Ford Alton F 650 XUV at the Chicago Auto Show

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We've seen some outrageous F-650-based vehicles like this before (the DeBerti for one), but for some reason, the Alton F-650 XUV jumped out at us at the Chicago Auto Show. Perhaps we were already focused on Ford's Work Solutions trucks in the vicinity, but this insane beast just put our DSLRs on autopilot. The F-650-based XUV was built by Alton Manufacturing and carries a GVWR of 25,999 lbs. That makes the 660 ft-lbs of torque generated by its 7.2L Caterpillar engine seem paltry. Besides the big-rig-meets-Excursion bodywork, your nearly $200,000 expenditure for this XUV will get you hardwood floors, custom captains chairs, a 42-speaker sound system, two drop-down 16-inch TVs plus a 42-inch plasma, four computer workstations, plus a train horn. Oh, you'll also get bragging rights for the biggest, baddest truck in 99% of the world's neighborhoods

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Ford Alton F 650 XUV

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Car News:2012 Audi Q3

 

Audi has announced it will build a small Q3 crossover at a SEAT plant in Martorell, Spain, part of which is being retooled for the 2011 launch of the new model. While struggling SEAT gets a much needed boost in production capacity—and 1200 jobs are saved—Audi has postponed the decision on a U.S. production facility until a later date. The German automaker had been considering its own U.S. plant for a while, and potentially could share the Volkswagen Group's new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which is scheduled to produce VW’s New Mid-Size Sedan (NMS) and a VW-badged crossover vehicle from 2010 on. However, "there is currently no urgent need to select additional sites," says Audi CEO Rupert Stadler.

The Q3 will join Audi's portfolio of crossover SUVs, which includes the new Q5 and the updated-for-2010 Q7. But while the Q5 and the Q7 both have longitudinal engines, the Q3 is based on a layout with a transverse mounted powerplant. In fact, its platform is shared with a number of VW models, as well as the Audi A3. While the Q5 shares its architecture with the A4 (and the next-generation A6), think of the Q3 as the sister model of the VW Tiguan. But unlike the Tiguan, off-road capability was not on the list of Audi's engineering targets for the Q3. Sportiness was, though, making the company’s move to offer Quattro all-wheel drive as standard a sound decision.

 

Details are sketchy, but a gasoline-fueled 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder and a 2.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel, both tuned to about 200 hp, will be the obvious choices for the U.S. market. Audi will make a six-speed manual transmission available in Europe, but a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (S tronic) or conventional automatic likely will be the sole gearbox offered in the U.S.

The Q3 should look a lot like the Cross Coupe Quattro concept unveiled at the 2007 Shanghai auto show, but with many of the details—such as the grille, lighting units, and air intakes—toned down for production. It is almost identical in size to the A3, but will be far taller. Audi says the Q3 also will have a "coupe-like appearance," but we’re not convinced. In our opinion, the concept appears less coupe-like than the BMW X6 or the Acura ZDX, with a more upright rear window than those bigger entries. Figure at least $30,000 for the Q3, with primary competition coming from BMW’s upcoming X1 crossover.

AutoScout24 find of the day:Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Having built only built 500 examples, the achingly luscious Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is bound to become a collectors' item. Unfortunately, they've all been spoken for, but if you missed your chance and cost is no object, Italian auction site AutoScout24 has one listed that may be of interest.

On top of the clout and rarity of the standard 8C, this model stands out as one of only a handful produced in black. That alone isn't enough to justify the huge premium being charged for this example: the asking price is €380,000, over twice its original retail price of €160k. The power boost may come close, however: through unspecified means, the output on this 8C is quoted as having been boosted to 590 hp, a 140-hp bonus over the stock 450.

Renault Duster with an automatic transmission

 

For several explanations, ranging from cultural diversity to historic rivalries, the international motor vehicle makers are pressured to sell their styles in different areas in the globe beneath distinct names. This reality has compelled, as an illustration, French producer Renault to provide the types of its Romanian division Dacia underneath the French identify in Russia as an example, a area where the Dacia title including a Romanian creation tag would have not ever caught on.

The Duster SUV, 1 of your most powerful models Dacia has at any time developed, will get the Renault badge for Russia and a number of other markets, likewise like a number of small visual touches meant to adapt the design for your area prerequisites. The 1st pictures from the Renault Duster, leaked by Dusterclubs.ru, display slightly numerous front grille than on the Dacia Logan, definitely made to support the Renault logo. At the back again, the plastic detailing has long been replaced having a chromed a person, though the headlights present a refreshed look.

At the inside, the model will obtain a renewed, or should certainly we say a variety of interpretation as well, with re-arranged dash, a better audio model with a huge exhibit. One of Dacia's trademark benefits, the electrical windows controls, in most cases mounted on the middle console, have been moved towards the sides of the doorways. For the Russian industry, the design might be provided having a new Renault engine, a 2.0l unit capable of creating 140 horsepower and 195 Nm of torque. Being a confirmation of an earlier rumor, the Renault Duster will even be outfitted with an automatic transmission.

A Nice Look Inside and Out -2012 Audi A6

Audi has released new images and information on the next A6 due out in 2011 as a 2012 model year. The new mid-sized luxury sedan has been restyled resembling its bigger sibling, the Audi A8.

Several amenities and techie gadgets have been made available on the 2012 A6 which is all expected because it is an Audi after-all. The new wrap-around interior is laced with soft-touch accents and under the hood you will find a choice between two gasoline engines and three diesel options. Of course we should not expect to get all three of the diesel options here in the United States but it will be beneficial to other world markets considering the greatly improved fuel economy of these new powermills.

We expect to see the 2012 Audi A6 with a 3.0-liter 300 horsepower supercharged TFSI V6 engine that gets a decent 27 miles to the gallon. A new hybrid option will be available in the 2012 A6 lineup making it the second hybrid offering after the Audi Q5 Hybrid. The special feature on the A6 Hybrid will be its ability to cruise exclusively on electric power up to 62 mph. In true Audi fashion the Quattro all-wheel-drive option is available for the new A6. A manual transmission option for the A6 alongside of the CVT and 7-speed S-tronic automatic transmission is on the table but we are not sure if we will see the manual in the US… I hope so!