Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Mercedes Benz

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution
The SLR wasn't the only attention-grabbing roadster Daimler-Benz had on display at this year's LA show. Sitting front and center in between all the latest machinery from Mercedes was this unique classic, the 290 Special Roadster.
On loan from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, the bright orange convertible was a one-off drophead version of the 290-series flagship sedan that debuted in February 1933 at the Berlin Motor Show. Taking the place in Benz's 30's line-up where the S-Class sits today, the 290 came in short- and long-wheelbase versions (for personal or chauffeured use) and adopted the company's then-new swing axle technology.
This convertible is one-of-a-kind, built in 1936. It packs a 68hp 2.8-liter straight six driving through a 3-speed transmission and wrapped in some truly classic sheetmetal that gives you an idea for where the guys at Wiesmann may have drawn their inspiration. Check out the gallery below for all the elegant curves and details.

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes 290 Special Roadster



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BMW builds Ultimate Espresso Machine for Starbucks

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW

You can get Starbucks anywhere from airports to a hospital cafeterias. The coffee giant is so hot right now, even BMW Designworks USA is getting in on the act. The BMW designers created a state-of-the-art espresso machine design that can be purchased at Starbucks for use at home.

Asipring home barista? This machine is for you. Powered by Bimmer's 3.0L turbocharged inline-six, It fits on your countertop and lets you keep it simple with espresso or go more complex with cappuccino. The BMW designers even had enough tact to leave off the Bavarian Motor Werks roundel, which is a step in the right direction vs. what we've seen Ferrari do of late. The fancy and presumably expensive machine doesn't appear to have any BMW styling cues, but it does bear a slight resemblance to the center stack of a Chrysler Sebring. If it helps you save a bit vs. the $4.03 you shell out for a medium latte in one of the trendy Starbucks stores, it may pay for itself over time. Just try not to scald your hand when frothing. Those Starbucks people are, like, highly-trained professionals, you know.

[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW builds Ultimate Espresso Machine for Starbucks

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lamborghini CEO shoots down LM002 revival rumors

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, SUVs, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini


Fast Lane Daily got some camera time with Stefan Winkelmann, head of Lamborghini. After a discussing the 20-samples-only Reventon for a few minutes, Fast Lane's interviewer asks Winkelmann what he thinks of the Audi R8 and the effect it might have on the Gallardo. If you know anything about Mr. Winkelmann or Lamborghini, you already know his answer. And then Winkelmann is asked about the rumors of a Lamborghini SUV. With a smile, but with no hesitation, his answer was a brief two words: "No SUV." So there. Purists, you can rejoice now. Check out the entire video after the jump.

[Source: Veoh]Continue reading Lamborghini CEO shoots down LM002 revival rumors

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA Show 2007: Faces in the crowd

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Lifestyle
What would an auto show be without all those lovely models? Although they weren't deployed as numerously as at some other recent shows (Frankfurt, Tokyo and SEMA come to mind) Los Angeles had its fair share of pretty faces representing the various manufacturers. It also had a few celebrities floating around to make you know you were close to Hollywood. Former NBAer John Salley, racer Derek Bell, "The Transporter" himself, Jason Statham, architect Frank Gehry, and California's own Governator made it into our files this year. Aside from the ones in our gallery there were several others who proved too elusive even for our shutterbug corps, which included occasional helper Las de Alwis as well as several AB and ABG regulars. We'll just have to try harder next time.

Click image at right for high-res gallery of some of the beautiful people from Los Angeles.

Gallery: LA Show 2007: Faces in the crowd


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Hennessey releases details on Venom GT

Filed under: Aftermarket, Supercars

Evidently not satisfied with having trounced the Bugatti Veyron in Road & Track's 0-200 mph showdown with its twin-turbo Viper, those tuners on speed over at Hennessey Performance Engineering are preparing a mid-engined supercar of their own. We brought you initial news, coupled with a teaser image, back at this year's SEMA show, but the company has now released additional information and the conceptual sketch you see above, which was penned by British auto designer Steve Everitt, who evidently likes the Lotus Elise/Exige, but thought it could use more oomph.

Built around the company's thousand-horsepower twin-turbocharged Dodge Viper V10 engine, the Venom GT would benefit from the immense power in a lighter-weight package weighing in around 2700 lbs. Carry the zeros and we're looking at 2.7 lbs per hp, giving the special Hennessey a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time estimated at less than 2.5 seconds, en route to an anticipated 300 km/h in about 14 seconds.

If it built the Venom GT, Hennessey would follow along the path of Saleen, who built the S7 supercar after years of tuning Mustangs. According to John Hennessey, existing owners of the firm's tuned Vipers would give the company a customer base to draw upon. Hennessey plans to have a pair of concept cars to show in 2009, which will help them gauge interest in potentially building the Venom GT at their factory in Houston. We're looking forward to it already. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering]Continue reading Hennessey releases details on Venom GT

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 11.19.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


AutoblogGreen's Big Fun Weekend included two sweet test rides. Our friend and yours, Sam Abuelsamid, got to take a spin in both the Tesla Roadster and the Honda FCX Clarity. No, really. There was other news to report, and you can see those topics in the following headlines, but we know that Sam's first-hand accounts of being in these highly-anticipated vehicles is what you're really going to enjoy. Go for it.

• First Drive: 2009 Honda FCX Clarity, world's first series production fuel cell car
• VIDEO: Riding the PCH and more in a Tesla Roadster!
• LA 2007: 5 minutes with American Roadster creator John Green
• Chevy Volt mules are based on old Malibu, production cars on smaller Cobalt
• Plug-in hybrids get lower mileage than traditional hybrids
• Ford's new mini-car may have verve, but don't call it that
• GM will release a new hybrid every 3 months for the next 4 years
• Chery has huge plans for hybrids in 2008 and beyond
• AutoblogGreen Q&A: Denise Gray talks batteries, state of charge and more

More green goodness after the jump.Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 11.19.07

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Report: Pontiac G8 will spawn wagon, sport truck

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Wagons/Estates, GM, Pontiac, Holden, Australia

Automotive News is reporting what's been suspected all along: GM will bring a both a wagon and a Ute to the U.S. after the launch of the G8 next year. Citing three sources intimate with the project, the report goes on to say that the two models will be built in Australia and will be similar to the Commodore wagon, on which the Pontiac G8 is based, and the Holden VE Ute.

The move comes in an attempt to bring back the sporting credentials sorely lacking in GM's excitement division, so there are no plans to offer the Ute in GMC-guise. The sports truck will use the same platform as its G8 sibling and will be powered by the drivetrain from the Camaro.

The only issue that could affect the importation of both models is the weakening dollar. If it continues to slide, pricing will either be increased or both models won't make the trek across the Pacific.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford's UAW deal nets $2 billion savings

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, UAW/Unions
Ford is arguably the domestic maker in the most trouble, and it appears the UAW has allowed more concessions for Ford than for either of the other two domestic car car makers in its contract negotiations. With combined savings from the end of health care obligations, revised rules on hiring, salaries, and classifications, Ford will be able to put $2 billion more in its coffers every year.

The largest lump came from Ford -- as with GM and Chrysler -- earning a release from its health care obligations by contributing to a VEBA. Ford's contribution of $13.6 billion will rid itself of the $23.7 billion health care shadow it stood in. That is less than the other two of the Big Three contributed, and once approved will save Ford $1 billion per year.

The other savings come from the UAW's flexibility in allowing Ford to make more than 20-percent of its workforce lower-paid hourly workers, who get up to $50 less per hour than other UAW workers. The UAW is also doing things like reclassifying skilled trades categories, reducing them from 350 to 22. In return, Ford has stepped back from plans to idle some plants, is bringing some outsourced jobs back in-house, and is making plants more flexible so that they can build different cars more easily, instead of being shut down.

In a related article, Automotive News (Sub. Req.) is reporting that the extra cash will be used to revamp Ford's North American product line in the next few years, including the accelerated development of several new models.

[Source: Detroit News, Automotive News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Evidence of Apple and VW collaboration on up! dashboards?

Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Volkswagen


Last week we told you about Volkswagen's plan to put touch screens in every one of its cars next year and wondered if maybe this is what Apple had been helping VW sort out.

Well, our brothers over at Engadget did some digging and came up with a video showing VW's UP touch interface in use. Apple fans will immediately recognize the look and feel of the images as very Coverflow or Front Row-like. Apple fanboys will have already seen all this, of course, and put their cars up for sale in anticipation of the new VW lineup (anyone want to by a 2002 Corolla, btw?).

Is this the fabled iCar? Has Apple assisted in the design of VW's new touch interface? While the video shown here is indeed intriguing, don't get excited just yet. Apple's Coverflow is easily imitated, and VW might have only been inspired by Apple's work. Even so, it would be a huge improvement over what VW uses now, and as much of a leap forward for the automotive industry as Apple's iPhone has been for mobile phone companies.

If you know Apple, they're gonna keep this pie as secret as they can until it's fully baked. But we're gonna do our best to keep an eye on it while it's cooking, so stay tuned.

[Source: Engadget]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First Drive: AutoblogGreen drives the 2009 Honda FCX Clarity

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Honda, Driving

click above image for the First Drive of the 2009 Honda FCX

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/hardware/Blogger_takes_Honda_s_10m_hydrogen_fuel_cell_FCX_Clarity_for_a_test_drive'; Following the conclusion of press days at the 2007 LA Auto Show, AutoblogGreen got invited to join Honda for a first drive in its FCX Clarity. In case you missed the announcement last week, when it becomes "available" next summer, the FCX Clarity will the world's first series production fuel cell-powered car. Another unique aspect of the FCX is the fact that it was designed from the ground up as a fuel cell vehicle rather than being converted from an existing vehicle. Previously only concepts like the Chevy Sequel had this distinction. The Clarity is remarkably complete and functional with all the amenities you would expect on a car like the Acura RL. Get the whole scoop on the 2009 FCX Clarity at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Acura RL redesign seeking to address slow sales

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Acura


Acura's RL has never fared well in a marketplace rife with V8s and rear-wheel-drive, but according to dealers, the next iteration of the brand's flagship sedan might finally bring it up to the level of its competitors. However, a story in Automotive News doesn't shed much light on what's in store.

Dealers believe that a major makeover is coming, but when AN talked to Dan Bonawitz, the veep of corporate planning and logistics over at Honda, he said the that RL was due for a mid-term change, which would imply that it might simply benefit from some new sheetmetal. An Acura dealer in Pittsburgh confirmed as much, saying that the new model will get a redesigned body, but little else was divulged.

In order for Acura to compete with the Bimmers and Benzs of the world, they'll have to ditch the AWD and V6, and instead equip the new model with V8 power being sent to the rear wheels. When that will come and whether Acura will develop an all new platform remains to be seen.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: And then there were three: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep to end brand engineering?

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler
Among what must be many options on the table, Chrysler, LLC is looking at strictly defining the three brands in its care, and shedding 1,000 dealers in the process. The idea would be to eliminate the practice of selling a Chrysler model as a Dodge model as well. Chrysler would sell passenger cars, Dodge would sell pickup and commercial trucks, and Jeep would sell, well, Jeeps and SUV's.

From where we sit, it's not a bad idea, though it would give Chrysler a bunch of cars (and minivans) and leave Dodge rather few (Dakota, Ram, Sprinter vans?). That kind of rationalization, however, could allow Chrysler, LLC to additionally refine its dealer network and trim down inventory and, by extension, incentives. A decision could come by the end of the year.

Another big question would be the shift it would take for consumers to join the party. Would a Jeep buyer really go for a Chrysler Charger, or a Jeep Aspen? And would a Viper by any other name -- i.e., Chrysler -- smell as sweet?

Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Source: Detroit Free Press]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Zonda F laps the Nurburgring in 7:27.82

Filed under: Videos, Supercars

We reported earlier that the Pagani Zonda topped the Carrera GT's record time around the Nurburgring with a time of 7:28.82. The best we could offer for a visual presentation was a small photo, but now supercarmovies.com has posted a full video of the lap in high quality format on their web site. Click the image above to see driver Marc Basseng pilot the Zonda F around the 73 turns of the Nordschleife or follow the jump to see the embedded video.
[Source: Supercarmovies.com]
Continue reading VIDEO: Zonda F laps the Nurburgring in 7:27.82

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: EXCLUSIVE! AutoblogGreen experiences the Tesla Roadster in its natural habi

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Green, Driving

click above image for a high-res gallery of the Tesla Roadster

Anyone familiar with English B-roads can understand why classic British sports cars evolved the way they did. These roads rarely seem to go in a straight line for more than a few yards at a time and are narrow with little or no runoff area. As a result, cars that came out of Morris Garages and Colin Chapman's shop were generally small, light and extremely nimble. They didn't have a lot of power, but when you follow Chapman's creed of "Add Lightness!", you don't really need a whole lot of power.

Some years after Chapman's death, the engineers at Lotus returned to the company's roots and created a small, lightweight minimalist descendant to the old Seven in the form of the Elise. Fast forward to this decade and a search for a small, quick sportster in the classic British mode, but with no emissions. Since none existed, Martin Eberhard and Elon Musk launched a company to create one, and Tesla Motors was born. AutoblogGreen experienced a short burst in the car on a runway when it debuted this past year, but that's like riding a horse at the petting zoo. You need to bareback that thoroughbred out on the plains to see what it's really like. We still haven't gotten behind the wheel, but are promised some wheel-time right after those old school print guys, which means we'll hopefully get to publish our review before they have a chance to print theirs. But we did get to experience the Roadster in perhaps the best American analog to an English B-road: storming up a California canyon road. For a full, drooling report on the experience, head over to AutoblogGreen and don't forget to check out the in-car video, as well.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: Riding in the Tesla Roadster

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan expects to sell 1,500 GT-Rs per year in U.S.

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Nissan


Let the markups begin. When sales of the Nissan GT-R starts in North America next summer, only 1,500 examples will be available. We're a bit unsure as to how that figure was reached, but we'd assume production limitations and Nissan's desire to keep exclusivity on boil are all factored into the estimate.

The sales directive comes courtesy of a dealer communication due out this Friday to Nissan's 1,070 dealers nationwide, which also lists pricing for two GT-R models at $69,850 and $71,900. Some retailers are expecting markups on the GT-R to fly as high as $15,000 per vehicle. Get your local dealer on speed dial and have your checkbooks at the ready.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: PPI clothes the Audi R8 in carbon fiber

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Audi

German design company and Audi specialists PPI have released some new details on their aftermarket program for the Audi R8 that will make its public debut at the Essen Motor Show in December. Carbon fiber components are used throughout the entire car, including a front lip spoiler, more aggressive front air dam, side sills, rear diffuser, adjustable rear wing, and matte side blades that are all available in the lightweight material. The exterior pieces are fully functional, improving airflow around the car, feeding cool air to the brakes, and deflecting engine heat away from the car. Lightweight MAG9 wheels are composed of a carbon fiber wheel rim and magnesium spokes wrapped with pavement-gripping Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Even more carbon fiber can be found in the interior, including a handbrake, sill plates, instrument panel, and components of the steering wheel.
Power upgrades are available as well, including an optimized engine management, high flow air filter, and a stainless steel exhaust that results in an additional 40 horsepower and 26 lb-ft torque. Follow the jump for the press release from PPI to see all the details about the car.
[Source: PPI Automotive Design]
Gallery: PPI Audi R8


Continue reading PPI clothes the Audi R8 in carbon fiber

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: More power, less roof: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet

Filed under: Tuners, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, Porsche, Misc. Auto Shows


TechArt's performance modifications to Porsche's already-impressive sports cars might seem akin to adding a third warp nacelle to the starship Enterprise for the pure fun of it, but who are we to argue with the results? The supertuner/niche manufacturer has readied its latest creation for debut at the upcoming Essen Motor Show (think SEMA for European manufacturers). The TechArt Turbo Cabriolet follows the usual formula, offering incremental power upgrades culminating at a ridiculous 630 hp/604 lb-ft. This, while retaining the Turbo's AWD system and offering the added benefit of topless motoring. 911 GT2? What's that?

The added juice comes from new turbos, extensively upgraded intake and exhaust plumbing, and new engine management programming that ties it all together. TechArt also doctors the chassis, allowing the car to be lowered an additional 25mm via the factory PASM setup. Buyers can choose between two aero packages and the usual assortment of wheel/tire/interior upgrades, resulting in a bespoke convertible sports car with a top speed of 214 mph. Montgomery Scott not included.

PR pasted after the jump.

[Source: TechArt]

Gallery: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet

Continue reading More power, less roof: TechArt Turbo Cabriolet

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GT5 Prologue: More tracks, more cars and one bad-ass Ford GT

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Tech, Toys


If it were a dessert, it would be Death By Chocolate. Since it's Gran Turismo 5, we're going to call it Death By Motorized Magnitude. Word is the full game will come with 900 cars -- or as The Count would say on Sesame Street, "Count dem, 900 cars, ha ha ha!" And one of those cars will be the Ford GT LM edition. Which could really count as five or six cars by itself, it's so bloody tasty.

The GT Prologue Demo will come with a mere 30 cars, but there are some tarmac toasters in there, one of them being the GT LM, as well as a smattering of other really fast but non-race cars. There's also a BMW 135i Coupe, convenient in case you wish to test it out on CG twisties before spending a heap of your very real money on the genuine article. As for tracks, word is that the Prologue could also add either Laguna Seca, Infineon, or (mouth ... watering ... must ... concentrate) the 'Ring. We sign up where?

[Source: GT Channel]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mazda2 sedan unveiled in China

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, China, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

click above image for more high-res pics of the Mazda2 sedan

This week at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show in China, Mazda will be unveiling the four-door Mazda2 sedan alongside the rest of its Chinese lineup that includes the Mazda3 and Mazda5. China is the first market in the world to see the four-door sedan version of the Mazda2, which originally debuted in Europe as a three-door hatch. According to the press-release from Mazda, the Mazda2 sedan will be produced in China by Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. at its Nanjing plant. It's unclear, however, when or even if the Mazda2 sedan will be exported for sale in other markets besides China. It could also be that production of the Mazda2 sedan will occur outside of China at the same facilities where the three-door hatch is produced. Mazda also is introducing a five-door hatchback version of the Mazda2 in China. If any of you find yourselves at the 2007 Guangzhou Motor Show this week, takes some pics and let us know.

[Source: Mazda]

Gallery: 2008 Mazda2 Sedan

Continue reading Mazda2 sedan unveiled in China

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe

Filed under: Garage, Coupes, Ford, Driving

click above image to view high-res gallery of the 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe

A car's design is simply a composite of curves, creases and kinks. A good design will elicit an emotion that urges people to buy the car. The affected just have to have it, often blind to any faults the car may exhibit by the way it makes them feel. The design of the 2008 Ford Focus makes us feel an emotion, too. Unfortunately, it's pity.

We honestly feel bad for the latest iteration of Ford's small car. We fear that its strengths will go largely unnoticed on account of a few bad design choices. Of course, we're speaking of the redesigned front end and those fauxest of faux fender vents. It isn't fair to judge a book by its cover alone, or in this case a car by its design, but a bad first impression is difficult to overcome. Ford has made a lot of improvements to the Focus for 2008, but will anyone notice? Follow the jump to find out.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe


Live photos Copyright (C)2007 John Neff / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Focus SES Coupe

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