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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Porsche 
Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo - Click above for high-res image gallery
You know what the biggest problem with Porshce's 997 Turbo is? Too slow. They're like German desert tortoises. Just kinda clumsy and always in the way. 480 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque rotating all four wheels might sound fast on paper, but it just isn't. Understanding this, Porsche came out with the more powerful GT2. However, 530 horsepower is still like standing still and rear-wheel drive is for drag racers. You need the traction of AWD, and something with more power than some dirty old Cadillac. A lot more power.
Meet the Switzer Perfomance P800 997. Here's the quick stats: 800 hp, zero-to-sixty in less than three seconds and the quarter-mile in just a smidge over ten seconds. Now that's fast. Oh yeah -- the P800's AWD, too. No one is going to mistake you for a Mustang with a blower. Where does an extra 320 hp vs. stock come from? Custom GT30 turbochargers, Switzer MONSTER intercoolers, electronic boost control, fancy headers and exhaust, plus a carbon clutch pack. We'll take it. In yellow. Full press release and video of a P800 on a Dynometer after the jump.
Continue reading Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo: The world is never enough Switzer Performance P800 997 Twin-Turbo: The world is never enough originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet  Matching Chevrolet Camaros built by OER - Click above for a high-res image gallery
2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1969 Yenko Camaro. The king of classic Camaros, the Yenko was the clever creation of Don Yenko, owner of a Chevy dealership in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, who figured out Camaros could be ordered with an L-72 427CI V8 through GM's Central Office Production Order program, originally intended as fleet vehicles for police cars and taxi cabs. Each car came equipped with power disc brakes, a 4.10 rear end, upgraded suspension, a heavy duty radiator, front and rear spoilers, a cowl-induction hood, and plenty of Yenko badges and graphics. Just over 200 '69 Yenko Camaros were built, making them some of the most rare and valuable muscle cars in existence today.
To commemorate the anniversary, Chop, Cut, Rebuild teamed up with Original Equipment Reproduction (OER) and D&P Classic Chevy to build a Yenko Camaro tribute car. The goal was to create a new pony car that Don Yenko himself would have built using today's technology, and it looks like they did an incredible job. Starting with an all new '69 Camaro body shell from the OER parts catalog, the team of builders dropped in a brand news LS7 crate motor from GM Performance Parts and added a six-speed transmission, rack and pinion steering, six-piston brakes, 18-inch wheels and tires, and more. To boot, they got their hands on a 2010 Camaro and painted it to match complete with the OEM body kit and upgraded Stoptech brakes. You can read more details on the tribute Yenko Camaro after the jump, and we snapped a few pictures of the cars at OER's shop that you can view in the high-res gallery below.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Original Equipment Reproduction]Continue reading Matching Camaros commemorate 40th anniversary of 1969 Yenko 427 Matching Camaros commemorate 40th anniversary of 1969 Yenko 427 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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2009 X Games Rally Car ride along
We get (passenger) seat time with some of the cars and competitors ahead of this weekend's 2009 X Games to see how it feels to have our kidneys given a one-two punch inside Mirra's STI or Brack's Fiesta rally car. |
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House approves $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers, Senate votes next week
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 316 to 109 in favor of H.R. 3435, a bill that will infuse the Car Allowance Rebate System, or Cash for Clunkers program, with an extra $2 billion after it reportedly ran out of cash last night. |
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Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements
For the 2010 model year, Acura has updated the style and substance of the MDX, revamping the exterior to tie-in with the rest of the automaker's line-up and making a few upgrades to its powertrain to keep up with the competition. |
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.31.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Saturn, Renault 
Remember the rumor that Roger Penske is looking to bring Renault back to America via his recently-procured network of Saturn dealerships? Consider it a rumor no more, as the deed has been confirmed by none other than Renault's chief operating officer Patrick Pelata, who said in a recent interview:
"He is looking for cars to sell. He has looked at all car makers, and he has seen that Renault has a nice line-up, sharing power trains with Nissan that are obviously adapted to the U.S. market... He's asking us: 'Do you want to sell us cars?' and we are discussing about how to sell him cars."
Considering that Nissan and Renault have plans to share virtually all new engines and Nissan is already well established in the U.S. market, it may make sense for the French automaker to supply Saturn-badged vehicles to Penske once GM stops producing the current Aura, Outlook and Vue models, which could be as early as 2011.
Previous reports indicated the vehicles in question may actually be sourced from Samsung, Renault's Korean subsidiary. According to Pelata, though, "It's an ongoing discussion," and no deals have yet been finalized.
[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]
REPORT: Penske talking to Renault to supply vehicles to Saturn originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Hatchback, Toyota, Off-Road 
Toyota's 2010 lineup will receive a suite of aesthetic, performance, and safety changes and minor price bumps, beginning with the FJ Cruiser. ToMoCo's chunky 'ute gets engine mods that include dual VVT-i and roller rocker arms, returning 19 more horsepower and one additional mile per gallon, with a price increase of just $360. At the other end, the 2010 Yaris will count things like Vehicle Stability Control and traction control as standard on the whole range, and the MSRP gets nudged up by $150.
The RAV4 Limited gets a little more chrome inside, and the price doesn't change. Nor does the price change on the Highlander, unless you want the stainless steel exhaust tip that will run you $50. But the SUV does offer more amenities on the base model, including a backup camera and moonroof.
The Avalon's price goes up by $100. For that you get auto up/down windows in the rear. The Tacoma gets "an enhancement to the front cup-holder functionality," but no price change. The vehicles will start arriving on dealer lots in August and September, and you can read up on all these changes and more in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Toyota]
Continue reading Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser Toyota announces pricing for 2010 models, upgraded engine for FJ Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari 
More good news on the Felipe Massa front today as reports from AEK military hospital in Budapest indicate that the Brazilian driver will be flown back to his home country via private jet on Monday. Previously, it was expected that the Ferrari pilot, who suffered a fractured skull after a loose spring impacted his helmet in qualifying at the Hungarian GP, would be taken to Pitié Salpêtrière hospital in Paris for further treatment.
Massa's physician Dino Altmann, seen above answering questions from reporters, had positive things to say regarding the 28-year-old's recovery, denying that there was any damage to Massa's left eye. "In Brazil, he will continue his recovery and will go back into racing as soon as possible. I think this decision says all you need to know [about his condition]," he said. When told that Michael Schumacher was to take over his duties for the remainder of the 2009 F1 season, Massa quipped, "We'll see if I let him drive my car!"
Schumacher has just recently stepped back into a F1 car for testing, albeit one from the 2007 season. Current F1 rules preclude Schumacher from getting any seat time in the current F60 racer until the first official practice session for the European Grand Prix, slated to run the third week in August in Valencia, Spain. Schumacher has won this particular race a total of six times, most recently in 2006.
[Source: ITV | Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty]REPORT: Massa to check out of hospital on Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, GM, GMC 
A couple of years ago, pickup truck comparisons were all about power and towing capacity. Today, fuel efficiency is the new battleground. For the 2009 model year, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado XFE took their fuel economy figures up a notch by hitting 21 mpg on the highway and 15 in the city. Then Ford unveiled the F-150 SFE that matched those numbers, though without requiring the use of a tonneau cover. The Blue Oval dropped the SFE badge for 2010, but kept the improved fuel economy.
General Motors, however, is not content with a tie, and is upping the EPA numbers for its 2010 XFE Silverado and Sierra to 22 mpg on the highway, which just so happens to match the highway figure for the Sierra Hybrid. The combined fuel economy of both GMT900 trucks has also increased from 17 to 18 mpg.
Chevrolet spokesperson Brian Goebel told Pickuptrucks.com that the increased fuel economy is due to several engineering improvements. The XFE model's 5.3-liter V8 now has variable valve timing, optimized shift pattens in its six-speed transmission, and new tweaks for its Active Fuel Management system that enables the truck to run on four cylinders at cruising speeds for longer.
[Source: Pickuptrucks.com]2010 REPORT: Chevy Silverado XFE updated to achieve best-in-class 22 mpg highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal 
The government has set forth clear rules governing what happens to a vehicle that's been traded in under the Cash for Clunkers program. Before being shipped to a processor and shredded into metallic lettuce, the dealer that accepts the trade-in must permanently disable the engine... kill it... dead. We've already described for you what the process entails: Draining the vehicle's oil and replacing it with sodium silicate solution, turning the car on and revving it at 2,000 rpm until the engine seizes. It sounds as efficient as an executioner's blade, but as this video after the jump of the process being implemented shows, the reality is anything but.
Have you ever watched a car in its final death throws? Be prepared, have a hanky handy. We won't think less of you if tears are shed, even if it is for a 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora with 240,000 miles. Thanks to Wayzata Nissan, you'll see exactly what's required for every single Cash for Clunkers trade-in after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Cash for Clunkers engine being killed VIDEO: Cash for Clunkers engine being killed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Rumormill 
This is not a fine kettle of fish. For some time now, fans of Toyota's AE86 Corolla and Subaru rally cars have been licking their chops in anticipation of the Toyota/Subaru-developed coupe. Affectionately known as the Toyobaru or 086A, the coupe is poised to resurrect the FR arrangement in Japan and give Toyota a much-needed excitement injection. Or maybe not. The JDM lovin' folks at 7Tune are reporting that the 086A is being neutered by about 40 hp in order for the new vehicle to be branded as an "eco car" in its home market.
But don't fret too much, as the plan is to simultaneously lower the coupe's weight, boosting the power-to-weight ratio. The other (maybe) good news for American consumers is that the power reduction seems to be effecting only the 2.0-liter boxer engine, a motor that Subaru no longer sells in the US. Meaning that we can expect our 086As to come with at least Subie's naturally aspirated and ubiquitous 2.5-liter boxer, if not a whole lot of turbo plumbing -- if makes it to the States.
Toyota is also banking on the fact that previous AE86 owners will view the new car as a nostalgia purchase. As such, they've changed the cars demographic from the coveted, if not fanciful, 18-35 year-old range to the more-likely-to-actually-buy-stuff 30-50 year-old male range. Most of these rumors will be dismissed for good when the Toyota/Subaru coupe makes its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this October.
[Source: 7Tune]Rumormill: Toyota/Subaru coupe drops 40 hp, loses weight, marketed to your dad? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Crossover, Acura, First Drive 
2010 Acura MDX - Click above for a high-res image gallery
For the 2010 model year, Acura has updated the style and substance of the MDX, revamping the exterior to tie-in with the rest of the automaker's line-up and making a few upgrades to its powertrain to keep up with the competition.
Obviously, the biggest change is the adoption of Acura's new corporate fascia. If you can get passed the massive shield, you'll notice a modified lower valence and a set of reworked headlamps that, like the updated RDX, retain their shape but benefit from a few tweaks to the interior elements. Out back, the changes are noticeably more subtle, with a splash of chrome trim and re-shaped exhaust pipes that tie the exterior elements together.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements Quick Drive: 2010 Acura MDX gets new nose, powertrain improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal 
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 316 to 109 today in favor of H.R. 3435, a bill that will infuse the Car Allowance Rebate System, or Cash for Clunkers program, with an extra $2 billion. Word came late Thursday evening that the program, which offers consumers a rebate of $3,500 - $4,500 for trading in a "clunker", might be suspended after blowing through its initial funding of $1 billion in less than a week. Lawmakers managed to find the extra money in unused loans for renewable energy systems and pass it through the House today before the body breaks for a five-week-long vacation.
The Cash for Clunkers program will reportedly continue through the weekend and into next week when the funding bill arrives in the Senate where swift passage might not be guaranteed. The original bill that launched the program had many detractors in the Senate, some of who may see this as a second opportunity to either end the program or makes its fuel efficiency requirements even stricter. Even the amount of $2 billion could change - for better or worse - before the bill is approved by the Senate.
What should be obvious to everyone, however, is that if the original funding of $1 billion lasted less than a week, can we expect another $2 billion to extend the program more than another two weeks? The original program was slated to receive $4 billion in funding, but it's now clear that even full funding would've been exhausted far short of C4C's original end date in November. Meanwhile, despite reports from dealers that the program's reimbursement process is a mess, at least we know consumers are out there taking advantage of it.
[Source: CNN Money Autos | Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty]
House approves $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers, Senate votes next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Lexus, Rumormill
The gurus over at my.IS forums bring us more material to chew on today regarding the long-rumored C-Segment hybrid hatchback from Lexus due to go up against the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series and expected to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Not long ago, Lexus trademarked the names CT 200h, CT 300h and CT 400h, leading many to believe the entry-level model will get a range of hybrid powerplants with varying engine sizes and horsepower output. The smallest engine may be based on the 1.8-liter unit with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive from the latest Toyota Prius.
There's reason to believe the new Lexus CT Series will be based on the underpinnings of the Toyota Auris, which is available in Europe in both three- and five-door hatchback forms and has recently been slated for a hybrid powertrain. Just like other Lexus offerings based on Toyota platforms, expect a ton of extra sound deadening and a more sophisticated suspension setup if these rumors prove accurate. Thanks for the tip, Joaquin!
[Source: my.IS]Lexus trademarks CT 200h, CT 300h and CT 400h for entry-level Euro model? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Ford 
While the Taurus name still carries very strong awareness with customers, Ford needs to show the car-buying public that the 2010 model has an entirely new level of class and refinement. To accomplish its goal, the flagship sedan's new marketing campaign is ignoring competitors like the Honda Accord and instead going after the luxury competition.
New online ads will pit the 2010 Taurus, which starts at $26,000, against competition that costs $60,000 or more. In one spot, the Taurus goes head to head with the much more expensive Lexus LS. Both vehicles will be driving behind a leaky gravel hauler to show that the Ford has a better paint job. In another spot featuring the Infiniti M45X, Ford aims to show that the Taurus has a more sophisticated radar system. Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore tells the Detroit News that his company is flattered to be chosen by Ford as a benchmark, but "our entry-level Infiniti G beat the Taurus in a head-to-head test by Edmunds.com."
Ford says the ads aren't targeting luxury car buyers, but instead they are meant to tout the Taurus' advanced technology. Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP likes Ford's approach, since many vehicles in the segment don't have the same level of tech as the Taurus. Hall isn't so sure, however, if the online ads go far enough to distinguish the new Taurus from the old model. Ford's print and TV spots won't feature luxury competitors, though, instead focusing mainly on favorable reviews and technology.
Follow the jump to view two of the new Taurus ads. In the first one, Ford takes on the Acura RL to see which vehicle has the quieter cabin. The prop? A fire-breathing drag racer, parked right between the two vehicles. The second spot features the Taurus and Lexus LS taking on the fore-mentioned gravel hauler. This commercial is pretty sweet, if only because of the slow motion chunks of rocks hitting both cars set to opera. Hat tip to Racer.
[Source: Detroit News]Continue reading REPORT: Ford to go after lux brands with new Taurus ads [w/VIDEO] REPORT: Ford to go after lux brands with new Taurus ads [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Etc., Europe, Humor, Design/Style 
Moonwalker video Stratos Zero replica - click above for high-res image gallery
First of all, HA HA HA! Second, yes, this is the car used in Michael Jackson's 1988 film Moonwalker. Now, even the King of Pop couldn't get Lancia to cough up the original Zero, so a replica was built by movie car maker Andy Saunders, based on a Fiat and complete with a four-cylinder engine. It should be pretty apparent to any pistonhead worth their slightly used crankcase oil that the wedgy Zero was penned by none other than car designer extrodinaire Marcello Ghandini. Not only is there a whole lotta Countach going on, but a third-helping of Lancia Stratos, too. Some of the more observant amongst you might be yelling, "Hey -- the OG Zero is brown, not orange!" We share your pain, but for some reason Jacko wanted sherbert. Now, the one-off replica of the one-off Zero Bertone concept car has the low, low reserve price of just $100,000 -- better start bidding before someone else beats you to this wonderful piece of automotive history. And for those of you totally missing the sarcasm gene, let me just add: HA HA HA!
[Source: eBay Motors]
eBay Find of the Day: ex-Moonwalker video Stratos Zero replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Government/Legal 
Last night came the shaky, breathless news that Cash for Clunkers (C4C), the federal program to get older, more polluting cars off the roads by giving consumers between $3,500 and $4,500 rebates for their trade ins, had run out of money and was being shut down. Not so fast says the Detroit Free Press. C4C will live through the end of July. Which is... today.
Seems as if Michigan senator Carl Levin was assured by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood (seen above at the program's kick off last Monday) that the suddenly befuddled, successful and possibly broke program will survive through Friday. After today? "Depends on whether the administration can find some money."
The Detroit News is reporting that money is on its way in the form of $2 billion siphoned from an energy loan guarantee program since Cash for Clunkers is a more urgent priority. The House of Representatives introduced H.R. 3445 today, which will like move through Congress at a rapid pace, though no one knows what will happen if more money isn't approved by midnight tonight.
[Source: Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News | Photo by Win McNamee/Getty]REPORT: Cash For Clunkers to live through today, $2 billion more on its way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Hatchback, Ford, Subaru
2009 X Games Rally Car ride along - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you've never been given a "hot lap" by a professional driver, let me try and convey what the experience is like. You're usually dehydrated and have been standing on a heat-soaked paddock for far too long. There's a track rat (or two) whose job it is to get a helmet and HANS device fastened on you and their default thinking is that you've never even seen a track before, much less driven on one. You're wearing your street clothes, and items like your wallet and cell phone make it even harder for you to get shoehorned and belted into the seat. The passenger seats are typically much narrower than the driver's seat and you're typically much fatter than the driver. It can be pretty embarrassing. Once you're secured, the driver sticks his hand out, you shake it and then you're off. Follow the jump to find out what happens next. Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonny Lieberman / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along 2009 X Games Rally Car ride along originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler 
Chrysler made it official this morning: the PT Cruiser will cruise on -- for at least another year. Earlier this spring, the PT Cruiser was one of several products slated to get the axe as Chrysler madly tried to boost it's bottom line in a failed attempt to stave off bankruptcy. However, shortly after Chrysler Group LLC was born out of the ashes of DaimlerChrysler and Cerberus, a report came out that PT Cruiser production would continue for a while.
Chrysler's Toluca Mexico plant has been building the Cruiser since 2000 and will continue production, although Chrysler isn't saying for how long. Since the tooling is long since paid for, we'd assume the PT will keep rolling off the line until sometime in late 2010 when new Fiat-based cars are expected to replace the Cruiser in Chrysler's revamped line-up. We recently had a chance to drive a "fresh" PT for a week, so stay tuned for a review.
Continue reading Officially Official: Chrysler PT Cruiser to live on Officially Official: Chrysler PT Cruiser to live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford  Saleen 435S Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It's been an up and down week for Saleen Performance Vehicles, the newly formed company owned by MJ Acquisitions. Just last week Saleen just launched the 435S, their first model based on the 2010 Mustang, but only days before they were slapped with a lawsuit filed by Steve Saleen demanding that they stop using the Saleen name.
While Mr. Saleen claims the lawsuit was filed to "protect the name, reputation and brand value of Steve Saleen", Saleen Performance Vehicles claim they have every right to use the name after purchasing assets from Saleen, Inc. including the "Saleen brand for superchargers, aftermarket parts and high performance vehicles." Despite the lawsuit, SPV plans to continue developing its lineup of performance Mustangs, and should launch a second vehicle some time in the fall.
As for the lack of warranties for vehicles and parts sold before February of 2009 created by the sale of assets, SPV states that they are "working to resolve past warranty issues and have every intention of going forward with a warranty policy that will provide confidence to all our valued stakeholders." It's a fairly vague statement, but somewhat encouraging and most definitely a step in the right direction. You can read the full statement from Mike Shields, SPV's President and CEO after the jump.
[Source: Saleen Performance Vehicles]Continue reading Saleen responds to lawsuit, addresses warranty issues Saleen responds to lawsuit, addresses warranty issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda, Toyota 
2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery
Honda's Insight hybrid is failing to live up to sales expectations here in the important U.S. market. While Honda claims the Insight was never meant to be a direct competitor to the Toyota Prius, the truth is that the two cars are very much rivals in the eyes of many new car shoppers (and some Honda dealers). With that in mind, the 2,079 Insights that Honda managed to sell in June pales in comparison to the 12,998 Prius hybrids Toyota sold in the same month. Further, Honda is on track to sell less than one-third of its stated goal of 90,000 units in its first year on the market.
According to The Los Angeles Times, some dealerships are hoping Honda can rebound with a revised marketing campaign highlighting the Insight's price advantage over the Prius, which currently sits at a few thousand dollars at the base end. There are surely any number of reasons why the Insight may be losing ground in the hybrid race, and you can probably pick out some of them by clicking here to read our review of the 2010 Honda Insight and then clicking here for our take on the 2010 Toyota Prius.
[Source: Los Angeles Times]REPORT: Honda Insight sales withering in face of competition from Toyota Prius originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: GM, Saturn 
Penske Automotive Group may have reached a tentative deal go acquire the Saturn brand from General Motors back in June, but the negotiations may take until the end of September to be finalized. PAG founder Roger Penske mentioned on a conference call that the deal had to take a back seat to GM's bankruptcy proceedings, but with chapter 11 out of the way, talks will likely pick back up.
Penske is looking to focus the Saturn brand on North America, with most attention on the US market. Penske further insists that the 350 Saturn dealerships will remain independently owned, saying "Saturn has a world-class dealership network and we hope that most of them will join the new company."
Part of the tentative deal between Penske and GM includes the General continuing to make Aura, Outlook and Vue models until at least 2011. Penske Automotive would also own the rights to service Saturn vehicles and will buy all existing replacement parts to service the 3.5 million Saturn vehicles still on the road.
[Source: Reuters]REPORT: Penske to complete Saturn deal by September originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Audi, Alternative Fuel  With less than two months to go before the start of the Frankfurt Motor Show, the rumor mill is heating up fast. As with other recent shows, electric and alternative drive vehicles are expected to play a big part in Germany. Audi is just one of the automakers that may show off at least a concept powered by batteries and electric motors - the big question is what platform will get the EV treatment. The most probable candidate is a mini-car based off of VW Group's "new small family" platform that was previewed with the 2007 Up! concepts.
There is, however, another long-shot possibility: an electric supercar based off the R8. This is a rumor that first cropped up last spring and was quickly shot down by Audi. However, two weeks ago Mercedes-Benz announced that it would build an electric version of its upcoming SLS gull-wing coupe. Might the cross-country rivals from Ingolstadt have an answer for that eco-friendly supercar up its corporate sleeves?
We checked with our contacts at Audi who would only say it's too early to talk about Frankfurt. If Audi has suddenly reversed course and decided to build a electric R8 concept, it will probably be mostly a styling mock-up rather than a fully functional vehicle. Of course, it's even more likely it just won't happen at all.
[Source: Automobile-magazine.fr]Frankfurt Preview: Audi to show electric concept, possibly battery-powered R8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, China, Buick 
2011 Buick GL8 - Click above for gallery of spy shots
General Motors is apparently well into the development of the next-gen Buick GL8 MPV for the Chinese market, as this series of spy photos clearly shows. Previewed by the Business MPV shown off at the Shanghai Motor Show a few months back, this revised vehicle will be targeted at upwardly mobile business types and - though based on the same platform - is a far cry from the GM minivans we've seen Stateside like the unloved Buick Terraza.
Judging from the heavily camouflaged prototypes, many of the concept's most distinctive features have made it through to the production model intact, such as the shoulder-level bodyside dips, prominent chrome waterfall grille and exaggerated wraparound headlights. Unfortunately, we don't get a glimpse of the interior, which in the concept featured dual sliding and swiveling second-row captain's chairs with a power sliding center console.
It's also not clear if the concept's 2.4-liter mild-hybrid engine and six-speed automatic will make it into the production MPV when it arrives in 2011, but China Car Times reports a series of V6 powerplants ranging from 2.5 to 3.0-liters are likely, some with direct injection.
[Source: China Car Times | Spy Images: goche.sohu.com]Spy Shots: Chinese-market Buick GL8 successor spotted testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Peugeot, Diesel 
Peugeot has confirmed that for the second year running it will be sending its 908 HDi prototypes to Atlanta in September for the Petit Le Mans. Peugeot will be looking to follow up its victory at Le Mans last June with its first win at the ALMS flagship race. In France, Peugeot had a resounding victory over Audi's new R15 TDIs but so far the biggest competition in Atlanta will come from the LMP1 Acuras. Peugeot will be bringing two of the 908s to Georgia for the race that joins Sebring in becoming increasingly known as a warmup for the 24 hour race in France.
There have been repeated rumors that the R15s would return to the U.S. for the final two races at Road Atlanta and Laguna Seca for several months. We checked with Audi Motorsports spokeswoman Eva-Maria Veith, who said, "There is no decision made about any more races with the Audi R15 TDI this year. I hope that we will know more in the near future." Hopefully an official commitment from Peugeot will prompt Audi to try and avenge their loss in France.
[Source: American Le Mans Series]The Peugeots are coming to Petit Le Mans! Now, about those Audis... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Technology, Design/Style, Alternative Fuel, Off-Road, South Korea 
Kumho Fortis concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Korean tire manufacturer Kumho, our future may yet be filled with SUVs after all. Unlike yesteryear's gas-guzzling behemoths, though, tomorrow's multi-purpose vehicles will be fully electric and powered by lithium ion battery packs. Being a tire company, it comes as little surprise that Kumho's Fortis concept SUV would feature body panels molded from recycled rubber for an eco-friendly twist. Another interesting exterior bit are the front light clusters inspired by Korean glass sculptures.
Underneath the SUV-shaped body sits a modular platform with one chassis-mounted 100-horsepower electric motor per wheel. This arrangement allows for an unlimited number of drivetrain possibilities - front- rear- or all-wheel drive are all possible and traction control, stability control and hill descent control can be baked right in via the software that controls the motors.
Perhaps the coolest bit of future-tech in the Fortis design study are the tires. When traveling off-road, the tires deflate, leaving a series of metal lugs exposed for ultimate traction. When it's time to hit the road, air cavities in the tires expand, covering the metal lugs so as not to cause harrowing spark-induced moments of panic.
Kumho claims that Rob Dolton, the mind behind the Fortis concept, is the only full-time vehicle designer currently employed by a tire company. His job is to explore future automotive technologies and to help Kumho plan next-generation tires. Note to Kumho: We'll gladly take a set of these units for our next off-road excursion.
[Source: Kumho]Continue reading Kumho Fortis - What if a tire manufacturer made an electric SUV? Kumho Fortis - What if a tire manufacturer made an electric SUV? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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AutoblogGreen for 07.31.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Government/Legal 
Congress allocated close to $1 billion for the Cash for Clunkers program. That's billion with nine zeros. And all that money might be gone by midnight tonight. This, according to reports by both the Detroit Free Press and Edmunds AutoObserver. We learned earlier that the C4C program has proved to be much more successful than initially thought, with 22,782 consumers taking advantage of between $3,500 to $4,500 federal duckets for their old "clunkers" during the programs first five days. In fact, so many people are taking the feds up on the deal that dealers are worried they are going to lose track of all the trade-ins. The Department of Transportation (DOT) could announce the suspension of the program as soon as tonight. In fact, they could announce that all the money is gone and the program is over. We gotta wonder what John Maynard Keynes would make of all this.
[Sources: FREEP, AutoObserver | Image Source: Theo Heimann/Getty]REPORT: Cash for Clunkers could be dead tonight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Hyundai, Specialty 
Yesterday we saw the raw, in-car footage of Rhys Millen's assault on Pikes Peak behind the wheel of his Time Attack-prepped Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Today, we finally get the edited eye-full entitled "Climb Attack," stitching together Millen's 2WD record-setting run into a high-definition, artfully-crafted three-minute flick. Make the jump to check it out, and we'd recommend a set of headphones to get the full-on sensory experience.
Continue reading VIDEO: Climb Attack with Rhys Millen and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe VIDEO: Climb Attack with Rhys Millen and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Review: 2010 Mazda3 a tale of two Mazdas
For years, our go-to compact car recommendation was the Mazda3. Unlike its moribund competition, it was refined, reliable and actually an entertaining steer, so Mazda's sophomore effort had to deliver in spades. Does it? We find out.
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Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
Suzuki unveils the all-new Kizashi and takes aim at the stalwarts of the mid-size sedan segment. Get an in-depth look at Suzuki's Camcord competitor from today's live reveal in Detroit. |
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Spy Shots: Grand Bentley covered in camo before Pebble Beach unveiling
We're only a few weeks away from the Grand Bentley's debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, but before the main event takes place, we've got a few spy shots of the flying-B's new large-and-in-charge luxo-barge.
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Other news of import
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.30.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal 
Cash for Clunkers can be a bit complicated, what with last minute rule changes and the multitudes of stipulations ingrained into the program. However, one aspect of C4C that leaves little to the imagination is what happens when a vehicle is turned in under the program: The engine is permanently wrecked, and the vehicle is destroyed.
The official process for killing the condemned engine sounds as simple to perform as it is deadly. A deadly cocktail of Sodium silicate, or liquid glass, is used to render the engine inoperable. Dealers are instructed to replace the car's oil with the solution, then run the engine at 2,000 rpm until the engine stops working. The process supposedly takes three to seven minutes, after which, the dealer is supposed to start up the vehicle again. If the clunker starts up, the process must be repeated until it's confirmed dead.
Once the engine takes a dirt nap, the dealer must add a sticker that reads: "This engine is from a vehicle that is part of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). It has significant internal damage caused by operating the engine with a sodium silicate solution (liquid glass) instead of oil." The vehicle is then sent to a disposal facility that crushes or shreds the vehicle. Gruesome and kinda sad...
[Source: Car and Driver | Image Source: Theo Heimann/Getty]CARS tells dealers how to kill a C4C's engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Motorcycle 
2010 Honda Gold Wing - Click above for high-res image gallery
We knew the day would come when the final Gold Wing motorcycle would be built in America after Honda announced last year that it would eventually close its motorcycle plant in Marysville, Ohio. Apparently, that time is now, as Honda has confirmed that the Gold Wing assembly line has halted. Moving forward, all Gold Wings - along with just about every other two-wheeler from Honda - will be imported from Japan.
Finished in 1979, the 330,000 square-foot Marysville Motorcycle Plant that has assembled the Gold Wing since 1981 was the first Honda manufacturing facility in America. Since then, over a million Honda Gold Wing motorcycles have made their way down the assembly line and four additional assembly plants have been erected in Ohio producing cars, SUVs, engines and transmissions.
While we're sure it makes sound financial sense to close the Marysville Motorcycle Plant, it strikes us as odd timing to shutter its first U.S. manufacturing site given that Honda is right in the midst of celebrating its first 50 years in America. Conversely, Honda plans to further expand its automotive manufacturing footprint in the U.S. Currently, about 76 percent of all Honda vehicles sold in the United States are produced in North America. Unfortunately, we can now strike the Gold Wing off that list.
[Source: Auto Observer]Goodbye, Gold Wing: Honda officially ends U.S. motorcycle production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Alternative Fuel 
Right now the crew at General Motors' pre-production operations center at the Warren Technical Center is in the midst of building 75 Chevy Volt IVER prototypes. IVERs, or integration vehicle engineering release prototypes, are the last stage of prototypes prior to pilot builds. For these IVER builds, pretty much all of the production intent parts and systems are in place and the intent of the build process is to evaluate final assembly processes. The cars are all built by hand, but the technicians and engineers are testing the build sequence as it will be done on the line to make sure everything actually goes together.
As always, the first stage of final assembly is the body shop. The video after the jump shows stampings that for the Volt that are assembled on jigs and then welded by hand before the complete body is painted. GM will apparently be releasing a series of videos documenting the complete build process, so stay tuned. Check out the first one after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built VIDEO: See how prototype Chevy Volt bodies are built originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal 
When the government's Cash for Clunkers program returned 4,026 orders on its first full day of availability, some were surprised by the speed with which the sales booster took off. After only five days, the program seems to have picked up steam rather than lost it: 22,782 trade-ins have funneled through dealer lots in the 3-4 days since Monday when the program began. So far, dealers have requested $95.9 million in reimbursement money from the government, or about 10% of the funds that were supposed to keep the program running into November. The cars.gov website currently shows $75 million left for CAT3 trucks and $779 million out of $1 billion for everything else.
So far, the average rebate value is reportedly $4,209, which means most customers are eligible for the $4,500 voucher that requires a new vehicle purchase with a 10+ mpg improvement verses the model being traded in. Tuesday was the busiest day so far, with $51 million worth of reimbursements filed by dealers, and there were $27 million filed on Wednesday.
The National Automotive Dealers Association says the program will likely run out of money well before the November deadline. If C4C continues at its current pace, the program could end as early as September. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, some 23,000 dealers have submitted registrations and 19,328 have been approved.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Cash for Clunkers racks up 22,782 trade-ins and $95.9 million so far originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc. 
This is just... well, decide for yourselves. A Hollywood, Florida police officer rams into the back of a woman's car. Three other cops arrive on the scene and they concoct a fictional story about a cat jumping out of a car, and the officer thinking it's a pedestrian, thereby causing the accident. They then pinned a DUI charge on the woman. The cops even went so far as to change the angle of the pictures to make it look like the woman swerved in front of the police car. And it gets worse from there -- and it's all caught on the video. One of the officers says on tape (NSFW language), "I don't lie and make things up ever because it's wrong, but if I need to bend it a little bit to protect a cop, I'll do it -- She's freaking hammered anyway."
All charges have been dropped against the woman by the Broward State Attorney's Office and all four officers are now on administrative duty pending the completion of the investigation. To paraphrase Dave Barry, only in South Florida.
[Source: NBC Miami]Continue reading Ruh Oh: Florida drops all charges against women framed by police for traffic accident Ruh Oh: Florida drops all charges against women framed by police for traffic accident originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury 
Jon Sibal's rendering of the Ferrari 458 Spider -- Click above for high-res image
Now that the Ferrari 458 Italia has been let loose to glare at the world, it is only a matter of time before it's followed by a 458 Italia Spyder sibling. While we wait for Ferrari to provide us images of that car, computer rendering artist Jon Sibal has gone ahead and created his version of the newest droptop stallion.
It will be interesting to see how Ferrari intends to fit all of that roof into the severely tapering rear end. If they can keep it looking like the car above, then they'll have worked magic on this car twice.
[Source: Jon Sibal via Sub5Zero]'Cause You Know It's Coming: Ferrari 458 Italia Spyder rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury 
Spy Shots: Grand Bentley - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Like every big reveal of the past few years, Bentley has decided to dish out a series of teasers before unveiling its new model to the world. Thankfully, we're only a few weeks away from the Grand Bentley's debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and before the main event takes place, we've got a few spy shots of the flying-B's large-and-in-charge luxo-barge.
Although the Grand Bentley is coated in copious amounts of camo, when we look back at the two teasers Bentley released of the hood and rear-quarter, it doesn't take much imagination to piece things together. There's a few shades of the Mulsanne and Brooklands to the profile, primarily accentuated by the ultra-thick C-pillar, and while the body cladding lends an air of Phantom to the fascia, it's decidedly more sculpted and smooth, and should be a fitting place to stack the duo of round headlamps we've seen in previous spy shots. All will be revealed next month, but in the meantime, check out the gallery of images below.
Spy Shots: Grand Bentley covered in camo before Pebble Beach unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Zero DS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Those who've savored the sweet supermoto styling of the Zero S street bike and wished there was something similar designed to handle that psycho shortcut you've long dreamed of taking, your machine has arrived. Zero Motorcycles has introduce the all-electric Zero DS, with tougher tires and more aggressive suspension, the dual sport is ready to tear up both street and trail and - with that big round headlight up front - look good doing it. While it lacks a bit of the top end (55 mph) and range (50 miles) of its street sibling, it makes up for it with more grunt and greater riding possibilities. It charges its 4 kWh battery in the same sub-four hour time as the S.
The price tag on this latest addition to the Zero range is $9,950, but they are quick to point out that the recently-passed 10% federal tax credit takes $1,000 off the price to start. On top of that, and nicely illustrated here, individual states have their own incentive programs in place or on the way. What's next for the Scotts Valley California company? Well, they have promised a super speed motorcycle with a full fairing sometime this year but we'll worry about that after we get our grubby little hands on this monster. Hit the jump for the official press release along with a video showing how the new DS gets things done.
[Source: Zero Motorcycles]Continue reading Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO] Zero Motorcycles launches a dual sport electric [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru 
Subaru Impreza - click above for a high-res image gallery
Good news for you folks in Colorado. Subaru has released pricing for the 2010 Imprezas, and while most of the new Subies are the same price as the '09s, one model gets a price cut. Not only that, but all Imprezas now feature Symmetrical AWD badges (woohoo!). The base car's price remains unchanged at $17,495, however the big news is the Impreza 2.5i Premium gets its price slashed by $1,000 to $18,495. Not too shabby. Also of interest is that pricing for the 265-hp WRX remains unchanged at $24,995 for the sedan and $25,495 for the five-door. And in case you're wondering, an Impreza is a WRX sans turbo and a few other rally-it-up bits. The name means "Buy Me or Else" in Denver. Full press release after the jump.
Continue reading 2010 Subaru Impreza pricing announced, Premium model $1,000 cheaper 2010 Subaru Impreza pricing announced, Premium model $1,000 cheaper originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Suzuki, Luxury 
2010 Suzuki Kizashi - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've gone to some unusual places for new product unveilings, but today's reveal of a new mid-sized sedan from Suzuki may be one of the most ironic. For some reason the small automaker of mostly small cars chose a World War II memorial in suburban Detroit for the global reveal of its most aggressive attack yet on the heart of the U.S. car market.
Suzuki has always been a bit of an outlier in this market, although the company has been a strong player in the Japanese mini-car market. Its most successful entry to date here in the U.S. has been the compact SX4. Now it's trying to encroach on Camry/Accord/Fusion territory. Learn all about where Suzuki is going and what to expect from the Kizashi after the jump
Live Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled! Live Reveal: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Dodge  Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Cuda Convertible - Click above for a high-res image gallery
With Chrysler's woes leaving plenty of room to go gangbusters with Dodge Challenger variants, Florida-based Mr. Norm's Garage is determined to fill any gaps that need to be filled, particularly high horsepower and convertible models. The legendary Mopar performance shop unveiled the 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertibles at the Chryslers at Carlisle event in Carlisle, PA last weekend, both painted in a custom yellow hue.
When the phone call came letting us know that both cars would be in Southern California for a few days, we didn't need much convincing to go check them out for ourselves. While the retro overdose might be too much for some, there's no doubt that each of these modern day muscle cars was built with the utmost attention to detail. For instance, the Cuda's shaker hood scoop is the exact dimensions as the original, the rear fenders have been reshaped to mimic the classic lines, and the rear end features genuine '71 taillight assemblies and 'Cuda badge. Did we mention both have also been converted into ragtops?
Fortunately, both cars have the power to back up their looks. Under their hoods is the SRT8 Hemi V8 that has been bored and stroked to 426 cubic inches and then supercharged to produced 725 tire-melting horsepower running through a Dana 44 rearend. Sound like your idea of fun? Browse through our high-res galleries of both cars below or read about the full list of upgrades after the jump.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible Pics Aplenty: Mr. Norm's 426 Hemi Challenger and Cuda Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Mazda, Reviews  2010 Mazda3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
We can't talk about the new Mazda3 without lovingly gushing over the old Mazda3. Introduced in 2003 and produced until this year, the first generation was a segment buster. For about the same coin as its competitors, the Mazda3 gave you more: More sportiness, more refinement, more space and, being a Mazda, more reliability. The Mazda3 was just a better car. And of course there was the beloved MazdaSpeed3 - aka lightning in a reasonably-priced bottle. For 2010, Mazda has built a new, slightly larger 3 packed with polarizing styling, a bigger engine and more creature comforts. But will the new car bust the segment like its predecessor did?
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2010 Mazda3 a tale of two Mazdas Review: 2010 Mazda3 a tale of two Mazdas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Videos, Celebrities, Humor 
We don't have to tell you that we're big fans of Top Gear, and lucky for us, most of you are, too. We've seen the show's star, Jeremy Clarkson, do plenty of things ranging from clever to wonky in the name of entertainment, but what we haven't yet witnessed was a Clarkson rap. Until now.
After the jump is a creative cut-up of Mr. Clarkson's antics by SwedeMason at B3ta.com. The clever video clip starts with an otherwise harmless sound Clarkson made to mimic vinyl meeting needle on a good old fashion record player. SwedeMason turns that sample into 3:23 of Clarkson clips cut to the beat. All those exaggerated facial expressions Clarkson conjures up look that much more convincing in rap form.
[Source: Watch With Mothers]Continue reading VIDEO: Young Jezza? Jeremy Clarkson gets his gangsta rap on... sort of. VIDEO: Young Jezza? Jeremy Clarkson gets his gangsta rap on... sort of. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet 
2010 Corvette Grand Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
The National Corvette Museum is celebrating its 15th anniversary in style by raffling off a one of a kind Corvette Grand Sport. The Artic White Vette has a unique yet tasteful black hood treatment with Corvette Racing's Jack mascot painted at the center bulge with a red stripe outline. The NCM has also placed its own seal of approval on the Grand Sport by adding its logo to the car's B-pillar. The Corvette Grand Sport being raffled off also has a six speed manual transmission, dual mode exhaust and a ZR1-sourced rear spoiler.
Participation in the raffle is no cheap feat, as tickets cost a cool $150 each. The Corvette Museum is only raffling off 2,009 tickets, though, giving anyone that ponies up for tickets a relatively good shot at winning. Second prize is $10,000 and third prize is a great consolation win at $5,000. The special edition Vette will be raffled off on September 6 during the museum's 15th Anniversary Celebration.
[Source: National Corvette Museum via Corvette Blogger]
NCM raffling off unique Corvette Grand Sport for 15th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Japan, Nissan, Australia 
1967 Nissan Prince Skyline 2000GT - Click above for high-res image gallery
Long before Michael Jackson named two of his sons Prince, there was a Japanese manufacturer that went by that name. Actually, they were initially called Tachikawa Aircraft Company (builder of the Pearl Harbor-attacking Zeros) but then changed their name to Prince before changing it again to Fuji Precision Industries before finally switching it back to Prince in 1961, just in time to merge with Nissan in 1966. Stick with us, we're getting somewhere with all of this.
None of that would be important to non-WW2 buffs except for one Prince car - the Skyline. We were lucky enough to drive the latest and greatest Skyline (now known as the Nissan GT-R) the other day and noted how it reminded us of a Porsche 959. At that time, we were talking about the two cars' ground breaking technology and performance - but there's another similarity. Both supercars come from humble bloodlines. After all, the Porsche descended from a Volkswagen Beetle. Godzilla's ancestor is the Prince Skyline.
The second-generation S54 Nissan Prince Skyline is a particularly historic car, as it is the first time an inline-6 wound up under the hood. In fact, Nissan had to graft eight inches onto the front of the Skyline (all in front of the firewall) just to shoehorn in the 2.0-liter inline-six from the larger Gloria S40. The 1.5-liter inline-fours went into stumpier cars.
The car above is the S57 Skyline, slightly tweaked for 1967. Called the GT A200 in New Zealand - where this car hails from - the S57 is usually known as the 2000GT and came with three Weber carbs, a limited-slip diff and a five-speed manual transmission. Pretty sweet stuff for 1967... now you see where Godzilla gets it. The only drawback we can see is the 17-hour flight to Aukland.
[Source: eBay]eBay Find of the Day: 1967 Nissan Prince Skyline 2000GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Truck, Chrysler, Dodge 
2009 Dodge Ram - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Over the past dozen years, the domestic auto industry has worked hard to shrink its brands to more reasonable levels. Gone are Eagle, Plymouth, Pontiac and Oldsmobile and some would speculate that Mercury should have joined the extinction club long ago. Of course, Ford has sold off Jaguar, Land Rover and Austin Martin, while GM is in the process of jettisoning Saab, Hummer, Saturn, and Opel.
However, if Autoextremist's Peter DeLorenzo is to be believed, the Chrysler portfolio could grow instead of shrink. DeLorenzo says he's hearing rumblings around Motown that Chrysler could break off the Ram from the Dodge, with the truck line becoming a dedicated brand. Doing so would make Dodge a car outlet, while the Ram brand would be all trucks, all the time, including the Dakota.
We don't get how this could possibly be a good idea, considering Chrysler's financial position and struggling sales. Why spend money marketing a new brand, while asking battle-weary dealers to invest in more signage and differentiated floor space? At this point, its just speculation and we're hoping it stays that way.
[Source: Auto Extremist]Will Chrysler make Ram its fourth brand? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorcycle 
2010 Harley-Davidson new model launches - Click above for high-res image gallery
Harley-Davidson has rolled out its revised line of motorcycles for 2010, and according to the Motor Company, the nine new models included in this year's catalog represent the largest number of introductions in the company's 106-year history. There aren't any new platforms for 2010, so expect to see small, incremental changes and improvements across the board in lieu of anything particularly innovative or radical.
A few of the highlights include four new models from Harley-Davidson's Custom Vehicle Operations group: CVO Fat Bob, CVO Softail Convertible, CVO Street Glide and CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide. As you would expect from Harley's upper-crust division, prices for these top-end models range from $25,299 to $35,999. At the other end of the spectrum, H-D also points out it has a total of five models priced under $10K. Naturally, there's plenty in between those opposing price brackets for fans of the good 'ol American V-Twin to choose from.
Check out our photo gallery of the nine new models below and click past the break for the full rundown of all the goods from H-D's official press release.
Continue reading Harley-Davidson launches new 2010 motorcycle lineup Harley-Davidson launches new 2010 motorcycle lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Police/Emergency, Diesel 
Carbon Motors E7 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Carbon Motors, soon-to-be makers of a dedicated police cruiser known as the E7, has finally chosen a new place to call home: Connersville, Indiana. Taking up residence in an abandoned plant from auto parts supplier Visteon, Carbon intends on investing $350 million to renovate the 1.8 million square-foot facility that it plans to use for production of the E7. The company could bring 1,500 new jobs to the area and plans to have the E7 into production by 2012.
Now that a production plant has been procured - and assuming there aren't any major snags along the way - it's expected that Carbon Motors will make an application to the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, which is intended to help spur the development of new fuel efficient vehicles. Carbon Motors' E7 was developed from the ground-up for police duty and features a 3.0-liter diesel that the company claims could cut police fleet fuel usage by 40% along with a barrage of other high-tech goodies perfect for fighting crime. Click past the break for the official press release.
[Source: Carbon Motors]Continue reading Carbon Motors picks Connersville, IN for new HQ, E7 police car production Carbon Motors picks Connersville, IN for new HQ, E7 police car production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Chrysler, Ford, GM 
Bankruptcy may have put General Motors and Chrysler in a better financial position, but a report from Rasmussen shows that public opinion may have taken a big hit in the process. The survey, which was completed by 1,000 Americans in late July, shows that only 38% of Americans now have a favorable opinion of GM, down six points from May, and 21% of respondents have a very unfavorable view of the Detroit-based automaker. Chrysler now only has a 34% favorable rating, also down six points, while its very unfavorable rating has dipped to 23%.
The perils of GM and Chrysler are having the opposite affect on Ford, though, as the latest Rasmussen Report shows the public now has a 66% favorable opinion of Ford, with 22% now very favorable. The reason sited in the survey is the fact that the Blue Oval didn't require bailout money, along with avoiding a stint in bankruptcy court. For Ford, 46% of Americans surveyed are more likely to buy a car for avoiding government assistance, while only 17% say they are more likely to go GM now that the company is out of bankruptcy. While the report is good news to Ford, we'd point out that the significant swings in opinion from March to May to July shows that the public mood can shift quickly.
The bankruptcies of GM and Chrysler have certainly weighed down public opinion of the companies, but the attention the industry has received in the past year has helped the surveyed Americans place more value on the auto industry. 88% of those surveyed felt the auto industry is at least somewhat important to the economy, compared to only 49% back in March 2007. Hit the jump to review the complete Rasmussen Report.
[Source: Rasmussen Reports]
Continue reading STUDY: Ford continues to find favor with consumers while GM, Chysler decline STUDY: Ford continues to find favor with consumers while GM, Chysler decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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They might not be true competitors, but Prius sales are crushing Insight sales.
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Unsurprising. And now we know there will be more news to follow.
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The all-electric street bike gets ready for off-road trips. We dig it. |
Other news:
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AutoblogGreen for 07.30.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Porsche  RUF Rt 12 S - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It's been quite a few years since RUF launched its 911 Turbo-based Rt 12, and the German uber-tuner has decided its time for a refresh. Designated the Rt 12 S, the new model gets a bump in output from 650 to 685 horsepower, good for a new maximum velocity of 224 mph. Along with the distinctive front and rear fascias, the exterior is differentiated with widened rear fenders that house air ducts, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, LED lighting, CTR 3 mirrors, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Additional upgrades include carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulically-adjustable suspension system, a variety of custom seats, a new steering wheel and more. Customers can also opt to convert the car to RWD and choose from a variety of interior trim options. All of this comes at a cost, though. At the current exchange rate, RUF will take a cool $359,000 out of your bank account. The brief press release gives all the details after the jump, and RUF was kind enough to provide high-res photographs for us to enjoy in the gallery below.
[Source: RUF Automobile]Continue reading Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S Ruf updates lineup with 685 horsepower Rt 12 S originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Videos, Australia, UK 
You gotta love Brian Johnson. Plucked from (relative) obscurity by AC/DC in 1980 to replace Bon Scott (RIP), Johnson and the band then recorded Back in Black, the second most successful album in history, just behind Thriller by what's his face. Johnson -- who maybe stands five feet five inches tall -- also hasn't changed his shirt, taken off his hat or had to learn a new song in nearly 25 years. What a life.
On this week's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car, Jezza puts Johnson through the usual paces before we quickly learn that Mr. Gets Knocked Out By American Thighs is a serious gearhead. How serious? He drives a 1920s Bentley 4.5-liter to get the newspaper. That's class. And once in Moscow he micturated on Sputnik. That's a different sort of class. Oh, and it turns out that Mr. Johnson is quite a talented driver. How talented? You're going to have to jump and find out.
[Source: YouTube via Road Runner Records]
Continue reading VIDEO: Hells Bells! AC/DC's Brian Johnson is seriously quick in the Top Gear Reasonably Priced Car VIDEO: Hells Bells! AC/DC's Brian Johnson is seriously quick in the Top Gear Reasonably Priced Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Auctions, Misc. Auto Shows, Ferrari, Luxury 
Gooding & Company star cars for Pebble Beach 2009 -- Click above for high-res image gallery
Pebble Beach regular Gooding & Company will be bringing three special cars to this year's auction and the vintage rides are said to carry not only the requisite pedigree, but are expected to be barometers of the classic car market at a time when values are, at best, variable.
Included are a 1927 Packard 343 Convertible Sedan owned and restored by the late, great racer Phil Hill and being auctioned by his estate. It won Best of Pebble in 1977 and has never been auctioned before. Joining it will be a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Roadster (pictured) that was a gift from an heiress to a Georgian nobleman (Soviet Georgia, that is). Finally there's a car we can't help but love: a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. We don't care if it has a story or not. We want it. Desperately.
If you dig classic auctions and can't make it to Pebble, there will be a live webcast on the Gooding site at www.goodingco.com. Yet even though David Gooding said "Today's records become tomorrow's bargains," we don't expect to see any bargains at this year's show. You can read about all the cars after the jump and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: Gooding & Co | Photo credit: Gooding & Company]Continue reading Pebble Preview: Gooding tests the market with Phil Hill's Packard and a prince's Duesenberg Pebble Preview: Gooding tests the market with Phil Hill's Packard and a prince's Duesenberg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal 
Last time we checked in with the issue of texting while driving, the NHTSA practically claimed it was gagged by Congress. Fast forward a week -- after the New York Times report and the results of a Virginia Tech study -- and now a group of Democratic senators is proposing a nationwide ban on texting behind the wheel.
In a study of truckers, VA Tech said the increased risk of an accident was 23-times higher when texting and six-times higher when simply dialing or reaching for "an electronic device." In response to those kinds of numbers, New York Senator Charles Schumer (D) said "The federal government ought to pass a law banning this dangerous and growing practice to protect the millions of Americans on our nation's roads. It is a matter of public safety."
Like the drunk driving or minimum drinking age laws enacted in years past, the proposed legislation would punish states that don't enact the restrictions by reducing federal highway funds by 25%. There's no timeline yet for the legislation to be passed, but if it does get approved, it would become law within six months, and states would be given two years to develop their own laws. Important to note: the law would only apply to texting in moving cars, not stopped cars.
[Source: Yahoo! | Image Source: Bruno Vincent/Getty]Senators mulling a nationwide ban on texting while driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Honda, Earnings/Financials
2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery
Honda has announced earnings for the quarter ending June 30, and the results were more than a little surprising. While analysts expected a loss of 106 yen ($1.1 billion US), Honda instead turned an operating profit of 25.2 billion Yen ($267 million US).
Honda's surprise profit comes in part because of the success of the hybrid Insight in Japan, where the suddenly strong Yen doesn't run into currency exchange issues. Honda is forecasting continuing currency issues, as the automaker sees the yen gaining still more ground verses the US dollar later in 2009. The hot-selling Fit and always strong Accord are also helping the bottom line, helping stabilize sales while companies like Toyota continue to see theirs sagging.
Automotive News is reporting that Honda's Q1 earnings were strong enough for the conservative automaker to raise its 2009 earnings forecast from 40 billion yen ($420 million US) to 70 billion yen ($737 million US). Honda has reportedly also raised its vehicle sales forecast by 85,000 units, to 3.295 million vehicles for 2009.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Abracadabra: Honda pulls a Q1 profit out of its hat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, GM 
Cadillac CTS - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Just in time for the weekend, rumor has it that General Motors and GMAC plan to crank up the leasing machine again on August 1. When GM stopped the practice last year, leases made up 20% of its business, but was costing the General money hand-over-fist. Dealers have continued to lease on their own, through outside banks, but the volume of cars leaving the lot as lease deals is "negligible".
The most either company would say on-the-record is that they are looking at ways to get back into it. GM is said to have spoken to several banks - not just GMAC - to gain a solid position. GMAC, now a bank holding company, is also one of Chrysler's partners; with credit slowly opening up and resale values slowly rising, it's not a bad time for the company to take steps toward leasing again.
For the moment, the only car mentioned for lease availability is the Cadillac CTS, as the luxury segment is traditionally the most lease-heavy.
[Source: Wall Street Journal]REPORT: GM to resume leasing luxury vehicles on Aug. 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., GM, Lexus, Mercury, Porsche, Alternative Fuel, Diesel, Luxury  Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #138 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam, and Dan take the 'cast meta for a moment and discuss the freshly-minted Autoblog 4.0, as well as the arrival of ace scribe Jonny Lieberman to the Autoblog Team. Once we're done navel-gazing, we talk over the Wiedeking departure from Porsche, the new role for Bob Lutz, and what it might mean for General Motors' marketing, the speculation about a Lexus competitor for the A3/1-Series, an excuse for Mercury's continued existance, and the rumors of a Prius Coupe. It wraps up with a question and a comment, and that's it, nice and tidy. Thanks for all the response so far to our survey, and iTunes users can submit reviews of our work at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, too. We're always reachable at Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com, too. See you next week!
Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #138 Autoblog Podcast #138 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari 
Felipe Massa's personal doctor has given the racer the best prognosis yet, saying "He doesn't seem to have a long-term injury," and that Massa hasn't suffered any eye damage. After the Brazilian's 170 mph (275 kph) impact with a flying spring that came off Rubens Barrichello's car during qualifying for the Hungarian GP, doctors were worried about keeping Massa alive, nevermind racing.
Now he is scheduled to leave intensive care today, and could leave the hospital in less than ten days. After that, he is expected to go to Paris for further treatment, and then to Monaco or Sao Paulo. Although it looks likely that Massa will race again, doctors have suggested it won't be this year. In the meantime, Michael Schumacher will emerge from retirement to take his place on Ferrari's F1 team.
[Source: EuroSport]REPORT: Massa has no long-term injury, will likely race again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Toyota, Design/Style, Alternative Fuel 
Toyota FT-EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, Toyota surprised the audience by showing off a fully electric version of its diminutive iQ city car called the FT-EV. According to Autocar, a production version of the EV should be on the market by 2010, which, if true, would be an impressive feat indeed. We're not sure how these plans to along with Bill Reinert's assertion that electric cars "just aren't plausible right now," but we're happy to see EV technology progressing at the automaker regardless.
Hiroki Nakajima, chief engineer for the iQ, tells the British motoring mag that the electric iQ - known internally as BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) - will not share sheet metal with its gas-powered sibling. "We wanted to position the iQ as premium," he said, "but not so the BEV." That being the case, expect the Goldmember-style accents from the concept to be dropped in production form.
Following successful tests of the technology in its plug-in Prius fleet, the BEV will be the first production application of lithium ion batteries in a Toyota and the target range is 93 miles (150km). Charging time is quoted at eight hours, but that's surely dependent on the specific outlet serving up the charge. Power will come from one electric motor per wheel, potentially making this an all-wheel drive electric vehicle.
[Source: Autocar]REPORT: Electric Toyota iQ to get bespoke body originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Crossover, Acura, First Drive 
2010 Acura RDX - Click above for high-res image gallery
After three years on the market, the Acura RDX is getting its first comprehensive makeover for the 2010 model year. Unlike the new TSX V6, where the changes were largely restricted to the bits you don't see, the opposite is true of the RDX. Acura's cute 'ute gets a mid-cycle facelift to bring it in-line with the rest of the Acura line-up -- meaning if you haven't warmed up to Acura's shield grille you might want to look elsewhere.
If, on the other hand, you're partial to the new corporate beak, the RDX benefits from a few well-designed tweaks to boost its exterior appeal. The shape of the headlamp clusters remains the same, although the internal arrangement has been shuffled around, while below the bumper you'll spot a new air intake sitting in between the revised fog-lamp housings. Out back, the tail-lights receive a few minor revisions that most observers probably won't notice and the satin frame around the license plate pocket now matches the finish on the front grille.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield Quick Drive: 2010 Acura RDX, bring on the shield originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Videos, Nissan 
It's Godzillapalooza time boys and girls! More precisely, the day before the 2010 Nissan GT-R had to go back, my buddy Steve asked if I could give him a ride in the Skyline. Well, he'd actually been calling since two weeks before the car showed up, but anyhow, Steve is a filmmaker and he showed up camera in hand. Our plan, quite honestly, was just a quick blast across some empty freeways and nothing more. But then we saw the exit for Angeles Crest Highway and even though it was amateur day (Sundays = dozens of motorcycles riding off sheer cliffs in front of cops) we figured Steve should see Godzilla eat a canyon. Plus, after you get a few miles up you can turn left off Angeles Crest onto Angeles Highway, a much less congested (and some would argue better) road.
What happened next is one of the many reasons I'm never leaving Southern California. Stuck behind a pickup truck is a veritable supercar parade. From front to back: Ferrari F355 Spyder, Ferrari F430 Spyder, Mothra BMW M6, Dodge Viper SRT10, Ferrari F430 Spyder. I can't say for certain, but I think Godzilla was smiling. Eventually the truck pulled over and it was on. Well, OK, we got stuck behind the slow Ferrari, but it was still quite fun.
We all stopped for lunch where we asked the drivers if the matching Ferrari shirts add 5 horsepower. Then we hopped back in the cars, but not before I announced that the Nissan would be running mid-pack. The Viper driver yelled, "Try to keep up!" Little did he know I was wearing my high performance flip-flops. Thanks to Steve for filming and cutting the video: follow the jump to watch it.Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports 
Yesterday's rumors have been confirmed: Michael Schumacher will take Felipe Massa's place for the remainder of the 2009 Formula One season.
A Ferrari spokesperson said Schumi's return hinges on the seven-time F1 champion's ability to pass the FIA's physical (we doubt that'll be a problem) and he'll be back in full-force on August 23 at the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
Schumacher has been under the employ of Ferrari as an advisor to the team since his retirement in 2006, and although Massa is reportedly well on his way to recovering after sustaining a serious head injury at last weekend's race, Schumacher will take his place for the remaining seven races of the 2009 season.
[Source: BBC Sport]BREAKING: Schumacher to return to Ferrari F1 for remainder of season originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupe, Europe, Technology, BMW 
BMW M1 Hommage - Click above for high-res image gallery
Busy, busy. BMW starts the day by leaving F1. And it looks like for lunch they're bringing a green sports car to the Frankfurt Auto Show. Maybe. According to Autotelegraf.nl, the new sustainable sports car concept will be inspired by the BMW M1 Hommage concept and will feature all the latest and greatest BMW EfficientDynamics (auto stop/start, regenerative brakes, electric powersteering, etc). But the hits don't stop there -- look for the concept to be built from sustainable materials, too. Big question: will this car be just a concept, or will a sustainable sports car actually make its way to dealers? Dunno. But the Dutch word is that BMW is studying the viability of said project and is planning on a limited release two-door showcasing their best environmental kung fu by 2012. Again, we just don't know, and we're not quite willing to hold our breath yet.
[Source: Autotelegraf.nl via Motor Authority]REPORT: BMW debuting sustainable sports car concept in Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Videos, Hyundai 
Rhys Millen on Pikes Peak - Click above to watch the video after the jump
The 2009 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is a wild and crazy race where vehicles of all makes and classes traverse the 14,110-foot summit in the fastest possible time. Super drifter Rhys Millen took on the Peak this year with his RWD Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and he set a course record on his 17th run covering 12.4 miles in 12 minutes, 9.397 seconds. While it sounds impressive to climb Pikes Peak at such a high rate of speed, it looks downright scary when watching it on video.
We're amazed that anyone would have the intestinal fortitude to fly up a gravel-laden Pikes Peak with the intent to reach the summit in world record-setting time, and the birds-eye view provided by the camera shows us just how dangerous a climb this was. Many stretches of road don't even have guard rails, which makes the fact that Millen wore his tires down to their steel belts that much more amazing.
Follow the jump to view video of Rhys' record-setting run.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: In-car with Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Pikes Peak VIDEO: In-car with Rhys Millen's Hyundai Genesis Coupe at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Subaru, First Drive, Off-Road  2010 Subaru Outback - Click above for high-res image gallery
Before there was such a thing as a CUV, there was a jacked-up four-wheel drive wagon called the Subaru Legacy. A few special editions later, the Legacy Outback edition birthed the stand-alone Subaru Outback in 1995. The precedent was set, establishing the wagon as polymath, master of numerous disciplines: durability, capability, wide range, ease of use and maintenance on-road and off. The styling, however - well, you weren't really buying a Subaru for its styling. Autoblog went to Montana to drive the fourth-generation 2010 Subaru Outback, and all we needed was one look to realize there's finally a Subaru for the rest of us. Then we drove it, and it just got better. Follow the jump to find out why.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback has character for everyone First Drive: 2010 Subaru Outback has character for everyone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Ford  Ford Fiesta X Games Preview - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The first three X Games Rally competitions have been dominated by Subaru, with most of the drivers picking the WRX STi as their vehicle of choice. Ford is determined to change that, and is making its X Games debut with a trio of Fiesta rally cars prepared by Olsberg Motor Sport Evolution, the same team that ran the Fiesta duo at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb earlier this month. Piloting the rally cars will be a stellar lineup of drivers including Tanner Foust, a two-time X games medalist in the rally event, Kenny Brack, winner of the 1999 Indy 500, and X Games Motocross veteran Brian Deegan.
We caught up with the three cars yesterday at the El Toro marine base in Irvine, CA, where the drivers were doing practice runs up and down the abandoned air strips. Each seemed to be coming to grips with the power of their cars, all shod with grippy BFGoodrich g-Force Rally tires, and even the experienced Foust called the Fiesta Rallycross an "angry little beast." Still, we have no doubt that they'll have the cars mastered by Thursday's practice sessions, and we wouldn't be surprised to see any of the Fiestas in the final race on Sunday.
Highlights of the X Games Rally can be viewed on ESPN and ESPN 2 starting July 30, and the final will be aired live on ABC on August 2nd from 3:00-6:00 pm EST. You can read more about the Fiesta Rallycross in the press release after the jump, and check out our gallery of yesterday's practice session below.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Ford Fiestas set to break up Subaru's party at X Games 15 Ford Fiestas set to break up Subaru's party at X Games 15 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal 
The government's Cash for Clunkers program only got off the ground on Monday, yet 4,026 eligible vehicles were reportedly swapped out in the program's first day. The program already has 20,564 certified Clunkers dealers, which gives eligible customers plenty of places to to cash in on the federal program. That is, assuming the EPA didn't make your vehicle ineligible in the 11th hour.
Hitting 4,000 Cash for Clunkers-related sales in the first day is impressive, but that's only a small portion of sales that the program is expected to create. The vehicles sold on Monday alone represent $17 million in rebates, which leaves $933 million in program funding after administrative costs are taken out. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood estimates that the program has room for 250,000 rebates total, so it seems that we've just scratched the surface.
But if consumers continue to trade in their vehicles at such a torrid pace, the money allocated for the program will be completely gone in about two months, well ahead of the November deadline to exhaust the program's budget. We've got a feeling, however, that there are more than a few deals struck on Monday that had been in the books for a couple of weeks. After all, some manufacturers have been accepting Cash for Clunkers deals since early July.
[Source: Detroit News, Photo: Will Keown]Cash for Clunkers program nets 4,000 sales on first day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge 
To paraphrase - Dodge: "Gosh, the Ram is even better than we thought." That's essentially the explanation given as to why the Ram's maximum towing capacity has been bumped from 9,100 pounds to 10,450 without any apparent hardware changes. Now fully coil-sprung, Chrysler initially said this new setup (as opposed to leaf springs) offers significantly better ride quality, and since research indicated that 80 percent of owners tow just 6,000 pounds or less, joining the fracas of half ton trucks that can drag around five tons or more wasn't the most important benchmark for the new Ram.
While the stated goal at the time of the new 2009 Ram's launch was to at least match what the previous Ram could do, another look at the latest SAE testing protocols for tow ratings suggested that more brawn had indeed been baked into the new truck. As such, a 2010 two-wheel drive longbed Ram with the 5.7-liter Hemi and 3.92 rear end gets a 1,500 pound bump in gross combined vehicle weight rating to 15,500 pounds. The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) is the absolute maximum the truck is guaranteed to handle without damage - passengers, payload, trailer and all.
There are other detail changes for 2010, such as trailer-towing mirrors in manual or power specification, an efficiency tweak to the airdam, available iPod integration and 22-inch wheels, along with an engine management revision to eke some more efficiency out of the truck by shutting off fuel during deceleration.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]Dodge increases towing capacity of 2010 Ram on paper with no hardware changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal 
It's been a long road with more than its fair share of protracted negotiations and questionable decisions along the way, but the Detroit City Council has finally cleared the path for Cobo Hall to get the much-needed expansion, repairs and ongoing maintenance it's deserved for years. By choosing not to vote on the plan at all, the Council will allow Cobo Hall to be turned over on lease to a regional authority that will oversee the building's day-to-day operations. Says Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr.:
I know this has been an emotional issue and a controversial issue. But it's real simple: We don't have the money to do this on our own. This thing is a go, and it's something they should be happy about. It's going to allow us to re-position Cobo to make it competitive, to secure the (North American International) Auto Show and attract other kinds of convention business.
With this potential roadblock out of the way, it now seems likely that the North American International Auto Show will indeed stay in the Detroit - assuming, of course, that the world's collection of automakers is willing to continue making the annual trek to the Motor City in January.
[Source: Detroit News]Cobo Hall expansion reportedly cleared, paving way for NAIAS to stay in Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Pontiac, Saturn 
Pontiac Solstice GXP - Click above for high-res image gallery
Old saying: The flame that burns twice as bright burns only half as long. Having driven our share of Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky roadsters, we can't honestly declare them to be brightly burning flames. Oh, they have their attributes, but the market's worst top mechanism and rampant parts-sharing to keep costs in check have taken their toll on the promising droptops. What we can say, however, is that every Kappa platform vehicle is fabulous looking. Even the badge job Opel GT and Daewoo GX2.
Which is why, however small, there's a tiny tear in our because of the news that General Motors is shuttering its Boxwood Road plant in Delaware. It makes sense: the bankrupt automaker has euthanized Pontiac and is looking to sell Saturn. Furthermore, sales of the cramped, near-trunkless (or very odd) roadsters didn't exactly keep GM out of the red. Speaking of color, the boys over at Saturn Fans report that the last Kappa to roll off the line was a silver Solstice roadster. We just hope that "Good GM" doesn't look at the end of the platform as proof that small, sporty, rear-wheel drive convertibles are a dead end. Regardless, reach behind the seat and grab a cold one to pour out for a dead, albeit awkward, homie.
[Source: Saturn Fans]REPORT: The Sky has a limit after all, as GM Kappa production ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Earnings/Financials 
BMW's Board of Management met this week and voted to to wind down its Formula One team at the end the of the 2009 series after just four seasons. According to a statement from BMW, the resources that had been expended on the company's F1 program will instead be re-directed to the "development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability." That means we will likely be seeing a significant ramp-up of work on electrification and efforts like Project I which first spawned the MINI E.
After returning to F1 as an engine supplier first to BMW in 2000 and later to Sauber, BMW took over the Sauber team prior to the 2006 season. Since then, BMW Sauber has only managed a single win and has struggled in 2009 under the series' revamped technical rules. BMW has not yet given any indication that it is open to selling the team and its assets the way Honda did last year to Ross Brawn.
The automaker's other motorsports programs will continue in 2010 and beyond with efforts in touring cars, the American Le Mans Series and Formula BMW. A press release and statement from CEO Dr. Norbert Reithofer are after the jump.
[Source: BMW | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]Continue reading BREAKING: BMW announces withdrawal from Formula One at end of 2009 BREAKING: BMW announces withdrawal from Formula One at end of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Volkswagen, Diesel 
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen - click above for high-res image gallery
Undoubtedly, one vehicle with the potential to profit handsomely from this week's expected rush by Americans to unload old gas guzzlers for newer, more thrifty vehicles is Volkswagen's Jetta TDI. With owners reporting typical real-world mileage of around 35-40 mpg along with superior dynamics to most hybrids and relatively sedate pricing, the Jetta TDI seems perfectly positioned to grab a lot of attention. Unfortunately for Volkswagen dealers, though, it just ain't happening. You see, there are virtually no Jetta TDIs to be had anywhere, especially if you were hoping to get a Sportwagen.
Bringing the story closer to home, this author has personally been out shopping the last several days in search of a TDI Sportwagen to replace the wife's nine-year old Passat (which unfortunately doesn't quite qualify for clunker status) - all to no avail. After checking with local dealers and calling showrooms all over Michigan and Ohio, there simply are no TDI wagons. Anything still on the lot already has a deposit check tied to it and the few still on trucks are also accounted for. A few sedans apparently remain, but they seem likely to go fast as well.
According to the salesman at Howard Cooper Volkswagen in Ann Arbor, the problem is that the 2009 model run has expired and Germany takes the month of August off. As a result, no diesel engines will be shipped to Mexico in August, so VW's Puebla plant can't assemble more cars to meet demand.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Hoping to snag a Jetta TDI with your clunker cash? Sorry, you may be too late! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Ferrari, Canada 
2009 Ferrari Challenge at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've always found the idea of going on safari or a diving expedition rather intriguing. But while we can appreciate those willing to spend their precious vacation time and hard-earned cash to see nature's most beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, most of us here at Autoblog aren't exactly the nature-adventure types. We're car guys. The Ferrari Challenge... now that's more like it.
Like a lion in the Sahara or a bear in the forest, Ferraris belong on the race track. But the unfortunate reality is most end up sitting in tiled garages adjoining big mansions in prestigious locations. We get to see more than most, but more often than not they're perched on an auto show stand under floodlights and flash bulbs. So when Ferrari invited us to join them at the legendary Circuit Mont Tremblant for a round of wheel-to-wheel racing, we could hardly resist. Follow the jump for more.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Celebrities  The Green Hornet's Black Beauty - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Frankly, we're a little concerned about whether funnyman Seth Rogen will be able to pull off the action-star thing when he takes the lead role in next year's big-screen adaptation of The Green Hornet . Then again, we remember thinking Michael Keaton would utterly tank as Batman in 1989, but that experiment in casting against type wound up working extremely well, so we'll sit back and hope for the best. As with Tim Burton's Batman, a car will feature prominently in The Green Hornet, and in this regard, things are looking very good indeed.
As reported earlier this week, Comic-Con served as the backdrop for the unveiling of the film's Black Beauty -- the Hornet's signature ride -- and now we have a new set of photos from our resident camera Jedi, Drew Phillips. As with the original TV car, the silver screen variant appears to be based on a 1966 Imperial Crown 4-door hardtop (there's a distinct '65 flavor to those headlamp surrounds, however, so we might be wrong on that).
In addition to the grille- and bumper-mounted weapons and gadgets of the original, Rogen's Green Hornet will also have a pair of hood-mounted gatling guns at his disposal. Neat detail alert: check out the hornet center caps on the Beauty's Torq-Thrust-style wheels. Regardless of how the movie winds up being, one thing's indisputable: The Black Beauty is way badass. That Rogen and co. went with another Imperial in the 21st-century update is a testament to just how great-looking those old cars were... and still are.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Comic-Con 2009: The Green Hornet's Black Beauty looks ready to roll originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Technology, Nissan 
Rolling down your vehicle window to get a breath of fresh air may be unnecessary in your next Nissan. The Japanese automaker just announced the development of its new "Forest AC" air conditioning system, an automotive climate control setup designed to control humidity, aroma, and other ambient factors in addition to the temperature and air cleaning features found with current systems. According to Nissan, the Forest AC is the first automotive system in the world created to make driving more comfortable based on the driver's mental activity.
The development of the optimal artificial atmosphere for driving was based on Nissan's studies of how surroundings influence the physiological state and senses of test subjects. Researchers found that when humans were exposed to certain aromas (e.g., fragrant wood and leaves) combined with ventilation simulating natural breezes, they were alert and focused yet free from unnecessary tension. While there is no word if the scent of freshly baked waffle cones has the same effect, Nissan says we'll see Forest AC on the new Fuga scheduled to debut in Tokyo later this year. Check out the fragrant details in the press release after the break. Thanks for the tip, Richard!
[Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.]Continue reading Nissan Forest air-con utilizes aromatherapy, 'natural' breezes to reduce fatigue Nissan Forest air-con utilizes aromatherapy, 'natural' breezes to reduce fatigue originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Motorcycle  The Batpod at Comic-Con 2009 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The San-Diego Comic Con is now in full swing, and amidst all the panels and personal appearances, there's no shortage of static displays to check out either. Our man Drew Phillips strolled through the halls to see what's what and sent back some photos of the wheeled attractions dotting the floor. First up? The Batpod, natch. As you can see, The Dark Knight's ride is roped off to keep it protected from the rabble, but at the show's conclusion, we think its minder should put those cannons to good use by blasting a hole through the San Diego Convention Center's wall and riding out in style. And he ought to wear these, too.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Comic-Con 2009: The Batpod makes a field trip originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Honda 
Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for a high res image
 As Formula Ford celebrates its 40th birthday this weekend at Road America, Honda is stepping up to the plate with a proposal for a new engine. The entry-level, open-wheel class has been using a "Kent" 1.6-liter since its inception and with the aging four-cylinders out of production, it may finally be time to move on.
This weekend at Elkhart Lake, Honda is showing off a prototype based on the 1.5-liter engine from the 2009 Fit installed in a Swift DB-1 FF chassis. The fuel-injected, electronically-controlled mill would require considerably less maintenance than the Kent, while also consuming less fuel. If the Sports Car Club of America approves the new Honda powerplant, a complete kit including the base L15A7 engine, race kit and mounting hardware should sell for around $12,000.
The old Kent-engined Formula Fords will likely still be around for many years as long as Formula Vees are still running, but this effort by Honda could signal the beginning of a new era.
[Source: Honda]Continue reading Honda proposes Fit engine to replace classic Formula Ford mill Honda proposes Fit engine to replace classic Formula Ford mill originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety 
One of the more controversial developments in traffic safety enforcement in recent years has been the deployment of automated speed and red-light cameras, which use radar sensors to nab alleged scofflaws and ticket them via mail. According to the NYPD, pair of thieves allegedly spent the better part of a month trolling the city in a pickup truck with a cherry picker, raiding red-light camera for their valuable innards, including the Nikon cameras that actually take the photos. Police arrested the pair, identified as Brooklynites Anthony Cintorrino and Tara Laburt, after recovering some of the stolen items from a reseller and tracing them backwards from there. Following the couple's arrest, police found more stolen items in their homes, and reportedly expected to recover everything. All told, over $88,000 of equipment was swiped. Cintorrino apparently knew what he was doing -- in the past, he had worked as a contractor for the firm that installs and maintains the cameras for the city. Now, if you live in New York, don't go around thinking you start running red lights without getting snagged. The city claims all of the cameras were replaced within 48 hours of the thefts.
[Source: The New York Post | Image: Wikimedia Commons]NYPD arrests couple for stealing traffic cams w/cherry picker originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Celebrities 
What's a giant wheeled hot dog have to do to get some respect? It seems Hawaii's issue isn't so much automotive renditions of meat products, but a recent visit by Oscar Mayer's Weinermobile has caused a flap. Honolulu's mayor welcomed the rolling frank, even honoring it with "Oscar Mayer Wiener Day," while a local organization known as Outdoor Circle wants to make sure it's the last time the Weinermobile visits.
Sure, an orange and yellow vehicle in the shape of a hot dog might be tacky to some, but Outdoor Circle has taken real umbrage and wants it to be clear that the big dog shouldn't come back. A 1927 law banning all billboards on the islands is being cited, along with a more recent, more relevant ban on vehicles solely intended for advertising also being used in the outcry. The welcoming mayor has vowed to look into the supposed violations, though there's apparently a lack of official complaints. Aren't there better things to do, especially in such an idyllic locale, than carp about some corporate mobile home with funny bespoke bodywork? Go surf, or something -- it's not like it crashed into anything untoward.
[Source: Gadling, Photo: Newton Downtown Car Show]Hawaiians want Wienermobile off their rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying  Preliminary rules for the CARS act - which was known as the Cash for Clunkers bill and is now more officially known as the CAR Allowance Rebate System or the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 - were released by the Federal government today. Automakers have been busy doubling the rebates and emphasizing the green results of the bill, but today was the first chance to see exactly how CARS will work. It's about time.
Most of the work is the responsibility of the dealers selling the cars. This makes sense, since the law was passed, in part, to help them. Dealers can find a nearby facility to scrap the cars that are turned in from the CARS website, and need to confirm with the scrappers directly that they can crush or shred the vehicles. Dealers must also do things like disable the engines of the cars coming in, as described on page 127 of the 136-page rulebook (PDF), and have seven days of accepting a trade-in vehicle to get paperwork - a lot of it - to the government in order to receive their money.
Customers are responsible for bringing in an old "clunker" that gets, at most, 18 mpg (thanks, charities) and buy a new vehicle with better mpg. It looks like it might be possible to get more than $4,500 for your trade-in, because any scrap value that the trade-in has can be added to the rebate.
Not everyone is pleased with CARS. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) released a statement, available after the jump, saying they anticipate "a consumer backlash once reality replaces the hype." There won't be that much time for the hype to die down, though, since the CARS program is currently scheduled to end on Nov. 1, or when the $1 billion set aside for the program runs out (it could be extended). We'll see.
[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd), CARS.gov, AAIA]Continue reading Rules for CARS, the cash for clunkers bill, released Rules for CARS, the cash for clunkers bill, released originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Spyker 
It's been two-and-a-half years since the Spyker D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, and although the recent spate of spy shots indicate work is well underway, Spyker won't make its self-imposed release date this year.
Instead, the high-speed luxo-'ute will likely appear at next year's Geneva expo and when it does, it will like drop its "D12" moniker for "D8" thanks to the supercharged V8 lying under its sculpted hood.
Coinciding with earlier reports, Spyker plans to utilize an American-sourced V8 to power the D8 SSUV, and if Autoblog.nl's sleuthing abilities are to be believed, it's none other than General Motor's supercharged 6.2-liter LSA - the mill that powers the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V.
The Dutch site caught the same Land Rover mule we saw earlier this year, and after investigating the prototype's license plate, discovered the engine met the same specifications as the LSA. That would mean at least 550 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque, which should allow the SSUV to hit 60 mph in around five seconds and max out around 174 mph. If all goes according to plan, we'll see the production version in Geneva this March with sales beginning later in 2010.
[Source: Autoblog.nl via GTSpirit]REPORT: Spyker D12 SSUV to get Cadillac CTS-V's supercharged V8? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hybrid, SUV 
Shelby SuperCars Ultimate Aero - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Shelby SuperCars, creators of the Utimate Aero (above), infamously announced last Summer that it would begin building the world's fastest electric car, the Ultimate Aero EV. The company said the EV supercar would be unleashed sometime this summer at an American racetrack in a show of fast laps and fast charging. While that's yet to happen, SSC's Green division has announced plans to put the heart of its electric powertrain inside a hybrid motor-home.
A recent agreement with Jones & Sons Chassis will see the All-Electric Scalable Powertrain (AESP) installed into a serial hybrid recreational vehicle platform with a 150-mile all-electric range. The REERV (range-extended electric recreational vehicle) will supposedly be able to achieve a total range of 500 miles and be capable of refilling its battery overnight on the 220V, 50 amp service typically found at campgrounds.
Although no time frame was given for the project, an earlier release from SSC Green states, ambitiously, that they hope to supply over a quarter of the drivetrains needed to reach Obama's 2015 million plug-in car goal. The 260,000 AESP's would be be built at its manufacturing plant if the $30 million Department of Energy's Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative grant to fund their expansion plan comes through. Check out both press releases after the break.
[Source: Shelby SuperCars]Continue reading Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome Shelby SuperCars working on hybrid motorhome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, BMW, Luxury 
2010 BMW 760 - Click above for high-res image gallery
If we told you about a new vehicle powered by an all-aluminum twin-turbo V12 putting out 544 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, you'd assume it's a high-dollar supercar. However, we're not talking about some sleek, sexy Italian -- it's the extra-large and in charge 2010 BMW 760li.
BMW Blog reports the new 760li is ready for dealer order, and sources indicate the price tag will start at $136,600. That's $50,000 more than the 750li, but it's over $10,000 less than a comparably equipped Mercedes S600.
The site also reports that the 760li will carry an achingly long list of standard features including an eight-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels, active steering, blind spot detection and fancy ceramic controls -- a lot of Bimmer for a lot of cash. Pricing and info for the 760li haven't been released on the BMW USA website yet, but expect all the details to hit in a few days.
[Source: BMW Blog]BMW 760li to start at $136,600? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Ford 
2010 Ford Taurus - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Ford is launching ten new or redesigned vehicles this year, bringing its line-up age down to a scant 2.4 years, according to a Merrill Lynch report. Product Chief Derrick Kuzak told the Free Press that the goal is to keep the product lineup fresh, and the Blue Oval is getting the job done with fewer models and vehicle platforms.
Back in 2004, Ford had 92 vehicles in its product lineup, and that number was dropped to 59 by 2008. Ford also cut platforms from 27 to 16 during that time frame, slicing engineering costs by a whopping 60% as a result.
Ford intends to keep up the accelerated pace of vehicle launches in 2010 with the introduction of the new Fiesta, a global Focus, the Transit Connect electric, a heavily updated Super Duty pickup lineup, and an all-new unibody Explorer. Autoconomy analyst Erich Merkle reportedly told the Free Press that the Blue Oval has "a tidal wave of new product" planned for the next 18 months.
Citibank analyst Itay Michaeli is reportedly questioning whether Ford can keep up this frenetic pace of vehicle launches as the automaker continues to lose money. Analysts were expecting Ford to lose about 53 cents per share in the second quarter, after burning through $3.7 billion in cash in Q1, but the company surprised many by losing only 21 cents per share on continuing operations. Ford CEO Alan Mulally says the company has the money to execute it's plan.
[Source: Free Press, CNN Money]New Ford models cut automaker's lineup age by 2.4 years? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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According to Germany's Manager-Magazin, Mercedes-Benz has approached Renault about cooperating in the development of a new small car. Although conversations have just started, it seems that Smart could once again have a four-seat car in its lineup.
This would be the second attempt to develop such a model, after the original sales flop of the ForFour. That model, shown above, was c-odeveloped with Mitsubishi and shared the Colt's underpinnings. Rumors about such new model are not new, but the German publication points that the company's strategy relies on selling more subcompact premium cars. Developing the new A and B Class models can be pursued as an in-house development, but the family Smart would apparently require a partner.
[Source: Manager-Magazin]
Mercedes partnering with Renault to develop new-gen Smart Forfour? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Etc., Europe, Specialty 
Italian-Argentine exotic car manufacturer DeTomaso has been in liquidation since 2004, and yesterday, the entire brand was once again on the auction block - in this case, the writing desk of Monica Rossi in Modena - for a starting bid of €1.6 million (nearly $2.3 million USD). While that's a bargain basement deal for an established nameplate with credibility, even with unfavorable dollar/euro exchange rates, no buyers were smitten enough to bite.
The price for the brand, logos, and car designs, is down from the 2008 opening bid of €1.78 million ($2.5 million). Now, as then, there were interested parties, but no bids. The DeTomaso brand is probably best known for its Pantera, powered by Ford hardware and deftly penned by Tom Tjaarda, but other beautiful and tempestuous cars were developed, like the Vallelunga, Mangusta, and the more upright Longchamp. Alejandro DeTomaso had his hands in Maserati, Moto Guzzi, Ghia - and even Chrysler - as well as a Formula 1 venture that corralled the talents of names such as Dallara and Williams. Our guess is that we'll hear from DeTomaso again, for a lower price, and once again interest from Italy, Asia, and the Middle East will sniff around and see if the price is attractive enough to raise a paddle and take it on. Thanks for the tip, Carlos!
[Source: Argentina Auto Blog - via Google Translate | Image: pantera.infopop.cc/eve]Going once, going twice.....going...anyone? DeTomaso fails to sell at auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus 
As previously reported, Lexus will unveil a new concept at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series in Europe.
The new model - rumored to carry either the "BS" or "CS" nameplate - won't be built atop the Lexus HS250h's architecture, but it will utilize the gas-electric hybrid's 2.4-liter four-cylinder to deliver around 185 hp to the front wheels.
Although the model we'll see in Frankfurt is technically a concept, according to Lexus insiders, it will be "a 90% match for the real thing" which will debut in production form at the Geneva Motor Show in March, with sales beginning in Europe in the fall of 2010.
[Source: Autocar]REPORT: Lexus' A3, 1 Series competitor coming to Europe in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Ford 
After Ford VP Barb Samardzich officially announced the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine for next year, a correspondent for the Examiner.com postulated that this engine was in fact nothing more than a re-badged, smaller version of the 2.3-liter engine from the MazdaSpeed3. Certainly there are similarities in the specs: four cylinders, direct fuel injection, turbocharging, etc. and there has been plenty of collaboration between the two companies. The Mazda CX-9 even uses a version of Ford's 3.7-liter V6.
We checked with Ford and while they have not released many details about the new engine, they did provide some explanation. The EcoBoost, like other recent DuraTec-badged Ford fours, shares a block design with Mazda's similar displacement units. In fact, the EcoBoost block is the same as the Mazda L3T used in the MazdaSpeed3. However, the entire top end of the engine has been redesigned. Like the V6 EcoBoost, the four uses a new direct injection system that is presumably less expensive, allowing Ford to use these engines much more widely than Mazda does.
The Mazda engine also does not have variable valve timing and requires premium fuel. All of the EcoBoost engines are designed to run on regular, although they will get a bit more power with extra octane. The EcoBoost also gets independent variable timing for each of the intake and exhaust cams.
So the two engines are built on the same foundations, but they are not the same engine.
[Sources: Ford, Examiner.com]Does Ford's new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four = MazdaSpeed3 four? Not really originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, Work 
The current standard for big rig braking is that a vehicle traveling at 60 mph needs to stop in 355 feet or less. It isn't entirely clear on what sort of distance most new heavy trucks need to brake from that speed, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is sharply reducing that distance for 2012 and beyond, with a new standard of 250 feet. NHTSA says the increased braking capabilities will save 227 lives per year, while averting over 300 serious injuries.
In theory, insurance companies will also receive a boost, as fewer accidents would save $169 million in property damages per year.
NHTSA says that the new standard will help usher in the newest brake technology into U.S. truck fleets. The government agency says that increased truck safety standards have resulted in fewer truck-related traffic fatalities in the U.S., as 2008 saw a 12% drop versus 2007. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA's official press release.
[Source: NHTSA | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]Continue reading NHTSA institutes braking rules for large trucks, aims to cut stopping distances by 30% NHTSA institutes braking rules for large trucks, aims to cut stopping distances by 30% originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Toyota, Rumormill 
Toyota's new president admits the automaker needs an excitement-infusion, and to that end - and in order to match the upcoming Honda CR-Z tit-for-tat - Toyota is rumored to be working on a two-door version of the Prius.
The latest reports out of Japan indicate that a shortened, 2+2 Prius-based hybrid sports coupe is under development, packing an uprated version of the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE four-cylinder putting out around 134 hp - 36 hp more than in its sedan counterpart. Naturally, Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system will carry over and the additional power boost will have an adverse impact on fuel mileage - albeit a minor one.
If the Prius coupe does come to fruition, expect it to be around 100 mm shorter than the sedan, carry over the standard Prius' interior and debut sometime in mid-2012. Conveniently, there's no word on a name and whether or not the coupe will be sold in the States, but we wouldn't be surprised to find out that this would be a JDM-only affair.
[Source: 7Tune]More details on rumored Toyota Prius coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Etc., Rolls-Royce, Luxury 
Rolls-Royce Phantom 'Hybrid' - click above for high-res image gallery
If there is any car that seems to be well suited to either hybridization or outright electrification, the Rolls-Royce Phantom would seem to be logical candidate. Many of them are used transporting the wealthy around the world's great cities like Paris, London and Manhattan in trips that are not necessarily that long. It's also not unheard for a manufacturer to provide vehicles to customers for field testing, just as BMW is doing right now with the electric Mini E. However, aside from the highly publicized Mini E project, these sorts of initiatives are typically done on the down-low.
So when we heard that someone had spotted an extended-wheelbase Phantom prowling the streets of New York with an extra badge on each of its fenders, we were naturally a bit suspect. The car that was photographed wears hybrid badges of the same type used on all of General Motors' gas-electric vehicles. The driver claims that car was loaned to a VIP client for evaluation by Rolls-Royce. Remember, friends, that Rolls-Royce is owned by BMW - a company that has a partnership with GM, Daimler and Chrysler to develop a two-mode hybrid system. It is certainly not beyond the realm of possibility that BMW might want to evaluate or even build a two-mode hybrid Phantom. However, it is almost inconceivable that any such vehicle would be clad in GM badges.
Adding further cold water to this story is the report earlier this week that BMW and Daimler are looking at dissolving the two-mode partnership and going in a different direction with their hybrid efforts. Our guess is that the owner of this particular Roller simply had a guilty environmental conscience (or a sense of humor) but couldn't bring himself to be seen in anything as pedestrian as a Toyota Prius. We're still waiting for a comment from Rolls-Royce.
[Source: Man on the Move; images used with permission]Badge-engineering at its finest? Rolls-Royce Phantom spotted in Manhattan with GM hybrid emblems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Technology, Kia, Alternative Fuel, South Korea 
Kia Borrego FCEV - Click above for high-res image gallery
Let's face it: Hydrogen technology still has a ways to go before there's any real chance that we'll all be driving fuel cell cars in lieu of electric or fossil fuel-burning machines. Chief among the issues confronting the widespread adoption of hydrogen for automotive use is manufacturing cost, though that obstacle is currently being worked on. According to Byung Ki-Ahn, general manager of Kia's Mabuk-ri site, "Even if we were producing 50,000 fuel cell cars a year, they would currently have to cost $50,000 each."
While it would be easy for hydrogen proponents to latch on to this statement as good news - and, if true, that pricing is considerably better than we would have predicted - there's more to overcome than just the pricey fuel cell stack. For instance, even if Kia were indeed building 50,000 fuel cell cars per year, there would need to be an adequate infrastructure to support those vehicles. Further, a low cost and eco-friendly process for capturing, storing and transporting large amounts of hydrogen still needs to be developed.
Regardless, it's clear that Kia, along with corporate cousin Hyundai, believe these issues will be worked out in time. When asked where the Korean automaker currently sits on a production-ready hydrogen vehicle, Ki-Ahn said, "On a scale of one to 10, I'd say we we're at six or seven. Before 2020, many people will be hearing about fuel cell vehicles made by Hyundai-Kia."
[Source: Galway Independent via Hydrogen Discoveries]Kia bigwig reportedly says mass-produced fuel cell cars would cost $50,000 if made today originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Australia 
Ford FG Falcon G-Series - Click above for image gallery
Ford made news this week when it officially announced its four-cylinder EcoBoost engine; an engine that promises V6 performance with four-banger efficiency. The company's twin-turbo technology is expected to infiltrate almost every part of its lineup within the next few years, and it'll be available just about everywhere on earth, including Australia.
To that end, Ford has just announced that it will be adding the 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to Australia's Falcon lineup. The new engine will give Australian customers a more fuel efficient option in the popular sedan, while also packing nearly the same punch as the V6-powered Holden Commodore. Ford says the Falcon will be the first rear-drive vehicle to receive an EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, which means the Mustang won't receive the 2.0-liter turbo until late 2011 at the earliest (and possibly never).
Ford is investing $230 million overall to improve the efficiency of its Australian lineup, with the EcoBoost 2.0-liter, a 2.7-liter diesel unit for its Territory crossover, and a new LPG engine for its fleet offerings. The Australian government is pitching in, too, as they are giving Ford $42 million as part of the nation's Green Car Innovation Fund. Local Victoria government officials are also pitching in an unspecified amount of money, helping ease costs for the Blue Oval.
Ford has also announced that it will not build the next-generation Focus in Australia, opting instead to import the popular small car from Thailand. Ford Australia was planning to build 45,000 Focuses a year, with 15,000 units destined for export. Ford says no jobs will be affected by the change of plans. Hit the jump to review the company's officla press release.
[Source: Ford, Drive]Continue reading Ford: Falcon to be first RWD four-cylinder EcoBoost car. Translation? No such Mustang until 2011... if at all Ford: Falcon to be first RWD four-cylinder EcoBoost car. Translation? No such Mustang until 2011... if at all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety 
As always, it ain't the crime, it's the cover-up. In what looks to be Congress protecting its turf, a planned study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on driver distraction - specifically, drivers using cell phones - was put on hold. The reason, according to The New York Times, was allegedly a fear of upsetting the Capitol body. The reason, according to an ex-head of NHTSA, was "to avoid antagonizing members of Congress who had warned the agency to stick to its mission of gathering safety data but not to lobby states."
In 2003, NHTSA already had "hundreds of pages" of research on the effects of multitasking while driving. And yes, as many Autoblog commenters have surmised, the research does indeed point to people using their cell phones being "as likely to cause an accident as someone with a .08 blood alcohol content." NHTSA officials also felt that hands-free systems weren't a safe enough solution - drivers were still too distracted.
But when the safety agency drafted a letter to then Transport Secretary Norman Mineta that included policy recommendations, the head of the agency began hearing complaints about NHTSA overstepping its bounds. Congress, it was said, "warned the agency not to use its research to lobby states." As the story goes, the threat to NHTSA was that if it upset Congress, it "could jeopardize billions of dollars of its financing."
So instead of going forward with a focused study of cell phone usage that would include 10,000 drivers, the agency shelved everything and stayed quiet. Due to Freedom of Information Act requests, the research gathered up to now is being revealed. But there is still the issue of Congress holding back information that, frankly, could save lives.
What do you think? Do you use your mobile phone while driving? Do you think doing so should be illegal? Drop your fellow reader a line in 'Comments.'
[Source: The New York Times | Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty]REPORT: NHTSA withheld results of studies on cell phone use while driving because of Congress originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road 
Ford Fiesta RallyCross "Peak Performance" - click above to watch video after the jump
As an homage to rallying's legendary Climb Dance video, the blokes at Motor Trend have teamed up with Ford and Marcus Gronholm to concoct a gorgeous new short film chronicling the rally champion's 2009 ascent of Pikes Peak in the Blue Oval's new Fiesta RallyCross. In the interest of clarity, this is not the same car that crashed earlier in practice - that was the #5 car of Andrea Ericksson, this is Gronholm's #3 - a car that looks to have made it to the top just fine, thank you.
Check out the 9+ minute Peak Performance film after the jump, with its breathtaking footage from various in and on-car cameras, it's a high-definition gem with great audio. Just for fun, we've also included its inspiration, the original Climb Dance film of Ari Vatanen's 1988 record-breaking Pikes Peak Hill Climb run in his Peugeot 405. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: On board with Marcus Gronholm's Ford Fiesta at Pikes Peak VIDEO: On board with Marcus Gronholm's Ford Fiesta at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford  2010 Saleen 435S Mustang - Click above for image gallery
Just days after a lawsuit was filed against it by Steve Saleen for the use of his name, MJ Acquisitions has launched its first Mustang model under the new company Saleen Performance Vehicles. The initial offering seems to be fairly light on visual changes, similar to the Racecraft-branded 420S Mustang that debuted last year, but Mike Shields, the new Saleen's CEO claims they wanted to "deliver a lot at an affordable price." Each 435S Mustang comes with a Saleen Series VI twin-screw supercharger that makes the 4.6-liter V8 good for 435 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, driven through a 5-speed manual and 3.73:1 gears. Improved handling is provided by a sport-tuned suspension package and 14-inch brakes up front. Customers can also opt for the Aero Package, which includes a chin spoiler and rear wing to go with the Saleen graphics and 18-inch alloy wheels that look to be a take-off of the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang introduced by Saleen last year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect it to be somewhere in the low $40,000 range. Full details can be found in the press release after the jump.
[Source: TheMustangSource.com]Continue reading Will the real Saleen please stand up? Saleen Performance Vehicles unveils 2010 435S Mustang Will the real Saleen please stand up? Saleen Performance Vehicles unveils 2010 435S Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows, Rumormill, Luxury 
Following the release of a couple of teaser images showing what was tipped as an upcoming new model from Bugatti, the automotive press has been all up in a frenzy speculating over the form that the highly anticipated new car will take. But while the conclusion was that the car would be unveiled to the public at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, new reports suggest otherwise.
According to sources inside the company, Bugatti will indeed be showing a new concept in Frankfurt - but only to a select group of customers to gauge reactions among its exclusive clientele. And while it may seem like a waste to bring a concept car to the show only to keep it hidden, it may be indicative that the car itself won't be ready for a full public unveiling, for which we'll apparently have to wait a little longer. In the meantime, Bugatti will reportedly be back up to its old tricks with - yep, you guessed it - yet another special edition Veyron at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where sister company Bentley will be unveiling its own new super-luxe saloon. Stay tuned for more.
[Source: The Car Connection]REPORT: We may not see the Bugatti Bordeaux at Frankfurt show after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM 
With the new General Motors out of bankruptcy, the next big step for the 101-year-old automaker is to restructure its management to reflect the company's new direction, as well as its smaller size. To that end, GM has announced a new, smaller lead executive team comprising of nine total members, including CEO Fritz Henderson. Missing from the team are manufacturing head Gary Cowger and GM North America President Troy Clarke, who are among six GM execs who elected to retire. Among the notable lead execs are marketing and communications Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, Product Development head Tom Stephens and U.S. Sales VP Mark LeNeve.
Also announced were the last five members to be elected to the GM board. In all, the U.S. government selected 10 board members, while the Canadian government and United Auto Workers each selected one. Fritz Henderson is the 13th board member. Among the new board members is TPS founder David Bonderman, who just so happens to be one of the richest people on earth. Bonderman reportedly spend $7 million on his 60th birthday party, which included performances by John Mellencamp and the Rolling Stones. To his credit, TPS is an equity firm that has so far weathered the shaky financial markets. Hit the jump to look over the two GM press releases.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Cowger and Clarke retire, GM announces more exec appointments and new board members Cowger and Clarke retire, GM announces more exec appointments and new board members originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Crossover, Acura 
2010 Acura RDX - Click above for image gallery
Last week, we showed you a few photos of what looked to be the 2010 Acura RDX that had begun floating around the interwebs. A subsequent call to Acura confirmed that they were, in fact, the real deal. Now, without any fanfare, the updated compact crossover has appeared on the company's website, complete with specification changes and pricing.
As shown earlier, the RDX is indeed on the receiving end of the corporate shield grille rhinoplasty, and also gets new fog lamps and air inlets. The rear end has been cleaned up as well, with new hexagonal exhaust inlets with stylized cutouts and a mesh insert in the fascia's lower reaches.
The big news for 2010 is the availability of a front-drive version, which helps shed weight and parasitic drag to increase fuel economy. At an EPA estimated 19 miles-per-gallon city and 24 highway, the RDX still strikes us as behind the curve, but perhaps not as much as the (unchanged) 17/22 figures of the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) version.
Predictably, this least-complex RDX is also the cheapest, ringing up at $32,520 plus delivery. If you do want the foul-weather security of all-wheel drive, you'll have to pay a minimum of $34,520. Plump for the technology package (which includes traffic- and weather-linked sat-nav, premium Acura/ELS surround sound, and so on), you're looking at $35,620 in front-drive guise, and $37,620 for all-wheel drive.
We see no mention of streaming audio as hinted at earlier, but Bluetooth telephony is still part of the mix. Further, a rearview camera will come standard, even if one doesn't pony up for the Technology pack with navigation.
No matter which model you choose, the RDX continues to be motivated by the same turbocharged, intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder, giving 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm.
We'll keep our eyes peeled for an official press release and a full complement of high-res images, but for now, enjoy our screencap'd gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Trevor!
[Source: Acura]CONFIRMED: 2010 RDX peeks out on Acura website originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Alternative Fuel
2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery
During a live webchat the other day, Jon Lauckner, General Motors VP for Global Program Management, said that pricing for the Chevrolet Volt would not be finalized until mid to late 2010. Although cars are generally developed to a target price point, Lauckner responded to a pricing query saying, "We typically do not lock in on pricing until about 3-6 months prior to start of production. The reason is primarily so we have an opportunity to take a look at the market, competitors and other factors. So stay tuned."
As for alternative versions of the Voltec, such as a lower cost non-plug-in version, Lauckner ruled that out as defeating the whole point of the Volt. Without the benefits of running on grid power, the Volt's architecture would likely be less efficient than a current parallel hybrid because of the losses in constantly going from mechanical to electrical and back to mechanical energy.
What does seem likely to eventually change is the configuration of the range extender. Lauckner ruled out the possibility of using a Wankel rotary - an engine design that offers high power density compared to a piston engine but isn't very fuel efficient. One alternative that was highlighted as an alternative that does have promise for increased efficiency was HCCI. In any case, none of these alternatives are likely to appear before the second-gen Volt at the earliest. The first-gen Volt will be e85 capable at launch just as announced when the original concept appeared. More after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading GM: No Chevy Volt pricing until mid to late 2010, could sell first cars on eBay GM: No Chevy Volt pricing until mid to late 2010, could sell first cars on eBay originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Fiat
Fiat 500C - Click above for high-res image gallery
With the Fiat 500 still selling like hotcakes, the Italian automaker's performance division is reportedly working on a new combination to further bolster interest in the retro hatch. Melding the best elements of the 500 Abarth and the new 500C convertible, Fiat is said to be preparing a 500C Abarth for launch overseas in time for the next sunny season.
Porting over the engines from the fixed-roof 500 Abarth, the cabrio would be offered with the 133hp 1.4-liter turbo four, upgradable to 157hp with the optional Esse-esse kit. But while most convertibles loose their rigidity and gain weight when the top is lopped off, the 500C's unique roof rail structure keeps torsional twist at bay - to say nothing of the Cinquecento's iconic profile. Pricing would be competitive with the new Mini Cooper Cabrio, and with both the Abarth and convertible variants expected to appear Stateside by 2011, there's a good chance Fiat will throw this one into the mix, too.
[Source: Autocar]Topless Hotness: Fiat reportedly planning 500C Abarth cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Technology 
Who among us doesn't have at least one blue-and-yellow can sitting on the shelf near the tools? WD-40 and its secret formula has been often imitated, but the small San Diego firm long resisted the temptation to spread itself thin with too many other products. Under the leadership of one John S. Barry, the company took a single product - one that had taken 40 tries to get right - and built it into the Kleenex of lubricant products, good for $317 million in sales last year. The man who kept his focus firmly on making the best single product of its type has passed away at the age of 84.
John Barry's demeanor as the top dog of WD-40 Co. is an admirable example for fatcat CEOs that are so addicted to costly perks. Barry himself acknowledged that his style was that of "breaking all the Harvard Business School rules." He answered his own phone. He flew coach. Meetings were sometimes held at Denny's. The proof of Barry's keen instincts can be seen by the myriad of copycat products laid to waste by WD-40's dominance.
Despite the assertions that a single-product company would never make it, WD-40 is very much still around thanks to John Barry's refusal to tinker with his product and its ever-increasing list of unique uses. The company now has other highly regarded products in its porfolio, such as Spot Shot carpet cleaner, Lava soap, and 3-in-1 Oil - perhaps the only other lubricant that's nearly as universal and also has a delightfully distinct aroma, just like its blue and yellow shelfmate.
[Source: The Los Angeles Times]John Barry, the man behind WD-40, dead at age 84 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo
Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
Following earlier reports that Alfa Romeo had axed plans to produce the MiTo GTA, the Italian automaker has reportedly clarified that the project has not been canceled completely, just postponed.
The MiTo GTA was unveiled in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Alfa said the car would be produced and on the market before the end of the year. Packing a 240hp 1.8-liter turbo four, the GTA was set to revive the company's performance badge with a package priced to undercut the Mini JCW. When harsh economic conditions hit - and Fiat started snapping up assets left and right - the hot hatch program reportedly took a hit. According to sources within the company, though, the automaker is still keen on getting it done... eventually. Certainly, that won't happen before the end of the year.
[Source: Autocar]REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Ferrari
Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph - Click above for high-res image gallery
Making sense of Ferrari's vast merchandising empire depends entirely on how you look at the brand. As an exclusive purveyor of supercars and GTs, it amounts - in some minds, at least - to sullying the brand name. As a sports team - one of the winningest in motorsport or any other sport for that matter - it makes perfect sense, just as it does for your local pro sports franchise to sell jerseys and baseball caps.
Few organizations are as cognizant of that schism as Ferrari themselves, which currently has not one, but two separate watch lines on the market. One is made specially for Ferrari owners (actual or wannabe) by Officine Panerai. Those are the watches that sell for the big bucks. But for racing fans who see the Prancing Horse as the mascot of their favorite team (as opposed to the marque of eminently desirable exotic sportscars), Maranello has a more economically priced and sportingly styled watch line, the latest of which is the subject of this post.
The Ferrari Lap Time Chronograph is built around a Swiss anadigit movement and is housed in a 44mm stainless steel case coated in black PDV. It features a digital display for two secondary time zones, tachometers and chronometer timing functions, alarm, date display and split-second timer. It's secured to the wrist with a rubber strap emulating a grooved racing tire and is of course emblazoned with little cavalinnos all over.
Available from the Ferrari Store starting at the end of this month for €245.83 (about $350), the Lap Time Chronograph is decidedly more accessible to the average racing fan than the high-priced Panerai timepieces. Follow this link for more details and click on the thumbnails below to view images in our high-resolution gallery.
[Source: Ferrari Store]One for the Fans: Ferrari launches new Lap Time Chronograph originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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AutoblogGreen for 07.24.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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We know what you're thinking: "What the H-E-double-hockey-sticks happened to my Autoblog?" We brought the old girl into the shop for a few upgrades, and here she is all decked out with her new mods. We'll go through everything that's new in a moment, but first we should tell you why these changes were made.
Was Autoblog broken? No, but we have steadfastly stuck with the traditional blog format since the site's inception in July 2004. The vertical nature of a blog is our favorite way to consume news and will always be at the foundation of how we present our content, but there's one thing about being a blog we don't like.
New posts get published at the top of the home page and race down to the bottom as newer ones are published, and older posts may as well be gone forever once they leave the front page. There are lots of posts we publish that should have a shelf life longer than half a day, posts like new vehicle reviews, first drives, auto show coverage, etc. Instead of falling off the first page cliff, they should go somewhere on the site that's easy to find.
Thus, we decided to expand Autoblog. Now, in addition to scrolling up and down the page, you can visit other areas off to the side that keep all of our premium content near the surface. In addition to new category pages, we're debuting our very own database of makes and models sold in the U.S.
So follow me after the jump and get to know the new Autoblog, and if you spot something amiss, let us know at feedback at autoblog dawt com.
Continue reading Welcome to Autoblog 4.0! Welcome to Autoblog 4.0! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 00:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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We announced earlier today that Autoblog v4.0 would debut between 10-11PM EST, but we're still waiting on a part that's yet to arrive. As such, we've decided to push the debut back an hour or so to Midnight EST.
Seriously, though, we want to get this right the first time and there are a lot new features launching. Thanks for your patience, and if we don't see you back here at Midnight, have a good night and Autoblog v4.0 will be waiting for you in the morning.
[Photo by Ryan Stone | CC2.0]
Autoblog v4.0 arriving at Midnight EST (Sorry for the delay) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 21:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Safety, Subaru, UK
In case Richard Hammond's spectacular jet-car crash wasn't enough to convince you of the inherent dangers of filming British television's top car shows, the presenters of Fifth Gear have given us another startling reminder.
Barrowman, who plays a character who cannot be killed on Dr. Who spin-off series Torchwood, was driving the £120,000 rally-spec Subie with Needell riding shotgun when the actor lost control of the car, sending it over the shoulder and flipping several times down the hill before coming to a rest on the shore of a lake. Paramedics arrived at the scene and removed glass shards from Barrowman's eyes before taking both to the hospital with no major injuries. Check out the video after the jump for the segment -- a stark reminder that enthusiasm and ego aren't a suitable replacement for talent.
[Source: Daily Mail via RPMGo.com]Continue reading VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear VIDEO: Tiff Needell and actor John Barrowman crash Subaru rally car on Fifth Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, GM 
GM Desert Proving Ground Yuma - Click above for an image gallery
General Motors and the U.S. Army have officially cut the ribbon opening the automaker's all-new Desert Proving Ground this week. Located just outside Yuma, Arizona, the testing facility is built on 2400 acres of leased government property. In addition to a 3.5-mile circuit track (three lanes) and a 1.4-mile straight track (two-to-three lanes), the proving ground includes a 1,000' x 1,000' dynamics pad, interior noise road, and a garage with 40 hoists. And, that is just a partial list of the niceties at this state-of-the-art complex.
According to GM's Ken Morris, executive director, Vehicle Integration, Proving Grounds and Performance Division:
"This new facility meets several of our important product development needs... We have a longer hot weather testing cycle, we have great partners with the Army and the city of Yuma, and we have a facility that will meet our needs in the years to come,"
No need to mention that the isolation - and restrictions - associated with an active military base that also serves to keep prying eyes and spy photographers from capturing the company's future models, right?. Check out the details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]
Continue reading GM and Army open up new test facility on Yuma Proving Ground GM and Army open up new test facility on Yuma Proving Ground originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, BMW, Diesel 
2009 BMW 335d - Click above for high-res gallery
When Chrysler started its new "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" promotion that included up to $4,500 in incentives on select vehicles, we weren't that surprised. After all, there are plenty of Chrysler products with at least that much cash on the hood. News that BMW is following suit with the same $4,500 in rebates on the purchase of a diesel powered 335d or X5 is a bit more surprising.
BMW is offering the rebates on the X5 35d and 335d as an "Eco Credit" to supplement Cash for Clunkers. BMW points out that on top of the up to $4,500 in incentives, buyers of the Bavarian diesels are also eligible for tax credits of $900 for the 335d and $1,800 for the X5 35d. And since the oil-burners are so efficient, BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 verses comparable petrol-powered luxury rides.
The program, which runs through August 31, is being advertised as a one-time special offer, but it could also signal a lack of acceptance for diesel-powered luxury vehicles in the US. That would be too bad, though, because the diesel Bimmers we've driven were flat-out terrific, and with 580 miles/tank and a 20% reduction in CO2, they're eco-friendly, too. Hit the jump to read the BMW press release. Hat tip to Why not the LS2LS7.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Technology, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury 
2008 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery
Used to be if an automaker wanted to unveil a new product, the car in question had to, you know... actually be there. But Infiniti will take advantage of new technologies to bridge the gap between virtual and reality at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it intends to give the public a preview of its next-generation M sedan.
Rather than rolling in the car itself, Infiniti will use "virtual video mapping" to project the car's details onto a clay model that will give the effect of seeing the car in the flesh in advance of the production model's anticipated debut in December. The public will be able to watch the event from home as well thanks to a a webcast on Infiniti's website, giving Nissan's luxury division all the exposure without the frantic preparation. Think it'll work out? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Fisker, Alternative Fuel, Luxury 
Fisker Karma - Click above for high-res image gallery
While we've seen the Fisker Karma surrounded by velvet ropes and models plenty of times, we've yet to experience the sight of the Karma spinning its wheels on the open road. The good news is that this luxury plug-in hybrid will make its public driving debut during the Monterey Peninsula's Classic Car Week (part of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance) in the middle of August. Not only will August 15 mark the first time outsiders get to see the Karma in action, but it'll be first time any plug-in hybrid joins the track cars at the event. The plan right now is to send the Karma on two laps of the Laguna Seca course, starting at 11:10 a.m.
The Karma concept will also be on display at Concorso Italiano on Aug. 14, along with the Karma Sunset convertible, while the Karma S will bask on the 18th hole of Pebble on Aug. 16.
Continue reading Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week Fisker Karma's public driving debut coming to Monterey's Classic Car Week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: MINI, UK, Celebrities 
It's been six years since director F. Gary Gray assembled an all-star cast including Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Jason Statham and Donald Sutherland to recreate the Michael Caine classic The Italian Job. And though the remake bore little resemblance to the original, the one part which the modern pretenders made sure to include was a recreation of the famous Mini police chase scene. Leave it to the Brits, though, to reclaim their national treasure, as new reports indicate that the BBC's hit car show Top Gear is planning a reenactment of their own.
Both the 1969 original and the 2003 remake featured scenes where the protagonists evade police pursuit in the sewers hauling millions of dollars worth of gold bars. The original was set in Turin but shot in Coventry (whose sewer system was then under construction) while the remake was set in Los Angeles, but Top Gear is gearing up to shoot in Belfast. Okay, you figure, Top Gear has set up lots of off-the-wall races already, right? This segment was actually pitched to the TG crew by the local water company, eager to promote the £100m new works project that has been under way since 2005 to replace the Victorian-era plumbing system in the Northern Ireland. Thanks for the tip, Sam... this ought to be good.
[Source: BBC | Image: Steve Finn/Getty]Top Gear to recreate the Italian Job Mini sewer chase scene in Belfast? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Audi 
2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - Click above for high-res image gallery
Although we haven't gotten the chance to drive it yet (we will be soon), Audi has plunked a price tag on its 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro - better known as the V-10 R8. The mid-engined ten-cylinder wundercar will start at $146,000 for manual gearbox models, while the R Tronic commands $155,100 (*both are subject to a $1,200 destination charge).
Those two extra cylinders command a premium of nearly $32,000 over the 2010 R8 4.2 FSI, which runs just $114,200 by comparison (R tronic? $123,300) - the same price as it did for 2009. The V10 does grant the owner a further 105 extra horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque, but that's still quite a hike.
Audi says the delivery of the first two examples of the 525-horsepower coupe have just been delivered to charity auction winners, one of whom paid $500,000 for the privilege.
We adore the eminently usable eight-cylinder R8, and hear very promising things about the new V10 model, but we'll have to hold off until we get the chance to sample the 5.2 to see if it's really worth the extra scratch. Here's hoping.
High-res gallery below, official press verbiage and more images after the jump.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000* Don't Tell Mom the College Fund's Dead: Audi R8 V10 to start at $146,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru 
Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're one of the many enthusiasts on this side of the ocean who pine for a choice crop of hot hatches that never make it to the States, we've got some bad news for you: the Subaru Impreza STI Spec C -- a limited run of 900 units packing an assortment of enhancements to give it the edge over the stock versions -- is finally going on sale in Japan.
For starters, the whiz kids over at Subaru Tecnica International have reprogrammed the ECU and fitted smoother ball bearings for the turbocharger to boost output to 304 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. They've also retuned the suspension, reinforced the chassis, recalibrated the power steering's lubrication, fitted new rims on Bridgestone Potena RS070 rubber and reduced the curb weight with lighter body panels, windows, battery and tire kit. You can check out the images in the gallery below and all the details in the press release after the jump, but sadly that's about as close as you're likely to get without boarding a flight to Tokyo.
[Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C Subaru hatches hardcore JDM Impreza WRX Spec C originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Chrysler, Celebrities, Specialty 
The Green Hornet's Black Beauty - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The world's fanboys and girls have descended on San Diego for the 40th annual Comic-Con where Seth Rogen, most recently of Pineapple Express fame, unveiled the '66 Chrysler Imperial due to serve as the Green Hornet's ride in next year's live-action flick.
Rogen, who's writing and starring in the film alongside Cameron Diaz and Nicolas Cage, took the wraps off the Black Beauty, complete with hood- and door-mounted machine guns, missile launchers, smokescreen and bullet-proof sheet metal and glass.
Rogen said that the producers tapped several automakers to create a modern interpretation of the Black Beauty, but in the end, "it was important that it seemed like a guy could actually build this car. This looks like something you could actually use on the streets... and I think it's going to be incredibly badass to see it in action."
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind director Michel Gondry has replaced Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow, who was also tapped to play the Hornet's sidekick, Kato. The movie is set to be released on July 7, 2010. Make the jump to check out a video of the unveiling.
[Sources: MTV, Auto-Focus | Image Source: Michael Buckner/Getty]Continue reading VIDEO: Seth Rogen reveals new Black Beauty from The Green Hornet VIDEO: Seth Rogen reveals new Black Beauty from The Green Hornet originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, MISC 
Veritas RSIII - Click above for image gallery
Veritas isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Nor should it, with a lightweight supercar packing 500 horsepower or more. The niche automaker just recently unveiled the final production version of its open-top RSIII roadster at the Salon Privé in London, but according to the latest reports, the German upstart is not about to stop there.
The RSIII roadster is powered by an uprated V10 pulled from the BMW M5/M6, and is available in either 500 or 620-horsepower specifications. Veritas will only build 30 examples, but an additional 30 coupes are planned as well, with an eye on "markets like the Middle East, where they need air conditioning." And the plot thickens even further with word that Veritas is reportedly working on a sport-utility as well. Little details are known on the SUV, but Veritas reportedly wants to cradle a small aircraft engine in a carbon fiber body for a package that promises to give Spyker's long-time-coming D12 Peking-to-Paris SSUV a run for its money.
[Source: Autocar]Veritas reportedly planning RSIII coupe and aircraft-engined SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Toyota  Three weeks into his new assignment as president and chief operating officer of Toyota North America, Yoshimi Inaba came to Detroit to talk about the state of the business. This is Inaba-san's third stint working for Toyota in North America after returning to Japan in 2003. This spring the senior management in Japan asked Inaba-san to return to North America and help turn the suddenly ailing giant around.
Those who have been watching Toyota in the past decade have observed the company grow at a tremendous and seemingly inexorable rate. When the big crash hit in 2007-8, Toyota proved to be no more immune than any other automaker and recently recorded the first full-year loss in 71 years. As one of the biggest markets for the company, the North American operations clearly played up part in that loss and will play a part in returning the company to profitability. Read more after the jump.
[Source: Toyota]Continue reading Toyota NA pres Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved Toyota NA pres Inaba: Hopes for profit in 2011, NUMMI could be dissolved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety 
Motorists traveling through Virginia take note: It's time to get used to crossing your legs just a wee bit tighter on long trips through the Old Dominion as the Virginia Department of Transportation has closed nearly half of all its interstate rest areas. The cited reason? Budgetary shortfalls... what else?
According to VDOT, the closure of these 18 rest areas will save $9 million per year and will be joined by delayed construction projects and a slew of laid off workers. Virginia politicians have apparently been arguing the issue for months and a suitable compromise has yet to be reached.
In addition to the obvious loss of restroom choices, critics argue that the shuttering of rest stops may have a negative impact on the safety of travelers as weary drivers and tired truckers will have far fewer places to stop for some shuteye or to get a quick coffee. With more and more states facing severe budget shortfalls, could your state be next? Click past the break for a press release and a full list of closed VA rest areas.
[Source: Roanoke.com]Continue reading REPORT: Virginia rankles motorists by closing half of all rest-stops amidst budget woes REPORT: Virginia rankles motorists by closing half of all rest-stops amidst budget woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Just a quick programming note: You'll notice some wonkiness at your friendly neighborhood Autoblog from 10-11PM EST this evening. The old girl is going into the shop for some upgrades, and when the dust settles and the garage door opens, you'll be invited to experience Autoblog v4.0! We've been working on this project for months, and while you'll notice many enhancements to the site, the core experience of consuming quality auto news and reviews at breakneck speed will remain.
So after you've eaten dinner, put the kiddies to bed and watched Cat Deeley kick some people off So You Think You Can Dance? (we know, it's cause your spouse likes it), come back to Autoblog for a test drive of our newest model. See you then!
[Photo by Ryan Stone | CC2.0]
Autoblog v4.0 debuts tonight! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Reviews
2009 Audi TTS - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Audi TT is a highly entertaining package -- good looks, great personality, terrific cabin feel, solid handling and a good price. Yet with the TTS here and the TT-RS on the way (well, not for us Americans, but...), the TT becomes something like The Girl Next Door who you just found out has two hotter siblings. That doesn't mean you have to stop loving The Girl Next Door... but you're eyes may have a tendency to wander. Autoblog spent a week with the middle sister who was out to steal our hearts with an upgraded turbocharged engine, brilliant all-wheel drive and a flamboyant paint job. Follow the jump to find out if she kept our attention.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2009 Audi TTS is our Orange Crush... but only just a crush Review: 2009 Audi TTS is our Orange Crush... but only just a crush originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Hatchback 
Mystery concept car in Barcelona -- Click above for image gallery
Autoblog Quiz of the Day: the minicar pictured above was spotted in Barcelona, Spain at Central del Poblenou Park, during what sounds like a photo or commercial shoot. Two people were caught driving it, the one in the sky blue outfit and hat looks to be a model/actress. The car, devoid of any logos or identifying marks, was accompanied by several trucks with French license plates - along with about ten people who didn't appreciate the person taking photos. Can anyone help us solve the mystery? Check out the image gallery below, and leave your guessses in 'Comments.'
[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated) | Photo credit: X15A]Spy Shots: Mystery concept caught in Spain originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Safety, Chevrolet 
2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery
Last week, we told you about a problem some members of the Camaro5 forums who own V8-powered SS models equipped with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission were reporting. The owners were experiencing a broken output shaft on hard launch; a serious problem that will likely render their brand new Bowtie pony car immobile. General Motors responded by putting a hold on V8 Camaros with manual trannies at its Oshawa assembly plant, but until now, there hasn't been a definitive plan for replacing the affected transmissions.
Camaro5 is now reporting that GM will pick up the phone and call all owners who may have the defective gearbox, presumably to schedule time at the dealership to fix the problem parts. GM told Camaro5 that the calls will take place in a couple weeks, after an internal investigation regarding the issue is complete.
At this point, we don't know what happened to cause the problem with the Tremec 6060 transmission, nor do we know exactly what parts GM will need to repair. What we do know, however, is that we'll update you as soon as we have more information.
[Source: Camaro5]Hello? Chevy reportedly vows to call Camaro owners who may have bad transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials 
Ford Motor Company is continuing to reverse its fortunes despite the globe's bleak auto markets, as the Dearborn, MI based-automaker surprised analysts with a $2.3 billion profit in the second quarter. Ford isn't dancing in the streets just yet, though, as it is still reporting $424 million in overall operating losses for the quarter. The $2.3 billion profit comes courtesy debt reduction activities taken on during the quarter, as Ford reduced its debt load by $10 billion as part of a debt-for-equity exchange, and a further $1.5 billion was raised in a stock sale. Ford says the $10 billion equity swap alone saved the company $500 million in interest expenses.
While the Blue Oval has a long way to go to get to where it wants to be, comparing numbers from the same quarter last year shows how far the automaker has come. Ford posted an $8.7 billion loss in Q2 2008, while posting a $1.4 billion operations loss.
Analysts were expecting an improvement for 2009, but the target was a 53 cent per share loss, and Ford shattered that with a loss of only 21 cents per share. Importantly, Ford has dramatically improved its cash situation too, as the company burned through only $300 million in cash. That's a huge improvement when compared to the $3.7 billion greenbacks Ford scorched in Q1. Mullaly and Co. now has $21 billion in cash on hand, down from $21.3 billion after Q1.
Ford also had good news on the production front, as its market share increased in a historically bad market. Ford increased share the right way, too, as it managed to do so despite decreasing incentive spend by $250 per vehicle compared to Q1. Ford CEO Alan Mulally sounds pretty optimistic about the company's prospects, with Q2 numbers bolstering its position. Check out the complete press release after the jump.
[Source: Ford Motor Company]Continue reading Ford posts $2.3B profit for Q2, $424M operating loss Ford posts $2.3B profit for Q2, $424M operating loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Porsche 
It was really just 35 words that announced the ends of two careers at Porsche: "In the last weeks Wiedeking and Härter have come to the conclusion, that the further strategic development of Porsche SE and Porsche AG is better off, if they are not on board as acting persons." And so, effective immediately, they aren't. The man who would be was king, Wendelin Wiedeking, and his majordomo CFO Holge Härter, have retired from Porsche with immediate effect.
The move was said to clear the way for Porsche to merge with VW and provide some relief for Porsche's balance sheet. After the same meeting that decided Wiedeking's fate, Porsche announced that it planned to increase its capital by €5 billion (about $7.1B U.S.). That's a big chunk of change, but it's only about a third of the company's debt load, and officials didn't say whether that figure would come from banks, Qatar, or some other investor. Wiedeking's position will be filled for now by supervisory board member and former head of production Michael Macht.
For severance, Wiedeking will get half of the package recently mentioned, a still-healthy sum of €50M ($71M U.S.). He has already pledged half of that money to a charity that will assist in job creation in Germany. Härter will receive €12.5M ($17.8M). Wiedeking, of course, hasn't said anything about where he might go from here, but at only 56 and with his story, we have a feeling we'll see him in the saddle again before long.
[Source: The New York Times]Officially Official: Porsche CEO and CFO quit, leave the building originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Luxury  What does government money smell like? While we'd imagined something like a mix of various colognes mixed with filth and an undertone of unwashed suits, Cadillac evidently thinks Uncle Sam's cash - our cash - smells like fruit, spice, and incense. General Motors has licensed the Cadillac name to Dubai's Beauty Contact Incorporated for the fragrance rollout, intended to hit stores in time for this fall's Cadillac centennial.
Past olfactory experiments by automakers haven't proven to be successful, so Cadillac's effort doesn't seem to have a very bright future, but Beauty Contact's Alwyn Stephen thinks its fragrance is "a relevant extension of the Cadillac lifestyle." The full portfolio of products will be available, spray, aftershave, deodorant, body wash - the whole nine yards. If it helps make the sweaty $5 bill we were most recently handed smell better than body odor, we're all for it.
[Source: TheStar.com]
That Taxpayer Money Smell? Cadillac to get new fragrance to celebrate anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs 
You didn't seriously think that the race to succeed Max Mosley as FIA president would be entirely clean, did you? The head office of the international automobile federation has been the subject of more controversy than a G8 meeting, so it only stands to reason that the campaign to fill its vacancy would follow suit. And here's the first blood.
Ari Vatanen, the former rally champion and European parliamentarian running for the position, has accused the FIA of financially supporting the campaign of his rival Jean Todt. The former Ferrari chief has already received the support of outgoing president Max Mosley, but Vatanen pointed towards flights paid for by the federation's non-profit wing, the FIA Foundation, as evidence of favoritism. The FIA Foundation in turn says that Todt was merely accompanying his partner, actress Michelle Yoeh, in her work as a goodwill ambassador for the foundation's road safety campaign, and rebuked Vatanen for politicizing the project and tarnishing the NGO's reputation.
One way or another, it's clear that the campaign will be a heated one, and if Vatanen wins, he'll have some diplomacy work on his hands to patch things up with the non-profit branch of the organization over which he'll be presiding. Follow the jump to read the full letter from the chairman of the FIA Foundation.
[Source: FIA Foundation via Autosport | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]Continue reading First Blood: Controversy heats up in FIA presidential campaign First Blood: Controversy heats up in FIA presidential campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials, Fiat
2007 Bertone Fiat Barchetta concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
When you're dealing with a company as established and reputed as Bertone, the whole is much more than the sum of its parts. Apparently Fiat feels otherwise, as the rapidly expanding Italian auto giant eyes its latest target strictly for its assets.
According to a statement supposedly issued from the company's press office, if Fiat succeeds in its bid to acquire Bertone's contract manufacturing operations - currently in receivership following bankruptcy proceedings - it will not use the Bertone name and only absorb its Grugliasco assembly plant, along with its skilled workforce, into its corporate structure. Any inference from the Bertone takeover applied to Fiat's acquisition of Chrysler would of course be pure speculation, but the move would surely be good news for the recently separated Stile Bertone design studio responsible for the Mantide concept.
[Source: Autocar]Fiat reportedly to axe Bertone name if bid accepted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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AutoblogGreen for 07.23.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, GM 
Shakeups in the RenCen continue apace. You know how Bob Lutz says that General Motors will be design-driven going forward? It looks as if he wasn't kidding. Later today, GM will formally announce that current North American design head Brian Nesbitt will assume a new and very different role as the general manager of the Cadillac division.
Nesbitt will report directly to Bob Lutz, according to reports published by Automotive News and The New York Times Wednesday evening. Bryan Nesbitt is perhaps best known for his work designing the Chrysler PT Cruiser and later, its crosstown retro rival, the Chevy HHR. Among his other responsibilities in his present design role at GM, Nesbitt recently oversaw the Cadillac CTS Coupe and SportWagon projects. He officially takes the reins at Caddy on August 1. Cadillac's interim general managers, Steve Hill and Steve Shannon, will be reassigned to as-yet-unannounced roles within General Motors according to spokesman Terry Rhadigan, who talked to Automotive News.
[Sources: Automotive News (sub req'd), The New York Times]GM North American design chief Bryan Nesbitt to run Cadillac, report to Lutz originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Bugatti, Nissan  Bugatti Veyron vs Nissan GT-R - Click the image above to view the video after the jump
The Nissan GT-R is a quick car by most standards. In fact, with all-wheel drive and traction control system, it's frighteningly fast. Pull up next to just about any other car at a stoplight and you'll undoubtedly come out ahead. That is, of course, unless you happen upon a Bugatti Veyron. The Bug matches the Nissan's AWD system and doubles the number of turbochargers and horsepower. As our man Jonathon put it in his first drive of the Bugatti Grand Sport, you don't accelerate in this car, you evaporate.
While a heads-up drag race between the GT-R and Veyron is an unlikely occurrence in the real world, Evo Magazine took it upon themselves to pair the two cars on an open airfield. Just how much faster is the Bugatti than the Nissan? Watch for yourself after the jump.
[Source: YouTube]VIDEO: The Quick and the Dead - Bugatti Veyron vs. Nissan GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.22.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs 
Now that the USF1 team has received the go-ahead from the FIA as one of the three new teams to join the grid next year, the boys in Charlotte are working away in preparation of an anticipated launch of their first chassis before the end of October. According to team principal Ken Anderson, the design is almost finalized, and they're just waiting for $5 million in machinery and the specs on the new Cosworth engine they'll be running to arrive before they can begin manufacturing. Currently the team employs some 20 staff, but have another 20 to 30 arriving next month.
Aside from the chassis itself, USF1 is said to be evaluating several logistical options. First is its European base, for which the team is considering either the Paul Ricard or Aragon circuits in Spain. Meanwhile YouTube is reportedly in the mix as a main sponsor after co-founder and chief executive Chad Hurley has reportedly met with team executives. And though Danica Patrick may have ruled out an F1 debut with the team, former world champion Jacques Villeneuve is tipped to fill one of the seats on the strength of his developing experience.
[Source: Autosport and F1-Live]YouTube and Villeneuve rumored on board as USF1 gears up for October launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler 
On March 30, President Obama announced that the federal government would back the warranties of General Motors and Chrysler in the event of bankruptcy. When the president says the word "backing," he means cold, hard cash, and in this case the total was $641 million. But with both companies out of bankruptcy court and flush with the government cash needed to run their businesses, it is apparently time to pay the money back.
Automotive News is reporting that new Auto Task Force head Ron Bloom informed a House Judiciary subcommittee that the government would no longer be backing the warranties of GM and Chrysler, adding "consumers can now feel assured that the companies have the financial wherewithal to meet their warranty commitments on a continuing basis."
GM and Chrysler have reportedly returned the $641 million, with interest. GM told Automotive News that it didn't use any of the funds, while Chrysler declined to comment on warranty matters as a matter of company policy.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]REPORT: Government ends warranty programs for GM, Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Etc., Acura, Audi, Cadillac, GM, Honda, Jaguar, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #137 of the Autoblog Podcast has arrived. Chris, Sam, and Dan are back, chewing the fat over the Acura ZDX, Death Valley spy shots of the Jaguar XJ, what will underpin Cadillac's new flagship model, Electric Lexus pricing, the ongoing Volkswagen/Porsche soap opera, and Honda's swearing off of V8s and RWD. Wrap it all up nice and tidy with some of your questions, and 82 minutes later, you're done. We apologize for the poor audio quality on Dan's track for some of this week's podcast. It only lasts through the end of the Autoblog Garage segment, and then we're back to full-fidelity. Getting a show out to you quickly was important to us, so we went with what we had. 23 minutes in is the magic point where the audio clears up. Let us know what you think, drop us a line at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. Thanks to all who have taken the time to fill out our survey; hit the jump to listen or subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast. If you like what we're doing, check out some of our sister blog podcasts like Engadget and Joystiq - you can never have enough listening material!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #137 Autoblog Podcast #137 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance  2010 SMS 460 Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It appears that even while covering Saleen, Inc's warranties and protecting the brand image of his name, Steve Saleen has still found the time to build cars. After launching the 570 Challenger back in January and the 570X Challenger at the New York Auto Show, SMS has released additional renderings and information on its upcoming 460 and 460X Mustang. According to SMS, the car is in its final prototype testing changes and will hit the market some time later this year.
From the look of the CAD illustrations, designer Phil Frank stuck to much of the styling cues that made the original S197 Saleen Mustangs so popular. The front end gets a blacked-out grille with horizontal bars and the SMS logo, a more aggressive front fascia, and a dual-vented hood. Side skirts lead into the diffuser-style rear fascia, and like the Saleen S281, the rear end is elongated and the taillights are recessed, complimented to a spoiler that follows the lines of the car.
Performance upgrades sound like Saleen Mustangs of past as well. The supercharged 4.6-liter V8 produces either 470 or 655 horsepower, and each car gets upgraded brakes and suspension system including a Watts-linkage to help plant the solid rear axle. SMS claims the 460 Mustang will hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds while the 460X should do the deed in four seconds flat. You can view all the details in the press release after the jump, and we've included the two new renderings in the gallery below.
[Source: SMS Supercars]Continue reading SMS Supercars releases new renderings, more details of 460 Mustang SMS Supercars releases new renderings, more details of 460 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, South America 
Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Special Edition - Click above for hi-res image gallery
Adding a vote of confidence to Mexico's struggling auto industry, Volkswagen has announced that it will begin assembly of a new compact car (working title "New Compact Sedan") in the country next year.
The German automaker will invest about $1 billion in the program, with $400 million of the funds directed towards a new assembly line at its plant in Puebla. The facility currently produces Jetta and New Beetle models - in 2008, a record 450,000 units were produced with about 80 percent of the volume exported.
The news follows the report last year, when Volkswagen announced a $1 billion investment in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to begin production of a mid-size sedan for the North American market. With a capacity of 150,000 vehicles, the Chattanooga assembly plant is scheduled to open in 2011.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]REPORT: VW chooses Mexican plant for new compact sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury 
2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan - Click above for high-res gallery
The metric-meisters over at J.D. Power and Associates have announced that they have added yet another automotive study to their arsenal. This time out, JDP has launched its inaugural Vehicle Launch Index, which seeks to measure how new vehicles perform within their first eight months on the market.
J.D. Power says that its VLI integrates such factors as "turn rate, vehicle revenue, dealer gross profit, incentive spend, credit quality and residual value." In addition, the study also makes use of automaker provided figures on model mix, incentive spend, supply levels, as well as utilizing some of the company's other survey results to add vehicle quality and design elements into the results.
So... which model is tops in meeting this balancing act? The 2009 Hyundai Genesis with a score of 689 (out of 1,000 possible points), beating out Ford's F-150 (673) and Volkswagen's Tiguan (663). For reference, the study ranks the industry's average score as 582. At the other end of the spectrum, vehicles like the Toyota Matrix, Dodge Ram, Pontiac Vibe, and Dodge Journey all scored poorly. Check out the full results in the press release after the jump.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: J.D. Power]Continue reading Hyundai Genesis wins inaugural J.D. Power Vehicle Launch Index study Hyundai Genesis wins inaugural J.D. Power Vehicle Launch Index study originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Celebrities, Specialty, MISC 
Bertone Mantide - Click either pic for a high-res image gallery
Following its official unveiling in Shanghai, the Bertone Mantide has begun to make the auto show rounds, beginning with an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where its designer, Jason Castriota, drove the coachbuilt coupe up Lord March's driveway. The next stop on the Mantide's world tour includes a stint at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, where the rebodied Corvette ZR1 will either be shipped or driven to Monterey by the Mantide's owner, a British ex-pat residing in the States.
 Although the video after the jump doesn't reveal exactly who purchased the first of ten Mantides (he's a gentleman racer who owns a substantial car collection that includes a McLaren F1, and has raced in the Ferrari F430 Challenge Series), according to our sources, Jay Leno is potentially in the offing to receive the next production model.
Leno, who attended Goodwood earlier this month, spent a considerable amount of time with Castriota during the event and apparently fell in love with the Mantide. According to reports, Leno would be the fourth or fifth client to put an order in for the re-imagined 'Vette, at a reported cost of around $2 million. Thanks to Bradley Farrell from Kinetic Fin for the update.
Continue reading Jay Leno could be second buyer of Bertone Mantide Jay Leno could be second buyer of Bertone Mantide originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Audi, Luxury  Next-generation Audi A8 teaser - Click above to view in high-res
As we reported last month, the debut of the next-generation Audi A8 is tipped to have been pushed back from its anticipated launch at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show. But that apparently hasn't stopped the German automaker from releasing this veiled teaser photo, giving us a hint of what we can expect from its next flagship sedan.
Peering around Audi development chief Michael Dick, the first thing that can be discerned from this shot is the strip of LED headlights forming an aggressive silhouette through the veil, a design cue that is quickly becoming Audi's trademark. Beyond that, the new A8 appears to cut a more coupe-like form in the mold of the new A5 Sportback, though not quite as extreme, with a steeply raked windshield, lower roofline and gently tapering trailing edge.
The next-gen A8 is expected to carry a wide range of engines, from a 3.0-liter diesel V6 all the way up to a 620 horsepower V10 for the S8 model.
[Source: Autovisie]Veil of Secrecy: Next-generation Audi A8 teased originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Celebrities 
Pinch us. Could it be that our dreams - which, incidentally, we proudly share with Sandra Bullock - of watching Top Gear in High Definition may soon come true? It certainly seems like a real possibility now that BBC America officially launched its HD programming on Monday, July 20 at 6am. Since it can't be seen yet on any cable or satellite service, we're guessing it's still in beta testing.
So far, the British Broadcasting Corporation has chosen to air a brace of science-fiction shows like Torchwood, which apparently was a smart move as it's got people buzzing about the channel's launch on Twitter. Fortunately, it sounds like plenty more is on the way. Says BBC publicity Veep Amy Mulcair:
Everyone's very keen to see [the channel] and we're very keen for them to see it. And we're glad to say there are a number of deals that will be announced imminently.
Naturally, we're hoping those deals bring us Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in stunning HD beamed right into our living rooms. Now, would it be too much to ask for on a schedule that brings us new episodes simultaneously with their British debuts?
[Source: Multichannel]Top Gear coming to America in HD?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Sedan, Ford, Honda
When Honda decided to grow its bread-and-butter Accord sedan in every dimension, it entered into the large car segment. The press has been pretty well split on whether or not that was a good idea, but the car buying public continues to vote favorably with its pocket books.
Ford has had a large car entry since the 2005 model year when it unleashed the Five Hundred to the surprise and delight of just of... well... someone, presumably. After lackluster sales, Ford changed the name of its full-sized sedan to Taurus for 2008, but the end result remained the apathy of car buyers. Ford appears to have finally stepped up its game with the 2010 Taurus, however, as the Blue Oval has decided to take its super sized sedan upmarket, with an elegant interior and an exterior that people will actually notice.
Our friends over at Inside Line have brought the Accord and Taurus together in an epic battle of the big rigs. The Accord has a quality pedigree and the love of the car-buying public, while Ford counters with an upstart Taurus that has become the flagship of a vastly improved lineup. The battle was close, but only one large sedan could end up on top of this comparison. Hit the link below to head over to Inside Line to read the comparison for yourself.
[Source: Inside Line | Image: Scott Jacobs]Inside Line pits Ford Taurus against Honda Accord. Who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Ford  Ford Fiesta crash at Pikes Peak - click above to watch video after the jump
The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is not for the faint of heart. The 12.42 mile, 156 turn course has multiple surfaces, a (nearly) 5,000 foot elevation increase, not to mention dozens of unprotected cliffs that await a driver's slip-up.
We reported earlier that the #5 Ford Fiesta succumbed to the mountain during a practice session on Thursday, with Ford later informing us that the crash had been caused by a misfire and that the damage was repairable.
Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, we now have amateur footage of Andrea Eriksson sliding the Fiesta off course. An alert cameraman caught the mishap on tape, and was kind enough to post it online and share it with us all. Most of the video is post-crash, but if you skip ahead to the end of part two, you can actually watch Eriksson and his co-driver drive away in the car after it gets towed back onto the road. Hit the jump to watch both videos.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Ford Fiesta crashes at Pikes Peak VIDEO: Ford Fiesta crashes at Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet 
2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition - Click above for hi-res image gallery
Today at Comic-Con, General Motors officially announced the 2010 Chevy Camaro Transformers Special Edition. The $995 appearance package can be applied to both Rally Yellow LT (V6) and SS-trim Camaros with or without the optional RS package. So, whadda ya get for the dough? It's very straightforward:
- Autobot insignia fender badges and wheel caps
- An embroidered Autobot insignia on the center console
- Gloss-black rally stripes with Transformers logos
- Transformers-logo doorsill plates
If you were hoping for more, such as the Z/28 fascia and hood or the storm-drain-sized exhaust used on Bumblebee in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, you're outta luck. There are no performance upgrades, either -- you'll simply have to make do with the 304, 400, or 426 horsepower Chevy includes as standard, depending on what base config you select. If you want your own Bumblebee but are turned off by this the whole Transformers-brand-mania thing, you still can order up a regular Rally Yellow car and simply add plain black rally stripes for $470. We'd do that. Check out the official press release after the jump.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading 2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled 2010 Transformers Special Edition Chevy Camaro unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Performance  Formula Drift, Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery
There needs to be a good reason for us to stand in 117-degree heat ingesting particulate rubber and inhaling the tangy stench of tire smoke. An invite to the Las Vegas round of Formula Drift didn't appear to be reason enough, until we realized we didn't have the faintest clue what drifting is really all about. So, with education as our aim we headed into the heat of ten thousands suns to learn what the high-powered slip-n-slide entails. We came away with two findings: one, drifting takes enormous skill; two, drifting isn't a motorsport - it's figure skating. Follow the jump for the story.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Jonathon R. Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer Formula Drift, Las Vegas: A sideways primer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Saab 
2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for image gallery
We've been seeing disguised spy shots of Saab's pivotal new 9-5 sedan for some time now, and we've liked what we've seen, even if we haven't been able to peel back the covers all the way. Well, a spate of scanned images have hit the internet of what appears to be a production-ready example, and we're cautiously graduating our emotions to genuine excitement.
The images, apparently scanned from German magazine Autozeitung by MotiveMag forum user saabspider, depict a handsome sedan with a confident face, an aggressive rearward tapering greenhouse (emphasized by the chrome J-kick trim band), and a short, tapered rear deck that remind us vaguely of Saab 900 sedans of yore.
The interior also looks inviting, maintaining Saab's traditional driver-oriented 'cockpit' feel, with liberal use of glossy black and matte metal accents.
Will the new 9-5 be enough to save the perennially troubled Swedish automaker as it moves toward independence? Check out the gallery below and then let us know what you think in the 'Comments' section.
[Source: MotiveMag forums via Twitter]
Spy Shots: Are you the 2010 Saab 9-5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler 
2009 Dodge Journey R/T - Click above for high-res image gallery
With Cash for Clunkers slated to go live on July 23, every automaker appears primed to grab a piece of the action. Chrysler is no different, and its new "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" incentive program promises up to match the government's $4,500 "Clunkers" incentive for some vehicles.
Taking $9,000 off the MSRP of the vehicle of your choosing sounds fantastic, but of course, the program isn't that easy. First, obviously, you'd need a vehicle that is eligible for the maximum $4,500 allowance under the government's Cash for Clunkers initiative. Then, you'd need to find a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep vehicle that has the maximum $4,500 in incentives. If you can fit both of those criteria, you will receive $9,000 off MSRP. Chrysler is also offering 0% financing for up to 72 months through GMAC as an alternative to cash incentives.
Chrysler's "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" program runs from July 23-August 31. Hit the jump to view Chrysler's press release. Unfortunately, the release doesn't contain any information pertaining to which vehicles are eligible for the full incentive of $4,500.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Chrysler announces "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" promotion Chrysler announces "Double CA$H For Your Old Car" promotion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet 
2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's not unusual for a new car model to have a few glitches early in its production run and the new Chevy Camaro is certainly no exception. With that in mind, the helpful folks at Camaro5 have compiled a handy 68-point check-list for people heading out to their local Chevrolet dealer to pick up their new pony.
The list was generated from real-life problems, with some of the items falling into the annoyance category (#8 "Loose Rocker Panel "Chevrolet" causing it to peel off" and #23 "Correct speedo/tach gauge ring color") to more serious items (#17 "Broken Tranny", #1 "Loose Bolts that hold fluid back causing leaks (ex: on oil pan, tranny fluid)" and #4 "Loose Spoiler/installed correctly"). You can check out the full list after the jump.
[Source: Consumerist]Continue reading Camaro5 provides 68 point checklist when picking up your new Camaro Camaro5 provides 68 point checklist when picking up your new Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style  2009 Art Center Car Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Art Center College of Design has had a profound influence over car design for nearly eighty years. Located in Pasadena, CA, the Art Center has an alumni list that is the who's who of the automotive design world: Chris Bangle, Henrik Fisker, Chip Foose, J Mays, Freeman Thomas, and others. Since 2003, the famous college has opened up its doors to the public for an inside look at the facilities as well as a car show that celebrates the ever-changing shape of the automobile.
The theme for 2009 was "Air, Land & Sea," making for an even more eclectic group of cars that usually gathers on the campus grass. Showers enjoyed everything from a 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen to a 1962 Roth Air Car to an original 1967 Batmobile brought by George Barris. Jay Leno, a faithful entrant to the show, brought out his EcoJet that seems to have become one of his favorite rides. Our thanks go out to Andre Ravinowich, who filled in for the SoCal Autobloggers that were unable to attend. Check out his high-res 50-shot gallery below.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Andrew Ravinowich 2009 Art Center Car Classic, celebrating "Air, Land & Sea" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Coupe, Dodge, Lotus, Alternative Fuel 
Dodge Circuit EV concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
With all of the recent upheaval at Chrysler, it's no surprise that the fate of the very cool Dodge Circuit is not exactly certain. In May, Chrysler assured everyone that the program was not DOA, and Chrylser ENVI president Lou Rhodes recently said something similar to Car and Driver. Rhodes even gave C&D a few details about how the program is shaping up.
Chrysler's plan involves having the vehicle produced by Lotus in the UK (sounds familiar) and then shipped to the U.S. for the electric powertrain. Chrysler's sales target is 100,000 EVs in order to benefit from economies of scale for all the expensive EV bits. By selling that many vehicles, Chrysler's efforts could make the Circuit "tens of thousands" of dollars less than the somewhat similar Tesla Roadster. The Circuit is still likely to be Chrysler's first EV, and could start production next year.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Car and Driver via All Cars Electric]REPORT: Dodge Circuit production hints, possibly coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Hybrid, Alternative Fuel
AutoblogGreen for 07.22.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style 
SV 9 Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery
Reclothing Corvettes with Italian coachwork is a time-honored tradition; one that sadly lapsed for years in between the age of classics and the modern era. But in an industry where old designs and old badges are resurrected with increasing regularity, this is one practice we're glad to see come back. Following such recent examples as Castagna Aznom comes the SV 9 Competizione, a re-skinned C6 Corvette with a touch of Italian flair.
Imagine a cross between an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione - from which this creation clearly draws its inspiration (as well as its name) - and a contemporary Corvette and you're well on your way towards summing up the SV 9 Competizione's design. And while we have some reservations over the front-end styling with its protruding snout, overall, the design strikes an intriguing balance between American muscle and Italian style. And when you consider the price of many contemporary coachbuilt customs, the $99,995 sticker price - including the donor Vette - doesn't seem all that outlandish.
Along with the carbon fiber bodywork, SV has tweaked the interior, fitted a new intake and exhaust for a 14-horsepower boost to 450 and fitted a new set of wheels with Pirelli Pzero Rosso tires, giving the SV 9 Competizione a claimed 0-60 time of four seconds flat, a 12-second quarter-mile sprint, a braking distance from 60 of 107 feet and 1.03g of lateral grip. Not too shabby by any standard. And with configurations based on 25 exterior colors, five interior trims and four wheel choices, SV figures there's no reason any two of the 1,000 units to which production is limited will ever need to turn out the same. We wouldn't mind seeing one up close ourselves; the first example is set to debut in San Francisco this weekend ahead of its unveiling at the local Concorso Italiano next month, but in the meantime you can check out the computer renderings in the gallery below.
[Source: SV via Corvette Blogger]Italian-American Pride: Corvette-based SV 9 Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari 
Inden Design Ferrari F430 Spider - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's a risky game, trying to improve upon a Ferrari. There are a handful of tuners (Edo Competition, Novitec Rosso) that arguably manage to pull it off, and now German tuning house Inden Design is aiming to join the ranks with its own modified F430. Fortunately, they've kept the modifications reasonable, instead of trying to reinvent the wheel and turning an automotive work of art into a rolling atrocity.
Under the hood, Inden Design has only tweaked with the ECU and fitted a new stainless exhaust system - fairly standard mods - yielding a not insignificant 35-horsepower boost to bring total output up to 525 ponies. Sport springs were added behind the multi-spoke 20-inch wheels, while a lip spoiler, side skirts and carbon diffuser round out the aerodynamics.
Meanwhile, Inden has managed to find a few areas inside that weren't already covered in leather and saw to that with judicious application of cowhide. While we're not sure we would have the chutzpah to tinker with a Ferrari, if we were so inclined Inden Design's approach strikes us as a sound. Check out the slick high-res images in the big gallery below and let us know what you think in the comments.
Ferrari F430 Spider by Inden Design takes the low-key approach originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.21.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs 
Workers at French car parts maker New Fabris (its main clients include Renault and Peugeot-Citroen) have voted down immediate plans to explosively send the roof of their plant into the troposphere, as long as talks with aides to Industry Minister Christian Estrosi are in the works. It seems that the workers, part of the CGT union, are demanding higher redundancy payouts as nearly 370 of them have lost their jobs following the collapse of the automotive sector.
Gas canisters had been placed around the factory to facilitate the pending pyrotechnics, but they have since been moved. Christian Paupineau, a delegate of the CGT union, told Reuters that the talks must be forthcoming. "There has to be significant progress. The canisters are being stored and kept under surveillance and they can be re-installed at any time," he added.
The threats to blow up factories is a relatively new tactic for French workers - employees used to vent frustration by taking their managers hostage (aka "bossnappings") until their demands were met. Union representatives are due to meet with the factory workers on Thursday... assuming nobody blows their lid in the meantime.
[Source: Reuters | Image: Alain Jocard/Getty]REPORT: French workers vote against blowing up plant as long as their demands are met originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet 
For many, car-buying is an experience that rates somewhere between pouring a basket of scorpions into your underwear and a visit to the dentist from Marathon Man. Some dealerships feel like hives of villainy more wretched than even the Star Wars Cantina, though being held at gunpoint by Greedo is likely preferable to enduring the overall auto-buying process at one of those retailers. After all, as Han Solo demonstrated, one can actually "deal" with Greedo in a satisfactory manner.
Dealing with anyone in a satisfactory manner was, unfortunately, not in the cards for Washington Post blogger Vijay Ravindran, who probably would have had better luck negotiating a peace treaty with the Rancor monster in Jabba's palace. Ravindran, guest-posting at WaPo's Achenblog, reports that with his nine-year-old Bimmer beginning to feel a little tired, he was ready to make the move to a new car. Now, Ravindran is one of these people who admits that "domestic sports coupe" is not a thought that had ever tickled his synapses before, but the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro's drop-dead looks changed all that. Ravindran started with a nearby dealer that advertised Camaros in the newspaper, and things pretty much tanked from there. He called the dealer, left a voicemail requesting a test drive, and promptly never heard back. Good thing the auto market is so strong right now that dealers can turn away prospective customers so easily.
Ravindran's efforts were similarly futile as he expanded his search to other area Chevy dealers, each of whom appeared to have an aversion to the general concept of getting him into a car. Or responding to his queries at all. The dealer that did finally engage him excelled only at giving him a slimy runaround. Granted, we understand Camaros are hot commodities right now and that they may be hard to get, but Ravindran's story flies directly in the face of GM's post-bankruptcy spin about great dealers, great service, etc. You can read Ravindran's whole tale at Achenblog. As for Vijay Ravindran himself, he's no dummy: he's pretty much given up on his Camaro quest.
[Source: Washington Post's Achenblog via TTAC]WaPo blogger wants to buy Camaro, gets dealer runaround instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.  News reports from Colombia indicate that former racing driver Ricardo "Cichilla" Londoño has been gunned down outside his hotel in San Bernardo del Viento in an apparent drug-related killing this past Saturday.
Londoño is perhaps best known for being Colombia's first official Formula One driver. Starting out on the local scene in 1979, Londono advanced through IMSA, Can Am and Daytona racing before getting his shot at the big time, test driving for the Ensign F1 team at the 1981 Brazilian Grand Prix. He set some good lap times until he collided with Keke Rosberg's Fittipaldi, resulting in the FIA denying Londono a race license and thereby ending his short-lived career in F1.
Sometime after retiring in 1985, Londoño apparently got mixed up in the Colombian drug trade, and the courts seized nearly $10 million of his property in 2000. Local officials are said to be carrying out a search for his assassins, who also gunned down two other unnamed victims, however, none have been found as of yet.
[Source: Latin American Herald Tribune; Image: Columbia Reports]REPORT: Former racer Ricardo Londoño murdered in Colombia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Supercars, Alfa Romeo 
Alfa Rome 8C Spider - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're hoping to get your hands on an Alfa 8C Spider, well... take a number, because really - who doesn't? The open-air version of the highly coveted - and almost universally admired - 8C Competizione, the 8C Spider is a product of pure demand. But with only 500 examples set to be produced and just 35 of those destined for American shores, only a handful of eligible parties will get them. And those Yanks who are lucky enough to do so do will have to pay at least $299,000 for the privilege.
That list price alone - confirmed to Autoblog courtesy of Maserati North America (which is handling the model's distribution) - makes the 8C Spider the most expensive production Alfa ever. But with demand far outstripping supply, you can bet most of them will be trading hands at far higher prices than that - at least in the short term. That's is no mean feat considering present economic conditions.
[Source: Maserati]$300k Alfa 8C Spider the most expensive Alfa Romeo in history? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Honda 
Honda is recalling some of its 2001 model year Accord and Civic models due to excessively pressurized airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that certain airbags in the affected vehicles can deploy so violently that the inflator will rupture. When the bag is deployed, NHTSA says that metal shards from the excessive explosion could act like shrapnel, shoot through the bag and possibly injure vehicle occupants. We're no crash experts, but that sounds like it would hurt a lot.
Owners of affected 2001 Accords and Civics will be able to bring in their vehicle to their local Honda store where the inflator will be replaced free of charge. Honda hasn't yet released a notification schedule or disclosed how many of each model will be recalled, but owners can find out more info by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Hit the jump to read the official NHTSA press release.
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading 2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal 2001 Honda Accord, Civic recalled due to airbags that are even more explosive than normal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Motorsports, Etc. 
Herschel McGriff has been racing since the fifties, winning four NASCAR Cup races in 1954, and doing a few stints at Le Mans as well. In 2002, McGriff set a record for being the most chronologically advanced driver to run in a NASCAR-sanctioned event. Last weekend, he broke his own record.
Piloting a 2003 DEI Chevy, McGriff ran in the Camping West World Series at Portland International Raceway and came in 13th out of 28 drivers. And that's after starting at the back of the pack and a lap down because of a carburetor change after qualifying.
Said McGriff: "I did not want to go out there and flop around." Mission accomplished, Mr. McGriff... and well done at that. If he gets his way, he'll break his record again at the race in Tooele, Utah on August 1.
[Source: News & Observer | Image: McGriff Motorsports]Bucket List: McGriff, 81, reportedly becomes oldest driver to race NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., Europe, Bugatti
Top Gear talks Bugatti speeding ticket - click above to watch video after the jump
ESPN sports columnist Bill Simmons proposed a 72-hour reportage moratorium for the web - that way, news could be vetted before was broadcast to the entire universe. Had that been in effect, the story of Orange County resident Philip Robert Odegard might not have ended up on Top Gear and then upsetting Scottish authorities.
Odegard posted an image of a speeding ticket on his Flickr page. The ticket claimed he was busted doing 210 mph in a Bugatti Veyron in a "65 mph max" zone. Odegard's epic tale made it into the latest episode of Top Gear, where the hosts excitedly talked about the speeding ticket in their news section. Scottish Councillor Mike Raeburn then lambasted Top Gear for refusing "to see the effect this continual reinforcement of the 'speed is good' message has on viewers, particularly younger ones." The head of the Scottish Campaign Against Irresponsible Drivers also had harsh words for Top Gear.
The issue here, however, isn't speeding - it's speciousness. Odegard wasn't busted in a Veyron doing 210. According to some digging done by the O.C. Register, Odegard wasn't busted by the California Highway Patrol at that speeds in any car, let alone a Bugatti. He was clipped in a 2004 Infiniti doing 100. Which is a tale that probably wouldn't have ended up on Top Gear. Somewhere, at the bottom of this, though, it's still all Jeremy Clarkson's fault. You can watch the footage in question after the jump (talk of the ticket comes at around 4:15).
[Sources: Scotsman; O.C. Register; YouTube]Continue reading Top Gear draws fire for 'glorifying' 210 MPH ticket. Only it's a fake. [w/VIDEO] Top Gear draws fire for 'glorifying' 210 MPH ticket. Only it's a fake. [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari  Ferrari Scuderia Gathering - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's a beautiful sight - a Ferrari 430 Scuderia pulls out of a parking lot and onto the street, its 4.3-liter V8 changing from an angry rumble to a screaming stallion at 8500 rpm as it accelerates down the road. Now... multiply that by 22. That was the scene in Southern California this weekend where nearly two dozen Ferrari Scuderia owners (16 430 Scuderias and six Scuderia Spider 16Ms specifically) gathered for a mini car show and drive. Fortunately there were plenty of photographers on hand to capture the event, and one, Andre Ravinowich was kind enough to provide us with a high-res gallery. You can also check out www.speedandmotion.com for additional photos and videos, one of which you can watch after the jump.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Andrew Ravinowich
Continue reading Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO] Ferrari Scuderia owners assemble for Southern California gathering [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities 
When Sandra Bullock married motorcycle builder and former Monster Garage host Jessie James, we were a bit surprised. After all, how many Hollywood mega stars marry glorified mechanics? Now comes news from the California Chronicle that Ms. Bullock is a big Top Gear fan, adding "I love Top Gear. I live for Top Gear." That quote alone instantly makes the successful actress one of the more credible movie-makers in Southern California - well, at least to us.
Bullock reportedly loves TG so much, that she's angling for a spot as a Star in a Reasonably Priced Car, adding "one day I will be on Top Gear, even though the helmet would make me look so bad - and one day I would like to wreck the car in a blaze of glory." If Marky Mark can do it, we're sure Ms. Bullock would be just fine.
Bullock says the reason she loves TG is the show's hosts, and for that reason she says she's glad the U.S. version of the show was a flop before it even started. We never knew we had so much in common with Miss Congeniality. Well, her big break did come in the movie Speed, so she couldn't be too bad, right?
[Source: California Chronicle | Source Image: Johannes Simon/Getty]Sandra Bullock: "I live for Top Gear" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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