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| VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air
September 17, 2009 at 8:59 pm
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| Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Safety, Videos, Chevrolet 
2009 Chevy Malibu versus 1959 Chevy Bel Air - Click above to watch the video after the break
They just don't build 'em like they used to. While that old saying is constantly bandied about in regards to modern-day cars and trucks, it's once again worth saying and was the first thing that popped into our heads after watching the video pasted after the break.
You see, most of the time, we like to think of our old automobiles as tank-like hunks of metal with full frames and acres of dead space in front of the driver and the massive chrome front bumper. While that may often be the case, all those thick bits of steel don't automatically equal safety. This point is driven home by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary by crash testing a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air into a 2009 Chevy Malibu. The results were eye-opening. Says the IIHS of the Bel Air's performance:
The dummy's head struck the steering wheel rim and hub and then the roof and unpadded metal instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.... The windshield was completely dislodged from the car and the driver door opened during the crash, both presenting a risk of ejection. In addition, the front bench seat was torn away from the floor on the driver side. Ouch.... an instant death according to the IIHS. And the '09 Malibu? "A high acceleration was recorded on the left foot, indicating that foot injuries would be possible." Well now, as much as we like our left foot (perfect for operating the clutch, ya know), we'd rather take our chances in the new car, thank you very much. Click past the break to watch the video in all its car-crushing glory, and take a moment to mourn the passing of what used to be a rather nice '59 Bel Air.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Under The Influence: Pop Top Can Cars are tin cans on wheels
September 17, 2009 at 8:27 pm
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| Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen, Humor 
Stroh's Pop Top Can Cars - Click above for high-res image gallery
Driving with a beer in hand is just bad form. But driving a beer? Well, that's just cantastic!
Our colleagues at Hemmings Auto Blogs turned up a keg's worth of photos and information about these Beetle-based beermobiles from the 1980s. A Florida company called Automotive Innovations owned by Ron Wharton created the cars for the Stroh Brewery Company for promotional use, with one leading a daily parade at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tenn.
The builder was granted an exemption from federal safety standards and were limited to building only 300 of the fiberglass-bodied cars a year. Each one was given a new title as a Pop Top Can Car.
Check out our gallery below, then click on over to Hemmings for many more photos of the cars, including orange-juice, motor oil and Mountain Dew themed models.
[Source: Hemmings Auto Blogs]
Under The Influence: Pop Top Can Cars are tin cans on wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt 2009 Wrap Up: We saw it all
September 17, 2009 at 8:20 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show  2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - Click above for complete list of vehicles covered
You're looking at a Porsche Panamera S with a trailer hitch. We're looking at an empty bottle of scotch and 11-hour plane rides. But never mind all that - what you really need to know is five hacks blogged over 60 posts and approximately ninety-billion photos in two days.
Why so many cars? We're thinking that the OEMs had a ton of new metal lined-up pre-Great Recession then got spooked by the economic meltdown. Frankfurt proved to be a dumping ground for all the new stuff - or at least it felt that way. But hey, what's better than new cars? For us and you, not a whole lot. Follow the jump for a list of every car we covered in Frankfurt and discover exactly how we felt walking back to the hotel after being (almost) forcibly removed from the media room. At least you can't accuse us of not trying. Also let us know what you think of Best of Show was in the comments. Auf wiedersehen, Germany!
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009 Wrap Up: We saw it all Frankfurt 2009 Wrap Up: We saw it all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Ford could have problems with SYNC patents
September 17, 2009 at 8:00 pm
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| Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Ford, GM 
At first, Ford's SYNC wasn't much more than a way for drivers to access music on their MP3 players through their car's radio. But SYNC grew up and, in its last update, gained the ability to summon help in an emergency, access navigation and information services and, basically, match GM's OnStar.
Ford had Joseph Berry to thank for that. Past tense. Had. Back in July, Ford reportedly terminated Berry without getting him to sign over several key SYNC patents. Berry says the patents are based on ideas he came up with before joining Ford and therefore belong to him. But, he says, he'll be happy to license them to his former employer. Ford basically says, "No comment."
The patents are directly related technologies that allow SYNC to use mobile phones to access data such as weather and real-time traffic information. Berry says he's currently in talks with "several automakers" and the head of GM's OnStar division will only say that they "know who Joe Berry is."
Should Ford SYNC users be concerned about losing service? Probably not. It seems likely that as soon as Berry and all the lawyers get their cut, everything ought to be back to normal at Ford HQ.
[Source: Detroit News]
REPORT: Ford could have problems with SYNC patents originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| SEMA Preview: One-off Hurst Camaro to be auctioned for charity
September 17, 2009 at 7:29 pm
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| Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Chevrolet  2010 Hurst Camaro - Click above for high-res image
The SEMA Show is coming up fast, and already we're hearing about all the new tuner vehicles we'll get to see on the show floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center come November. One of those cars will be a one-off 2010 Hurst Camaro to be auctioned off on eBay Motors starting two weeks before the show. The original car was generously donated by GM, and proceeds from the auction will go to benefit SEMA's Memorial Scholarship Fund that supports students who want to pursue careers in the aftermarket industry.
This unique Camaro features a paint scheme opposite to the Silver and Black Series 4 Challenger with red and silver stripes painted over Brilliant Black. The car also comes with a Hurst AIR-SPEED decklid spoiler, 20-inch polished forged wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich tires, Eibach suspension components, Magnaflow exhaust system and exterior Hurst badges. Of course, no Hurst-built car would come without a new shifter, and the Camaro gets a Competition/Plus unit with a red anodized HARD-DRIVE billet handle. Final touches include embroidered floor mats, a personalized dash plaque and signatures from the Hurst executive team under the trunk lid.
There's no official word on whether Hurst will build a production version of the Camaro to join the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Viper and Pontiac G8 models that are currently available, but we wouldn't bet against it. Full details on the Hurst Camaro and the auction can be found in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Hurst Performance Vehicles]Continue reading SEMA Preview: One-off Hurst Camaro to be auctioned for charity SEMA Preview: One-off Hurst Camaro to be auctioned for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
September 17, 2009 at 7:01 pm
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| Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota, Autoline on Autoblog TOYOTA'S HYBRIDS COULD BE BANNED FROM THE AMERICAN MARKET
 In a shocking development Toyota faces a lawsuit filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission that seeks to ban the import of all hybrids to the American market. Toyota is being sued by Paice LLC for patent infringement on its hybrid system.
Before you think this is just a frivolous lawsuit that has no standing whatsoever, consider the fact that Paice has already successfully sued Toyota on five counts of patent infringement, and won on three of them. In April of this year, Paice was awarded by the Federal district court in the Eastern District of Texas a future royalty of $98 for every Prius sold.
Toyota is appealing that verdict, but just to up the ante Paice decided to file its suit with the ITC and go for an all-out ban on all the hybrids the giant Japanese automaker brings into the U.S. market.
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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
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Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| SMS Supercars shows off new facility, new supercar on the way
September 17, 2009 at 6:29 pm
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| Filed under: Performance  SMS Car Show and Open House - Click above for a high-res image gallery
It's tradition for Steve Saleen to hold his annual open house and car show at the end of the summer, and while he's no longer with the company he originally founded, that's not stopping him from holding the event. The new SMS Supercars facility in Corona, CA was completed just in time to host more than 100 Mustang and Challenger owners who got a first look at Steve's new headquarters this past weekend.
SMS's chief creative officer Phil Frank showed us around the facility, which includes offices named after racetracks where the Saleen S7R has won, a production line that can complete 5-6 cars per week in its current state, R&D departments, and more. Currently only the 570 Challenger is being built (a Mustang and a Camaro are on their way, and we spotted two covered prototypes tucked away in a corner of the building), including some with unique paint jobs like Lime Green. We also have to say that Lizstick Red looks just as good on the Challenger as it does on the Mustang.
Frank also let us in on a few of the company's future plans, including the fact that SMS intends to build a new supercar from the ground up once the production of the Mustang and Camaro is underway. It is still undecided whether it will be a supercar like the S7 or something like a less expensive track day car, but either way we would be excited to see another unique car with Steve Saleen behind it.
Although not as big as Saleen's old Irvine facility (let's call it more streamlined and efficient), the new SMS building has that same exciting atmosphere about it. We can definitely see ourselves stopping by every time we're in the area to see if we can spot any new cars or to check out the vehicles currently being built. Of course, we'll always have a camera in hand as we did today, so enjoy what will most likely be the first of many photos from the new SMS Supercars facility in the high-res gallery below.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.SMS Supercars shows off new facility, new supercar on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"
September 17, 2009 at 6:01 pm
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| Filed under: SUV, Audi, Diesel 
2009 Audi Q7 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery
Time to fire up the TiVo. Tomorrow night, the Science Channel will debut a new episode of "How It's Made" that features the Audi TDI clean diesel engine range. What's the big deal, haven't diesels been around since the death of the dinosaurs? Well, sorta. While they still share the same basic architecture that Rudolph Diesel invented all those years ago, today's modern diesel powerplants are a far cry from the old smoke belching, shake-themselves-to-pieces lumps of yore.
The actual engine featured in the segment will be Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, which puts out 225 horsepower and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque in the engine bay of the 2009 Q7 TDI while still maintaining class-leading fuel efficiency. Soon the German automaker will introduce its second clean diesel-powered vehicle here in the States in the form of the 2010 A3 TDI, which you can read about here.
Anyone interested in what goes into building a modern diesel powerplant will want to tune in to the Science Channel at 9pm (Eastern and Pacific). Click past the jump for the press release.
Continue reading TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made" TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns
September 17, 2009 at 5:30 pm
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| Filed under: Performance, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Mitsubishi  2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart - Click above for high-res gallery
The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall of potentially 6,903 Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart vehicles fitted with 2.0-liter turbocharged engines falling between model year 2008 and 2009. According to the report, running the engine at certain speeds over time may cause a damaging vibration that could lead to a stress crack in the fuel pipe (the fuel return pipe is apparently improperly attached to the engine). If a crack does develop, the resulting fuel leakage could cause a fire.
Dealers will be instructed to replace the fuel pipe with a new component and add two new additional attachment brackets to lessen the effects of vibration. Of course, all of this work will be performed free of charge. Owners of the recalled Mitsubishi vehicles may contact the manufacturer at 1-888-648-7820, contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov regarding campaign ID 09V349000.
[Source: NHTSA]
Continue reading Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns Nearly 7,000 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ralliart, and Sportback Ralliart models recalled over fuel pipe crack concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: The JDM Toyota Prius is Superman. Or something
September 17, 2009 at 4:59 pm
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| Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Toyota  The Toyota Prius is super duper. Click above to watch video after the jump.
Here in the U.S., the advertising campaign for the 2010 Toyota Prius is all about shiny happy dancing people-flowers and that hypnotic mind-control song that plays in the background. It's humble. It's green. It's all very weird. But there's no disputing the message: if you love the Earth, you want a Prius. And a tree costume.
On Toyota's Japanese homepage, the message is more assertive. As you can see above, Kal-El - a.k.a. Superman - thinks the 2010 Prius is a Super Hybrid Car (all together now, with feeling: "SUPER HYBORIDOCAR!"). Seriously. Clark Kent is on the case in the TV commercial after the jump. Though many seem to like Toyota's American Prius advertising campaign, we think the Man of Steel is so much better than the neo-hippie Cirque du Soleil campaign we have here in the States, where Superman, you know, lives.
[Source: Toyota]
Continue reading VIDEO: The JDM Toyota Prius is Superman. Or something VIDEO: The JDM Toyota Prius is Superman. Or something originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S.
September 17, 2009 at 4:25 pm
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| Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery
This just in: that fantabulous little Mazda we've admired from afar for the past couple years, the Mazda2 (also known as the Demio in Japan), is coming to all of North America, the U.S. included. President and CEO of Mazda's North American Operations Jim O'Sullivan has just told the automaker's top dealers that the diminutive Mazda, which shares its platform with the also incoming Ford Fiesta, will go on sale in the U.S. around the end of 2010. That's just about the same time that the Mazda2 will go on sale in Canada, as well.
O'Sullivan cites the changing tastes and attitudes of consumers towards smaller cars as shifting the business case in favor of selling the Mazda2 here in the States below. While no other information was given, dealers were told they can expect to see the North American-spec Mazda2 debut later this year at the 2009 LA Auto Show.
What this means for Ford and the similar-in-almost-every-way-but-styling Fiesta remains to be seen. Knowing that the Mazda2 is on its way, would you reconsider buying a Fiesta in favor of test driving the same thing with a little extra Zoom Zoom?
[Source: Mazda via Mike Spinelli, auto123]
BREAKING: Mazda2 coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package
September 17, 2009 at 3:58 pm
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| Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency 
Stop us if you've heard this one. GM's Australian-based arm is looking to send its Holden Commodore to the United States. Right, um, that's the Pontiac G8, right? Actually, no, it's dead. And it may not be a Chevy either, depending on how you read the report from drive.com.au, which quotes GM chief Fritz Henderson as saying, "We've been working on a package for police applications. I just think that's going to work. We're pretty optimistic about it and that product will be sourced in Australia."
We'll put in an unsolicited vote for sending the cars to the U.S. exactly as they roll off the assembly line in Oz, complete with a Holden crest on the front fascia. Why fix what isn't broken? One thing is for certain: Unless you happen to wear a badge and drive around in a black-and-white Crown Vic for your day job, you probably won't have access to one of the Australian sedans, which, as you surely know by now, is a downright shame.
We're sure that police officers in the United States and Canada will appreciate another modern V8-powered, rear-wheel drive sedan platform just as much as anyone else, but we still wish The General was able to find a way to keep this vehicle in American showrooms and available to the public.
[Source: drive.com.au]REPORT: GM still working on importing Holden Commodore with police package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy?
September 17, 2009 at 3:39 pm
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| Filed under: Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat 
Fiat is hard at work trying to come up with the best available use of its newly acquired Chrysler arm. Part of that plan may be to sell more Chrysler products in Europe, and Fiat just so happens to have an available factory to build them in. Automotive News is reporting that Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne says the company would use its freshly purchased Carrozzeria Bertone plant near Turin, Italy. Fiat purchased the facility in July, just a few weeks after Chrysler exited chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Marchionne declined to discuss which vehicles would be built at the factory, but those following the Italian automaker have plenty of reasonable guesses. AN quotes sources who say the facility could open as soon as late 2011, and it could build the next generation Chrysler 300. The upcoming new 300 will reportedly begin production in the US in early 2011, and the 300's RWD platform is rumored to be used in future Alfa and/or Lancia models. The sources also claim Jeep models could be built in other Fiat facilities by using complete knock down kits shipped from here in the US.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd | Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images]Ciao! Fiat to build Chryslers in Italy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt 2009: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept needs a shorter name
September 17, 2009 at 3:20 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Hatchback, Toyota  Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
And now for your viewing pleasure, we bring you these live shots of the Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept (seriously, could Toyota have come up with a longer name?). Technically, the vehicle shown in our image gallery below is listed as a concept car, but every indication is that it's not all that different than what will be rolling out of Burnaston factory in England sometime during the second half of 2010.
We wouldn't necessarily count on the dash-mounted solar panels that feature trays to recharge your electronics - though, how cool would that be? - but the rooftop cells may make it into production to help keep the cabin cool on sunny days as a similar system already is optional on the 2010 Prius. In any case, Toyota's 1.8-liter four cylinder and Hybrid Synergy Drive ought to ensure stellar fuel economy and carbon emissions of below 100 g/km - both important considerations across the pond where gas is especially pricey and taxes are high.
Hit the jump to reread the press release and refresh your memory on all the little concept-appropriate details.
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept needs a shorter name Frankfurt 2009: Toyota Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept needs a shorter name originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| X-Type Redux? Jaguar reportedly considering entry-level coupe
September 17, 2009 at 2:58 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Jaguar 
To put it mildly, sales of the Jaguar X-Type have never quite lived up to worldwide expectations, and that's especially true in the American market where the car did way more damage to the automaker's reputation that its middling sales numbers were ever worth. Jaguar is hoping that its upcoming XJ restores some of the leaping cat's lost luster, and if that happens, exciting prospects may very well open up for the classic British automaker.
Not surprisingly, there are no plans to replace the X-Type in Jaguar's line, but there are a number of options that the automaker could explore for future automobiles - not the least of which is the rumored XE compact sportscar. Engineering chief Mick Mohan tells Autocar that another possibility would be an entry-level coupe that could sport a sticker price several thousand dollars under that of the XF:
Personally, I'd love to make a compact coupe - an Audi A5 or BMW 3 Series coupe rival. There's plenty of profit to be made on those cars, and our aluminum platform technology gives us the opportunity to make one. I think we'd make a really good one too. One more interesting tidbit from Mohan is that Jaguar has absolutely no intention of following Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz into the crossover market. "Utility will never be what we're about", he says, and somehow, we're thankful for that.
[Source: Autocar]
X-Type Redux? Jaguar reportedly considering entry-level coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Ford confirms two colors for 2011 Fiesta
September 17, 2009 at 2:29 pm
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| Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford  Ford Fiesta (Euro-spec) - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's not likely that white, black and silver will be dethroned as the most popular color for vehicles in all the universe (have you ever seen a spaceship painted orange? We haven't either). That said, we're all for offering a diverse palette of hues when it comes to car colors. Ford is touting the popularity of non-monochromatics with some interesting stats: nearly 40 percent of people who have bought the F-150 SVT Raptor so far have chosen "Molten Orange" (blue, white and black are their other choices) and 2010 Mustangs decked out in "Grabber Blue" have grabbed 10% of Ford's pony car sales so far.
With that in mind, Ford has confirmed that "Bright Magenta" and "Lime Squeeze" will be two colors available for the 2011 Fiesta when it goes on sale next year in the U.S. You should be familiar with these two paint jobs by now, as we're fairly certain that all of the 100 Fiesta Movements cars being driven around the country for months now are wearing one or the other. In fact, we're now more interested in what the 2011 Fiesta will look like in boring, old white, black and silver.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford confirms two colors for 2011 Fiesta Ford confirms two colors for 2011 Fiesta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Rhys Millen in the works for SEMA
September 17, 2009 at 1:59 pm
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| Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hyundai, Specialty
A year ago at the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas, Rhys Millen Racing made a splash with it's Hyundai Genesis coupe concept, and this year the team's back with an even more extreme example. Last year's car retained the front engine, rear drive layout of the production car and its turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder. This time around, Millen's crew is going with the 4.6-liter Tau V8 from the coupe's big brother sedan.
Rather than trying to pack the oversize powerplant into the coupe's smaller engine compartment, the RMR staff have discarded the pretty much useless rear seat and most of the floorpan. The engine and five-speed sequential gearbox will now occupy the space behind the two remaining front buckets. Most of the suspension is being retained and the trunk-lid and rear glass will be combined into a hatch for engine access. For the most part, the Tau V8 will remain close to stock with the limited mods raising output to around 450 horsepower. No word yet on whether this will be strictly a one-off or whether it will be offered to paying customers... feel free to join the line at the rear.
[Source: Inside Line]
Mid-engine Hyundai Genesis Coupe by Rhys Millen in the works for SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises
September 17, 2009 at 1:30 pm
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| Filed under: Performance, Videos 
Over the years, our favorite magazines have had some spectacular comparison tests, with scores of test data and page after page of subjective text. Motor Trend has practically made a living with comparisons, and its newest feature pits 10 hot rides against one another to see which is the best driver's car. MT used tons of data, added subjective feedback from staff members and included track time at Laguna Seca with pro driver Randy Pobst.
If you receive Motor Trend at home or you check in over at its website, you've probably read the extensive article, but the magazine also produced a 14 minute video hosted by Editor at Large Arthur St. Antoine. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself. It's chock full of beautiful footage, 638 horsepower supercars drifting around and tire-ripping burnouts. How much more can you ask for?
[Source: YouTube via Motor Trend]Continue reading VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises VIDEO: Motor Trend's Best Driver's Car Competition offers a few surprises originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks
September 17, 2009 at 12:56 pm
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| Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Nissan, First Drive 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo - Click above for high-res image gallery
There's no safe way to say it: this blogger just doesn't like the 2010 Nissan 370Z very much. Sure, it's a fine sporty car that goes about its business quickly and competently, but it just leaves me cold. Yes, it can hit 60 mph in 5 seconds, hold 0.99 g on a skid pad and get around a track faster than a Porsche Cayman, but it doesn't rocket to 60 mph in 5 seconds like Wile E. Coyote shot from a greased Acme canon. Nor does it tenaciously hold 0.99 g like a baby possum gripping onto mama during a lightning storm. And yeah, you guessed it, I'd much rather get there a second or two late in the mid-engined Porsche. Or, more appropriately, a 2010 Mustang GT. Long story short, the 370Z is a little dull.
I'm not just saying all this to be contrary or cute. I've personally logged over 1,500 miles in a couple different 370Zs and, to be honest, the experience wasn't much different than the more than 1,500 miles I've traveled in various Infiniti G37s. Not that there's anything wrong with the Infiniti, but the Z should be a sports car, not a luxury tourer. That's why it was such a breath of fresh air - both literal and otherwise - when we got our hands on the 370Z Roadster. It was like going from black and white to color. Finally, the new Z was fun, engaging - thrilling even. Trouble was, we knew the Nismo was coming and had that stuffy roof. Yeah, we'd go fast for a week, but I feared being ultimately underwhelmed. Well guess what? Not so with Nismo.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks First Drive: 2010 Nissan 370Z Nismo simply rocks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights
September 17, 2009 at 12:41 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Opel  2010 Opel Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery
By now, you've likely already seen official shots of the 2010 Opel Astra, both inside and out. Of course, catching a glimpse of a new shape under the harsh lighting of an auto show often brings a different point of view than the automaker's own glitzy press shots.
In the case of the latest Astra, though, the new car looks nearly as fetching caught with the lenses of our own DSLRs as it did in GM's official photography. We especially like the new Astra's interior furnishings, which are a major step up from the current model's rather boring and somber duds.
While the 2010 Astra won't be coming Stateside as a Saturn like the previous model, GM has promised to bring the latest Detla-based car to American shores (probably in sedan form) wearing the trademark Buick badge and chrome waterfall grille, and none of those plans are expected to change now that The General has offloaded a majority stake in Opel to Magna. Check out our high-res shots below of the 2010 Astra live from Frankfurt.
Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Fiat surprised by Chrysler's condition, new business plan coming in November
September 17, 2009 at 12:21 pm
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| Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat 
Bad news travels fast. That old adage was first coined hundreds of years before the Internet, and we'd say the phrase holds more true than ever in the age of Twitter, Facebook and, well, Autoblog. We're but one of many car sites that have mentioned the dearth of new product coming out of Auburn Hills, Michigan over the next couple years, but someone forgot to tell Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne. The Pentastar's new chief executive reportedly told reporters in Frankfurt this week that he was "surprised" at how little was going on over at Chrysler the past 24 months. Surprised? Really? Did Marchionne actually ask Chrysler brass which new products were hitting the streets in 2010 and 2011?
As a result of the dearth of product, Marchionne and his team are going back to work on Chrysler's business plan, with a new plan to be announced sometime in November. Marchionne told Automotive News that the management team had to be "absolutely clear about what we want to do with Chrysler and where the organization is going to be in five years."
Car Concepts Automotive analyst Todd Turner told CNN that he too had a hard time believing that Marchionne was blissfully unaware of Chrysler's plight, adding that Marchionne is using the extra time to announce drastic actions to right the Pentastar ship. Turner went as far as to say that Chrysler could pull the plug on the slow-selling Chrysler brand all together within the next five years or perhaps simply rebadge Fiat models as Chrysler products. That would leave Fiat's Detroit operations with the Dodge and Jeep brands.
Chrysler's newest beast master paid precisely zero dollars (or Euros or Lira or gold cougerans) for its pet project, and Marchionne reiterated that Fiat intended to keep it that way. Marchionne added that he didn't plan any outside investments for Chrysler but added that if total sales in the U.S. market don't hit about 11 million units in 2010, Chrysler may have to close more plants. We're just hoping Chrysler can make it through the next couple of years to actually get to the point where it is selling rebadged Fiats.
[Source: CNN Money | Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]
REPORT: Fiat surprised by Chrysler's condition, new business plan coming in November originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Fiat versus the bicycle
September 17, 2009 at 11:59 am
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| Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Fiat, Humor 
For today's Funny Car Commercial of the Day, we take a trip into another land where automobile drivers often find it necessary to share the road with their fellow human-powered, two-wheeled travelers. We wouldn't know, having lived right here in the U.S. of A. our whole lives, but apparently bicyclists in South Africa happen to have a few irritating habits... like using the hood of your car as a means to balance themselves while waiting for the light to change.
If the commercial pasted after the break is any indication, perhaps the aforementioned practice isn't such a good idea. Consider yourself warned: unclip from your pedals and put your feet on the ground - it's safer that way. Stay tuned for another funny car commercial on this space in short order and click on over to veryfunnyads.com for more. *Warning: video autoplays.
[Source: veryfunnyads.com]
Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Fiat versus the bicycle Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Fiat versus the bicycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga is nice... and a little Fiesta-riffic to our eyes
September 17, 2009 at 11:27 am
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Kia  Kia Venga - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're going to ape the design of another automaker's product, it's best to choose one that's attractive. Therefore, we give Kia kudo points for making its Venga look something like a smoothed-over Ford Fiesta, a car we've gone on record multiple times as admiring. In any case, the Kia Venga is a somewhat derivative but all-in-all attractive take on the single-box hatchback bodystyle.
If you're hoping to put a Venga in your driveway and you live in the United States, sorry to burst your bubble. While anything is possible, Kia has yet to give any indication that the Venga is headed Stateside. That being the case, feel free to gaze longingly at our gallery of live shots below. If you happen to live in Europe, all you need to do is wait a few months as the Venga is set to hit the showroom floor later this year.
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga is nice... and a little Fiesta-riffic to our eyes Frankfurt 2009: Kia Venga is nice... and a little Fiesta-riffic to our eyes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX
September 17, 2009 at 11:00 am
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| Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Crossover, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM  2010 Chevy Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery
Good news has been in short supply for General Motors so far this year, but increased demand for its new products shows that the worst of times may be in the rear view mirror. Automotive News is reporting that GM may increase production of four new vehicles due to heavy demand. The new-for-2010 Chevy Equinox and Camaro, Cadillac SRX and Buick LaCrosse are reportedly under consideration. Equinox sales are so brisk (13,157 sales in August) that GM is considering adding production of the efficient crossover at a second plant. Expanding Equinox production could also happen if GM adds a third shift to its CAMI facility in Ontario.
One reason for the potential production increases stems from this summer's Cash for Clunkers bonanza. Inventory is now so low for many vehicles that a bump in production is inevitable. GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson reportedly told AN that the company knew it would have to eventually bump production and that its new products have done the best job of outstripping demand. GM is likely hoping that these fresh faces are hot enough that a sustained production bump is necessary, which may mean that some laid off employees could be called back to work.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]
REPORT: GM considering boosting production of four hot sellers: Camaro, Equinox, Lacrosse and SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Officially Official: Hyundai reveals 2010 Sonata in Korea
September 17, 2009 at 10:26 am
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| Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea  2010 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai has just unveiled its all new Sonata mid-sized sedan in its home market of South Korea, and after months of spy shots, it's new look is a surprise to no one. Nonetheless, the new Sonata is a major departure from the current strong selling but incredibly bland model. The new one follows the current design trend towards more coupe-like styling with a sweeping shape, arched roof line and short decklid very reminiscent of the Volkswagen CC.
The home market version gets a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 165 horsepower that's rated at 30.1 mpg (US), an 11 percent improvement from the outgoing model. The North American version will go into production early next year at Hyundai's Alabama factory and be badged as a 2011 model. Here in North America the standard engine will be an upgraded version of the current 2.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection. The U.S.-market Sonata is expected to debut at either the LA Auto Show later this year or Detroit Auto Show in early January. About a year after launch, the new Sonata will be the first U.S. market Hyundai to get the hybrid system that was shown at last year's LA show. Thanks to everyone who tipped us on this!
[Source: Hyundai]
Continue reading Officially Official: Hyundai reveals 2010 Sonata in Korea Officially Official: Hyundai reveals 2010 Sonata in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Porsche Panamera already going to fleets, rent one from Avis in Germany
September 17, 2009 at 9:58 am
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| Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Porsche  2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery
Aside from four primary entry portals and four wheels, Porsche's new Panamera certainly doesn't have much in common with the Ford Taurus of earlier this decade. However, like the former queen of U.S. rental fleets, Porsche's latest will soon be available for visitors to Germany to sample. Avis locations throughout the fatherland will be offering the Panamera for hire starting October 1st. Both of the normally aspirated versions, the S and 4S, will be on hand at major airports and inner city outlets.
The rental rates will start at a surprisingly reasonable €189 per day from Monday to Thursday. If, on the other hand, you plan to hit the autobahn for a weekend getaway, the tariff goes up to a more Porsche typical €567. No word on whether the rental agreement explicitly prohibits visits to a certain race track in the Eiffel mountains...
[Source: Porsche]
Continue reading Porsche Panamera already going to fleets, rent one from Avis in Germany Porsche Panamera already going to fleets, rent one from Avis in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell rids the show floor of tailpipe emissions
September 17, 2009 at 9:29 am
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Alternative Fuel  Mercedes-Benz F-Cell - Click above for high-res image gallery
As promised, Mercedes-Benz trotted its hydrogen fuel cell-powered F-Cell in front of the crowds at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and we were on hand to snap off a series of images. It's easy to spot the B-Class sheetmetal and underpinnings of the compact hatch, which goes to show how well the German automaker was able to integrate its space-age hydrogen drivetrain.
A 100 kW electric motor provides motive force to the front wheels, and MB claims the F-Cell will have similar performance to a 2.0 liter gas engine while returning the equivalent of 86.6 mpg on the European combined cycle. Mercedes has promised to begin leasing its new hydrogen-powered five-door hatchback in early 2010, and it's reportedly coming to America to fulfill all our zero-emission fantasies. Now, if we could just get that pesky hydrogen infrastructure problem sorted out...
Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz F-Cell rids the show floor of tailpipe emissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Completing the Green Circle: Orange County Choppers to build hybrid motorcycle
September 17, 2009 at 8:59 am
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| Filed under: Hybrid, Motorcycle, Celebrities 
Following custom motorcycles that run on ethanol, compressed natural gas and electricity, Orange County Choppers has signed a deal with Schneider Electric to produce the Toyota Prius of choppers. That's right, OCC is completing the eco-friendly circle by going hybrid. The stated goal is to build a motorcycle "capable of traveling farther, without refueling or recharging, than any other OCC bike in history," said Paul Teutul, Sr. in a statement. We can't imagine that would be all that difficult, but whatever.
Schneider Electric, which acquired the popular uninterruptible power supply maker American Power Conversion (APC) in 2007, will provide the technical know-how and componentry to make all the assorted hybrid bits function properly. We can't really be sure until the bike is unveiled, but it sounds like this motorcycle will sport a parallel hybrid powertrain similar in principle to that of the popular Prius hatchback.
Expect the bike to make its television debut sometime in 2010 on a future episode of American Chopper. Sometime before the end of 2009, selected Schneider Electric contractor partners will get sneak peeks at the hybrid chopper and eight of them will get their very own OCC production motorcycles. Click past the break for a short video that doesn't actually show the bike along with the official press release.
[Source: Schneider Electric]
Continue reading Completing the Green Circle: Orange County Choppers to build hybrid motorcycle Completing the Green Circle: Orange County Choppers to build hybrid motorcycle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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