TopSpeed Daily Update

A New Name For The Chevrolet Aveo
Infiniti plans new sports car based on the Essence concept
Two new Prius models possible for 2012
Video: Lamborghini Jota spotted taking laps at the Nurburgring
2012 Buick Verano teased
Audi Quattro concept might go into production
Porsche R&D Chief: "We can afford our own Formula One team"
Porsche Cayenne Magnum by TechArt
63-year old crashes Corvette C6 into the house of an Emmy winner
Saab celebrates 50th Anniversary of First RAC Rally Victory with special edition 9-3

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 04:30 PM PDT

It's not often we get things right when we make jokes, but we did say that we thought Chevrolet should change the name of the new Aveo. After all, the last one really was terrible.

We completely agree with this rumor, as separating this new model with the last one can only help sales. Take the new Cruze for instance. If it had been called the redesigned Cobalt, would it have gotten the attention it's currently getting?

The new Aveo will be built at GM's Orion plant, which it recently renovated. Along with the new Aveo, Buick's small premium car, the Verano, will be built there as well. It will be the first small car built by the company in over 20 years and will be based off of the Cruze. In total, these two new vehicles could help save up to 1,500 jobs which could be extremely helpful in the current economy.

Hit the jump to see the press release.

A New Name For The Chevrolet Aveo originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 16:30 EST.

Infiniti plans new sports car based on the Essence concept

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 04:00 PM PDT

Just slightly ahead of the electric sports car explosion came Infiniti’s Essence concept unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Deciding that it was high time to stop treading water on the beautiful concept, Infiniti has made serious plans to produce a new sports car that will be inspired by this same concept. It’s unclear as to whether this new vehicle will carry the same hybrid powertrain as the concept - a 592 hp petrol-electric hybrid engine - but just the fact that we will get a sports car that looks like the Essence is enough for now. The unfortunate news in this matter is that Infiniti isn’t expecting to produce the car for a few years because of other vehicles they are deeming a priority at the present time.

What is supposedly more important than a new sports car? Apparently, Infiniti is focusing on a new compact car that will compete with models like the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, as well as a luxury electric hatchback based on the Nissan Leaf. The future compact model will be a front-drive model and could even use a Mercedes platform, following the recent strategic tie-up between Daimler and Nissan-Renault.

It’s funny, we wrote that last paragraph and all we read was, "Blah, blah, blah! We want to see the Essence!"

Infiniti plans new sports car based on the Essence concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 16:00 EST.

Two new Prius models possible for 2012

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 03:30 PM PDT

Like it or not, the Prius is one of the most successful cars ever launched by Toyota. Looking to capitalize on this, the Japanese automaker might bring two new models to market that will carry the Prius name for 2012.

Sources at Toyota told the Wall Street Journal that the company would bring two all-new models to the United States that carry the Prius name, one smaller than the current version and one larger.

The smaller model will be around the size of the Yaris and will boast outstanding fuel economy thanks to a smaller gasoline motor. The larger variant might be a sport-utility-type vehicle, according to the sources. We aren't sure what it will be based off of or the size of it, but we will keep you informed when we get more information.

We are expecting the new plug-in Prius to arrive in 2012. It will be able to travel 13 miles on its batteries alone, before the hybrid drivetrain fires up.

Two new Prius models possible for 2012 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 15:30 EST.

Video: Lamborghini Jota spotted taking laps at the Nurburgring

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 03:00 PM PDT

We've given up on figuring out what the official name of the new Lamborghini supercar is going to be so we're just going to stick with the "unofficial" name it's been given: the Jota.

Whatever name it's given, one thing we do know is that this car is as badass as it gets. Lamborghini has been very careful with revealing too much of the car because, well, where's the suspense in that, right?

Fortunately, despite the secrecy behind the supercar, we've still been able to scoop up some spy photos and videos of the Jota in action.

This time, the supercar was spotted in the place where every supercar seemingly goes to as a rite of passage: the Nurburgring.

We may not know a whole lot about the Jota, but one thing is becoming apparently clear. That roaring, piercing sound is, without question, absolutely joyous to listen to.

Video: Lamborghini Jota spotted taking laps at the Nurburgring originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 15:00 EST.

2012 Buick Verano teased

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 02:30 PM PDT

Teaser images in the year 2010 are turning into what brightly colored, mismatched baggy clothes were in the 90’s; widespread and tacky. Jumping on this latest strip tease trend is General Motors with their first teaser image of the 2012 Buick Verano. The teaser reveals a big part of the car’s bonnet as well as a good portion of the front bumper. Are we crazy impressed? Of course not.

The future Verano is a new compact model that aims to customers looking for a car smaller than the Buick Regal and will be built at the at the Orion Assembly Center alongside Chevrolet’s new small car. The choice of venue is simple based on the fact that GM is dropping a sizable amount of cash into retooling the plant. The total cost of investment is approximately $600 million, including both the new small car and the Verano.

"Verano will bring premium styling, performance and content to Buick buyers wanting a smaller car than Regal," said Reuss. "The investment in Orion Assembly also extends GM’s local small car footprint, again increasing the number of U.S.-made small vehicles available in showrooms."

Improvements for the Orion Assembly Center are expected to be finished by summer 2011.

Press release after the jump.

2012 Buick Verano teased originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 14:30 EST.

Audi Quattro concept might go into production

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 02:00 PM PDT

It wasn’t even a week ago that we were eyeing the Audi Quattro Concept at the Paris Motor Show with the full intent of drooling over one if the German brand ever decided to turn this concept into a production reality. Out of the many concept cars that appeared in Paris, the Quattro just seemed to carry an air about it that excited us. And, apparently, we weren’t the only ones that felt that way as Audihas already been in talks to make a production model for the sports car. If this does happen, the production version will be assembled in limited numbers on a dedicated line at the company's newly acquired sister firm, ItalDesign, near Milan.

Stefan Reil, head of development at Audi's Quattro Gmbh division said: "We are rethinking standard processes to make it possible. We know how to engineer it already. We need feedback to see if it is possible. Audi has no heritage in building 200-500 cars that are really exotic. But it won't be over €100,000 (around $140,000 at the current exchange rates)."

The Quattro Concept unveiled at the Paris Auto Show is powered by a five-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers an impressive 408 HP, but the production version will be somewhere in the 350 HP area.

gallery: 2011 Audi quattro concept

Audi Quattro concept might go into production originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 14:00 EST.

Porsche R&D Chief: "We can afford our own Formula One team"

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Rumors of Porsche making a return to Formula One took another turn for the better after another prominent figure in the company came forward and talked about the possibility of seeing the brand back in the F1 grid in the coming years.

About a week ago, it was brought to our attention that Porsche's chief executive, Matthias Mueller, commented on the possibility of making a comeback in Formula One through one capacity or another. Now, the brand's research and development director, Wolfgang Durhelmer has likewise come out with his own take of the growing possibility that Porsche will make a comeback to Formula One since leaving the sport as an engine supplier back in 1991. What's more, Durhelmer also said that in the event that the company does decide to come back to the sport, it would do so by fielding its own team.

"If Porsche was to go to Formula One, then it would only be with its own team, because you need complete control over all the competition-related factors, including the car and its technology," Durhelmer said.

"Porsche is a very profitable company, we can afford that".

We certainly hope that these are more than just hearsay or cheap talk from Porsche because no matter which way you spin it, the brand's participation will only make Formula One that much more interesting.

Porsche R&D Chief: "We can afford our own Formula One team" originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 13:00 EST.

Porsche Cayenne Magnum by TechArt

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 12:00 PM PDT

TechArt has come out with more than their fair share of tuning kits for the Porsche Cayenne, but it seems that they are not done finding ways to bring the Porsche out of the luxury SUV. Their latest kit is called the Magnum and is one they have used a few times over the years, with each year getting a few different modifications. This year’s TechArt Magnum based off of the 2011 Porsche Cayenne comes with no power upgrades, but a few exterior and interior modifications. It’s official debut will be made at the Auto Zurich Car Show on November 11th-14th, 2010.

The new Magnum package includes a front apron with two large air intakes and integrated TechArt daytime running lights, as well as an additional xenon double headlamp unit and air ducts. The TechArt Aero engine hood gets outfitted in carbon fiber with integrated air outlets while the side of the car get new side skirts and elegant trims on all four doors. The rear gets a TechArt three-part tail light trim with an integrated spoiler shape in combination with the roof spoiler and a new exhaust system with sport tailpipes in polished stainless steel. The package is finished by 20- to 23-inch light alloy wheels.

The interior package gets a roof mounted Entertainment Kit with an adjustable overhead monitor and a hand-made display console in leather, 3-spokes sport steering wheel, and TechArt paddle shifters.

All in all this package isn’t all that bad for the Porsche Cayenne, but we would rather highly talented tuner like TechArt bring out more fire in the otherwise slower Porsche model.

Press release after the jump.

Porsche Cayenne Magnum by TechArt originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 12:00 EST.

63-year old crashes Corvette C6 into the house of an Emmy winner

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 11:00 AM PDT

We don't condone these types of actions the least bit. Drinking while intoxicated is one of those things you don't do under any circumstances. Trust us, nothing good will ever come of it.

Unfortunately, a lot of people still fall under the same idiotic judgment of trying to conquer alcohol out on the road. It never works, people. Just ask Pat Leeper.

The 63-year old was driving his Chevrolet Corvette C6 after having one too many cold ones when he ended up crashing his sports car straight into a house in Burbank, California. What's more, the house he plowed into belonged to 89-year old Emmy-winning puppeteer Rene Zendejas.

Oh, it doesn't end there, either. If the Corvette crashing into his house wasn't bad enough, he had to endure the whole thing after losing his pet canary a few days earlier and, on top of that, he missed his own birthday party because of the crash. Talk about a way to celebrate your 89th birthday, huh?

Fortunately, insurance companies will foot the $60,000 damage done to his house so at least he has that going for him. As for the intoxicated Pat Leeper, he's got a whole lot more on his hands to deal with, not the least of which is mostly like a nice court date in the future.

63-year old crashes Corvette C6 into the house of an Emmy winner originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 11:00 EST.

Saab celebrates 50th Anniversary of First RAC Rally Victory with special edition 9-3

Posted: 08 Oct 2010 10:00 AM PDT

Fifty years ago, legendary rally car driver Erik Carlsson romped through his first of three – in a row - British RAC rally titles while piloting a three-cylinder, 750 cc Saab 96.

As a Saab aficionado, Carlsson has always competed in rally races while driving only one brand and today, the Swedish manufacturer is celebrating Carlsson's rally accomplishments by building a special edition Saab 9-3 carrying his name.

Called the Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson, the 280-horsepower limited-run model was announced by Saab at a recent luncheon at the RAC Club in London to honor Carlsson himself.

Understandably, Carlsson was honored by Saab's gesture. "This is a great occasion for me," he said.

"I feel very honored to have a car named after me. Anyone who loves driving and is as passionate about Saab as I am will be excited about getting behind the wheel."

We don't know a great deal about Erik Carlsson because he raced even before we were born, but from what we've heard and read about him, he seems to have been one of the pre-eminent rally racers of his time so it's only appropriate for Saab to honor the man that gave them their honor back in the day.

Press Release after the jump.

Saab celebrates 50th Anniversary of First RAC Rally Victory with special edition 9-3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 8 October 2010 10:00 EST.

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Friday, October 8, 2010