We’ve been blogging about the 2015 Mustang since mid-2012 and had amassed a considerable body of information before the official unveiling on December 5, 2013. What we wrote before the unveiling was based on our experience with prior Mustang launches, our experience in the press, and analysis of the spy photos that were published since June 2015. So our posts were based on analysis and observation, and not on unfounded speculation.
Jay Leno recently visited the Nissan design studio in Japan, where he met with Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura and found designers hard at work styling the next Z. The Z is clearly in the design phase where hundreds of drawings will be made and then final styling elements will be selected. That probably puts the timeframe of the debut out 2-3 years… depending on which platform will be used. If it will again be shared with the upcoming new G, then sooner. Otherwise later.
.. it’d be done tastefully and with a view towards what the Mustang SVO was scheduled to become had it remained in production. Ford was testing a DOHC cylinder head for a future SVO in the mid-eighties (three were known to be built for testing), as well as an independent rear suspension. Yes, it’s almost unbelievable (and very frustrating) that in the 1987 timeframe we could have had a world-class Mustang!
Infiiniti Q50 Eau Rouge Concept – 560 HP engine revealed
Announced today at the Geneva show: a 3.8 litre 560 HP (440 ft-pd) V-6 engine for the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge. In concept now, but undoubtedly headed to production. And clearly this is a version of the legendary Nissan GT-R engine.
Full details and high-res gallery below.
Also announced: a 2 liter turbo engine for the “civilian” Q50. For China this year, Europe soon, and eventually all worldwide markets. At only 211 HP, this is not a particularly strong engine – Audi and BMW has it easily beat, and even the Ford EcoBoost 2 liter blows it away. But keep your eyes on this engine, as a new member of the Nissan/Infiniti family, we may even see this in an entry-level next-generation Z.
Infiniti Press release:
Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge roars into life – 560-hp engine revealed
Mar 4. 2014
- Twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine, 7-speed gearbox, all-wheel drive
- Power output of 560 hp and 600 Nm of torque
- •Q50 sports sedan to receive 2.0-liter turbo charged gasoline engine in Europe
Geneva / Hong Kong – Infiniti has boosted excitement in the high-performance premium sports sedan segment at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show by revealing a powerful engine for the Q50 Eau Rouge concept. The beating heart of the Eau Rouge – a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine – was revealed on the Infiniti show stand today.
The Q50 Eau Rouge – a high-performance concept car based on the premium manufacturer’s award-winning Q50 sport sedan – was first revealed at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January as a Formula One inspired, carbon fiber aero-enhanced concept. Q50 Eau Rouge now tells a compelling power story with a full 560 hp and 600 Nm of torque on demand.
“Building on the extremely positive feedback on the Q50 Eau Rouge at its recent Detroit Auto Show launch, we decided to further whet the appetite of performance sports sedan fans by engineering this powerful heart into our blood-red beast,” said Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.
“A car with such pronounced styling treatments demands the very best in terms of high-performance powertrains, which is why we installed this V6 twin-turbocharged, 7-speed combination as an example of what a potential powertrain for the Q50 Eau Rouge may look and sound like.”
The 3799cc V6, 24-valve, twin-turbocharged gasoline engine partners a full-time, all-wheel drive system with 50/50 front-to-rear torque split. Predicted acceleration of 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and a top speed close to 180 mph would put the Q50 Eau Rouge firmly into the premier league of super-sports sedans.
The most powerful and exhilarating gasoline-powered Infiniti model has not been confirmed for production, but the unveiling of the latest iteration of the Q50 Eau Rouge in Geneva underlines the company’s determination to create engaging performance cars for a premium segment.
Q50 sports sedan to receive 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine
Expanding the Q50 powertrain range, and also on display in Geneva, was a new turbocharged 4-cylinder, powerful yet highly efficient gasoline engine that displaces 1991cc and develops 211 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission, the engine comes to China in the spring and Europe in autumn before rolling out to other of Infiniti’s global markets before the end of the year.
About Infiniti
Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand’s portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti’s Director of Performance.
High-Res Gallery:
Volvo V8 Supercar fights it out at Adelaide
Volvo debuted it’s new V8 Supercar at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide this past weekend in Australia. The Australians love their V8 Supercar series (even if V8 powered cars barely sell there anymore), and they especially love fender-to-vender battles on the track. And that’s what V8 Supercar is: real racing, by real racers (no ego-fueled fat NASCAR guys), on roadcourses with real turns (and not NASCAR ovals), close-up and loud. We’ll take this any day over NASCAR.
Check out this video of the last lap, where drivers Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin wage a surprising battle:
Volvo press release follows:
Volvo S60 V8 Supercar makes its debut in Sydney
Volvo Polestar Racing unveiled its 650 HP Volvo S60 that will debut in the 2014 V8 Supercars by driving it across the Sydney Harbour Bridge under police escort.
“This is a significant day,” said Christian Dahl, owner of Polestar. “Polestar has been Volvo Car Group’s global performance and motorsport partner since 1996, and has campaigned Volvos in the World Touring Car Championship, the European Touring Car Championship and, currently, the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship. To that end, we’re looking forward to the challenge of the V8 Supercar Championship.”
Dahl was joined by Volvo Car Australia Managing Director Matt Braid, drivers Scott McLaughlin and Robert Dahlgren and team principal Garry Rogers to present the race car to the media.
“This is an historic day in the history of Volvo Car Australia,” said Matt Braid. “As the first luxury car manufacturer to enter V8 Supercars with a factory team, we’re delighted to reveal our Volvo S60 race car to meet the challenge of the world’s toughest touring car series and strengthen the presence of the S60 model line – and Volvo brand – here in Australia.”
Utilising the resources of Volvo, Polestar and GRM, the Volvo Polestar Racing S60 V8 Supercar has been designed and built to V8 Supercars’ ‘Car of the Future’ regulations. These regulations include 18-inch wheels, transaxle gearbox and independent rear suspension (see specification details below).
“This is a race car like no other. It is really challenging, but fun, to drive. The power is insane, you need to treat it with respect. I am very much longing for the season start in Adelaide where I am going to face the biggest challenge of my racing career,” said Dahlgren.
Volvo Car Australia has a rich heritage of motorsport in Australia, dating back to the 1960s, and posting some notable milestones, including winning the 1986 Australian Touring Car Championship with Robbie Francevic in a Volvo 240T.
Last year marked the 15th anniversary of Volvo winning Australia’s most famous race, the Bathurst 1000 in 1998 with Jim Richards and Rickard Rydell in a Volvo S40.
Indeed, some of Australia’s greatest names in motorsport have tasted success with Volvo including John Bowe and Peter Brock.
Garry Rogers commented: “For all the GRM staff it is incredibly satisfying to see the next step of all the hard work and energy they have put into designing and building the Volvo S60 V8 Supercar over the last 12 months. During this process, this same group of workers were also responsible for the preparation and running of our 2013 V8 Supercar Championship cars, so it makes me extremely proud to be surrounded by such a never-say- die group. We cannot wait to get on with the racing.”
With the first race at the Clipsal 500 fast approaching at the end of February, testing of the Valvoline Volvo S60 continues apace, with the official V8 Supercar test day taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 15 February.
Volvo S60 V8 Supercar technical information
Vehicle: Volvo S60
Engine: Modified Volvo B8444S (see below)
Transmission: Control Albins ST6 6 speed sequential Transaxle with integrated spool differential
Front suspension: Double wishbone suspension, adjustable damper and cockpit adjustable front anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Control independent rear suspension, adjustable damper; cockpit adjustable anti-roll bar AP Racing 6 piston caliper, 395mm ventilated discs
Brakes: AP Racing 4 piston caliper, 355mm ventilated discs
Wheels: Control Rimstock 18” x 11” forged aluminium
Tyres: Dunlop control tyre
Weight: 1410KG (includes driver)
Top speed: 298+ km/h
0-100 km/h: 3.2 seconds
Steering: Custom rack and pinion power assisted steering
Shocks: Öhlins TTX Dampers
Electronics: MoTec ECU and Data Logging System
Engine technical information
Block: Modified Volvo B8444S, 60 degree aluminium cylinder block
Heads: Modified Volvo B8444S, aluminium
Bore x Stroke: 95.5 x 87.1
Capacity: 4989cc
Compression: 10:1
Power: 650bhp (estimated)
Max revs: 7500rpm
Induction: Naturally aspirated, eight throttle bodies
Fuel: E85
Liners: Cast in steel liners
Valve train: Double overhead camshafts, direct acting tappets
Ignition: Volvo B8444S coil on plug
Injection: Port injection, one injector per cylinder, injection pressure: 5.5 bar
2014 V8 Supercars Calendar
February 15 – sydney.com V8 Supercars Test Day – Sydney Motorsport Park
Feb 27-Mar 2 – Clipsal 500 Adelaide – Adelaide
Mar 13-16 – 2014 Formula 1 Australian GP – Albert Park
March 28-30 – Tasmania 400 – Symmons Plains Raceway
April 4-6 – Winton 400 – Winton Motor Raceway
April 24-27 – ITM 500 Auckland – Pukekohe Park Raceway
May 16-18 – Perth 400 – Barbagallo Raceway
June 20-22 – Skycity Triple Crown Darwin 500 – Hidden Valley Raceway
July 4-6 – Townsville 500 – Reid Park
Aug 1-3 – Coates Hire Ipswich 400 – Queensland Raceway
Aug 22-24 – Sydney Motorsport Park 400 – Sydney Motorsport Park
Sept 12-14 – Wilson Security Sandown 500 – Sandown Raceway
Oct 9-12 – Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 – Mount Panorama
Oct 24-26 – Armor All Gold Coast – 600 Surfers Paradise
Nov 14-16 – Phillip Island 400 – Phillip Island Circuit
Dec 5-7 – Sydney 500 – Sydney Olympic Park
Polestar Racing V-8 introduction video:
Two live webcams for the Corvette recovery project
At the National Corvette Museum. First up will be the blue 2009 ZR1.
Watch a live webcam here, with sound: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/national-corvette-museum
And the museum’s own webcam here: http://www.corvettemuseum.org/webcam/camera6.shtml
Esotico Italiano car show with Valentino Balboni
At an Italian car show today in Austin TX, besides a great collection of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and other Italian classics, we were pleasantly surprised to find Valentino Balboni.
If you don’t know who he is, you haven’t been doing your reading for the past 40 years. Valentino spent 40 years with Lamborghini, rising from an apprentice to a position as chief test driver and ambassador for the company. He only left due to Italian Government regulations forced him into an unwanted retirement.
The picture shows him graciously signing cars at the show today.
He was a really nice guy, great to talk to, and so very much a tremendous part of the history of Lamborghini.
We were lucky to have him in town – this isn’t an opportunity that most people would have in 40 years of this hobby.
And the show was small and casual, so everybody got a chance to speak with him.
View the full gallery of images here, or below:
Rare 1995 Ford Escort RS Cosworth for sale
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth was a version of the European Ford Escort built and sold for rally homologation purposes. 7145 examples were produced from 1992 to 1996. The modifications were extensive, with a longitudinal Cosworth YBT 2 liter DOHC 4-cylinder used along with the entire all-wheel drivetrain from the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.
Th example we have here is currently under sale for $54,990 by the EnthusiastAutoGroup of Cincinnati, Ohio. It caught our eye immediately, not only because of its rarity, but because several years ago we almost bought one like it. The price then was $50,000. Several were imported and legalized in the United States, so they are available. If you are considering one, you do have to like and love and care because compared to the more recent Evo and STI, it is technically dated. And likely Ford’s own 2015 Ford Focus RS will out-perform it as well. However, there is a magic here, with the longitudinally placed 225HP Cosworth YBT. The YBT engine is highly tunable, with 500 HP safely attainable. This would be a collectible car, but also one that invites driving.
And while we didn’t buy the car, we did obtain some factory brochures and enthusiast books. And out own fascination with European Fords continues… more recently we’ve looked over several European Capris. The 25-year milestone for importation has opened up an entire range of great cars to consider, but we still have a soft sport for the Capri. The Escort RS Cosworth will be past the 25 year limit in a couple more years and prices could drop them – although the supply is also dropping as more of these age and go off the road permanently.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on the EnthusiastAutoGroup – this looks like a good company and would be one of the ones you would want to talk to if and when you are looking for a European collectible. Buying a car such as this takes a considerable amount of search, and you wil need a list of such companies when you are ready to start your search.
Here’s the ad placed for the car. Note the extras that come with the car – an upgrade path is already clear!
“*Sale Pending* Ford Escort Cosworth RS, Imperial Blue on Raven Black Leather, Super Rare Car + US Street Legal! Very Low-Mileage, Pristine Example! Vehicle Specs: 2.0L Turbocharged Inline 4-Cylinder Engine, 5 Speed Manual Transmission, All-Wheel Drive with 34% Front + 66% Rear Split, Front Strut Tower Brace, Luxury Package with Leather Interior and Power Windows, Locks + Mirrors, Recaro Sport Seats, Split-Folding Rear Seats, In-Dash Cassette Player with CD Changer, Air Conditioning, Front Spoiler with Splitter, Rear ‘Whale Tail’ Spoiler and Hood Vents. Installed Desirable Upgrades Include: 18” Rondell 6-Spoke Wheels, AP Racing 4-Piston Front Brake Kit, 3” Turbo-back Exhaust with Catalytic Converter + Performance Muffler, Upgraded 305BHP ECU Flash and Short Shift Kit. Uninstalled Performance Parts Include: 17” Compomotive 5-Spoke Wheels, Silicone Hoses Kit, Upgraded Aluminum Radiator + Expansion Tanks, Sparco Rear Shock Tower Brace and Stainless Braided Fuel Lines. This Cossie has been well maintained and properly cared-for since new! The condition of this iconic rally car is excellent! The exterior paint is very clean with no significant flaws or imperfections. The interior is also extremely nice with supple leather, spotless carpets + fully functioning electronics. The undercarriage is free of any rust or corrosion; stunning undercarriage photos available! This vehicle was designed to qualify as a Group A car for the World Rally Championship. This rare car is 1 of only 7,145 vehicles produced worldwide from 1992-1996 and this particular example conforms to all US EPA and California Regulations applicable to 1995 model year passenger cars. Lots of supporting service and history documentation on file, Including PASSED California SMOG Certificate! Clean Vehicle History Report with No Issues + No Stories. Responsible Adult Owner, Non-Smoker. Serious Inquiries from US Residents Only – Exportation of EAG cars breaks our strict buy-back policy. Please Call or email for more information; 513.554.1BMW (1269)”
In keeping with the mission of DrivingEnthusiast.net, we’ve preserved the images of this Cossie Escort for posterity in our gallery. Enjoy!
Infiniti Eau Rouge prototype: engine to be revealed at Geneva Motor Show
Infiniti has given us the first hint of the true nature of the new engine for the upcoming special edition of the Infiniti Q50, named “Eau Rouge” in prototype form.
The nature of that engine is strongly hinted at by the sound clip below… where high-revving and blow-off valves are so obviously present…. and just a hint of an F1 engine “scream”. Or at least that’s our wishful interpretation of the sounds they are teasing us with!
Enjoy the video and the sound clip – and consider what type of engine you believe this to be.
And stay tuned because on March 4th we’ll see the announcement.
Infiniti Press Release follows:
Infiniti Eau Rouge – Ready to Roar at Geneva Motor Show
- Infiniti hints at powertrain for Q50 Eau Rouge concept
- Engine to be revealed at Geneva Motor Show on March 4
- For more information, visit http://unveil.infiniti.com/
Geneva / Hong Kong – Infiniti has today released a new preview of the Q50 Eau Rouge concept – the sound of premium automotive performance. The identity of the big personality engine with forced induction under Eau Rouge’s sculpted and vented hood will be revealed at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show, but it can be heard now in a new video clip released by Infiniti.
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept was revealed at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January as a design vision for a high-performance variant of the Q50 premium sports sedan. Now, after significant interest from the public, Eau Rouge boasts an almighty powertrain that suits the aggressively styled and motorsport-influenced exterior.
The most powerful Infiniti ever has not been confirmed for production, but Infiniti will continue to listen to feedback from potential customers.
“With its Formula One-inspired carbon fiber bodywork, we thought it only fitting the Q50 Eau Rouge’s beating heart was suitably sporting. Our engineers have perfectly captured the tone of Infiniti’s take on premium performance, and a car that is as impressive as the Q50 Eau Rouge sounds is surely a car to challenge performance cars in the premium sector,” said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.
Infiniti will hold its 2014 Geneva International Motor Show press conference at 11:00 am CET on Tuesday, March 4.
# # #
2015 Mustang in the Long Term: Coyote and Alternatives
Now that we know all of the major specifications of the new 2015 (“S550″) Mustang, except the final HP and torque numbers, and the weight, it’s time to open up our crystal ball again and take a look into the future beyond just 2015. The first special edition model has also been seen and dissected to a degree – we know all about the suspension and brakes and are just waiting for Ford to reveal its engine. Which should become clear fairly soon as the development is obviously nearing completion and an announcement will probably happen in the next few months.
But what comes next in the longer term? Will there be a V-8 engine at all, or will there be alternatives? We believe the answer is: yes and yes. Read more
1st trailer for “Drive Hard” features classic Falcon and Mustang in Australia
Not the most intellectual film of 2014, and featuring several has-beans including John Cusack, Drive Hard will premier later this year. It’s of the chase formula, with a few twists. However, this bank heist film set in the Australian Gold Coast does have two things of interest to enthusiasts: a classic Falcon (of the Australian variety) and a classic Mustang.
We’ll have a full review on our site CarMovieEnthusiast.com site once it premiers. Meanwhile check out our reviews of >150 other movies for car enthusiasts on the site. Stinkers, classics, works of art, and schlock – we have them all.
Enjoy the trailer!
Austin Cars and Coffee Feb. 2014: Tesla Model S dyno
With a record 750 cars showing at the February 2014 Cars and Coffee monthly event in Austin Texas, there were all sort of unusual cars to get up close to. Including classic, exotic, European, Japanese, off-road, military, race cars, tuner cars, drift cars, stretch limos, and the usual assortment of the usual muscle cars.
But perhaps the most unusual car here, a Tesla Model S, is one of the most interesting because it is so different from the rest. We had an extended test drive last year and it was the most unusual car we drove in 2013… and yet it was as easy or easier to drive than a conventional car. And surprisingly fun with its enormous – and instant – torque. If this is the future, it’s terrific. And a large and very active Tesla owners association in Austin proves it.
An attempt was made today to dyno one particular Model S – an attempt that failed. Read more
Pride of ownership: engine compartments
When we originally wrote our Miata “cut-away tour” section, we started looking at the engine compartments of three then-current sportscars: the Honda S2000, Pontiac Solstice, and Mazda Miata. And we noted that the visual differences under the hood were directly related to the driving characteristics of the engines. These differences were very apparent: by appearance along its apparent which car has the engine you’d most want to drive, and which has the engine you’d most want to show your friends.
1) Honda S2000
We’ll start with the S2000: very technical, showing everything, and functionally laid out. And featuring a red-hot aluminum valve cover that provides more than a hint of the nature of the engine: 240 HP, 120 HP/liter, 9000 RPM redline and 9300 cut-off. Lets take an inventory of what’s visible: *huge* air intake, enormous intake manifold, long-tube header, and clearly a DOHC all-aluminum engine. Check, check, check, and check.
Would you want this technological gem, the best engine Honda has ever designed, covered up by plastic?
2) Pontiac Solstice
By contrast, the Solstice engine is covered by a large piece of plastic – you can’t see it or anything else of technical interest under the hood at all (note that the air intake in this example is aftermarket, otherwise it’d be a dull black hose). The appearance of this engine compartment matches the driving characteristics of the engine: dull and agricultural. Fail.
3) Mazda Miata
And the Miata engine compartment is a mess of covers and plastic. And a maze of hoses – looking mor elike an emissions-laden 70s engine that something from this day and age. There are interesting details here; note the placement of the battery: given the extreme attention that Mazda paid to the handling dynamics of this car, the battery is obviously in the best possible place for weight distribution. And the radiator is slanted forward at an extreme angle. So there are all sorts of interesting details under here, but with the mass of hoses and the big plastic engine cover, you can’t find much of interest to discuss under here. And when you drive it, you realize it’s just a slightly warmed over Ford Focus engine.
Of course, the most important element is the driving dynamics – not appearances. And the S2000 wins hands-down there again.
When you are done with the driving, and people wonder what kind of engine you have, it’s a pleasure to show it off. Sportscar fanatics want to examine engines in detail – compare and contrast parts, look for differences, imagine ease of modification. Only the S2000 engine compartment is inherently designed to that purpose.