Renault's South Korean Samsung Unit to Cut Jobs as it Tries to Tackle Falling Sales

It’s not only Europe that has Renault worried as the French automotive group is now having troubles in South Korea with its Samsung unit. 

Renault Samsung said on Friday that it would launch its first ever voluntary redundancy programme in order to deal with falling sales both in its home market and abroad. 

According to Reuters, while the automaker did not reveal how many jobs it wants to cut, a local media report made word of "hundreds" of positions. 

Renault Samsung said that 4,500 employees are eligible for the programme, while the company excluded about 1,000 design and research positions. 

"Conditions remain difficult, so we came up with revival measures including voluntary retirements to slash costs," a Renault Samsung spokeswoman told Reuters. 

From the beginning of the year through July, the South Korean automaker saw its overall sales drop 34 percent over the same period last year. 

Last month, Renault-Nissan Group CEO Carlos Ghosn revealed plans to invest US$160 million (€130 million) in Samsung to add 80,000 units of the next generation Nissan Rogue to its plant in Busan, Korea. These vehicles will be shipped to North America and select Asian countries.  

 

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BMW Mulling Over Building the 3-Series in Mexico

The global automotive market is still faltering, and even brands like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW are taking action to overcome the failing global economy. Part of this process of healing from the downturn is to lower production costs by producing cars closer to their anticipated homes. 

Mercedes has already announced that it will manufacture its C-Class in it U.S. plant, starting in 2014. Audi has also let us know that it will be utilizing a plant in Mexico to manufacture certain models. According to reports, BMW’s most popular car, the 3-Series, may be heading from its typical production home over to North America. Automotive News has released a report that shows BMW is considering moving some of the 3-Series’ production number south of the border, and no, we are not talking about moving it to Austria. We are talking about the 3-Series potentially hailing from Mexico, in the near future. This report cites Mexico’s lower wages and free trade into the U.S., Canada, South America and some of Asia as its chief reasoning for the consideration. This would likely help boost profits by eliminating or lowering shipping costs, overall manufacturing costs, and even import fees. Don’t look for the 3-Series’ price to drop, though, as this is purely a cost-savings effort, not a price-lowering campaign. If the project is given the go ahead, production should start ramping up slowly in Mexico in 2016 and increase over the years. We anticipate hearing a final decision on this topic early next year, so stay tuned to see if your “drei zwei fünf “ eventually becomes a “tres dos cinco“ in future years. 

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Ram Presents 2013MY 1500 Outdoorsman Pickup Truck

If we are to believer the Chrysler Group's own words, hunters, fishermen, campers and boaters should rejoice the introduction of the 2013 model year Ram 1500 Outdoorsman. 

Originally unveiled as a new model series of the Ram 1500 two years ago to cater to the needs of the aforementioned hobbyists and professionals, the Detroit carmaker has now brought the Outdoorsman edition in line with the rest of the 1500 range that was revealed at the New York Auto Show this past April.

For the new model year, the Ram 1500 Outdoorsman is available in a choice of two cab sizes, Quad and Crew, and two bed lengths measuring 5 ft. 7 in. and 6 ft. 4 in. respectively. 

Power comes from a tweaked 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers an additional 5Hp for a new total of 395Hp with a choice of a six-speed automatic transmission or the all-new TorqueFlite 8-speed auto.

Full details on the standard and optional features, which include black 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and a two-tone paint with Mineral Gray Metallic lower parts, follow below. 

While Ram made the announcement on the new 1500 Outdoorsman, the company has yet to release pricing.

Ram Outdoorsman Features [From the Press Release]
Towing:
• Standard Class IV receiver hitch properly equips Outdoorsman for towing campers, boats, ATVs and other trailers rated to vehicle’s max
• Available integrated trailer brake controller with driver adjustability and easy-to-see instrument panel readout
• Standard lighted 4- and 7- pin harness plugs – a Ram exclusive -- offer multi-trailer adaptability and clean, above-the-bumper covered access any time of the day or night
• Heavy-duty cooling, including mechanical / electrical fan and transmission cooler, for larger loads
• Limited-slip differential for improved off- road and towing performance
• Available trailer-tow mirrors
• Available rear backup camera eases trailer hookups
• Standard trailer-sway control improves towing confidence
• Standard 3.92 axle ratio (4x4 models)
• Extra heavy-duty rear shock absorbers (4x4 models)
Capability:• Powered by the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with a choice of a six-speed automatic transmission or the all-new 8-speed TorqueFlite 8
• Electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case (4x4 models)
• Standard 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and 10-ply "LT" tires: light-truck-rated tires handle bigger loads and offer stronger sidewalls to resist punctures when driving over sharp, rocky terrain; on/off-road tread pattern provides traction on all highway and trail surfaces
• Full-sized spare provides more security and functionality than restricted-use spare in the event of a flat
• Tow hooks for retrieving disabled or immobile vehicles, clearing trails
• Higher front air dam and single rear exhaust for higher off-road obstacle clearance
• Mud / slush mats protect front and rear carpets from dirt and moisture
• 32-gallon fuel tank for extended operating range
• Premium cloth front seats with a choice of buckets or a 40/20/40 split bench
• Front center seat cushion or console storage help organize gear
• Power 10-way driver seat for comfort on long trips
• Power lumbar adjust for additional long-trip comfort
• Rear 60 / 40 split folding seat for more flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo
• Remote start and security group adds alarm system and convenience of a comfortable cabin after a day in the field or on the water
• Standard front suspension and transfer case skid plates on 4x4 models provide protection from off-road damage (4x4 models)
• Additional lighting including:
o Standard fog lights for improved inclement weather illumination
o Enhanced quad halogen headlamps provide maximum visibility in remote areas
o Ash tray lamp illuminates small items in center console
o Exterior mirrors with courtesy lamps provide visibility outside truck’s cabin
o Glove box lamp
o Rear dome lamp with on-off switch
o Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors
o Underhood lamp
• Dash-mounted 115-volt auxiliary power outlet to charge batteries and electronic devices without the need for special DC car chargers
• 180-amp alternator
• Auto-dimming, power heated folding exterior mirrors with supplemental signals clear fog and ice
• Leather wrapped steering wheel with fingertip audio controls reduces driving distractions
• Overhead console with universal garage door opener, which can also be programmed to open multiple garage doors and electric gates
• Rear view auto-dim mirror
• Power sliding backlight on four-door models now available with integrated defroster
• SiriusXM satellite radio with standard Bluetooth connectivity and audio inputs for mobile devices, two power outlets and a 1.5-amp USB port
• New 7-in. vehicle information center with driver-programmable screens
• Tire pressure monitor

Options:
• Trailer tow mirrors
• Trailer brake control
• ParkSense rear park-assist system and ParkView rear back-up camera with dynamic gridlines
• Heated front seats (new feature for 2013)
• Heated steering wheel (new feature for 2013)
• High-definition radio (new feature for 2013)
• Navigation
• Premium speakers with subwoofer
• Sirius XM Travelink with real-time information including gas prices, weather and sports
• Uconnect Access with embedded cellular connection provides automatic crash notification, 911 emergency calls, road-side assistance Wifi hot spot and application downloads
• RamBox, available on the 2013 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman, is the ultimate place for outdoor enthusiasts to stow their gear; lockable and lit, RamBox frees up interior space for passengers 

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Hyundai SR performance sub-brand in the pipeline

Hyundai Motor Company Australia is looking carefully at the possibilities for a performance sub-brand under the SR badge to exist alongside its standard model range.

With the launch of the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo in Australia this week, Hyundai is effectively using this high-performance version of the Veloster as a test case for more SR model variants to be rolled out.

Hyundai has looked at the success of Mazda’s SP range (SP25 and SP20) and is keen to get a similar model working in Australia with performance versions of other Hyundai models a possibility if all goes well with the Veloster SR Turbo.

Product planning manager for Hyundai Motor Company Australia, Andrew Tuitahi, told CarAdvice that the Veloster SR Turbo “Could become the launch pad for a range of high-performance Hyundai models similar to what Mazda have with their SP cars”.

Although unwilling to give too much away, Tuitahi also said “Hyundai would use the Veloster SR Turbo as a test case for a wider approach to the SR badge in Australia including the possibility of further performance derivatives of ‘SR’ formula.”

That could mean that Hyundai may even consider a more powerful version still, such as an ‘R’ edition, similar to the more powerful Mazda3 MPS.

When questioned about the likelihood of an SR version of the Hyundai’s i30, itself related to the Veloster, he told CarAdvice that “The i30 would make the most sense given its popularity, but that the earliest Hyundai could communicate a clear direction for a performance sub-brand would be at the Sydney International Motor Show, in October.”

Hyundai in Australia is currently the only country in the world to adopt the SR badge for the Veloster Turbo, as it is known in all other markets including the United States.

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France Wants the European Union to Monitor South Korean Car Exports

The spike in South Korean car sales in Europe the past few years has the French worried as at the same time they are seeing their numbers drop amidst the debt crisis that has engulfed the continent. 

Just last year, sales of Korean cars in the European Union grew 24 percent, even though the overall market contracted. French carmakers, on the other hand, saw their sales drop with PSA Peugeot Citroen announcing plans to slash 8,000 jobs. 

As a result, France has officially sent a request to the EU Commission to monitor South Korean car exports, a move seen by many analysts as the first step to a possible re-introduction of tariffs only a year after a free-trade deal with the Asian country came into effect. 

"The European Commission confirms it has received a note from the French authorities requesting ... prior surveillance measures for South Korean car imports," EU Trade Spokesman John Clancy said in a statement. "The Commission is reviewing carefully the request." 

If the EU accepts France's request, local carmakers will be able to obtain detailed information including the type and number of products scheduled for export to Europe before the cars arrive from South Korea.

In the event that the EU Commission takes one more step and scraps the free-trade agreement with Seoul, then Europe will be able to impose protectionist restrictions to South Korean exports. 

However, as pointed out by Reuters that broke the story, despite the fact that South Korean exports to the EU grew by 40 percent to 345,000 units since the deal was signed on July 1, 2011, that number is well below the 640,000 units imported in 2007. 

The reason for this discrepancy is that South Korean carmakers like Hyundai and Kia have increased their production capacity in European factories in the Czech Republic and Turkey. 

"The growth of Hyundai in Europe is based on products designed, engineered and built in Europe," Andreas Brozat, a spokesman for Hyundai told Reuters. "Less than 12 percent of the 232,454 Hyundai cars registered in Europe during the first half of 2012 were built in Korea, while 70 percent came from the European region." 

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2012 Honda Civic Si Long-Term Update 3

Six months and ten thousand miles have passed since the Honda Civic Si has arrived and I have really adopted it as my own. The seat is always adjusted correctly and my phones Bluetooth auto-connects when I turn on the stereo. So what kind of impression has the Civic left on me? Well, Honda Civic ownership is very uneventful. Everyone I have talked to agrees that the Civic is an overall good looking car, but you don't exactly catch little kids staring at it in awe on the freeway. There little that anyone would find offensive but there is also little to find interesting. Driving, especially high in the rev-range can be enjoyable, but power isn't its strong suit and I always expect it to pull a little harder than it does, especially considering the noise it makes. 

It also has an annoying habit of holding revs for the second or so after the clutch is depressed. Due to its irregularity, I can't decide if this is by design or if its a defect. Then there is the mysterious knock in the rear suspension that comes and goes and has yet to be heard or diagnosed by any of the friendly folks at my local Honda dealer. This sensation is not exclusive to the uber-rich either, either. One of the most fun cars I have ever driven is my mom's 2003 Dodge Neon SRT-4, which competed with a Civic Si in its day. When producing a sports version of a base economy car, it really needs to feel different and exciting, like the SRT-4. To use a more modern example, take the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. It has spoilers, scoops, a brawny looking wide-body kit, and a tightly-wound turbocharged 2.5-liter engine. Every part of the car feels meaner, sharper, and more hardcore than the base Impreza. Its that feeling that I wih the Civic had more of, that extra character and passion. 

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Capristo Crafts a Lighter and Faster Lamborghini

While mostly known for its custom exhaust systems, Germany-based Capristo also develops other parts for sports and super cars like the Ferrari 458 Italia and in this case, the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.

With the raging bull model, Capristo's goal was to increase performance through a specially developed exhaust system and by reducing the Aventador's weight. 

In stock form, the all-wheel drive Lamborghini model is fitted with a 6.5-liter V12 engine delivering 691hp (700PS) and it tips the scales at 1,575kg or 3,472 pounds. 

Capristo's engineers began by stripping down the Aventador to its components and found a number of parts that could be replaced with lighter carbon-fibre composite materials formed in the same shape and styling of the original parts. 

These included the front and rear aprons, rear diffuser, front grille, mirror housings, air intakes and even the trunk liner and engine compartment panels. All told, Capristo was able to shave 40kg (88 pounds) while also improving the performance of the V12 engine thanks to the new exhaust system. 

While the tuning brand did not reveal how many horses were gained with the exhaust system, it did say that these changes help the Aventador reach 100km/h (62mph) 0.1 seconds faster than the regular model at 2.8 seconds, while top speed increases by 3km/h (2mph) to 354km/h (220mph). 

Capristo said that it also working on cutting weight from the underbody, wheel housings and sills with details to be released in the near future.  

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Hyundai Prices Standard-Wheelbase 2013 Santa Fe Sport from $25,275

 

Hyundai made a minor splash at this year’s New York auto show when it introduced two versions—standard-length Sport and long-wheelbase, uh, LWB—of the redesigned 2013 Santa Fe crossover. Needless to say, we were only expecting a single Santa Fe replacement. Either way, the smaller, five-passenger Sport’s late-summer on-sale date is fast approaching, and today Hyundai released the model’s pricing info. The stretched, seven-passenger Santa Fe doesn’t go on sale until next year, so no pricing for that big boy quite yet.

The new Santa Fe Sport can be had with two engines—the base setup is a 190-hp, direct-injected 2.4-liter four, with Hyundai’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four performing step-up motivational duty. In the Santa Fe, the turbo four makes 264 hp, 12 fewer than the outgoing Fe’s 3.5-liter V-6 that it replaces. Both engines can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive; a six-speed automatic is the only transmission option. Full pricing below:

Sport: $25,275 + $1750 for all-wheel drive
2.4L Popular Equipment package ($950) adds roof rails, fog lights, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.2.4L Leather and Premium Equipment package ($2950) requires the Popular Equipment package and adds mirrors with turn indicators; proximity key with push button start; leather seats; power front passenger’s seat; sliding, reclining, and heated second-row seats; dual-zone climate control; color audio display; backup camera.2.4L Technology Package ($2700) requires the Leather and Premium Equipment package, to which it adds navigation with an 8-inch touch screen, premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and rear window sunshades.

Sport 2.0T: $28,525 + $1750 for all-wheel drive, adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, proximity key with push button start, and a trailer prep package over base Sport

2.0T Leather and Premium Equipment package ($2450) adds same equipment as 2.4L Leather and Premium package above.2.0T Technology Package ($2900) requires Leather and Premium Equipment package, adds navigation, Infinity 12-speaker audio system, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, and rear window sunshades.

Pricing for every Santa Fe increases substantially over last year, starting with a $1225 bump for the base four-cylinder Sport, followed by a $2575 leap for the front-drive 2.0T compared with the 2012 V-6 model it replaces. The Santa Fe Sport’s base price now comes in above the Chevy Equinox’s, but it’s still lower than that of Ford’s Edge. Look for the Sport to start trickling into dealerships soon.

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First drive: the new Cadillac ATS

What's this ATS all about? Looks like a shrunken Cadillac CTS.

And that's essentially what it is. Only it isn't as the ATS is an entirely new car built off a completely, all-new-from-the-ground-up platform. Car companies, least of all luxury ones, don't get to build new platforms - the basic fabric of a car other than the body - very often as they cost an immense amount of time and cash. So this ATS saloon is not the only car that is going to be built off it. Apart from all the ATS model derivatives, the ATS's skeleton and nervous system will be reworked for the next Camaro, the refreshed CTS and a new Chevrolet compact coupe, which we know only as the 130R concept car so far.

OK, so it's the smallest Cadillac?

Yes, think of the ATS as a BMW 3 Series competitor. As that's exactly what it was conceived and designed to beat. Cadillac has watched as the 3 Series has become the default luxury compact car in the US, and has had to wait until now to bring the fight to it. It's a massive task to try and topple the Bavarian uber saloon, but Cadillac reckons the rear-drive ATS is the car to do it.

See more pictures of the Cadillac ATS

OK, but it's not just about performance models, what are the regular cars like to drive?

Good to great. We got to drive everything from the base 2.5-litre manual model all the way up to the 3.6-litre V6 variant and the general impression on the road is that the chassis guys have really done their homework. Super smooth ride, good steering feel and quiet, finely controlled suspension let you know immediately that this car means business. The base engine is a little coarse when extended and the smooth 3.6 bent six will please the more mature driver, but the sweet spot is the two-litre turbo unit, especially when it's mated to the tap-shift auto gearbox. In this configuration the ATS gels into a back road weapon that has you snipping up and down gears and slicing through corners just for fun. Word of caution: do not spec the manual.

How do you know that?

We got to drive the ATS on a short race track in Atlanta that felt like it had been designed - by F1 guru Herman Tilke, no less - after a blast across some hilly British countryside. Just fewer sheep on the road. The 50/50 front/rear ATS was completely linear and rock solid throughout, to the point that you start to think you are a better driver than you are. That kind of flattery is always welcome - and rare.

So, better than a 3 Series then?

At the limit, it really does feel that way. On the road, the fight is more even. The ATS's cabin doesn't have the BMW's super modern feel, settling for a more traditional stitched leather approach, which will please some and deter others. But it does have some nice, unique touches. The CUE control centre is big, bold and easy to use with words - it understands ordinary language instead of expecting you to speak like a robot - or fingers. And there is BOSE active noise cancelling, which keeps the cabin free of unwanted noise, just like your headphones on an aeroplane.

Specs (as tested)

2,457cc, 4cyl, RWD, 260bhp, 353lb-ft, 27mpg, CO2 n/a, 0-60mph 5.7secs, 155mph (est), 1530kg

Price 

From $33,990 (£21,883)

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Nagel Dakkar is the Dartz of all SUVs…and Then Some More

Dartz, the Latvia-based company that will be forever remembered for the Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition with its true- and then faux-whale penis leather dressed interior, has returned with an announcement for a new future product. 

The firm's new model is named Nagel Dakkar after Russian racing driver Andrew Nagel who the 1912 Monte Carlo Rally. 

Always up for a joke (we assume…), Dartz has this to say about the Nagel Dakkar: "This won't be just new car model - will be new class of cars we call it B.N.U.D.S."

And since you're surely wondering what B.N.U.D.S. stands for, we will allow Dartz's unedited press release to do the explaining:

Bespoke - as every car will be made specially for You
Noble - as this car will be sold under world one of the oldest car labels
Urban - as will be excellent for city ride - and doesn't matter narrows streets of Monaco, of wide highway in LA.
Desert - car will be bsed on tubular frame and designed by famous SAM - Saxon Automobile Manufactur which is wellknown with their rally car with all perfomance issues
Safety - using titanium tubular farme in new car will be achieved unseen before safety for "civil" cars."

The Latvian company released two different renderings of the Nagel Dakkar, a pencil sketch by its own Alex Isaev and a more professional looking CGI made by German designer Pochwatta. 

Dartz says the body and the interior of the SUV will be customizable while the underpinnings will remain the same and include a 650hp Mercedes-Benz AMG 5.5-liter bi-turbocharged V8 engine. 

Production will start in 2013 with prices for the base model ranging from €250,000 to €300,000 when it comes to Euro notes and $390,000 to $468,000 if you pay in good ol' US dollars – we have no idea why there's a difference between the two currencies. 

For more things that don't make much sense, hop over the break to read the rest of the press release from Dartz.

Story References: Dartz via Autoblog.nl

Dartz Press Release:
Attached - scetches from two car designers we are working with - DARTZ stuff designer Alex Isaev (pencil pictures) and German designer Pochwatta.
Our joint team now are in discussion how will look future, and - as we are bespoke car builders - may be it will have different bodies.
That's for sure, as our customers must have choise.
As all we know no ladie will come to party in same dress as other.
But, yes, they always come to this party in same cars.
yes, expensive, yes luxury - but - YES - similar.
DARTZ-SAM car will solve that issue, as on titanium frame we can put on "dress' or car body you want, you choose, you dream.
DARTZ-SAM will world one&only unique car which will mix highest quality of german engeneering and car building traditions with insane russian luxury.
DARTZ-SAM will be favorite car in Your garage - as when you will wake up don't knowing what's your plans for today, you can easy jump in in DARTZ-SAM - you can go off-road, all-road, or any-road.
DARTZ-SAM - car where you can make billions, like in business-pullman, and non-stop go to win rally.
WHY NOT? You work hard - You deserve it!
DARTZ-SAM plans is to get as minimum 1,3% of world luxury SUV market, but that's minimum, DARTZ already get request from Chinese government company which they signed contract at 2011.
As uniting of such out-of-box thinking teams look very promising.
Wealthy people need personalized cars and there are ten's of bespoke sportcars makers - but there are zero bespoke SUV makers.
That make people to buy regular SUV's and invest hundred's of thousands to upgrade them.
But anycase this are just regular cars, with expensive, but regular upgrade.

DARTZ-SAM sales plan on nearest years:2013 10 units
2014 20 units
2015 40 units
2016 40 units
2017 40 units

Car price is planned Eur 250,000 - 300,000 for base model.
$390,000-$468,000

car specifications:Engine
8 cylinder AMG Mercedes V8 Bi-turbo
Capacity 5.5L
Performance 650 HP, 850 Nm (626 lb ft)
Top speed 250 km/h
Drive train
Gearbox 7
gear double clutch gearbox
Clutch AP Racing
Sinter metallic Differentials Sadev
Body
Titanium tubular frame chassis Base for all the vehicles
Carbon Kevlar chassis Extremely light
Dimensions
Length 4620 mm (4-door / 4920mm)
Width 2000 mm Height 1700 mm (250 mm clearance)
Unloaded weight 1890 kgs / 1990 kgs
Wheel base 2910 mm (4-door / 3210mm) 

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2014 BMW M3 Sedan Speculatively Rendered

We know that the next BMW M3 sedan is coming and we have a general idea of what it will look like thanks to an abundance of spy shots over the past year, but if you are still having a hard time visualizing the sportiest model in the F30 3-Series range, photoshop artist Wildspeed has put together these renderings. 

The CGIs (Computer Generated Imagery) propose a wider body with bloated front and rear wheel arches housing larger wheels in beefier tires, a vented hood, double-slat grilles, side skirts and a typical M-style front bumper with enlarged air inlets. 

What do you don't see here is the rear end of the car that will sport a redesigned bumper with a diffuser flanked by twin tailpipes on either side and possibly a boot lid spoiler. 

The F30 M3 sedan (along with the coupe model) will mark a return to a straight-six engine, but this time it will be turbocharged with an output of around 450-horses, up from the current unforced-induction V8's 414hp (420PS). 

A six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission will power the rear wheels.

We expect that the new M3 will be lighter than the current generation, possibly losing as much as 100kg (220 pounds) with significant benefits in handling, performance as well as fuel economy and greenhouse emissions.   

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2013 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE: 1 Less Excuse to Not Buy a Camaro

There are some things about the ’80s that aren’t worthy of nostalgia. The era’s pony cars, by and large, fall under this umbrella. It’s true that Ford has the five-point-oh—a designation fairly soaked in Aqua Net, yet perhaps the only thing about the decade’s Stangs worth revisiting—but when it named its latest track-oriented model, it resurrected “Boss”. First appearing in 1969, Boss is cool, it’s a little intimidating, and it’s also Bruce Springsteen’s nickname. It sounds bad-ass. Chevrolet’s 1LE? For the 17 people who were paying attention in 1988, it conjures memories of an option bundle that only made that year’s Camaro less bad. To the rest of us, it sounds like three randomly selected characters. 

While it still seems as though the designation was plucked from an alphanumeric bingo bucket, 1LE has new significance for 2013 as an option package for manual-transmission Camaro SS models. It brings a host of upgrades either ported from or inspired by the mighty ZL1. The pieces that make the most difference fall into the latter category, however, including the front anti-roll-bar mounting setup, 10x20-inch front wheels and 11x20-inch rears, and beefier half-shafts. The gear pilfered directly from the ZL1 includes wheel bearings, toe links, rear shock mounts, the fuel pump, the flat-bottom steering wheel, the short-throw six-speed manual and its transmission cooler, and 285/35-20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G: 2 tires all around (the ZL1 gets 305/35-20 rubber at the rear). The beefy wheel/tire combo actually saves a total of 22 pounds of unsprung weight. 

The 1LE package also comes with a shorter final-drive ratio of 3.91:1 versus the 3.45:1 rear end in the SS, and adds monotube rear dampers—instead of the SS’s twin-tubes—and a strut-tower brace. As for externals, Chevy engineers tell us that while the 1LE’s splitter increases downforce in the front, the wider wheels generate enough lift to bring the 1LE right back in line with the SS. Out back, the SS’s lip spoiler carries over to 1LE cars.

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe

BASE PRICE: $37,305

ENGINE TYPE: pushrod 16-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 376 cu in, 6162 cc
Power: 426 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 112.3 in
Length: 190.4 in
Width: 75.5 in Height: 54.2 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3900 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.6 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 10.5 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 13.0 sec
Top speed: 157 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/24 mpg

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Arrinera Redesigns and Renames its Supercar to the Very Pagani-like Sounding Hussarya

Polish startup Arrinera just can’t seem to make up its mind about its first production model that has been in the development stages since 2008.

The company that started out as Veno Automotive before changing its name to Arrinera has presented several iterations of its V8-powered supercar model over the years, with the styling of the first sketches and prototypes being reminiscent of the Lamborghini Reventon.

Today we received pictures of the latest redesign and the announcement that the car will be named Hussarya. The news comes not too long after it was announced that famed British car designer Lee Noble became a member of the board, as well as a shareholder for Arrinera Automotive S.A.

As much as Arrinera would like to convince us that the nameplate is purely derived from Poland's Hussar cavalry of the 16th to 18th century, we have few doubts in our mind that many readers will automatically make an association with the Pagani Huayra.

Fresh nameplate aside, the Hussarya features a revamped exterior and interior design, though we only get to see the outside of the car for now.

Compared to the previous A.H.1 prototype, the Hussarya ditches the scissor doors and gains conventional doors, a newly designed front bumper with different air inlets, revised side panels and air vents, a reshaped roofline and rear engine compartment plus a redesigned rear end with twin round tail lamps on both sides.

Arrinera Hussarya Technical Specifications

Length (mm): 4450
Width (mm) : 2056
Height(mm): 1190
Wheel track front (mm): 1744
Wheel track frear (mm): 1744
Wheelbase (mm): 2695
Engine capacity (l): 6.2
Engine: V8
Power (HP): 650
Maximum torque(Nm): 820
Gearbox: Graziano
Weight(kg): 1300
Weight/power (kg/1 KM): 2,0
0-100 km/h: 3,2
0-200 km/h: 8,9
0-200-0 km (s): 14,3
200-0 km/h (m): 133
1/4 mile time(s): 11.0
Max. speed km/h: 340
Lateral g-force (g): 1,3 

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