted from GM... nine days ago. Dewar was immediately replaced by Jim Campbell, Chevy's Fleet and Commercial Operations manager.

It seems mostly obvious to us, that both Richards and Dewar's sudden departures have to do with Henderson leaving. Because honestly, it sure as hell ain't the weather outside the Renaissance Center. As for Richards specifically, it must have been odd and unsettling to start a new career on the very same day that the guy that hired you exits stage left.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Buick-GMC general manager Michael Richards leaves after just nine days on the job originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We love Bullitt the film, the car and the iconic leaning-McQueen film poster. What's it missing? Jacqueline Bisset right in the middle. Thanks, Japan. [CinemaIsDope.com via @HemmingsNews]