Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Hacks and Flacks gather to pick best vehicle built by Chrysler today!

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

An anonymous group of Detroit area automotive writers and public relations reps gathered today for some "fine American cuisine" at a moderately well known chain restaurant. The gathering took place under the banner of "hacks and flacks". As one might expect with such an august group of people so well versed in the automobile industry, the group could only find one subject to talk about over crackers and barrels: cars. After considerable scratching, hair pulling, burping and other methods of persuasion, it was decided that the finest vehicle in the current Chrysler lineup is...Continue reading Hacks and Flacks gather to pick best vehicle built by Chrysler today!

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: REPORT: Toyota tops in customer retention

Filed under: Car Buying, GM, Toyota
The J.D. Power people compiled their annual list of automaker customer retention rates, and Toyota came out on top, followed closely behind by General Motors. Almost 69-percent of Toyota owners continued their relationship with the manufacturer, compared to GM whose owners returned to the automaker's brands about 65-percent of the time. Honda came in third, with 63.3-percent, while BMW and Ford following closely behind at 56.9-percent and 54.4-percent respectively.

It deserves note, however, that Toyota, GM, Honda, BMW and Ford all benefit from having a number of companies under their corporate umbrella. The way J.D. Power comes to its conclusions is to include each automaker's individual brands within the parent company. So Scion owners are likely to upgrade to a Toyota, Chevy owners might buy a Buick, and MINI buyers might take a step up into the newest 3-series - all of which skews the figures in favor of larger manufacturers.

However, lacking a large brand portfolio is hardly an excuse for Isuzu, who only came away from the survey with a 1.6-percent retention rate.

[Source: J.D. Power and Associates via CNNMoney]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chevy Malibu Hybrid to launch in just 11 markets

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Chevrolet, GM


var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/environment/Chevy_Malibu_Hybrid_to_launch_in_just_11_markets'; GM is predicting that the Malibu Hybrid will be in short supply when it launches next month and has taken steps to ensure that the cars that are available get sold quickly. They're doing this by limiting its availability to just eleven markets in the Northeast and West Coast, presumably the ones where they've seen the most success moving their previous hybrids, the Saturn Vue Green Line and the Saturn Aura Green Line (both of which use the same system that'll be in the 'Bu). If you live in another part of the country and are looking to plunk down $22,140 of your hard-earned dough on the greenish Malibu, you're going to need to be patient, as full nationwide distribution of the Malibu Hybrid may not happen until MY 2009.

[Source: Automotive News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Jeep GPS RT 300 rubberized for its protection

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Jeep

click to enlarge

It's December, which to us means holiday lights, tinsel and the first trickle of CES news. Come January, you'll be able to buy this Jeep-branded, rubber-encased, mud-treaded Jeep GPS RT 300. It sports a 3.5" LCD touch-screen, built-in MP3 and video player, and, just to make driving that much more difficult, an eBook reader. We'll try and find out where this piece of hardware's actual guts come from at CES, since we're pretty sure Jeep hasn't begun manufacturing consumer electronics under our noses.

Expect to pay about $399 at the first of next year, about the same time we'll be bringing you live coverage of CES, the world's largest collection of electronics, geeks and ear-bursting subwoofers.

Click on the photo for a high-res version, and read the entire Jeep GPS RT 300 press release after the jump.

[Source: Jeep]Continue reading CES 2008: Jeep GPS RT 300 rubberized for its protection

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Four automakers doing Super Bowl spots, Audi first in 20 years

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Toyota


When viewers tune-in to watch the 42nd annual Super Bowl on February 3rd, four automakers - Chevrolet, Hyundai, Toyota and Audi - will compete for the hearts and minds of the gridiron-obsessed masses.

Chevy is only planning one, 60-second ad during the second quarter, while Cadillac will be featured during the pre- and post-game shows. Toyota has two spots of undetermined length, which are expected to hype the redesigned Sequoia and the Tundra pickup, while Hyundai will finally throw its hat onto the Astroturf with two, 30-second spots.

Audi is returning to the game after a 20-year hiatus with a minute-long ad featuring the R8, and we'd expect the spot to focus on the automaker's blitz to become the dominant luxury manufacturer on Earth.

Also of note, Cars.com will be ponying up the required $2.7 million dollars for a 30-second spot, which is causing us to consider renting some ad time on the Goodyear blimp -- or just shooting Neff out of a cannon with an Autoblog-badged cape.

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

Autoblog: Dinan gets around to offering ECU upgrade for BMW's 335i

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, BMW


Dinan, renowned tuners of all things from the propeller people, have finally decided to offer an ECU upgrade for owners of BMW's delectable 335i. The reflashed upgrade necessitates the installation of either BMW's or Dinan's oil cooler, but once the Bimmer's brain is reprogrammed, throttle response is sharpened, the top-speed governor is removed and power levels jump to 384 hp at 5,700 rpm and a kidney pummeling 421 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm.

While other companies have been at it for a while (ahem, Vishnu), the Dinan crew is able to offer something that other tuners haven't: a warranty that coincides with BMW's own. The cost, however, is steep, coming in at $1,999 for the reflash alone. Piece of mind - and tuning products for BMWs overall - doesn't come cheap, but for those who want to extract the twin-turbo'd inline-six's full potential, this may be one of the best mods to date.

[Source: e90post.com]

Thanks for the tip, Dmat!
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Euro-goths rejoice! HUMMER H3 Black Edition for Europe

Filed under: SUVs, Euro, HUMMER

Click the image above for more high-res shots.

HUMMER dealers in Europe will be offering up 50 tricked-out H3 Adventure models to buyers looking for something even more sinister than your run-of-the-mill mud-plugger. The H3 Black Edition gets &euro;5,000 worth of extra kit, along with a matte-black grille, mirrors, door handles, side steps, roof bars and powder-coated wheels. 25 of the 50 Black Edition H3s will get a sunroof and all models will come equipped with an integrated Kenwood navigations system.

Check the press release after the jump for all the details.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Gallery: Euro-only HUMMER H3 Black Edition

Continue reading Euro-goths rejoice! HUMMER H3 Black Edition for Europe

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan may take GT-R to go racing in Australia

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Nissan, Australia


The land Down Under hasn't been kind to Nissan when it comes to motorsports. The Skyline GT-R was banned in 1993 from the country's touring car series after three consecutive wins in 1990, 1991 and 1992, and Nissan hasn't returned since.

That might change in the 2008 season, as Nissan is considering campaigning the GT-R in the Targa Tasmania rally, according to Ross Booth, marketing manager for Nissan in Australia. The automaker is looking into the Bathurst 12-hour race as well, not to mention the Grand Am series and a possible campaign in the 24-hours of LeMans.

The sourced Drive.com.au interview is rife with great quotes from Booth and Jim Richards, driver of the 1992 Bathurst 1000 GT-R driver. But one line from Booth referring to the V8 supercar series cars as "taxis" is worth clicking through for.

[Source: Drive.com.au]
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[Stuart]

Sounds like a Porsche issue.
You are too good and win too much, rather than encourage everyone else to get better, we will ban you or change the rules to stop you competing. Thankyou for your interest in our race series.

I hope they send a GT-R to the Bathurst race. That'll learn 'em.

Porsche made a car once just to win one race, just to prove whatever they did to the rules didn't matter, then could still win. That's real attitude.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 4th Annual Motor4Toys charity toy drive another huge success

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Ferrari, Toys, Lifestyle

Click for huge gallery of high-res pics from this 4th Annual Motor4Toys event

More than 3,200 cars overflowed the massive Countrywide Insurance parking lot in Westlake Village, CA for the 4th annual Motor4Toys charity toy drive this past Sunday, including nearly 200 Ferraris. That number was well short of the hoped-for 386+ Prancing Horses that would have triggered a Guinness world record parade attempt, but it was still an incredible sight.

Besides coming out to donate toys, the Southern California car clubs made this a typically great event by sharing their rides with the assembled crowd and even dipped into their pockets to bid more than $8,000 for a number of donated gifts in a combined online and live auction. Items included radar detectors, skid plates, cupholders, and even sporting event tickets and private catered dinners by television's Chef LaLa. And did we mention the toys?

Last year's record of 11,000 toys was easily surpassed although the final total won't be in until donated money and profits from the sale of commemorative T-shirts are tallied and used to purchase even more gifts in a couple of weeks. All told, about $25,000 was raised from donations and those sales and auction bids. Kudos to organizer Dustin Troyan, manager of the nearby Village Coffee Roaster, for another selfless effort and for making it another huge success. Typical of Dusty, he's quick to thank others rather than accepting any credit himself: "Please make sure you thank everyone who attends and supports it. They are the event!"

Follow the jump for more photos and the rest of the story.
Gallery: 2007 Motor4Toys charity toy drive

Continue reading 4th Annual Motor4Toys charity toy drive another huge success

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Forza 2 December Car Pack brings wealth of new models

Filed under: Videos, Toys, Lifestyle

We are huge fans of Forza 2 here at Autoblog, so it was music to our ears when we heard that the game had released a new set of cars and an additional track earlier today. Road America makes its debut as the new venue, and there are eleven great new vehicles to drive:

• 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455
• 1980 Renault 5 Turbo
• 1983 Audi Sport Quattro
• 1991 BMW M3 E30
• 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Evo Street
• 2006 Ferrari FXX
• 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
• 2007 Renault Clio RenaultSport 197
• 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
• 2008 Audi R8
• 2008 Koenigsegg CCGT

The downloadable packs are available now in the Microsoft Marketplace, which can be had for 400 Microsoft points for the cars and 100 points for the track. Cash will also work - $5.00 for the cars and $1.25 for the track. You can also check out the trailer that features the new cars at Road America after the jump.
Thanks for the tip, Peter!
[Source: XBox360FanBoy.com, ForzaCentral.com]
Continue reading Forza 2 December Car Pack brings wealth of new models

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ariel Atom crew developing a bike?

Filed under: Motorcycles

1952 Ariel VHA 500

Over the past few years, the Ariel has been known for creating one thing: the amazingly competent Atom track toy. But back in 1901 the UK-based company was known for something else - motorcycles. That's where Ariel got its start and according to Autocar, it's looking back to its roots to create its next vehicle.

The Atom has proved to be financially viable enough to support another project and something of the two-wheeled persuation might be it. Simon Sanders, the owner of Ariel, is very specific with what he wants to create, something "lightweight, agile and useful," possibly sporting a single cylinder engine or even electric power.

The project is up in the air at this point, but it's definitely on the table. If it does come to fruition, Ariel will again reaffirm itself as one of the leaders in motorcycle technology, much like it did over a century ago.

[Source: Autocar]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: BREAKING: Renault enters strategic partnership with AutoVAZ

Filed under: Euro, Renault

Last year, AutoVAZ said it was looking to purchase platforms from a European auto manufacturer for use in a range of new products. Earlier today in Togliatti, Russia the search came to an end. Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the head of Russian Technologies, AutoVAZ chairman Sergey Chemezov and Troika Capital Partners president Serguei Skvortsov. The MOU sets the stage for a strategic partnership that will result in technology sharing between the two automakers, with Renault providing engineering know-how, platforms, and powertrains to AutoVAZ for use in upcoming products. A particular focus will be placed on strengthening and growing the Lada brand, and Renault's marketing power will be leveraged to promote AutoVAZ product.

AutoVAZ will undergo a capital restructuring in early 2008, after which Russian Technologies and Renault will become equal shareholders in AutoVAZ, controlling a combined 50% of total shares. In addition to the obvious product benefits that AutoVAZ will reap from the Renault tech infusion, the French automaker gets to pad its annual report, as AutoVAZ sales will be consolidated under Renault. Due to AutoVAZ's volume, Russia should become Renault's largest market, and according to the attached announcement, Renault has already begun upwardly adjusting its 2009 forecast. Here's hoping for a revamped Lada Niva that combines updated tech with the spirit of the original and that can still be driven underwater if some crazy Russians decide to have a little fun.

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Renault/AutoVAZ Announcement


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Cost of owning a car crests $1/mile on some models

Filed under: Car Buying, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lexus, Toyota

We've all seen the ads in the newspaper or in commercials that say you can get a new car with zero money down and only $299 per month. Quick math tells you that even after taxes and destination, you're only paying about $4,400 the first year to own a brand new car. A recent study by consulting firm Runzheimer International shows that a new car will cost you considerably more in overall operating costs. At 15,000 miles per year, the cost of insurance, gasoline, fees, depreciation, and maintenance can drive the overall cost near $20,000 per year.
The 2008 Cadillac STS was tops in this year's test, costing buyers $19,537. The Lexus LS460 was close behind at $19,372. Big vehicles cost quite a bit also, with Ford's E-350 XL SuperDuty tallying a $16,543 bill followed by the Chevy Tahoe LS 4x4 at $15,789. There were some relatively low cost vehicles as well, with the first year costs of a Toyota Corolla CE coming in lowest in the test at $7,933 and a Ford Ranger XL pickup that hits $9,929. If these numbers seem high, it's because the highest liability in a new car balance sheet is depreciation, and new cars can lose thousands the day they're driven off the lot. Every mile on the odometer brings the resale value lower, and if your new car carried lots of incentives or it's a rental car favorite, its residual plummets even further.
[Source: The Car Connection]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Double dipping, NHTSA providing prizes for police to write tickets

Filed under: Government/Legal


We all know that the money that we drivers pay for taxes on the fuel we use is supposed to go to pay for the roads where we consume the fuel, right? Not so fast there buddy! Many of us at one time or another have also encountered law enforcement efforts that were clearly meant more for revenue enhancement than safety enhancement. Yes Livonia MI, we're talking to you! Does having five cruisers lined up beside a fast food restaurant picking off drivers going 3-4mph over the limit really improve safety on Middlebelt Rd?

It now appears that that those state and local police agencies have an extra incentive to write even more tickets. They can earn free police pursuit vehicles courtesy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and your fuel tax dollars. NHTSA's [FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]National Law Enforcement Challenge Award judges police agencies based on ticket counts, taking away points if they don't have a "no warning" policy. They also give bonus points for innovative methods such as camouflaging officers as tourists or Santa Claus. The top ranked departments earn free cruisers such as Hemi Chargers and Magnums equipped with cold air intakes and Borla exhaust systems.

[Source: TheNewspaper.com]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mines planning Nissan GT-R upgrades for North America

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Supercars, Nissan


The introduction of Nissan's GT-R in North America isn't just a milestone for the automaker, but for the tuners in Japan that stand to profit from one of the largest aftermarkets in the world. MINE'S has been developing parts in Japan since 1985 and have been one of the preeminent R32, R33 and R34 tuners over the past two decades. They've already gotten their hands on the new R35 GT-R and according to a few comments by Mr. Niikura from MINE'S, they plan on bringing both ECU upgrades and other parts to the U.S. market in 2008.

Our comrades over at the GTChannel videotaped the brief interview with the man behind MINE'S and also had the opportunity to watch the tuner's GT-R and its GT500 counterpart spend some time at the Tsukuba circuit. Click those hyperlinks to check it out.

[Source: GTChannel]
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[Stuart]

If true, then the claims about the ECU being hard to hack, don't seem to hold much water.
The thing has not even launched yet and they claim to have upgrades.

Unless they just replace the whole ECU?

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Playboy names hottest cars of '08, crowns Audi R8

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Crossovers/CUVs, Supercars, Audi, BMW, Buick, GM, Maserati

Since 1953, thousands of beautiful models have posed for Hef's Playboy magazine, and yet the R-rated publication prides itself on giving "readers" more than just a bunch of naked women in various poses. To celebrate its diversity of content, the bunny has penned its hottest new rides of 2008. If it wasn't already obvious that Mr. Hefner had a passion for nice curves, his publication's selections for the best transportation on four wheels hints at broader appeal than the female persuasion. Playboy chose the Audi R8 as its car of the year, citing a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds as its main attraction. The even better looking Maserati GranTurismo took the best sports couple category, and the hot new Cadillac CTS took sports sedan honors. Playboy's entire list of winners, accompanied by it's official press release, is available after the jump. Check it out and tell us if you think The Girls Next Door wrote the description for the CTS.

[Source: Playboy]Continue reading Playboy names hottest cars of '08, crowns Audi R8

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Not your father's Oldsmobile found on Craigslist

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, GM

Click image to enlarge

That the Neff, Autoblog's resident Oldsmobiliac, passed on this is testament to its somewhat troubling nature. Granted, it's not as horrid as that Vette we posted yesterday that looked like it was auditioning for a part in Super Fly, but it's still pretty bad. This 1995 Oldsmobile Aurora was once a pretty nice car, sporting bodywork that remains easy on the eyes even today, and it was notable for having a pretty decent interior in an era when most GM vehicle passengers were held hostage in Fisher-Price-level accommodations. Well, the lucky new owner of this baby will get him or herself a custom osterich (sic) interior, some ill-advised Lambo doors, afterthought/aftermarket rims (natch), and the knowledge that the thing shakes a little at 60 mph. If you're feeling particularly impulsive after a night of entirely too much tequila, $2900 is all that separates you from a healthy dose of ride-pimped regret.

Thanks for the tip, Andy!

[Source: Craigslist]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 hits the dyno

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Dodge

Click image for high-res gallery

With the new 600-horsepower 2008 Dodge Vipers starting to hit the streets, it was only a matter of time before someone put one on a dyno to see what kind of juice the snakes are sending to the rear wheels. That someone, in this case, is longtime Viper tuner Hennessey, and their new car made 546 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque in stock trim. According to DragTimes, if you factor in a 13% drivetrain loss, the new Viper is actually making around 615 horses. Not shabby, to say the least. Hennessey dynoed the car a second time after making some exhaust mods and was able to raise those numbers to 574.95 rwhp and 537 lb-ft. Head over to DragTimes to see the graph. We'll take one in green, please.

Thanks for the tip, Fiske!

[Source: DragTimes]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10


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