Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: First Speed Racer trailer and high-res pics!

Filed under: Etc.

click above image for more high-res stills from the Speed Racer film

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/movies/Speed_Racer_Trailer_Online_Now'; You may have seen a few tiny pics from the Wachowski brothers' upcoming Speed Racer live action film elsewhere on the web today. Well, our colleagues over at Cinematical gave us the hook up and provided Autoblog with the only high-res shots you'll find on the web, along with an exclusive look at the first trailer for the film (click here to view). It's so new, we literally didn't have a chance to watch it before publishing this post. If you're unfamiliar with the story of Speed Racer, we'll let Cinematical's Erik Davis explain:

Speed Racer stars Emile Hirsch as the aspiring race car driver Speed, who, with help from his family (Mom and Pops played by Susan Sarandon and John Goodman), his girlfriend Trixie (Christina Ricci) and a little chimp named Chim Chim, builds the unstoppable Mach 5 and teams with the mysterious Racer X (Matthew Fox) to win the death-defying, cross-country rally known as The Crucible in order to save his family's business and beat the evil Royalton at his own game.

Hope you enjoy the trailer after the jump and the high-res pics in the gallery below that are perfectly suitable for desktop wallpaper duty.

[Source: Cinematical]

Gallery: Speed Racer live action film

Continue reading VIDEO: First Speed Racer trailer and high-res pics!

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.07.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


While the EVS23 show is now over, AutoblogGreen's video and audio coverage continues. We conducted a post-show interview with ExxonMobil representatives on their new lithiun-ion battery technology and have even more pictures of the Tesla Roadster (this time with the SolarCity roof) for you. All this plus the latest on the CAFE bill that's still cruising around Congress.

• EVS23: ExxonMobil talks with AutoblogGreen on new lithiun-ion battery technology
• EVS23: A celebrity-signed BugE coming to eBay as charity for autism support group
• EVS23: Tesla Roadster sittin' under a SolarCity roof
• EVS23 videos: Ener1's lithium-ion Prius, details on Killacycle crash
• Correcting Toyota's mistake in correcting Boston Globe's mistake on Sequoia's MPG rating
• Study: non-flex fuel cars get better fuel economy on ethanol
• Toyota plans on building "bed to bed" robots?
• Solar taxi trying to circle the globe
• Energy bill vote delayed, CAFE back on the table
• Are high-speed trains that good?
• Imagine that! there's a loophole in the CAFE bill, this time for Nissan
• Santa changes his reindeers for a BMW 1-Series coupe
• Video: Dingell admits defeat, will vote for energy bill
• Phoenix Motorcars gets a refill for the petty cash box
• Audi: diesels are more important to us than hybrids
• Mini announcess partnership to produce the Mini SAV
• Video: Santa caught driving an SUV
• Environmental group against three biodiesel plants in Seville, Spain

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dazed and Confused: Jeep Patriot Led Zeppelin Edition

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUVs, Euro, UK

Click image to enlarge

Today's exercise in ridiculous branding opportunities comes from the UK, where RVGA, a firm that specializes in vehicle branding (i.e. wraps and such) has customized seven Jeep Patriot 2.0 CRD Sport models with images of the members of Led Zeppelin on their bodywork. The custom job celebrates the upcoming Led Zep reunion show in London on 12/10, and naturally, said Jeeps are for sale. For a mind-blowing &pound;34,860. you get the Jeep, a pair of tickets to the concert, and access to a post-show cocktail party.

While tickets to the sold-out show are in demand, the premium for them (and that graphic...can't forget that) seems mighty excessive. After all, a loaded 2.0 CRD Patriot Sport normally sells for somewhere in the neighborhood of &pound;18,500. Once you've enjoyed the show, had a little champagne at the reception, and are starting to feel a little buyer's remorse in subsequent days as you drive around in a Patriot with a scene from The Song Remains The Same adorning its sheetmetal, we recommend you do this: load Presence in the CD in the player and listen to "Nobody's Fault But Mine" on repeat play.

[Source: RVGA]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chrysler won't be building Dodge Ram in January, idling two plants

Filed under: Car Buying, Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler, Dodge

Gas prices are skyrocketing, car sales are down, and construction has been hurt by a slowing economy. For the auto industry, that means pickup truck sales are sagging. The Dodge Ram has been feeling the pinch, with sales down 2% vs. 2006 and sky-high incentives to keep numbers even that close. In years past, Chrysler management would have rammed more Rams down their dealers' throats, but the Cerberus regime is opting to idle plants instead. Both the Warren, MI and Fenton, MO plants will be shuttered for the entire month of January. The Coahuila, Mexico truck plant, which builds the 2500-5500 HD trucks, will also be closing for the first two weeks of the new year.

With the unveiling of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram in Detroit only a few weeks away, things are looking pretty meek for the full-size truck market. While we're sure the thousands of temporarily laid off workers would rather be building trucks, at least they'll have plenty of time to check out their next build in Cobo Hall at the 2008 NAIAS.

[Source: pickuptruck.com]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: More capable 2008 Toyota Sequoia now a little more expensive

Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Toyota

The 2008 Toyota Sequoia is bigger, badder, and pricier for the 2008 model year. The fully-redone SUV now starts at $34,150 for the base model, and shoots all the way to $55,800 for the top-end Platinum edition. The outgoing model started $1,000 cheaper at $33,160, and the higher end Limited will now run you about $3,000 more, up to $45,225. The main reason for the Limited model's jump in price is that same 381 hp 5.7L V8 and six speed auto that powers the Tundra is found under hood.

Unfortunately, Toyota also felt the need to use the same hideous interior as its largest truck, which is a full-size bummer. Overall, though, the Sequoia's added size, the new optional 5.7L V8, and 13% jump in fuel economy combine to be much more impressive than the outgoing model's offerings, making the 3% price jump a decent deal overall. Toyota's full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Sequoia



[Source: Toyota]Continue reading More capable 2008 Toyota Sequoia now a little more expensive

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: It's just a bill, that can't get passed: Senate fails to move energy bill f

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green
Despite being passed by the House of Representatives yesterday by a 235 to 181 margin, the new energy bill reached the Senate floor this morning and failed to muster enough votes to move on to the White House, where the President has threatened a veto of it in its current state. The Senate vote was 53 to 42, a majority but still seven votes shy of the 60 it needed. This means that the Senate will now spend the weekend reworking the bill, after which it will have to go back to the House for approval yet again. The funny thing is, the automotive industry actually supports the bill in its current state, despite the fact that it calls for a jump in CAFE requirements to a fleet-wide average of 35 mpg by 2020. Even with the support of the industry, politicians seem intent on keeping this bill running around in circles.

[Source: Automotive News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: TriRod Motorcycles introduces the new F3 Adrenaline Trike

Filed under: Motorcycles


We've covered the rapid rise of the three-wheeled motorcycle surge which has been taking place lately with the Can Am Spyder, the Piaggio MP3 and more. Still, we've yet to see anything quite like the F3 Adrenaline from TriRod Motorcycles. This machine uses the 2+1 format which is inherently more stable than the 1+2 arrangement employed by many other trikes on the market. Additionally, the machine uses a familiar 120 cubic inch Harley-Davidson-style V-Twin powerplant from JIMS- pretty much the small block Chevy of bike engines - so aftermarket support will be huge. With the wide rear tire and low ground clearance, the Adrenaline looks pretty wicked.

The F3 Adrenaline uses carbon fiber body panels, unequal length A-Arm front suspension with rocker-arm activated shocks and power steering, making it fairly advanced for a Harley-based custom. The whole package weighs just 750 pounds, which is lighter than many Harley tourers. Performance should be exhilarating to say the least. Look for shipping models halfway through '08.

Gallery: TriRod Adrenaline F3



[Source: TriRod Motorcycles via Motorcycle-USA]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: eBay Find of the Day: "Fastlane" Future Car

Filed under: Time Warp, Auction Action, Etc.


Now here's a Fiero bodykit that's worthwhile. TransFX, a California-based custom car maker responsible for several GM concepts as well as lots and lots of Batman's cars, boats, and planes, built four of these bodies for a Universal Studios project. Designed to be mounted on a stretched Fiero chassis, only a single roadgoing version exists, and the Volo Auto Museum will sell that to you for $65,000. You could spend less than one third that price and pick up this body shell, allowing you to then dream up your own undercarriage. We think it'd be good with a Porsche Boxster plugged in underneath.

What you get for $14,000 is a very cool futuristic bodyshell on casters. The outside might look an awful lot like a car, but climbing underneath tells the whole story. There's nothing to this car, yet. Its just waiting for you to marry your chassis to its bodywork. Then you'll have the task of creating the entire wiring harness, installing all the lights, the interior, and about a quintillion little issues that always crop up with kit cars, which this essentially is. What we want to know is what ever became of the project these props were commissioned for. We also hope that whoever wins the auction at least uses a Fiero GT as a donor. It just wouldn't do to put this car on a 2M4. The Iron Duke is definitely not an engine befitting Batman. Then again, the GT's 2.8 is merely suited to Boy Wonder. Now, a Northstar starts to show promise. Hmm.

Thanks for the tip, Jordan!

Gallery: Fastlane Movie Car


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mercedes' plans for '08: It's gonna be a busy year!

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Geneva Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Mercedes Benz
2008 is going to be a hectic year for the engineers responsible for new product launches at Mercedes-Benz. The team in Stuttgart have one all-new, one redesigned and five refreshed models coming before this time next year. Mercedes will jump into the compact crossover segment for the first time with the all-new GLK, which we'll finally get to see minus all the spy photo disguises. The GLK should turn up in concept form at Geneva with a production launch later in the year.

Another new badge, if not a whole new car, is the CLC. Formerly known as the C-Class Sport Coupe, this two-door hatchback coupe gets fresh styling on the old C-Class chassis. As for the five existing models getting mid-cycle refreshes, both the SL and SLK roadsters are getting nose jobs and butt lifts. Their overall looks remain the same, but lights get reshaped and grilles get updated in a manner similar to the new C-Class. A similar treatment will also be applied to the big CLS foor-door "coupe" and the small A- and B-Class hatchbacks.

[Source: AutoCar]
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[Daf_Scott]

Fair do's

THAT LOOKS SHITE!!!!

where's the sick bucket?


daf

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2009 Subaru Forester leakage continues

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Subaru


The crew at NASIOC came across more leaked shots of Subaru's forthcoming Forester, and this time, we get a closer look at the new sub-CUV's interior. Like most of the new products coming out of the Subie camp, the inside receives a significant restyling that takes its cues from the Tribeca's interior arrangement, with flowing brushed metal accents that dip down towards the HVAC controls. In addition to improvements both in style and materials, the Forester will also benefit from Subaru's Sportshift transmission.

Unlike the leaks we've seen previously, this new exterior pic provides a much better view of the front three-quarters of the new Forester. The hood scoop is much more subtle than previous iterations, similar to the one found on the redesigned Impreza, while the ride-height keeps the Forester true to its off-road nature. We're expecting more to follow soon, so, as always, watch this space.

Thanks for the tip Phil!
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Filed under: Tech, Autoline on Autoblog
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

GM'S BREATKTHROUGH IN SMART MATERIALS
By John McElroy

I first came across what they call "smart materials" back in the early 1980s. It was at the SAE show and a company called Raychem was exhibiting how it used this technology to make spark plug wires for Formula One cars.

Turns out F1 cars would vibrate the wires right off the plugs. So Raychem came up with a kind of "smart" rubber that made it practically impossible for the wires to vibrate off. All you needed was a hair dryer!

With the Raychem wires all you had to do was snap them on and blast them with a heat gun. They'd mold themselves around the plugs so tight that you'd have to chisel them off.

Follow the jump to continue.Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Porsche to the rescue! When you don't have enough room in the refrigerator

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Lifestyle
This time of year my refrigerator is so full that I just can't fit more than half a dozen magnums of Veuve Cliquot in there. Fortunately, the purveyors of this bubbly liquid have come to the rescue with the help of Porsche Design. Taking material inspiration from John Delorean, Porsche has created a 6.5-foot tall wine chiller with a dozen individually lighted chambers to hold your Veuve. You won't be finding this piece at your local Target or Wal-Mart, though. Porsche Design is only making fifteen, and if you can't swing the price for a case of the fluids to fill it, then the undisclosed price will be irrelevant anyway.

[Source: Sybarites, via Gizmodo]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Consumer Reports rates Toyota Highlander No. 1, won't recommend it

Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Toyota

click above image for more pics of the 2008 Toyota Highlander from our review

Consumer Reports seems to have a few more fans ever since the folks there proved that they have no bias for Toyota by knocking the Japanese automaker down a few pegs. One of the measures taken after three Toyota vehicles, including a Lexus, were bumped from CR's recommended list was that no future Toyotas would get the benefit of the doubt and be labeled as "Recommended" based on the automaker's past performance. The first Toyota vehicle to be hit by this mandate is the new 2008 Toyota Highlander, which, despite becoming the highest rated mid-size SUV (it's really a CUV, but whatever) with three rows of seating, did not receive an automatic "Recommended" designation from the magazine. The Highlander received the highest score of 81 in CR's most recent test, while competitors that were tested alongside the Highlander like the Subaru Tribeca and Ford Taurus X scored 70 and 75, respectively, yet managed to earn the "Recommended" label. Like the Highlander, the Buick Enclave scored relatively well (75) but did not get recommended, with CR citing insufficient reliability data to make the call.

Though Toyota does not find itself in CR's good graces at the moment, the magazine has made it clear that if Toyota's reliability rating returns to "excellent", it will resume automatically recommending its models again. We're just curious, but do any CR readers out there know what other brands or automakers (not individual models) are also automatically recommended based on their past performance?

Click here to read a non-subscriber's version of CR's article, and click here to read our own review of the 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford
We all know that the Ford Mustang will be receiving a face lift around 2010 to better combat the impending onslaught of competition from the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro. A new prototype has been spotted that, while heavily covered up, at least shows that Ford's plan for its pony car are progressing. Through the covering one can vaguely make out new headlights, a new grille and new rear taillights. Unfortunately, not much else can be gleaned, like whether the freshening will take some of its cues from the hot Giugiaro Mustang Concept that was recently damaged in Bulgaria by Fabrizio Giugiaro himself. That car's aesthetic may not be seen in production until an all-new Mustang arrives even farther into the future.

[Source: The Car Connection]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Aston Martin and Mercedes, sittin' in a tree...

Filed under: Supercars, Aston Martin, DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes Benz

Daimler and Dar, the Kuwait-based investment firm that holds a 50-percent stake in Aston Martin, are reportedly in talks to explore investment opportunities between the two automakers. The folks from Mercedes-Benz' parent company paid a visit to Dar on Tuesday, and the Aston Martin contingent is expected to spend some quality time with its investment firm in the next few weeks, as well.

While the term "investment opportunities" is a far cry from joint vehicle development, we'll leave the pontification about what the outcome of these talks will be up to you in the comments below. However, we'll start the rampant speculation with Aston Martin's engineers working on the chassis development of Mercedes' new SLC supercar.

[Source: Market Watch via eGMCarTech]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Suzuki Equator mid-size pickup slated for Chicago debut

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Suzuki

Suzuki Grand Vitara Pickup Concept from 2000 Tokyo Motor Show

Suzuki is the little automaker with pluck, having galantly reached its ambitious goal of selling 100,000 vehicles in the U.S. last year. Soon another model with join Suzuki's lineup, and it's probably not what you think. Pickuptruck.com is reporting that the Japanese automaker will likely debut a new mid-size truck called the Equator at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show in February. The Equator name, while not confirmed or denied by Suzuki, has been registered as a trademark by the company. Suzuki will be getting help from Nissan to build its pickup, as the Equator will be produced on the same platform as the Frontier pickup and share that truck's assembly line in Smyrna, Tennessee. Mike Levine from Pickuptruck.com points out that Suzuki has definitely expressed interest in pickups before, having debuted the Grand Vitara Pickup Concept (shown above) at the 2000 Tokyo Motor Show. Let's not forget the excellent X-Head Concept that debuted at this year's show in Tokyo. Still, the mid-size pickup market in the U.S. is in even worse shape than the full-size pickup market, and is hardly stable enough to provide Suzuki with very many sales. If done well, however, the Equator could be the exception and give folks who own all manner of Suzuki hardware like bikes and ATVs a truck with which to tow their toys.

[Source: Pickuptruck.com]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: So wrong: C3 Vette defaced, devauled, destroyed

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

click above image for more pics if you don't have a weak stomach

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/So_wrong_C3_Vette_defaced_devauled_destroyed'; Madwhips.com is a website at which you can post pics of supercars, classics and muscle machines that you've spotted driving around town. This C3 Vette falls into none of those categories, but is a spectacle all its own. The owner has made a number of modifications that have, well, absolutely ruined this car. There are the white wall tires, faux port holes on the B-pillars, the fake split windshield, an entirely too complicated center stripe, and those horrific wheels. The cherry on top is a pair of hood ornaments that look like bare breasted ladies with fish heads mounted up near the base of the windshield. There's more, but enumerating them just makes us sad. Look for yourself in the gallery below. And we're pretty sure that Chevy never offered Smurf as a color from the factory. Sigh...

[Source: Madwhips.com]

Gallery: C3 Vette defaced, devauled, destroyed


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BREAKING: Alfa Romeo's CEO steps down

Filed under: Hirings/Firings, Alfa Romeo, FIAT
Antonio Baravalle, the 42-year old head of Alfa Romeo, is stepping down after eight years on the job. Fiat, Alfa's parent company, hasn't made a statement about Baravalle's decision to leave, but according to Automotive News, the exec's choice was his own. Fiat is expected to promote someone within to Barvalle's post, but no timeline was given.

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

Autoblog: Winner of Batman Forever Batmobile auction can't drive car in public

Filed under: Etc.


Our friends over at Hemmings who follow the auction scene like crack-addled chipmunks came across the mobile bane of the Batman franchise. The Batman Forever iteration of the Batmobile is one of the worst ever devised. Universally panned along with the film in which it appeared, it was forced to do sit-com work after it was retired, appearing on The Drew Carey Show (some say the Batmobile's appearance on the show was when it officially jumped the shark). The car was recently up for auction with no reserve and sold for $297,000, less than half its estimated worth. Aside from being an abomination and afront to Bruce Wayne groupies everywhere, the car sold so low because it came with many conditions set by Warner Bros. and DC Comics, including one barring the owner from driving the car in view of the public! This car's a runner too, with a small-block Chevy V8 that can whisk it away from laughing crowds at super hero speeds. But its new owner will apparently never get the chance to be laughed at in public, because doing so would mean driving the car in public, and that would violate the contract he (or she) signed. On second thought, perhaps Warner Bros. and DC Comics was doing this guy a favor.

Check out the Batmobile's appearance on The Drew Carey Show after the jump.

[Source: Hemmings]Continue reading Winner of Batman Forever Batmobile auction can't drive car in public

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