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| VIDEO: Chevy dealer training film from the Eighties makes you wonder how GM sold any cars back then
August 21, 2009 at 9:00 pm
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| Filed under: Car Buying, Videos, Chevrolet, Humor  1989 Chevrolet Celebrity Dealer Training Video - click above to watch the video
Yesterday we got to look (and LAUGH) at the Robocop-inspired goofiness of some late-Eighties Ford dealer training videos. Ha ha ha! But, you just know that given the chance, General Motors will up the both the corn and cheese factors by several hundred percent. Case in point, the 1989 dealer training film for the Chevrolet Celebrity. Here's the premise: A very successful CEO (the one in the killer pants) takes his young, just out of MBA school new hire golfing in his Chevy Celebrity. Which gives you some key insight into how mentally deranged General Motors could be two decades ago. Like, why not put a successful CEO-type in a Cadillac or an Oldsmobile -- even a Buick?
Anywho, the junior exec asks the CEO, "Don't you think it's, well, too conservative?" To which Mr. Silly Pants scolds, "Too conservative? My boy, in the financial business it's hard to get too conservative." But he then calls the Celebrity "as modern as they come" before bragging about its performance.
Once on the links, they meet up with a total stranger that happens to be a hardcore Ford Taurus hating Chevrolet Celebrity fan. Then big boss man and the perfect Chevy stranger take turns dissing on the young guy's 1976 Plymouth Fury. And then there's the twist at the end, featuring a Eurosport Celebrity. Its Eurosportiest feature? A heavy duty battery. And we haven't even mentioned the amazing, six-and-a-half minute guitar solo laden 1987 Camaro training video. You are going to want to watch both, after the jump. A hearty tip of the tam o'shanter to Daniel and Michael.
Continue reading VIDEO: Chevy dealer training film from the Eighties makes you wonder how GM sold any cars back then VIDEO: Chevy dealer training film from the Eighties makes you wonder how GM sold any cars back then originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey
August 21, 2009 at 8:28 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Mercedes-Benz  Mercedes-Benz SLC AMG Convertible - Click above for a high-res gallery
With the Frankfurt Motor Show right around the corner, Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on its 565-hp, 6.3-liter AMG SLC supercar. A North American media event is likely scheduled for next month, and lo-and-behold, when we stepped out of the Intercontinental Hotel in Monterey, CA yesterday morning, four mildly camouflaged SLS prototypes were waiting outside.
According to one of our insiders, the M-B crew will be holding a press event in and around the Monterey peninsula (undoubtedly with track time at Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca), and the engineers on hand were scouting roads and drive routes ahead of the September shindig.
Although we've seen countless spy shots of the SLS over the last year, this was our first opportunity to see Merc's newest supercar up close, along with the upcoming convertible variant that's likely to be revealed along with the coupe in Germany, or shortly thereafter.
In person, the SLS' dimensions are nearly perfect, with its elongated hood and squat rear end coming off as far more subdued that its McMerc predecessor. Two things to note in the gallery below: first, the Aston-esque door handles are mounted directly in the middle of the doors, which seems like an odd choice considering there's no apparent reason not to install the units below the window on the SLS' strong beltline. Secondly, the convertible variant features a cloth top, although the vinyl camo appears to have a non-functioning zipper that follows the line of the gullwing coupe's doors. We're assuming the camouflage was just adapted to fit the convertible or perhaps it was a bit of visual trickery employed to throw off would-be spy photogs, but it still struck us as strange. Regardless, enjoy the images below and check out the massive carbon ceramic brakes complete with gold Brembo calipers.
Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLC convertible caught in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.21.09
August 21, 2009 at 8:20 pm
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.21.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: eniCycle is balanced minimalism
August 21, 2009 at 8:00 pm
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| Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games, Motorcycle, Specialty 
eniCycle Electric Unicycle - Click above to watch video after the jump
We've seen a few motorized unicycles in the past, but inventor Aleksander Polutnik may have come up with the simplest, most environmentally version to date. His gyrotastic gadget was created so he could hang with his traditional unicycling girlfriend (that's hot), but it may have enough functionality to justify future production.
The uni-bike contains a gyroscope that gauges balance 100 times per second, which apparently makes the bike surprisingly easy to operate. Polutnik states that the eniCycle takes only about 30 minutes to learn how to operate proficiently. To go forward, the operator needs only to lean forward. To slow down or stop, simply lean back. Moving left and right is accomplished by pressing down on the left or right foot rest.
The eniCycle has a 1,000-watt battery mated to a wheel-mounted electric motor, which is capable of propelling the one-wheeled bike at a max speed of 10 mph. The Gadget Show says the eniCycle is capable of running for three hours, making the range 30 miles, but the eniCycle website states that the contraption can only run for 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). Production is scheduled to begin some time this summer, and you'll have to contact Polutnik to reserve your own. Hit the jump to watch a video of the eniCycle in all its one-wheeled glory.
[Source: PDD Net]Continue reading VIDEO: eniCycle is balanced minimalism VIDEO: eniCycle is balanced minimalism originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| We need to get out more: National Geographic picks the World's Greatest Scenic Routes
August 21, 2009 at 7:41 pm
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| Filed under: Etc.
To anyone who says that nature lovers can't be driving enthusiasts, National Geographic has something to tell you, but it isn't "take a hike" - it's "take a drive." The society's Traveler magazine has just released a new list of their favorite driving roads in the world, and the rundown has itching to trade the information superhighway for the plain ol' highway.
Naturally, the National Geographic Traveler "Drives of a Lifetime" list is comprised mostly of roads in the United States, from California's Pacific Coast Highway to New York's Hudson River Valley and everywhere in between. But if you feel like venturing a little further north, Traveler's highlighted some choice routes through the Canadian Rockies all the way to the Cabot Trail in the Maritime provinces, and they've thrown in some island and European destinations for good measure.
So pack the car, use up that vacation time and follow the link to check out the full list. Outraged that you're favorite scenic switchback didn't make the list? Add your submissions in the comments section below.
[Source: National Geographic]We need to get out more: National Geographic picks the World's Greatest Scenic Routes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
August 21, 2009 at 7:19 pm
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| Filed under: Autoline on Autoblog THE CLUNKERS PROGRAM EXCEEDED EVERYONE'S EXPECTATIONS
 Despite a lot of skepticism from industry analysts, the "Cash for Clunkers" program exceeded just about everyone's expectations. It brought in new customers, cleaned out a lot of old inventory, and started putting auto workers back to work.
A lot of critics, me included, thought this was just a government giveaway that really wouldn't have much effect. And while there's no question it was a giveaway, it did meet the goals of the program: to help reduce America's dependence on oil and stimulate the economy.
Most impressively, dealers tell me that the Clunkers program brought in customers they had never seen before. They were people who would not normally buy a new car. The only reason they came into the showrooms shopping for new cars was because of the cash they could get for their clunkers. And the dealers are pretty sure they'll never see most of them ever again.
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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________ Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Alonso to move to Ferrari for 2010
August 21, 2009 at 6:58 pm
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| Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Rumormill 
While not exactly confirmed, it seems that past rumors of a switch for Formula One driver Fernando Alonso from his current partnership with Renault to Ferrari still have legs. In an offhand remark made during an interview with BBC Sport, McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh indicated he expects the Fernando to Ferrari deal to take place at the end of the current season. Such a move could potentially trigger a number of driver changes for 2010.
We've heard plenty of reports that current Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen will retire from F1 at the end of 2009, possibly making a switch to the World Rally Championship as a driver for the Fiat rally team. If that's true, expect Alonso to join Felipe Massa - who is currently recovering from a serious head injury - as drivers for the Scuderia.
For Ferrari's part, an unnamed spokesperson tells the BBC, "Things can happen and not happen. But you cannot talk about any Fernando-Ferrari move. We have two drivers with a contract until the end of 2010. We are not under pressure to change anything." Despite Ferrari's assertion, we'll be a bit surprised if Alonso's not wearing red next year.
[Source: BBC Sport | Photo: ph-stop - CC 2.0]REPORT: Alonso to move to Ferrari for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Volkswagen recalls 13,500 DSG-equipped 2009-2010 models over sensor problem
August 21, 2009 at 6:28 pm
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Anybody who bought a Volkswagen in North America in the past year with a DSG gearbox will want to keep an eye on their mailbox in the coming weeks for a note from the home office in Herndon, Virginia. It seems there is an issue with a temperature sensor in the dual clutch transmission. Problematic sensors can give erroneous readings that cause warning lamps in the cluster to turn on or send the transmission into neutral.
The quick-shifting DSG is a popular option in the Jetta sedan, Sportwagen, GTI and Eos convertible. A total of 13,500 cars built between September 2008 and August 2009 are being brought in for inspection and possible repair. You can check out the complete VW press release after the jump.
[Source: Volkswagen]Continue reading Volkswagen recalls 13,500 DSG-equipped 2009-2010 models over sensor problem Volkswagen recalls 13,500 DSG-equipped 2009-2010 models over sensor problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Hurst unveils signature color combo on Series 4 Challenger
August 21, 2009 at 5:57 pm
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| Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Dodge  Hurst Silver and Black Series 4 Challenger - Click above for a high-res image gallery
We happen to love the gold theme on the Hurst Challenger, whether paired with black or white paint, but we could see why not everyone would want something so...gold. Apparently Hurst felt the same way, and has announced that customers can now choose a silver and black paint scheme with red trim, coinciding with the company's traditional colors.
The cars, all of which come with a unique production number and certificate of authenticity from Hurst, feature a red anodized pistol grip shifter, 20-inch forged wheels with graphite gray painted spoke inserts, red perforated leather inserts and stitching, and Hurst logos on the dash, grille, wheel caps, floor mats, and on the front fenders. The Performance Series cars also come standard with Eibach suspension upgrades, a Magnaflow exhaust system, BFGoodrich KDW tires, and an optional Vortech supercharger. Hit the jump for Hurst's press release and get your visual appetite sated by checking out the gallery below.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Hurst Performance Vehicles]Continue reading Hurst unveils signature color combo on Series 4 Challenger Hurst unveils signature color combo on Series 4 Challenger originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Summer Sales Boom: J.D. Power predicts August sales will jump to 1.1 million units
August 21, 2009 at 5:28 pm
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| Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials 
2009 has been a sales disaster for the automotive world, as industry figures have dropped to the lowest levels in three decades. Cash for Clunkers has been a boon for the otherwise poor year, though, as hundreds of thousands of Americans have traded in their old cars for new, more fuel efficient metal.
J.D. Power has analyzed sales data from 10,000 dealers over the first two weeks of August, and the industry research powerhouse feels the program will boost August sales to 1.1 million units. Even better, their analysts have informed The Associated Press that the bulk of those sales will come from retail customers, with total sales of over 1 million units. If Power is right, August sales would rise 2% over August 2008, making it the first year-over-year monthly sales bump in two years.
Power reportedly feels so good about the effects of the popular program that it has lifted its 2009 sales forecast to 10.3 million sales, up 300,000 units from its April projections. The research firm does feel that C4C has pulled ahead some sales, however, so it is downgrading its 2010 forecast to 11.5 million units from a previous estimate of 11.6 million.
The Cash for Clunkers program ends Monday at 8 pm.
[Source: MLive | Image: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty]Summer Sales Boom: J.D. Power predicts August sales will jump to 1.1 million units originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Christian Von Koenigsegg talks about the future of Saab
August 21, 2009 at 5:00 pm
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| Filed under: Videos, Saab 
Interview with Christian Von Koenigsegg - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Fun fact: Sweden has more innovations per capita than any other nation on earth. Well, that's what Koenigsegg CEO Christian Von Koenigsegg says in a an interview posted on YouTube. Koenigsegg is going to need a lot of innovation and a bit of luck with its forthcoming purchase of Saab, as the Swedish automaker has been an albatross around the neck of General Motors since the day Detroit purchased the company.
In the interview, which is posted after the jump, Koenigsegg points out that Koenigsegg supercar manufacturers is only a small part of a larger, global organization. The company also has the backing of the Swedish government, which gives the group the financial backing to add Saab's much larger operations. Also discussed are new products, which includes the new Saab 9-5, which Koenigsegg feels is a great product, and several other new products he wouldn't discuss.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Christian Von Koenigsegg talks about the future of Saab VIDEO: Christian Von Koenigsegg talks about the future of Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S.
August 21, 2009 at 4:29 pm
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| Filed under: Wagon, MINI  Mini Rally Edition Clubman S - Click above for image gallery
If you're into the Mini Clubman but would like to get something a bit more unique, the pint-sized automaker has something for you. Mini site Motoring File is reporting that the brand is building 70 USA-bound Rally Edition Clubman S models. That's 70 in total, or enough for just one Rally Edition Clubman S per U.S. Mini dealership.
The Rally Edition Clubman will feature a midnight black monotone paint job with silver racing stripes and matching black JCW aero kit. The Rally Edition Clubman also sets itself apart with hot-looking 17-inch black wheels and a roof rack. The special rally edition model will also receive "Rally Green" side mirror caps that pop, at least in the presumably Photoshopped pic above, when contrasted with the black paint. The Rally Edition Clubman S looks pretty damn good, and MINI knows it. Add up all those features and the exclusivity that comes with a limited production run, and you get an MSRP of $32,999.
[Source: Motoring File]MINI to offer exclusive Rally Edition Clubman S in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| First Test: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launch control
August 21, 2009 at 4:00 pm
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| Filed under: Performance, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, First Drive 
Aside from the addition of the Grand Sport model, the biggest upgrade to the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette lineup is arguably the addition of launch control. The Corvette is by no means the first sports car to get launch control, but judging from our first impression of it this week, it may well be the best system out there.
Unlike a certain Japanese competitor, General Motors' Corvette chief Tadge Juechter made it eminently clear this week that use of the car's launch control will in no way kill your warranty. In fact, he explained that while a highly skilled driver could potentially beat the launch control system by a bit, the vast majority of drivers will find themselves getting of the line much more quickly and with markedly better consistency. Let's take a look at how the system works after the jump.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Test: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launch control First Test: 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Jim Press leaving Chrysler by year's end
August 21, 2009 at 3:27 pm
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| Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Fiat  According to The Wall Street Journal Jim Press, the Chrysler Group LLC Deputy Chief Executive and sole surviving member of pre-bailout/bankruptcy Chrysler will be resigning his post by the end of November. The WSJ quotes three anonymous people close to the plan. When reached for comment, Press only stated, "I don't think anything has been released about management changes." If true, Press's departure will leave Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne without any former-Chrysler advisers -- which may not be such a bad thing considering recent offerings like the Sebring, Journey and Caliber.
Still, one has to question the wisdom of losing a salty North American market insider like Jim Press, who spent 37 years at Toyota. Especially since Press was in the trenches when the Japanese automaker went from screwball import in the Sixties to the largest automaker in the world just a few decades later - a trick that Fiat would no doubt like to emulate.
Press was hired by Chrysler's former masters, Cerberus Capital Management LP, in 2007. His ToMoCo experience was supposed to help right Chrysler's boat, but it had too many holes in the hull from the apparent abuses inflicted by former "equal" Daimler. After a year on the job, Press found Chrysler on the brink of bankruptcy, and a few months later, they went under. If this report is true, it will be a sad chapter in an otherwise stellar career. Stay tuned.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]REPORT: Jim Press leaving Chrysler by year's end originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| eBay Find of the Day: Return of the Pontiac Fieroboat!
August 21, 2009 at 2:58 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Etc., Pontiac, Specialty  The Fieroboat - Click above for high-res image gallery
Presented today for your bidding pleasure: the one-and-only Fieroboat, as previously highlighted on these pages. Since its last appearance on the internet's largest flea market, the Pontiac-that-wasn't has apparently received a much needed coat of paint - wouldn't want the any salty water leaving rust on this pristine floating Fiero, now would we? An antenna-mounted American flag completes the external visual updates, but the dashboard has seen some much-needed fettling as well.
The Fieroboat isn't running at the moment and seems to be missing its original 2.5-liter Iron Duke boat anchor four-banger, but the seller has faith that its outboard motor can be resurrected to die another day with little more than a new fuel pump and filter. Plus, it reportedly floats just fine and comes with a handy-dandy trailer to get it from Point A to Point B. See it in all its glory in our gallery below.
[Source: eBay]eBay Find of the Day: Return of the Pontiac Fieroboat! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Spy Shots: Are you the 2011 Hyundai Sonata?
August 21, 2009 at 2:28 pm
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| Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea 
Latest 2011 Hyundai Sonata Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
What you're gawking at appear to be the first undisguised images of Hyundai's forthcoming Sonata sedan caught by the folks at Hyundai Blog during what appears to be a photo shoot (check out the interior cutaway above), likely in its home market of Korea (check out the badging on the decklid).
If only in looks and not in price, the 2011 Sonata appears to be making a concerted move for the premium end of the midsize swimming pool, what with its more rakish roofline and expressive design. We've heard for some time that the Sonata was to gain a four-door coupe profile and more assertive fascias front and rear, and these dark, grainy photos cinch those details for us, although the car's aesthetics don't appear to be so radical as to be off-putting or even terribly divisive. Without looking too hard, we can see little bits of various competitors in the model's design, but overall the Sonata still manages to look quite fresh.
We'll have to wait until we see the car in the metal for ourselves to pass judgment (or at least get a gander at a few higher-quality photographs - especially a dead-on profile), but thus far, we continued to be encouraged why what we see. Check out the not-so-high-res images in the small gallery below.
[Source: Hyundai Blog]Spy Shots: Are you the 2011 Hyundai Sonata? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| More Forza Motorsport 3 screen shots and new video, just because
August 21, 2009 at 1:58 pm
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| Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games  Forza 3 Screen Shots from Gamecom - Click above for high-res image gallery
While we don't have much interest in what's going on at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany this week, we do appreciate that it's cause enough for Turn 10 Studios to release 25 new screen shots and a video from the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3 video game. There's not really a theme to the cars featured - they range from a 1993 Ford SVT Cobra R to the 2008 Lamborghini Reventon - but we could really care less. It mostly just makes us want to put Forza 2 back in the XBox to try and whittle down some lap times and mess with suspension tuning in preparation for when F3 hits stores in October. Hit the jump for the video or check out the gallery below featuring a Skyline GT-R V-Spec, an A4 Touring Car, the Rahal Letterman Racing M3 and more.
[Source: Forza Motorsport]Continue reading More Forza Motorsport 3 screen shots and new video, just because More Forza Motorsport 3 screen shots and new video, just because originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Aston Martin One-77: The justification's in the details
August 21, 2009 at 1:30 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Aston Martin, Luxury  Aston Martin One-77 at Galpin Motors - Click above for high-res image gallery
£1.25 million. That's Brit-speak for $1,800,000, give or take. A staggering amount of money. More than a Bugatti Veyron, more than a Lamborghini Reventón. Quite simply the most expensive new car, well, ever. Er, well, it would have been if not for the $2.2 million Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport. And for what? Before last night, we would have said nearly two million smackeroos gets you a widened DB9 with a large 7.3-liter V-12. Yes, there will be only seventy-seven hand built Aston Martin One-77s made, but so what? That's just way too much lucre, filthy or otherwise.
Aston Martin was good enough to invite us down to a post-Pebble Beach showing of its new hypercar in the impressive vault room at Los Angeles' Galpin Motors. Curtains circled the display, the car was draped with a cloth and many of the city's wealthiest citizens (most had previously purchased an Aston Martin from Galpin) enjoyed gratis cocktails mit snacks.
Before the covers came off they fired up and then revved the engine. Whoa. This was different. This was something special. The massive motor rapidly climbed through the range not like a normal big-bore V12, but more like an F1 car. Totally impressive. Finally the big Aston was revealed, and you know, it was still a nice looking car, but massively overpriced. And then they popped the hood.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Aston Martin One-77: The justification's in the details Aston Martin One-77: The justification's in the details originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the five-door sports car evolved
August 21, 2009 at 12:55 pm
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| Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Mazda, First Drive  2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's easy to dismiss Mazda's "zoom-zoom" tagline as insufferable marketing frippery. Unlike other automakers who relentlessly cling to past motorsport achievements or well-worn brand imagery, with Mazda, there's an overwhelming sense that its U.S. arm is made up of tried-and-true enthusiasts who put a premium on driver involvement and revel in their status as The Little Guy.
It's very grassroots. And it shows.
Each of Mazda's products - from the divine MX-5 to the oft-overlooked CX-7 - embodies everything we want in a vehicle, regardless of size, capacity or utility. They just deliver. Steering, handling, balance - it's all there. And like every other automaker, we know they occasionally leave something on the table, but it never comes at the expense of the car/driver connection. Here's even more evidence: the 2010 Mazdaspeed3.
All photos copyright Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs Inc.
Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the five-door sports car evolved First Drive: 2010 Mazdaspeed3, the five-door sports car evolved originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Mini debuts first roadside assistance app for iPhones [w/VIDEO]
August 21, 2009 at 12:30 pm
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| Filed under: Technology, MINI  OnStar is soooo 2007. Rather than building some kind of old school cell phone telematics system into its cars, Mini is going the hip, modern route for roadside assistance. Mini USA has collaborated with insurance company Allstate to create an Apple iPhone app (also available for some GPS-equipped Blackberries) for owners to automatically call for roadside assistance. When you install the app, you put in your vehicle ID number and select a photo of your car if you want.
The next time you realize that the trip computer's range estimate was a bit optimistic and you fall short of a petrol station, or you leave the lights on or hear that familiar thump-thump of a flat tire, just pull out your iPhone. Open the app, select the service you need and Allstate will immediately dispatch help to the coordinates provided by the phone's GPS system.
Of course, if you forgot to plug in your phone last night... well, two strikes and you're out. There's no word yet on whether the app can use the phone's accelerometer to detect the excess deceleration associated with an impact and call 911 for you, but that would be a neat trick. Check out the video demo and the official press release after the jump.
[Source: Mini USA]Continue reading Mini debuts first roadside assistance app for iPhones [w/VIDEO] Mini debuts first roadside assistance app for iPhones [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Dale Earnhardt lives on... as 305-foot roller coaster at Kings Dominion?! [w/VIDEO]
August 21, 2009 at 11:58 am
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| Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Celebrities 
Let's see The New York Times ignore this! Next Spring, Kings Dominion amusement park in Virginia will be introducing an all-new giga-coaster not only named "The Intimidator" after the late, impossibly great stock car king, but featuring cars designed after Dale Sr's signature black Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
We're not entirely sure what a "giga-coaster" is either, but we'll go out on a limb and assume it's bigger than a regular roller coaster. A lot bigger. How giga? How about a 305-foot main drop? Exactly, dang. Not only that, but lucky riders will be hurled through time and/or space at speeds over 90 mph. Which for a coaster is very, very fast. Oh, and that whole thing about the NYT ignoring Earnhardt's death? 100% false. And if you'd like to watch a teaser virtual video of the Intimidator coaster in action, make the jump where you'll not only find the footage, but the official press release as well.
[Source: intimidator305.com]
Continue reading Dale Earnhardt lives on... as 305-foot roller coaster at Kings Dominion?! [w/VIDEO] Dale Earnhardt lives on... as 305-foot roller coaster at Kings Dominion?! [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Selling cars on eBay starts off slow for GM
August 21, 2009 at 11:29 am
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| Filed under: Car Buying, Auctions, GM 
General Motors is hoping to get a sales boost by selling its vehicles on eBay, but so far the General's newest tactic to move metal hasn't generated much in the way of sales. The pilot program, which is currently only running at 225 California dealerships, has reportedly generated just 45 sales through nine days. Dealers have so far posted over 16,000 vehicles on the site.
While sales have been slow thus far, interest has been healthy. eBay says there have been 630,000 visits to the GM site and 960,000 searches of listed vehicles. One dealer told Automotive News that while he had only sold one vehicle on eBay, others have seen the vehicles on the auction site and gone to the dealership to purchase in person. That makes sense, considering the fact that not everybody is comfortable spending $20-30K on a new car sight unseen.
GM must at least happy with amount of foot eyeball traffic to its eBay site, though customers may not be finding the deals they were looking for. Auto research site Edmunds crunched some numbers and figured that the average Buy It Now price is actually 2 percent higher on eBay than it is in many parts of California. Automotive News couldn't find evidence indicating that any customers had purchased a vehicle using the Buy It Now option. That may explain why sales have been slow through only nine days, as most auctions last a total of seven days. GM's eBay pilot ends on September 8th.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]REPORT: Selling cars on eBay starts off slow for GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top
August 21, 2009 at 10:58 am
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| Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, MINI, Smart, Toyota  IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.
Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.
It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Pics Aplenty: Tesla unloads new set of Model S driving shots
August 21, 2009 at 10:27 am
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| Filed under: Sedan, Tesla, Alternative Fuel  Tesla Model S in motion - Click above for high-res image gallery
Just a day after releasing new images of the Tesla Roadster Sport, the Silicon Valley automaker has gone and unleashed its Model S starring in a series of actual at-speed driving shots. While we've seen high-res shots of the Model S in the studio from Tesla Motors and we've witnessed the car moving under its own electric power ourselves, this is the first time the automaker has published a photo series of its own showing the car in motion.
Looking a bit closer, it appears that none other than Tesla design chief Franz Von Holzhausen is behind the wheel of the Model S in these images. Lucky guy. Unfortunately, drivers looking to pilot their own Model S will need to wait until Q3 of 2011 for the chance.
[Source: Tesla via egmCarTech]
Pics Aplenty: Tesla unloads new set of Model S driving shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Rumormill: Lamborghini to unveil Reventón Roadster at Frankfurt show
August 21, 2009 at 10:00 am
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Lamborghini, Rumormill 
Rumors of an open-air version of the exclusive Lamborghini Reventón have been circulating for months, with recent reports suggesting that the company has already shown a pre-production prototype to some of its best customers. Now sources suggest that the Raging Bull brand could be preparing to unveil the Reventón Roadster at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, with only ten to be built, packing the more potent 670 horsepower engine from the SuperVeloce.
By slapping on some edgy body panels and glitzy instruments, Sant'Agata managed to bump the Murcielago's price up into seven-figure territory, and they could do it again by lopping off the Reventón's roof (or slapping said panels on the Murci Roadster, depending on how you look at it). But while they could very well unveil the car in Frankfurt, with the Balboni edition Gallardo yet to make its public debut, they may also opt to make good on their commitment of a new product at every major auto show and keep the Reventón Roadster under wraps until a later date.
[Source: LamboCars.com via The Car Connection]Rumormill: Lamborghini to unveil Reventón Roadster at Frankfurt show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Motorsports Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees
August 21, 2009 at 9:29 am
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| Filed under: Motorsports 
2009 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductees - Click above for high-res image gallery
Talk to most gearheads about induction and they'll be picturing turbos and superchargers. But at this year's Woodward Dream Cruise, seven legendary figures from American racing were chosen for induction of another kind - into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Not to be confused with the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is located in Novi, Michigan, on the outskirts of Detroit. This year's induction ceremony, however, was held at the old Fillmore Theater in Detroit proper, where Kenny Bernstein, David Hobbs, Scott Parker, Les Richter, Al Unser, Jr., H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler and Joe Weatherly were officially inducted.
Known as the King of Speed, Bernstein is a four-time Funny Car champion and was the first in NHRA history to break 300 mph. Bernstein was inducted by NHRA president Tom Compton. A former SCCA Trans Am champion and F1 driver, David Hobbs was inducted by his fellow Speed Channel presenter Bob Varsha. Scott Parker scored 94 wins and nine dirt track championships for Harley-Davidson, whose chief Willie G. Davidson inducted him. Former pro football player Les Richter was inducted by Roger Penske for his revival of the Riverside International Raceway and activities as a race organizer.
Former CART champion and two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser, Jr. was inducted by his father. Humpy Wheeler's management of Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte earned him his place, presented by racing broadcaster Ken Squier. And finally, Joe Weatherly was posthumously induced by stock car legend Ned Jarrett for his numerous titles both on motorcycles and in NASCAR. Follow the jump for more details in the full press release.
[Source: Motorsports Hall of Fame]Continue reading Motorsports Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees Motorsports Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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