Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: MINI-branded restaurant all the rage in Paris

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, MINI, Lifestyle
Years ago, in Sydney, Australia, the MINI Garage -- a dealership -- had a restaurant. Patrons dined in a decidedly upscale garage-ish atmosphere, while (then) brand new and artfully lit MINIs rested on plinths. The restaurant is no more, but the idea lives on, this time in Paris. Groupe Luderic, an events company, paid $1.5 million to renovate an area of the Grand Palais, a museum, in order to create the MINI Palais restaurant. Grand Palais. Mini Palais. Get it?

This is simply more lifestyle marketing which seeks to advertise to you while you actually enjoy yourself -- MINI is a client of Luderic. The restaurant is, though, very discreet about the MINI. There are no MINIs in the restaurant, and references to it don't go far beyond using MINI type in various places. Otherwise there are two Union Jacks, a few posters, and clocks that resemble MINI IP's. And a neon sign above the entrance that reads: MINI Palais. That's it.

Food is -- in keeping with the MINI ethos -- not cheap, but not crazy. However, there are not even any MINI themed items on it. We would have at least thought they could offer a Clubman sandwich. Now, who wants to open a Ford Edge restaurant on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon?

[Source: Ad Age]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Flight of Fancy: Ferrari takes to the sky

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari


Like their competitors, Ferrari uses advanced aerodynamics to keep their cars on the ground. But what if they flipped their technology upside down to create an aircraft? The result could very well be this, the Piaggio P180 Avanti II.

Beyond the usual correlation between the automotive and aeronautical industries - especially evident in six-figure sportscars and in formula motor racing - the ties between Piaggio Aero and Ferrari run far deeper. Piaggio, which sponsors the Scuderia, is chaired by Enzo's heir and company vice-chairman Piero Ferrari. The aircraft pictured is the one Ferrari uses to shuttle their executives and star drivers around Europe, if not the world, to unveil new cars, win grands prix and cut ribbons on everything from theme parks to retail stores. Interestingly, instead of jet propulsion, the Avanti II uses backwards-mounted turboprops. With a 450 mph top speed, it's the fastest turboprop in the world. It has a 1,800-mile range and 41,000-ft maximum cruising altitude but uses 30% less fuel than a comparable jet.

Of course this isn't the first time the prancing horse has appeared on an aircraft. The logo, legend has it, was emblazoned on the plane of Italian WWI flying ace Count Francesco Baracca, whose mother presented it to Enzo Ferrari after reportedly being impressed by his driving style while racing towards the checkered flag at the Salvio circuit in 1923. Whether the legend is true or not, the plane makes a more suitable canvas for the Ferrari logo than a Segway scooter.

[Source: Piaggio Aero via Luxurylaunches.com]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Tech, Acura

Click the above picture for high-res image.

All-wheel-drive systems are becoming an increasingly popular feature for large sedans. They allow for more exciting driving dynamics than pure front-wheel-drive, but also provide for increased fair weather traction over pure rear-wheel-drive. Acura revealed their all-wheel drive system dubbed Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) in the 2005 RL. Since then, the system has been adapted to the MDX and RDX vehicles as well. It is a system with a name only a Japanese company could get away with, after all there is a Honda powered Formula 1 team named Super Best Friends. Acura is proud of their technological development. Their 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show booth featured a SH-AWD display front and center. We used the opportunity to snap some pictures of the complex unit in order to illustrate its unique features. Follow the jump to read more.

Gallery: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel-Drive

Continue reading LA 2007: Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive on display

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ghosn says Nissan to unleash 15 new technologies every year from 2009

Filed under: Tech, Nissan


In 2000, Nissan spent $1.8 billion. This year it spent $4.4 billion, and is hiring techs, engineers, and scientists to fill a 2,000-person R&D center in Japan. And by spending even more in the coming years on a plan it calls Vision 2015, Nissan plans to re-establish its tech credentials and make driving safer, quicker, cleaner, and more fun in the process.

It will do so by bringing out 15 new technologies every year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Continue reading Ghosn says Nissan to unleash 15 new technologies every year from 2009

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: SPOILER ALERT: NASCAR Nextel Cup wraps up at Homestead

Filed under: Motorsports

Team-mates and title rivals Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson at Homestead

We'll freely admit that we don't give NASCAR much coverage here at Autoblog. It's the most popular form of motorsport in America by far, but push come to shove, there just aren't any big oval-track racing mavens on our staff. The F1 fans among us couldn't help but take notice when the grand prix drivers started streaming in to stock cars, but beyond that....

[Source: AutoWeek]Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: NASCAR Nextel Cup wraps up at Homestead

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[Stuart]

Yeah, but will any of the 15 technologies be worth having?

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Tunage: LSE Design Range Rover Sport Coupe

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Land Rover


A couple of months ago, Land Rover released a blurry shot of what looked like a concept for a Range Rover Coupe SUV. We still haven't heard a peep more about it, but if you liked it and you want a two-door Rangie a little sooner, LSE Design out of the UK will gladly hook you up with one.

LSE is making just 100 of the 2-door Range Rovers you see above. The engine is tuned to 500+ HP, the body is made entirely of carbon fiber, the roof is a glassy panoramic affair. There are even LED lights placed all around the vehicle, in case you wish to rent it out as a Christmas ornament.

And should you decide you need to place an exclamation point on your extremely limited supremely powerful carbon fiber 2-door Range Rover, you can have diamonds placed in the speedometer at 10 MPH increments. In return for the privilege of owning this vehicle, you will give LSE Design a cheque in the amount of $200,000. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to answer the phone -- it's Posh Spice calling....

[Source: Piston Heads]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Heathrow will help you find your car at the airport

Filed under: Etc., Tech


There was an amusement park where I grew up that had a decidedly low-rent way to find your car: Hanna Barbera characters. You were parked in row Fred Flinstone 3, or Huckleberry 5. Parents would have one kid remember the number, and another remember the character. I don't ever remember seeing anyone wandering the lot looking for his car.

That simple device is nowhere near good enough for Heathrow (England) Airport's new $8 billion Terminal 5, opening next March. The terminal by itself is as big as London's Gatwick airport. It also has a 3,800-space short term parking structure tech'ed out with 35 infrared cameras and illuminated floors. When you pull in, it will capture your car's license plate number, then guide you to the nearest spot via arrows that light up on the floor. When you come back, you will put your ticket into a machine, or enter your license plate number, and a map on a 32-inch screen will show you where your car is and how to get there.

Siemens developed the system with a British firm, and it's not only practical, but it is expected to save 397 tons of CO2 per year due to fewer idling and circling cars. That's excellent. At least, it is as long as it works. When it doesn't, what it saves in CO2 you can expect it to replace with a tax on memories, patience, and shoe leather.

[Source: Engadget]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The Chinese are coming! Well, eventually...

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, China
We've been hearing a lot lately about Chinese cars' impending arrival on our shores. According to what could be cooler heads -- or decoys! (insert maniacal laugh, here) -- that simply isn't the case. At a recent event in Detroit, China's ambassador to the U.S., Zhou Wenzhong, said Chinese carmakers can't even make enough cars for the Chinese, much less fulfill America's production needs.

He was seconded by Zhang Lin, a Chery executive, who said that the company first wished to solidify its operations in emerging markets before attacking exporting to the United States. The Milky Way-sized trade deficit between the U.S. and China was also mentioned as a reason for taking a long term approach to entering the US market.

Of note, though, is that Chery is not one of the five Chinese makers attending the 2008 Detroit Show. One of those companies, China Automotive Group/ZXNA, is headed by Steve Saleen, and we wonder if he got the memo about not being in a rush to begin Stateside operation.

[Source: Detroit News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Motor Trend crowns Cadillac CTS "Car of the Year"

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac

The editors of Motor Trend have tallied up the votes and crowned the Cadillac CTS their 2008 Car of the Year, GM's first since the Corvette won a full decade ago. The CTS beat an 18-car field including the Honda Accord, Audi TT, Subaru WRX, Chevrolet Malibu, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and others. MT was smitten with the Caddy's balanced handling, smooth-revving V6, exterior and interior design, and attention to detail. Our man Damon would certainly agree, who gave the CTS a thumbs up after piloting it around the Milford Proving Grounds. You can read Motor Trend's thoughts on the CTS here, or read their full evaluation of all the cars here.
Photo Copyright (C)2007 Alex N&uacute;&ntilde;ez / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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[Damon]

Looks ok like that IMO, but LED's built into the kit :wall

Pointless conversion IMHO.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti

Entry luxury crossovers are only a few weeks from getting a new competitor, and the Infiniti EX35 will be priced to sell. The base EX begins at a reasonable $31,300, and includes a 297 HP 3.5L V6, five speed automatic, and six air bags. Infiniti also offers a RWD EX Journey for $34,850, and leather-trimmed seats, moon roof, and front and rear sensing systems come standard. AWD is a $1,400 option on both models. Infiniti also offers several option packages that will bring the little CUV over the $40,000 mark, but that's the standard top end for much of the segment.

The EX35 has good looks, a willing chassis based off the G35 sedan, and an outstanding VQ engine. At these prices, Infinity should meet sales quotas and steal buyers from other luxury nameplates at the same time. The EX35 will be available beginning December 21. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Infiniti]Continue reading Infiniti prices 2008 EX35 just over $30k

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 11.20.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


The three-wheeled rocket there on the left is the latest rendering of what Venture Vehicles' new vehicle might look like. Who likes it better than the Venture One?

For a more traditional but still slightly futuristic look, check out Ford's new four-door Verve or the Mazda2 sedan, both unveiled in China yesterday. On the political front, presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee tells us that God is green. I knew it.

• Ford shows four door version of Verve at Chinese auto show
• Mazda2 sedan to debut at Guangzhou Motor Show
• OPEC looking at how weak dollar affects the cartel's profits
• Venture Vehicles shows new design proposals
• Fiat 500 voted car of the year 2008
• Huckabee tells us God is green
• VIDEO: Water fight for water emitting car, first ad for the Honda FCX Clarity
• $8,000 for an at-home plug-in Prius conversion
• Phoenix MotorCars building a plant in Puebla, M&eacute;xico
• Mitsubishi's i City Car selling well in the UK
• Now it's time for high-end politicians: BMW Hydrogen 7 at the Quirinale
• Martin Eberhard says the complexity of engineering the Tesla Roadster keeps him up at night
• Cheap E85 for Thanksgiving in South Dakota
• PSA leads the way on CO2 emissions in Europe
• Cool videos: mag-lev gears, human powered anti-gravity
• Flexcar partners with MARTA in Atlanta
• Nissan Tiida already on sale in Europe
• 2010 Ford Expidition to get new diesel V-8

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rumormill: Hyundai headed into Formula D?

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Motorsports, Coupes, Etc., Hyundai


A factory-backed Hyundai drift team? It doesn't sound so fanciful after last week's introduction of the Genesis Coupe. Everyone who looks at the Concept Genesis has the same reaction, whether the powerplant referenced is a turbocharged four or a torquey V6 - "what a perfect drift car that would be." If this rumor pans out, it seems that Hyundai had the idea first, and they want to give their new RWD coupe some street cred. Maybe we'll find out more when the production version is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. More grist for the rumor mill: there are serious discussions ongoing between Hyundai and a top drift team to field the Genesis Coupe in the 2008 or 2009 drift season. It would definitely go a long way toward bolstering the image of the new RWD Coupe from Hyundai to have it sliding around, tail out, kicking ass in Formula D, especially among the clientele this vehicle targets.

Thanks for the tip, MrCoolGuy!

[Source: C16]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Subaru considering offering non-boxer, non-AWD models

Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Subaru, Toyota
Subarus have sported standard AWD since the 80s, well before most other automakers even bothered with the technology. That, partnered with its boxer engine, goes together like peanut butter and jelly. But the Japanese automaker has to begin worrying about fuel efficiency and emissions, so the two features that have defined the brand for decades may become optional on future models. Thankfully, it's got Toyota to pilfer from, so the implementation of new drivetrains will be a bit easier if and when it makes the shift. Subaru of Australia Director Nick Senior broke the news of the possible switch, but he also emphasized that any changes wouldn't be made before 2010 and that no product plans are without AWD or the boxer engine in the foreseeable future.

[Source: Go Auto via Straightline]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Out of nowhere: Toyota says Celica replacement coming to Europe in 2009

Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Toyota


In an article in Automotive News about Toyota's opposition to a maximum speed limit on Germany's autobahn, the publication's Deutsch counterpart, Automobilwoche, reported that Toyota intends to bring the Celica back to market sometime in 2009. The only semi-sporting model in Toyota's lineup was killed in 2005 both here and abroad, and although it doesn't mention sales in the U.S., it stands to reason that if Toyota does decide to revive the Celica, a model here in the States would be a distinct possibility.

What form the new Celica might take is open to debate, but the recent rumblings of a low-cost RWD model might hint at the future. If Scion gets the rumored rear-driver, is it too far of a stretch that an upmarket version could don the Toyota emblem? In short: we hope so.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

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

Autoblog: Spy Shots: 2009 Ford F-150

Filed under: Spy Photos, Trucks/Pickups, Ford

click above image for more spy shots of the 2009 Ford F-150

The 2009 Ford F-150 has until now been kept a closely guarded secret, but the Blue Oval's best seller was recently caught by KGP photographers apparently on its way back to the safe confines of a trailer after a photoshoot. This first look at the undisguised F-150 shows a new front end that features a version of the brand's three-bar grille, though in this case it appears that the upper and lower bars are larger than the center one. The headlights also appear to be very similar to those used on the Edge CUV and Taurus X, dipping down and extending their height closer to where they meet the grille. KGP has also spotted new taillights, new rearview mirrors and subtle changes to the character lines on the sides of the truck.

The spy photographers were surprised to see how little the truck has visually changed, wondering whether it indicates a lack of imagination by Ford or simply a lack of funds. We're fairly certain that Ford doesn't mess around when it comes to its cash cow, so the money must be somewhere, but perhaps it's been invested in things we can't see like upgraded mechanicals and new drivetrains. For better or worse, the pickup wars are largely won on paper where stats can be compared objectively. We're betting the new F-150 will be a stout steed when it's unveiled, presumably at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. Whether or not its new look is a big enough departure from the current truck, or if that even matters, will be decided by consumers when it goes on sale next year.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150 - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Caparo T1 disqualified after taking Top Gear lap record

Filed under: Supercars


Performance figures don't give an accurate picture of just how well a car performs overall. A given car may be the fastest to sixty, but that doesn't mean it has the highest top speed, tightest cornering or sharpest brakes. Lap times around a given track paint a more accurate, comprehensive picture of a car's abilities, but picking one track as the gold standard is dicey business. That's where Top Gear's Power Lap board comes into play.
Although weather conditions can vary, BBC's Top Gear puts all the cars through the paces at the same test track outside their studio, and what's more is that they're driven - or at least, so we're lead to believe - by the same driver: The Stig.
The latest high-performance supercar to make a run for the top of the record board is the Caparo T1, which, at 1:10.6, easily trounced the previous record holder, the Koenigsegg CCX, by an astonishing seven seconds. Unfortunately the Caparo was disqualified because, in its track set-up, it lacked the adjustable ride height to enable it to clear a requisite speed-bump. Caparo insists they deserve a second chance with a road-spec version. If the show's producers give the Ultima GTR an official run, meanwhile, the Caparo's reign as king of the Power Lap could be short-lived, adjustable shocks or not.
[Source: PistonHeads]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VW gets behind Stanley Jr., donates $5.75 million to Stanford

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Tech, Volkswagen


Stanford won the first ever DARPA Challenge -- a test of skill and endurance for autonomous vehicles -- in 2005 with a VW Passat wagon called Stanley. This year it came in second with a VW Passat Wagon called Stanley, Jr. Though the university didn't win the Challenge this year, it did win with VW, which has pledged $5.75 million over five years to fund VAIL: the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory at Stanford.

VAIL will house Stanford's CarLab, a research and teaching program that aims to "radically rethink the automobile in order to deliver unprecedented levels of safety and driver and passenger enjoyment." VW's own engineers will work with CarLab, as well as other academic groups housed at VAIL that explore computer science and electrical engineering, a mechanical engineering group working on cleaner engines and advanced dynamic control, and a communications group that is studying the "psychology of making cars safer and more enjoyable."

[Source: VW]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ferrari to help save the world by lowering CO2 emissions

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Government/Legal, Green, Supercars, Ferrari, Driving, FIAT

Ferrari may only produce about 6,000 supercars per year, but the Italian automaker still wants to help control global warming by reducing its CO2 emissions by 40-percet. That's a substantial savings when one considers that Ferrari will need to reach their goal by sustaining and likely improving overall performance. General Manager Armedeo Felica told Reuters that Ferrari intends to reach this goal in 2012 by improving the efficiency of their engines and bringing down the weight of its already trim supercars. While the 40-percent reduction in fossil fuels won't come close to the proposed 120 grams/kilometer that the European Commission is looking to for 2012, it will at least put a dent in Ferrari's atrocious appetite for benzina.

While $3 per gallon gas likely doesn't have much of an impact on Ferrari owners, everybody needs to pitch in to clean up our act. It's nice to see that innovative and exciting companies like Ferrari are doing what it can to help, and a 24mpg F430 sounds good to us.

[Source: Reuters]

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