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| Stillen Nissan GT-R: 620 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds (w/ video)
August 28, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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| Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Nissan  Stillen Nissan GT-R Targa Race Car - Click above to watch the video after the jump
It's been more than six months since Stillen started working on their Nissan GT-R race car and we're happy to report it's finished and already on its way to Eastern Canada where it will compete in the Targa Newfoundland in a few weeks. Before the hopped-up GT-R was loaded on the trailer, Steve Millen and his crew took the car out to the El Toro Marine base for a few shakedown runs. Road and Track tagged along to record some performance numbers that, as you might expect, are nothing short of impressive.
Thanks to a huge list of performance parts, the Stillenized GT-R produces 620 horsepower at 15psi from its dual turbochargers. Perhaps more importantly, several hundred pounds have been removed thanks to a stripped interior, lots of carbon fiber body components and lightweight racing seats. The extra power and weight savings results in a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile pass in a mere 11.0 seconds at 127.9 mph. Lateral grip is a gut-clenching 1.1g. You can see the Stillen GT-R in action in the video after the jump or browse through the high-res gallery below.
[Source: Stillen]Continue reading Stillen Nissan GT-R: 620 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds (w/ video) Stillen Nissan GT-R: 620 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds (w/ video) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: They Might Be Giants ask "How can you deny an electric car?"
August 28, 2009 at 8:30 pm
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| Filed under: Etc., Videos, Alternative Fuel 
They Might Be Giants "Electric Car" - Click above to watch the video after the break
They Might Be Giants are proving that Neil Young isn't the only musician who can sing about cleaner transportation. The quirky band is releasing a CD/DVD album Tuesday called Here Comes Science that is geared towards kids and teaching about things like the periodic table and Roy G. Biv, a mnemonic device for colors in the visible spectrum.
The song "Electric Car" is sung by Robin Goldwasser, so if you're hoping to hear the duo ofJohn Flansburgh and John Linnell belt our lyrics like "No diesel, steam, or gasoline, Let's take a ride in an electric car, Happiness resides in an electric car" you're out of luck. We ought to be able to trust the Johns to get their car info right, though: Jamie Kitman, who's been managing TMBG for over 20 years, writes car review articles for Automobile Magazine and he's a columnist for BBC's Top Gear magazine.
Here Comes Science is the third educational children's album from TMBG, following 2005's Here Come The ABCs and 2008's Here Come The 123s. One of the band's early hits was "Why Does The Sun Shine?" and a song of the same title - as well as one called "Why Does the Sun Really Shine?" - is included on the new record. Bill Nye would be proud. Watch and listen to "Electric Car" with your kids after the jump. Thanks to Megan for the tip!
[Source: TMBG]
Continue reading VIDEO: They Might Be Giants ask "How can you deny an electric car?" VIDEO: They Might Be Giants ask "How can you deny an electric car?" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.28.09
August 28, 2009 at 8:20 pm
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.28.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Watermelon Juice - the next great automotive fuel?
August 28, 2009 at 8:01 pm
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Corn as a source for ethanol has its problems. While there are a number of backers, there are real issues that need to be addressed, including (but not necessarily limited to) the huge amount of corn required to brew large batches of the alcohol fuel and the large quantities of water needed in the process. A new alternative is just now popping up that may offer at least a partial solution: watermelon juice.
According to Discovery News, 360,000 tons of watermelons are left to rot and spoil each and every year as farmers leave between 20 and 40 percent of their crops on the ground. Why? It seems consumers just won't buy watermelons that don't look quite as attractive as their siblings, whether that's due to an odd shape, smaller size or minor animal damage. Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture in Lane, Oklahoma, have found that its possible to create ethanol from these unwanted watermelons. We've heard about this potential biomass before.
Though there's only enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol (total ethanol production will top 9 billion gallons this year), researchers indicate that the tasty nectar can be used to displace up to 15% of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage and supply needed nitrogen to the mix.
College Station, Texas-based company Common Sense Agriculture, LLC is reportedly working on a prototype plant to produce ethanol from waste watermelons. Company President Jim Rausch points out:
"This is not going to replace corn. In that sense it will remain a niche source of biofuel. But unlike algae biodiesel or cellulosic ethanol, it's a right now thing. There's no new technology that needs to be developed to make it economical."
[Source: Discovery News | Image: babasteve - CC 2.0]Watermelon Juice - the next great automotive fuel? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Meet 29-year-old Henry Ford III, the next scion in line for the crown
August 28, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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| Filed under: Ford 
Ford Motor Company is a publicly traded company with a catch: the Ford family permanently holds 40% of the company's voting shares. That means the Ford family has an awful lot of pull, and if someone carrying the family name wants a job, there's a 100% chance they're going to get one.
The latest Ford family member to take a place at the company built by his great grandfather is Henry Ford III. The 29-year-old son of Edsel Ford is fresh off a summer internship at Galpin Ford, where he told AutoWeek that he sold five Fords and a Volvo. He is also getting his MBA at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a.k.a. MIT, and he's getting ready to join the Ford team back in Dearborn. Henry III has been working at the company with his name on the door for some time, having already participated in the all-important labor contract negotiations in 2006 and 2007. He also worked as a junior high school math and English teacher, so his background is rather diverse.
While it's tough to argue that the Ford name hasn't helped Henry III tremendously (he did, after all, reportedly meet with then-CEO Bill Ford and other Ford execs in 2006 to discuss which job he'd receive), the newest Henry does appear to have his head on straight. Does he have a family right to one day run the company? We hope any promotions will come with actual accomplishments, but it may ultimately be too hard to ignore someone named Henry Ford.
[Source: AutoWeek | Image: Mark Vaughn]Meet 29-year-old Henry Ford III, the next scion in line for the crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Weekend Watching: Modern Marvels: Autobahn on Hulu
August 28, 2009 at 7:00 pm
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| Filed under: Etc., Europe 
There is a road that has taken on the awe of a holy relic, practically the Dead Sea Scrolls of tarmac, and it goes by one simple name: Die Autobahn. There are few, if any, other roads in the world that are as significant for gearheads as those remaining polished stretches of German highway that remain unhindered by speed limits. Even for us jaded hacks, the opportunity to open up the right car in the left lane is, if not rapture, at least an out-of-body experience.
So this is merely a public service announcement for gearheads: if you need something to do this weekend, Hulu has the History Channel's Modern Marvels episode on the story of the Autobahn. Even with Hulu's commercials it's only 46 minutes, which means you can pay your respects quickly. And if there's anything better than the Autobahn, it's the Autobahn with a pillow and popcorn. Thanks for the tip, Jay!
[Source: The History Channel via Hulu]Weekend Watching: Modern Marvels: Autobahn on Hulu originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Mr. Bean to make first 'live' appearance at Goodwood Revival to honor Mini turning 50
August 28, 2009 at 6:30 pm
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| Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Hatchback, MINI, UK, Celebrities, Event Alert 
You like Minis? Comedy? All things British? Well mark your calendars for September 18-20, as comedian Rowan Atkinson will be appearing in character as the bungling Mr. Bean during the UK's Goodwood Revival. Not only that, but to celebrate 50 years of Mini, Mr. Bean will be driving his pea-green and black-hooded Issigonis-penned Mini around the Goodwood Motor Circuit each day of the festival - sitting on the roof! Turns out it's a well known Mr. Bean gag. Ahem.
Atkinson, a well known car buff (and McLaren F1 owner), will also be bringing his Jaguar Mk IV to help celebrate 80 years of Sir Stirling Moss. One more thing, Atkinson will field a 1965 Austin Mini Cooper S during an all-Mini St Mary's Trophy saloon car race. We wish him the best of luck with that last one, despite our blood-boiling jealousy. Full press release after the jump.
[Source: Goodwood | Image: Max Nash/AFP/Getty]Continue reading Mr. Bean to make first 'live' appearance at Goodwood Revival to honor Mini turning 50 Mr. Bean to make first 'live' appearance at Goodwood Revival to honor Mini turning 50 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Potential deal points leaked concerning Tengzhong's purchase of Hummer
August 28, 2009 at 5:58 pm
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| Filed under: SUV, China, Crossover, GM, Hummer 
2008 Hummer HX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
As the Opel transaction takes on Biblical intrigue, the Hummer exchange goes on in another dark corner, laboriously, like the gestation of an elephant. The latest report from a Chinese news website states that General Motors and Tengzhong "might sign an agreement" this week, but that strikes us as exceedingly optimistic seeing that there's been no word on the government approving the deal yet.
Slightly more believable are the supposed deal points that would guide Tengzhong's initial ownership of Hummer: Tengzhong will own all of Hummer's intellectual property rights and sales network, but would not build Hummers in China and would operate the company as an off-shore entity based out of Detroit or Nashville. General Motors would continue to build Hummers until 2012 and provide "technical services," and Tengzhong would continue to fund research and development, while the "off-shore" Hummer team (read: probably the folks doing the job now) would be responsible for launching the new H3 and H4. As for that H4, though, the article lists them as "CUV models." If the H4 is a CUV, we hope they manage to make it look like the 2008 Hummer HX concept shown above.
Tengzhong reps are headed to Detroit to continue discussions. The General's response, according to the CEO of Hummer is that "Negotiations continue to progress and the transaction will be announced upon the signing of the definitive agreement as soon as appropriate." Hat tip to Emilio!
[Source: Gasgoo]Potential deal points leaked concerning Tengzhong's purchase of Hummer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio
August 28, 2009 at 5:29 pm
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| Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, UAW/Unions 
Now that Toyota has decided the fate of the NUMMI plant, the company has to decide where to move production of the Tacoma and Corolla models built there. The Corolla hasn't been spoken for yet, but Toyota is confirming that its Tacoma line is moving to the San Antonio factory that currently makes the Tundra pickup.
Toyota will spend $100 million on tooling for the Tacoma, and city and county officials guess that annual units will number about 100,000. It is also estimated that 1,100 new hires will be added to the factory employment rolls, which includes the 21 suppliers on the campus. Building the new truck will give the plant the second shift it's been missing since last summer, when it went down to a single shift as auto sales declined.
For the NUMMI workers, Toyota's announcement only makes the finality all the more real. Discussions with NUMMI laborers remains ongoing, and it has been mentioned that Toyota could move some California workers to Texas. However, with San Antonio offering tax breaks based on hiring some local workers, the chances of that are probably slim. Thanks for the tip, Tony.
[Source: My San Antonio]REPORT: Toyota moving Tacoma production to San Antonio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Irony Police: U.K. authorities reportedly resorting to 'theft' to discourage stealing
August 28, 2009 at 4:56 pm
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| Filed under: Government/Legal, UK 
England is a very strange place. Not only do they like having a royal family, but they talk like this: "Oi. Buncha southy Londoners are suddenly stroppy over the constable's wonky plan to nick exposed swag from their unlocked cars. Kind of a bollocks plan, innit?" Naturally the coppers are chuffed about the whole thing, claiming they're just teaching gadges that couldn't be arsed to lock their cars a lesson.
In other words, in an area of South London called Richmond, police have taken to opening unlocked cars and removing valuable items like laptops and cells phones. They think they are doing nothing wrong and teaching careless people a lesson. Of course, because of British common law they apparently aren't doing anything wrong at all. Said police supervisor Jim Davis, "Technically we are entering the vehicle but we are not committing a crime. It's a common law duty to protect (people's) property."
Aside from, oh, you know, the police locking the unlocked vehicles, we have mixed feelings about this particular program. On the one hand, they are taking pre-stolen goods right out of the criminals' mouths. On the other, no jury (in Texas) would ever convict you for shooting someone taking property from your car. Seems to us like a lorra lorra gert plonker method to sort out the wheat from the chavs.
[Source: BBC | Image: Chris Jackson/Getty]Irony Police: U.K. authorities reportedly resorting to 'theft' to discourage stealing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Mahindra out shopping for new U.S. pickup factory
August 28, 2009 at 4:29 pm
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| Filed under: Budget, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, India 
Indian vehicle maker Mahindra is looking for a way to avoid import taxes when it puts its pickup truck and Scorpio sport utility on the U.S. market sometime in 2010, so it's no surprise that Automotive News is reporting that the manufacturer is on the hunt for a stateside assembly location. It's the same reason why there are Honda and Toyota plants here, and Mahindra is no stranger to selling vehicles in our market - or assembling them here, for that matter.
Already well established selling tractors to American farmers, Mahindra has three U.S. plants for its agricultural products already. Looking at how Mahindra has stretched out to many different regions and markets, there's little doubt that assembling pickup trucks here in the U.S. from knock-down kits is going to be easy, as they're already doing the same thing in Egypt and Brazil, for example.
The U.S. market has precious few true small pickup offerings left, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado/ GMC Canyon twins are about all there is, and there may be untapped potential for a well-priced truck, particularly one with a diesel engine. That's what Mahindra is banking on, as it is apparently planning to make the United States one of its largest export markets.
[Source: Automotive News - sub req]
REPORT: Mahindra out shopping for new U.S. pickup factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010
August 28, 2009 at 3:58 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Alternative Fuel Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery
Back in April, Mercedes-Benz announced its plans to begin small-scale series production of a new hydrogen fuel cell-powered automobile called the F-Cell. According to the German automaker, the car is nearly ready to launch, with 200 vehicles slated to be leased throughout the United States and Europe early next year.
The front-wheel drive F-Cell is based on Mercedes-Benz' B-Class platform and uses a 100 kW electric motor that puts out an impressive 214 lb-ft of torque. M-B claims this powertrain will offer comparable performance to a 2.0-liter gas-powered automobile (the run to 60 will take under 11 seconds) while returning the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on the European combined cycle.
Sandwiched under the car's floor will be a 1.4 kWh lithium ion battery that recaptures energy normally lost to braking. We'd also figure that battery pack will provide an even flow of electrons to the motor while the fuel cell hums away silently. Range is quoted at around 250 miles and Mercedes claims a hydrogen recharge time of just three minutes. Expect more details on the car to emerge at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. Full press release after the break.
Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010 Mercedes-Benz launches B-Class F-Cell, leases to begin in early 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Mini Roadster leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut
August 28, 2009 at 3:31 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Crossover, BMW, MINI  Mini kicked off its 50th anniversary celebration with a birthday party in Nice, France where a select group of journalists were give an glimpse at Mini's plans for Frankfurt and beyond.
Matt Davis from Inside Line was in attendance and snapped a shot (right) of the Mini Roadster concept ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, and plugged some of the automaker's execs for information on Mini's plan for the future.
Aside from the Mini Coupe and Roadster, which will reportedly, "be produced for the 2011 model year and both will be available on all our world markets," the Mini Crossover has been delayed as the automaker rethinks its brand position. However, the 'ute is still supposedly a go and will be revealed in early 2010 (we're thinking Detroit) and likely go on sale late next year.
There's also rumors of a possible tie-up between BMW and a yet-to-be-named Japanese automaker (IL lists Toyota as the likely partner), although details on the deal are scarce... at best. And, of course, there's continued speculation surrounding the future of BMW's super-subcompact range, with a Mini-based Isetta revival that could arrive within the next two years. For now, it's merely conjecture, but at the Frankfurt show next month, we should have a clearer indication of what direction Mini will take in the coming years.
[Source: Inside Line]
Mini Roadster leaks out ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| BMW teases Vision EfficientDynamics concept one more time
August 28, 2009 at 3:00 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, BMW, Alternative Fuel, Diesel BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's been two whole days since BMW first teased its new Vision EfficientDynamics concept, and you know how the interweb masses get when they start feeling neglected, right? In an effort to properly satiate our never-ending desire for more, more, more, BMW has released yet another teaser image of the Frankfurt-bound machine that focuses on the intriguing rear quarter panel and tail lamp.
According to Bimmerpost, we could be looking at a diesel hybrid that can accelerate to 60 mph in under five seconds and return 67 mpg. Whatever shape BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept takes, it definitely seems unconventional. And we'll see what the German automaker has up its sleeves when we visit the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Stay tuned.
[Source: IAA Blog]BMW teases Vision EfficientDynamics concept one more time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| 2010 Toyota 4Runner to get four-cylinder model, third row option for 2010
August 28, 2009 at 2:30 pm
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| Filed under: SUV, Toyota, Off-Road 
2010 Toyota 4Runner teaser - Click above to expand and enlarge
Thanks to a reader tip, Autoblog has obtained documentation confirming rumors that the nearly-here 2010 Toyota 4Runner will get both a four-cylinder model and an optional third row for added utility.
The long-serving body-on-frame SUV finally gets a much-needed replacement for the 2010 model year, and the addition of a four-cylinder model (available only in two-wheel drive) should give Toyota marketers a valuable price and mileage leader, with the latter making friends among consumers and Corporate Average Fuel Economy calculators alike. The displacement of the quad-banger isn't disclosed, but given that its horsepower is quoted as 161 (torque figures were not listed) we assume it's the company's 2.4-liter powerplant. That's a solid little motor, but it will likely have its hands full propelling the body-on-frame 4Runner, which perhaps explains why it will only be available in two-wheel drive form. The V6 model will get 268 horsepower, presumably supplied by the 3.5-liter engine seen in the Camry sedan.
The 2010 4Runner will be available in three model levels: SR5, Trail, and Limited, with the I-4 model only being available in SR5 form. Click through to the jump to see how the specifications for each trim level breaks out.
Continue reading 2010 Toyota 4Runner to get four-cylinder model, third row option for 2010 2010 Toyota 4Runner to get four-cylinder model, third row option for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Respect Your Elders: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts spotted stacked and awaiting crusher?
August 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Japan, Suzuki 
Old concepts don't die, they just get thrown in a heap and stacked atop one another in some dank lot out back. Actually, we don't know where the lot is located, but we do know it appears to be holding the Suzuki Kizashi, Kizashi 2, and Kizashi 3 - important concepts that the Japanese automaker unveiled over the past two years.
We hope these aren't the final show car versions. If so, we would have thought that the car that led to the production Kizashi - a big deal for Suzuki - would have been accorded a better spot in the afterlife, like maybe a place in a museum. Or, hell, at least an auction house listing. But that's the great circle of life for you. Tip your 40 to the Kizashis that once were...
[Source: 7Tune | Image: New Model Magazine X]Respect Your Elders: Suzuki's Kizashi concepts spotted stacked and awaiting crusher? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Comically overpowered Honda CBR 900RR go kart gets all drifty
August 28, 2009 at 1:29 pm
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| Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Honda, Motorcycle 
Honda CBR 900RR-powered go kart - Click above to watch the video after the break
Go karts, when properly built and set up, can be some of the most exhilarating rides on four wheels and, in many cases, just about the fastest way to get around smaller race tracks. There's also something oddly enjoyable about piloting a fire-breather with your hindquarters mere inches from the tarmac.
That said, the petrolhead in us says, "If go karts are good, more power ought to make them even better." Sound familiar to you? If so, you'll definitely want to click past the jump to watch a video of a certain Honda CBR 900RR-powered go kart fishtailing its way all over a number of inappropriate settings. Suffice it to say that 'oversteer' would be an understatement of epic proportions. Looks like fun, but a helmet and a living will would probably be very sound investments. Thanks for the tip, Robin and The Auto Insider!
[Source: VideoSift]Continue reading VIDEO: Comically overpowered Honda CBR 900RR go kart gets all drifty VIDEO: Comically overpowered Honda CBR 900RR go kart gets all drifty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster
August 28, 2009 at 12:57 pm
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| Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen, Reviews  2009 Volkswagen CC Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery
We still cringe upon hearing marketing types utter the phrase "four-door coupe." It's inherently a lie, a scam. Who are they trying to fool? It's not a four-door coupe, it's a sedan with a sloping roof - generally one that's missing a middle rear-seat. And there's nothing wrong with that. But, just like automakers the world 'round bend over backwards corrupting the language to avoid calling a station wagon anything but a station wagon (Sportback, Avant, Sportcombi, etc.), the oxymoronic four-door coupe appears to be here to stay. Where's George Carlin when you need him? With that rant out of the way, the 2009 Volkswagen CC is the best four-door coupe we've ever driven - at least this side of a Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, which is three times the price.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster Review: 2009 Volkswagen CC Sport is a mid-size segment buster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Ford preparing cops for life after Crown Vic, has police sample Taurus
August 28, 2009 at 12:30 pm
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| Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Ford, Specialty 
Quick quiz: What vehicle transported Paris Hilton to prison? If you answered Ford's Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, you took the easy route and you were correct. The older than thou Crown Vic accounts for about 85% of the 75,000 police vehicles sold each year - a market where styling, amenities and new safety features have little to do with the vehicle's success.
The CV's body-on-frame construction helps the ubiquitous cop cruiser stand up to the punishment doled out by the guys and gals in blue. Body-on-frame platforms are generally also easier to repair, and anyone who has been in a police parking lot can plainly see that these vehicles take a big-time beating in the name of public safety. The CV is also rear-wheel drive for better handling, it's large enough to fit even the biggest of felons (and cops), and its column-mounted shifter enables the fuzz to have plenty of room for a laptop. But alas, the Crown Vic is also older than dirt. We'd joke that Henry Ford himself had a hand in the creation of the CV, but chances are that Henry II actually did, and he retired as the head of the Blue Oval when Pong was state-of-the-art video gaming technology.
According to The Detroit News, in June, Ford hosted police personnel from some of America's biggest cities to discuss the future of the police cruiser. The Dearborn, MI-based automaker told the police departments that the Crown Vic would be gone by 2011. That's bad news for departments like the LAPD, which has a shop set up specifically to deal with the CV. Some police departments told the Motown newspaper that rear-drive vehicles like the Charger can't hold up to the abuse of police work. Others are looking into the Impala, though the front-drive Chevy hasn't gained much traction with law enforcement. One ray of hope could come in the form of the Carbon Motors E7 purpose built police cruiser, but it isn't quite ready for prime time yet, and it's likely to be significantly more expensive than the equivalent Blue Oval cruiser.
Ford is in a bit of a predicament in that the Crown Vic has the police (and cab) market to itself and, as Ford President Mark Fields points out to The Detroit News, the CV gives Ford a presence in just about every municipality in America. One vehicle that Ford gave to police to drive during their stay in Dearborn was the new Taurus, which is almost as big and roomy as the CV, but with far more safety tech, improved fuel economy and the (costly) option of an Ecoboost V6 under the hood in the form of the SHO model. The Taurus may not be the ultimate answer (at least it won't be outrun by a Toyota Camry or Nissan Altima), but Ford insists that it isn't giving up its police share without a fight.
[Source: Detroit News]REPORT: Ford preparing cops for life after Crown Vic, has police sample Taurus originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America?
August 28, 2009 at 12:00 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Diesel  Audi A4 TDI - click above for a high-res image gallery
Audi will be launching at least three new models next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, two of which seem like they have a good chance of coming to North America and one that doesn't. The A4 TDI clean diesel will make its debut at the German show with the latest edition of the firm's 3.0-liter diesel V6. While the TDI V6 has been available in the current generation A4 since it launched early last year, the new one adds the same 2,000 BAR common rail fuel system and urea injection found on the Q7 and VW Touareg now available in the U.S. market. The V6 TDI A4 has always seemed like a natural fit for the torque loving American market and it now seems likely to arrive, especially since the gas V6 was discontinued for 2010. In sedan form, it's rated at 34.6 mpg (U.S.) which is consistent with what we've seen driving the existing A4.
The A3 gets a new 1.2-liter TFSI (turbocharged and direct injected) gas engine with 105 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. This little engine gets the A3 to 42.8 mpg (U.S.) although the 0-62 mph time is a more relaxed 11.1 seconds. This one could probably pass U.S. emissions with ease, but given Audi's premium position in the market, they are less likely to offer it here anytime soon.
Finally, Audi will also publicly show the new A5 Sportback which it has already said will not be offered in the States. The five-door hatch A5 will get the same 333 hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 going into the new S4 to start, but it will also likely get the other engines available in the A4/A5 eventually.
[Source: Audi]
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America? Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Chrysler to expand product liability claims after all
August 28, 2009 at 11:31 am
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| Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler 
When Chrysler sought bankruptcy protection on April 30, the Obama administration insisted that one of the conditions of its Chapter 11 filing were that all product lawsuits against the Pentastar were the responsibility of "Old Carco LLC." In other words, anyone in litigation with Chrysler as a result of injuries that may have been caused as a result of faulty product would never be paid. The move was obviously unpopular with anyone seeking to sue Chrysler, and it wasn't exactly a public relations boon, either. Some groups were even looking to have product liability disclaimers added to all used Chrysler vehicles on dealer lots.
After taking a closer look at the viability of the new Chrysler Group, the reinvigorated automaker has decided to once again accept legal responsibility for vehicles purchased prior to June, 2009. Chrysler states in a press release (available after the jump) that it is taking a similar stance to how General Motors handled their lawsuits. If that is indeed the case, Chrysler would only take responsibility for future liability claims for cars and trucks assembled prior to bankruptcy - all cases that were in the courts prior to bankruptcy would still be the responsibility of Old Carco. The press release is rather vague and a bit confusing, but you can check it out after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]Continue reading Chrysler to expand product liability claims after all Chrysler to expand product liability claims after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA
August 28, 2009 at 10:59 am
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| Filed under: Hybrid, Crossover, Saturn 
Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
While perusing the EPA's fuel economy listings, one of our readers stumbled across a vehicle that we didn't even know had been rated. The 2-Mode Hybrid version of the Saturn Vue had initially been scheduled to go into production in November of 2008. However, as General Motors careened toward financial apocalypse, many product programs were put on hold or canceled altogether. Among those was the new hybrid Vue, which was delayed at least twice before finally being terminated altogether in late spring.
It appears that the EPA had already completed its testing regimen last fall and had officially rated the 2-Mode Vue at 27 city, 30 highway and 28 mpg combined. Compared to the existing mild-hybrid Vue, this doesn't look particularly great, since that one also had a 28 mpg combined rating (25 city and 32 highway). The mild hybrid, of course, used a four cylinder engine while the 2-Mode would have had the 3.6-liter V6, giving it much better performance and a 3,500 pound tow rating.
Saturn did pretty much hit its target of a 50-percent improvement in combined efficiency compared to the non-hybrid V6 Vue, which carries a 19 mpg combined rating. The Vue doesn't look as impressive as the Ford Escape Hybrid that's rated at 34/31 mpg, but the Ford is powered by a four cylinder and is smaller and lighter. A closer comparison might be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which while larger is also V6 powered. The Toyota is rated at 27/25 mpg and 26 mpg combined.
We know that the Vue will never be built, but GM has promised to put the new hybrid system into other vehicles in its lineup - perhaps even with a smaller and more efficient engine to improve overall efficiency. Thanks to Mike for the tip!
[Source: EPA]
All Photos Copyright (C) 2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc. From the Clutches of the Grave: Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid rated at 27/30 mpg by EPA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Record-setting British Steam Car in action
August 28, 2009 at 10:29 am
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| Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Alternative Fuel 
So, you've been following the progress of the British Steam Car Challenge for the last few years - well, at least we've been following the team's progress that long - and it's all finally led up to a new world record. Fastest Steam Car in the World... it's got a nice ring to it, wouldn't you say?
As a matter of fact, the car handily earns its off-hand comparisons to a tea kettle, as you can clearly hear from the video pasted after the break. Though we don't get to witness the steam-powered streamliner streak past at its official record of 139.843 miles per hour, seeing the beast move under its own power is an impressive sight.
How does it work? 12 LPG-fueled boilers heat 10.5 gallons of water to 750-degrees F. Then, nearly two miles of plumbing inside the car takes that pressurized steam to a two-stage turbine spinning at a stratospheric 13,000 RPM. No wonder it makes such a racket!
[Source: Telegraph]Continue reading VIDEO: Record-setting British Steam Car in action VIDEO: Record-setting British Steam Car in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows
August 28, 2009 at 10:00 am
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| Filed under: SUV, Safety, Toyota 
Imagine merging into speeding highway traffic when your transmission suddenly balks at the shift, leaving you struggling to choose between that 70,000-pound semi filling your rear view mirror or the shrinking median on the right side of the road. This scenario is just one of the complaints being lodged against Toyota's 2001-2003 RAV4 as owners complain about the Japanese automaker's reluctance to acknowledge a fault with the so-called cute-ute's electronically-controlled transmission.
According to the reports (more than 120 complaints have been lodged to the NHTSA so far), the engine control module (ECM) may fail and send mixed signals to the transmission. Once the tranny starts to misbehave (noticed through rough or missed shifts), the ECM needs to immediately be serviced to avoid major transmission damage. Long story short, owners are miffed that Toyota has internally confirmed the issue (a TSB was issued to dealers in March of 2006), but has failed to notify consumers who are facing costly repair bills to replace transmissions when all many needed was a simple electronic module.
A spokesman for the NHTSA says the agency doesn't like to open investigations unless the problem is identified as a clear safety issue, but they "are watching it very closely." Toyota, meanwhile, is studying the issue to determine whether to extend its warranty on the parts in question.
[Source: NYTimes.com]Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Shelby Cobra coffee table joins the Autoblog fantasy living room
August 28, 2009 at 9:28 am
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| Filed under: Etc.  The Autoblog fantasy living room keeps on growing fuller (and tackier) by the day. And while we may pine for the occasional item from our growing list, most of the time we're thankful our significant others (or our own sense of good taste combined with our blogger's budgets) keep us from going overboard.
Our virtual furniture shop already includes such items as Porsche 917, Aston Martin DB6 and custom hot rod couches, tables made from reclaimed body panels and engine blocks, chairs made from sportscar seats and others made to emulate F1 seats, desks made by Mini and Pininfarina, Jaguar engine wine racks, Maserati lamps and Ferrari audio systems - not to mention whatever those Bentley craftsmen are making in their spare time. And now we've got one more to add to the list: the Shelby Cobra coffee table.
We certainly hope they didn't chop up an original Cobra to make it, but whether it's fabricated from kit-car parts or made especially as a piece of furniture is beyond us (our money's on the latter, though). Either way, it's got the whole package: grille, headlamps, hood, badge, plus a glass table-top mounted on metal poles like some sort of experimental aerodynamic device. (We've seen stranger.) But it'll set you back a solid $1,124.24 from StatueDecor, which we'll excuse for mischaracterizing the Cobra as a Chevy (gasp!) amidst the other automotive shelves, sofas and bars on offer.
[Source: StatueDecor]Shelby Cobra coffee table joins the Autoblog fantasy living room originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Oakley C Six shades: CNC-milled from solid carbon fiber billet
August 28, 2009 at 8:59 am
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| Filed under: Etc., Design/Style
Carbon fiber. It's light, it's strong, and it looks so darn cool. As such, we doubt we're the only ones who've wondered why we don't see more eyewear made out of the stuff. Well, there are a couple of good reasons - namely that it's expensive and difficult to work with. While it's complicated enough to lay it down in sheets to make a crash-resistant race car tub, for example, forming it into intricate shapes like sunglass frames is apparently on another level.
Enter Oakley, the eyewear company already plenty familiar with the challenges of using exotic materials. Oakley has teamed up with racing specialist Crosby Composites to make the upcoming C Six. But instead of laying down sheets in the complex form, Crosby and Oakley mill the frames out of solid blocks of carbon fiber, each 40 layers deep, using state-of-the-art Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) drills spinning at 10,000 rpm for 24 hours to create a single pair of these bad boys. The result could very well be the ultimate driving shades, but don't expect every wheel jockey on the turnpike to be wearing a pair. Oakley is only making 250 of 'em, and they're expected to sell for a cool four grand apiece when they hit the market.
[Source: Carbon Fiber Gear]Oakley C Six shades: CNC-milled from solid carbon fiber billet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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