Allegedly Official Sketches of Audi e-Tron Spyder Concept with Diesel-Electric Hybrid Drive

These reportedly official sketches showing a drop-top version of Audi's e-tron Detroit concept (see here) have been making the internet rounds in Germany. Named the e-tron Spyder, the new concept model is said to make its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September.

The reports from Germany go on to say that unlike the coupe variant which only made use of two electric motors producing a combined output of 204-horsepower, the Spyder model runs on a hybrid (parallel) system incorporating a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel engine driving the rear wheels through a DSG transmission and a pair of electric motors turning the front wheels.

Stay tuned to Carscoop as we'll update this story as soon as we find out more.

Source: AMS & Autobild

Allegedly Official Sketches of Audi e-Tron Spyder Concept with Diesel-Electric Hybrid Drive

These reportedly official sketches showing a drop-top version of Audi's e-tron Detroit concept (see here) have been making the internet rounds in Germany. Named the e-tron Spyder, the new concept model is said to make its first public outing at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September.

The reports from Germany go on to say that unlike the coupe variant which only made use of two electric motors producing a combined output of 204-horsepower, the Spyder model runs on a hybrid (parallel) system incorporating a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel engine driving the rear wheels through a DSG transmission and a pair of electric motors turning the front wheels.

Stay tuned to Carscoop as we'll update this story as soon as we find out more.

Source: AMS & Autobild

Insider: New Porsche 911 Speedster to Debut in Paris

The recently introduced 408HP 911 GTS (read more here) in Coupe and Cabriolet forms won't be the only newcomers at Porsche's Paris Motor Show stand. According to our insiders, the Stuttgart-based sports car maker will also stage the world premiere of the long-rumored 911 Speedster based on the current 997 series.

The last time Porsche offered a Speedster variant of the 911 was back in the early Nineties with the 964-based model (see photos below). Like its predecessor, the new Speedster will pay homage to the 356 Speedster of the 1950s, featuring a chopped windscreen and the classic twin hump behind the front passengers.

Other highlights will include the nostalgic Fuchs-style alloy wheels from the 911 Sport Classic and the wider rear end from Carrera 4 models.

The new two seater 911 Speedster will be built in a limited number of units. We'll update this story as soon as Porsche comes out with an official release, so stay tuned...

Insider: New Porsche 911 Speedster to Debut in Paris

The recently introduced 408HP 911 GTS (read more here) in Coupe and Cabriolet forms won't be the only newcomers at Porsche's Paris Motor Show stand. According to our insiders, the Stuttgart-based sports car maker will also stage the world premiere of the long-rumored 911 Speedster based on the current 997 series.

The last time Porsche offered a Speedster variant of the 911 was back in the early Nineties with the 964-based model (see photos below). Like its predecessor, the new Speedster will pay homage to the 356 Speedster of the 1950s, featuring a chopped windscreen and the classic twin hump behind the front passengers.

Other highlights will include the nostalgic Fuchs-style alloy wheels from the 911 Sport Classic and the wider rear end from Carrera 4 models.

The new two seater 911 Speedster will be built in a limited number of units. We'll update this story as soon as Porsche comes out with an official release, so stay tuned...

GM Recalls Over 20,000 Cadillac CTS Models to Address Safety Issue with Glove Box

General Motors said on Monday it has issued a recall on 20,224 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V cars from the 2009-2010 model year to replace the glove box compartment. NHTSA's tests showed in the event of a frontal crash, if the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the risk of leg injury is higher than permitted under Federal law. It goes without saying that despite the NHTSA's findings, passengers should wear their seatbelts at all times.

Being a manufacturer recall, GM's dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, if necessary, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure, free of charge.

The Detroit automaker said the safety recall is expected to begin on or before October 20, 2010. For more information, owners of the affected CTS and CTS-V models may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339.

GM Recalls Over 20,000 Cadillac CTS Models to Address Safety Issue with Glove Box

General Motors said on Monday it has issued a recall on 20,224 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V cars from the 2009-2010 model year to replace the glove box compartment. NHTSA's tests showed in the event of a frontal crash, if the front passenger is not wearing a seat belt, the risk of leg injury is higher than permitted under Federal law. It goes without saying that despite the NHTSA's findings, passengers should wear their seatbelts at all times.

Being a manufacturer recall, GM's dealers will replace the glove compartment assembly and, if necessary, in some vehicles modify the instrument panel structure, free of charge.

The Detroit automaker said the safety recall is expected to begin on or before October 20, 2010. For more information, owners of the affected CTS and CTS-V models may contact Cadillac directly at 1-866-982-2339.

Audi R8 GT 560HP: New Photo Gallery of Ingolstadt's Flagship Sports Car

Audi has dropped a boat load of fresh images of the hard-core version of its R8 supercar called the GT. You can read all the details in our previous post here, but as a refresher, the GT is a lighter, more powerful and faster variant of the R8.

It is powered by a modified version of the R8 V10's naturally aspirated 5.2-liter direct-injection engine producing 550-horsepower, while thanks to a series of weight-saving measures that shave about 100kg (220 lbs), the car tips the scales at 1,525 kilograms (3,362 lbs).

Audi says the R8 GT accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph), while returning a combined fuel efficiency of 13.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (16.9 US mpg).

The GT also benefits from a modified suspension, larger carbon fiber ceramic brakes, 19-inch forged alloys wrapped in 235/35 tires up front and 295/30 at the back, and numerous aero tweaks that are said to improve downforce.

All in all, Audi will produce just 331 copies of the R8 GT, each priced in Germany at €193,000 (approximately US$252,400 at the current exchange rates).