Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History

Harley-Davidson Motorcycle History
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Buell Motorcycle Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general merchandise. Buell Motorcycle Company produces a line of sport motorcycles.

1870

Birth of William A. Davidson, Milwaukee, WI. 
 1876

Birth of Walter Davidson, Milwaukee, WI. 
 1880

Birth of William S. Harley, Milwaukee, WI. As he was born just after Christmas, his parents gave him the middle name “Sylvester.” 
 1881

Birth of Arthur Davidson, Milwaukee, WI. 
 1901

William S. Harley, aged 21, completes a blueprint for an engine designed to fit into a bicycle. 
 1903

Harley and Arthur Davidson build the first production Harley-Davidson in 1903. It features a 3-1/8-inch bore and a 3-1/2-inch stroke yielding 7.07 cubic inches (116cc). They make a more powerful motor with the assistance of Ole Evinrude – better known as the inventor of the outboard motor. It is designed for use on the wooden velodromes where popular bicycle races are held. 

Harley and Davidson work in a 10 x 15-foot shed on Chestnut Street (later renamed Juneau Avenue) which is still the address of Harley-Davidson’s head office.
 1904

The first Harley-Davidson dealer, C.H. Lang of Chicago, opens for business. 
 1906

A new 28 by 80-foot factory is built on Chestnut Street. The company has grown to have six employees. It produces its first catalog, and coins the nickname “Silent Gray Fellows.” It’s a reference to the fact that the bikes were painted dove gray, and that they were quietly reliable. (Evidently, the company’s founders were unaware that loud pipes save lives.) 
 1907

William A. Davidson joins the firm. Harley-Davidson Motor Company is incorporated, with stock shared by the Harley and the three Davidson brothers. 
 1908

Walter Davidson scores a perfect 1,000 points at the 7th Annual Federation of American Motorcyclists Endurance and Reliability Contest. Three days after the contest, Walter sets the FAM economy record at 188.234 miles per gallon. 

Perhaps impressed with that reliability, Detroit becomes the first city to buy a H-D motorcycle for police use.
 1909

“The Motor Company” makes its first V-Twin. It has a displacement of 49.5 cubic inches and produces seven horsepower. 
 1910

The ‘Bar & Shield’ logo is used for the first time in 1910 and was trademarked one year later. 
 1911

The ‘F-head’ single-cylinder engine is introduced and will remain in use until 1929. (This is not a reference to “Hey, f-head!” it’s a reference to the shape of the valve ports.) It is an inlet-over-exhaust design, with an overhead intake valve (in the head like a modern motor) but a “side” exhaust valve which is in the cylinder. 
 1912

Harley-Davidson begins exporting motorcycles to Japan. Construction begins on a six-storey headquarters. The Parts and Accessories Dept. is formed. The company has more than 200 dealers across America. 
 1913

The Racing Department is formed, under the control of Bill Harley. 
 1914

Sidecars are made available. Some models are briefly available with a two-speed transmission in the rear hub. Also, belts go out of fashion – for the moment. Harley-Davidson is one of the last motorcycle manufacturers to switch from leather drive belts to chains. The leather belts slipped, stretched and rotted, so chains are a big improvement. 
 1915

H-D motorcycles become available with three-speed sliding-gear transmissions with final and primary drive on the same side. 
 1916

The Enthusiast magazine is published for the first time. 
 1917

About a third of the company’s production is purchased by the Army. To train Army mechanics, the company starts the Quartermasters School. After the war, it will be retained as the Service School, providing factory-trained mechanics for dealers. 
 1918

Almost half of all H-D motorcycles produced are sold for use by the U.S. military in World War I. After Armistice is signed, Corporal Roy Holtz becomes the first American soldier to enter Germany. He does so on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 
 1919

The 37-cubic-inch Sport model is introduced. It’s a horizontally-opposed, fore-and-aft V-Twin. 
 1920

Now the largest motorcycle manufacturer, H-D boasts over 2,000 dealers in 67 countries.
The factory racing team, already known as “The Wrecking Crew” because it’s become so dominant in American racing, has a small pig as a mascot. The bikes are nicknamed “hogs” as a result.
 1925

The company adopts teardrop-shaped gas tanks (previously they were flat-topped) that give its machines a very distinct look. Joe Petrali becomes one of the first salaried “factory racers.” 
 1926

Single-cylinder motorcycles are sold first time since 1918. Models A, AA, B and BA are available in side-valve and overhead-valve engine configurations. 
 1928

The first two-cam engine is made available on the JD series motorcycles. The bike can reach a top speed between 85 and 100 mph. Luckily, this year all H-D models are also available with a brake on the front wheel. Surprisingly few Harley-Davidson riders use them, even to this day. 
 1929

The D model is introduced with a rugged, 45-cubic-inch flathead V-Twin engine. The “Flathead” motor will be sold in various guises for over 40 years. 

The stock-market crash heralds the Great Depression. In 1929, the company sells 21,000 motorcycles. It’s the strongest of the dozens – if not hundreds – of motorcycle brands that were launched in the first three decades of the century; only a handful will survive into the fourth.
 1932

The three-wheeled Servi-car begins its 41-year run. (Sure they were used to deliver great corned-beef sandwiches, but they were also used by the guys who wrote 410,000,000 parking tickets, too.) 

In racing, Joe Petrali begins a string of five consecutive national championships in dirt track, as well as four consecutive hill-climb titles. (In those years, the championship was decided in a single race.)
 1933

The company sells only 4,000 motorcycles this year. To reduce costs for competitors, the AMA creates a new racing class, Class C, based on production equipment and allowing for limited modifications. Although the original, prototype-based Class A persists, the AMA emphasizes the new class. Purists resent the change. 
 1935

Alfred Child, the company’s agent in Asia, realizes that currency exchange rates are killing sales in Japan. He convinces the company to license production of its motorcycles in Japan. The Sankyo Seiyakyo Corporation purchases tooling and begins producing Harley “clones”. They are sold under the name Rikuo, which means “King of the Road.” 
 1936

Introduction of the EL, an overhead valve, 61-cubic-inch-powered bike, which earns the nickname of ‘Knucklehead’ because of the shape of its rocker-boxes. The company also introduces an 80-cubic-inch side-valve engine. 
 1937

Petrali sets a land-speed record of over 136 mph with a streamlined Knucklehead. The first WL models are produced. 

William A. Davidson dies, two days after signing an agreement that makes the company a union shop.
 1938

Ben Campanale wins the Daytona 200 on a 45 cubic-inch WLDR. The race was run on the 3.2-mile beach course. 

The Jackpine Gypsies hold the first Black Hills rally in Sturgis.
 1941

United States enters World War II. The production of civilian motorcycles is almost entirely stopped. 
 1942

When U.S. soldiers capture their first “Wehrmacht”-issue motorcycles in North Africa, they find that the BMWs and Zundapps are better suited to tough military duty. Harley-Davidson and Indian each develop about 1,000 machines for evaluation, with shaft drives and Flat-Twin motors copied from the Germans. They are never widely issued, though the machines cost Uncle Sam a whopping $35,000 each. 

Walter Davidson dies.
 1943

William S. Harley dies. 
 1945

The war finally ends. Between 1941-45 the company produced almost 90,000 WLA models for military use. 
 1946

The 45 cubic-inch, flathead, WR production racer is made. It conforms to stricter Class C AMA rules, which are intended to reduce costs for competitors. It’s a flathead, because in Class C, flatheads are allowed to displace 750cc, while OHV motors are limited to 500cc. 
 1948

The company’s 61 and 74 c.i. OHV engines are updated with aluminum heads and hydraulic valve lifters. Also new are the one-piece rocker covers, which resemble cake pans, earning the motor the nickname ‘Panhead.’ 

As part of Germany’s war reparations, the Allies loot German patents. The fine, small two-stroke motors built by DKW (seen in that
company’s popular RT125) are copied by BSA (the Bantam) and Harley-Davidson, which produces the model S that will come to be known as the Hummer.
 1949

Hydraulic front forks make their first appearance on the new Hydra-Glide models. 
 1950

Arthur Davidson dies. 
 1952

Returning servicemen seem to favor the lighter British Twins they saw “over there.” In response, Harley-Davidson creates the 45 c.i. side-valve K model. It’s a unit-construction motor – the crankcases and gearbox are one set of castings. 
 1953

Indian goes into its long, painful death throes. H-D, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year will be only real motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S. for the rest of the century. 

The aging WR and WRTT production racers are no match for the British 500s now invading the dirt tracks (and few road courses) of America. The H-D racing department counters with a new racer, the KR. Like the WR, it is a 750cc flat-head.
 1955

The new KR begins a run of seven consecutive Daytona 200 victories, which will include the last race run on the old beach course and first one run at the new Daytona International Speedway. 
 1957

The Sportster is introduced. It is basically a larger-displacement version of the K motor, fitted with an OHV head. At 55 c.i., it offers performance to rival anything coming out of England (at least, anything coming out of England without a “Vincent” tank badge.) has a 55 cubic-inch overhead-valve engine. 
 1958

Hydraulic rear suspensions appear on the Duo-Glide. 
 1960

Harley-Davidson acknowledges the market potential of smaller machines. The company makes its first and only scooter, the Topper. It also purchases a half-interest in the Italian company Aermacchi, which produces fast and stylish single-cylinder machines of up to 350cc. 

Brad Andres wins the last Daytona 200 run on the sand. 2nd through 13th (no, not 3rd, 13th) places all go to riders on KRs.
 1961

The first Aermacchi design to reach America is the Harley-Davidson Sprint. Short-track racers are quick to realize that its good power and low center of gravity make it a winner. 
 1962

Harley-Davidson acquires the Tomahawk boat company and starts to learn about the uses of fiberglass. 
 1964

The humble Servi-Car is the first of the company’s machines to be fitted with an electric starter. 
 1965

The Duo-Glide and is fitted with an electric starter, and thus becomes the Electra-Glide. 
 1966

Riders clamoring for more power cause the company to update the old Panhead motor. The new engine has rocker boxes that resemble coal shovels. Hence, the new mill gets the nickname “Shovelhead.” This basic motor will remain in production for 20 years. 
 1968

After years of increasingly vociferous lobbying, the import manufacturers convince the AMA rules committee that the 250cc displacement advantage given to flathead motors is unfair. The AMA declares that, in the future, bikes with overhead valves (all the British and Japanese models) can also displace up to 750cc. Harley-Davidson lobbies to delay the implementation of the new rule for one more season. 
 1969

Although Harley-Davidson stock is publicly traded, it is still a relatively closely held corporation. The shareholders – perhaps sensing that the “Japanese invasion” is about to open a new front in the heavyweight category, with the Honda CB750 Four – sell the company to the American Machine and Foundry Company. AMF has hitherto been known to the American consumer as a maker of bowling balls, but it is in fact a large, diversified manufacturer. 

AMF could have risen to the challenge presented by the sophisticated and comparatively affordable Honda. Instead, AMF’s managers roll a real gutter-ball. Harley-Davidson quality plummets. Before long, dealers are forced to rebuild motors under warranty and magazines are brutally critical of test bikes. Used Harleys are described as “pre-AMF” in classified ads.
 1970

The racing department creates a new production racer, the XR-750. The motor is basically a destroked Sportster unit. It gets off to an inauspicious start; none of the factory entries reach the finish in the Daytona 200. The first Harley across the line is an ancient KRTT, ridden by Walt Fulton III. 
 1971

By mating the spare front end of the XL series with the frame and motor of the FL series, the company creates the first cruiser – the FX 1200 Super Glide. 
 1973

A new assembly plant is opened in York, PA. 
 1977

Although most Harley fans would rather forget the years in which the company was owned by AMF, there is one AMF-era bike that’s highly sought-after by collectors: the 1977 XLCR. That “CR” stands for Café Racer and the bike was only the second major project for Willie G. Davidson (the grandson of one of the founders.) While the model is prized now, it was rejected by Harley customers in 1977. Only 3,100 were sold and the model was dropped a year later – although dealers still had unsold XLCRs cluttering their showroom floors well into the ’80s. 

The FXS Low Rider is also introduced this year.
 1979

The FXEF “Fat Bob” is introduced. It’s called fat because of its dual gas tanks, and bob on account of its bobbed fenders. 
 1980

The FLT is introduced. It has rubber-isolated drivetrain and an engine and five-speed transmission which are hard bolted together. 

Belts come back into fashion: a Kevlar belt replaces the chain as the final drive on some models. 

The FXB Sturgis, featuring an 80 cubic-inch engine, and FXWB Wide Glide are introduced.
 1981

After years of AMF mismanagement, Harley-Davidson has lost almost all customer loyalty and profits are in freefall. When a group of company executives led by Vaughn Beals offers to buy the division for $75 million, AMF quickly agrees. 

Beals leads an amazing corporate turnaround. He funds new product development and implements world-class quality control. It’s impossible to know what would have happened to the H-D brand if Beals had not risen up to save it, but it’s certain that no one else could have done a better job at rehabilitating it.
 1982

The FXR/FXRS Super Glide II are introduced, featuring a rubber-isolated, five-speed powertrain. 

The company adopts a just-in-time inventory system on the manufacturing side, which helps to lower cost and improve quality.
 1983

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) is formed. 

The company petitions the International Trade Commission (a branch of the U.S. federal government) to impose a tariff on Japanese motorcycles of over 700cc. As a result, many Japanese motorcycles that are sold as 750cc models in the rest of the world are sleeved-down to 700cc for the U.S. market.
 1984

The 1340cc V2 Evolution engine appears on five models. Although it’s been in development since the AMF era, the motor proves the newly independent company has turned the corner in terms of build quality. It is far more reliable and oil-tight. 

The Softail, which features concealed rear suspension and evokes the rigid-framed hogs of 30 or 40 years ago, meets with commercial success.
 1986

Harley-Davidson diversifies with the acquisition of the Holiday Rambler motorhome company. 
 1987

The company makes its Initial Public Offering. Stock is traded on the NYSE, with the ticker symbol of HOG. The company petitions the ITC to relax the tariff on imported motorcycles, a year before it was scheduled to lapse. The move serves notice that Harley-Davidson is capable of competing on a level playing field, despite the fact that the Japanese companies now all make V-Twin cruisers that compete directly with the American offerings. 
 1988

Exploiting customers’ love of traditional styling, the Springer front end returns on the FXSTS Springer Softail. 
 1990

Introduction of the FLSTF Fat Boy. 
 1991

Introduction of the first motorcycle in the Dyna line, the FXDB Dyna Glide Sturgis. 
 1992

Harley-Davidson is the first company to equip all its models (except for a handful of racing motorcycles) with drive belts. Modern drive belts provide a smoother ride than chains, last longer, and free riders from the drudgery of chain lubrication and adjustment. 
 1993

H-D buys a minority interest in the Buell Motorcycle Company. 
 1994

The company enters the AMA Superbike Championship, fielding the water-cooled, DOHC VR1000. AMA rules specified that the company had to also build and sell 2,000 machines for road use, a process is called “homologation.” So, you may wonder, why have you never seen a road-going VR1000 if 2000 were sold? Because the model was homologated in Poland. By selling it there, Harley avoided U.S. liability and Poland’s lax laws allowed the barely-modified race bike to be legally licensed. 

Despite being ably ridden by Miguel Duhamel, Pascal Picotte, Chris Carr and Scott Russell, the VR1000 will never win an AMA race.
 1995

Harley-Davidsons are equipped with fuel injection for the first time. 
 1996

Sales of parts and accessories are an increasingly important part of the business – a fact reflected in the new, 250,000 sq. ft. facility the company opens in Franklin, WI. 
 1997

A new 217,000 sq.-ft. design center opens in Milwaukee. FL engine production moves to a newly purchased plant in Menomonee Falls. A new 330,000 sq. ft. plant in Kansas City takes over the production of Sportsters. 
 1998

The company opens its first foreign factory in Manaus, Brazil. 

The remaining shares of Buell are also acquired.
 1999

The Touring and Dyna lines receive the new Twin Cam 88. 
 2000

Despite spending tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees in the mid-’90s – and having initial success in its efforts to trademark the “potato-potato” sound of Harley motors – the company drops its U.S. Patent Office application. Harley-Davidson’s vice president of marketing, Joanne Bischmann, tells reporters, “I’ve personally spoken with Harley-Davidson owners from around the world and they’ve told me repeatedly that there is nothing like the sound of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. If our customers know the sound cannot be imitated, that’s good enough for me and for Harley-Davidson.” 
 2001

The VRSCA V-Rod is introduced. The motor – which was designed with input from Porsche – is fuel injected, has overhead cams, and liquid cooling. 
 2003

It is estimated that 250,000 people come to Milwaukee to celebrate The Motor Company’s 100th anniversary. 
 2006

Fittingly, the ’06 model-year Dyna motorcycles come with six-speed transmissions. 

The company announces a major new museum, scheduled to open in Milwaukee in 2008. 
 2007

Harley upgrades its Big Twin motor, stroking it out to 96 cubic inches and earning the moniker “Twin Cam 96.” The six-speed transmission from the Dyna line is added across the board. 
 2008

The Motor Company opens its impressive new museum in time for Harley’s 105th anniversary.

Overfinch Country Pursuits Range Rover concept

Range Rover tuning specialist Overfinch has developed a new concept vehicle based on the premium Land Rover SUV, which was displayed today at the Salon Prive Luxury and Supercar Show at the Hurlingham Club in London. The modified SUV, dubbed the Country Pursuits Concept, is based on the Vogue SE Range Rover and is aimed at luxury buyers seeking more utility from their premium SUVs.

Standout features of the Country Pursuits Concept is its exclusive mica pearlescent ‘Aubergine’ paint and custom interior created in partnership with consulting firm Colour & Materials Design. There’s also a refrigerator, and an ‘Olive Ash’ removable gun box with three sliding drawers.

Power comes from a 470hp (350kW) 4.2L V8 engine and an enhanced suspension system has been added that can lower or raise the car by up to 25cm whilst on the move. Despite being labeled a concept, the Country Pursuits Range Rover is slated for production and will be available for sale in October priced at £143,950 (approximately $287,000).

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Updated: Aston Martin DBS revealed

Now with super-high resolution images and full specifications.

The car everyone has been waiting for since seeing Casino Royale is finally here. Aston Martin has taken the wraps off the stunning DBS coupe, revealing a car that exudes performance and power yet still has the same proportions that made the DB9 one of the most beautiful cars in the world. The DBS will be officially unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this week and will go on sale in Q1 2008.

Under the hood you’ll find the same venerable 6.0L V12 engine found in the DB9 but with a number of modifications. These include a ‘by-pass’ engine air intake port that opens above 5500rpm to allow more air into the engine, and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber. Mated to the engine is a six-speed manual gearbox – no “softcore” auto for the DBS, thank you. The result is a power output of 380kW (510hp) and peak torque of 420 lb.ft (570Nm). In addition, Aston Martin’s extensive use of carbon fibre has reduced the weight of the DBS to 1695kg, around 65kg less than the equivalent manual DB9.

How does it perform? Glad you asked. The DBS will hit 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and keep pulling all the way to a 191mph (302km/h) top speed, making it a true supercar.

Everyone knows that power without control is nothing, which is why Aston Martin has pulled all the stops to make the DBS excel around the track. It’s the first Aston to be fitted with carbon ceramic brakes, greatly reducing stopping distances and providing excellent resistance to fade. Also new is an Adaptive Damping System with five different settings to adjust the car’s ride and handling characteristics. Providing contact with the road are 295 size 20” Pirelli tyres in the rear.

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Project Kahn enhances the Range Rover Vogue

Afzal Kahn, owner of the eponymous 'Project Kahn' outfit, has unveiled his latest creation in what has come to be a long line of customized luxury vehicles. This time around the Project Kahn team has taken the relatively sober Range Rover Vogue SUV and tinkered with its appearance and handling slightly.

The Project Kahn Range Rover Vogue conversion consists of a new bodykit, color-coded paint scheme and a custom sports exhaust system. The interior is given the bespoke touch, with an exquisite piano black trim made to the exact requirements of the customer.

The vehicle also features specially designed 22in ‘RS-L’ alloy wheels. The wheels feature a multi-spoke design with studded edging and a titanium silver finish. They have also been designed to accommodate a variety of manufacturer center caps.

For those looking for a Project Kahn SUV with a little more bite, the British tuner also has a customization package for the Range Rover Sport that was co-developed with engine specialist Cosworth. The package is based on the 3.6L TDV8 model and features an output of 300hp (224kW).

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Update: Custom Ford Mustang AV8R sells for $500,000

Update: The special one-off Mustang AV8R has sold for $500,000 at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction, with the funds going to support the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh youth education and inspirational experience program. The Mustang AV8R is Build number 1 of 1 and is based on the 2009 Mustang GT. It also features autographs from aviation legends and celebrities who attended this year’s EAA AirVenture, including Harrison Ford, Edsel B. Ford II, Jack Roush, Carroll Shelby and others.

Original: Ford will donate a special one-of-a-kind Mustang as part of its continuing commitment to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh aviation event held annually in Wisconsin. Last year, Ford donated two tickets to the finals of the American Idol series, which sold for $16,500, and before that Ford and Shelby Automobiles donated a Mustang Shelby GT-H in 2006, which sold for $250,000.

This Ford has built the special the Mustang AV8R, which will be sold through the Gathering of Eagles fund-raiser. The new car is based on the 2009 Mustang GT and was created together with a team from Ford Racing. Special features include a glass roof, custom front and rear fascias, an integrated spoiler and GT500 wheels.

Ford Racing's contributions include a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400hp (298kW) from the aluminum block 4.6L V8 engine.

The Mustang AV8R is painted in Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents. The interior features distressed leather inserts along with a ‘Bullitt’ aluminum instrument panel cover and shift knob. It also has a panel that will also be signed by aviation legends and notable enthusiasts scheduled to be in attendance, who include Edsel B. Ford II, Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Jim Lovell.

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Mercedes Benz G-Class

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Mercedes Benz G-Class will keep on truckin’ through 2015

Thirty years is a long time in the automotive industry, but the more things change, the more they stay the same - in 1979, the second oil crisis was in full swing, Detroit was smack in the midst of its malaise-era madness and the Mercedes Benz G-Class was born.

Despite its age, there are plans to see the G-Class continue on in its current guise for at least another six years. Austria’s independent vehicle manufacturer Magna Steyr has confirmed it will continue to build the vehicle until the end of 2015.

Magna Steyr has built 200,000 units of the G-Class and was a vital element of the vehicle’s development during the 1970s, according to Automotive News. The G-Class was originally developed as a military vehicle for the Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran (a major Daimler shareholder at the time). 

The first civilian version of the G-Class went on sale in 1979 and since then it has gone on to spawn several different variations including a high-performance AMG model. Mercedes Benz also released a special 30th anniversary edition this month, which you can read about by clicking here.

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Lamborghini Mucielago LP650-4 Roadster hit the web

Lamborghini's Superveloce LP670-4 was spied earlier in the month, but today images and details for the upcoming Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster have surfaced, with all the over-the-top flair you'd expect from a limited-edition Lambo.

The car's powertrain is still under wraps, but it's expected to get a 650hp (485kW) V12 mill like that found in the Reventon. Typically ridiculous acceleration figures - about 3.4 seconds 0-62mph - are expected from the AWD platform.

The exterior is a special flat gray called ‘Grigio Telesto’ and is accented with bright orange elements on the side skirts and front lip, as well as in strategic locations inside the cabin. Dark ‘Hermera’ alloy wheels finish off the dramatic exterior. The brake calipers are also finished in this same orange coloring, while contrasting carbon-fiber is used to adorn the engine frame and disc brakes. 

Inside, the car gets an asymmetric dashboard, acres of Alcantara and leather with Arancio Leonis stitching, and a few other unique touches. 

More information and photography is expected as the Geneva Motor Show draws nearer, though with the Superveloce already tipped for a Swiss debut, the LP650-4 Roadster may get pushed back to later in the year. Only 50 of the cars will be built, with a starting price of about $380,000 (€295,000).

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Report: Bugatti planning 440km/h Veyron ‘Centenaire’ for Geneva Motor Show

Bugatti is no stranger to limited editions of its Veyron, with the Sang Noir, Pur Sang, Hermès, Pegaso and Grand Sport (pictured) to name just a few. Now it appears a new model may be added to the list: the Centenaire, in celebration of Bugatti's 100th anniversary.

Early reports suggest the Centenaire could have an output of up to 1,400hp (1,043kW) and a top speed around the 440km/h (273mph) mark. The information comes from an inside source who revealed to Auto Motor and Sport that the new super-Veyron could probably go even faster but is limited by the integrity of its tires. Still, this should easily see it snatch back the title of the World's Fastest Production Car from the SSC Ultimate Aero TT.

The Centenaire isn’t just about extra horsepower, though. Through an extensive weight saving program, Bugatti engineers have reportedly shaved almost 150kg from the standard Veyron’s kerb weight. This is said to have been done with the addition of lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum in replacement of some the standard model’s steel components. 

Founded in 1909, Bugatti has led a storied path through the worlds of automotive industry, motorsport and high-end supercars. Under the Volkswagen Group's ownership it has seen steady success despite its extremely limited-volume output and the latest Centenaire is only likely to build upon this. 

Expect full details on the car - if it materializes - next week once the 2009 Geneva Motor Show is in full swing.

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

by Alex Kaufmann

Ferrari announces 599 HGTE package and 599XX experimental car

Though the California convertible has grabbed almost all the attention paid to Ferrari in the media recently, the 599 GTB is still just as formidable and attractive as it was the day it hit the streets. However, never one to rest on their laurels, the men and women in Maranello have plans to make it even more desirable at the Geneva Motor Show.

As it has done with the 575 and 612 before it, Ferrari has developed a new track focused handling package for the car. Called the Handling Grand Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE), the new upgrade will help add some spice to the 599 as it draws toward the end of its product cycle.

Exactly what will go into the 599 HGTE is still unknown, but history suggests it might include exterior appearance touches to the grille, wheels and rear diffuser/exhaust area, upgraded tires and more carbon fiber in the cabin. Slightly stiffer springs and anti-roll bars are also likely. The car's already massive 612hp (456kW) and 450lb-ft (608Nm) of torque are likely to remain untouched.

Also on show at next week’s Geneva event will be a preview of the ‘Laboratorio Technologico’ 599XX experimental car. The oddly named show car is described as a technological laboratory aimed at a select group of clients. It will incorporate the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research, with many elements appearing for the first time. Expect to see something similar to Ferrari’s previous FXX model, with possibly even a new group of official client testers being established specifically for it.

Chevrolet Camaro to star as Indy 500 official pace car

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) has selected the all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro to star as the official pace car in the 93rd running of the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 24. The new Camaro Pace Car was unveiled during a ceremony at the IMS Hall of Fame Museum with the organization’s president Joie Chitwood presenting the car along with Indianapolis 500 winners Johnny Rutherford, Al Unser Jr. and Eddie Cheever Jr.

The Chevy Camaro first paced the Indianapolis 500 in 1967 and to this day is still regarded as one of the most loved official pace cars of all times. This year marks the fifth time the Camaro has been selected to pace the Indianapolis 500 (1967, 1969, 1982, 1993, 2009), and the 44th time a General Motors vehicle has paced "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing".

The particular model being used is the high-performance SS, complete with a 6.2L LS3 churning out 426hp (317kW) and 420lb-ft (570Nm) of torque. It features a Tremec six-speed manual transmission and 3.45 axle ratio.

No drivetrain or suspension modifications are required to prepare the Camaro for its pace car duties. The only modifications to the vehicle include a fully integrated strobe system, including a GM-designed custom light bar utilizing Whelen 500 series linear strobes.

This isn’t the first time the new Camaro will be completing pace car duties. Earlier this month the car was also used as the official pace car of the Daytona 500.

Copyright 2006-2008 Motor Authority

Consumer Reports' Top Five Economical Cars

Consumer Reports has picked the Toyota Prius Touring as its best overall value of 300 U.S. and foreign cars reviewed. Not a single U.S. brand was among the 41 vehicles on the group's Best Value list this year.

In its 2009 annual auto issue, the consumer magazine said the Prius has a five-year ownership cost of $26,250 and rated relatively high on its road test.

The Prius doesn't have the least expensive sticker price in its class, but its excellent fuel economy of 42 mpg overall and solid resale value help give it a low overall owner cost.

"A low price doesn't necessarily make a car a good value," Rik Paul, automotive editor at Consumer Reports said in a statement. "At a time when people need to make every dollar count, our best value list will help consumers understand the difference."

Rounding out the top five were the Mini Cooper, Volkswagen Rabbit, Honda Civic EX and the Honda Fit.

"All three U.S. automakers continued to be at the back of the class," the magazine said. Although GM and Ford improved their overall scores, Chrysler "disappointed the most." The company's "poor-performing products and sinking reliability results have kept all Chyrsler, Dodge and Jeep-badged vehicles off CR's recommended list."

The U.S. automakers have struggled amid falling sales, causing both GM and Chysler to seek a government bailout. GM said today it lost $9.6 billion in its latest quarter.

One GM vehicle, the Chevrolet Avalanche pickup, was among the magazine's top picks, though not on the Best Value list. The Volvo C30 (Volvo is owned by Ford) did make the Best Value list.

In its auto issue, Consumer Reports highlights the best new-car value vehicles in nine vehicle categories: small cars, family cars, upscale cars, hatchbacks/wagons, sporty cars, minivans, small SUVs, midsized SUVs and pickup trucks.

Here are some of the highlights:

Best Value Small Cars: Honda Civic EX, Honda Fit (base), Hyundai Elantra SE, Toyota Corolla LE and the Honda Civic Hybrid

Best Value Family Cars: Toyota Prius Touring, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Toyota Prius (base), Hyundai Sonata (4-cyl.) and the Honda Accord (4-cyl.)

Best Value Hatchbacks/Wagons: Volkswagen Rabbit, Mazda3 hatchback, Scion xB, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport and the Toyota Matrix

Best Value Small SUVs: Toyota RAV4 (4-cyl.), Toyota RAV4 (V6), Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander (4-cyl.) and the Nissan Rogue

Best Value Midsized SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Nissan Murano, and the Honda Pilot

The magazine also breaks down its top picks for cars in ten major categories.

This year, the Toyota Highlander dethroned the Hyundai Santa Fe in the midsized SUVs category, while the improved reliability of the new Chevrolet Avalanche helped it to replace the Chevrolet Silverado as top pickup.

Despite the arrival of more gas/electric hybrids, the Toyota Prius remains top pick in the "green" car category for the sixth straight year. The Prius's 44 overall mpg is the best Consumer Reports measured in any five-passenger car.

Here, by category, are the 2009 top picks written by Consumer Reports:

SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE The Elantra SE ($18,695) is a comfortable, roomy small car that provides good fuel economy, a quiet and nicely finished interior, and plenty of features for the money. Only the SE version comes with standard electronic stability control, which is absent on many other small cars.

MIDSIZED SUV: Toyota Highlander The Highlander ($26,000 to $41,000) is a very refined and versatile vehicle. It provides a comfortable and quiet ride, a nicely finished interior, three rows of seats, and decent fuel economy for its class. The Highlander Hybrid's fuel economy, 24 mpg overall, is among the best of any SUV in Consumer Report's ratings. First-year reliability has been excellent.

PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Avalanche The Chevrolet Avalanche full-sized crew cab ($36,000 to $47,000) is one of the most versatile and comfortable pickups that Consumer Reports has tested. Its unified bed and cab helps give it a solid feel and a comfortable, quiet ride. Its innovative partition, between the cab and the bed, can be folded to allow longer cargo to extend into the back of the cab.

BEST OVERALL VEHICLE: Lexus LS 460 With a road test score of 99 out of 100, the Lexus LS 460 ($64,000 to $77,000) is Consumer Reports' highest-scoring vehicle. It provides a luxurious, uncompromising driving environment, with a supremely comfortable ride and a roomy, well-finished, and exceptionally quiet interior. The LS is brimming with electronic amenities, yet the controls are easy to use. Its 380-hp, 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver smooth, quick acceleration and relatively good fuel economy.

FAMILY SEDAN: Honda Accord The Honda Accord ($21,000 to $31,000) is a roomy, well-rounded sedan that's easy to live with and enjoyable to drive. It offers a comfortable ride, agile handling, and efficient, refined four- and six-cylinder powertrains. Electronic stability control is standard, and crash-test results are impressive. UPSCALE SEDAN: Infiniti G37 One of the highest-rated sedans tested, the G37 (33,000 to $36,000, formerly G35) combines sportiness and luxury in a very appealing package. It has a very lively powertrain, agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a nicely appointed interior. For 2009, it also has a larger, 328-hp, 3.7-liter engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, which improves fuel economy.

FUN TO DRIVE: Mazda MX-5 Miata The Miata ($22,000 to $29,000) is a true sports car at a reasonable price. With quick, precise steering, a crisp-shifting manual transmission, and balanced handling, it virtually tied the Porsche Boxster in test scoring, but it costs about half the price.

SMALL SUV: Toyota RAV4 Thanks to a larger and more powerful four-cylinder engine and other upgrades for 2009, the RAV4 ($23,000 to $30,000) narrowly outscored the Subaru Forester to remain our Top Pick for the third straight year. It provides agile handling, a roomy and quiet interior, a comfortable ride, and an optional third-row seat. The four-cylinder version gets the best fuel economy of any automatic, nonhybrid SUV CR has tested.

MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna The Sienna ($26,000 to $38,000) offers a spacious, versatile, and comfortable way to carry up to eight people. Consumer Reports found that the quiet, well-finished interior rivals that of some luxury sedans. Electronic stability control is standard. This is the only minivan available with all-wheel drive.

GREEN CAR: Toyota Prius Despite the arrival of more gas/electric hybrids, the Prius ($22,000 to $24,000) leads this category for the sixth straight year. The base model's 44 overall mpg is the best Consumer Reports has measured in any five-passenger car. The interior is roomy and versatile, and reliability remains excellent. A redesigned Prius will arrive in early summer.

Consumer Reports' annual auto issue is on sale March 3 to May 4 wherever magazines are sold. Free highlights from the issue will be available at ConsumerReports.org.

As reported by SCOTT MAYEROWITZ, ABC NEWS Business Unit

Feb. 26, 2009

Toyota Prius is Still Consumer Reports' Top Green Car

The market is flooded with gas/electric hybrid vehicles--the Ford Escape, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Silverado--but the good ol' Toyota Prius still takes the top spot, according to the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Issue. 

This is the sixth straight win for the Prius in the magazine's Best Green Car category, despite plentiful competition from car companies trying to salvage their brands. Consumer Reports claims that the Prius base model's 44 MPG is the best they've measured in any five-passenger car, and the car's reliability and comfort level is above par. 

But just because the Prius can claim legacy in the Consumer Reports competition doesn't mean it has a guaranteed win next year. The Nissan Cube, Chevrolet Volt , and Honda Insight are all poised to muscle in on the Prius' spot.

BY Ariel SchwartzFri Feb 27, 2009 at 3:57 PM

Copyright © 2009 Mansueto Ventures LLC

Japanese brands top Consumer Reports annual car list

Japanese brands once again dominate the list of the most highly rated cars in Consumer Reports' annual new car issue, released yesterday, while most products of struggling Chrysler LLC came in for harsh words.

But the magazine did name the Chevrolet Avalanche as best pickup truck, replacing last year's winner - the Chevrolet Silverado. It also said the newest models from General Motors and Ford showed improvement in performance and reliability. And it called the just-redesigned Dodge Ram pickup "competitive."

The magazine's ratings are based on tests conducted at its auto center in Connecticut, plus factors like crash test performance, vehicle cost and past or projected reliability, the latter based on annual surveys of the magazine's 7 million print and online subscribers.

The magazine said in announcing its 2009 new car issue, which goes on sale March 3, that "a Japanese nameplate is no guarantee that every car in a model range will be a reliable and good performer." For example, it said, the Honda Element and Toyota Yaris did poorly in its evaluations, while the Ford Flex and F-150, Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS "rank near the top of their classes." 

 

But, it said, "Less than a quarter of Consumer Reports' recommended vehicles are from U.S. companies, a result of inconsistent reliability and performance. About half are Japanese."

Among midsize sedans, Consumer Reports deemed the Honda Accord the best, although the Toyota Camry outsells it.

The magazine said Honda's cars and trucks were "the best all-around vehicles" but said of Chrysler, "The company's poor-performing products and sinking reliability results have kept all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep-badged vehicles off [our] recommended list." 

In a statement, Chrysler acknowledged that the magazine is "one of the most credible sources of information for consumers," but contended that its reliability ratings don't reflect recent improvements. "In the past 12 months, Chrysler has reduced its warranty claims by 30 percent," the company said, "so we expect to see an improvement in our results when new data is reported this fall." 

The magazine named the Hyundai Elantra as the best small car, though it specified the SE version, which comes with electronic stability control. 

The magazine deemed the Toyota Highlander the best midsize SUV, but also had praise for the Buick Enclave SUV and mechanically related Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. 


Best overall vehicle:

Lexus LS 460, above

Family sedan:

Honda Accord

Upscale sedan: Infiniti G37

Small SUV: Toyota RAV4

Midsize SUV: 

Toyota Highlander

Minivan: Toyota Sienna

Small car: Hyundai Elantra SE

Full-size pickup:

Chevrolet Avalanche

"Green" car:

Toyota Prius

BY TOM INCANTALUPO | tom.incantalupo@newsday.com

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