The Accelerator Car Blog

First Drive of the 2013 Scion FR-S

2012-06-28T11:06:00.002-07:00

The 2013 Scion FR-S is the car that every car enthusiast has been waiting for. Despite its lack of power versus other cars of its price range the FR-S was designed to hit corners, and I mean hit corners - FAST! Its weight distribution, rear-wheel drive,and low center of gravity allow the driver to be in full control of drifting maneuvers. You won't win many drag races with this car. However, you will be the top dog on the curves!

The car has a basic 200-horsepower Subaru Boxer engine, allowing it to go from zero to 60 in roughly 6.2 seconds. Though, the chassis is based off of the old Toyota legends, the Toyota Sports 800, 2000GT, and the Corolla GT-S.

Drag Race: Hennessey Corvette ZR1 vs. 1200 HP SRT-8 Jeep

2012-06-16T17:42:00.003-07:00

The highlight of this video is the 7.2-liter twin-turbocharged Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 with 1200 horses versus the infamous Hennessey-tuned Corvette ZR1, packing a hefty 760 horsepower. Who will win? ;)

2012 SRT-8 Madness!

2012-05-07T15:39:00.002-07:00

A friend of mine took an amazing photoshoot of a 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 and a 2012 Dodge Charger SRT-8 this past month. Be sure to check him out on the Wimmer Fotografie Facebook page.

(My personal favorite is the double burnout shot!)

2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Spider

2012-04-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

Like the coupe, the droptop version of the Italia is equipped with a 4.5-liter V8 rear-mounted engine rated at a whopping 570 horses. Its 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission allows the Italia to launch to 60 in less than 3.4 seconds. The spider maxes out speed at 199 mph. As expected, the Ferrari 458 Italia Spider weighs about 110 pounds more than the coupe.

The upside to this car is that you can hear the roar of the engine much more clearly with the top off. However, the engine is no longer displayed under a transparent cover. Instead, there are aluminum covers that are meant to keep cool air flowing to the engine.

The base price of the 2012 458 Italia Spider is approximately $301,000.

April 15th Sightings

2012-04-15T01:36:00.000-07:00

Today has been the first sunny and dry day in a while in the Bay Area. And any true car enthusiast would know that a perfect day like this would bring forth a variety of exotic cars on the city streets. Downtown Walnut Creek exemplified this theory with a handful exotics, including a Dodge Viper, a Rolls Royce Phantom, an CL63 AMG, and more.

Aston Martin DB9

Bentley Continental (DB9 in front)

Rolls Royce Phantom

Bentley Continental Convertible

Dodge Viper

CL63 AMG

A few other exotics that I didn't get the chance to take pictures of are: a Nissan GTR, an SLS AMG, a C63 AMG, an E63 AMG, and two other Bentley's.

2013 Scion FR-S on the Dyno!

2012-04-13T01:42:00.001-07:00

The new highly anticipated Scion FR-S shows what its made of on the dyno for the first time. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine under the hood is rated at 200 hp at the crank and 151 lbs of torque.

According to the dyno sheets, the tuner's power peaks at 7,000 RPM with 173 hp to the wheels and 143 lbs of torque at about 2,800 RPM.

Of course, you're probably thinking these numbers are pretty unimpressive. However, the Scion's true colors show on the curves at the track, where its handling is said to be as graceful as a Porsche Cayman, if not better.

2013 BMW M6 Convertible

2012-04-10T12:26:00.001-07:00

New York Auto Show

The BMW M6 convertible still features the same 560 hp and 500 lbs of torque 4.4-liter V8 engine as the 2012 M6 hardtop. This large sum of power allows it to launch to 60 in about 4.3 seconds with the help of a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. This new chassis of the droptop proves to be much lighter than its predecessor.

The 2013 M6 convertible starts at $113,995 and will be up for grabs in June, before the 2013 M6 coupe is released.

2012 Tesla Model S

2012-04-09T02:13:00.005-07:00

The second all-electric creation of Tesla Motors is almost here. The expectations are high for the four-door Tesla Model S due to its well-renowned older sibling, the Tesla Roadster. Tesla's goal for the Model S was to make a premium luxury electric car that was both efficient and stylish. And they did just that.

The Model S with the 85 kWh lithium battery can sprint from zero to 60 in just 5.6 seconds and maxes out its speed at 125 mph. If these numbers do not impress you, then the unique interior design will. The car's signature piece is a 17" touchscreen that allows you to access music, mobile connectivity, and even wi-fi. Additionally, it has a map system that shows your location and allows you to navigate the city easily and efficiently. The screen also has high-speed internet and lets you access controls to your car, such as adjusting your panoramic roof.

Electric Honda production car in the making

2012-04-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

In search of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, Honda aims to create a production car similar to their EV-STER electric concept car that was shown at the Tokyo Auto Show.

According to the Honda CEO, a new roadster similar to this concept car is in the making. The original EV-STER was powered by a 10kWh lithium-ion battery, which let the vehicle accelerate from a dig to 60 in 5 seconds flat and exceed speeds of over 100 mph. There may even be a gasoline-powered version as well.

It is expected to be in production next year in 2013.

Spaceship interior?

2013 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG meets a turbo V12

2012-04-05T20:01:00.001-07:00

The new Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG comes with a facelift, as well as a turbocharged 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine rated at a stupefying 621-horsepower and 738 pounds of torque. This power allows the SL65 AMG to sprint from zero to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

The SL6 AMG is about 254 pounds lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the usage of aluminum. Also, it is expected to deliver a decent (for a supercar) 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

There will be a 45th anniversary model available for purchase in September 2012 for 45 lucky people.

First Look on the 2013 Nissan Altima

2012-04-04T22:08:00.001-07:00

The new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder 2013 Nissan Altima produces a respectable 182 horsepower, while also delivering a 27 miles to the gallon in the city and an impressive 38 miles to the gallon on the highway. A 3.5-liter V6 engine is also available for the Altima, which produces 270 horsepower and delivers 22 and 30 mpg in the city and highway, respectively.

If the fuel economy doesn't turn you onto the refined Altima, then the new appearance may do the trick. The 2013 Nissan Altima has a wider stance, boomerang headlights (similar to that of the 370z, Juke, and other Nissans), and a more aerodynamic body.

On the inside, the car is equipped with seats that are meant to keep passengers in a balanced, comfortable position. The interior looks much more top-notch and luxurious, which gives it a more inviting appeal. A new standard feature on all new Altima's (called the Advanced Drive-Assist Display) shows driver information on a 4-inch color screen.

2012 New York Auto Show

Jon Olsson's Carbon Fiber Audi R8 Razor GTR

2012-04-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

Jon Olsson, a famous Swedish skier, set PPI Automotive Design to work on his Audi R8 Razor GTR. After days of labor, the Audi was suited up with a custom carbon fiber widebody kit with a 600 gram carbon mesh. Under the hood, the Audi produces 710 horses and 417 pounds of torque from Stasis upgrades, allowing the R8 to launch from a dig to 60 in only 3.2 seconds and to accelerate to a top speed of 208 mph. Check it out on his blog!

Car of the Week: Audi R8 V10 GT

2012-04-02T20:42:00.001-07:00

The 2012 Audi R8 GT was a creation formed from the regular Audi R8 V10. However, the goal of the GT was to reduce the most weight possible for a more lighter and faster R8. Audi did just that by shaving off a hefty 220 pounds.

The windshield was replaced with thinner glass, and the rear window was replaced with a light and durable material called polycarbonate. Various parts of the vehicle were replaced with carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, including the rear hatch, rear bumper, and sideblades. The replaced parts also prove more aerodynamic, which provides stability at high speeds.

Additionally, Audi increased the horsepower of the R8 GT to 560 and the torque to nearly 400 pounds. With this reduction of weight and engine upgrade, the R8 GT can accelerate zero to 60 in an impressive 3.6 seconds. Its max speed is close to 199 miles per hour.

There were only a total of 333 Audi R8 GT's produced and 90 of those were brought to the United States.

2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1

2012-03-29T22:19:00.002-07:00

In response to the Ford Shelby GT500, Chevrolet created a bigger and badder beast: the Camaro ZL1.
The 2012 ZL1 has a 6.2-liter supercharged and intercooled V8 engine rated at 580 horsepower and 550 pounds of torque, 30 horses and 46 pounds more than the GT500. The engine is actually borrowed from the Cadillac sports car, the CTS-V.
Zero to 60 mph is accomplished in 4.0 seconds (a tenth of a second faster than the GT500), along with a zero to 100 time in just under 10 seconds. The ZL1 does the quarter-mile dash in roughly 12.5 seconds stock.

The ZL1 uses a six-speed Tremec manual transmission with a dual-plate clutch, 20-inch Goodyear Supercar tires, Brembo brakes, and a MagneRide active suspension, which was originally made for the Chevy Corvette.

Technology-wise, the ZL1 comes with the HUD, or Heads-Up Display, which projects your RPM's, speedometer, and the current gear you're in on the windshield. With this power, you would need to keep your eyes on the road! There is no automatic transmision alternative, so if you don't like stick, then take another pick.

The Chevy Camaro ZL1 starts at $54,095 MSRP, slightly more than its Shelby rival.

World Record Standing Mile: Ford GT Passing At 257.7 mph

2012-03-26T20:20:00.001-07:00

With impressive engineering and amazing control of the car, Sean Kennedy completed a whole mile passing at a whopping 257.7 miles per hour, a new world record. The previous Guinness Book-recorded world record standing mile speed was 223 miles per hour by another Ford GT. This is basically what happens when you let the well-known tuner Hennessey get their hands on an American supercar.

The Ford GT has a twin-turbocharged 5.4-liter V8 engine that runs at a high boost of 34 psi. According to Fox news, John Hennessey said that a rough estimate of the car's horsepower was about 2000 horses. That's a ton of horses! (No pun intended.)

Hennessey Ford GT

Jay Leno's Nissan GTR

2012-03-25T20:43:00.002-07:00

Jay Leno, a well-known American talk-show host, gives a short introduction of his garage. Not only does he own practically every sports car known to man, he is also quite knowledgeable of them. Leno gives a review of the Nissan GTR as he accelerates through suburbia and shares his love for the first Japanese supercar.

Jay Leno's Garage

The All New 2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan

2012-03-25T01:37:00.001-07:00

Photo Credit: Wimmer Fotografie

The new and revised sixth generation 3-series sedan offers a slightly longer body, more aggressive detailing along with a facelift, and a whole new drivetrain. It is still substantially shorter than the 5-series; however, it offers more leg room in the rear seating.

The 328i sedan dropped the naturally aspirated 3.0L V6 and is now powered with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a reserve of 240-horsepower and 260 pounds of torque at a low RPM of 1250. With a good amount of torque from the turbo, the sedan equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission can race from a stop to 60 in around 5.6 seconds. Equipped with the optional 8-speed automatic transmission, however, it will take an additional 0.2 seconds.
The 335i sedan still uses its old twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pumps out 300 horses.
With such a small engine, the 328i has an impressive fuel economy of 23/34/27 combined mpg with the manual and 24/36/28 combined mpg for the automatic tranny.
The 328i starts at $34,900 MSRP, while the 335i starts at $42,400 MSRP. The prices start reasonably, but do not forget the additional fees for packages and other options.

Photo Credit: Wimmer Fotografie

Be sure to check out Christian Wimmer's photography on his Facebook page!

2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport

2012-03-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Lexus GS 350 F-Sport has an appearance that looks like it would rival the BMW M5. Though, the aggressive styling and detailing may be misleading; its 306-horsepower and 277 pounds of torque would only compete with the twin-turbocharged BMW 335i or the Infiniti G37.

It is a true sports sedan with rear-wheel drive system and a zero to 60 time in about 5.5 seconds. This acceleration allows the GS 350 F-Sport to complete the quarter-mile in about 14.0 seconds. The only sport aspect the car lacks is a stick. Instead, the car is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. It delivers a decent 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The base price for the 2013 Lexus GS 350 F-Sport starts at $53,465.

The Lexus comes with an active rear-steering system, which allows sharper cornering. Also, the suspension is adjustable to a Sport+ mode for stiffer and more sportier handling. The sedan scores an impressive 0.91 g's of grip. Thus, the GS 350 F-Sport handles like a charm. It also decelerates from 60 to zero in 105 feet.

Porsche, Benz, Audi, oh my!

2012-03-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

Excuse the quite tacky screenplay introduction and stale review of this MotorTrend video. The real gold of this video are the sounds of the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, Audi R8 V10, and the Porsche 911 Turbo roaring down a closed-off, curvacious highway. Video is captured by stationary panning cameras, as well as go-pro cameras attached to the sides of the vehicles.

The New and Refined Acura NSX

2012-03-23T16:59:00.001-07:00

After about 7 years, Acura is bringing back the old with the newly designed NSX. This model was held as a concept car for quite a long time, until it was finally released that this would be the model seen on the road. It is much more bulkier than the first gen NSX's and still retains the latest and questionable Acura look, the dreaded metal nose. This will be Acura's vehicle for the hybrid sports car trend in the automobile world. Be sure to check out its competitor, the Infiniti Emerg-E.

Source: InsideLine

Guinness World Record: Biggest Loop Done in a Car

2012-03-21T19:56:00.001-07:00

This is jaw-dropping science at its best. The Lotus had to travel at a certain speed to maintain grip to the loop. One problem, and the lotus would be a dead lotus.

"The largest loop the loop in a car measured 12.87 m (42 ft 2.69 in) in diameter and was achieved by Li Yatao (China) from the Car Team of Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China, on 23 September 2011.

The loop was made from steel.It was 3.68 m (12 ft 0.88 in) wide and weighed 33,000 kg (72,752 lb). The car used was a Lotus L5 Sportback."

Source: YouTube (User: GuinnessWorldRecords)

Subaru sets standards high for BRZ, GT-86 and FR-S

2012-03-19T19:38:00.001-07:00

Yasayuki Yoshinaga, the present of Fuji Heavy Industries, stated that the Subaru plant in Ota City, Japan, will produce at least 100,000 units. There have already been 7000 special orders for the Toyota GT86, and 2500 orders for the Subaru BRZ. Subaru was only planning to sell 6000 BRZ sport cars in the United States in the first year of production. The BRZ base model will start at an affordable price of around $24,000.

2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012-03-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

It has been more than 40 years since Ford has made the classic 1970 Mustang Boss 302. Now, they are finally producing a new Boss ever since last year, which has 444 horsepower and 390 pounds of torque. Upgraded intake runners, camshafts, and more aggressive engine controls allow this substantial horsepower boost from the GT's normal 5.0L V8. The car unleashes the power through a short-throw six-speed manual transmission with a more durable clutch. The exhaust sound is resonated through quad-pipes, giving the Boss 302 a unique growl.

The car uses an upgraded GT suspension that has stiffer springs and bushings, adjustable shocks, and a bigger anti-roll bar. Electronically, the Boss utilizes three modes: comfort, normal, and sport. It also comes standard with a more sophisticated traction control system. The Boss also comes with Brembo rotors, allowing the car to stop on a dime.

The Laguna Seca model leaves the back seats along with other comfort options at the dealership. In return, the car gets a stiffer suspension and an aerodynamics package. There will be a limited edition Boss 302 sold, so stay tuned with the Ford Mustang page.
The Boss 302 starts off at around $43,000 with the destination fee for the base model, and $50,000 for the Laguna Seca model.

Nissan JUKE-R: The Craziest Crossover Yet!

2012-03-14T22:03:00.002-07:00

From this....

...to this.

Not only does the car have a sporty body kit for a lowered look, black-finished wheels, and a GTR suspension, but the JUKE-R will come with a Nissan GTR engine, a twin-turbo 3.8L V6 pushing out more than 500 horses. There are two reactions to this truly Frankenstein creation. A) What were you thinking Nissan! or B) That... is... so... COOL! I have to say I'm a bit in between and skeptical. A high center-of-gravity sports car doesn't seem too practical to me. However, it looks quite promising. Nissan claims that the crossover can accelerate zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds. It has a stripped inside, lacking rear seats and the original floor. Instead, a rolling cage is fitted in the JUKE-R for that rollover protection... cough.

Infiniti Emerg-E Concept Car

2012-03-12T15:57:00.004-07:00

Infiniti has been teasing us with this hybrid concept super car for a couple of years now, but just recently it was shown at a 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The two-seater Infiniti Emerg-E has a hybrid drivetrain and uses two electric motors with a lithium-ion battery pack, four inverters and a range-extending 3-cylinder petrol powerplant. Its combined horsepower is 402, which, in my opinion, is quite low for a super car. However, it has a massive 738 pounds of torque, which allows it to accelerate to 60 in about 4 seconds.

Check out the Inside Line short review of the Emerg-E:

More photos of the Emerg-E: