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| Ask Men's top 10 reasons why real men drive stick [w/VIDEO]
September 18, 2009 at 8:57 pm
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| Filed under: Videos, Humor 
Yes yes, we're well aware this post will result in screaming matches in the comments between adherents of three pedals and those of you that can't drive stick. Regardless, our pal Justin Kaehler wrote a pretty funny article for Ask Men explaining just why it is that men specifically need to row their own. Here's the first bit of the first reason given, just to give you a taste:
There's a reason we have to suffer the unfunny jokes about how men don't like to relinquish the TV remote: men do enjoy being in control. It goes without saying that most men would rather be the boss than the subordinate. A car with a manual transmission lets the driver be the boss of the car; throttle response will always be immediate, intuitive and easily controlled. To that we say: exactly right. There are nine more reasons given and you can pretty much read between the lines and guess the number one reason. Pop on over and have a look. We're also including a pretty noisy video of a man making a woman squeal. Save a few expletives, totally safe for work, after the jump.
[Source: uk.askmen.com]
Continue reading Ask Men's top 10 reasons why real men drive stick [w/VIDEO] Ask Men's top 10 reasons why real men drive stick [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| edo competition converts Enzo into roadgoing 840 horsepower FXX Evolution
September 18, 2009 at 8:27 pm
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| Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari  edo competition FXX Evolution - Click above for a high-res image gallery
From the looks of it, edo competition seems to have run out of supercars to modify. The high-end tuning firm has already tweaked pretty much every mainstream supercar, and have decided to have a second go at such exotica as the Ferrari Enzo. The German tuner's latest version of the ultimate Prancing Horse is dubbed the FXX Evolution and is essentially a road-going version of the FXX Evoluzione race car offered to Ferrari's special Corse Clienti program. Does a street legal Ferrari FXX sound familiar? You might remember that edo competition previously took an FXX and made it street legal (at least in Germany).
So what justifies the FXX name on this particular Enzo? For starters, 840 horsepower. Displacement of the V12 has been bumped from 6.0 to 6.3-liters, and new camshafts, titanium valve springs and connecting rods, new cylinder heads, and a high-flow exhaust system have all been added to provide the 180 horsepower increase. Sans mufflers, the FXX Evolution matches its racing counterpart's 860 horsepower. Edo competition also managed to shed 220 lbs from the car, decrease shift times to 60 milliseconds (also matching the race car), and install an FIA-spec adjustable suspension system. Finally, the exterior gets adjustable rear winglets and a new rear fascia with relocated exhaust tips.
Edo competition is offering a conversion package to all Enzo owners that includes a test day with an instructor, mechanics, data logging, transport and hospitality. Cost? The company doesn't list a price, but we'll just assume it's suitably outrageous. Full details can be found after the jump, and check out the high-res gallery below.
[Source: edo competition]
Continue reading edo competition converts Enzo into roadgoing 840 horsepower FXX Evolution edo competition converts Enzo into roadgoing 840 horsepower FXX Evolution originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.18.09
September 18, 2009 at 8:20 pm
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|
 | Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro
We've discovered a way for anyone to get their hands on a Camaro for a price that would even please your paperboy. It's not exactly a Camaro of the vehicular variety, but HSN's limited-edition Esteban Camaro guitar can still grab attention in its own right. |  | VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show
Following the first images of Ford's new battery-powered Focus for the Jay Leno Show's Green Car Challenge, the Blue Oval has posted a video with some of its engineers showing off their handiwork. |  | Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1
Geiger is back, and this time it's the vaunted Corvette ZR1 that gets the tuner touch. Dubbed the "Geiger GTS," this über ZR1 doesn't offer ridiculous power gains over its stock bruder, just some careful tweaks that net an additional 63 hp. | Other news of import
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.18.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia clip aims to sear your eyes out with raw awesome
September 18, 2009 at 7:57 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Ferrari 
Dude. Let us repeat that. Dude. We've seen a lot of car videos in our time. Way too many, really. Because most of them suck. With the exception of Top Gear, how many truly excellent car videos can you think of? We bet you can count them all on one hand. Well, time to bust out another finger. Before today, the previous amazing car video champ was the Shell/Ferrari F1 commercial. While that's set the standard, this brand new Ferrari 458 Italia video could knock the old king right off the dang thrown. And then some. Seriously, it's that good. But don't take our word for it, make the jump and see for yourself. Oh, and just wait until you get the first glimpse of the engine... possibly NSFW.
Continue reading VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia clip aims to sear your eyes out with raw awesome VIDEO: Ferrari 458 Italia clip aims to sear your eyes out with raw awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| 17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance
September 18, 2009 at 7:26 pm
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| Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Motorcycle 
17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance returned to its picturesque setting at Trump National Golf Club this past Sunday and we were fortunate enough to make it out. Thankfully, the recent Southern California wildfires missed this area of Palos Verdes, so the 17th installment of the concours went off without a hitch. Well, it was cloudy all morning, but that hardly dampened everyone's spirits. This classic car gathering is one of our favorites, not only for the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the well manicured golf course setting, but because of the quality of cars on hand. It's like a scaled down Pebble Beach, with several of that show's alumni in attendance.
This year's featured marque was Maserati, but all of the Italian brands were extremely well represented. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Iso, Bizzarrini, De Tomaso and Lancia all had strong fields, as did Italian motorcycles, which were a new class this year. There were even a few Cisitalias, Fiats, Oscas and Siatas on display. On the non-Italian side of things, there were customs, horseless carriages, brass era cars, British luxury cars, American luxury cars and a lot of other stunning vehicles.
Some highlights included the Italian race cars - Maserati Birdcage, Monopostos and 200 SIs, Iso Griffo A3/C, and the legendary Lancia Stratos (a genuine HF team car done up in Alitalia colors). The Moto Guzzi Lodola and Vespa GS160 stood out in the bike field, but it was really nice to see all of the Maserati, Ferrari (not related to Enzo), Moto Guzzi, Ducati and Benelli cycles as well.
Other four-wheeled stunners included the Pinin Farina Series I Cab, ATS 2500, Lancia Flaminia Zagato, Cisitalia Nuvolari, Ital Design Manta, Alfa 1900 CSS, Luigi Chinetti's old Lamborghini Silhouette, '50 Merc, '54 Chrysler and Plymouth Ghias, Rolls Woodie, Vauxhall, Delahaye and Lagonda sports cars, Franklin, Wills and Panhard pre-war cars, and Steve Tillack's display of everything from a barn find and bare bodies to a glorious Ferrari formula car. We've assembled a huge gallery of most of the entrants, many with their information placards in frame so you can track down more details about your favorites.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.
17th Annual Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| eBay Find of the Day: Amphibious Fiat 850 barchetta
September 18, 2009 at 6:58 pm
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| Filed under: Convertible, Auctions, Etc., Fiat, Specialty 
One-off amphibious 1975 Fiat 850 - Click above for full image gallery
So you've got this 1975 Fiat 850 spider sitting there and you happen to live in Washington, where boating is almost as popular as coffee. You like your little Italian roadster but you really want a barchetta, something that can take you out onto the open sea, something that can quench your thirst for riding the waves. The water beckons. One Sawzall, a whole bunch of aluminum, and 25 years of nifty engineering work later and you have yourself a one-off amphicar.
It's still powered by a Fiat 900cc four-cylinder coupled to a four-speed transmission while on land, but the aquatic propulsion comes from a Berkley jet engine attached to the crank of the Fiat engine via a clutch drive mechanism. Check out the photos to see how it works -- it's really pretty slick -- where you'll also discover the wheels partially retract wheels into the body when the car goes sailing, just like in the best Bond movies. Follow the jump to see video of the one-off Fiat on the water and on the road. It can be yours cheap, as the auction is no reserve and currently bidding is just over $1500.
[Source: eBay Motors]
Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Amphibious Fiat 850 barchetta eBay Find of the Day: Amphibious Fiat 850 barchetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| IRS Uh Oh: Chrysler's Press owes government nearly $1M in back taxes and more to credit union
September 18, 2009 at 6:34 pm
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| Filed under: Etc., Chrysler 
According to reports from the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, Chrysler Group LLC's Deputy Chief Executive and former Toyota exec Jim Press is in the hole to the tune of $1.4 million to both the feds and a credit union.
Digging through Press' financial records, the two Detroit papers discovered the exec currently owes the IRS nearly $1,000,000 and Western Federal Credit Union over $600k, the latter of which Press defaulted on in November of 2008, blaming his Auburn Hills employer's precarious financial situation and pleading for more time to pay off the loans. Press has since sold his New York City town house for nearly $15 million, is attempting to sell his $3.15 million property in Birmingham and owes another $470,000 on a condo in the New Orleans' French Quarter. Check out the two reports for all the details here and here.
[Source: Freep, Detroit News | Image Source: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]
IRS Uh Oh: Chrysler's Press owes government nearly $1M in back taxes and more to credit union originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early
September 18, 2009 at 5:56 pm
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| Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Buick, GM, GMC
By now we've all seen the commercial for General Motors that features the company's new chairman, Ed Whitacre, introducing its "Satisfaction Guaranteed" 60-day return program. Good stuff, but that commercial was just an opening salvo in the company's upcoming marketing assault. We've got the next four commercials for you right here, set to air late Sunday evening during The Emmys and NFL games. We particularly like the one above that compares the new GMC Terrain to the Mini Cooper S with an automatic transmission since both get 32 mpg highway (NOTE: a Cooper S with a manual achieves 34 mpg highway). Sure, it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but the stark contrast in size makes a big point. What's even more interesting than their matching highway mpg numbers is that the Mini's 23 mpg city is just 1 mpg better than the Terrain. Follow the jump to the other three new GM commercials that will air this weekend, one of which directly compares the 2010 Buick LaCrosse to a Lexus ES350.
[Source: GM]
Continue reading VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early VIDEO: Four new GM commercials airing this weekend, check 'em out early originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Ford opens the order book on Mustang competition kits
September 18, 2009 at 5:27 pm
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| Filed under: Motorsports, Ford  2010 Ford Mustang body-in-white - click above for a high res image gallery
Back in June we reported on Ford's plan to offer Mustang body-in-white kits to racers in the fall. So as the leaves begin to change, word comes down from Ford Racing spokesman Jesse Kershaw that the order books are now open for several different competition kits. The body-in-white is available for just $4,995, but in addition to the body, Ford is also offering interior, exterior, seat and roll cage kits. Ford is keeping costs down by limiting the ordering period to eight weeks, and once the ordering period closes on November 15, Ford will build all the bodies in a batch at FoMoCo's Flat Rock, MI plant with deliveries beginning in the first quarter of 2010. Currently Ford is planning to offer the kits on an annual basis to licensed competitors and you can get all the details in the press release below the fold.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford opens the order book on Mustang competition kits Ford opens the order book on Mustang competition kits originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Confirmed? Gran Turismo 5 hits stores on Dec. 29
September 18, 2009 at 5:01 pm
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| Filed under: Toys/Games 
Well, we can put all the rumor-mongering to rest. Reader Larry Spector emailed us this morning with confirmation that Gran Turismo 5 will hit the shelves (and obliterate the productivity of thousands of PS3 owners) on December 29. Is Larry a sneaky Sony employee? Nope, he's a regular Amazon user like the rest of us, and today, GT5 showed up as a Gold Box item for him. The pre-order page now features the release date, so wives, girlfriends, and other assorted family members expecting holiday togetherness can now formally make plans to leave us alone as we spiral into full-on, anti-social gamer mode the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. Though, we have to say -- releasing the game before Christmas might have been the smart move, guys. Regardless, order's been placed. What're you waiting for?
[Source: Amazon.com]
Confirmed? Gran Turismo 5 hits stores on Dec. 29 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Nissan releases teaser of 2010 Altima, model changes leak out
September 18, 2009 at 4:33 pm
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| Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Nissan  With the 2010 Nissan Altima coupe getting an impromptu full frontal reveal during a recent marketing photoshoot, Nissan has released a single teaser of its redesigned mid-size sedan to keep interest on boil.
Although the awkwardly cropped image doesn't show the reworked grille found on the recently tweaked Versa and Sentra, we do get a clear view of the revised headlamps and more sculpted, organic creases running along the doors. However, the L-shaped headlamps fitted to the Maxima and 370Z are MIA, an odd omission considering Nissan's recent push for familial cohesion.
According to an internal document we've received from a tipster, the 2010 Altima Coupe will receive a few key feature upgrades, beginning with the 2.5 S M6 (six-speed manual) model which will include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), a manually adjustable lumber support for the driver's seat and 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in P215/55 all-season rubber.
The 2.5 Premium IS 2.5 CVT Plus (whew!) will receive a 4.3-inch color display, along with an iPod interface and USB input capability, while the 3.5 SR M6 IS and 2.5 S M6 with the Premium Package will be fitted with Xenon HID headlamps. Joining the Tech Package's 6.5-inch screen and HDD navigation system is a 9.3 gig "Music Server" system with DVD playback, Bluetooth streaming audio and a new audio/video jack that replaces the standard auxiliary audio input. Expect all the official information to be released in the coming weeks, with the 2010 Nissan Altima coupe and sedan going on sale before November. Thanks for the tip Mehdi.Nissan releases teaser of 2010 Altima, model changes leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: According to Lamborghini, chances are you will NOT own a Reventon Roadster
September 18, 2009 at 3:56 pm
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lamborghini  You have a better shot at the lady than the Lamborghini Reventon Roadster - Click above image to watch the video
Statistics are funny. Did you know that if you are one in a million in China, you're actually one in 1,370? We alluded to the, um, creative statistics Lambo came up with in its video when we posted about the beyond bonkers Reventon Roadster at Frankfurt. Looks like we got the stats a wee bit wrong. Example: You have a one in one hundred million chance of getting killed by a meteor, not a one in five hundred million chance. Oops. Which would almost be embarrassing considering that Lamborghini had the video on infinite loop throughout the show. However, we say "almost" because the video was playing on a giant screen behind the Lambo ladies. So, we think we get a pass -- right? Either way, full video after the jump.
Continue reading VIDEO: According to Lamborghini, chances are you will NOT own a Reventon Roadster VIDEO: According to Lamborghini, chances are you will NOT own a Reventon Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Toyota to use Prius badge on all hybrids?
September 18, 2009 at 3:32 pm
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| Filed under: Hybrid, Toyota 
Lets do some word association. We'll start with the word "hybrid." We're guessing most of you thought of the Prius -- understandable considering Toyota's dual-powered hatch defined the gas-electric market and accounts for the majority of the segment's sales. The next words are "Synergy Drive." Not nearly recognizable to the average car buyer, and that's a problem according to Toyota dealer Earl Stewart. Stewart told Auto Week that the Synergy Drive badging on the Camry and Highlander doesn't do much for consumers -- let alone brand image -- but a plan was reportedly discussed with dealers during a recent meeting in Las Vegas just might do the trick.
Stewart claims that Toyota is looking to slap the Prius name on a family of hybrid models in the future, and he told AW that the plan would work because, "If somebody says 'I drive a Prius,' everybody knows what he means." Stewart adds that while the Prius name could make its way onto the rear of several vehicles, it won't become its own sub-brand like Scion. Toyota COO Jim Lentz has reportedly been pushing for a multi-vehicle Prius lineup for over a year, but AW reports that the Vegas meeting was the first time the plans were discussed in front of Toyota Motor Sales president Yoshi Inaba and Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda.
It's unclear whether all Toyota-branded hybrids would receive the Prius name, but the move makes sense as most Americans associate the Prius name with hybrids. On the other hand, calling a Camry hybrid the Camry Prius could be as confusing as an Abbott and Costello routine.
[Source: Auto Week]
REPORT: Toyota to use Prius badge on all hybrids? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is a go
September 18, 2009 at 2:56 pm
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| Filed under: Wagon, Cadillac, Luxury 
2010 Cadillac CTS Sportwagon - Click above for high-res image gallery
From the second we laid eyes on the production CTS Sportwagon, we dreamed of a V-badged 556 horsepower, supercharged V8 variant. While the move makes sense to us based on awesomeness alone, General Motors has to come up with one of those dreaded business cases to make the anabolic wagon happen. Bob Lutz has been a vocal proponent for the CTS-V wagon, but even the Maximum one didn't seem to have much faith that the Supersportwagon would happen. Lutz did, however, say that if there were significant demand, the CTS-V wagon could see the light of day. If a report from Straightline is to believed, the General may be encouraged enough based on initial interest in the Sportwagon to build the V variant of our dreams.
Straightline quotes GM sources who say the super wagon has been given the green-light for production, and Inside Line reiterated as much on Twitter. However, GM hasn't announced anything official as of right now, so we'll refrain from picturing ourselves doing grocery hauling powerslides in what could be hottest wagon since... well... ever.
[Source: Straightline]REPORT: Cadillac CTS-V Wagon is a go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| BREAKING: Robert Farago leaving The Truth About Cars
September 18, 2009 at 2:30 pm
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| Filed under: Etc.  Robert Farago, the equal parts eloquent and bellicose editor of The Truth About Cars (TTAC) and former blogger for Autoblog and Jalopnik, will be leaving in 60 days. Details are just beginning to trickle in, but so far we know this: TTAC was recently purchased by a company called VerticalScope. Farago has been pushing for an increased editorial budget ever since TTAC's former owner (Name Media) slashed the editorial budget by 80% in late 2008 before eventually slashing it by 100% by March of this year (meaning TTAC's writers haven't been paid since then), prompting the site's sale to VerticalScope.
According to our source, the lack of an editorial budget caused Farago's departure. "RF's been getting burned out for a while, but what brought this to a head yesterday was the issue of getting pay for the writers. He pushed for it and all they offered was a pittance, not even enough to pay $10 per article at the rate we publish stuff. He pushed harder, and they refused to budge." So he quit, leaving Edward Niedermeyer in charge of TTAC. Our source continues, "Now [VeritcalScope says they will] provide a decent editorial budget -- using the money they were paying [Farago]. TTAC's writers will be paid once again, but they'll use RF's former salary to cover it."
We spoke with Farago and he said the following, "I sincerely hope VerticalScope will maintain the integrity of the TTAC brand. I wish Edward Niedermeyer all the best. I will say that we've proven our point -- General Motors went belly up." As for the future, Farago says he will be launching a non-automotive website, but gave no further details.
BREAKING: Robert Farago leaving The Truth About Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white
September 18, 2009 at 2:01 pm
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| Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Lexus  Looks like the Lexus LF-A (LF-L?) might be closer to production than we had thought. The gang at NextAutos just posted spy pics of a very production-ready-looking white LF-A doing some more hotlapping at the Nordschleife.
Although this ages-in-the-making supercar has been trotted out at several auto shows and twice been raced in the 24 hour endurance race 'round the 'Ring, it wasn't until recently that Toyota President Akio Toyoda confirmed it for production and even stated that it will be sold in the good ole U.S. of A.
Rumors have suggested that the car might go on sale in the UK as early as October with a price tag around £250,000. At that price we might have to settle for piloting this 550-hp, V10 beast virtually in Need for Speed SHIFT. Until then, click over to NextAutos.com for a full gallery.
[Source: NextAutos.com]
Spy Shots: Lexus LF-A back on 'Ring wearing white originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show
September 18, 2009 at 1:32 pm
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| Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Alternative Fuel Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above to watch video after the jump
We've already showed you the first images of a new battery electric Focus that Ford has built for the guests of the new Jay Leno Show to drive in his Green Car Challenge. Now Ford has also posted a video with some of the engineers showing off their handiwork. Once the team got the Euro-spec Focus electrified, it was time for the Ford Racing crew to charge it up. Andy Slankard, Engineering Supervisor at Ford Racing, describes the work done to prepare the car for its life on the small screen. While these show cars started life as Focus ST models, their new powertrain and the added mass of a 23 kWh battery pack meant the suspension needed some beefing up. With the battery pack sitting in the cargo hold in the rear, the weight balance was undoubtedly shifted towards the back. Nevertheless, the car still looks pretty good going through the autocross, as you'll see in the video after the jump. Thanks to Clifford for the tip!
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show VIDEO: Ford shows off new Focus EV for the Jay Leno Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro
September 18, 2009 at 12:58 pm
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| Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Etc., Chevrolet, Dodge, Humor, Reviews A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery
The original ponycar wars have boomeranged back after forty years. Ford started it all with a retro-tasty Mustang, and Dodge and Chevrolet have rolled out new versions of the Challenger and Camaro to get in on the frenzy. Looking at the window sticker of any of these cars may seriously depress you. Your retired boomer Dad could swing it as a way to recapture the time before his potential was all used up, but you're not going to step into one of these things if the ink on your diploma has been dry for less than a year.
We have uncovered a way for anyone to get their hands on a Camaro for a price that would please even your paperboy. Better yet, it comes with its own instructional course, so you know what the heck you're doing. It's not exactly a Camaro of the vehicular variety, but HSN's limited-edition Esteban Camaro guitar (almost sold out!) can grab attention in its own right. What's more, those halcyon days of carburetors and bias ply tires are at your fingertips - classic rock tablature abounds. We figured that we'd try out the guitar with the potential to make you a rock star and compare and contrast it with the Dodge Challenger SRT8, a vehicle that nudges the driver that much closer to being chased by paparazzi. Think it's an even, if category-bending matchup? Hit the jump to find out.
Photos copyright (C)2009 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro Review: A different take on Challenger vs. Camaro originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1
September 18, 2009 at 12:29 pm
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| Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Europe, Chevrolet 2009 Geiger GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Geiger is back, and this time it's the vaunted Corvette ZR1 that gets the tuner touch. Dubbed the "Geiger GTS," this über ZR1 doesn't offer ridiculous power gains over its stock bruder, just some careful tweaks that net an additional 63 hp. Still, that brings the already prodigious power up to 710, with a similar bump in torque from 607 to 677 ft-lbs. That's good enough to register 3.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint, and a V-Max of 212.5 mph.
Geiger said they'd have the car in Frankfurt, but we somehow missed it. While the press release makes no mention of suspension tweaks, Ultraleggera O.Z. Racing wheels replace the GM originals, with the 10 x 19 fronts and 12 x 20 inch rears shod in 285/30ZR19 Michelins at the bow and 345/25ZR20s astern.
One thing that definitely has changed is the exterior. After all, this wouldn't be a Geiger special without some new body panels, and the GTS doesn't disappoint. The stock Corvette ZR1 nose and tail have been swapped out for some Geiger custom parts, and aggressive side sill extensions have been added. The whole thing is finished off in a trademark Geiger custom paintjob, this time three layers of color shifting mother of pearl white with black accents. It had us thinking of the Mansory Ferrari 599 Stallone although it's rather subdued compared to the louvered, lime-green Corvette Z06 biturbo that Geiger also offers. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the images in our high-res gallery below.
[Source: Geiger]
Continue reading Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1 Geiger GTS: Crazy Germans modify Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Nissan wants LEAF EV to sound like Blade Runner car for safety
September 18, 2009 at 11:58 am
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| Filed under: Safety, Hatchback, Nissan, Alternative Fuel 
2010 Nissan Leaf EV - Click above for high-res image gallery
While advocates have long heralded a reduction in noise pollution in addition to air pollution as advantages of electric vehicles, not everyone is convinced that silent cars are a good thing.
We use our senses to navigate through life and when one or more of them are diminished, we rely on the others. Such is the case for blind people who must use their hearing to make up for some visual deficit. Every automaker working on electrified vehicles is aware of this and researching what sorts of sounds those vehicles should make for safety reasons.
For instance, Nissan engineer Toshiyuki Tabata has spent his career making cars quieter, but is now working on the LEAF to have it create sound. No final decision has been made, but reports tell us that Nissan is currently leaning toward making the LEAF sound like the whining flying cars in the film Blade Runner.
[Source: Bloomberg]Nissan wants LEAF EV to sound like Blade Runner car for safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Roush unleashes 540-horsepower Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs
September 18, 2009 at 10:59 am
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| Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Ford  2010 Roush Stage 3 Mustang - Click above for high-res image gallery
We had very few bad things to say about the 2010 Roush 427R Mustang after spending a week with the car, but we did have a few questions. First, why not use the new TVS2300 supercharger system that debuted on the P-51A Mustang, and second, why not add a billet grille like the previous model so that there wouldn't be six different lights up front? Roush has answered our questions in the form of the 2010 Stage 3 Mustang. The new stallion atop Roush's Mustang lineup gets a 540-horsepower upgrade complete with a second-generation R2300 supercharger, forged internals, hig h-flow fuel rails and injectors, upgraded fuel pump and a beefier clutch. The $59,945 price tag also gets you 18-inch wheels and tires, 14-inch brakes, a Roush suspension system, various interior enhancements and a Roush body kit complete with a billet grille.
If the you're the type of person that is only interested in performance and not the rest of the fluff, Roush is also offering a sleeper package called the 540RH. Along with the drivetrain and suspension upgrades, this budget Roush only includes the rear spoiler, a short-throw shifter, and a subtle stripe package. Roush claims they have already tested the car at the drag strip (with the optional Cooper RS3 tires) and came away with an 11.8 second time slip. At $46,145, the 540RH tucks in nicely under the Shelby GT500's price tag while offering similar performance. Hit the jump for full details on both cars.
[Source: Roush]
Continue reading Roush unleashes 540-horsepower Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs Roush unleashes 540-horsepower Stage 3 and 540RH Mustangs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Ford pushes ad agency to cancel bid for Chrysler work
September 18, 2009 at 10:30 am
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| Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Ford 
Chrysler isn't happy with its current marketing partner BBDO, and the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker has put the word out that it would like some fresh perspective. Among the suitors vying for the $1.1 billion account is Grey, a London-based ad agency under the ownership of holding company WPP. Grey was reportedly scheduled to pitch their new ideas to the Pentastar on September 22nd, but the agency seems to have hit a Tsunami-sized snag.
WPP is the agency of choice for Ford Motor Company, and Ad Age says the nations 11th largest advertiser isn't keen on the idea of sharing its resource with its cross-town rival. If this story is true, we're sure WPP wasn't all to happy with the Blue Oval, but when you spend $1.9 billion per year on advertising, you tend to have a bit of pull with your suppliers. And if you spend that much money, why would you want to share your ad company's creative talent with a competitor? Chrysler's ad deal with BBDO runs through January of 2010.
[Source: Ad Age]
REPORT: Ford pushes ad agency to cancel bid for Chrysler work originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail
September 18, 2009 at 9:59 am
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| Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Lexus, Luxury  2010 Lexus LS600h - Click above for high-res image gallery
For 2010, Lexus is doing a mid-cycle refresh on its flagship LS lineup, including the hybrid drive LS600h. The system mainly carries over hardware, but some of the controls are enhanced with the latest updates featured on the new Prius, HS250h and RX400h. Among those are a new ECO mode that applies a filter to throttle inputs and air conditioning control. Small adjustments in the throttle position are ignored, allowing the powertrain to operate at a more constant rate, reducing fuel consumption. Similarly, the air conditioning uses the recirculate mode automatically and allows more variation in temperature.
One of the complaints we had about the LS when we reviewed it last year was the minuscule trunk for a car of its size. Lexus has reconfigured the nickel metal hydride battery pack to reduce the package size, allowing the trunk volume to be increased by about 1.24 cubic feet. The front brakes have also been upgraded with larger rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers. On the outside, the LS gets a new front fascia with a grille similar to the HS250h.
[Source: Lexus]
Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Lexus LS600h revealed in full detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| REPORT: Parents of teen with speeding ticket fighting citation with personal GPS data
September 18, 2009 at 9:30 am
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| Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Technology 
It seems as though there may just be a positive side to those unwelcome GPS-based vehicle tracking devices... especially if you are a teenager. Shaun Malone, a 17-year-old California resident, was cited by radar-yielding authorities for driving 62 mph in a 45 mph zone in 2007. Faced with a $194 fine (and some inflating insurance premiums), Shaun's parents fought back arguing their son's vehicle was equipped with a satellite-based tracking device that monitored Shaun's speed - and it showed he was doing 45 mph when he was stopped.
While they can be affected by poor reception or noise in the radio signal, GPS-based speedometers are generally considered the benchmark for measuring velocity. On the other hand, radar measurements are also considered very accurate, as long as the human at the other end of the device is correctly trained and is tracking the proper vehicle. At stake is the credibility of radar. As Doppler-based speed enforcement has become a primary source of revenue for law enforcement agencies nationwide, police don't want their technology challenged. With that in mind, the local Petaluma police have spent a reported $15,000 on the trial. The case is to be decided in the coming weeks.
[Source: Christian Science Monitor]
REPORT: Parents of teen with speeding ticket fighting citation with personal GPS data originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers
September 18, 2009 at 8:59 am
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| Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz  2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
 Mercedes-Benz has apparently begun shipping the new S400 BlueHybrid sedan to its US dealer network, as one of our readers spotted one and grabbed a photo of the window sticker. The S400 is Mercedes' first production hybrid vehicle and utilizes the mild hybrid system it developed in conjunction with BMW. While BMW is going whole-hog for performance with its ActiveHybrid 7 Series, Mercedes is going for more efficiency. The Stuttgart brand has opted use its 3.5-liter V6 with the hybrid system along with the first lithium ion battery used in such an application. The 120 V battery is actually nearly the same size as a traditional lead acid starter battery and takes its place in the engine compartment - meaning no trunk space is lost compared to the standard car.
The S400 Hybrid gets an EPA rating of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. That compares to 15/23 mpg for the V8 powered S550. The base price on the S400 starts at $87,950 and the car spotted by our reader had a bottom line of $93,775. You can configure your own S400 at the Mercedes USA site. Thanks to USCGTO for the tip!
Mercedes-Benz now shipping the S400 Hybrid to US dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| AutoblogGreen for 09.18.09
September 18, 2009 at 7:02 am
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AutoblogGreen for 09.18.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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| Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs
September 18, 2009 at 1:00 am
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| Filed under: Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Alternative Fuel  Jay Leno's Green Car Challenge Ford Focus EV - Click above for high-res image gallery
The new Jay Leno Show has been given as much push as any new program in recent memory, with a constant barrage on TV, the radio and all over the interwebs. One part of the show that has really piqued our interest is Jay's Green Car Challenge, which puts celebrities behind the wheel of an electric Ford Focus. We reported on Jay's Top Gear-like challenge last week, but we hadn't gotten our hands on any pics or specs... until now.
The special battery-powered Focus started life in Germany as a run-of-the-mill Focus ST five-door hatch back in July, then it was shipped to Dearborn, MI for electrification. The one-of-a-kind Focus was given an extreme makeover in only six weeks, but we think the results are pretty remarkable. The Green Car Challenge Focus is bright orange, has more decals than Tony Stewart's car and packs a permanent magnet electric motor. The electric Focus weighs in at a portly 3,421 pounds due in part to the vehicle's 98 air-cooled, 60 Ah lithium ion batteries. The electric motor kicks out 141 hp (105 kW) and 235 lb-ft of torque and has a 7,500 rpm redline.
The goal of Leno's Green Car Challenge is for celebrities to achieve the best possible lap times, so Ford made sure its ecologically friendly Focus could also handle track duty. Among the added features in this Euro Focus ST are Recaro racing seats, a full roll cage and a five-point racing harness. Ford also added 12.6 inch front rotors and 11 inch discs out back to make sure this hot orange Focus could stop as well as it can go.
The Green Car Challenge Ford Focus will first hit the airwaves tonight as actress Drew Berrymore gets behind the wheel for some track time. Hit the jump for more details about Ford's converted Euro Focus ST, and click on the gallery below to see a couple great looking pics.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs Pretty in Pics: Leno's electric Ford Focus gets a face, specs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments 
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