Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: UK speeders may face significantly steeper penalty

Filed under: Government/Legal
Sucks to be you if you're a UK driver with a heavier than average right... wait, left foot. A proposal's on the table to significantly increase the penalty for speeding in Great Britain, including a larger fine and twice as many points added to your license. Under the new penalty structure, drivers going 45 mph or more in a 30 mph zone, 57 mph or over in a 40 mph zone or 94 mph and over in a 70 mph zone will be slapped with a £100 fine ($209.10 USD) and six-points on their license. That's up from the £60 fine ($125.50 USD) and three-point penalty given for current violations. Also under consideration is a new classification for minor traffic infringements that would carry a smaller £40 fine and two-point penalty. Any way you look at it, breaking the speed limit on British roadways is set to become an increasingly bad idea.

[Souce: 4Car]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Inside Line claims no V8 for Hyundai Coupe

Filed under: Coupes, Hyundai

click above image for more pics of Hyundai's RWD coupe

Now that the final design for Hyundai's upcoming rear-wheel-drive coupe has been revealed, speculation has turned to what will be powering it. The photos of the undisguised car were reportedly taken during a marketing presentation at which those in attendance were told the only two available engines would be a 2.0L turbo with 215 HP and 217 ft-lbs of torque or a 3.8L V6 with 300 HP and 280 ft-lbs. While a 300-horsepower V6 is nothing to sneeze at, Hyundai hoons are still hoping the automaker makes a V8 available, as well. The only one Hyundai has to offer is the 4.6L V8 that's destined to power the Genesis sedan. Inside Line, however, cites Korean news reports as making explicitly clear that the 4.6L V8 is only for the Genesis sedan and will not be shared with the coupe. So it appears that those in search of a RWD V8 alternative to the Mustang in this price range will not have an option to consider at Hyundai dealerships.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford offering Mercury Mariner Hybrid with livery package

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Mercury


Over the past two years, the Ford Escape Hybrid has demonstrated its robustness as a taxi in New York City and other major metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, hybrids like the Toyota Prius have become increasingly popular among limousine services catering to companies that want to demonstrate their green credentials. Now Ford wants a piece of that action too, and it's using the Escape Hybrid's stablemate, the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, to get it. Ford is now offering a hybrid livery package on the Mariner Hybrid that it hopes will make the green conscious CUV more appealing to care-for-hire services. Curiously, however, the press release after the jump makes no mention of what differentiates a Mariner Hybrid with the hybrid livery package from the standard vehicle. The only difference between the two appears to be the buyer.

It definitely seems like Ford is trying to get taxi services to replace their Crown Vics with the Escape Hybrid and limo/car-for-hire services to replace their Lincoln Town Cars with the slightly more luxurious Mercury Mariner Hybrid. More power to 'em we suppose, but in both cases the person being chauffeured is giving up a lot of legroom. Nevertheless, the Mariner should be a popular choice in the car-for-hire business thanks to its larger passenger and cargo volume compared to the Toyota Prius.

[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford offering Mercury Mariner Hybrid with livery package

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Britney Spears goes car shopping, comes home with 604 horses

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes Benz

The salesman who sold Lindsay Lohan her Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG must have been present when Britney Spears recently rolled into the dealership. According to celebrity site TMZ.com, Britney Spears just picked up a shiny new white SL65. That means once again a young accident prone distracted driver gets a twin-turbo monster (hooray!) with which to aim at unsuspecting bystanders. Wherever will she fit the baby seats? Surely an SL350 would have suited Ms. Spears for her frequent Starbucks runs, but why should anyone think with reason? Now we'll just wait for it to show up on eBay after getting repaired from impacting a stationary object (or human being). You never know, someone might be able to get a sweet deal on this car second-hand. Just watch out for the Frappuccio stains.
[Source: TMZ.com]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Enter the Rumormill: Porsche Cayman Club Sport spied?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, Porsche


The introduction of the Porsche Cayman S was met with equal parts reverence and revilement, with many criticizing Porsche's midship masterpiece as being underpowered despite a chassis that was begging for more oomph. While tuners have been swapping larger engines from the top-of-the-line 911 into the Cayman, its doubtful that Porsche's pencil pushers would risk cannibalizing sales of its 40-year old flagship. However, the idea of making an RS-version of the Cayman may be on the horizon, as this newest spy shot reveals.

The next generation Cayman - likely to be unveiled in Geneva - will feature a few minor changes keeping with Porsche's long-held tradition of slowly evolving the breed. But a lightweight, track-friendly edition might also be available in the near future. The shot above shows a new Cayman (note the drawn down headlamps) undergoing testing, with a roll cage mounted aft of the two front seats. Could it be a Club Sport version? Hopefully we'll find out in a few months.

[Source: autoblog.it]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc.

Consolidation of aftermarket brake manufacturers seems to be all the rage recently, with Centric consuming both PowerSlot and Stoptech, and now, Brembo has bought out all of Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake-components division. The Italian parts manufacturer dolled out a cool $58 million for both the Homer, Michigan and Apodaca, Mexico facilities, and in the process acquired the company's 250 employees. We're hoping that the deal bodes well for those of us looking to upgrade our current stoppers with beefy, red Brembo calipers.

The full press release is posted after the jump.Continue reading Brembo buys up Hayes Lemmerz's North American brake facilities

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Recycling Land Rovers for profit and country

Filed under: SUVs, Plants/Manufacturing, Land Rover

The old saying 'one man's junk is another man's treasure' couldn't be more true in the case of UK entrepreneur Peter Hobson and his vast collection of scrapped Land Rovers. Hobson runs a factory refurbishing old parts pulled from wrecked Land Rover SUVs and reselling them as spares.

"I've got the largest Land Rover parts store outside Land Rover," 60-year-old Hobson reveals about his store of spares, amassed over the last two decades. Some of the parts, like whole engines, cost upwards of &pound;7,000 ($14,600) and then there are the complete cars. In all, Hobson estimates the value of his collection to be close to &pound;25m ($50m).

So sought after is his services that he's even been hired by military groups around the world for the supply of armored vehicles. "I supply many armies around the world," Hobson boasts, with armies from Turkey, Jordan, Australia and a string of Middle-Eastern nations all listed as clients. Of course, Hobson's main client is the UK Ministry of Defence. It is a British company after all.

[Source: BBC]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Essen Motor Show preview: AC Schnitzer BMW E92 M3

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows


The Essen Motor Show in Germany has become one of the major outlets for Europe's aftermarket tuners to show their wares to a dedicated fan base. Among the many models set to make their modified debut in the land of schnitzel and spatzel is the AC Schnitzer BMW E92 M3.

Details are scarce on what's been done to the suspension and under the hood, but if the exterior enhancements are any indication, we'd expect the folks at AC to bring their trademark blend of functionality and style into a comprehensive whole. Carbon fiber adorns the front splitter and side skirts, and we'd suspect that a C.F. rear diffuser is mounted out back - all of which ties in nicely to the exposed weave on the roof. The larger rolling stock (20s?) is typical Schnitzer style and the lowered ride height is likely a coilover system derived from their standard E92 setup.

As soon as AC Schnitzer releases its official details, we'll have more.

[Source: Motor Authority]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: RENNtech goes karting, apes SLR

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes Benz

click above image for more pics of the RENNtech/Aixro XR50 racing kart

RENNtech is the tuner you turn to when modifying a Mercedes-Benz. We didn't know it's also the tuner to visit when you want a racing kart that will scare the bejeezus out of its competition. This little guy is reportedly called the RENNtech/Aixro XR50 and features a 50-hp rotary engine onboard to power its featherweight frame. The cherry on top, however, are the body mods inspired by this kart's much bigger brother, the Mercedes-Benz SLR 722. It's got the nose, fender grating and side exhausts that add up to a convincing interpretation of the SLR in miniature form.

[Source: Motorpasion via Carscoop]

Gallery: RENNtech/Aixro XR50


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Details on Lamborghini's lightweight Murcielago SV

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini

Photo for illustration purposes only
Autocar is reporting that Lamborghini is preparing a lightweight, more powerful RWD SV model for 2009 that will end the Murcielago's production with a bang (or crazy amounts of burning rubber and engine revving, whichever you prefer). As with the Gallardo Superleggera, weight savings will be a key, and anywhere from 100 to 130 kg could be dropped from the LP640. The removal of the front differential and driveshaft will save 40 kg alone. Other weight savings will come from the use of carbon fiber and magnesium components, lightweight wheels, and the removal of the sound system, although it can be added back in at the request of the customer (who needs a stereo when you have Lamborghini's V12 behind you?). The final version of this 6.5-liter motor could have as much as 680 horsepower and 516 lb-ft torque that will be mated to Lambo's E-Gear transmission. Take that, Ferrari!
[Source: Autocar]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Amidst the loss trimming, Ford revises Volvo's strategy

Filed under: Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials
Ford only lost hundreds of millions during the third quarter of 2007, versus the 5-something billion they torched through for the same period in 2006. Sales and revenue are up, and while we can't see it yet, there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, it could be attached to a train, but let's focus on the positive. Ford's been eyeing the sell off of some of their PAG holdings as a way to stem their ongoing losses, and it's been speculated that Volvo could be on the chopping block. For now, though, the brand appears to be something that Ford wants to hang on to. Along with the third-quarter finances, Ford announced a new stragegy is in the works for Volvo. Mulally has pledged to improve Volvos' stature as a premium product, as well as improving their cost structure (a corporate way to say make more money on the cars by driving down costs).

Volvo's platforms and technology are spread pretty liberally throughout the rest of Ford. The Taurus/Sable rides on a version of Volvo's P2 platform, and the Mazda 3, Euro Focus (yes, we know, "send it over here Ford, I'll buy one" - whatevs, you know you won't), and C30/S40/V50 are all on the EUCD platform which also underpins the S80 and the new XC70/V70 wagons in modified form. It would be hard for Ford to just cut the brand loose tomorrow, though reading between the lines makes it seem like they're positioning the Swedish automaker for future sale. The new plan includes improving the image of Volvo to a more premium status, distancing Ford from Volvo's operations, and fast-tracking product development. Making the division nearly an independent entity will increase its attractiveness when suitors come knocking, but it looks like Ford's biding its time for now, doing prep work to ensure a fat sale price when the eventuality occurs.

[Source: LLN]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ethiopia gets its first automaker

Filed under: China, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing


China's automakers aren't fooling around when it comes to aggressive growth. While you don't hear much enthusiasm from European or North American automakers about the market on the African continent, There's already at least two Chinese carmakers who've set up shop there as a way to expand beyond the borders of their home country. Holland Car is the first car assembly plant in Ethiopia, and it's kicking out a renamed Lifan 520. The 520 goes by the handle Abay in Ethiopia. Abay is the name of Ethiopia's largest river, and the hope is that the name will spur buyers to check the vehicle out. Equipment levels are luxury-level for its market, $16,000 price buys you safety gear like ABS, airbags and brake distribution, and quality is good enough that Lifan thinks it will change Ethiopian's opinions about a domestically produced car. Power is provided by a 1.3 liter four cylinder twisting a 5-speed transmission. The cars are assembled from knock-downs (CKD), and appear to have been solidly engineered. Lifan produces the 520 in several different locations - Russia, and Vietnam, for example. Hit the jump for a Lifan 520 commercial.

[Source: Inside Line]Continue reading Ethiopia gets its first automaker

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Mustang Bullitt melting tires courtesy of Popular Mechanics

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Ford, Driving

The original Bullitt Mustang was one of the original sleepers, as all flash and flare were stripped in favor of a clean slate that could fly through the streets of San Francisco with the greatest of ease. The 2008 Bullitt has shed all the frivolities of the Shelby models, or even a stock GT, for that matter. What Ford did do was to add 15 HP through cold air induction and an engine re-calibration, made the ride more track-ready, and slid in the visual cues that brings us back to Steve McQueen's 40 year-old original.
The Popular Mechanics film crew was front and center for a sweet peak at what the 2008 Bullitt can really do, and it's a blast to watch. The newest Mustang spin-off dazzles out of the gate with an impressive array of wasted rubber while the green pony car keeps a tight orbit. We then learn some interesting facts about the Bullitt, like how Ford engineers designed the 4.6L V8 to deliver 315 HP on regular fuel, but the performance quotient increases if premium fuel is added. The extra .20 for 94 octane doesn't sound as bad when it's paying you back with extra ponies. Take a look at the video by clicking here, or hit the read link below. If you watch it and don't want to at least take a Bullitt for a spin, we're inclined to believe your interest in cars will one day pass.
[Source: Popular Mechanics]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Birth of Pro Street debuting on Spike TV Saturday night

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos


The always affable Antonio Alvendia -- photographer extraordinaire and scribe of Drifting: Sideways from Japan to America -- has teamed up with EA Sports to produce a documentary on the transition many racers have made from the street to the track. Birth of Pro Street is a promotion that coincides with EA's launch of the next installment in the Need For Speed franchise -- Pro Street -- and will debut at 1 AM this Saturday night/Sunday morning on Spike. We're assured it'll be worth skipping another trip to the club, or, failing that, the space on your DVR.

EA has hosted an elongated trailer over on its Pro Street page (click the skull) and we've embedded a few teaser clips after the jump.Continue reading Birth of Pro Street debuting on Spike TV Saturday night

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[monkeyboy]

Filed under: Japan, Nissan

Click the photo for high-res image.

One lucky Nissan 300ZX twin turbo fan was recently able to tour the manufacturer's famed Zama Operations Center in Kanagawa, Japan. The location is the home to Nissan's storage facility of historical automobiles and it is also the headquarters for specialty Nissan builder Autech. Amazingly, the visitor was able to escape alive with pictures. Being such a nice guy, he posted them up on TwinTurbo.net for our viewing pleasure, over a 150 photos in all. It would take a lifetime to recount the significance of all the vehicles captured on film (er pixels). However, we have chosen a few interesting finds that should be noted. Follow the jump for Nissan Heaven.

[Source: rojoloco aka Travis via TwinTurbo.net]

Gallery: Nissan's Zama Storage Facility

Continue reading Fan tours Nissan's Zama storage facility, brings camera

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First pics of new Euro Ford Focus Wagon

Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Euro, Ford

Click image for photo gallery

While Ford has yet to formally release official photos and details relating to the new variants of the updated Euro Focus, the overseas media has been doing a knockup job stealing the Oval's thunder. First, it was Auto Express spilling the beans on the new Focus ST. Next up is the Focus Wagon, courtesy of Autoweek.nl (via our compadres at Autoblog Spanish). As you're probably aware, the Focus station wagon is now an overseas-only body style, and what a shame that is, because it's a snappy-looking one at that. As with the regular Focus and Focus ST, the latest Ford Europe design elements are on display here. A host of engine/trim levels will be available, too, including an Econetic-branded version that should deliver 54 US mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of just 115 g/km. On top of the green-themed car, expect a variety of gasoline, diesel, and flex-fuel offerings depending on market.

[Source: Autoweek.nl via Autblog Spanish]

Gallery: 2008 Euro Ford Focus Wagon


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Catch "Travolta Fever" on eBay

Filed under: Time Warp, Sports/GTs, Auction Action, Pontiac


By buying this (garishly) customized Firebird, you're really purchasing a way of life. Inexplicably listed as a 1971, when it's clearly about a decade newer, this car is your ticket to a full-on star shrine. You get the car, a trunkful of memorabilia and knicknacks, even a domain name (travoltafever.com). The car itself was built in 1979 by George Barris, and it encapsulates some of the pop culture ethos of the late 1970s. The interior has a manly theme inspired by Urban Cowboy, though when we set our gaze upon it, all we could think was Brokeback Mountain. Nevertheless, it's certainly better than the stock Poncho interior was. The exterior has been flared in an odd way, endowed with a large spoiler, and painted in the fashion of the time. The car is actually named "Travolta Fever," so says the hood. How awesome, you could have a Firebird named after the same virus that inspired Travolta to release a double album.

All snarkiness aside, it's a cool piece of Kustom Kar history, which is inextricably linked with a well known Hollywood star. Star value always inflates car prices, for better or worse. This one comes with a collection of other memorabilia, as well, and looks to be in good shape. There's no telling whether it will truly appreciate in value, but $25,000 isn't that outrageous for a car with a known celebrity link that comes with all kinds of extra stuff. Some of that stuff includes a Revell scale model kit, a copy of the "Travolta Fever" double LP, and various other pieces signed by George Barris. You're guaranteed to draw a crowd at your local car show with this thing, even if you're parked next to a Bandit Trans Am.


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lights, Camera, Action! Ford's official Mustang Bullitt video

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Ford

On the Mustang front, the past seven days have been the week of the Bullitt. The media rush is in stark contrast to the Bullitt's understated demeanor, but with its 315 HP engine and track-tuned suspension, Steve McQueen's chase machine reincarnated deserves it. Yesterday we showed you Popular Mechanics' video of the Bullitt in action, and today we've got Ford's shot of its newest Mustang in motion pictures. The Blue Oval's piece has a lot less substance, but it still features the Bullitt sliding on pavement as if it were wearing ice skates. Check out the Mustang slip and slide after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Lights, Camera, Action! Ford's official Mustang Bullitt video

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Honda gets 20,000 orders for redesigned Fit in Japan

Filed under: Economy, Japan, Honda


Honda has received a flood of orders for the newly redesigned Fit in the two weeks since its launch. That's a good thing for Honda in its home market, where its sales have been flagging. Instead of the projected 12,000 Fits per month, there have been 20,000 orders for the roomier and more efficient Fit since its announcement. The deluge of demand for the new Fit could help Honda take over the top spot as Japan's best-selling car, toppling the Toyota Corolla. It's important to note, however, that in Japan, new model announcements are routinely followed by initial order numbers that exceed expectations (which are then trumpeted by the automakers). In the United States, the clamor around the Fit remains hot, as well, so when the new one makes it here - reportedly within a year - it should equal further positive numbers for Honda.

[Source: Guardian Unlimited]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dual clutch transmission delayed for Mitsubishi Evo X

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Tech, Mitsubishi


Fans of the Mitsubishi Evo X who've been eagerly awaiting the new dual-clutch gearbox will apparently have to wait a little longer. The DCT, which Mitsubishi is labeling a Sport-Shift-Transmission, is the first one being used by the company and was expected to start production right about now. Apparently, Mitsubishi is still having problems building the new units, and that will delay that will delay their installation into production Evos until at least early 2008. For now, fanatics will have to settle for a conventional five-speed manual gearbox.

[Source: AutoExpress]
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