hybrid Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks is expecting on 2013

Azure Dynamics has signed an agreement with Ford, whereby the Oak Park, MI firm will integrate its plug-in hybrid technology into Ford's F-Series Super Duty trucks.

Working in collaboration with Ford, Azure's plug-in hybrid technology will debut on the F-550 Super Duty chassis cab in early 2013. This agreement also allows for Azure to perform plug-in hybrid powertrain conversions on all available configurations of Ford's F-350 and F-450 trucks. Azure says that roughly two-thirds of its plug-in hybrid system will be applicable for all Super Duty configurations, with approximately one-third needing to be powertrain-specific (i.e. gasoline or diesel).

Additionally, the Azure-Ford agreement includes a so-called "ship-thru" provision that will allow Azure to sell its converted vehicles through qualified Ford Commercial Truck dealerships in North America. In 2009, Azurestruck up a similar deal with Ford for the Transit Connect Electric.

GoPro HD: Budds Creek Lucas Oil AMA Motocross 2011

Harley-Davidson's new and updated models for 2012

We now know exactly what to expect from the Harley-Davidson lineup next year. The bike maker plans to roll out two new models: a 10th Anniversary Edition V-Rod and a new Dyna Switchback. The V-Rod will wear special silver paint designed to pay homage to the aluminum bodywork of the original liquid-cooled Harley, and buyers will get to enjoy unique 10th Anniversary V-Rod bags as well.

Meanwhile, the Dyna Switchback boasts a detachable windshield and a set of removable hard bags to create a versatile ride that can toe the line between an in-town cruiser and a long-haul machine. The Switchback, like all but two of H-D's entire line of Dyna, Softail and Touring models, packs the company's Twin Cam 103 engine with a full 100 pound-feet of torque.

The rest of the Harley-Davidson stable has received a few updates as well, including the company's Night Rod Special. That bike gets a new set of light-weight wheels, a tapered tail section and an inverted front fork along with improved ergonomics.

Pioneer's reality navigation system

Pioneer's AVIC-VH09CS has all the techie trappings you'd expect from an in-dash navigation system: A seven-inch LCD, DVD and CD player, USB and SD card slots, and Bluetooth connectivity. But what sets it apart is the addition of the Augmented Reality (AR) Scouter Mode.

The double-din head-unit wirelessly connects to a camera installed on the windshield, streaming video and layering the sat-nav information over the image. The system integrates with the road, highlighting lanes, identifying stores and creating 3D representations of destinations so you know exactly where you're going. It even allows you to "augment" the vehicle in front of you, so if that minivan is too staid for your tastes, the system will superimpose something sexier (think Ferrari) on top.

The AVIC-VH09CS is due to go on sale later this month. The bad news: It's only available in Japan and comes in at $3,700.

2010 LA Auto Show Design Challenge Winner: Cadillac Aera Concept

The focus at the LA Auto Show is on new production vehicles as well as concepts that hint at an automaker's direction for the very near future. One aspect of the show however, looks further into the distance and pushes designers to create their vision of a supplied theme. The LA Auto Show Design Challenge has entered it's seventh year, and for 2010 the designers had to create a 1,000-pound car that was stylish and performance oriented yet also capable of carrying four passengers. The GM Advanced Design team stepped up to the plate and, with their Cadillac Aera Concept, took the top spot. The podium must have been crowded though because the Smart 454 also claimed a victory as the judges declared the competition a tie.

This marks the third time that the group from General Motors has won this challenge, giving them the most wins out of all automakers that enter. The Cadillac Aera Concept hit on all areas that the judges were looking for and, despite the futuristic styling, still carries some recognizable lines from Cadillacs of today.

LA Auto show Green Car of the Year goes to Chevy Volt

The Chevrolet Volt drove off with the 2011 Green Car of the Year Award at the LA Auto Show this morning, beating out tough competition from the Nissan Leaf and ending a two-year diesel powertrain reign (at the 2008 show, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI was named the winner; last year, the Audi A3 TDI won). The other finalists for this year's award, given out by Green Car Journal, included the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid , Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the Ford Fiesta.

2010 LA Auto Show: Porsche finished 60 golden years of in America

At its press conference at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche unveiled its Cayman R, and showed a video celebrating 60 years of its cars in America.

2010 LA Auto Show: Godzilla 2012: The new GT-R

When Nissan unleashed its latest version of the GT-R in 2007, it seemed there was no room for improvement. Engineered to extreme levels, this GT-R used a high-power twin turbo V-6, essentially a racing engine, a dual-clutch six-speed automated manual transmission, and a very advanced all-wheel-drive system.

But Nissan demonstrates with the 2012 model that technology can always be improved, increasing engine output by 45 horsepower. And what looks like a minor bodywork update also increases downforce by 10 percent. For a cosmetic update, Nissan added LED running lights.

We also found a slight mystery on the all-wheel-drive control switch. In the most recent version of the GT-R we've driven, a 2010 model, the all-wheel-drive switch offered racing, normal, and snow modes. In the cabin of the 2012 model, we noticed the Snow label has been replaced by Save.

2011 Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne wears many hats. It masquerades as both the automaker's entry-level vehicle and as its flagship turbocharged SUV. Broad-shouldered in stature, one variant can blast to 60 mph in less than five seconds and top 170 mph, while another may be propelled quietly under the emissions-free power of electricity. Regardless of where they rank in the hierarchy, multi-talented Cayenne models are capable of traversing deep streams, towing 7,700-pound trailers and carrying five passengers and their luggage into the hands of waiting luxury hotel valets.

The six-cylinder Porsche Cayenne is hardly the automaker's crown jewel, but it's frequently one of the best-selling models in the lineup. Following on the heels of its more powerful siblings, the entry-level SUV can't hide behind its engine displacement – it must prove itself through luxury, improved performance, fuel efficiency and value.

We just spent a couple days driving the all-new Cayenne in Germany, and unlike two months ago, when we put the flagship Cayenne Turbo and the eight-cylinder Cayenne S to the test at the beautiful circuit and off-road course at Alabama's Barber Motorsports Park, the European venue gave us the opportunity to drive the entry-level Cayenne in crowded city streets and on the wide-open Autobahn. What's under the hood of the six-cylinder Cayenne, and why is it unique? How does it drive compared to its eight-cylinder siblings? Most importantly, how does it compare to its competition? Find out after the jump.

Porsche will offer four different Cayenne models in North American in 2011: Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo and Cayenne S Hybrid. (We don't get the Cayenne Diesel, but don't get us started.) In typical Porsche fashion, the automaker introduced its top-level models first with the arrival of the eight-cylinder Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo in May, while the just-released six-cylinder Cayenne (and the Cayenne S Hybrid) won't be unveiled at your local dealership until this Fall.

While the world is just now getting its hands on it, the arrival of the six-cylinder model has been anticipated for some time, but its powerplant specifics have been largely shrouded in mystery. With an all-new Porsche-developed 3.6-liter V6 on the table (recently fitted to the Panamera), the automaker had a choice between its own engine and an updated version of the carryover Volkswagen-sourced 3.6-liter unit. Economics won the battle, so the standard Cayenne will once again share powerplants with the Volkswagen Touareg.



Displacing 3,598 cubic centimeters, the direct-injected 10.6-degree V6 features an iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. Unlike the all-aluminum 90-degree V6 in the Panamera, the Volkswagen narrow-angle "VR6" powerplant does not have balance shafts (our calibrated rears say the Porsche V6 is slightly smoother). While the Volkswagen variant makes 280 horsepower, Porsche engineers tweaked the tuning and gifted the engine with a new intake manifold to customize it for duty in the Cayenne. The result is a bump to 300 horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) and 295 lb-ft of torque (at 3,000 rpm). Bolted to the back of the engine is a standard 6-speed manual transmission (yes, a manual transmission). We didn't get a chance to try it, as our test models were fitted with Porsche's excellent new eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. In both cases, power is sent to all four corners of the SUV through an electronically-controlled all-wheel drive system. There is no low range case anymore, as Porsche says the lower gears are sufficient for serious off-road travel. Even with six-cylinder power, the Cayenne is rated to tow the same 7,700-pound trailer as its siblings.

Aside from the missing cylinders, the six-cylinder Cayenne models also wear slightly smaller standard brakes. The fronts are six-piston aluminum monobloc calipers (painted black) on 13.78-inch iron rotors, while the rears are four-piston calipers on 13-inch iron rotors. Porsche's composite ceramic brake (PCCB) system is optional (and obvious to everyone within eyesight with its huge metallic rotors and yellow calipers). Steel springs and gas pressurized dampers are standard, with air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) optional.



Realizing the wheel/tire/brake packages are upgradeable on all trim levels, it's difficult to tell the models apart without checking the scripted badge on the hatch or catching a glimpse of the front. It's the nose that differs. The Cayenne Turbo wears an aggressively large grille and intake, while the normally-aspirated models share smaller grilles (the V8 model is finished in black, while the V6 receives an aluminized finish). The Cayenne V6 also sports twin brushed stainless steel oval exhaust outlets, just like the Panamera V6.

The lighter powertrain pays off at the scales. The Cayenne SUV weighs just 4,399 pounds, undercutting its sibling Cayenne Turbo by nearly 400 pounds and leaving the competition in line at Jenny Craig, with the Mercedes-Benz ML350 coming in 330 pounds heavier and the six-cylinder BMW X5 lugging around an extra 531 pounds.



With the key in our left hand, we climb into a nondescript six-cylinder Cayenne wearing 19-inch wheels (wrapped with 265/50YR19 Pirelli tires). The all-new interior mirrors the elegant styling of the Panamera sedan – very upscale and meticulously finished from its beautiful wood and aluminum accents to the leather stitching on the dashboard. The seat and steering wheel are infinitely adjustable and outward visibility is good, although the backup camera does help.

As mentioned in our first driving impressions a few months ago, the Cayenne platform is incredibly enjoyable to drive. Its driving mannerism are more "big sedan" than oversized 'ute, meaning the brakes and steering are responsive to the driver's inputs, not merely taking suggestions. It doesn't feel nearly as ponderous as the Audi Q7 or as heavy as the BMW X5 when touring tight city streets.



Acknowledging that it has less mass to haul around than its predecessor, the 0-60 mph sprint now takes about 7.5 seconds, putting it decidedly mid-pack among its competitive segment. Most importantly, with excellent gearing down low, you won't miss the V8 or Turbo under 45 mph as the six-cylinder Cayenne moves off the line enthusiastically thanks to the aforementioned eight-speed Tiptronic tranny.

More than content with its performance around town, we steered the six-cylinder Cayenne towards the Autobahn to try its powertrain under more demanding conditions. As stable at high speeds as it is sitting still in a parking lot, the SUV easily held velocities between 80 and 110 mph. As expected, it does lose most of its stamina as the speed increases over 90 mph (e.g., the Cayenne Turbo rockets to 125 mph in about 13 seconds, while the Cayenne V6 does it in a longish 35 seconds). With patience, and a long open stretch of road, we were able to coax it up to an indicated 134 mph, although Porsche claims it will run 143 mph if given the opportunity. When it came time to bleed off the speed, the standard brakes were more than up to the task.



Porsche has priced the Cayenne very aggressively. The entry-level six-cylinder model starts at $46,700, making the base SUV the automaker's least expensive offering in the States. Shaving more than another second off the 0-60 sprint, the eight-cylinder Cayenne S begins at $63,700. The new Cayenne S Hybrid begins $67,700, while the flagship Cayenne Turbo has a base price of $104,800.

The assertive base price means the entry-level Cayenne is priced in the thick of its European competitors, including the six-cylinder BMW X5 ($45,800), the six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz ML-Class ($45,700) and the six-cylinder Audi Q7 ($46,900). The Porsche offers more power than the Audi and Mercedes, but BMW's new-for-2011 twin-turbo 3.0-liter under the hood of the X5 xDrive35i is stronger than the Cayenne's 3.6-liter.



Porsche does not offer a "token" third-row seating option (like BMW and Audi), but its second-row seats slide on rails and the seatbacks recline/fold making the interior both accommodating and very configurable. To its dynamic advantage, the Porsche has the most modern and lightest platform. And, thanks to its Panamera-inspired interior, the Cayenne's cockpit is arguably the most luxurious and inviting of the foursome, too.

But we wouldn't buy the six-cylinder Porsche Cayenne for its engine.



Despite the fact there's nothing inherently wrong with the lesser power unit – it's more than competent – Porsche offers much better combustion routes if you are seeking pavement-pummeling power and a hybrid option if you are on a quest for fuel economy. Instead, consider the entry-level 3.6-liter V6 variant as a heavily discounted way to enjoy the Cayenne's silky eight-speed Tiptronic, bulletproof platform, refined chassis dynamics, luxurious cabin amenities, surefooted all-wheel drive, accurate steering feel and impressive braking capabilities at less than half the cost of the Cayenne Turbo.

The Panamera sedan is currently basking in the brand's sales-leading spotlight, yet the Cayenne will undoubtedly take back its top position when all the models fill the showrooms later this year. Unlike its predecessor, whose owners were often accused of driving the overweight SUV solely for the polished gold, maroon and black badge emblazoned on the hood, the new six-cylinder model is an agile, attractive and well-mannered gentleman. While it may not run as quickly as its athletic siblings, this Cayenne is stout enough to be distinctive on its own – with or without the Porsche crest leading its way.

Review: Audi A5

With the introduction of the A5 for 2008, Audi launched itself into a vehicle segment it had never competed in – one which has waned significantly over the past two decades. Not so long ago, the personal luxury coupe was one of the top selling segments in the U.S., but for a wide variety of reasons, the overall sales picture left it behind.

Now you might ask yourself, "How is an A5 in any way similar to the likes of a 1970s-era Chevrolet Monte Carlo or Ford Thunderbird?" At first glance, the A5 is something completely different, but when you dig below the surface, there are more similarities than one might think – particularly when considering the 2.0T model. Except for a few NASCAR-inspired specials, PLCs of the 1970s weren't typically performance machines anyway – they focused more on style and creature comforts. And it's here where the A5 delivers.


Over the past two decades, Audi has been steadily climbing the ranks to become one of the preeminent automotive design houses. Concepts through the 1990s and the 2000s included the original TT and Nuvolari showed that Audi was capable of delivering more than bland German executive lunchboxes. The real explosion began when the first-generation TT entered production, and ever since, Audi's lineup has grown bolder with each successive model. The birth of the A5 brought mainstream Audi design to a whole new level, and it's fair to say that not only is this coupe is among the most attractive Audis in existence, it's probably one of the best looking coupes we've seen in decades.

While the high-powered S5 coupe and cabrio balance sophistication with performance, the reality is most A5s are powered by a much milder 2.0-liter TFSI inline-four. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Larger coupes have almost always been more about style than substance, but all vehicle segments evolve over time, and the coupe market has proven no different. Over the years, mass-market brands looking to flesh out their lineups have embraced coupes as a way to add new variants of existing models without ballooning costs. The result was a proliferation of "coupes" that were often little more than two-door sedans that sacrificed ease of rear access without adding any real style. Worse yet, American personal luxury coupes became baroque and grotesque, and ultimately, a lack of substance contributed to their eventual demise.



We've become quite familiar with the A5's shape over the last several years and it's holding up incredibly well. Sharing the same mid-sized B8 platform as the A4 sedan/wagon and Q5 crossover, the A5 is clearly a modern Audi. However, the A5 has unique dimensions and proportions from its siblings, being lower, longer and wider than the A4 sedan, while riding on a shorter wheelbase. Combined with the 19-inch wheels, the overall effect is a more voluptuous effect than its sedan sibling.

The interior of the A5 will be instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with contemporary Audis. Two large primary gauges flank a central information display where the driver can page through an array of data. Everything from fuel economy to iPod tracks are directly in front to minimize looking away from the road. Our A5 tester was blessed with the Sport Package's optional front chairs, and their enhanced lateral bolstering and manually extendable thigh bolsters were more than welcome. The thick-rimmed steering wheel is grippy and adjustable for both reach and rake.



The racier roofline of the A5 means that the driver's hip point is commensurately lower. It's still nowhere near as sunken as the perches of most sports cars, but the A5 may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. As you might expect, access and accommodations in the rear seats aren't exactly commodious, although rear headroom is adequate (we managed to stuff a six-footer in back), anyone with longer-than-average legs may have an issue fitting comfortably in the back. At least there's a switch that motors the entire front seat forward, allowing rear passengers some latitude to control their own limited leg room.

While we are generally loathe to turn down more power, it makes sense to us that the best-selling member of the A5 family – by far – is powered by the Volkswagen Group's sweet 2.0-liter TFSI inline-four, putting out 211 horsepower and 256 pound-feet of torque. In this application, Audi's TFSI system includes a turbocharger and direct fuel injection, the latter of which allows the use of higher compression ratios and boost pressures without triggering piston-destroying knock. As a result, the relatively small engine can generate some serious torque over a broad rpm range, delivering power levels that would normally necessitate the application of a larger and less efficient engine.



A normally aspirated and direct-injected 3.2-liter V6 is also available, but while it produces 265 hp, it's down on torque to the inline-four with just 243 lb-ft. Further, the beefier powertrain adds an extra 200 pounds of heft, so you gain nothing over the four-cylinder model in performance and consume more fuel at the same time. With the extra weight hung out over the front axle, you also don't net anything in driver engagement, especially in North America, where V6 is paired exclusively with six-speed automatic transmission. The bottom line? Both models accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 6.4 seconds and you stand to have more fun getting there in the 2.0T, though one could certainly argue that the V6 makes a more appealing noise.

The best driver-oriented combination in the A5 family is also the least expensive – the four-pot paired with Audi's six-speed manual gearbox. The manual remains one of our favorites 'boxes thanks to its slick action and short throws. The clutch travel is smooth and predictable, making it easy to manage in stop-and-go traffic. Combined with the 2.0T's surprisingly robust torque curve, this combination provides some flexibility to drive in traffic without constantly rowing through the gears. The four-cylinder A5 may not win any drag races against some other sports coupes, but the DI turbo has more than enough grunt to instantly carry out passing maneuvers on a two-lane road without triggering any undue anxiety.



Another benefit of the entry-level drivetrain is its more desirable weight distribution. Along with the 40/60 front-rear torque split of the latest Quattro all-wheel-drive, there's remarkably little understeer compared to past Audis. Unlike the S4, the A5 doesn't feature Audi's trick torque vectoring rear differential, but buyers looking to push their coupe hard enough to notice will probably opt for the higher-performance model anyway. One thing every driver will notice, however, is the electro-hydraulic power steering assist. It's a tad light at low speeds, but firms up beautifully as speeds increase and has no disconcerting on-center dead zone.

Our A5 tester wasn't equipped with Audi's Drive Select, a system that includes variable damping and steering ratios, but it wasn't missed. On this model, the balance of spring and damping rates made trudging along the rough pavement of mid-Michigan a pleasure, without sacrificing dynamic responsiveness in the process. At 3,583 pounds, the A5 isn't a featherweight by any means, but Audi seems to have used the mass effectively to ensure it has built a solid structure. Even over the worst roads, the coupe remained tight and rattle-free.



With its graceful lines and classic proportions, the 2.0-liter A5 coupe really is the modern incarnation of the personal luxury coupe, albeit without the indulgent proportions, consumption and garishness of its 1970s antecedents. The A5 provides a great-looking ride for a couple while accommodating two more in a pinch. Its performance would have humbled pure sports cars not too long ago, and despite its small engine, even in moderately aggressive driving, it never feels like it's breathing hard. Even with little consideration for economy, our 2.0T-powered A5 returned a very respectable 25 miles per gallon in mixed driving.

As of mid-2010, Audi remains the only premium European brand offering four-cylinder engines in the U.S. market, and its consistent growth over the last several years indicates it may be on to something. Mercedes-Benz and BMW have both indicated that they will bring four-cylinder (and in BMW's case maybe even three-cylinder) engines back to their respective lineups in the coming years. You might think that a premium car with a four-banger might be just a loss-leader special, but Audi is showing it doesn't have to be so. At $44,750 including Premium, Sport and Navigation packages, the A5 is not inexpensive, but it's an attractive alternative to six-cylinder coupes like the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Infiniti G37, while providing better fuel economy to boot.