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| Audi R8 Spyder gets an early unveiling
September 10, 2009 at 12:01 am
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Audi, Luxury Audi R8 Spyder - Click above for high-res image gallery
With all the leaks leading up to the Frankfurt Motor Show, we knew this one would pop sooner rather than later. And here it is: the Audi R8 Spyder. No more spy shots or speculation. The drop-top bomber from Ingolstadt has arrived... and it's achingly gorgeous in this chocolate hue.
Without any official information to go off of, we can't comment on weights and measures, but we do know Audi will only be offering the Spyder with the Lambo-derived 5.2-liter V10, putting out 525 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. On the styling side, there's not much to report. Along with the removal of the roof, the sideblades have been dispatched in favor of a duo of scoops ahead of the rear wheels, while the windshield gets framed in brushed aluminum and a set of vented bulges trail off from the seats. Unfortunately, we don't have any shots of the R8 with the top up, but when we get an eyeful in Frankfurt, we'll get our first glimpse of the retractable soft-top and the R8's new profile. Until then, check the images in the gallery below.
[Source: Carscoop]
Audi R8 Spyder gets an early unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 23:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| 2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
September 9, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Bentley, UK, Luxury  2010 Bentley Mulsanne at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel - click above image for hi-res gallery
Bentley invited a few of us auto journo types down to the decadently posh Beverly Wilshire Hotel to meet its COO Christophe Georges and admire the company's new super land yacht, the 2010 Bentley Mulsanne. Not only that, but they spilled the beans on all the juicy technical details that makes the Mulsanne, well, special. And please trust us, the Mulsanne is special.
One small catch, however. All them juicy details are embargoed until next week during the Frankfurt Motor Show. So even though we know the exact, staggering amount of power the Mulsanne will be sending to its rear wheels - and trust us again, it is staggering - we can't tell you. Yet. Infuriating, no? But, we did learn a couple of juicy details that we can share with you in this here teaser post. Better than nothing, right?
Continue reading 2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel 2010 Bentley Mulsanne puts in some face time at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Officially Official: Lexus reveals LF-Ch concept in full ahead of Frankfurt
September 9, 2009 at 8:26 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus, Luxury  Lexus LF-Ch Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery
European consumers enjoy a segment those of us in the States have never warmed up to: premium compact cars. But in recent years, one luxury marque has been noticeably absent from the throngs of A3s, 1 Series and B-Classes populating the congested roads across the pond. Lexus hopes to rectify that situation next year, and its first foray into the segment will be based on this, the LF-Ch concept.
As we pointed out earlier today, the exterior and interior design continues to adhere to the automaker's L-finesse design philosophy, with swoops, creases and a taut organic shape that's slowly making its way onto production models. A few elements we failed to mention are the blacked-out B-pillars, integrated spoiler and rear door handles that fit within the C-pillar's trim. The theme carries over inside, with a set of concave passenger compartments, aluminum and wood trim, ambient lighting in the headliner and Lexus' Remote Touch controls (originally seen on the RX 450h), along with iPhone docks for the rear seat passengers.
Unfortunately, Lexus isn't releasing details on the LF-Ch's powertrain, only saying that the system is a "full hybrid" and can be driven exclusively in EV mode. However, when the LF-Ch makes it to production next year, expect the same engine that powers the HS 250h to be fitted to the compact hatch, complete with a six-speed automatic transmission and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
We'll be on hand for live impressions of the LF-Ch from the Frankfurt Motor Show in less than a week, but in the meantime, get all the details in the press release below the fold, along with a host of new images in the gallery below.
Continue reading Officially Official: Lexus reveals LF-Ch concept in full ahead of Frankfurt Officially Official: Lexus reveals LF-Ch concept in full ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.9.09
September 9, 2009 at 8:20 pm
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 | Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising
The TSX has always been a competent car, but the lack of a V6 powerplant caused some to look elsewhere. Honda's luxury arm has finally addressed the issue, but is it really offer more than its four-cylinder counterpart? |  | Floodgates unleashed on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes' new supercar has finally been released into the wild, and we've got all the details on the 563-hp revival of the venerable Gullwing. |  | McLaren MP4-12C is ready for its close up
How do you fill the shoes of a legend? If you're McLaren, you create an all-new, lightweight supercar with a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 putting out 600 hp and 433 lb-ft of torque that can whisk you to 60 in just over three seconds. But is it a suitable successor to the world-conquering F1? | Other news of import
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.9.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt
September 9, 2009 at 7:57 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo  Alfa Romeo MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde MultiAir - Click above for high-res image gallery
The four-leaf clover means different things to different people. It's a national icon for the Irish, and a good luck charm to Sunday strollers. But to Alfa Romeo fanatics, it's the emblem of the very best Italy has to offer.
The icon has been used on various high-performance Alfas throughout the company's history, and most recently appeared on special editions of the Spider, GT and 147. Now Alfa's brought it back again for this special MiTo. The Alfa MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde showcases the Italian automaker's latest MultiAir engine - a 1.4-liter, 170hp version in this case - which replaces the throttle plane with electronically-controlled electrohydraulic actuators to optimizes airflow in each cylinder's combustion chamber. Coupled with a new six-speed gearbox, the Quadrifoglio is capable of accelerating to 60 in seven seconds while returning nearly 50 miles to the gallon on the autostrada.
And to set it apart from ordinary MiTos, the Quadrifoglio Verde also features 17-inch wheels, mirror housings and more in dark satin, with a black interior and white instruments, and of course the requisite four-leaf clover emblems. Check it out in the gallery below and the full details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Alfa Romeo]
Continue reading Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt Alfa Romeo presents MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde with new MultiAir engine for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Daimler and Renault collaborating on four-door Smart
September 9, 2009 at 7:39 pm
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| Filed under: Budget, Smart, Renault, Rumormill 
Reports of a collaboration between Daimler and Renault on a new four-door model to join the Fortwo in Smart dealerships just won't die, leading us to believe there may be a ring of truth behind the rumors. The last time Daimler set out to partner on a more mainstream Smart, the resulting ForFour - which was based on borrowed underpinnings from Mitsubishi - never met sales expectations and was canceled after a few short years on the market.
Collaborating with Renault on the development of a four-door Smart should help shield Daimler from the high cost of developing a model-specific platform that's unlikely to sell in particularly high volumes. Further, the rumored new model would offer Smart buyers a new option to compete with the new Toyota iQ, which seats up to four occupants despite its diminutive dimensions.
[Source: Detroit News]
REPORT: Daimler and Renault collaborating on four-door Smart originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| OnStar not for sale, expanding into China
September 9, 2009 at 7:20 pm
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| Filed under: China, Technology, GM  Profitable, and with 5.5 million subscribers under its belt, GM's OnStar vehicle telematics system is not for sale, according to a top General Motors executive. "At this point, OnStar is firmly a part of the new GM and is an integral part of GM's future strategy," reports Chet Huber, the outgoing president of OnStar. Huber, who has led the unit since its launch in 1995, made the statement yesterday during a media event with his successor, Walt Dorfstatter.
While GM has been ditching brands to cut expenses, OnStar seems to be doing very well. There are plans to expand the technology across the emerging Chinese marketplace, and its engineering team is determined to push development. "Innovation is at the core of OnStar, just not the dancing hologram type of innovation that some companies try to use as eye candy instead of substance," boasted Huber. The subscription-based system is credited with over 500 patents (and it continues to file for new ones at the rate of one every six days). OnStar recently added an engine-block disabling feature, designed to deter vehicle theft, and is working on its own form of text message integration and traffic reporting.
Even though the relationships with Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Lexus, Subaru, and Volkswagen have ended, executives have not ruled out licensing the technology to other automakers either.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
OnStar not for sale, expanding into China originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: GM's CFO Ray Young likely to resign
September 9, 2009 at 7:01 pm
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| Filed under: Government/Legal, GM  The last two chief financial officers at General Motors, Rick Wagoner and Fritz Henderson, eventually became CEO. Ray Young, who has been CFO at the General for less than a year and a half, likely won't make it to the top. The Detroit News reports that Young is going to resign his post as CFO in the weeks ahead, and he may be only one of a few departures among senior GM brass.
The new GM board is meeting today to discuss and evaluate top management at the General, and Detroit News' sources say that Young, the GM finance department and President Obama's auto Task Force clashed on a few occasions during bankruptcy proceedings. The DN points out one instance when, in a June 2 press conference, Young said that the company would not disclose financial info post bankruptcy, as it would in effect be a private company. Predictably, that didn't play well with the public tax payers who in effect bailed out the embattled automaker. The next day, GM announced that it would give regular updates on its financial status.
Some are speculating that CEO Fritz Henderson will also be under the microscope during the Wednesday board review. In August, Bloomberg reported that Obama Task Force lead Ron Bloom reportedly gave Henderson a 60% chance of leading a GM turnaround, which isn't exactly a vote of confidence. We're guessing that it wouldn't look good for the Task Force or the new GM board to ditch another CEO just five months after getting rid of Wagoner, though, so removing the fledgling CEO is probably unlikely at this point.
[Source: Detroit News | Image Source: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]
REPORT: GM's CFO Ray Young likely to resign originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt
September 9, 2009 at 6:39 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Videos, MINI 
For better or worse, many regard the Mini Cooper as a chick's car. But rather than fighting that idea before it unveils a pair of concepts at the Frankfurt show, the BMW's Mini division has released this conceptual teaser video that, well...let's just say it embraces its girl appeal. But it doesn't do much more than that. Follow the jump to see what we mean.
[Source: Mini]
Continue reading VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt VIDEO: Abstract teaser hints at Mini concept duo for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Burned-out Hummer limo spotted during wildfires in California
September 9, 2009 at 6:22 pm
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| Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer, Specialty 
Cause or effect? While driving home from Supercar Sunday at VCR, we spotted this burned out Hummer H2 limo on the side of the road near the heart of the wildfires in Southern California.
Was this behemoth the cause of, or alternatively, a victim of the fires? Perhaps neither. It may have just been a coincidence that the lengthy SUV lay smoldering on the shoulder near thousands of acres of brush near Mulholland Drive. Perhaps. But one thing's for sure - the party's over for this limo. Here's hoping that anyone that happened to be inside made it out safely.
Burned-out Hummer limo spotted during wildfires in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: The Smoking Tire tests supercharged Raptor Audi R8
September 9, 2009 at 5:58 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi 
With 420 horsepower, the "base" Audi R8 is a borderline supercar. But that wasn't good enough for some customers, so Audi began offering the R8 with the Lamborghini Gallardo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 powerplant with 520 ponies.
That's a lot of OEM horsepower even when considering the $150,000 price tag, but the aftermarket -- as always -- has another solution. Performance Outfitters Group in Connecticut has created the R8 Raptor by fitting the R8's 4.2-liter V8 with a supercharger that heaves five pounds of boost into the bent eight, giving the blown engine 550 lusty horsepower. The R8 Raptor was reportedly built for Bull Run duty, so this elite Audi has been fitted with all kinds of police-style lights, a bull horn, a stowable laptop and even an iPhone integrated into the sun visor.
Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire took the R8 Raptor out to the New Jersey Motorsports Park for a quick-and-dirty test and his crew distilled it into a six-minute review that you can check out after the jump. We have no idea if the R8 Raptor is faster on the track than Audi's V10 option, but looks like it would at least put up one Hell of a fight.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: The Smoking Tire tests supercharged Raptor Audi R8 VIDEO: The Smoking Tire tests supercharged Raptor Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Aston Martin creates special edition Robb Report V8 Vantage
September 9, 2009 at 5:32 pm
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| Filed under: Convertible, Aston Martin 
Robb Report Limited Edition Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster - Click above for image gallery
There's no shortage of people deeply enamored with the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster. The folks at the Robb Report evidently agree, and included it in their "Best of the Best" list. But they didn't stop there: the luxury lifestyle magazine has teamed up with Aston to create a special edition of the British roadster, and they're only building seven of them.
The Robb Report Limited Edition V8 Vantage Roadster is characterized by its black-on-black-on-black color scheme: black exterior paint, black fabric roof and black interior upholstery (complemented by, you guessed it, black veneer trim). The 420-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 carries over unchanged, as does the rest of the vehicle, save for the number plates - which start at #001 and culminate in a very Aston-like #007 - and the $153,000 price tag, which comes in nearly twenty-three grand over list. Nobody said exclusivity came cheap.
[Source: Robb Report]
Aston Martin creates special edition Robb Report V8 Vantage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz to unveil Vision S 500 plug-in hybrid concept
September 9, 2009 at 5:00 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to World Car Fans, there's a new hybrid S-Class concept from Mercedes-Benz slated to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week. Unlike the previously-announced mild hybrid version of the S 400, the new Vision S 500 will reportedly come equipped with a plug and capable of powering itself solely on electric power for considerable distances.
At the heart of the concept will be a lithium ion battery pack that will store 10 kWh of power, giving it an electric-only range of over 18 miles (30 kilometers). That power storage unit will send its electrons to a 60-horsepower (44 kW) electric motor mated to an unknown gasoline-fed V6. Together, the twin power sources will reportedly push the big Benz to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.
Naturally, fuel economy and emissions are of paramount concern with this type of machine, and the S 500 PHEV won't disappoint. We're not sure what standard was used to come up with the 73.5 (3.2L per 100 km) mpg figure, but it appears to compare rather favorably with other competing luxury hybrids. Stay tuned for more when we hit the floor in Frankfurt.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Frankfurt Preview: Mercedes-Benz to unveil Vision S 500 plug-in hybrid concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Canadian HTT Plèthore supercar gets previewed ahead of Frankfurt
September 9, 2009 at 4:27 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Canada 
2010 HTT Plèthore LC 750 - Click above for high-res image gallery courtesy of Stephan Bauer
Besides moose, Mounties and socialized medicine, most Americans know little else about our neighbors to the North. Especially for car people, Canada doesn't register in any significant way unless the Buick LaCrosse comes up. That might change dramatically once the HTT Plèthore LC 750 hits the streets. The brainchild of company principle Luc Chartrand, the Plèthore is a unique supercar that has been at least six years in the making. In fact we covered a previous version of the car when it was shown at the Montreal Auto Show in 2007. Back then it carried the Locus Plèthore nameplate.
Having lost the Locus and gained an LC 750, the production Plèthore features a carbon fiber chassis and body, a 750-hp 6.2-liter V8, a 6-speed manual transmission and McLaren F1-like central driving position, among other things. This Canadian supercar is set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, but HTT held a VIP preview of it Tuesday before loading it into a 747 bound for Deutschland. Autoblog friend and ace photographer Stephan Bauer happened to be in attendance and shared some photos and notes with us.
Although the interior still needs work and the pictured vehicle was pretty rough around the edges, this car will be shown in Frankfurt next week. Stephan adds that although similar to some other supercars in its overall shape and details, some of the things that make the Plèthore stand out are its bat-like scissor doors that go well past vertical, its protruding rear diffuser, its tasteful and functional HRE rims and the fact that it is probably the widest car he's ever seen at 89 inches haunch to haunch. That's bigger than the wheelbase on some small cars. HTT told the assembled group that 10 cars have already been pre-sold at a starting price of 395,000 $CDN. For more details, visit the HTT website, and don't forget to check out our live gallery of shots by Monsieur Bauer.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Stephan Bauer / Weblogs, Inc.Canadian HTT Plèthore supercar gets previewed ahead of Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut
September 9, 2009 at 3:58 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat  Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari - Click above for high-res image gallery
Still waiting for that baby Ferrari to come along? This may be as close as you'll get. Confirming earlier reports, Fiat's Abarth and Ferrari subsidiaries have gotten together to collaborate on a special 500 to honor Maranello. We first heard about a special Ferrari edition 500 last year when we were in Italy test driving the new Alfa MiTo. But while the previous 500 created for Ferrari was used solely as a courtesy car for Ferrari owners bringing in their cars for service, this new Frankfurt-bound special edition will actually be available for purchase by the general public.
Called the 695 Tributo Ferrari, the special Cinquecento packs a 1.4-liter 16-valve turbo four tuned by Abarth and Ferrari engineers to produce over 180 horsepower, snorting through a variable exhaust system and mated to a paddle-shift automated manual transmission. 17-inch rims crowd the little wheel wells, mounted to a sport-tuned suspension and packing 284mm Brembo brake discs.
The most attention-getting detail, of course, is the paint scheme, decked out in Scuderia Red with Racing Grey stripes to mimick the outgoing 430 Scuderia. All we've got on the interior so far is that Jaeger has been commissioned to make the special instruments and Sabelt provides the bucket seats (probably similar to the ones we reported on recently).
This isn't the first time the Prancing Horse and the Scorpion marques have come together, Fiat pointing to the 1953 Ferrari 166/250 MM Abarth for reference. And whether this proves to be more of a marketing ploy or a serious set of wheels remains to be seen, but it's got to be better than the Michael Schumacher edition Fiat Stilo from a few years ago. For our part, we wouldn't mind pitting this against the upcoming Toyota iQ-based Aston Martin Cygnet to determine who'll be king of the exotic-branded superminis. Check it out in the press release after the jump and images in the hi-res gallery below.
Continue reading Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut Officially Official: Fiat confirms Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" for Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Full Frontal: More pics of the Lexus LF-Ch leak out
September 9, 2009 at 3:31 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus, Luxury  Lexus LF-Ch Concept - Click above for an image gallery
Lexus' hybrid A3/1 Series fighter is set to debut next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but before the big day, another batch of pics have leaked out onto the interwebs giving us a complete view of the exterior and the first shots inside.
 Because of the angle of previous Lexus LF-Ch teasers, it was slightly difficult to wrap your head around the proportions. However, these newest batch of shots show the LF-Ch in a slightly better light, with a cab-backwards profile, massive C-pillar and a well proportioned beltline and greenhouse.
The exterior's swooping lines are carried over inside to the center console, seats and IP, and while most of the elements are typical concept car fare, many of the design elements - including the panoramic glass roof - have the potential to migrate to the production version. Expect all the details and some in-person impressions coming your way from Germany next week.
[Source: Carscoop]
Full Frontal: More pics of the Lexus LF-Ch leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C
September 9, 2009 at 2:57 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, UK, Celebrities  Jay Leno lifting the McLaren MP4-12Cs carbon fiber tub - Click the image to view the video after the jump
In this video, our favorite zillionaire car freak -- Jay Leno -- goes to the ultra-modern McLaren factory in Woking, England to look at the brand new MP4-12C. Only they don't show it to him. Well sure, they show him the ridiculously lightweight carbon fiber central tub. They show him three dimensional CAD renderings. And finally they show him... the P11. But not the final MP4-12C.
Why not? Dunno, but we're guessing this was filmed before all the final revisions to the P11 were made. What we do know is that Leno sits in the prototype P11 and gives us a pretty jet-lagged, lethargic guided tour of the interior. Though he does perk up near the end, when he begins talking about getting one for his already +5 envious collection. Have a watch, after the jump.
Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C VIDEO: Jay Leno (almost) takes a closer look at the McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: China's Beijing Automotive takes minority stake in Saab
September 9, 2009 at 2:28 pm
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| Filed under: China, Europe, Saab  2010 Saab 9-5 - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It had been reported that SAIC had quietly taken a stake in Saab in conjunction with the Koenigsegg Group. However, it's been confirmed that Beijing Automotive -- which also recently made a play for Opel -- has grabbed a share of the Trollhätten pie.
BAIC provided the $400 million difference in cost that Koenigsegg needed to complete the sale and the final financial hurdle is for the Swedish government to guarantee a $600 million loan from the European Investment Bank to Koenigsegg.
Those kinds of numbers mean that Saab will be more expensive than Aston Martin, which might sound a little odd -- especially for a company that sold just 93,000 cars last year. But the tie to BAIC -- and Russia, Augie Fabela, a cell-phone company magnate -- could open up two enormous markets that will give Saab access to market numbers that could justify its purchase price and existence. Full press release from Koenigsegg after the jump.
[Source: Koenigsegg]
Continue reading REPORT: China's Beijing Automotive takes minority stake in Saab REPORT: China's Beijing Automotive takes minority stake in Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car
September 9, 2009 at 2:00 pm
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| Filed under: Sedan, Ford, Celebrities, Alternative Fuel  Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford has confirmed rumors that the new Jay Leno show will use the an electric Ford Focus for its Green Car Challenge. From what we hear, the challenge is similar to Top Gear's "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment, where celebs take to the track and battle for top times. While guests on the British show tackle the track in a Chevy Lacetti, Leno's buddies will use a prototype electric car Ford will launch in 2011.
The crew at Ford Racing has retuned the suspension of the prototype Focus BEV to make it a bit more amenable to track duty and the Focus BEV will be used throughout season one of Leno's new show. Check out our own first drive of the Focus BEV here.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car Officially Official: Jay Leno to put stars in (un)reasonably priced car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Pics Aplenty: Floodgates unleashed on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
September 9, 2009 at 1:29 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz  2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery
It was only a matter of time. Last night's initial leak of low-res shots and details of the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has been follow with real, honest-to-goodness images in high resolution.
Apart from the new pics, there's not much news to report. The car has 300SL-inspired "Gullwing" doors that look awesome and, more importantly, 563 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque funneled to the rear wheels from the front/mid-mounted 6.3-liter AMG V8. Thanks to a lightweight structure molded predominantly from carbon fiber, the SLS AMG will scoot to 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and on up to a top speed of 197 mph.
Want one? Well, sure you do... so do we. But you'll need to wait at least another year before production begins with sales slated to follow shortly thereafter. We'll be on hand at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week to get live shots of Merc's new beastie, but in the meantime, check out our gallery of high-res images below.
Pics Aplenty: Floodgates unleashed on Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising
September 9, 2009 at 12:57 pm
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| Filed under: Sedan, Acura, Reviews, Luxury 
2010 Acura TSX V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2010 Acura TSX V6 is something of a consolation prize. At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Acura showed off a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel and said it would launch in the U.S. this year. A few months later in New York, Honda's luxury arm showed off the all-new second generation TSX sedan, and we expected to be driving the culmination of the two right around now.
Unfortunately, a confluence of events a few months after the TSX was shown caused Acura to reverse course and put the diesel engine on the shelf. As world oil prices hit all time record levels, the never ending construction in China and Dubai seemed to be consuming the entire world supply of diesel, driving prices higher and higher. At about the same time, the world came to the realization that loaning money to people who couldn't pay it back might not be a great idea after all. With sales in the toilet everywhere, Acura decided that throwing a gasoline-powered V6 into the TSX might be a better idea. Was it?
Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising Review: 2010 Acura TSX V6 sacrifices twisties for long-haul cruising originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Pics Aplenty: McLaren MP4-12C is ready for its close up
September 9, 2009 at 12:28 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Performance, MISC  McLaren MP4-12C - Click above for high-res image gallery
For those who've been anxiously awaiting the replacement of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, last night was a very big night indeed. Not only did the new Mercedes SLS AMG leak out, but McLaren itself released full details of its new MP4-12C. We ran the info as soon as we could gather it along with an initial batch of images, and now we're back with more for your viewing and desktop-plastering pleasure.
The design of McLaren's new supercar - its first independent road-car project since the legendary McLaren F1 - comes from the hand of one Frank Stephenson, the multi-national, American-educated designer responsible for the reborn Mini, BMW X5, Fiat 500 and countless Maseratis and Ferraris. His design of the MP4-12C is dominated by McLaren's tick logo, which figures large in the air vents all around the car as well as the LED lights. The shape is otherwise clean and streamlined, aided by the use of adaptive aerodynamics. The interior is accessed via signature McLaren forward-upward hinged doors, and though lamentably without the 1+2 configuration made famous by its precursor, envelops the driver and passenger in thin, molded bucket seats. The dashboard is dominated by a 7-inch multimedia display, and the Pre-Cog gear system is operated via paddles mounted on a rocker, allowing up and downshifts to be affected from either side, just like in McLaren's championship-winning grand prix cars. Check it all out in the high-resolution image gallery below, and stay tuned for video footage to follow shortly.
[Source: McLaren]
Pics Aplenty: McLaren MP4-12C is ready for its close up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo S60 caught completely uncovered
September 9, 2009 at 11:57 am
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| Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Volvo, Luxury  The gestation period for a new Volvo model has always been rather languid. Back in the 1950s, when tailfins were making annual progress toward low earth orbit, Volvo was cranking out PV444 and 544s. Those cars spent a good part of a decade looking like 1940s Fords, and so it's gone with Volvo's models. The iconic 200 series was in production for nearly 20 years, so while the current S60 was first teased nearly ten years ago, the fact that it's still on sale isn't that surprising given the brand's history of model longevity.
All the way back to Volvo's original stylist Jan Wilsgaard, the Swedish automaker has had good looking cars that stand up over time. Of course, a glance at the latest S60 sales figures might indicate that the public is using the car as an illustration of "long in tooth." Most of Volvo's range has been recently refreshed, but its important bread and butter sedan has been soldiering on largely unchanged from its 2005 mid-cycle freshening. Until now, that is.
The next S60's production styling has been captured by spy photographers, and the new duds follow the styling themes laid out by the recent XC60. The front end is smoother and more chiseled at the same time, and the bodysides pick up a character line where the current car wears a smooth radius. We think it looks good, it's a nice evolution of the original S60's handsome and well-proven styling, and should make Volvo a more attractive purchase when Ford eventually relents and admits it's for sale. Follow the source to see the new S60 in full. Thanks for the tip, Casey!
[Source: Straightline, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]
Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo S60 caught completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled
September 9, 2009 at 11:28 am
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| Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Truck, Wagon, GM, Holden, Australia 
The HSV E Series 2 lineup - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Just as wounds from the Pontiac G8 being ripped from us are beginning to scar over, HSV has torn them open anew by revealing version 2.0 of its Commodore-based E Series lineup. It's facelifts all around for the gang of Aussie stoplight brawlers, four of which - The GTS, Maloo R8, ClubSport R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer - even get the erstwhile Poncho's twin-scoop hood. The more luxurious Senator Signature and long-wheelbase Grange models have smooth hoods and less overall ornamentation. Either one would have made a sublime performance Buick, but oh well...
The most extreme looker of the bunch is the range-topping HSV GTS (front and center), which rocks a vicious Fu-Manchu blackout treatment on its new front fascia. All of the cars get new wheels, LED running lights, and new treatments out back as well. Every HSV machine also has an LS3 V8 pumping out 317 kW (425 hp), except the GTS - its LS3 makes 325 kW (435 hp). To further drive home the point, 317 or 325 badging is prominently displayed on the back of the GTS, Maloo, and the two ClubSports so that other drivers have a better understanding of why their doors just got blown off. The Corvette's new launch control system is on every manual gearbox-equipped car, and a manual is standard equipment on all of them but the Grange, which is only sold with a six-speed auto. Finally, new "SV Enhanced" options such as upgraded wheels, bi-modal exhaust, and, in the case of the GTS, 6-pot front brakes let drivers trick things out even further.
It's basically a massive laundry list of good stuff we'll probably never ever see in the U.S. now that GM leadership has put a bullet into the whole North American Zeta sedan idea once and for all. Obviously, this rots. Follow the jump for the official HSV press release and have a gander at the new cars in the gallery below. The photos are all labeled so you know which car is which. That way you'll know precisely what it is that we're missing out on.
[Source: HSV]Continue reading Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled Aussie Envy: HSV E Series 2 lineup unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Rumormill: BMW proceeding with development on mid-engine Z10?
September 9, 2009 at 11:00 am
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| Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill  BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
For many, it may seem hard for an automaker to claim the mantle of "The Ultimate Driving Machine" without a truly exhilarating supercar to act as a halo to define the brand. That could explain why, following previous reports that it had canned any plans for a mid-engine supercar, new reports suggest that BMW is proceeding with development of just such a vehicle.
Tentatively dubbed Z10, the most ultimate of driving machines would, according to the latest churns of the rumormill, take advantage of lightweight materials - including carbon fiber, aluminum and magnesium - to keep weight down, while offering more space inside than a Porsche 911. The jury's still out on what engine would find itself placed in the middle of the taut chassis, with the company's award-winning V10 reportedly axed in favor of a twin-turbo six (in either V or inline configuration) delivering somewhere in the vicinity of 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual clutch gearbox.
Adaptable aerodynamics, a supplemental hybrid electric motor and thermal-dynamics system are also tipped to be part of the package, and we wouldn't be surprised to see some of the styling elements from the new Vision EfficientDynamics concept make their way into the production vehicle. The supercar is supposedly projected to bow with a $110,000 sticker price about five years from now... that is, if it's actually ever produced at all.
[Source: Automobile Magazine]
Rumormill: BMW proceeding with development on mid-engine Z10? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales?
September 9, 2009 at 10:29 am
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| Filed under: Truck, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Nissan, Toyota 
2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery
When auto sales began to circle the drain in 2008, no single segment was hurt more than pickup trucks. Sales were cut in half in many instances, pummeling the domestics from Detroit more often than their foreign competition. Truck sales even dropped in Texas - easily the world's largest market for all things with four wheels, a bed and a V8 engine. Some Texas dealers saw sales drop 30% or more in 2008 and 2009, but some signs point to a turning point for truck sales and perhaps even the auto industry as a whole.
In August, the Ford F-150 saw its first year over year sales increase in three years. Automotive News is reporting that dealers in Texas are reporting more fleet and retail traffic, and one ton trucks are beginning to move off the lot again. Analyst Erich Merkle with Autoconomy.com told AN that the increased truck activity in Texas could mean that the auto industry is on the back swing, and more importantly, perhaps the entire American economy.
As an example of how this could play out, Texas is home to many of our nations biggest ranches. Dealers often sell entire fleets of trucks to these massive ranches, and if they are asking for more trucks, the results will be noticeable in our monthly By the Numbers update. And if ranchers are buying trucks again, that means we're making more things and more money changes hands, which means the economy may be bouncing back to life.
We know it's a bit of a stretch to hang the entire economy on Texas truck sales, but more trucks usually means more building and more construction. We're not sure if that's a bellweather for success, but it can't exactly be a bad thing either.
[Source: Automotive News - Subs. Req'd]Texas truck sales uptick seen as bellweather for auto sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Take it to the Bank: BMW Group to display new debuts in Frankfurt on exhibit hall track
September 9, 2009 at 9:58 am
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce  BMW Group Frankfurt show stand - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's all about presentation. That's the sentiment which BMW is apparently embracing for the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, for which the Bavarian automaker has announced an intriguing element to its exhibition. While auto shows typically are limited to showcasing new cars in static displays, this year BMW will feature a track built around the entire show stand which will display its cadre of new debuts for the show. And as we've been reporting incrementally, BMW's got quite a few unveilings scheduled for Frankfurt: the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, the X1 crossover, the production 5 Series Gran Turismo, 320d EfficientDynamics and ActiveHybrid versions of the 7 Series and X6.
On top of BMW's own, the company's Mini and Rolls-Royce subsidiaries have also got a few new debuts as well - including the Mini Coupé Concept, Mini Roadster and Rolls-Royce Ghost - and will for the first time be displaying with their parent company, taking full advantage of BMW's trackside accommodations. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.
Continue reading Take it to the Bank: BMW Group to display new debuts in Frankfurt on exhibit hall track Take it to the Bank: BMW Group to display new debuts in Frankfurt on exhibit hall track originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| GM would rather have Opel, Vauxhall fall into insolvency than sell to Magna?
September 9, 2009 at 9:40 am
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| Filed under: Europe, GM, Opel 
While General Motors was going through its 42 day bankruptcy period, one of the stories that didn't receive much play was the sale of GM's Opel brand. The major players in the Opel sale appear to be the German government, Canadian supplier Magna and Belgian private investor RHJ International.
The German government was reportedly willing to front 3.4 billion euros toward the deal, as long as Magna was the buyer. Magna has said that it wouldn't close any German factories if it purchased, making the supplier attractive to the German government. But Magna is tied to a Russian company that would receive GM's intellectual property if the sale is made final.
The Daily Mail in the UK is reporting that the General would rather push Opel into insolvency than sell to Magna. When GM went into Chapter 11, Opel was placed in a trust. Now that GM is free of bankruptcy and sales have picked up (slightly) in Europe, the Detroit-based automaker could possibly again own Opel by working through German insolvency laws. To make matters a bit more complicated, Opel's unions are threatening to demand pay raises and bonuses if the company isn't sold to Magna.
The sale of Opel looks like it's becoming more of a mess than originally anticipated. The status of Opel could become clearer by the end of this week, with a Opel on the agenda during a major board meeting at GM today and tomorrow.
[Source: Daily Mail | Image Source: Ralph Orlowski/Getty]GM would rather have Opel, Vauxhall fall into insolvency than sell to Magna? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Man driving around the globe in Bridget the Midget for charity
September 9, 2009 at 9:20 am
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| Filed under: Etc. 
Fifty-two-year-old Briton Roy Locock decided to drive around the world to benefit charity. A circumnavigating spin behind the wheel is almost passe these days, but Locock's choice of wheels certainly isn't: a 1977 MG Midget. He bought the car -- named Bridget -- in 2006, and after taking it on a tour of Spain and Italy, began a restoration. Not long afterward he figured Bridget needed to get out and see some things.
He's been on the road now for well over a year, going from Oxford, England to Chennai, India, then taking a boat down to Australia for a drive entirely around that country, then hopping a boat to Argentina and driving due north, and now he's in Canada. His company all this time has been himself, five-days of emergency rations, two 20-liter gas cans, and a car with 3.5 inches of ground clearance. Oh, and fortitude. Lots of that.
Locock's driving to benefit UNICEF, and you can read all about the adventures on the blog he is still updating. Bridget does like to provide her own mechanical adventures -- she is an MG, after all -- but the fact that she has covered almost 30,000 miles so far has to count for something. Good luck on the rest of your trip, Mr. Locock.
[Source: Bridget the Midget via Google]Man driving around the globe in Bridget the Midget for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| What happens if you shift into Reverse while driving?
September 9, 2009 at 8:57 am
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| Filed under: Etc. 
Trying to write about the best scenes in Woody Allen's Annie Hall is like trying to find unhealthy food at McDonalds. Where do you even start? Luckily, this is a car site, so we can just skip to the part where Christopher Walken's character explains to Woody,
I tell you this because, as an artist, I think you'll understand. Sometimes when I'm driving on the road at night I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car. I can anticipate the explosion. The sound of shattering glass. The flames rising out of the flowing gasoline. To which Woody (fine, Alvy) answers, "Right. Well, I have to go now, Duane, because I'm due back on the planet earth." And really that's the right response. When one encounters crazy, one should run. Of course, we work with Dan Roth and sadly running isn't an option. Much like Walken's Duane, Dan wonders exactly what would happen on a "long, uninteresting stretch of highway" if he shifted his car from drive to reverse? Dan goes ahead and researches what would happen if you were to somehow get a forward moving vehicle's transmission into R. We ain't going to spoil the details (hint: not good!), but you can read all about what happens on AOL Autos.
What happens if you shift into Reverse while driving? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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