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The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.

02/02/2012 | By: Luke Vandezande

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A Jaguar XFR-S is likely to be on the way soon, spurred by competition from the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG which seriously outgun the British super-sedan.

The current XFR (pictured above) uses a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 to make 510 horsepower which falls about 40 ponies short of both sedans it directly competes with. While that’s a significant difference, it’s probably important to take a step back and realize that none of the numbers in this story are to be taken lightly.

Despite that, Jaguar will have to do something soon if they want to remain competitive. We don’t have concrete specifications on the XFR-S at the moment, but it was spotted running the Nürburgring last summer.

We expect it to pack at least 550 horsepower to stay on par, along with standard performance upgrades like a stiffer chassis and suspension. Of course, the price will increase as well, which we’ll report as soon as details break.

GALLERY: 2011 Jaguar XFR

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[Source: AutoCar]

12/11/2011 | By: Danny Choy

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Honda is moving ahead with plans to deliver a higher performance version of the CR-Z. In fact, according to a report by Temple of Vtec, CR-Z project leader Norio Tomobe-san has confirmed the car is already in development.

The first rumors of a CR-Z “Type R” came from Honda itself, with the release of the CR-Z Hybrid R concept at least year’s SEMA Show, delivering 200-hp thanks to a turbocharged version of the standard engine. Fast forward 12 months and Honda once again had something to show at SEMA, this time a supercharged version of the factory 1.5-liter 4-cylinder Integrated Motor Assist hybrid engine. Honda PR reps have also hinted to AutoGuide that this supercharged version is the more likely path.

GALLERY: Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept

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[Source: vtec.net]

09/06/2011 | By: Harry Lay

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With production beginning fairly soon on the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Ford is getting ready to fight back, and is starting development on the 2012 Shelby GT500.

The Shelby has recently undergone testing at the Nürburgring featuring a very large intercooler, leading us to believe the car has been given even more power. However, nothing is official as of yet. Previous reports have suggested that the Shelby may adopt a new supercharged 5.8-liter V8 engine. The engine can easily produce 620-hp which means the 2013 model will have a 70-hp gain over the current model.

Styling changes look to be quite limited at this point. Since the new model is still very early in production more may change.

Stay tuned for more info!

[Source: World Car Fans]

24/05/2011 | By: Blake Z. Rong

The headline could have also read “finally, a Honda with some torque.” Ok, we kid. But the mere existence of a rear-wheel-drive Acura Integra with a blown 454 Chevy big-block says two things: 1.) you can turn anything into a Pro Street racer with enough knuckle sweat, and 2.) always follow your dreams, kids.

The impressive Integra was reportedly built by Pro Street Unlimited, based in Manchester NH, and features a manual transmission, a belt-driven supercharger, electric blue paint and a sound like God’s Own Cuisinart. Rumors that this car is the current prototype for the next NSX are still unsubstantiated.

[Source: 1A Auto Blog]

Watch the video after the jump:

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26/07/2010 | By: Derek Kreindler

The 2011 Ford Mustang has upped the game with its superior driving dynamics, and the Dodge Challenger is getting more power this year to go along with its ultra-faithful retro styling. Not willing to be left behind, Chevrolet is readying the most extreme Camaro yet, the 2012 Z28.

Powered by the 6.2L Supercharged V8 used in the Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. GM somehow felt it wise to affix a label to the dash stating that this engine, along with a six-speed automatic, was present in the test car, giving us good reason to suspect the Z28 features the 556-horsepower LSA engine rather than the 620 horsepower LS9 engine, but you won’t hear us complaining. The LSA is available with either the automatic or a 6-speed manual, whereas the Mustang Shelby  GT500 offers only a stick.

Expect the appropriate chassis upgrades, as well as the visible big brakes, 20″ wheels and quad exhaust pipes as standard on the Z28. Chevy knows their competition well, and has to make sure that the Z28 will eat the GT500 and SRT-8 Challenger alive if they want to compete in this ultra-competitive segment.

[Source: Camaro5]

18/03/2010 | By: Jason Siu

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The 2003-2006 Ford GT is one of America’s proudest super cars. Its sleek, low profile design gives it a sense of being exotic while there’s no mistaking the American muscle that powers it. From the factory it came equipped with a 5.4L V8 with a Lysholm twin screw-type supercharger producing 550-hp and 500 ft-lbs of torque. With an MSRP in the mid-$100,000′s, it’s hard to imagine there would be many of these prowling on the streets, never mind modified ones. But modified ones there are, and Performance Power Racing is taking top honors with its 1,400-hp Ford GT that recently set a production car world record.

You see, the Ford GT has a top speed of 200 MPH off the assembly line. Performance Power Racing in South Florida  wanted to take that above and beyond. They claim that their Ford GT went from the previous top speed of 200 mph to 252.97 mph in merely 7.3 seconds with the aid of a pair of turbochargers forcing 26 psi into the V8.

And just like that a record is set and for those not fortunate enough have witnessed it (we definitely weren’t!) there’s a video after the break.

Continue Reading…

Jaguar XFR and XKR

510hp thanks to a supercharged direct injection 5.0-liter V8

11/01/2009 | By: Colum Wood

img_4235We first reported that Jaguar would display its new XFR at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, but the British marque had a surprise -or two – up its sleeve. Also unveiled was the new Jaguar XKR, a high-performance machine above and beyond the current model.

Both the XFR and XKR get new, more aggressive, aerodynamics as well as a shockingly powerful 510hp engine. The engine is an all-new 5.0-liter powerplant that has been supercharged and features direct injection technology. Torque is also impressive at 460 ft-lbs.

This new engine can propel the XFR to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the XKR to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Thanks to direct injection technology, the XKR gets comparable fuel economy to the old 4.2-liter model with fewer emissions. The XFR also registers equal fuel economy to the standard supercharged 4.2-liter car with fewer emissions. Both vehicles feature a revised transmission that allows for smoother and faster shifts.

Also standard on both new R models is a dynamic suspension that can adapt up to 100 times per second. These two new models are a commitment by Jaguar to reinvigorate the R badge.

The company also plans to unveil an all new model later this year, which, rumor has it, is a coupe-styled luxury sedan along the lines of the CLS and Panamera. Expect an official reveal of that car at the Geneva Motor Show.

Official 2010 XF and XFR release after the jump:
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Fastest Sedan in the World

750hp G-Power BMW M5 HURRICANE RS sets new record

19/12/2008 | By: Colum Wood

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BMW Tuner G-Power has just announced that during recent testing at the Papenburg test track in Germany, its 750hp twin-supercharged HURRICANE RS M5 set a new WORLD RECORD for the fastest sedan.

With a stop speed of 367.5 km/h (228.4 mph) the Hurricane eclipsed the Mercedes CLS-based Brabus Rocket, which set a speed of 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph).

The Hurricane RS is a slightly more powerful version of the standard production Hurricane with 750hp versus 730hhp. The gain was made by raising boost pressure in both ASA superchargers from 10.1 lbs to 11.6 lbs.
According to G-Power CEO and engineer Christian Stöber, the
Hurricane is capable of topping its own record as boost can be raised as high as 14.5 lbs. “We are curious if this will be necessary…” reads the end of the company’s press release, a definite challenge to the boys at Brabus.

While this new record is certain to help G-Power sell more vehicles, most likely in places like Dubai, the speed record won’t be possible in the production cars because they will not be equipped with the gearing necessary to do so. Brabus does, however, offer the Rocket to customers with longer gears. Regardless, unless those customers own their own airstrip, 220-plus mph speed runs are unlikely.

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Official press release after the jump:
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580 HP Supercharged Audi R8

PPI Design builds carbon-body Razor GTR

17/12/2008 | By: Colum Wood

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After releasing a mild yet incredible aero kit (called the Razor) for the Audi R8 last year, PPI Design has now unleashed the Razor GTR, a full carbon body R8. Plus, thanks to a supercharger it now makes 580hp – up significantly from the stock 420. Torque also gets a boost with 442 ft-lbs now available at 6200 rpm.

Through the Razor’s extensive body modifications PPI managed to shave off 551 lbs of weight. Carbon fiber has been used for the front and rear bumpers, wider fenders, side skirts and hood. The rear engine cover panels have also been replaced with carbon fiber ram-air intake ducts and the rear glass has been swapped out for a lighter Makrolon cover.

Additional weight savings are due to the use of DyMag carbon/magnesium wheels.

The reduction in weight and addition of horsepower make for an impressive increase in performance. PPI claims the Razor GTR can hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds and blast on to a top speed of 206 mph!

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Full press release after the jump:
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