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| Sport Wagon Daily Your One-Click Resource for Daily Sport Wagon and Hot Hatch News Volvo V50 SC: The V50R That Never Was
In 2004, Volvo unveiled one hell-of-a-wagon at SEMA. Called the “V50 SC,” the estate was specifically made to cater to “young enthusiasts” who wanted more from their grocery-getting haulers. Sadly Volvo only made one as a design exercise, and never intended to put the V50 SC into production.
If they had, the V50R would be one of the few enthusiast-oriented wagons from the “new” Volvo (read: Ford) that was deserving of the sport wagon moniker. Indeed, the V50 SC had a lot of “R” already, sharing its 300 hp T5 engine and transmission from the epic V70R. The V50’s transplanted heart was then given an additional boost (literally an increase from 1.0 to 1.4 bar) to 340 horsepower, enabling the five-door to scoot to sixty in just 5.5 seconds. This performance was achieved thanks in part to a new front fascia with “massive lower air intakes.” Unlike the front-wheel drive only V50 T5, this concept put power to all four wheels via a V70R-sourced 6-speed manual... Full Profile, Photos, and Press Release
August 8th, 2011
Audi S6 Quattro Avant (C5)
In 2002, Audi did something amazing: it brought its S6 Avant to American shores. This wasn’t some package deal with the S6 Sedan, but rather a bold move where the German automaker introduced a 340 horsepower all-wheel drive sport wagon all by itself to a country thought to have ditched wagons decades ago. Meant to compete with the BMW 540iT, the S6 Avant raised the stakes and certainly helped to compel Mercedes to enter the market a few years later with their supercharged E55 AMG Wagon. While the performance wagon segment in America is not huge, at least there are a few venerable warriors like the S6 to choose from. Packing 310 lb-ft of torque from its 4.2L V8...
August 3rd, 2011
570hp Supercharged Magnum SRT-8 for 2012 
Hot on the heels of the news that a second-generation Dodge Magnum is in the pipeline is this bombshell: you’ll be able to buy a supercharger direct from MOPAR that will boost your hearse to an RS6-rivaling 570 horsepower! According to Motor Authority’s report, Chrysler will offer an Eaton twin-screw supercharger for all SRT-8 models in late 2012, including the hopefully then in production Magnum v2.0. Also expect the 2012 Magnum to offer an 8-speed automatic transmission for an increase in efficiency and performance. With a supercharged 6.4L V8, 8 forward gears, and enough room for your dog and kids, the next-gen Magnum SRT-8 is looking to be a potent competitor for the performance wagon market.
SWE Daily Photo: Merc E55 AMG on BBS
August 2nd, 2011
Hennessey CTS-V "Hammer Wagon" 
What is better than a 556 horsepower supercharged Cadillac sport wagon? Obviously a Hennessey-tuned 1000 bhp twin-turbo Cadillac wagon that can do 220 mph. I know you’re checking the date, but fear not, its August 1st not April 1st. This car actually exists, and its no joke. As we reported last October, Hennessey Performance has been preparing their “Hammer Wagon” for many months now, and now there are several lurking throughout the United States. Lets break it down this way: Evo’s and M3’s will be skunked by the 650 bhp (V650) version, 911 Turbo’s and GT-R’s will be spanked by the 700 bhp CTS-V, and Corvette ZR1’s should get used to seeing the rear-end of the Hennessey’s 1000 bhp twin-turbo wagon... Full Profile and Photos
August 1st (Source: Hennessey Performance)
The Telegraph Gives Its Top 10 Estates
Britian’s Telegraph recently complied a list of their top 10 wagons, and although this may be emotionally hard for those of us outside Europe, we thought it worth sharing. The stress from American readers comes down to this simple fact: not a single one of these wagons can be purchased Stateside. Sure, you can get a Volvo V70 and Mercedes E-Class wagon here, but can you have it with a super-efficient and torquey diesel? Sadly not. In fact, all of The Telegraph’s suggested wagons are fitted with the diesel (And several with a 6-speed manual). This may well be due to the fact that gasoline is insanely expensive in the UK and diesel is subsidized by the government, or simply that the diesel sport wagon is the ultimate utilitarian transportation. Check out the full list after the jump (and avoid having the click 10 times on the Telegraph’s site to learn all 10). July 31st, 2011 (Source: The Telegraph)
Ferrari 456T "Venice" Profile Updated
July 29th, 2011
A6 Avant European Advert is “Imported from Ingolstadt” Actually Audi’s German advertisement for the new C7 A6 Avant has no such title. But considering the uncanny similarities to Chrysler’s “Imported from Detroit” campaign for their “200” sedan, such a mocking title seems fitting. And who can blame Audi either? Chrysler’s spot won numerous awards at the Cannes film festival, and Eminem’s beats make any car seem stylish when cruising through the urban jungle. Audi and Chrysler have even come to a legal settlement over the similarities, although both are remaining mum on the details. At the end of the day, Audi’s new advert is a great promo for their sexiest new Avant, even if they “stood on the shoulder’s of giants” (as Isaac Newton said when charged with plagiarism).
July 29th, 2011 (Source: Audi AG)
Ferrambo: Ferrari-Powered Rambler Wagon
Before the new Ferrari FF Shooting Break there was only a handful of coach-built Ferrari Wagons: The legendary 250 GTO “Breadvan” and several 456T “Venice” estates. But what about Ferrari-powered wagons? This is where the fun really begins, and where the flawless formula of (Classic car + giant modern engine= WIN) comes into play. The classic here is a 1960 Nash Rambler Wagon. A venerable member of the 50’s wagon generation, the Rambler is an excellent candidate for Ferrari power with its 2-door configuration and rear-wheel drive. Add in a 3.6L V8 from the 360 Modena and this wagon means serious business.
Built by madman Mike Warn (you’ve always got a job at our “institution”), the Ferrambo won Autorama’s 2008 Ridler Award- an award given for impressive creativity and craftsmanship. With top notch engineering, an insanely beautiful interior, and all the proper bits and pieces, the Ferrambo certainly lives up to the award. Like all custom wagons, this devil is truly in the details. Warn and his team mounted the Modena-sourced V8 amidships with a custom roll-cage, ensuring superior handling and creating an ultra-rare mid-engined wagon. The Ferrambo sends 405 Italian stallions to the rear axle (also sourced from the donor 360) via a 6-speed manual with the classic Ferrari shift-gate... Full Profile and Photos July 28th, 2011 (Source: Diver's Street Rods)
SWE is now on Facebook!
The Sport Wagon Enthusiast is now using Facebook! We are utilizing Facebook to help expand our 10,000 + monthly readership and reach out to new enthusiasts! Please "like" our page, share it with your friends, and feel free to comment on SWE stories and photos.
July 27th, 2011
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