What's a COPO, you ask? Back in the heyday of American muscle cars, COPO was an acronym for Central Office Production Order, which was, for all intents and purposes, a way for Chevrolet and its enterprising dealer network to sneak high-performance option packages and oversize engines past the bigwigs at General Motors and into the waiting hands of automotive enthusiasts.

With ancient history out of the way, what's COPO mean in 2011? Well, it still means performance, but there's certainly no way Chevy is going to bypass the powers-that-be at GM HQ, especially not with a Camaro proof-of-concept that's destined to live out its life at the drag strip in NHRA Stock Eliminator drag racing competition.

According to Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports, the COPO Camaro that is debuting this week at SEMA "is a clear indication that Chevrolet intends to homologate the Camaro for sportsman drag racing." Seems pretty clear to us, too � in lieu of the standard independent rear suspension setup is a straight axle that's perfectly suited to straight-line racing. Plus, there's a full roll cage for safety.

Buyers of the COPO Camaro, if and when it becomes available, will be able to fit one of two suggested engine packages: one 427-cubic-inch naturally aspirated V8 (7.0 liters for A Stock racing) and one 327-cubic-inch supercharged V8 (5.3 liters for for AA Stock racing). The car you see in our live images is powered by a prototype version of the supercharged 327.

Source: AutoBlog

Ferrari has unveiled its first all-wheel-drive model called the FF. The 2012 Ferrari FF (the FF stands for Ferrari Four), will make its official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March and will go on sale shortly after.

The Ferrari FF is the company’s first four-wheel-drive model and is powered by a 6.3L V12 engine making 651-hp and 504 lb-ft of of torque. Mated to a transaxle dual-clutch F1 gearbox, the Ferrari FF goes from 0-62 mph 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph.

Source: eGMCarTech

We recently heard reports that Scion may get its own version of the Toyota FT-86 rear-wheel-drive sports car. According to recent media reports, Scion will now exclusively sell the Toyota FT-86 in the United States. The production version of the model will debut at the 2011 New York Auto in April and will be priced around $25,000.

Insiders say that the model may be badged the ‘Scion FR-S’ in the U.S.

As many of you know by now the Toyota FT-86 is being jointly developed with Subaru. If sources are to be believed, the Subaru sibling will only be sold in Europe, while the Scion FR-S will only be sold in the United States.

Source: eGMCarTech

The doors still haven't quite opened up at the Paris Motor Show and already the leakage has begun in full force. Yesterday we got a sneak peek at the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Concept, but the lone photo was small and grainy. Thankfully, the wait for real images is now over mere minutes before the car is officially unveiled at an evening event held by the Volkswagen Group in Paris as we speak. A total of five shots of the carbon-intensive supercar have just hit the interwebs, and they didn't come from Lamborghini.

To put it mildly, we like what we see. As could be seen in the series of teasers officially let loose by the boys from Lamborghini, every single bit of the car has been fashioned from carbon fiber. Suitable, then, that the car has been named after the sixth element of the periodic table – Sesto Elemento literally means sixth element in Italian. Even the tailpipes have been fashioned from a sort of composite called Pyrosic that is able to withstand extremely high temperatures.

Those high exhaust temperatures will be exhaled by a V10 engine that's putting out a stonkin' 570 horsepower. With just 2,200 pounds of weight to move, the run to 60 will take less than 2.5 seconds.

Source: AutoBlog

So you thought the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport was something to get excited about (if you’re into that 250 mph+ type thing). Well, just wait until you get a load of the Transtar Racing Dagger GT, an American-built supercar that promises to be the most powerful, world record-setting supercar ever built.

Transtar says that the its 3,000 pound, two-seater Dagger GT will push 2,000-hp while going from 0-60 mph in just 1.5 seconds (according to their calculations). The company also says that the Dagger GT will come from 60 mph to rest in 4 seconds and will run the quarter mile in a whopping 6.6 seconds at 204 mph.

What happens if you keep your foot on the accelerator after 204 mph and have enough road ahead of you? Apparently, Transtar says that you can take the Dagger GT up to an eye-watering top speed of 314 mph.

As of right now all this is a dream along with a very creative looking site featuring drawings, calculations and renderings. We’re not saying that the Dagger GT won’t ever be a reality – but… well, check them out for yourself.

Source: eGMCarTech

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche
is showing its new Porsche 918 Spyder Concept, a plug-in hybrid open-top supercar with a mid-mounted V8. Porsche has just released a 2 minute video describing the story behind the concept.

Refresher: Power for the Porsche 918 Spyder Concept comes from a 3.4L mid-mounted V8 making 500-hp. The engine is mated to two electric-motors sitting on the front and rear axle with an additional output of 218-hp. Power is driven to the wheels by Porsche 7-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe PDK transmission, allowing the 918 Spyder Concept to go from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph. Drivers are allowed to choose from four different driving modes including E-Drive, Hybrid, Sport Hybrid and Race Hybrid. The E-Drive mode let the 918 Spyder concept run on pure electricity with a range of 16 miles. Video in the jump!


Source: eGMCarTech

The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style, which will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, introduces a new "multi-drive" platform that can accommodate a fuel cell or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. More importantly, its overall shape and styling preview the next-generation CLS sedan teased last month in Detroit.

The five-passenger F800 Style is fitted for the show with a 300-horespower, direct-injected gasoline V6 engine and a 109-hp electric motor integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes claims a total output of 409 hp for the F800.

The concept's hybrid powertrain provides 0-60 acceleration in 4.7 seconds, says Mercedes, with top speed limited to 155 mph. On pure electric power, the F800 has a claimed top speed of 75 mph and a range of just 18 miles. More in the jump!

The Mercedes F800's lithium-ion battery pack can be recharged from household current or a local charging station. The V6, we assume, can be replenished by a visit to the gas station.

Mercedes says its F-Cell technology also could be adapted to the F800, bundling a 136-hp, rear-drive electric motor that generates 214 pound-feet of torque with a fuel cell stack. Range on this version is said to be nearly 375 miles.

The F800 incorporates a number of other advanced technologies, including an enhancement on the automaker's COMAND system with a touchpad interface. A camera in the cabin records images of the user's hand on the pad. A transparent image of the hand is displayed over the menu functions, which are operated by applying slight pressure to the touchpad. Mercedes says the system, which controls such functions as climate, audio, phone, navigation and Internet functions, reduces driver distraction.

Benz's Distronic adaptive cruise control also gains added functionality. Now called Distronic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant, the system will be capable of automatically steering and following another vehicle into a curve at speeds up to 25 mph while regulating the distance between the two vehicles.

Next there's the PreSafe 360-degree collision avoidance system, which extends monitoring to the area behind the vehicle, automatically engaging the brakes milliseconds before an anticipated rear-end collision.

Access to the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept is provided by conventional hinged front doors and rear pivot-and-slide doors that open rearward. Inside are lightweight seats made of magnesium and carbon-fiber, backed with fine netting and trimmed in wood veneer.

Source: InsideLine

What makes the Gearhead Performance Group Trans Am different from other Camaro/Trans Am conversions like the Bandit and Lingenfelter concept? It'll supposedly come with a 900 HP twin-turbo LS9. Nice.

Still on the fence about looks. I'm thinking no.. maybe I'm by myself.

Source: Jalopnik

Cadillac takes its top-of-the-line Platinum Edition products to the next level with the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept sedan, a plug-in hybrid that goes for a minimalist-looking instrument panel and lots of luxury amenities. The XTS Platinum makes its world debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

The all-wheel-drive XTS Platinum Concept has a 3.6-liter direct-injection gasoline engine and plug-in hybrid propulsion system that delivers an estimated 350 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Antilock brakes, stability control and traction control round out the drivetrain details.

Exterior design cues include a rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels and tires and vertical headlights and taillights.

The cabin provides the most insight into what Cadillac is envisioning for its future products — and it's clear it is hot on Lincoln's heels when it comes to shedding the traditional buttons, knobs and dials.

Cadillac says it is stripping away such classic elements of instrument panel design, instead relying on "dead front" design. In this school of thought, the instrument panel appears black until the car is turned on and the screens light up. Lincoln introduced MyLincoln last week at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show, which takes the instrument panel to a new level, with a design adopted from cell phones and MP3 players.

"The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics," said Cadillac in a statement. "The XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches."

Other cabin details include what Cadillac says is a "new style" of automotive suede with a laser-etched pattern.

Cadillac says this concept envisions the luxury sedan as a "personal headquarters."

Source: InsideLine

General Motors Co. will produce the Cadillac Converj plug-in concept car introduced at last year's Detroit auto show, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said .

The two-door Converj uses the same technology as GM's Chevrolet Volt plug-in electric vehicle, due to be launched late this year.

Lutz, speaking at a Society of Automotive Analysts meeting Sunday, declined to give timing for introduction of the Converj, but said it would be after 2012.

“You'll see it when you see it,” he said. “We have to slot it into the product lineup.”

The target buyers, he said, are people living in congested U.S. coastal areas who are willing to pay hefty prices for luxury vehicles but who also want to appear environmentally conscious.

The Detroit News in November reported GM would make the Converj. GM declined comment at the time.

Source: Automotive News

On the eve of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, GMC introduced its new Granite Concept, a study that hints at what’s next for the “professional grade” brand. A full 2 feet smaller than the GMC Terrain, General Motors says that the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever – if it’s ever produced.

Sitting on a wheelbase that extends 103.6-inches and measuring 161.3-inches x 70.3-inches x 60.5-inches, the GMC Granite is intended to compete with vehicles like the Scion xB, Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.

While being the smallest GMC ever, the inside of the GMC Granite Concept offers generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats. GM says that a mountain bike can be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed. The Granite provides room for four passengers with a prominent center console that runs between the front and rear seats. The center console features outlets and ports to plug in portable electronic devices, as well as storage compartments large enough for a laptop computer.

Power for the new GMC Granite Concept comes from a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (optional on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze) making 138-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Source: eGMCarTech

Following a leak a couple hours ago, we can now share with you the official details and images on the new Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept, which will debut on Monday at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Seen by GM as “a wake-up call for the small-car segment,” the Aveo RS Concept features European design that will appeal to young enthusiasts while offering a strong hint at the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo.

The new Chevy Aveo will be longer, wider and more spacious than the current model and will feature a more upscale look and a redesigned interior inspired by the Chevrolet Cruze.

Besides its “Fast and Furious” looks and 19-inch wheels, the Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept carries a powerful, yet efficient 1.4L I-4-cylinder Ecotec turbocharged unit making 138-hp. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission to appeal to those who enjoy spirited driving. GM designers also created a special engine cover in graphite silver with brushed aluminum insert with the coolant and power steering fluid fill caps rimmed in ice blue.

The next-generation Chevrolet Aveo, which will look like this without the bells and whistles, will go into production at GM’s Orion Assembly plant in 2011. The move will restore 1,200 jobs in Southeast Michigan. Retooling for the Orion plant will start in late 2010.

Source: eGMCarTech

Volkswagen's head of R&D, Ulrich Hackenberg, says he will find out in the next few months if the VW Bluesport roadster will be given the production go-ahead.

“It’s a personal favorite car of mine,” he said at the LA motor show, “and I would expect a final commitment to its future to be made by the VW Group within the next few months.”

If it is given the go-ahead, the VW Bluesport roadster would go on sale within the next three years.

Powered by a transversely mounted 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine, the VW Concept Bluesport is a sports car designed with current emissions and budget-sensitive times firmly in mind.

With a curb weight of less than 1200kg, the roadster has been conceived to appeal to keen drivers. It’s capable of cracking 62mph from rest in 6.6sec and hitting 140mph flat out. More in the jump..

And yet, thanks to its advanced diesel powertrain and modest weight, the car should also be capable of around 50mpg on the combined cycle and better than 60mpg while touring.

Exhaust emissions should be modest and clean too, with VW’s Blue TDI technology bringing CO2 emissions down to just 113g/km. It should keep NOx and particulates emissions low too.

At just under four meters in length, the VW Concept Bluesport is a little longer than a Lotus Elise, but within centimeters of the British roadster’s width and height. Its diesel engine provides 178bhp and 258lb ft of torque.

The VW Concept Bluesport is fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox and both auto stop-start and brake energy regeneration, which will also be fitted to the Bluemotion version of the latest Golf. Lightweight construction and aluminium panels contribute to the Bluesport’s low kerb weight.

As is still the norm for roadsters at the affordable end of the market, the Bluesport has a manually operated cloth roof that stows behind the seats.

VW claims that, with 112 litres of storage space in its nose and another 70 in the rear, the car can swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage. Boosting its touring credentials is a 50-litre fuel tank, which gives the car a range of more than 700 miles.

Source: AutoCar

AutoExpress' amazing scoop pictures show how the Audi range is set to develop – and here’s its crowning glory. These images show one designer’s take on how a new R10 – a V10-engined flagship supercar – could look.

But this isn’t just a flight of fantasy. According to Auto Express sources, Audi is seriously considering a new supercar to sit above the acclaimed R8. It’s set to share the chassis of the forthcoming Lamborghini Murciélago replacement.

As well as a sculpted body, the car would get a mid-engined layout and a low-slung, two-seat cabin. Audi’s famous aluminium spaceframe chassis technology will be combined with carbon fibre to keep weight down and provide supreme strength.

The R10 will also be wider and longer than the R8, while four-wheel drive ensures it’s firmly planted on the road. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged 5.0-litre V10 with up to 600bhp – that would give 0-60mph in just over three seconds.

Preliminary prototypes, disguised as Lamborghinis, have been spied near the Nürburgring in Germany, although the car is unlikely to arrive before 2012.

Source: AutoExpress

Today's concept study comes to us from Marouane Bembli, a 23-year old industrial design student from Sweden. The futuristic-looking supercar was designed as a 'halo' vehicle for Audi that would in theory, either sit atop or replace altogether the current R8 in the automaker's model range.

"I've designed what I believe will be Audi's new supercar, the R10", Bembli told Car Magazine. "It features a mid-mounted V10 engine and a dry weight of 1200kg. I hope you like it!"

Well, minus the proportions of the passenger cabin area that looks way too small when compared to the rest of the body, we must say that we find the R10 Concept pretty impressive.

Source: CarScoop