miguelius

2012 Dodge Avenger SE V6 announced This thing is going to be a hot rod, relatively light weight with a strong engine. With 283 HP through the front wheels, it ought to have some real torque steer. This same engine propels the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 4,500 plus pound vehicle, pretty well. Should kick butt in a car that probably will weight 3,600 pounds.

2012 North American Car & Truck of the Year finalists announced The Ford Focus should get car of the year. It's a clean sheet design, including a fresh engine and the brave decision to go with a dual-clutch automatic rather than a regular slushbox (even if the reviews of this transmission have been mixed). It has great handling, a strong sense of style, and a modern interior. It's a world car, designed for all markets.

GM announce all-new 2.0-liter turbo engine, debuts in 2013 Cadillac ATS This is a new, state-of-the-art engine, much like the 2.0 Ecoboost by Ford and BMW's new 2.0 turbo. The engines in the Evo and in the Hyundai, like the GM Ecotec in the Buick Regal GS, are somewhat older designs that are not maximized for low friction and other characteristics. Fine engines all, but this one makes the upcoming ATS (with rear drive like a Bimmer) worth waiting for!

2013 Dodge Dart full dashboard revealed It's not accurate to say that Chrysler has always lagged in technology. They specialized in lightweight, turbocharged cars, for example, in the 1980s with the Dodge Omni GLHS, Shelby, and across the range. They had the hemi in the 1950s

Ford Racing unveils 2.0-liter crate engine This output is disappointing for a racing engine. The engine makes 160 HP in a stock Focus. Shouldn't we expect at least another 25 HP in a "racing" engine?

2013 Chevy Malibu to feature a new Ecotec engine Very nice job on this engine. The castings and design are state of the art. Too bad they have to cover these handsome modern engines with plastic covers (yeah, I know it insulates against noise, but aesthetically it's not as nice as aluminum castings). Maybe they will pair it with Buick's E-assist electric motor boost to bump it another 25 or 30 hp and give it even better gas mileage.

BMW promises U.S. market powerful 4-cylinders Some of the most powerful race cars ever made have been 4 cylinder turbos. The Toyota GTP car about 15 years ago, the Pikes Peak Toyota driven by Rod Millen that held the record for 14 years, and the Formula 1 cars of the turbo era, which generated 800 plus horsepower from 1.5 liters. I say bring it on!

Volvo S60 Performance Project unveiled Since when, WCF, is 325 HP from a 3.0 turbo engine not impressive? Aren't we getting a bit jaded here? The car looks awesome and I'll bet it's a hoot to drive.

Vauxhall Insignia VXR aka Opel Insignia OPC Officially Revealed Once again, we Americans will probably be deprived of the good stuff like this car. GM was going to import the Insignia as the next Saturn Aura, but scratch Saturn. Just as we get the tepid old Ford Focus rather than the European version (like the amazing RS). Message to GM, Ford, and Chrysler--Americans don't just want SUVs and pickups. Get these good cars over here, and get 'em here fast before you go bankrupt.