Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.06.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


Ahhh, a Mustang powered by nothing but electrons. It's a beautiful thing. Oh, and right next door is a similarly-equipped Shelby Cobra? Excellent. These were but two of the surprises at EVS23 this week, with more news on the way from AutoblogGreen. Until those posts arrive (can you say Enertia test ride?), enjoy the rest of yesterday's green car news:

• EVS23: Just try to catch these bad (EV) boys: all-electric Mustang and Shelby Cobra
• EVS23: Enerdel's "end-to-end" lithium solution for hybrids
• Ferrari's director general: "A hybrid Ferrari will come"
• Spy Shots: 2009 Ford Ka spotted testing
• Videos: truck that runs on chocolate, car made from potatoes
• Phillipine's all-electric Eagle G-car takes flight
• France introduces CO2 tax and rebate system for new cars
• Mercedes-Benz UK adds wind power for charging Smart EVs
  
• The Charge of the Ultra - Capacitors
• BMW announces sale of the 2.0d engine in Australia
• Fuel economy bill has seventy percent chance of passage
• Audi's TDI love could spread to the TT sportster
• VW Bluemotion's print and TV ads
• Smith EV announces electric truck factory for the US
• Orbitz and Avis Budget Group sign deal to rent hybrids from travel sites
• Video: Entourage star Jeremy Piven drives BMW Hydrogen 7
• G-Wiz gets some safety upgrades, still not a car
• Video: pedal-powered Buick not legal in Toronto

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan GT-R to be SAE-certified at 480 HP

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Nissan

Since the introduction of the GT-R, Nissan has stated a horsepower rating of 480. However, that number actually refers to the Japanese-spec GT-R certified at 480 PS, which converts to 473 SAE horsepower. Apparently Nissan prefers nice, round numbers, and are aiming to bring the U.S.-spec GT-R up to 480 hp by the time it hits dealerships in June. Either that, or they just want to make sure its specs are on par with the Porsche 911 Turbo, which was used as a benchmark in the car's development. We doubt anyone would love the GT-R less without that seven extra horsepower, but we're not about to complain. No word yet on what changes will be made or how it will be achieved.
[Source: InsideLine]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Have a very Autoblog Christmas with our 2007 Holiday Gift Guide

Filed under: Etc.

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Ultimate_gift_guide_for_the_car_obsessed_in_your_family'; Dear Santa,
We've been good better boys and girls this year. We're not asking for much, just a carbon fiber wallet, some dice, a retro neon sign, Jeff Gordon dental floss, and, and... Oh just check out the gift guide. And, unlike last year, we're taking it easy on you. Nothing costs over $25,000.

Love and kisses,
The Autoblog staff

P.S. If we don't get at least 40% of the stuff on the list this year, we're bootin' ya from the comments, old man.

First up: The Bugatti Veyron of sims! ​

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 Pirelli Calendar embraces modesty over skin

Filed under: Lifestyle
Most of us have a better chance of finding the Ark of the Covenant than getting on the mailing list for the annual Pirelli Calendar. Sure, they, like everything else, can be found on eBay, but there's nothing special about paying for one. Each year the calendar is sent to VIPs whose relationship with Pirelli warrants the gifting of such exclusive swag, and each year a different theme ties the photos together. Usually taken by the world's top photographers, the images generally incorporate an exotic locale, beautiful women and plenty of skin, which is part of the whole Pirelli Calendar mystique. It's not a girlie calendar, it's art. While that may well be a valid argument, most people will likely wink back at you and say they're sure you read Playboy for the articles, too.

The 2008 edition takes a slightly different direction than many of its predecessors, however. Dubbed "Pearls of the Orient," exposed skin is pretty much kept to a minimum, and there is no outright nudity at all. Instead, photographer Patrick Demarchelier uses Shanghai as a backdrop to show off his models' (including actress Maggie Cheung, shown) innate beauty and some impressive costuming in a series of portraits. You can check out all the photos at the Pirelli Calendar website, which also lets you turn back the clock and peruse editions from decades past (be advised: some are clearly NSFW). And you don't need to be a VIP, either. The website's open to all.

[Source: Pirelli]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First official 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 teaser pics!

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Dodge

click above image for 5 more high-res teaser pics!

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/First_official_Dodge_Challenger_SRT8_teaser_pics'; Remember the teaser photos of the new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 from the presales brochure that got posted to the web this week? Well, here they are, officially released from Chrysler in glorious hi-res. We are still loving that grille sans crosshair very much.

[Source: Chrysler]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Brabus mods coming to U.S. smart in the next few years?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Economy, SMART, Brabus


With all the hype surrounding the eminent sale of smart fortwos beginning next month here in the U.S., we overlooked a line on the smart's website that may hint at some hotted-up versions of the diminutive coupe. Although the model will initially be introduced with 1.0-liter three-pot, "Other engine types and sizes (including BRABUS) may become available in the next few years though no specific timeline has been outlined." What size engines they're referring to is up in the air, but if smart begins selling factory-authorized Brabus accessories - particularly the tuner's engine packages - it might open up a whole other demographic to the smart's growing fan base.

[Source: smart USA]

Gallery: BRABUS ULTIMATE 112


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The "Death Proof" Nova in Lego...and more

Filed under: Toys, Lifestyle

"Death Proof" Nova by Lino M.

Most of us played with Legos as kids. Half the fun of getting a big new set was mining it for parts we'd then use to perfect our own creations. Time passes, we grow up, and the vast majority of us stop building. The bricks get handed off to a younger generation of relatives or just get put into storage. But for some, the hobby never goes away, and creativity benefits from the patience and skill that comes with age. Case in point, the Lego creations of Lino M. Lino is obviously a car guy, and his custom creations are good enough to grace the box art of Lego kits on retail shelves.

Take the "Death Proof" Nova shown above. It's incredibly detailed, right down to the hood skull, custom ornament, roll cage, and passenger-side crash box. Compare it to this press pic of the real car. It doesn't end there, either. In the attached gallery, we've included sample shots of a '65 Econoline drag racer, a '64 Impala lowrider, a '68 Chevy C10, and an incredible '68 GTO drag racer that he created. Note the flame detail on the GTO -- that's good stuff. We'd happily pay money for these if we saw them in Toys 'R Us. Short of that, we'll simply enjoy watching Lino do his work. You can see detail shots of the aforementioned builds (and others) at his Flickr set of Lego cars. He's also got a massive gallery of builds at Brickshelf.com, all of which are worth checking out. Time to pull that bag of Legos out of our parents' attic.

[Source: Flickr, Brickshelf via Super Punch]

Gallery: Lego Cars by Lino M.


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford to recall 1.2 million trucks, SUVs and vans

Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Recalls/TSBs, Ford


Ford will be recalling 1.2 million trucks, SUVs and vans due to a faulty engine sensor. The recall affects vehicles of from 1997 through 2003 that are equipped with the 7.3L diesel engine. This diesel motor actually came before the dreaded 6.0L diesel from International/Navistar that was known for its unreliability. Though also built by Navistar, the 7.3L is actually considered to be quite bulletproof. The recall, however, encompasses F-series Super Duty pickups, Excursion SUVs and E-series vans that were equipped with the 7.3L diesel. The sensor in question is the engine's camshaft position sensor. Over time the part can apparently degrade leading to engine failure. Ford claims it's aware of 14 accidents or instances of drivers losing control of their vehicle related to this issue, which we'd say is about 14 too many. Customers with possibly affected vehicles will be notified beginning December 17th for a free repair.

[Source: Detroit News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Acura NSX gets whacked with a shovel part deux

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Videos

Many of you weren't completely convinced with the video showing an Acura NSX getting slammed with a shovel. That really irked Mr. Doorpal. He's back, with a new video showing that no matter what part of the shovel you use to whack the Doorpal, it will still protect your mint 84 Lynx Diesel. We're glad that it's not our NSX he's using as part of his proof of concept demonstration, but it looks like it really does work. Thoughtfully, after all the demonstrations of how whacking the crap out of the Doorpal won't dent your car, he shows us a new way to slice tomatoes. We've come up with a recipe, we're calling it Doorpal salad.

Continue reading VIDEO: Acura NSX gets whacked with a shovel part deux

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit '08 Preview: Kia Borrego drops in for some egg nog

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Kia

click above image for high-res gallery of the Kia Borrego

It's that time of year again when people call up all their friends and invite them over for some holiday cheer and the car makers are no exception. Kia Motors kicked off the festivities the other night with a little gathering at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Detroit. The invitation promised Kia America CEO Len Hunt and a special guest. Unfortunately Hunt couldn't make it, but the special guest turned out to be the new Kia Borrego SUV.

The unit on hand was one of two prototypes in the country right now having arrived only days before. Party-goers had the opportunity check out the new truck up close, but it was made clear that as a prototype the interior trim did not include all the final textures and materials. The shapes and layout are complete, but we'll pass on an overall judgment until a vehicle closer to final spec is available. There's plenty more first-hand information on the Borrego after the jump.

[Source: Kia]

Gallery: 2009 Kia Borrego


Continue reading Detroit '08 Preview: Kia Borrego drops in for some egg nog

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Lotus "Supercar", a.k.a. the Esprit replacement

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Lotus

click above image to enlarge

This spy shot just came in from Brenda Priddy and her horde of photogs. They know it's a Lotus and claim it shows what has been identified internally as "THE Supercar". We do know that Lotus showed off its future product to employees about a month ago, and from that it's been learned that the Jaguar XKR's supercharged V8 producing 420 horsepower will be the engine used in this car. Since we also know the upcoming Esprit replacement is the only Lotus slated to get a V8, well, you do the math...

After inspecting the photo, however, we can't deny that whatever's underneath that sheet must bear a resemblance to the Tesla Roadster. Where the cover wraps tightly around the body revealing some of its shape we can see a fender and rear 3/4 panel that's very similar to the all-electric roadster that's been developed in conjunction with Lotus. The length of this cloaked supercar, however, appears too long and its wheels don't match what we've seen on Tesla Roadsters before. Clearly, though, it's a mid-engine high-performance car of some sort, and we can't wait to find out exactly what.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: House of Reps approves doomed energy bill

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Energy Independence and Security Act today by a margin of 235 to 181. The new energy bill was crafted on a compromise reached last week between Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), and calls for an increase of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard to 35 mpg by 2020. Though the compromises contained in the bill, like keeping standards for cars and trucks separate, assured it a win in the House, it seems there's little chance of it surviving elsewhere. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) came right out and said the bill "clearly has no chance of becoming law." That's because the White House has already said it will veto the bill, which contains additional green policy that affects more than just CAFE standards.

The bill heads to the Senate next, where it will likely lose much of its teeth before being sent off to the President's desk for a possible veto. A number of automakers that have rallied against various forms of this bill have already made public statements that they'll put their best efforts forth to comply with whatever changes are made into law (read GM's statement here and Ford's after the jump), which means they sense the fight is ending and it's time start working on technologies to raise their fleet-wide fuel economy average.

[Source: Houston Chronicle]Continue reading House of Reps approves doomed energy bill

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: New Ford Ka spotted in Sao Paulo

Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford

click above image for a few more pics

The new Ford Ka is set to be unveiled next week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but spy photogs there have already caught the new model motoring around with the current Ka. As you can see from the pic above, the Ka, at least for the Brazilian market, is ditching its current design for something a bit more mainstream. Whereas the current car is eclectic and full of round shapes and curvy lines, the new one is much more traditional with large headlamps and conventional fender flares at each corner. Unfortunately, we think the current Ka is infinitely cooler than this three-door hatch with its unique design. Though even if this car does debut in Sao Paulo next week, we may yet see a different design for the rest of Europe. This may be, however, the quickest way to get yourself into a Fiat 500, as Ford and the Italian automaker are reportedly sharing platforms for both vehicles.

[Source: autoestrada.uol.com.br]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Lap of Laguna Seca from inside Corvette ZR1!

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet



The folks at Corvette Quarterly have been holding onto this vid ever since the Corvette ZR1 was trotted out at Laguna Seca in October for a hot lap. In it we get a cockpit's view of the track from inside the most powerful Corvette ever produced, but aside from the visuals, we really get rockin' to the soundtrack that features a distinct and glorious supercharger whine right at the beginning as the car's leaving the pits that just can't be denied. And while the driver was taking it easy, there's plenty of tire screeching and V8 rumbling to the redline that can be heard, too. Enjoy!

[Source: Corvette Quarterly]Continue reading VIDEO: Lap of Laguna Seca from inside Corvette ZR1!

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy shots: Audi TT-S

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Audi


The first generation TT offered two choices: coupe and convertible. And while that technically counts as two different versions, an enthusiast who actually plans on driving the car knows that that's really just one choice of car. Audi has loosed the variation machine on this second generation TT, however, doubling the possible selections, with coupe and convertible joined by TT-S and TT-RS flavors.

The TT-S is next on the catwalk, and shots have surfaced showing off the grille and goods, mainly in the form of a more brutish face boasting a serious chin spoiler, quad pipes out the rear, and the inclusion of LEDs under the headlamps. The 2-seater will get a 270-hp heart, with 258 lb-ft ready to churn. It will hold the road with -- and hopefully turn in better because of -- a stiffer suspension.

The RS-badged TT is claimed to get a 5-cylinder turbo with 308 horsepower. Make no mistake, we are card carrying fans of souped up Audi. But the TT 3.2 quattro with S-tronic has a base MSRP of $42,900, with the Roadster another $3,000 skyward. By the time Audi adds the premiums for the S and RS, the car will be playing around in Boxster/Cayman territory. We just hope the driving experience proves that's where the car belongs.

[Source: Motor Authority]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 1965 Corvette cut-away auctioned off for $704,000

Filed under: Time Warp, Auction Action, Chevrolet

This past weekend in Florida, RM held an event to auction off the Al Wiseman car collection, the highlight of which was this 1965 Corvette cut-away autorama. This amazing one-off vehicle started life as a normal Le Mans Blue Corvette with a 327ci V8 producing 375 horsepower, a 4-speed manual transmission, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a white interior, but it was pulled off the assembly line and modified for the show circuit to show the public the inner workings of the car. At the push of a button, the body lifts up off the body revealing the Corvette's motor, chassis, and

suspension. Various functions of the car can be simulated with the help of electric motors, including the crankshaft, pistons, valves, clutch, driveshaft, and posi-traction rear axle. Cut-outs, meanwhile, reveal details about the exhaust system, brakes, transmission, and more.
The Corvette was recently discovered in South Africa, where it was brought back to the United States and restored as part of the Wiseman collection. The car still has its original interior, instrumentation, steering wheel, and even the tires. It was sold at the RM Auction for a final price of $704,000. Follow the jump for a video from Corvetteblogger.com of the car being auctioned off as well as RM's press release regarding this special Corvette.
[Source: RM Auctions via Corvetteblogger.com]
Continue reading 1965 Corvette cut-away auctioned off for $704,000

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Canadian Car of the Year winners announced

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Crossovers/CUVs, Supercars, BMW, GM, Honda, MINI

Every year the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) pick the top new vehicles by category to give their Canadian comrades a reference point for potential purchases. The AJAC tested 177 vehicles in an event at Niagra they call "Test Fest" to come up with their final list, which you can find after the jump.
Even though Canadians have different automotive tastes than us Yanks, they seem to like many of the same cars we do. The AJAC picked the Audi R8 as its "Most Coveted Vehicle", the Honda Accord was honored as best family car, and the Audi S5 took honors for best sports car over $50,000, all of which are fine picks with us. We do, however, question the Nissan Rogue as Best New SUV/CUV under $35,000. It's also interesting to note that no Toyotas made the final list of 12, and GM was the only U.S. domestic to hit the list, impressively taking four categories.

[Source: Auto North]
Continue reading Canadian Car of the Year winners announced

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V fully uncloaked

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Cadillac
Inside Line has scooped up some exclusive, fully-naked shots of the Detroit-bound 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, and we're pleased to report that the super duper version of Caddy's excellent CTS is looking good. In the V-Series tradition, the grillework is all mesh, making the car instantly recognizable when viewed from up front. A deeper, aggressive front air dam, sill extensions, nice-looking 10-spoke wheels and a revised rear fascia are also part of the package. Larger exhaust outlets and a sizable but well-integrated hood bulge hint at the muscle the V packs underhood. The engine specifics are still being speculated, with a normally aspirated LS7 or blown 6.2L V8 being bandied about. Either way, expect around 525 horses from whatever winds up sitting under that bulge when the car's rolled out at the Detroit show next month. We'll be there, and we're pretty stoked.

Thanks to all who emailed tips!

[Source: Inside Line]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Get your drift on with the AMG Winter Challenge

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes Benz, Toys

Last year we told you about an online game developed by AMG in which you could drift a CL63 in the snow called AMG Wintersporting Drift Competition. Well, they've come up with our new favorite way of procrastinating at work with an updated version of the game called the AMG Drift Revolution Winter Challenge. This time you get to pilot a CLK63 AMG Black Series around a snow-covered figure eight track and score points by maintaining a "perfect drift" as much as you can within sixty seconds. Getting off course or sliding too much sideways will slow you down and decrease your potential for maximum points. Scoring in the top ten will place you on the high scores page, although you'll need to place in the top five to beat out the the best Autoblogger's score.
[Source: Mercedes AMG]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rendered Speculation: Mazda's Taiki-inspired RX-7 revival

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Japan, Mazda
"We've just introduced a special edition of the RX-8" was the response from a Mazda rep when asked when we might get a new RX-7. Not the answer to the question, but we understand that it's all hush-hush when it comes to whatever might be in store on the 2-door, rear wheel drive, not-an-MX-5 tip. A new RX-7 (FE?) will debut within the next three years according to Autocar, and it will be the first production car to carry the design themes presented in Mazda's latest series of concept cars (Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki). The RX-8 will be freed up to evolve into more of a GT if the 7 comes to be. Autocar has had its digital image wizards whip up what they think the car might look like. We hope not, as it looks like what might happen if a Corvette stopped short in front of a Testarossa. In other words, it looks like 1988.

Joining the new "flow"-ing exterior lines will be a thoroughly revised rotary engine. Bumped out to 3.2 liters, the new Wankel will have direct fuel injection and sport forced induction via turbocharging. Reshaped combustion chambers are said to improve thermal efficiency, burn more completely, produce more low end torque, and return better fuel economy (woo-hoo!). We're surprised they didn't switch it's fuel to Unicorn sneezes, as the rest of the improvements seem like a fairy tale outcome for the wimpy, thirsty Wankel we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]
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