Sources
- Autoblog
- AutoMuse
- Cars! Cars! Cars!
- David Leggett's automotive industry blog - from just-auto.com
- GM FastLane
- Grant's Auto Rants
- Jalopnik
- Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched
Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Paris Motor Show, Hyundai
Hyundai ix20 Concept - Click above for high-res image
When it comes to designing an MPV, it's difficult to move beyond the standard two-box form. That's where Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design language comes into play. Penned by the automaker's European R&D studio in Rüsselsheim, Germany and set to debut at Paris Motor Show at the end of the month, the ix20 attempts to add a level of style to the utilitarian MPV segment.
There's no word on an engine or output, but Hyundai says the soiree in Paris will have a heavy focus on the brand's BlueDrive drivetrains, and joining the ix20 on stage will be a refreshed i10 city car, complete with a new 1.0-liter engine. Full details in the press blast after the break.Continue reading Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched
Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20 MPV sketched originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show
Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Lotus
Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
In addition to the pair of Evoras being introduced at this year's Paris Motor Show, Lotus will also be unveiling two front-engine hybrid vehicles, in keeping with the automaker's promise to offer more gasoline/electric sports cars. Edmunds' Green Car Advisor reports that one of these hybrid cars will be a four-door hatchback and the other will be a two-door coupe.
Lotus debuted its hybrid concept earlier this year in the form of the Evora 414E Hybrid (pictured), but unlike the mid-engine concept, the two front-engine models will utilize a 47-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine specifically designed to provide power to electric-drive hybrids.
We'll have the full details direct from the Paris show later this month, so stay tuned.
[Source: Green Car Advisor]Report: Lotus bringing a pair of front-engine hybrids to Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Video: Top Gear USA runs with the bulls
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lamborghini
Top Gear USA runs with the bulls - Click above to see the video after the jump
While everyone and their mother seems to have made Top Gear USA bashing the new national pastime, you might want to take a look at the newest video tease it's just released. While the appeal of the BBC show undoubtedly revolves around the chemistry between its three mismatched hosts, at its core, it's a show about cars. So even if we're not certain the three American hosts can live up to the legacy established by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, perhaps they really don't need to.
Top Gear USA isn't a replacement for the BBC show after all - it's more of a spin-off. And as long as the production values stay high - and from the looks of it, they have - it's just more car pr0n for all of us. Case in point: the video you'll see after the jump. The storyline is fairly straightforward: Round up the baddest Lamborghinis from the corral - Superleggera, Balboni and SuperVeloce - and open them up so we can see what they'll do. Can there possibly be a loser? Maybe the matador. Follow the jump to see the Top Gear USA guys on their run with the bulls. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
[Source: The History Channel via YouTube]Continue reading Video: Top Gear USA runs with the bulls
Video: Top Gear USA runs with the bulls originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Honda
Honda CR-Z Type-F - Click above for high-res image
Nearly one year later, we're still digging the idea behind Meguiar's Wraptivo system. For under $2,000 you can design and have a professional installer wrap your car in vinyl, complete with custom graphics and textures. And to drum up more interest in the program after its debut at last year's SEMA show, Meguiar's has picked up a 2011 Honda CR-Z and enlisted the tuning talents of RJ De Vera and rendering artist Jon Sibal to show what it has planned for the 2010 show.
Naturally, the CR-Z Type-F Concept is focused on the matte black and "carbon fiber" wrap, but the real party pieces are underneath the vinyl.
A supercharger will be fitted to the anemic 1.5-liter four-pot, with a custom exhaust system and a Hondata ECU used to extract maximum power. Accessories from Honda's performance line will join a Tein suspension, HKS components and some Volk TE37 wheels, while the inside will benefit from a pair of Recaro buckets, Alcantara trim and a new shift knob. And while it might be easy to dismiss the Type-F (which apparently stands for "Fun") as a SEMA show queen, Meguiar's plans to enter it in Source Interlink's annual Super Lap Battle the week after the show. Get all the details in the press release after the jump and check out Sibal's high-res rendering above.
[Sources: Jon Sibal, Motorworldhype]Continue reading SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F
SEMA Preview: Wraptivo Honda CR-Z Type-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video]
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ferrari, Toys/Games
Ferrari Driving Academy Trailer - Click above to watch the video after the jump
There are a handful of F1 driving simulators out in the market today, ranging from Codemaster's F1 2010 to the $191,000 Cruden Hexatech simulator. Ferrari has decided to try their hand at their own version called Ferrari Virtual Academy 2010.
The simulation racing game will benefit from much of Ferrari's own expertise in Formula One. The team's engineers were consulted to provide realistic driving dynamics and each of the tracks were digitally recreated with Laser Scan and Motion Capture. Ferrari's current competitor, the F10, is the vehicle of choice, and Fiorano, Mugello and the Nürburgring are the current tracks available. There's no word as to whether historic cars or additional tracks will be offered.
The game will be available for download on September 9 with a price tag of 15 Euros (around $19 USD), although to tantalize potential users, Ferrari has said that there will be "exclusive Scuderia gadgets and further surprises" for the drivers. We don't know what that means, but we can't imagine a Ferrari gadget that we wouldn't like. Need to see more? You can watch the game's official trailer after the jump.
[Source: Ferrari]Continue reading Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video]
Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Kia recalling Soul, Sorento over wiring faults
Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Hatchback, Kia
2010 Kia Soul and 2011 Kia Sorento - Click on either image for high-res gallery
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall on two Kia vehicles - the 2010 Soul and 2011 Sorento - to replace interior lighting wiring harnesses. These faulty units, supplied by JCI, can apparently cause an electrical short resulting in a fire. This recall affects 35,185 vehicles manufactured between September 7, 2009 and July 30, 2010.
In the Soul, the wiring harnesses in question are located in the front doors and control the funky accent illumination in the speakers. The Sorento has similar problems, but these wires power the lighting in both the front and rear door trim panels.
The full recall is expected to begin within the coming weeks and dealers will inspect and fix the faulty wiring harnesses free of charge. Hit the jump for the full information from NHTSA.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 John Neff and Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Kia recalling Soul, Sorento over wiring faults
Kia recalling Soul, Sorento over wiring faults originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Windsor-area police looking to ID car involved in hit-and-run fatality. Can you help? *UPDATE
Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Canada
Police in Windsor, Ontario are attempting to determine the type of vehicle involved in a fatal hit and run recently. Kyle Peters, a 15-year-old, was struck while riding his bicycle on Country Road 34. After being admitted to the hospital in critical condition, Peters died from his injuries the following morning. According to The Toronto Star, Peters was hit somewhere between roads 21 and 37 and was struck at around 9 p.m. A single piece of fiberglass was recovered from the scene, measuring 11 inches by 16 inches.
So far, police have been unable to identify the vehicle that struck Peters. Law enforcement is welcoming any tips related to vehicles with missing pieces of fender in the area. Likewise, police are seeking help identifying the vehicle based on the piece of bodywork as well. Do you recognize the fiberglass piece above? Take your best guess in 'Comments' and be sure to note that anyone with information on the accident can contact the Leamington Police Department via their website. Thanks for the tip, Dan!
*Update: The Toronto Star is reporting that Peter Martens Schmitt, 18, has been arrested in connection with this incident and charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident, criminal negligence causing death and dangerous driving causing death. He was driving an older model Audi.
[Source: The Toronto Star]Windsor-area police looking to ID car involved in hit-and-run fatality. Can you help? *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned
Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Videos, Off-Road, Racing
Bad Habits takes a dive - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Few realms of motorsport live the "Go big or go home" mantra to the fullest quite as well as the monster truck world. Aside from one of the largest voiceovers in the industry ("Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!!"), the guys who wrangle the epic horsepower, rear-wheel steering beasts of the Monster Jam circuit also boast some of the biggest egos. You know, the kind of sheer will of character that it takes to look at Bigfoot's 202-foot, record-setting jump over a jetliner and think, "Nah, I can do better." Such is the case with Joe Sylvester, the 26-year-old driver of the Bad Habits truck.
Sylvester has got it into his mind that he can embarrass the Bigfoot record, and has set about building a truck and a ramp to do just that. Only thing is, things didn't go so swell during a practice session this week. After nailing his homemade ramp, the Bad Habits truck promptly began to turn its nose back toward terra firma, and it wasn't long before the machine evaporated into a cloud of giant tires and red clay. Sylvester was unharmed in the accident and plans to officially attempt to break the record at this weekend's Cornfield 500 at Columbus, PA's Miller Farm. If you can't make it, don't worry - the folks at DirtVision plan a live webcast of this Sunday's attempt.
Either way, we wish Sylvester the best of luck. You may want to do the same after hitting the jump and watching his failed practice attempt for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Shawn!
[Sources: YouTube, Cornfield500, DirtVision]Video: Bad Habits' monster truck world record practice session doesn't go as planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima
Filed under: Sedan, Kia, First Drive
You've Come a Long Way, Baby
2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery
We admit it - we're genetically preprogrammed to be shallow creatures. Despite our moms' best efforts, recognizing inner beauty is all well and good, but it's physical beauty that first puts both people and consumables on our radar.
Exhibit A? The 2011 Kia Optima. You see, while exactly nobody was paying attention, the outgoing Optima actually became a reasonably competitive mid-size sedan. But with the lackluster reputation of its predecessor compounded by styling so banal that it might as well have had "John Doe" as a model designation, the Optima was seemingly forgotten by everyone but fleet managers.
That's not going to be a problem any more.
Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOLContinue reading First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima
First Drive: 2011 Kia Optima originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Next-gen 'smart' headlamps to automatically adjust beams around oncoming traffic?
Filed under: Europe, Japan, Technology
A French company may have come with the next big thing in vehicle lighting. Valeo SA has developed a system called Beamatic Premium that allows drivers to keep their high-beams on at all times while still protecting other drivers from being blinded while driving. The tech uses onboard cameras to track the location of vehicles on the road and automated dousers to shield other drivers from glare. Think of it as the ultimate evolution of adaptive headlamps.
The tech was good enough to win top honors at Equip Auto - an international automotive trade show - in 2009. Now Japan's Ichikoh Industries is looking to manufacture and sell the system to the world's vehicle manufacturers. The company plans to sell two versions, one with HID lamps and another with full LED lighting.
With most luxury vehicles these days packing more cameras than a paparazzi party, it probably wouldn't take too much to integrate the Valeo SA system into existing platforms. The question is, how much is Ichikoh going to charge for all of the extra complicated software and hardware? Thanks for the tip, Kevin.
[Source: Tech On]Next-gen 'smart' headlamps to automatically adjust beams around oncoming traffic? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons
Filed under: Car Buying, Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota
2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Click above for high-res image gallery
Even with the impending launch of the Volt later in the Fall, the Chevrolet Cruze may be the biggest vehicle General Motors will launch in the U.S. this year. The reason is money. The Cruze should make some of it, while the Volt and its pricey development and battery packs likely won't for a long time.
The Cruze looks pretty good to us, but we know that the new sedan will only be successful if it is properly launched and marketed. So how do you best show off a refined interior, 10 standard airbags and more hip- and shoulder-room than the top sellers in the class? Automotive News reports that The General will ask its 3,000 dealers to purchase a Toyota Corolla and a Honda Civic so Bowtie shoppers can compare and contrast the newest Chevrolet against the C-Segment stalwarts from Japan.
Since the Cruze is all-new in the U.S. market and both the Civic and Corolla are a bit long-in-the-tooth, we're thinking the Chevy will win more than its fair share of buyers, but we'd like to see Chevy stores step up to the challenge of the Mazda3, as well. Perhaps the bigger challenge, though, will be to get customers who would traditionally buy a Honda or Toyota to shop at a Chevy store in the first place. GM plans to officially launch the Cruze in late September.
Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Report: GM asks Chevy dealers to buy Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla for Cruze comparisons originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Kia to upgrade 2011 Sorento shock absorbers to soften ride
2011 Kia Sorento SX - Click above for high-res image gallery
Back in March, Kia debuted a new top-shelf version of its most popular vehicle, the Sorento crossover, dubbed the 'SX.' The announcement included word of a redesigned front clip and more equipment, but we were most interested in the SX's lower ride height and Dual Flow Damper shocks, which Kia says deliver sporty handling without undue ride harshness.
As we would discover after spending a week traversing the Midwest's broken roads with a lesser Sorento EX model, that last bit about ride harshness is particularly important, because while the Sorento had a pleasant highway demeanor and tracked well, it was surprisingly stiff and brittle on potholed roads, acquitting itself more like a body-on-frame vehicle than the unibody CUV that it is. Fortunately, Kia noticed this ride quality issue and decided to take the costlier DFD dampers and employ them not just on the new SX model, but across the model's entire range beginning in the fourth quarter. While Kia officials we spoke with at an Atlanta press event this week stopped short of admitting that the Sorento's ride quality has been an issue, they did note that once engineers sampled the DFD setup on the SX, they liked the ride so much they decided to institute the new units on all Sorentos.
During the event, we had a chance to sample a pair of Sorento SX models, and over some of the city's choppy, unkept stretches of pavement, we noticed a markedly less flinty ride, despite the SX model's large and flashy 18-inch alloy wheels. While we'll wait to drive a DFD-equipped Sorento back on the Midwest's mean streets before we give it a clean bill of health, our backsides were encouraged by what they felt, and we're likewise pleased to see Kia taking quick action to address a sore spot on a new model.
How was the rest of the $32,195 SX? Rather accomplished, actually. We like the SX's new lower fascia and grille (though the standard Sorento's a good-looking proposition as well), and the 276-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 felt predictably more capable than the merely adequate 2.4-liter four-cylinder we drove recently. Other SX-specific alterations include LED taillamps and a healthy dollop of chrome inside-and-out. The added flash won't be to everyone's tastes, but it's quite tastefully done and we suspect Kia won't have trouble finding buyers.
That said, if you're merely in the market for a new Sorento LX or EX and you live in an area where the roads are less-than-perfect, might we suggest holding on to your current ride until the fourth quarter-builds trickle into your local dealer?
Kia to upgrade 2011 Sorento shock absorbers to soften ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - 2011 Dodge Durango unveiled
Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Dodge
2011 Dodge Durango - Click above for high-res image gallery
Chrysler has just pulled back the curtain on the 2011 Dodge Durango, and the newest iteration of the Auburn Hills brawler looks to have all of the bones it needs to be competitive in one of the industry's most crowded segments. For next year, the vehicle will ride on a new unibody platform wrapped in freshly-minted sheetmetal. More importantly for those looking to ferry their brood about town, it will also boast a full three rows of seating. Under the hood, buyers can look forward to picking between the company's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or a 5.7-liter V8 with 6,200- and 7,800-pounds of towing capacity, respectively. All-wheel drive is available with both power plants.
Chrysler hasn't provided any fuel-economy estimates just yet.
The interior was worked over by the same gurus responsible for the superb, hide-lined cabins in the Dodge Ram and Jeep Grand Cherokee, and judging by the one teaser photo the company released this morning, it looks like a fine place to whittle away the miles. There look to be a host of smaller, but equally important changes onboard the Durango as well, including an all-new Dodge emblem on the steering wheel. If you were waiting to see what the face of the new Chrysler would look like, search no more. It's here. Look for the Durango to hit dealer lots by late this year.
Hit the jump for the full press blast after checking out our high-res gallery below
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading 2011 Dodge Durango unveiled
2011 Dodge Durango unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Rumormill: Mini Countryman Coupe in the works
Filed under: Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill
2011 Mini Countryman - Click above for high-res image gallery
At first take, it's not easy to accept the 2011 Mini Countryman crossover. We understand. But after our first drive of the pint-sized CUV, it started to make more sense. We're hoping to have similar revelations about a coupe version of the Countryman, which is reportedly being considered within Mini's product development department. That's right - a Mini X6.
Mini is allegedly hot about the idea of doing a Countryman-based coupe after seeing Land Rover debut its Range Rover Evoque, which has a two-door configuration, small proportions and a coupe-like styling theme. Autocar reports that if this project gets the green light, we would more than likely see the Countryman Coupe around 2013 with a four-door layout that ditches conventional rear entryways for a set of suicide doors. On top of that, the coupe would have a shorter rear overhang than the CUV and much shallower side windows. Think lifted, rakish Clubman.
We'll already be seeing a production version of Mini's Coupe concept out on the streets in the near future, but expect the two-door Countryman to be vastly different, similar to the way that a BMW 3 Series coupe and an X6 are wholly opposite vehicles. As a crossover, we've grown to rather like the Countryman, but truth be told, there's a big part of us that's hoping this coupe project simply fades into the depths of the rumormill.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL
[Source: Autocar]Rumormill: Mini Countryman Coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Report: McLaren planning five new models over five years
Filed under: Coupe, Performance
McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery
When we sat down with Antony Sheriff in Pebble Beach, we bombarded McLaren's managing director with a raft of questions about the MP4-12C. Properly geeked on the Ferrari 458-fighter, we asked what else McLaren had planned in its quest to become a sort of full-line sports car purveyor.
Naturally, Sheriff remained mum, but we know based on earlier reports that three core models are in the works, with the MP4-12C out first, followed by either a F1 supercar successor or a Porsche 911 competitor.
Now word comes that McLaren is planning to release one new product each year for the next five years, and it's likely to be a mix of MP4-12C variants and all-new models. It's safe to assume that wealthy privateers are champing at the bit for a club-racing version of the 12C and that would mean a dedicated racer (can you say long-tail?) couldn't be too far off.
[Source: AutoGuide]Report: McLaren planning five new models over five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback
Filed under: Convertible, Budget, China, Europe, Chery
Norster 600R - Click above for high-res image gallery
There were plenty of reasons to love the Austin-Healey Sprite. Besides being super affordable when they debuted, the Sprite was light and capable of out-handling high-dollar sports cars of the era, not to mention the plucky British styling that was unlike anything else on the road. That combination has helped make the Sprite Mk 1 a sought after collectible, but it hasn't inspired anyone to come up with a recreation of the car. Until now. Feast your eyes on the Norster 600R.
This, um, unique creation isn't actually billed as an automobile, slipping instead into the heavy quad classification in the European Union to beat pesky hang ups like crash test and emissions standards. Penned by designers in Finland and built in China, the Norster 600R uses a 580cc two-cylinder engine with a whopping 20 horsepower and 36.8 pound-feet of torque. You aren't going to be taking the checkers at Le Mans with the Chery-sourced powerplant, especially considering the 1,150-pound unladen weight. Of course, the upswing of such a tiny engine is that the Norster can happily put along at around 50 mpg U.S.
At least there's that.
If you've suffered an aneurism recently and find yourself smitten with this multinational mid-engine creation, you can hop over to the Norster site for more information. Thanks for the tip, Tomi!
[Source: Nordian Commerce]Norster 600R is a Finnish designed, Chinese built, British Frogeye throwback originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure
Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Europe, Volkswagen
Volkwagen Amarok with Bimobil camper - Click above for image gallery
If you had your heart set on a Volkswagen Amarok before the company made it clear that the truck wasn't heading to North America, prepare to have your wounds lightly salted. A company by the name of Bimobil has gone through the effort of creating a camper conversion for the handsome pickup. Instead of the drop-in style units that we're used to seeing here in the states, the Bimobil piece actually replaces the Amarok's bed altogether. From what we can tell, owners can easily detach the camper once they get to a suitable location in the event they have to go to town for important supplies. You know, like beer. Or a snake-bite kit.
Our Google Translator isn't much help in discerning exactly how much Bimobil is asking for the swank digs, nor what other special features the camper boasts. Even so, we're thinking that there are few better ways to vacation than from the back of a pickup. Besides, how awesome does this thing look? If you happen to speak German, you can head over to Bimobil's website and dream a little dream of mobile living. Otherwise, content yourself by having a look at our gallery below.
[Source: Bimobil via German Car Blog]Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - AutoblogGreen for 09.02.10
Official: Volt production begins November 11
As predicted, so it is.
Epic fail? Mitsubishi i-MiEV gets it charge from diesel generator during cross-Canada tour
It's almost like EVs need to recharge now and again.
Chevrolet Volt will not be eligible for HOV-lane access until mid-2012
Tough restrictions are tough for a reason.Other news:
AutoblogGreen for 09.02.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat
Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Subaru
Subaru FT-86 RWD coupe spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've read many reports lately having to do with Toyota's FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe, but we mustn't forget that Subaru will be getting its own version of this new two-door - it is a joint venture, after all. Our spies have captured this obviously Subaru-bodied mule out testing in Death Valley, showing that things are still on track for the "Toyobaru" to come to market in the near future.
Details are still very slim on what Subaru's version of the FT-86 will offer, and contrary to the brand's image, the new coupe may not be available with all-wheel drive. If that's the case, Subaru will have to offer a lot more in the way of styling (and perhaps power) to differentiate it from its Toyota sister. This latest prototype has sprouted a hood scoop not seen on earlier test cars, suggesting that a top-mount intercooler could be underhood, though it's also possible that this is just the result of some WRX/STI parts being used for camouflage purposes.
Toyota is expected to launch its version of the FT-86 in November of 2011, so keep your fingers crossed for Subaru's version to drop around the same time. For now, see a glimpse of what's to come in our high-res gallery of spy shots below.
[Source: KGP Photography]Spy Shots: Subaru testing its version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" coupe in the Death Valley heat originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - By The Numbers - August 2010: The C4C hangover continues
Filed under: By the Numbers
Luxury marques gain ground while volume brands suffer
Just like any spending spree, there are consequences. And for the second straight month, the automakers that benefited most from Cash For Clunkers have seen their sales figures fall through the floor compared to August of last year. The program officially ended August 24, 2009, and if you take a look at the chart below, the brands with inexpensive, fuel efficient rides suffered the most last month.
On the upside, luxury marques like Cadillac, Jaguar, Porsche, Infiniti and Acura were going gangbusters compared to August of 2009, which could be further proof that America's high-rollers are either confident the recession is over or - more likely - were less affected by the downturn than us peons. No matter. When it's bust for some, it's boom for others, and this month's sales figures speak for themselves.
Brand Vol. % August 2010 August 2009 DSR %* August 2010 August 2009 Cadillac 83.08 12,689 6,931 90.40 508 267 Buick 65.98 14,294 8,612 72.62 572 331 Jaguar 61.60 1,414 875 68.06 57 34 Porsche 33.16 2,032 1,526 38.48 81 59 Infiniti 21.93 9,428 7,732 26.81 377 297 Acura 19.83 11,534 9,625 24.63 461 370 Jeep 16.63 25,706 22,041 21.29 1,028 848 Audi 13.96 9,182 8,057 18.52 367 310 GMC 12.27 25,986 23,145 16.77 1,039 890 Land Rover 11.33 2,544 2,285 15.79 102 88 Mercedes-Benz 10.02 18,826 17,112 14.42 753 658 Lincoln 9.43 6,428 5,874 13.81 257 226 Dodge 7.56 35,364 32,878 11.86 1,415 1,265 Ram 4.67 20,604 19,684 8.86 824 757 BMW 1.60 19,540 19,232 5.67 782 740 Chrysler -3.66 17,937 18,619 0.19 717 716 Volkswagen -7.93 22,855 24,823 -4.25 914 955 Ford -10.74 144,035 161,369 -7.17 5,761 6,207 Hyundai -11.35 53,603 60,467 -7.81 2,144 2,326 Mini -13.42 4,425 5,111 -9.96 177 197 Lexus -14.97 19,465 22,892 -11.57 779 880 Kia -19.24 32,465 40,198 -16.01 1,299 1,546 Chevrolet -21.52 131,952 168,130 -18.38 5,278 6,467 Mercury -22.47 7,040 9,080 -19.37 282 349 Subaru -22.47 22,239 28,683 -19.36 890 1,103 Mazda -25.63 19,739 26,542 -22.66 790 1,021 Nissan -30.93 67,399 97,580 -28.17 2,696 3,753 Honda -35.98 97,195 151,814 -33.42 3,888 5,839 Toyota -36.24 128,923 202,196 -33.69 5,157 7,777 Mitsubishi -36.99 4,293 6,813 -36.99 172 273 Saab -40.08 290 484 -37.69 12 19 Suzuki -68.18 1,830 5,751 -66.91 73 221 Smart -72.38 448 1,622 -71.27 18 62 (Hummer) -73.62 205 777 -72.56 8 30 (Saturn) -99.49 43 8,479 -99.47 2 326 (Pontiac) -99.98 7 29,921 -99.98 0 1,151 Volvo n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Companies Jaguar Land Rover 25.25 3,958 3,160 30.26 158 122 Chrysler Group 6.85 99,611 93,222 11.13 3,984 3,585 BMW Group -1.55 23,965 24,343 2.39 959 936 General Motors (Core) -10.59 184,921 206,818 -7.01 7,397 7,955 Ford Motor Company -10.67 157,503 176,323 -7.10 6,300 6,782 General Motors -24.87 185,176 246,479 -21.87 7,407 9,480 Nissan North America -27.05 76,827 105,312 -24.13 3,073 4,050 American Honda -32.65 108,729 161,439 -29.96 4,349 6,209 Toyota Mo Co -34.08 148,388 225,088 -31.44 5,936 8,657
Note: Volvo hasn't released monthly sales figures yet, so when the Swede's new owners at Geely get their act together and send out the numbers, we'll update the chart.
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 25 selling days in August 2010 versus 26 selling days in August 2009, so the change in monthly sales volume will be different than the change average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company.By The Numbers - August 2010: The C4C hangover continues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Our man Golding has a go at the Leaf.
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Clever new 'flow' ad for the Mini Countryman. Closest I've got to the new BMiniW so far.
- Copy? IPR infringement? That's flattery squire...
The broad subject of car copies, 'Frankencars', technology rip-offs and intellectual property theft and rights infringements generally in China has been done to death before (not that that means it has gone away, of course).
Over there they are pretty adept and quick at a bit of snazzy reverse engineering (to a certain level, anyway) that can turn a Yaris into a much cheaper Florid. There's a cultural thing that allegedly means they see it as a form of flattery and they are collectively moving away from that anyway now etc, etc. The blatant copies are overwhelmingly sold in China so the international fuss is limited - and international OEMs have been caught in a tricky position, politically. Upset powerful people in China or turn a blind eye as long as it's fully understood that the model stays for sale only in China?
Anyway, I did just come across this website with links to reports that do some interesting car-by-car comparisons, including pictures.
- 'Messi engine'
I am not alone in the just-auto/Aroq office in being fascinated by the often bizarre and eyebrow raising things that go on in the world of football (soccer if you're American) - on and off the pitch.
And the crazy world of the high-end footballer never ceases to amaze. Whether its mysteriously crashing your Ferrari (Mr C Ronaldo), getting lairy for the paparazzi outside a London nightclub at 2am (too many takers to mention though Ledley King springs to mind), these young guys with their wealth and adulation give us something to talk about even before they kick a ball.
Product and brand endorsements? I guess a certain David Beckham provides the model to follow. Designer brand associations are the holy grail. Get a few of them and more will come a knockin' - but don't overdo it in developing your prestige personal brand over a number of years.
I have just come across something a little incongruous while on Chery Auto's website. I remember seeing something about FIFA World Player of the Year Llionel Messi during the World Cup. Oh yes, he's a brand ambassador for Chery Auto. I'm not having a pop but it's not exactly Porsche or Bentley is it? I would guess he might attract some training ground banter with that particular brand endorsement.
Messi, who once represented Adidas, Pepsi and other world-famous brands, chose Chery, the release says, because of its 'huge brand potential and unlimited development prospect'. Messi said that he was lucky to be the ambassador of Chery and he was much honoured that Chery named its T-series engine which used many world leading technologies as "Messi Engine."
Woah - so there is even a Chery engine named after him! Even the Beckham brand has not managed that one, as far as I know. I just hope Mr Messi drives a Chery - an electric QQ perhaps, please let it be so - to the Nou Camp on match days and tells his curious team mates as he parks it up that a) it is the future, China is becoming a force in the auto industry don't you know, and b) it's a lot cheaper to run and kinder to the environment than their blingy gas guzzlers.
- 'Straddling bus'
Just when you think you have pretty much seen and heard everything on the problems of and solutions to chronic road congestion in urban areas...
There's something called the 'straddling bus' concept in China that is apparently being seriously proposed over there.
It looks like a cross between a RoRo ferry, catamaran, tram and a bendy bus on steroids. The promotional video is well worth a look. Is it serious? They do have appalling traffic congestion in Chinese cities - vehicle parc growing all the time with 10% pa GDP growth and a humungous auto industry now present - and air pollution is something they are very concerned about.
Maybe it could work on selective busy dual carriageways, no turning for cars. Can't quite see it on the Euston Road.
Would you drive under one? Watch the video and try and keep a straight face.
- Peugeot's 3008 HYbrid4 'plug-in'
It will be interesting to see how the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 - a diesel hybrid - does in the market next year. But wait until 2012 and the 'plug-in' version of the same car is planned for introduction. Peugeot says that the plug-in 3008 HYbrid4 will return 141 miles per gallon (British mpgs I think, or 2 litres/100km) and average just 50g/CO2. I wonder what the range on a fully charged battery will be...
PARIS PREVIEW: PSA to debut world's first diesel hybrid production car
- Language of Tolstoy
I've spent a large proportion of this week trying to get through to a certain Russian car company with varying degrees of success.
A large part of the calls have been attempting to talk to the media relations department, but the operator doesn't speak English and I don't speak Russian.
A quick bash at Google language tools comes up with a romanised version of media as 'sredstva massovoi informatsii.' The only bit of that I could understand was informatsii, so I repeated this several times in what my colleagues said was becoming an increasing attempt at a Russian accent.
In fact, kind souls that they are, they insisted I was sounding like the Russian meerkat from the UK's sensationally successful TV ad for car insurance that has been running for quite some time.
Now Russian is the language of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, et al and a beautiful-sounding language at that, so far be it from me to ruin it. Needless to say, all I got for my 'informatsii' effort, was a 'niet, Russki,' response.
It's late Friday afternoon before a UK bank holiday - US Labor Day - on Monday - so I'll just continue the meerkat theme a bit longer.
Andrey Arshavin is a mighty fine footballer for Arsenal in London, but his team-mates have decided to nickname him 'meerkat' for his Russian accent - a fact the UK's redoubtable The Sun newspaper couldn't resist picking up.
Whereas your average English footballer is fluent in at least three languages - although English doesn't appear to be one of them.
- Life after GM...
There's a heart-warming tale from Kalamazoo, Michigan, on what happened when GM closed a plant there.
The former GM site is now a business park that houses 13 companies and hundreds of employees, in stark contrast to more than 75 manufacturing plants across North America that remain idle since Detroit's Big Three automakers began shuttering operations in 1980.
Kaiser Aluminum has invested more than $100 million in the Kalamazoo plant where 150 workers are now turning out parts for the aerospace, defense and other industries; Seneca Medical Inc. set up a distribution centre for medical and surgical supplies inside the old factory while it builds a new facility on 10 acres it acquired on the campus; numerous smaller companies have leased space; and Candlewood Suites opened a new 95-unit hotel on the site last autumn.
"When General Motors closed the plant in 1999, we had a potential white elephant on our hands," recalled Ron Kitchens, CEO of Southwest Michigan First, the regional economic development agency. "Instead, we viewed it as prime real estate midway between Detroit and Chicago and we moved quickly to capitalise on the opportunity. It's since risen like a phoenix from the ashes."
Southwest Michigan First worked closely with Los Angeles-based Hackman Capital Partners and public and private partners to transform the dilapidated 2.2 million-square-foot facility and the 340 acres surrounding into a business park. The new owners invested about $30 million to revamp the massive building, splitting it into two buildings with a truck bay between them, and giving it new lighting, paint and landscaping for better commercial appeal.
Now dubbed Midlink Business Park, the site is bustling with activity with the two buildings about 80% occupied and bulldozers clearing the site for Seneca Medical's new 80,000-square-foot distribution facility. Midlink President David Smith says the park is currently targeting manufacturers that would benefit from being in a Michigan tax-free Renaissance Zone, as well as retailers, restaurants and others to support the cadre of new businesses that now call the old GM plant home.
- Moscow supremacy
From Jaguar comes the XJ Sentinel - which as its name suggests is a fairly tough cookie that is sure to be a hit with those who feel they might be the target of some pretty robust characters.
Unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show the Sentinel looks like it could cope with just anything anyone so-minded could throw at it - and that includes Jaguar itself - which seems to have had some fun trying to blow its own car up.
Talk of Moscow reminds me of my last visit around two years ago, when the Russian capital's notoriously gridlocked streets were as vivid a reminder as anything of the country's rapid embrace of all things western - it took almost as long to get to the hotel as it did to fly from London.
And many moons ago I was also on a trip to Moscow with the guide book sternly warning us that under no circumstances were we to get in unlicensed cabs, i.e. private cars. Instead we had to seek out the city's - apparently - plentiful yellow taxis.
Well, that was the guide book. There appeared to be almost zero yellow taxis around during the whole time we were there and so in desperation, we would flag down passing Ladas. They all seemed to be Ladas.
This went swimmingly until one dark evening my German colleague and I - she already highly nervous about the whole procedure - hailed yet another mud-caked Lada.
After a lot of pointing and gesticulating as to our address, we lurched off on what seemed a completely random route only for the leather coated and cap-clad driver - chain smoking for Russia - to screech to a halt and reach into his glove compartment.
The same thought occurred to both of us that we were about to be robbed at gunpoint but instead, our driver extracted a delicate chamois and proceeded to wipe the outside of his grimy window with an attention to detail we hadn't thought possible.
The guide book was wrong on this case - the Lada drivers we encountered were more than helpful - and apart from inhaling CO2-busting amounts of nicotine from them - got us safely to our destination.
However, for anyone wanting an action-packed view of Moscow through the eyes of some pretty good drivers, have a look at The Bourne Supremacy car chase and some of the best driving around. In one of those yellow cabs too.
- Cable car
My ongoing battle with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (still not a snappy title) has entered a new phase, having watched our local television news here in the UK's Midlands region yesterday (24 August).
There on the screen was the new British business secretary touring - among other automotive sites - a test track near Warwick to meet apprentices and engineers from Aston Martin and Jaguar.
BBC Midlands ran a piece highlighting Cable's jaunt to the region, which appeared to include the Liberal Democrat business secretary enjoying some er, most un-Liberal like supercar driving in Aston Martin and Jaguar vehicles.
OK, Jaguar's hybrid car is called the 'Limo Green,' so maybe that'll assuage the more traditional wing of his party.
And the visit came hot on the heels of the business department chief's fairly tough comments on the UK industry recently, which weren't exactly highlighted when I attended his subsequent speech later that morning at the Toyota plant.
A call to Cable's DBIS office elicited the following: "We only invited regional media and The Sun newspaper yesterday."
The Sun is a mighty successful redtop in the UK but seems a bit of an odd choice to single out.
Just to prove I'm not bitter about The Sun, I suggested to DBIS we interview Dr Cable - as I believe he's also known.
I've yet to hear back. And we're in the regions.
- No small beer for Italdesign
This is an interesting ad featuring a Roman taxi driver and highlighting the clever people at Italdesign Giugiaro in Turin.
It's actually for Corona Extra beer but its star attraction is the extraordinary Italdesign Quaranta prototype based on the 1968 Bizzrrina Manta.
Quite apart from referencing every Italian cliché in the book - pasta, Italian man still with mama, Italian man gesturing wildly and making sure his hair looks good - the car itself is absolutely stunning.
The ad itself is actually pretty good though - the Roman backdrop firmly associates the core brand with luxury and heritage - although would anyone know it's Italdesign behind the motor?
And it ends with a humorous shot of the cabbie getting in a taxi himself having - presumably - had to give the Quaranta back.
Should Corona decide to expand the concept maybe they could do a UK ad with a London cabbie driving through a pea-soup fog, past rows of bowler-hatted, umbrella-carrying city folk walking across Westminster Bridge.
Come to think of it, Corona and Italdesign could take the concept around the world - supercar versions of the black cab/2CV/Zil limo/Chevvy etc?
- Learning to ride the Prancing Horse
It seems Ferrari has had a spate of incidents with its rather swift 458 Italia brand.
Three fires - plus one unfortunate incident when a 458 was involved in a London Heathrow storage blaze - have got the good folk at Ferrari scratching their heads.
There have also been a reported number of accidents - although that is maybe more common than thought with new supercars - this is a very fast motor car and anyone not experienced at handling it might well have a few teething problems.
Interestingly, Ferrari often runs courses at several sites around the world to teach new customers just how to handle models such as the 599 GTO.
Anyone considering parting with what is a fair amount of cash for a Ferrari, might well give some thought to going on one.
- It'd be quicker to wok
Next time you happen to be stuck in a queue, spare a thought for the residents of Beijing, who have apparently just had to endure a nine-day traffic jam.
Motorists were caught up in an extraordinary 100km logjam that wasn't exactly helped by road works and broken-down cars on the Beijing-Tibet road.
China's phenomenal economic growth is all very well but consumers are going to start falling out of love with cars if they're constantly crawling or at a standstill.
However, one of the reasons for China's huge economic success is its resourceful population.
It appears local residents along the highway were offering noodles at four times the usual price to hungry truck drivers.
It's an ill wind...
- Not dead, just sleeping
Classic British cars - which ones need reviving?
The Daily Telegraph opines.
- Carnage on the roads
I have looked into road death stats before and the aggregate numbers are undeniably scary.
Tens of thousands being killed on the roads annually in Western Europe (30,000-40,000 sticks in the mind - I think a broadly similar figure for the USA) is undeniably a big headline number and not to be casually dismissed.
And I obviously applaud the efforts of all those charged with getting accident rates and casualties down. The fact that - in Europe - accident rates vary so much by country suggests that there are things that can be done to improve safety, so there's no room for complacency or simply shrugging the shoulders. Car design, safety technology, highway construction/layout, street 'furniture', rules of the road and driver education - especially for the inexperienced kids - all have roles to play.
That said, a degree of perspective is needed. The physical transportation of people and goods will never be entirely risk free. More people die from other things and you face an assortment of varying risks to your continued health from a multitude of sources from the moment you step outside your front door in the morning. You'd be pretty unlucky to be struck by lightning or a meteorite, but if you ride a motorcycle you have perhaps significantly increased your chances of spinning off your mortal coil. And drunk pedestrians are also dramatically shortening their odds of getting into a spot of serious bother while attempting to cross the road.
With respect to road death stats though, a bit of granularity and detail can perhaps be helpful to establishing the causes of accidents, addressing those and also arriving at a reliable assesment of risk for different road users. This blog on Autocar caught my eye...
- Detroit dinosaurs not dead
Remember those 1980s photos of UAW officials banning imports from UAW car parks and encouraging the public to take a sledgehammer to a Datsun?
Thought such dinosaur union attitudes were over?
Think again...
- Blame 'cab' on the French
Ever wondered why a London 'cab' is called that? The answer is in this entertaining photo gallery.
Interesting that a black cab ride is the goal of many UK visitors, if the Daily Telegraph is right.
The latest TX taxi is still in production, too, both here in the UK and now in China.
- Big ambitions
This from a programme in the UK called Dragons Den, which although I've hardly seen, colleagues assure me is a runaway success.
Two chaps - Gary and Faizal - presented their tiny car wheeze to the Dragons - who appear to have come down particularly harshly on the duo maintaining there's no specific business plan.
Looking at the cars, I can't imagine anyone driving them without frankly, attracting incredulous looks from passers-by or hoots of derision.
They remind me of Sir Clive Sinclair's C5 idea in the 1980s that attracted some of the worst press in years.
Apparently Gary and Faizal bought Peel Engineering, which makes the world's smallest working car.
Good luck with the idea lads, but do you genuinely think there will be a massive uptake for the midget motor?
- Brits shoot abroad
It's sad, I know, but on occasions the PVR remote with its fast forward button is just too far out of reach - usually because the toddler has 'relocated' it - I amuse myself by watching the teev ads and trying to guess where they were filmed.
Certainly, most of the car ads, and many of those for other products and services, look like they were filmed far, far away where the sun always shines, seas always sparkle to the horizon, roads are always clear and houses are mostly timber-clad bungalows. With the aid of computers, the producers add in familiar UK street furniture, such as red [pillar] post boxes, but these are now so rare here it's not very convincing.
Today, we learned of yet another foreign shoot, this one for the upcoming new Nissan Micra, which we will now get imported from Thailand rather than shipped down from Sunderland. This article says the car is 'UK spec' but the car looks left hand drive with a registration plate that might pass for French. But, as funny plates and left hookers do show up in UK car advertising, this article may nonetheless be correct.
Why all the overseas shoots and the less than convincing post-shoot digital doctoring? If you're in the biz and you know, answers on a post card please.
- Land Rover's Judge Dredd 'City-Cab'
I have always taken a bit of interest in the vehicles that play significant supporting roles in movies or TV programmes.
The interest is heightened when the car is maybe a pre-production prototype or teaser for the market (BMW Z3 in James Bond Golden Eye and the Caddy CTS in the chase scene in The Matrix Reloaded spring to mind). But there have been some wonderful concepts too – especially on vehicles set in the 'future' (anyone recall the MPV in Blade Runner, Johnny Cab in Total Recall or the rather magnificently styled Lexus in Minority Report?).
And if movies are sufficiently mediocre – not the ones mentioned above, I hasten to add – it may well be that the concept car is about the best thing in it and the only thing to stick in the mind. Which brings me to the Land Rover 'City-Cab' in the not very memorable Judge Dredd (made in 1995 and starring Sylvester Stallone). I was, however, reminded of the impressively styled Land Rover concept by a press release today that says you can see it and other Land Rovers that have been in movies at this year’s LANDROVERmax! Event held at Stoneleigh Park from 28th to 30th August.
The release says that no fewer than 31 examples were made for the film (that seems like a high number), which was set in 2139. Featuring an all-new body design, bodies were made from glass-fibre and were built by Land Rover – on the Land Rover 101 FC (Forward Control) running gear.
Visit the website www.landrovermax.com for further info on that event.
I also found this interesting background on the 101 FC. Right, back to the day job...
- Photo of the Day: Chevy El Camino
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On Sunday, I left New York City and flew to Cleveland where the #140Conf Road Trip originated and where I joined Alan Weinkrantz and Mo Krochmal, who are also part of the #140conf Road Trip team. Special thanks to Buick, Kodak, Doubletree Hotels, Sprint, Glaseau and Waav for their support and sponsorship of this journey through [...] - Jeff Pulver?s #140conf Roadtrip: Day 2 Recap
Yesterday, we mentioned Jeff Pulver?s road trip through the Midwest to drum up awareness of the #140conf, which is coming to Detroit in October. On Sunday, Pulver and his Buick Enclave (Buick is the lead sponsor of the Detroit #140conf) rolled into Cincinnati, visiting startups like Share this Voice and venture accelerators The Brandery, while still [...] - Following Jeff Pulver?s #140conf Roadtrip from Cleveland to Detroit
By Christopher Barger Director, Global Social Media, General Motors We all have heard the hype and all the talk about the social web (or real-time web, or web 2.0, or whatever you want to call it), and the opportunities it presents to connect people with each other, people with brands, etc. But at GM, we?ve always found [...] - Sounds Good!
Our friends at Chevrolet put together this awesome video that showcases the fit and finish of the 2011 Chevy Cruze. We thought it was so cool that we wanted to share it here on FastLane. The video uses audio test footage that was captured in a soundproof anechoic chamber during development of the Cruze. The video [...] - Gulf Oil Spill Strengthens Focus on Alternative Fuels
By Candace S. Wheeler, Ph.D. GM Technical Fellow As I watched the events affecting our nation?s coastline, my resolve is stronger than ever – we must focus our efforts on alternative fuels. We need change and choices for energy independence and that?s the focus of the team that I?m proud to work with at GM. While we know [...] - GM Customer Service Tops on Twitter
By Scott Lawson GM Director of Customer and Relationship Services We?ve been called a lot of things – on-line customer service agents, social media sleuths, cyber detectives… and now, we?ve been called good at what we do. Valeria Maltoni, a top social media influencer and speaker with 20,000 followers, says GM is one of the top customer [...] - Photo of the Day: 1959 Cadillac Eldorado
Today?s photo comes from sjb4photos. Be sure to look at all of sjb4photos’ photos and our other albums. And if you would like to recommend your favorite photo with a GM car or truck in it, put it up on Flickr and tag it with ?gmfyi.” - Webchat: Learn About Building the Engine for Your Next Corvette
Sports car fans around the world were pleasantly surprised by the unique Chevrolet program, which was recently announced allowing customers of the ZR1 or Z06 to actually build the power plants to go into their car. Now’s your chance to chat with skilled Corvette engine builder John Ross, the Performance Build Center (PBC) area manager [...]
- Im Memoriam -- Phill Hill
Born Phillip Toll Hill, Jr. on April 20th, 1927 in Miami, FL. Phill Hill was raised in Santa Monica, CA where he would reside his entire life. As the sole US-born race driver ever to win the coveted Formula One... - "Equillibriance"
The time value of money (i.e. that a dollar today is worth more than the promise of the same dollar at some point in the future) is one of the most important and fundamental principles of economics. As a society,... - Horse(power) Wars
By any measure, animals and roadways have never had a particularly good relationship. Aside from breaking up their natural habitats and delivering hordes of gun-toting hunters directly to their doorstep, the highway has become an outright death-trap to many a... - People's Service for the People's Car
Volkswagen has recently announced that they will begin offering a free scheduled service program starting with their upcoming Tiguan model. The program is not limited to just their new pint-sized SUV however, and will apply to all of the 2009... - Ding...You are now free to move about the cashier's office
For anyone who has experienced it, the new boarding process at Southwest airlines seems more like a bizarre study in sociology than the time-saving seat selection protocol it was no-doubt designed to be. What was likely perceived as a clever... - Loud Pipes Save Lives?
This de facto motto that Harley-Davidson had adopted is more than just a tag line. In all likelihood, there is probably as much truth and substance to it as there was to that temporary campaign they once used specifically to... - Things that make you say "hmm" - NAIAS 2008
All of us have at one time or another slid on a pair of our favorite jeans only to find an errant sock or pair of underwear balled up in a pant leg completely throwing off an otherwise comfy fit... - New Year's Resolution
If you traveled at all this past holiday season, it is an unfortunate certainty that you likely ran into some delays or other transportation-related problems somewhere along the way. To be fair, the holidays are an extreme and will burden... - Customer service with a side of 5 Series.
Every so often you come across a product that is a real game-changer. These are the items that are executed so well that competitors can actually thrive just by emulating them and offering an inferior copy. It seems that just... - Year end clearance...
Well, the holiday season is officially upon us. This is the time of year when people are thinking about travel plans, trendy gifts and dropping temperatures. One thing noticeably off that list is the purchase of a new (or used)...
- Your Car's Headers Are Uglier [Engine Porn]These are the exhaust headers of Ferrari’s 1966–69 Formula One car, the 312. Due to Ferrari’s focus on Le Mans, it wasn’t a particularly good car: it won 3 races out of 52. Like we care. More »
- Mariner Energy Oil Rig Explosion: First Photo [Oilpocalypse]Here's one of the first photos of the Mariner Energy oil rig explosion from earlier today, showing the rig burning in the distance. No one was killed, but authorities report seeing a one-mile long oil sheen near the site. [CultureMap] More »
- Top Gear's James May Claims He's The Stig [Top Gear]Ben Collins? Who's he? James May is really The Stig. [Telegraph] More »
- From Canada To Mexico On One Tank of Diesel [I Feel Gassy]Craig Henderson drove from Blaine, Washington to the Mexican border — a distance of 1,478 miles — without stopping to refuel. He burned 12.4 gallons for a record-breaking 119.1 mpg in a car he originally designed in 1984. More »
- World-Record Monster Truck Practice Jump Foiled By Gravity [Monster Truck]Joe Sylvester, 26, wants to break the 202-foot long jump record for monster trucks set by Bigfoot in 1999. On Tuesday, he took a practice jump of half the distance, but generated about twice the altitude he needed. Gravity sucks. More »
- Identify This Chunk of Fiberglass, Help Catch A Killer [JaloPSA]Kyle Peters was killed riding his bike Tuesday when a vehicle struck the Canadian teenager. The driver fled, leaving behind only this 11" x 16" piece of black fiberglass. If you know what it is, leave a comment below. UPDATE! More »
- God I Love the Germans [Retro]Here is six minutes of glorious Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft, back from the days when it was nothing but an epic battle between BMW E30 M3’s and Mercedes–Benz 190 E 2.3-16’s. More »
- DropTop Customs Developing Dodge Challenger RT Convertible [Tuner Cars]Mopar fans aching for your own convertible muscle car, DropTop Customs is creating a Dodge Challenger RT Convertible. Other than open-air tire smoke baths, it's got structural reinforcements, a new fascia, hood scoop, and probable power improvements. [Zercustoms] More »
- Another Gulf Oil Rig Explosion This Morning [Oilpocalypse]Another Gulf of Mexico oil rig exploded today, injuring one. It's unclear if this one's leaking. More »
- Wheels Stolen Off Detroit Mayor's Security Car [Car Crime]Mayor Dave Bing's shaking things up in Detroit by actually making progress fixing things that're broken. Unfortunately that didn't stop the wheels being stolen from his security detail's vehicle last night. D'oh! [Freep] Photo credit PSFK More »
- Rahm Emanuel: "Fuck the UAW" [Emissions]Rahm Emanuel, former Democratic congressman and President Obama's chief of staff, gave the UAW the Gettelfinger during the GM and Chrysler rescue debate, according to former auto czar Steve Rattner's new book. This could get messy. Especially because there's more. More »
![Click here to read Rahm Emanuel: "Fuck the UAW"](http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/09/160x120_uaw_5.jpg "Click here to read Rahm Emanuel: "Fuck the UAW"")
- What's The Coolest Car Name? [Question Of The Day]What's in a name? Juliet thinks a rose by any other name would still smell fairly nice, but Shakespeare's tragedy says otherwise. She dies because of her name. It's important, especially in the automotive realm. What's the coolest car name? More »
- Ten Totally Bogus 90s Cars [Answers Of The Day]Some cars are only bearable through the prism of nostalgia, but according to you rad dudes and dudettes these ten cars still seem totally bogus two decades later. More »
- 2012 Honda Civic Looks Less Beige In Leather [Spy Photos]The Honda Civic, America's most trusted automotive appliance, is getting a makeover for 2012 and here's the first leather-wrapped glimpse. Kinda bland from what we can see. Hopefully they've got a more interesting Si model under development. [WorldCarFans] More »
- This Is Dodge's New Logo [New Cars]If you've been reading Jalopnik, today's newly-unveiled logo for Dodge won't surprise you. Last month we showed you our rendering of a new Dodge logo based on reports from our sources. As you can see, we were right. More »
- Why GM's IPO Sales Pitch Begins The Day After The Election [Inside 8 Mile]General Motors won't start the hard sell of its shares to investors, called a "road show," until Nov. 3, one day after mid-term elections, and the actual IPO now expected Nov. 18. Why? Politics, of course. More »
- 2011 Dodge Durango: Three Rows And A Hemi [New Cars]The 2011 Dodge Durango adds a third row of seats for Chrysler's third attempt at making a competitive mid-size SUV not named Jeep. More »
- Romeo, Romeo, Wherefore Art Thou Alfa Romeo? [Car Porn]If you've ever played Circuit de Catalunya in Forza 3, just imagine doing the same in a real, well-worn Alfa. Glorious. [formfreu] More »
- Nebraska Car Collector Busted For Avoiding Tax on 150 Cars [Car Crime]A Nebraska car collector has been charged with avoiding sales taxes on 150 vehicles in his private collection. Nebraska State Troopers say Mark Pieloch, 52, will turn himself in on one felony charge of tax evasion. [ConcoursBlog.com] More »
- For $4,900, Get a Buick Fit for a King, a Very Quick King [Nice Price Or Crack Pipe]For '83 alone, Buick took a break from the Grand Nationals to make the T-Type. As today's Nice Price or Crack Pipe turbo Regal proves, that's almost as grand, but will this car's price fit you to a T-Type? More »
- Get Some Jalopnik In Your Facebook [Cult Of Cars]Your friends are probably already following Jalopnik on Facebook and sharing the best Jalopnik stories with their friends. So why aren't you? Get some Jalopnik in your Facebook today! More »
- Ford Auto Sales For August Down 11% [Auto Sales]Ford, current 'merican automotive media darling, saw sales drop 11% in August. At least they did better than Toyota! More »
- Commenter Of The Day: LAN Party Edition [Commenter Of The Day]When I was in college I had a newish Vaio desktop (with a 1-gig AMD! OMG!) and a Sony monitor and was fairly happy with myself. It was kind of purplish, but awesome. When my The University of Texas at Austin dormmate Eddie installed Counter Strike on it I suddenly had less time to study or try to get dates. Between the two of us, I had the vastly superior computer setup and therefore I'd sometimes find him playing at my desk. No biggie. If he'd share his ill-gotten beer I could certainly share my computer. He even asked if he could borrow it for a LAN party on Friday night. I said sure, not knowing exactly what he was talking about. I nearly ruined my date when I came home, not alone, on Saturday night with a ladyfriend only to discover the computer was gone. Had I been robbed? No. The computer was just in the lobby, as confirmed by a phone call, leaving me with a dorm room all to myself for a different kind of party — one that involved girls. So when we said the Austin F1 track looked like a bong and Chairman Kaga disagreed we can, at least, confirm his tale of Austin's long relationships with gaming. More »
- New Top Gear USA Clip Shows Trio Racing Lamborghinis [Top Gear USA]This just-released new video from Top Gear USA shows us a different side of the hosts from what was seen in the first trailer. Here the threesome displays a little less hugging and a little more profanity. More »
- Camaro Kicks Mustangs 5.0-Engined Ass In August [Car Sales]Camaro retakes sales lead from Mustang in August. [Camaro5] More »
- Car Magically Racks Up 724 Miles In Airport Parking [LOLCars]New Yorkers Mimi and Ulrich Gunthart came home to find their car, parked at Kennedy Airport's AviStar Parking, put on 724 miles. When confronted, AviStar officials "found nothing out of the ordinary." The couple says they'll park there again. [CBSNewYork] More »
- "So I Poured More Gas In My Engine Bay" [Garage Of Horror]Welcome back to Garage of Horror, where we share your worst wheeled experiences. Today's installment asks the classic question: Is this damn car trying to kill me? Or am I trying to get myself killed? More »
![Click here to read "So I Poured More Gas In My Engine Bay"](http://cache-04.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/09/160x120_s-10_2.jpg "Click here to read "So I Poured More Gas In My Engine Bay"")
- EPA Helps You Identify Awesome Cars [I Feel Gassy]The EPA's released a list grading current cars by the new fuel economy window sticker standard. We've cut it down to some cars you might actually want. More »
- This Woman Crashed Into A House, Then Turned Into A Moron [Car Crazies]This is 20-year-old Floridian Kristin Ashley Butcher. She allegedly crashed her Nissan into the front of a house, backed out, drove home, called the cops and claimed the car had been stolen, then returned damaged. They didn't believe her either. More »
- America's Ambulances Upgrade For XL-Sized Patients [Emergency Vehicles]A swelling count of patients weighing more than 400 pounds have forced paramedics across the United States to beef up their ambulances. The new stretchers can carry 1,600 lbs., about what a Euro-version Smart car weighs. More »
- Hurricane Earl As Seen From The Space Station [Spacelopnik]The astronauts in the International Space Station have the best (and safest) view of Hurricane Earl as its 125 mph winds spin toward the Outer Banks of North Carolina and onward to New England. Photo Credit: NASA/Douglas Wheelock More »
- NASCAR: Born From Cheaters [Nascar]Oh my goodness, the National Association Of Stock Car Auto Racing (as opposed to the national association of stock car boat racing) is full of cheaters! Stone-cold cheatin' to victory in every race, ever. America expects better from former moonshiners. More »
- Ford GS Boss 5.0 315 Ute: Grass Growing Increasingly Greener Down Under [El Caminos]Australia's Ford Performance Vehicles has chucked the Ford Falcon GS Ute's 5.4-liter V8 for the Mustang's 5.0-liter V8 plus a 1.9-liter supercharger to create the Ford GS Boss 5.0 315 Ute. 428-hp, 402 lb-ft of torque, all forbidden fruit. [Pickuptrucks] More »
- Fiat-Based Jeep Teased In Cheesy Web Video [Spy Photos]When Fiat bought Chrysler, Jeep's future was murky. Would we see Panda-based Wranglers? This terrible web video shows off a compact Jeep probably on Fiat's C-Evo platform. Better change the tagline to "The things the Italians make, make us." Updated More »
- GM Trademarks "Stingray" Name [Exclusive]In May, GM filed a trademark application for the word "STINGRAY" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for use on "Motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles." Is Chevy transforming the Corvette into a real split-window Stingray for the seventh generation? More »
![Click here to read GM Trademarks "Stingray" Name](http://cache-02.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/09/160x120_corvette_stingray_rear.jpg "Click here to read GM Trademarks "Stingray" Name")
- "Senna" Trailer Promises Epic Documentary Of The Racing Legend [Motorsports]This Japanese trailer delivers our first look at the Ayrton Senna biopic "Senna." The film chronicles the life of the three-time world champion racer and is due out sometime this fall. We cannot wait. More »
![Click here to read "Senna" Trailer Promises Epic Documentary Of The Racing Legend](http://cache-03.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12/2010/09/160x120_senna_2.jpg "Click here to read "Senna" Trailer Promises Epic Documentary Of The Racing Legend")
- Join Jalopnik On Facebook, Win a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Hat [Contest]Want to win a Dale Jr. number 88 hat? We'll randomly select a winner from the commenters on the "Nascar Hat" thread on our official Jalopnik Facebook fan page. Details below. More »
- Ferrari Makes 458 Italia Recall Official [Car-B-Que]Ferrari confirms it's recalling the 458 Italia, to perform the fix we reported first yesterday. More »
- What's The Worst Car Of The 1990s? [Question Of The Day]The 1990s were mostly an awesome decade with bitchin' cars. Unfortunately, some lameness crept still crept in. What's the worst car of the 1990s? More »
- The Ten Most Bitchin' Cars Of The '90s [Answers Of The Day]When it comes to the 1990s, our readers apparently weren't Clueless about their favorites cars, offering more than 1,000 responses. Reality Bites, so we had to narrow it down to these ten most bitchin' cars of the '90s. More »
