Ford SVT Raptor outselling estimates, black most popular color Filed under: Truck, Ford 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor - Click above for high-res image gallery While we wholeheartedly love the F-150 SVT Raptor, part of us wondered whether there'd be many takers for a $40,000 truck that was purpose-built for the sand dunes. Looks like we needn't have worried, as it appears demand is very strong for the Raptor. In fact, Ford had its flacks issue a press release bragging about just how successful the Raptor's been so far. The factory super-truck has reportedly found 5,300 takers to date, and F-150 marketing manager Mark Grueber says Raptor "is so popular that we actually wound up building more 5.4-liter V-8 models than we had originally anticipated." The reason Ford thought customers might be interested in waiting to pull the trigger on a Raptor is the spring availability of the Dearborn, MI-based automaker's new 6.2-liter V8 engine. The new 6.2 promises 411 horsepower and 434 pound-feet of torque, or 91 more ponies than the soon-to-be-mothballed 5.4. Ford's already taking orders for the 6.2-liter model, and we're thinking they'll only increase in number over the coming weeks and months. After filling out 5,300 orders, Ford also has a better idea of which amenities customers want in their Raptors, and the content story is a good one for the automaker. Ford reports that customers are checking option boxes for the luxury package, reverse-sensing camera and moonroof at a rate of at least 79 percent. Ford's expensive but fantastic touch-screen navigation with SIRIUS Travel Link[TM] is being chosen in 62 percent of raptors sold. And while we loved the Raptor in Molten Orange, 52 percent of customers are opting for Tuxedo Black. Hit the jump pore over Ford's bragfest press release. [Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford SVT Raptor outselling estimates, black most popular color Ford SVT Raptor outselling estimates, black most popular color originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Leakage alert: Audi RS5 brochure images surface ahead of Geneva Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Audi 2011 Audi RS5 - Click above for high-res image gallery The next über-model from Audi's Quattro GmbH division won't officially debut in Geneva for another week, but images from its brochure have already made their way onto the web. The Audi RS5 coupe will no doubt take the performance of Audi's B8 platform to levels beyond the much-loved and departed RS4. What we don't know at this point is how high that level will go, and what the motive power will be. It's probably safe to assume it'll fall somewhere between the 420 horsepower of the Audi RS4 and the 571 hp of the current Audi RS6. Since the V10 used the R8 and RS6 isn't really in keeping with Audi's current engine-downsizing philosophy (not to mention that the 10-cylinder probably wouldn't fir into the smaller A5's engine bay), perhaps we'll a turbo or supercharged version of the 4.2-liter V8 in the current S5, or a maybe even a more severely amplified version of the 3.0-liter TFSI V6 from the S4. Either way, we can't wait to get our hands on the RS5. A tip of the hat to Liam! Gallery: Audi RS5 leaked brochure images [Source: AUSmotive.com]Leakage alert: Audi RS5 brochure images surface ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style a sneak peek at next CLS-Class Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Electric, Luxury Mercedes-Benz F800 Style - Click above for high-res image gallery The Mercedes-Benz F800 Style concept car that'll debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month is highly-touted by Mercedes-benz's press release scribes for its green-car tech, but what's probably of greater interest to most of you is its styling, which is everyone's first peek at what the next-generation CLS-Class sedan is going to look like. To that end, get ready for a nose section whose grille apes that of the SLS AMG, plus enough flame-surfaced bodywork to make one envision Chris Bangle, sporting a set of Groucho glasses to mask his true identity, clandestinely moonlighting at Benz. The rear doors are sliders, because it's a concept, and you need to give the people a clear view into the swoopy, sci-fi passenger cabin. Props to Mercedes PR for gamely making it sound as if there's an actual practical application for those doors, though (see the attached press release). Mercedes-Benz also touts the concept's flexible powertrain platform. The realistic option is a plug-in hybrid system that's basically an offshoot of the V6 light-hybrid setup found in the S400 sedan. Mercedes says this new plug-in gas-electric system, which is good for over 400 combined horsepower, gives the car an EV-only driving range of 18 miles. The automaker has announced that a new plug-in system is headed to the next-gen S-Class, so don't dismiss the F800's hybrid setup as trendy green pandering. Save that cynicism for the concept's other powertrain option: a compact fuel cell/electric setup evolved from the one used in the current F-Cell cars. We have no doubt that the technology itself is genuinely impressive, and we're sure news of its development will be a hit with all the jet-setters at the next snowbound climate change conference. From a mass-production, real-person's-car standpoint, expect to see the fuel cell system in Benz showrooms right after Mercedes intros a 700-horsepower inline 3-cylinder that runs on unicorn milk. Alas, we digress. The F800 concept also introduces two new technologies that will doubtless appear in upcoming models. Distronic Plus Traffic Jam Assistant is an enhanced version of Mercedes' active cruise control system, which can now steer the car through curves as long as it's traveling under 25 mph. Neat. Also new is the Pre-Safe 360-degree system, which expands the existing Pre-Safe collision detection/mitigation system to the rear of the car. Now, if Pre-Safe senses that a rear-end impact is imminent, it'll apply the brakes in a bid to keep the car from getting into an additional chain-reaction accident involving other cars or pedestrians. We'll be in Geneva to see the sheet come off the Mercedes-Benz F800 Style in person, and will have plenty of firsthand observations and live photos then. For now, feast your eyes on the gallery below, and check out the Mercedes PR included after the jump. Gallery: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style [Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style a sneak peek at next CLS-Class Geneva Preview: Mercedes-Benz F800 Style a sneak peek at next CLS-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Autoblog Weekender: Bustin' at the Seams Edition The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to check out what you missed In this week's steaming heaping of extras, the Audi A1 absconds to Barcelone, the Rolls-Royce Ghost absconds to Southern California to get some on-screen time, we discover ten dollars can get you a Mercedes and a house but it'll take 50 to get you Tony Stewart's Camaro, and we also discover that Wired magazine has a thing for a Saab that makes us go "Yeah baby!", Miss Teen Georgia has things to say about... things, the Insignia wagon is coming to the States (pinch us), and Tata makes expensive cars, too. Oh, and it is revealed that Uwe Gemballa's favorite game is hide-and-go-seek. But you can skip that 'seek' part if you're the German authorities. No, really, you Polizei can stay home... This week we also say goodbye to the magnificent Tyler Shipman. Follow the jump for all the tidbits...Continue reading Autoblog Weekender: Bustin' at the Seams Edition Autoblog Weekender: Bustin' at the Seams Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: EVO takes Lexus LFA on public roads, gets jiggy with it Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus EVO tackles the Lexus LFA on public roads - Click above to watch video after the jump Sure, we've already had the chance to flog the new Lexus LFA on the track, but we haven't had the opportunity to spend time with Lexus's new supercar on public roads. The folks at EVO have that covered, though, and as we would imagine, the LFA is quite a different machine when it isn't being driven at ten-tenths. So, what does EVO think of the Lexus LFA in an everyday driving environment? Hit the jump to watch the video and find out. Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA [Source: EVO]Continue reading Video: EVO takes Lexus LFA on public roads, gets jiggy with it Video: EVO takes Lexus LFA on public roads, gets jiggy with it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video] Filed under: Videos, Motorcycle, Specialty BMW S 1000 RR with studs - Click above to watch the video after the break We are amidst one of the most persistent bouts of winter weather many parts of the world have ever seen. Chalk it up to Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of this dreaded season, or perhaps just a good old fashion case of cabin fever, but either way, the crew at Max BMW Motorsport couldn't wait another second to give the 2010 BMW S 1000 RR a good Twist of the Wrist. What? You gonna let a few feet of ice stop you? Take your regular old 193-horsepower Beemer, fit a set of Michelin Pilots with cleats and you have the makings of a good snow cone business. After watching the video, we think the new BMW S 1000 RR looks ready for battle - the exhaust note alone will confirm that. Plus, you can choose from four unique color selections, as well as BMW's typical A' la carte menu of safety and performance options. Not convinced? The claimed best-in-class power-to-weight ratio may just quicken your pulse. If you find yourself sitting comfortably behind closed doors warming your toes by the fire while you await that first ride of spring, don't fret! Looks like Germany may have actually come up with a cure for the winter blues. Hit the jump to watch the video. [Source: Two Wheels Blog]Continue reading Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video] Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.19.10 Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 5 [w/video] We hit up a track day at Mecaglisse to hone our Ice Racing skills and work on our shifting technique with varying degrees of success. Want a 550-hp AWD Volkswagen Scirocco? Save up $150k and move to Canada The Scirocco might not be available in North America, but HPA has a work-around involving a set of turbos and a steep price tag. 200-HP Citroen DS3 Racing confirmed for Geneva [w/video] Citroën's racing division takes a crack at the all-new DS3 to create a 200-hp hatch with a splash of rally pedigree. Also of interest: Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America? Report: House subcommittee petitions Toyota for secret documents No Laughing (Gas) Matter: Mississippi becomes 39th state to ban nitrous in street cars? EYE concept coming to Geneva has Tesla Motors connection New Volkswagen CrossPolo to join GTI in Geneva Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.19.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
eBay Find of the Day: C/D Pinto Project Race Car Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Ford Car and Driver 1972 Pinto race car - click for high-res image gallery Time was, automotive magazines used to do stuff that was awesome. This IMSA Pinto is evidence of that. Car and Driver built this car in 1974 to illustrate that racing on a big scale for a modest budget was possible. The car grabbed the pole position in half the races it entered that season and won outright at its second race at Charlotte. Surely more powerful than the emissions- and oil-crisis choked street Pintos of the day, this race car is better suited to road courses than hugging the wall at Talladega, but it's likely loads of fun either way. The car had been sold off by Car and Driver back in 1974, and was subsequently restored by Don Sherman, now of Automobile Magazine, but a C/D alum, in 2005. Sherman had his nostalgic fun with the car before selling it to Fox Motorsports. Fox has added some more beans to the Pinto's powerplant, and now has it up for sale on eBay Motors. You've got seven days to scrape some dough together and go vintage racing in the car that started Pat Bedard's respectable - if short - racing career. Gallery: Car & Driver IMSA Pinto [Source: Automobile]eBay Find of the Day: C/D Pinto Project Race Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Ford named one of Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Tech Companies Filed under: Etc., Technology, Ford MyFord Touch - Click above for high-res image gallery The 19th century was the last time automobiles were on the vanguard of cutting-edge technology. While the ensuing ten decades have seen lots of automotive innovation, Fast Company magazine only came into being in 1995, and has been naming its top ten "Most Innovative" companies every year since. Ford has secured a spot smack in the middle of the list this year, the first time a car manufacturer has been invited to rub elbows with the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Google. What has Ford done to deserve this honor? Swing open the door to a 2010 Taurus and it becomes clear. The Blue Oval's rides are immersion tanks of technological integration. From the Sync system to the more comprehensive MyFord Touch, there's been no let-up in Ford's push to put premium tech features in all its models. Ford's market research reveals that most buyers opt for the system, and at least a third of buyers think Sync was a critical enticement to their purchase. From our time with it, we agree, it's some cool stuff, and the 1.5 million Sync-equipped Fords prowling the street agree. The actual honor is a fifth-place finish for mobile technology, and Fast Company says "the automaker has taken a great leap forward." Mark Fields backs that statement up by looking into his crystal ball (supplied by Visteon) and saying "Our relationship with Microsoft was just the beginning, as we've forged strong relationships throughout the mobile industry and look forward to even more." More cool stuff on the way? We'll take it. Press release after the jump. Gallery: MyFord and MyLincoln Touch Continue reading Ford named one of Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Tech Companies Ford named one of Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Tech Companies originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: Honda's large-car hybrid system getting closer Filed under: Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Sedan, Crossover, Honda, Diesel 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery Honda hasn't shared similar success with its various hybrid automobiles as cross-town rival Toyota, despite the fact that the two Japanese automakers introduced their first gasoline/electric models around the same time. The reasons for the sales disparity are many and varied, and at least due in part to the design of Honda Integrated Motor Assist drivetrain, which doesn't quite match the level of sophistication and fuel mileage of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Still, Honda is pushing forward with the next generation of its IMA system, and it will be added to larger, thirstier models within the next three years or so. The last time Honda put a hybrid powertrain in a larger car, the results were more than a little disappointing with the Accord Hybrid failing to meet sales or efficiency expectations. As such, it will be interesting to see how Honda improves the upsized hybrid system and whether it will be enough to compete with the likes of Toyota, Ford and General Motors. In somewhat related news, Honda is apparently still working on diesel engines, though apparently not for the U.S. market. According to Tomohiko Kawanabe, chief operating officer of automobile research and development at Honda, "If you want to compete in markets like India, and also Europe, (a small diesel engine) is necessary." Gallery: 2009 Honda Skydeck Concept [Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Report: Honda's large-car hybrid system getting closer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Neat Trick: Ford nixxing 900 jobs in Flat Rock while expanding production of Mustang, Filed under: Coupe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Ford, Mazda The desire to make more of the Ford Mustang and Mazda6, while improving efficiency and quality, is leading Ford to cut, not add jobs at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The plant's 2,280-strong workforce is expected to decrease by 900, with Ford reducing the number of shifts from two to one and increasing the line speed by 35 percent. Moving to just a single shift will help stabilize assembly at the plant, which produced 109,000 vehicles last year but experienced a lot of downtime when new vehicle sales cratered. In turn, the workers who remain to work the single shift should appreciate less idle time away from the job and stay sharper as a result, thereby increasing quality as well. Those workers who have been cut will be moved to the Chicago assembly plant to help build the new Ford Explorer later this year, while others will be transferred to Michigan Assembly to build the new Ford Focus. Those not given new positions will be offered contract buyouts. [Source: The Detroit News]Neat Trick: Ford nixxing 900 jobs in Flat Rock while expanding production of Mustang, Mazda6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Cadillac CTS gets Recaro seats just like V model Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Cadillac, Luxury Cadillac CTS Recaro Seats - Click above to enlarge Around the Autoblog campfire, the second-generation Cadillac CTS remains one of our favorite sedans of recent years. For one thing, the interior of the gen-two CTS is vastly better executed than the original. But like the Corvette, it has one weakness: The seats. They aren't terrible, just not great. That error has been rectified with news from Cadillac today that multi-adjustable power-actuated Recaro front seats are now available as an option. These same seats have been available in the supercharged CTS-V, but now buyers of the V6 sedan can get them as well. At $2,800 the new seats don't come cheap, but you will definitely be hooked once you sit in them and start taking a few hard corners. Adjustable side bolsters and extendable seat cushions for those of us with long thighs allow these new thrones to fit any driver. Frankly, we'd love to seem them installed in the Corvette ZR1 as well, but the engineers tell us they are a bit too wide for the C6. When the two-door, fast-back CTS coupe goes on sale this summer, these same seats will also be available in both the V6- and LSA-powered variants. Unfortunately, those who opt for the extra cargo space of the Sportwagon will have to make do with the standard seats. [Source: Cadillac]Continue reading Cadillac CTS gets Recaro seats just like V model Cadillac CTS gets Recaro seats just like V model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Spy Shots: Aston Martin Cygnet tours the streets of London Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, Aston Martin, UK Plenty has been written about the Aston Martin Cygnet, and much of it has been less than enthusiastic. After all, how does one connect the dots between a tiny, efficient, low-performance city car and the British sporting brand's super high-performance models? Apparently, that would be with Aston's signature front fascia along with an interior swathed in the requisite leather and unobtanium surfaces. Oh, and a suitably high price tag, no doubt. Whether or not the Cygnet is a good idea, it certainly seems as if Aston Martin is pushing forward with the launch of the 3+1, which is based on the diminutive Toyota iQ. Proof of such can be seen in this series of spy photos, which show the Cygnet out and about in London's fashion-forward Soho district. The mini-mobile will be offered first to current Aston Martin owners, then it may see a limited release in select European dealerships later this year, assuming sufficient demand is found. Thanks for the tip, Victor! [Source: Secret New Cars]Spy Shots: Aston Martin Cygnet tours the streets of London originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Four minutes of sheer SuperGT bliss Filed under: Motorsports, Videos Honda HSV-010 - Click above for high-res image gallery It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, but if you had the chance to attend GTLive back in 2004 at the California Speedway, you got a rare glimpse into the world of SuperGT. Interspersed with one of the first D1 competitions in the States and your normal show car detritus, was an exhibition race of both GT500 and GT300 cars in their heyday. After the race, there was talk of SuperGT coming back to the U.S. for an official event, but those plans were laid to waste and six years later, the most exciting series out of Japan has yet to return to our shores. Why brings this sad tale up? Because the video after the jump is as close as any of us are going to get to the 2010 SuperGT season unless we book a ticket to Narita for the season opener at Suzuka. If high-revving touring cars is your thing - and if you're interested in getting an earful of the all-new Honda HSV-010 - click past the break for a little sample of this year's contenders ahead of the big race next month. Gallery: Honda HSV-010 Spy Shots at Suzuka Continue reading Video: Four minutes of sheer SuperGT bliss Video: Four minutes of sheer SuperGT bliss originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America? Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Ford 2009 Ford Focus RS - Click above for high-res image gallery Our friends across the pond in Europe have always good things to say about the Ford Focus RS, leading to a great deal of angst in America since the Blue Oval Boys have never brought the hi-po Focus Stateside. News from Jost Capito, the man in charge of aligning Ford's performance divisions all around the globe, has us anxiously awaiting the time when that gross oversight is finally corrected. Automobile recently got the chance to sit down and chat with Capito, and the conversation quickly turned to the new global Ford Focus platform that was recently unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show. According to Capito, Ford is still deciding what to call the next-gen high-performance Focus, saying only, "I don't see RS in Europe going away, and I don't see SVT in the U.S. going away." Regardless of what it's called, we could very well see the speedy Focus take on multiple forms - similar to the path Ford has taken with the car in Europe with both a Focus ST and top-level RS. Previously, we heard rumors that a 240-horsepower Ecoboost-powered Focus ST could hit the scene within 18 months, followed by the latest RS, which could sport a 350-horsepower all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain, within the next three years. There are plenty more interesting tidbits in the interview, click here to follow along. Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green) [Source: Automobile Magazine]Ford to merge U.S. and European performance lines; Focus RS coming to America? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
200-HP Citroen DS3 Racing confirmed for Geneva [w/video] Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Citroën Citroën DS3 Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery A year ago we got our first peak at the new Citroën DS3 in a darkened alcove off the French brand's main stand in Geneva. As Citroën prepares to start building the DS3 for the road, it's tasked its racing department - the same division that's created so many WRC-winning rally cars - to create a hotter version, and the DS3 Racing is headed to the Geneva Motor Show. Only 1,000 examples of the DS3 Racing will be built when production begins in the second half of this year. All of them will be motivated by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that has been extra pressurized to bump output from 156 horsepower to a full 200 hp. Getting power to the ground is always a challenge in a front-wheel drive car, so the suspension and steering have been worked over by the motorsports crew. More robust springs and dampers and a new wheel and tire package lower the car by 15 millimeters and extend the track by 30 mm. Four pot calipers on the front help to dissipate kinetic energy when the time comes to slow down the party. Assorted carbon-finished (we're not sure if its actual carbon fiber) bits around the bumpers, wheel arches and rocker panels add to the "performance" image while the show car in Geneva will be further "enhanced" with DS3 Racing graphics. Inside, the front seats have been swapped in favor of more bolstered buckets to fully utilize the handiwork of the rally team's modifications. Given how much fun a John Cooper Works Mini can be, we expect the DS3 Racing will be equally up to the task of bombing the back-country. Full details in the press release after the jump, along with a video of the DS3 Racing in action. Gallery: Citroen DS3 Racing [Source: Citroen]Continue reading 200-HP Citroen DS3 Racing confirmed for Geneva [w/video] 200-HP Citroen DS3 Racing confirmed for Geneva [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: House subcommittee petitions Toyota for secret documents Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Toyota According to a report by Automotive News, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena to former Toyota lawyer Dimitrios Biller requiring him to submit secret documents to Congress in advance of a February 24 hearing about the Japanese automaker's unintended acceleration issues. Biller is required to submit the reported four 18-inch bank boxes of documents to Congress by February 23. Biller filed a federal racketeering suit against his former employer over the summer. Just one week ago Toyota won a temporary injunction against Biller barring the lawyer from releasing any of the secret documents. Biller's lawyer, Jeffrey Allen, says the congressional subpoena supersedes the injunction and that Biller intends to supply the documents by the February 23 deadline. Biller contends that Toyota destroyed multiple documents that could have implicated the automaker in SUV rollover cases. In late September, Texas Judge T. John Ward ordered Toyota not to destroy any crash informaton. Toyota is suing Biller for $33.5 million for divulging confidential information and Biller's lawyer contends that Toyota's ex-lawyer flew to Japan and tried for four days to get executives to air his concerns over the handling of the information. Biller was then reportedly asked to resign and given a severance. The February 24 House Oversight meeting has still more drama due to the fact that Toyota President Akio Toyoda will testify before the committee. Toyoda originally planned to leave the testifying to Yoshimi Inaba, president of Toyota's operations in North America. That changed when committee chairman Edolphus Towns (D-NY) sent a formal letter to the Toyota president requesting his presence. We're not sure how the alleged SUV rollover info is relevant to unintended acceleration, but the bigger picture may be that congress is looking into whether Toyota has a history of hiding evidence that could potentially paint the company in a bad light. [Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Junko Kimura/Getty Images]Report: House subcommittee petitions Toyota for secret documents originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi RVR Crossover Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Japan, Crossover, Mitsubishi Mitsubishi RVR Crossover - Click above for high-res image gallery Mitsubishi has officially rolled out the Japanese market version of its new RVR crossover, which will also be dubbed ASX for the European market when it goes on sale later this year. The automaker has said that it has plans to bring the new small CUV to the United States, but no official nomenclature has been confirmed for the vehicle that will land on our shores. The European version will officially debut to the public at next month's Geneva Motor Show. In Japan, the RVR is offered with a new 1.8-liter gasoline four, producing 139 horsepower and mated to a continuously variable transmission with column-mounted paddle shifters. Both front- and all-wheel drive versions will be available, and earlier reports have stated that European customers will have the choice of a few diesel powerplants, including a 1.8-liter unit mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Have a click through our gallery to see the new Mitsubishi crossover from all angles, and expect more photos and information live from the Geneva show floor next month. Gallery: Mitsubishi RVR Crossover [Source: Drom.ru, Carscoop]Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi RVR Crossover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Want a 550-hp AWD Volkswagen Scirocco? Save up $150k and move to Canada Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Canada Ask us what Euro-only model we'd import to the States and the Volkswagen Scirocco would be near the top of the list. It combines everything we love about the GTI into a more attractive, racy package and, just like it's boxy brethren, it's packed with tuning potential. HPA has been at the forefront of VW and Audi modifications for years, and the Canadian tuning firm has worked out a deal with V-Dub to import a handful of Sciroccos into British Colombia each year to finally offer North American gearheads the hot hatch we deserve. But naturally, they're not leaving good-enough alone. Although the Scirocco tops out in R trim with a 265-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder, HPA will swap in a fully-built 3.2-liter V6 complete with a pair of Garrett H25 turbochargers, along with all-wheel drive. The result is the FT565, good for 550 hp and 500 pound-feet of torque. Bump it up to the Stage 2 package and torque swells to 600 lb-ft and the 0-60 time drops to 3.4 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 11.3 seconds. Top speed? HPA claims 200 mph... in a hatchback. In addition to the engine mods, the stock brakes have been swapped out in favor of 14-inch, eight-piston units in front and 13-inch rotors out back, with 19-inch aluminum BBS coated in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires. As you'd expect, such a conversion and importation doesn't come cheap: HPA only plans to build 10 FT565 Sciroccos each year, at a cost of $150,000 a piece. And no, there's no word on whether the Scirocco will be available here in the U.S. Dammit. Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R [Source: HPA via Automobile]Want a 550-hp AWD Volkswagen Scirocco? Save up $150k and move to Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: BMW S 1000 RR valvetrain at full bore shocks and awes Filed under: Performance, Technology, Videos, BMW, Motorcycle BMW S 1000 RR valvetrain - Click above to watch the video after the break It takes a ton of engineering prowess to create any functional internal combustion engine, but especially one that's capable of spinning itself up to 14,200 RPM... without blowing itself to bits in the process, of course. Such high rotational speeds are rarely seen on the street - except in high-performance motorcycle engines such as the BMW S 1000 RR's new 1000cc four cylinder mill. BMW's most powerful production motorcycle engine cranks out 193 horsepower at 13,000 RPM and 82.5 pound-feet of torque at 9,750 RPM. Reliably. Perhaps the most impressive piece of engineering in such a high-strung engine is the valvetrain, which in this case is comprised of two intake and exhaust valves per cylinder made of lightweight and strong titanium. Each valve is operated by tiny single cam followers with camshafts driven by a very short sprocket driven via an intermediate gear. This technology was borrowed from BMW's Formula 1 racing endeavor and is put spectacularly on display in the video that you'll find after the break. Trust us, seeing the valves clicking away at 14,200 RPM is not to be missed, and be sure to keep an especially close eye on those springs as they spin on their perches while constantly being pounded into submission from overhead. Amazing. Gallery: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [Source: BMW Motorrad USA via YouTube]Continue reading Video: BMW S 1000 RR valvetrain at full bore shocks and awes Video: BMW S 1000 RR valvetrain at full bore shocks and awes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Spy shots: Will Rhys Millen drive a Hyundai Equus at Pikes Peak this year? Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai, Luxury 2011 Hyundai Equus prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery Judging by these spy shots of a Hyundai Equus we just received from an alert reader, the Korean brand may be considering giving Rhys Millen a new ride to try and break the class record he set last year at Pikes Peak. Recall that in 2009, Millen ran up the 14,110-foot Colorado mountan-side in 12 minutes, 9.397 seconds at the wheel of a Genesis coupe. Apparently, Hyundai may be looking to challenge the AMG S63s and Alpina B7s of the world with its new flagship by establishing the performance bona fides of the new Equus luxury sedan with some motorsports activity. Either that or somebody at the Hyundai tech center is just trying to pull a fast one on us to see if anyone is paying attention. Gallery: Spy shots: Hyundai Equus Spy shots: Will Rhys Millen drive a Hyundai Equus at Pikes Peak this year? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: How did that Pontiac Grand Prix end up in a tree? Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Pontiac Click above to watch the video after the jump We see a lot of weird, sometimes funny stuff on our nation's streets and highways, but we usually don't feel compared to share any of it with you. Until today. Wednesday, March 3 was a cool, dry day in southeast Michigan, so we weren't expecting any significant traffic backups on our way home. But sometimes that's precisely when the most interesting situations unfold. Hit the jump to see the end-game of what had to be a really odd incident. It involves a 15-foot hill, a Herculean pine tree and a very determined "Wide Track" Pontiac Grand Prix going all "Dukes of Hazard" on unsuspecting passers-by. We have no idea how this happened and we're hoping nobody was injured, but at the same time we're showing this video to any teenagers who think texting and driving is a good idea. Please forgive us for the iPhone-quality video and the AM soundtrack, but we feel this is definitely worth your time. Continue reading Video: How did that Pontiac Grand Prix end up in a tree? Video: How did that Pontiac Grand Prix end up in a tree? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Motorcycle, Electric The Zero DS steps into the spotlight - Click above for high-res image gallery You may have read our latest report regarding the future of recently canned Buell Motorcycles. Everyone's favorite American sportbike company hit the chopping block a few months back at the hand of industry giant Harley-Davidson, and its cropping of the division has led Erik Buell to forge ahead with his competitively obsessed Erik Buell Racing brand. However, a key player in the now defunct company may have sparked a bright future with another American motorcycle company. Zero Motorcycles, the little electric motorcycle manufacturer that could, has announced the hiring of former Buell Vice President of Engineering Abe Askenazi. Coming off of a 14-year stretch with Buell, Askenazi will no doubt bring a level of experience and insight to Zero beyond its years. With funding at an all time high and the obvious future in electric vehicles, the transition from combustion to current should be rewarding for both Askenazi and Zero. Click past the break to view the complete press release. Gallery: Zero Motorcycles Zero DS [Source: Asphalt & Rubber]Continue reading Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Art Deco Mullin Automotive Museum set to open April 15 Filed under: Classics, Bugatti, Event Alert, Luxury 1939 Delahaye 165 V-12 with coachwork by Figoni et Falaschi As if classic car fans in California weren't spoiled enough with the annual festivities in Monterey, world-class concours in Palm Springs, La Jolla, Dana Point, Palos Verdes, and Pasadena, and first-rate museums like The Petersen and Nethercutt Collection, another incredible collection is being opened to the public this spring. Set to open April 15 in Oxnard, California, the Mullin Automotive Museum is the anchored by the vehicles of Pebble Beach-winner and Monterey Historics racer Peter Mullin, and promises to be another must-see attraction. According to the press release you'll find after the jump, "the Mullin Automotive Museum will pay homage to the art deco and machine age design eras (1918-1941) that produced exquisite art and magnificent automobiles." The centerpiece will be a huge collection of unrestored Bugattis, but expect to find other iconic brands like Delahaye, Delage, Talbot-Lago, Voisin and Hispano-Suiza, with an emphasis on French cars with coachwork by masters like Chapron, Figoni et Falaschi, Gangloff, Vanvooren, Labourdette, Letourneur et Marchand and Saoutchik among others. The museum will also feature art and furniture from that era and an entire floor devoted to "Club Bugatti." Besides being home to 100 of the most gorgeous flowing designs of all time, the Mullin will also house some less beautiful but equally significant vehicles including 30 unrestored cars and a whole roster of Grand Prix and Le Mans cars. So if you're in the area, be sure to stop by. Until then, follow the jump for the full press release. [Source: Mullin Automotive Museum | Photo: Michael Furman Photography]Continue reading Art Deco Mullin Automotive Museum set to open April 15 Art Deco Mullin Automotive Museum set to open April 15 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
AutoblogGreen for 03.05.10 #saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 7px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; } Report: BMW will offer up to 700 urbanites an electric 1 series lease Who's ready? CARB approves of Roush's propane-powered Ford F-250 and F-350The wait is over, for those of you who've been waiting. Transonic gets Supercritical with fuel injection, claims 50-75% improvement Well, it "prevents droplet diffusion burn." A good thing, apparently. Other news: Europcar pre-orders 500 electric vehicles from Renault, coming to rental fleets in 2011 Report: Proton Emas plug-in hybrid minicar to hit the streets by late 2012 Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE Concept AutoblogGreen for 03.05.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Hot Wheels lets you choose your own adventure Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games Racing with Hot Wheels Custom Motors - Click above to watch the video after the jump. Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure Books from when you were a kid? Awesome, right? Hot Wheels has applied that approach to a web video promoting its new series of Custom Motors vehicles. Basically, the Custom Motors rides all feature interchangeable parts, so you your kids can put together some fun, outlandish stuff. The more cars you buy, the more parts you have to work with. The truck models include pull-back motors, too. We saw these in person a couple of weeks ago at Toy Fair (where they had a Custom Motors version of Batman's Tumbler displayed, in addition to the regular cars and trucks) and can report that they're definitely cool toys. Anyway, back to the Custom Motors Cup video on YouTube: When you start with the first one, you choose a vehicle and are then prompted to modify it (thus showing off the customizable nature of the toys) before sending your selected car or truck into a series of nifty stop-motion-animated races. How well you fare depends on your mod choices, each of which sends you down a different video "branch." Fire up your own racer after the jump, and check out the Custom Motors toys in greater detail in the photo gallery below. Gallery: Hot Wheels Custom Motors Toys [Source: Hot Wheels]Continue reading Video: Hot Wheels lets you choose your own adventure Video: Hot Wheels lets you choose your own adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW 2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced. Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is. So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive. Gallery: 2010 BMW 135i [Source: Inside Line]Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.4.10 We obsessively covered the 2010 Geneva Motor Show 66 vehicle introductions covered and counting. What's your favorite so far? Mustang V6 rates most efficient 300+ HP car ever at 31 mpg The pony car wars are about one-upsmanship if nothing else. The Ford Mustang held court for years while Chevrolet and Dodge had their horses on hiatus, but times have changed. The new Camaro has been whaling on the Mustang... Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked Chrysler, now led by Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the management crew brought in by Italian automaker Fiat, has big plans in place that will replace just about every single vehicle the... Also of interest: Leave traffic on the ground with Martin Jetpack [w/video] Video: Report compares rental cars to public restrooms BMW Z4 GT3 is the V8-powered Z4 M you can race Consumer Reports says Toyota owner loyalty waning Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.4.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: What NASCAR on Gran Turismo 5 looks like Filed under: Motorsports, Videos Gran Turismo 5 NASCAR promo - Click above to watch the video after the jump In a word, impressive. Sure, we can go on for paragraphs about how disappointed we are that Polyphony Digital and Sony still haven't released Gran Turismo 5 (there is no firm launch date) or bore you with how little we care for NASCAR, but instead we'll focus on the fact that the post-jump video looks truly incredible. Polyphony Digital president Kazunori Yamauchi went to Texas to see his first in-person NASCAR race, and the gaming legend appears to be very impressed with the sheer scope of the Official Sport of the South. Judging from the game footage Sony attached to the video, we're pretty impressed with the virtual version of the U.S. racing series as well. The b-roll-style footage looks very impressive, but most non in-game footage does. The GT5 promo video also shows a few glimpses of what the race will look from behind the wheel as well. We're thinking once (if) we finally have GT5 in our hands, we'll have a series of virtual left-hand turns in our future. Right after we experience the Formula One, Rally and every other type of racing first. Hit the jump to see for yourself. [Source: Motor Trend] Continue reading Video: What NASCAR on Gran Turismo 5 looks like Video: What NASCAR on Gran Turismo 5 looks like originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
GM offering 0% financing for month of March Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM General Motors just posted a 12-percent sales increase for the month of February, and now the automaker is hoping to continue its strong sales trend by offering 0 percent financing for 60 months on sales that occur during the month of March. Curiously, this announcement comes just a few days after Toyota started its own 0 percent campaign. GM's vice president for U.S. marketing, Susan Docherty, argues that the Toyota incentives had nothing to do with The General's decision to offer similar financing options, saying, "We're going headstrong into truck month for both Chevrolet and GMC, which is a traditional play that we have normally done during March." GM's program will cover roughly 55 percent of all 2010 models on sale. What's more, the company is also offering 0 percent financing for 72 months on its remaining 2009 model inventory, covering about 97 percent of what's left on dealer lots. We'll be interested to see if these incentives help boost sales for both Toyota and GM throughout the next month. We're also wondering if any other manufacturers (ahem, Ford) will follow suit. [Source: Automotive News, sub. req.| Image: David McNew/Getty]GM offering 0% financing for month of March originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Suzuki calls on killer snowmen to sell Kizashi Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Suzuki Marketing campaign for Suzuki Kizashi - Click above to watch the video after the jump Unlike Hyundai, Suzuki isn't featuring any lesbians in its marketing campaign for the all-new Kizashi. Nope, Suzuki is instead relying on another proven technique for attention keeping: Killer snowmen. Actually, Suzuki already has a rather large marketing campaign in play that not only includes the Killer Snowman commercial for the all-wheel drive version of the Kizashi, but another TV ad playing up the car's prowess compared to more expensive sport sedans, as well as a radio spot, print and web advertisements. The cool thing? Autoblog's actually quoted in a couple of them, specifically the radio spot and dual-page print ad that you may have already seen in the buff books this month. Check out the whole kit 'n kaboodle after the jump, but if you really want to be sold on a Kizashi, just go drive one.Continue reading Video: Suzuki calls on killer snowmen to sell Kizashi Video: Suzuki calls on killer snowmen to sell Kizashi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines Filed under: Performance, Lotus, Racing Jarno Trulli shakes down the Lotus Evora Cup racer - Click above for high-res image gallery Ham and eggs. macaroni and cheese, chocolate and bacon (a new personal favorite!). Some things just naturally go together. Such is the case for Lotus and Cosworth. In 1967 when Keith Duckworth, Mike Costin and Ford got together to create the DFV Formula One engine, Lotus was the first team to install it in a car. Ultimately, the DFV won 12 world drivers championships and 10 F1 constructors titles. Lotus and Cosworth are now back together again working on high-performance engines. The current-generation Lotus Elise, Exige and Evora are all powered by Toyota-derived engines, and now Cosworth will be uprating these engines for new Lotus road and race machines, starting with the new Evora Cup car. The GT4-class Evora is propelled by a 400-horsepower 4.0-liter version of Toyota's V6 engine with dry-sump lubrication all supplied by the engine specialists. We can't wait to see what Cosworth cooks up for the new Esprit... if and when it ever arrives. Gallery: Lotus Evora Cup [Source: Lotus]Continue reading Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines Lotus and Cosworth team up for high performance engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Toyota makes top 10 of World's Most Admired Companies list Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Toyota Historically, Toyota has been the automaker with the Midas touch... everything it did seemed to turn to gold. But, in light of Toyota's recent safety and recall woes, if you were compiling a short list of companies that you admire today - as in right now - would the Big Red T make the cut? That's the question raised by Fortune's annual list of the World's Most Admired Companies. Toyota comes in at number seven on the list, ahead of such highly respected automakers as BMW, Honda and Volkswagen (in that order, for what it's worth). But that ranking comes with a caveat: voting ended and results were compiled before Toyota's recent round of gas pedal recalls, stop sales and Congressional hearings. So, the question is, Where will Toyota land in the rankings in exactly one year's time? Well, we'll find out 12 months from now, but, deservedly or not, we'd certainly expect them to fall at least a few rungs down the ladder. Anyone care to disagree? [Source: Fortune | Image: David McNew/Getty]Toyota makes top 10 of World's Most Admired Companies list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Report compares rental cars to public restrooms Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos Just how clean are rental cars? - Click above to watch the video after the jump Rental cars don't have easy lives. They can be abused and flogged by nearly anyone who wants one, and most of the people who drive these vehicles have the "it's not my car - who cares" mentality. However, a new study from the folks at The Today Show takes a deeper look into the overall cleanliness of these vehicles, pointing out some really interesting facts about the levels of bacteria found on the most commonly touched surfaces (steering wheel, gear shift, door handles, etc.). The results are slightly shocking, and true as they may be, we find it a little odd that the reporters have compared the sanitary levels of these cars to that of a public restroom. We'll agree that it's absolutely unacceptable to find food crumbs, sticky messes, and even vomit (yes, vomit) in a ready-for-duty rental car, but we must remember that sharing germs is an inherit risk when you use anything that's moved around to hundreds of people each year. It's an interesting study nonetheless, and you can see the full details for yourself by watching the video after the jump. [Source: MSNBC]Continue reading Video: Report compares rental cars to public restrooms Video: Report compares rental cars to public restrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE Concept Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Tesla, Electric IED Tesla EYE concept - Click above for high-res image gallery The gaping openings on the front of the EYE design study vehicle from the Istituto Europeo di Design of Turin (IED) that's on display at the Geneva Motor Show this week would cause troublesome impacts on airflow if they were on a real electric car, we think. In the fantasyland of the auto show floor, though, they give the concept vehicle a menacing, moose-like nose (wait, does that make sense?). At least we can hope that the 11 transportation design master course students from IED who worked with Tesla Motors' chief designer Franz von Holzhausen on the project enjoyed the process. Considering there's almost no chance we'll ever see the EYE concept cruising the streets, we'll just have to enjoy the car for what it is: a good-looking show car with a Tesla badge. Sure, we can imagine putting an electric powertrain in there and showing up at the soccer game in one of these, but for now we'll just have to click through the gallery below and ask ourselves if the IED students managed to create a new status symbol with the EYE, something they said they were shooting for. Gallery: Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE concept Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: IED Tesla EYE Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked Filed under: Coupe, Minivan/Van, Sedan, SUV, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Hatchback, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Chrysler, now led by Sergio Marchionne and the rest of the management crew brought in by Italian automaker Fiat, has big plans in place that will replace just about every single vehicle the American automaker currently offers. Judging from the purported list of new vehicle launches secured by the Mopar fanatics at Allpar, it would seem that new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be hitting the market all through 2010 and well into 2011. Looking over the list of 2010 production start dates, the first date to get excited about (barring the March 29th Viper production launch, of course - we're talking about for the mainstream market), is May 10th, which is when the thoroughly recreated Jeep Grand Cherokee will begin rolling down the assembly line. In mid-August, the 2011 Wrangler will make its initial appearance, and we're really hoping for a new powertrain combination for the venerable off-roader. Towards the end of 2010, we should begin seeing the heavily revised Pentastar minivans along with the new Avenger and Sebring replacements, though the Chrysler midsizer seems likely to get a new moniker to erase memories of the current car. Finally, the three LX-based cars - those being the Challenger, Charger and 300 - will go into production in November, followed closely by the North American 2012 Fiat 500. Keep it together, Chrysler. [Source: Allpar]Future Chrysler production plans reportedly leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Corvette Racing behind-the-scenes trailer Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing 2010 Corvette C6.R GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery Over the course of this coming season, Corvette Racing will be posting a 12-part video series on the Corvette Facebook page that tracks the development of the C6.R and its progress on the track. In the run-up to the first race of the year at Sebring in a couple of weeks, Chevrolet has released a trailer as a bit of an introduction. 2010 will be the first full season of competition for the new second-generation C6.R as the American Le Mans Series moves ahead with a single unified GT class. The biggest change this year is an all-new 5.5-liter V8 based on the production LS7 aluminum block. Check out the trailer after the jump. Gallery: 2010 ALMS Corvette C6.R [Source: Chevrolet]Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing behind-the-scenes trailer Video: Corvette Racing behind-the-scenes trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Garage door company latest to take advantage of Toyota in tasteless way Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Toyota Dansk Port Teknik garage door ad - Click above to enlarge Talk about kicking Toyota when it's down. We've seen automakers like General Motors, Ford and Hyundai offering special incentives aimed at getting Toyota owners out of their cars and into different ones, but this latest bit of marketing from Danish garage door manufacturer Dansk Port Teknik takes things just a bit too far. We understand that JWT, the agency behind this ad, is looking to get a laugh at Toyota's expense, but when that joke involves something as serious as a safety recall, it's not exactly the most appropriate way to earn DPT a few extra bucks. We can't say for sure what sort of circulation this ad spot is getting in print publications, but regardless, we're not laughing. Click the lead image to see a high-res shot of this ad. [Source: Copyranter via The Car Connection]Garage door company latest to take advantage of Toyota in tasteless way originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
International Flight: Seth Enslow breaks world record on a Harley-Davidson [w/video] Filed under: Motorcycle How is this going to end? - Click above to watch the video after the break It was called "Seth VS Death" by the marketing gurus in Milwaukee. Seth Enslow, who we've barely heard a peep from in years, emerged yesterday atop a modified Harley-Davidson XR1200 with the goal of breaking the world record for longest jump aboard a Bar and Shield-clad cycle. For reasons unknown, his quest takes us to Sydney Harbor in Australia. Utilizing a ramp-to-ramp setup, Seth managed to surpass the existing record of 157 feet, set by Bubba Blackwell in 1999, extending the new mark to 183.7 feet. This came as a result of a second attempt, due to the fact that cameras were not rolling (oops) during his first flight of 175 feet. What does it feel like to set a flight record aboard American Iron? Mr Enslow said he was "stoked" and continued, "I might have broke a record, but I think I broke my nut too." Apparently, the 562 pounds plus metal tank multiplied by 183 feet equals pain equation had not crossed Seth's mind. In it's official press release, HD cites the hope of appealing to "a new generation of counter-culture riders" as the reason behind promoting the jump. And, of course, there was a nice Evel Knievel reference thrown in for good measure. Is this the last we will see of Seth and his airborne XR? That seems doubtful, but judging by the crowd, or lack thereof, this could be one record that may stand the test of time. Click past the break to watch the video. Thanks to G.D. for tip! [Source: Harley-Davidson]Continue reading International Flight: Seth Enslow breaks world record on a Harley-Davidson [w/video] International Flight: Seth Enslow breaks world record on a Harley-Davidson [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault Renault Clio Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery It's amazing what a little paint and a few stickers can do for a small car. To illustrate that point, take a gander at the special Gordini edition Renault Clio and Twingo in the gallery below. Granted, the improvements reach much deeper than just those stickers, but the matte blue paint, white accents and white decals give these little runabouts a purposeful look and signal to the world that they are the top-of-the-performance-heap Gordini editions. For those who need a refresher, Gordini is the name of a legendary Renault racing engineer. Amédée Gordini brought Renault some rally racing glory in the mid-'60s with the iconic R8 Gordini. Renault recently revived the name, reestablishing it as the top rung trim level on its already racy Renault Sport (R.S.) editions. Mechanically similar to their R.S. counterparts, they are mainly distinguished by retro styling touches (like the classic French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. Plus, they just look badass. The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini R.S. had already debuted last November, but here at the Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled their Gordini edition Clio as well. We have galleries of both cars for you below, the Mini-sized Twingo and the slightly larger Clio. Both cars have the performance upgrades found on R.S. models, with larger wheels, Brembo brakes, Conti SportContact3 tires, diffusers, heat extractors and that great livery. Check out the little "G" confetti in the stripes - classic. Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Clio Gordini R.S. Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
eBay Find of the Day: Toyota MR2 dressed up as Gumpert Apollo Filed under: Coupe, Auctions, Toyota, Specialty Gumpert Apollo Replica, and yes, we use that term loosely - Click above for image gallery Ever seen a Salet S5 Turbo Concept Car? Well, you have now. And it's actually more of a rebodied Toyota MR2 than anything else, designed and built to look something like a Gumpert Apollo. And you thought that such kit cars would end as the world's supply of unmolested Pontiac Fieros dried up? Don't be so sure. According to the seller (yep, this sucker is available on eBay), a Toyota MR2 frame was utilized, "along with the modern conveniences of airbags, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, exhaust and suspension." No, we don't consider exhaust and suspension modern conveniences, either. But we digress... Supposedly, the massaged 2.0-liter Twin Cam engine from the donor Toyota has been dyno'd at 255 rear-wheel horsepower thanks to the large aftermarket turbocharger. Crank it all the way up to 19 pounds of boost and you're at 303 horses. Not bad, but still a far cry from the 650-horsepower twin-turbo V8 in its supercar inspiration. In any case, feel free to browse our image gallery below, and click here if you've got itchy bidding fingers. Gallery: Gumpert Apollo Replica [Source: eBay Motors via Carscoop]eBay Find of the Day: Toyota MR2 dressed up as Gumpert Apollo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
CAR releases updated "tube map" of the auto world Filed under: Etc. Subway Map to the Auto World - Click above for high-res image gallery Five years ago, CAR created a subway-style map of every major automaker, its brands and sub-brands, along with its technological partners, spin-offs and related relationships. It was enough to make our head explode, but the map made deciphering the incestuous relationship between the world's automakers a bit easier. In its latest issue, CAR has updated the map for 2010, including every major and minor automaker and how each are tied together. The Brit pub admits they've taken a decidedly Western perspective, leaving out some of the odder marques and a few brands from emerging markets, but even then SAIC and Tata are in the mix, along with Fisker and Maybach. Obviously, General Motors' brands have been pared down in the last five years, but before the mag went to print, they weren't able to update the map with the so-to-be-shuttered Mercury marque. And yes, they've got Porsche as a sub-group within Volkswagen and the newly-minted partnership between Toyota and Tesla as well. Check both the original and upgraded maps in the gallery below, and make sure to view them in high-res to get the complete perspective. Gallery: CAR Automake 'Subway' Maps [Source: CAR]CAR releases updated "tube map" of the auto world originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Akio Toyoda apologizes to shareholders, shareholder tells him to stop crying Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota, Earnings/Financials Now there's some sad things known to man, but ain't too much sadder than the tears of a... CEO? Apparently, at least one Toyota shareholder has seen enough tears and weeping from the company's not-so-fearless leader. According to a report from Reuters, one of Toyota's shareholders requested, "Mr. Toyoda, you've been all over the media this year and you've gone teary-eyed on several occasions. For a man of your position, this is unacceptable. Please keep your chin up and try not to weep!" Certainly, there are reasons for both Toyoda and Toyota's shareholders to smile - despite the recent spate of recalls (more than 10 million vehicles) and safety woes, the Japanese automaker still expects to turn an operating profit of 280 billion yen for the year ending in March 2011. After all that, though, Toyoda found it within himself to issue yet another apology, apparently in this case, sans tears. [Source: Reuters | Image: Junko Kimura/Getty]Akio Toyoda apologizes to shareholders, shareholder tells him to stop crying originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: BMW 0 Series leaks out in corporate video? Filed under: Concept Cars, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Design/Style BMW 0 Series, is that you? - Click above to watch the video after the break If BMW intends to go downmarket any further, which seems likely considering that the automaker has already confirmed it will offer a front-wheel drive model under its own badge, there's only one model designation available: 0 Series. And by all accounts, it's on the way soon. Intriguingly, BMW may be offering a few hints as to what we should expect from the new entry-level model. In a new video released for its Innovation Days in Asia, the automaker prominently displays a series of still images that may very well be early sketches of the upcoming 0 Series. Assuming for a moment that we are indeed witnessing the new Zilch, we like what we see. Deeply sculpted sides, a nicely sloping rear hatch and large, vertically oriented kidney grilles indicate a design language that's suitably differentiated from current rear-wheel-drive BMWs. And it looks pretty dang good. Judge for yourself after watching the video after the break. [Source: Autoblog.nl]Continue reading Video: BMW 0 Series leaks out in corporate video? Video: BMW 0 Series leaks out in corporate video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford 2011 Ford Mondeo - Click above for high-res image gallery Ford of Europe has dropped the first official photos of the refreshed 2011 Mondeo, along with some details on the mechanical updates. The only substantive visual change is a reshaped front fascia with a larger trapezoidal lower grille similar to the Fiesta and the upcoming 2012 Focus, as well as reworked driving lights. Behind that new grille Ford has added the same type of active shutters the Focus is getting to restrict air-flow at higher speeds or colder temperatures, reducing turbulence and aerodynamic drag. The rest of the engine compartment is occupied by two new powertrain options, including a more powerful 237 horsepower version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four that debuted earlier this year. At 179 grams per kilometer of CO2 emissions, the new Ecoboost will have the same fuel consumption as the lower power unit and 20 percent less than a V6 of similar power. This more powerful unit is likely the one that we will get in the Edge and Explorer for 2011. All of the Ecoboost engines are mated up a six-speed dual-clutch Powershift gearbox similar to the unit that just debuted in the Fiesta in North America. The second new engine is a reworked 2.2-liter diesel inline-four that now puts out 197 hp, a 12 percent bump from the previous edition. The new Mondeos will will be shown publicly at the Moscow Motor Show in August and go on sale in the fall. Gallery: 2011 Ford Mondeo [Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost Ford reveals refreshed 2011 Mondeo with 237-hp 2.0L Ecoboost originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Video: Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge testing at Monza? Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, Racing Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge at Monza - Click above to watch the video after the jump Even though Ferrari hasn't given the official word, it's clear that the automaker is working on a hardcore 458 Italia Challenge prepped for race duty. We first spied the car in May, and now we have video of the beastly Ferrari ripping off some test laps at Monza with a couple of 430 GT2s in tow. Nothing like the sound of race-spec Ferraris to enhance your day. Visually, not much has changed since we first saw the 458 Challenge, and while we expected to have already heard the full details about Ferrari's newest stunner, it appears that the full kit of information won't be released until later this year (in Paris, perhaps?). Consider us on the edge of our seat. Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 458 Challenge? [Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge testing at Monza? Video: Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge testing at Monza? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
Audi unveils new livery for Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak [w/Video] Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Technology, Audi Audi Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak - Click above for high-res image gallery Audi has revealed a new livery for its Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak research car, drawing on the look of the original Quattro coupe rally cars of the early 1980s. When the Autonomous TTS was first announced late last year, we were expecting it to be running this weekend in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. The current time-line for the program is to run the TTS up the mountain this fall and then go for a new world land speed record for autonomous vehicles at a yet-to-be-disclosed dry lake bed. The sensing hardware of the TTS is using a different approach from earlier autonomous vehicles. Instead of the array of cameras, laser and radar, this car is using only high precision differential GPS along with the inertial sensors that are part of the stability control system. Driving is handled by a pair of computers in the trunk with hardware comparable to a laptop. One machine runs the sensing software and safety algorithms while the other handles the vehicle dynamics. The latter is being developed to let the TTS run like a rally car, drifting on gravel corners in order to get maximum speed. There's a video of the car in motion after the jump, but we'll be on hand to see it running the mountain later this year. Gallery: Audi Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak [Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi unveils new livery for Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak [w/Video] Audi unveils new livery for Autonomous TTS Pikes Peak [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Mazda, First Drive 2011 Mazda2 - Click above for high-res image gallery Mazda says there's a little bit of Miata in everything it does. While it's easy to chalk that up as marketing frippery, when the automaker launched the Little Roadster That Could back in 1989, it proved that great things can come from a machine developed to be simple, reliable and driver-focused. Even now, none of Mazda's wares offer class-leading fuel economy or practicality, but they've proven to be some of the best drivers in their segments. And as enthusiasts, it's easy to exchange a bit of functionality for a larger helping of fun. Now, Mazda hopes to achieve this same sort of positioning within the B-car segment - a class that's grown substantially in America and is projected to double in size within the next few years. The 2011 Mazda2 comes to town right on the heels of its sister car, the Ford Fiesta, but as we found out after a lengthy drive through the city of Montréal and the countryside of Canada's Québec province, it's a wholly different machine. And while the Fiesta is sure to provide some serious competition for the 2, there are plenty of other well-to-do B cars in the U.S. that are ready to be sized up against the minuscule Mazda. If you only look at the stats, you wouldn't think Mazda has positioned the 2 to be anything overly special. Not only is it the least powerful car in its segment, but it doesn't offer some of the clever technology or unique packaging to make it stand out from its kin. But Mazda is immensely proud of the new 2, and though we looked on with skeptical faces, the people in charge simply told us that the little hatch's story is best told on the road. So let's get to it. Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 Photos by Steven J. Ewing / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality First Drive: 2011 Mazda2 puts fun before frugality originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...
eBay Find of the Day: 1986 Mercury Capri RS 5.0L with just 2,000 miles! Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Mercury 1986 Mercury Capri RS 5.0 - Click above for high-res image gallery With the Mercury brand set to be confined to the dustbin of history in the next few months, is it worth considering investing in a classic example? We're certainly not going tell you how to spend your money, but today's eBay find might be worthy of consideration. Or not. Over the course of three decades, the soon-to-be-defunct brand offered three distinctly different versions of the Capri. The original was a compact rear-wheel-drive coupe designed and built in Germany while the last was a Mazda 323-based convertible from Australia. The second generation example being offered for sale is likely the cleanest, lowest mileage Fox-body car remaining on the planet. Why someone would preserve a 1986 Capri RS 5.0 with only 2,000 miles is a bit of a mystery, but there it is nonetheless. The RS was a mildly restyled version of the Mustang GT and arguably more attractive than the Ford. 1986 was both the first year for the new 200 horsepower fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 and the last year of production for the Fox-body Capri. When the Mustang got a refresh for 1987, the Capri was left on the cutting room floor. Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: 1986 Mercury Capri RS 5.0L [Source: eBay]eBay Find of the Day: 1986 Mercury Capri RS 5.0L with just 2,000 miles! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments More after the jump...