Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: The next best thing to a GT-R: luxury GT-R accessories

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Nissan, Lifestyle


You didn't think that Nissan was simply going to settle for selling the GT-R, did you? And did you think Nissan would forget about the folks who can't afford the affordable-for-its-performance GT-R? Oh no. Just like the other marques that the GT-R swims with, you can now kit yourself out in gear that will probably let everyone know that you don't actually own the car.

Like the car -- and recent gift trends -- it's all about leather and carbon fiber. However, unlike the car, these items don't appear to have bang-for-buck as core values. With a T-shirt costing $AUD120 ($US105 at today's exchange rate), you will have to earn your way into this apparel.

Thanks for the tip, Kris!

[Source: GTR Blog]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Fuel for the Fir: Hot Rod Ornaments

Filed under: Etc., Toys

Cal Car Cover has a set of Xmas ornaments that will leave no doubt about your gearhead status: miniature engines in three flavors. The Chevy Tri-Power 427, Chrysler 426 Hemi, and Ford SOHC Blown Fuel 427 are two inches long and guaranteed not to drip oil on the floor. These are ornaments for people who've had a "summer project" car in the garage for the past eight years, the kind that takes up so much space that daily drivers have to be parked outside. Buy the whole set, and you too can have three-on-the-tree.
[Source: Cal Car Cover]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Driver's SEAT: 4th-gen Ibiza set to bow in Geneva

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Hatchbacks, SEAT

Among Volkswagen subsidiaries, Skoda won't be hogging all the attention at the Geneva auto show. While the Czech division will be showing its second-generation Superb flagship, Seat is tipped to be unveiling the replacement for its entry-level Ibiza hatchback at the Swiss show in March.
While other automakers oftentimes opt to show the sportier three-door version of their compact hatchbacks to garner more attention, the model Seat will show in Switzerland is expected to be the five-door hatch, while the three-door is anticipated to debut later in the year. Styling is expected to follow the lead of its Seat stable-mates, as seen in the renderings above and at right, courtesy of our compadres over at Autoblog Spanish.
The Seat Ibiza is the Spanish division's bread-and-butter model and accounts for a whopping 40% of its sales worldwide, and with the current model Seat hopes to solidify its place in the Volkswagen hierarchy.
[Source: paultan.org and Autoblog Spanish]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Roehr revises its bike: 180 HP supercharged Harley Revolution standard

Filed under: Motorcycles

When one thinks of American sportbike manufacturers, surely Buell is the first name to pop up. Next might be Fischer, and then maybe some will know of Roehr. Like Erik Buell's, Roehr's machine is slated to use V-Twin engines from the most American of motorcycle manufacturers: Harley Davidson. Unlike Buell, the lump between the frame-rails will be the water-cooled Revolution engine, not an air-cooled Sportster-based engine. What's more is that the Roehr motor will be supercharged making 180 horsepower. That's pretty impressive stuff, and at 425 pounds (dry, claimed), this bike will boogie. Also present are Brembo brakes, Ohlins suspension and Marchesini wheels - all high-spec pieces. We think that the bike looks pretty good too, with the radiators tucked into the fairings on each side. The front bodywork seems rather Ducati 999-esque, which is odd considering that many people disliked the triple-9. Ah well, it looks okay to our eyes. With all that this bike has going for it, the high price is not surprising. Want one? Hope you've got an extra $45 grand lying around.
[Source: Roehr Motorcycles]

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[Rob J]

Not a bad looking car in the flesh either if you like the Elise shape, silver does it no favours. The one I saw at Hethel earlier this year was the Chrome Orange & it looked pretty good. Expensive but proves the future may not be all bad.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR comes in at just under $100,000

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Dodge

Click image for high-res gallery

Chrysler promised that the new 2008 Viper ACR would be priced at less than $100,000, and they were true to their word (barely) by announcing a $98,110 base price for the race-ready snake. The $12,000+ you spend over the base Viper coupe will get you a carbon fiber front splitter and adjustable rear wing, adjustable coilover suspension, a stiffer front anti-sway bar, lightweight 2-piece Stoptech brakes, and forged wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.The net result of all this is a 40 lb weight reduction. You can also opt for the hardcore package that takes out the audio system, underhood sound deadening material, trunk carpet, and tire inflator. Doing so drops the weight another 40 lbs. No word as to whether you'll be paying extra or less for that option. The powertrain remains untouched, but the 600 bhp and 560 lb-ft of torque coming from the V10 is more than enough.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.14.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


Get ready for the whining. The 35 MPG by 2020 CAFE limit is just a few votes and an signature away from being the new law of the land. We'll see how this news is accepted (or not) by the industry. Over at Tesla, the big news is that the first production unit is ready (kind of). Upgrade patches will be forthcoming. And, that picture of a boat there? Who want a hybrid pleasure boat?

• BREAKING! 35 MPG it is! Senate passes energy bill, back to the House
• Tesla: Roadster production unit #1 completed; future models may use range extender
• Serial hybrid drive comes to pleasure boats for the first time
• Rankingsandreviews says American hybrids not that good
• Land Rover LRX: will it include a hybrid powertrain?
• The BMW Hydrogen 7 on display in Australia early next year
• Stevenage mayor switches to top-grade Prius
• Tindo solar-powered bus makes its debut in Adelaide
• Third times a charm? Second vote on energy bill comes up 1 vote short
• Senate Democrats trying to modify energy bill to get it passed
• Quebec says "oui" to California's emissions standards
• First ANG powered three-wheelers projects in Philippines
• Ward's includes more efficient engines in Ten Best list
• International Transport Forum asks why use expensive biofuels?
• Mitsubishi and GS Yuasa establish Lithium Energy Japan

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: How not to roll in the Bugatti Veyron

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Bugatti


Here's a little Friday schadenfreude, courtesy of some person with a video camera in Vegas. The awesome Bugatti Veyron drinks gasoline at a prodigious rate, so keep an eye on that fuel gauge next time, guys. Remember, the Internet is watching. And laughing.

[Source: YouTube via German Car Blog]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Corvette C6.R returning to ALMS in 2008

Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Chevrolet

Click image for high-res gallery

Earlier this fall there was speculation that Chevrolet would withdraw the Corvette Racing team from the 2008 race season due to a lack of competition. Throughout most of the 2007 ALMS season, the two bright yellow C6.Rs were the only GT1 cars on the track. Corvette fans can now rest easy because the thundering 'Vettes will be back for the full 2008 race calendar. The two-car factory team will run all twelve ALMS races as well as shooting for another class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Even if you aren't necessarily a Corvette aficionado, the distinctly memorable sound of the C6.R hurtling down the track is definitely something worth experiencing, and race fans will be lucky to have another opportunity in 2008.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Chevrolet Corvette C6.R

Continue reading Corvette C6.R returning to ALMS in 2008

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GM announces layoffs for 340 Ohio workers

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, UAW/Unions


Beginning in January 2008 GM will start cutting back production at its Moraine, Ohio plant. The plant produces mid-size SUVs such as the Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X. Sales have decreased on all the models, leading to the inevitable cutbacks and GM's announcement that 340 hourly workers will fall on the chopping block. The layoff will see the facility maintain its two-shift schedule, but it will reduce output by 8 vehicles per hour. Completion of the reorganization is expected by mid-March.

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

Autoblog: Pics Aplenty: Every angle of the Land Rover LRX

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Land Rover

Click image for hi-res gallery

In case you missed it yesterday, the Land Rover LRX is the SUV coupe concept the British marque will introduce next month in Detroit. Based on the Freelander, it's shorter, lower, and exceptionally slick-looking. That goes for the interior, too, which uses ambient lighting to communicate what drive mode the truck's in. Red's for sport, green's for off-road, and blue's for normal. Here's hoping that somewhere, a green light's being lit regarding a production version as well. You can check out our original post here. The attached gallery is now stocked with all the currently available media shots as well. We'll crawl all over the LRX and give you firsthand impressions in a few weeks when we get to see it in the metal.

[Source: Land Rover]

Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: What you've all been waiting for: Nissan GT-R vs. Porsche 911 Turbo

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Nissan, Porsche, Driving


Performance on par with a Porsche 911 Turbo was a well publicized benchmark for Nissan engineers when designing the new GT-R. Nissan even flaunted its achievement of a faster lap time for the N&uuml;rburgring circuit as proof positive. While the information coming out of the manufacturer's camp was impressive, it also came with a grain of salt. Nissan's own marketing fluff was biased, of course. What then would be the result of the same comparison without the obviously one-sided view? Being the curious automotive enthusiasts that they are, the Inside Line gang decided to pool their resources and get the new Nissan GT-R together with a Porsche 911 Turbo for a little playtime.

The playground consisted of German public roads -- the autobahn in particular. The game was chase; Porsche versus GT-R, with the GT-R as lead. The Nissan's confidence through corners helped it to frequently diminish the 911 Turbo's visage in its rearview mirrors. The Porsche created unsettling stomach-in-mouth moments on turns navigated gracefully by the GT-R. The smoothness of the GT-R was due to its more settled suspension and ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, thus allowing the driver to step on the throttle in an earlier phase of corner exit compared to the 911. In conclusion, it was determined that all the Nissan marketing hype had some merit after all.

While the Inside Line article greatly explores the everyday characteristics and feel of the GT-R versus the 911 Turbo, there's another IL piece that gets the two together on a racetrack. The resulting driver impression is much the same: the GT-R can go head to head with the best of the world.

Thanks everyone for the tip!

[Source: Inside Line]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Senate passes Energy Bill: Back to House and onto White House

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green
Yesterday evening the U.S. Senate passed the new Energy Bill on its third try. After narrowly failing to get the requisite 60 votes the first two times, the Energy Bill passed last night with an overwhelming vote of 86-8. The deal breaker for Senate Republicans was $21.8 billion in new tax provisions that were removed from the bill after the second vote. Those taxes would have paid for new incentives for those who purchase plug-in hybrids. Also lost from the bill were new requirements for renewable energy from electric utilities. There were also a number of pork projects attached to the bill in order to garner additional support, and we'll be trying to track down what each of those are today.

Since this version of the Energy Bill is now different than the one earlier passed by the House of Representatives, it must go back to the House for a revote, where it's expected to pass easily. The White House, meanwhile, has flipped and said it will pass this version of the bill once it's approved by the House. Again, the core nugget of legislation in the bill concerning automakers is a rise in the nation's Corporate Average Fuel Economy to 35 mpg by 2020, and that remains. This means that in short order we will see the first change to CAFE standards since the mid-'80s.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: What's in a name? VW of America officially renamed...

Filed under: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Volkswagen

As of January 1st Volkswagen of America will be known by a new name: Volkswagen Group of America. In their efforts to take down Toyota as the world's top automaker Volkswagen has chosen to begin embracing its multi-brand size by adding the term group to its corporate moniker. It's a reminder that the company is more than just the letters "VW." The Volkswagen Group of America encompasses the brands of VW, Audi, Bugatti, Bentley and Lamborghini. It also houses the brand's financial service branches (go figure there are no financial branches for Bugatti or Lamborghini). Executives believe the change in title will also better prepare the organization for future brand expansion.

[Source: Just-Auto.com]Continue reading What's in a name? VW of America officially renamed...

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mussolini's Alfa on the auction block

Filed under: Auction Action, Alfa Romeo

Who would have guessed, but Benito Mussolini was a certified car guy. At least we can surmise that much from his car: the Alfa Romeo roadster you see above was once owned by the Italian dictator, and is now destined for the auction block.
Il Duce ordered this Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Pescara Spyder in 1935. Before it was delivered, he had custom coachwork with an auxiliary jump-seat crafted for it by Carrozzeria Touring. Underhood, he had the engine tuned to 95 horsepower from the standard 68. Naturally, the father of fascism didn't drive himself, but he didn't get any ordinary chauffeur either: he hired Ercole Boratto, a former Alfa Romeo factory test driver. In 1936 Boratto even took the car to the famous Mille Miglia street race, where he and the dictator's Alfa finished third in class.
Now, there are cars with provenance, and there are cars with provenance. As if its infamous first owner and its race history weren't enough, chassis 700635, with matching numbers, was awarded top honors at the 2005 New York Concours d'Elegance and second in class at Pebble Beach the same year. H&H auction house is putting it up on the block at England's Cheltenham race course on February 27, 2008, where it is expected to fetch between six and eight hundred thousand pounds sterling (approximately one and a half million dollars).
[Source: Italiaspeed]


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Aw Snap! Toyota recalling 15,600 Tundras for transmission shaft problems

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Recalls/TSBs, Toyota


The never-ending saga of Toyota's struggle to gain acceptance for its Tundra pickup in the U.S. market was made more difficult today with a new recall affecting some 15,600 trucks. Apparently the rear propeller shaft on some four-wheel-drive Tundras could separate at a joint because Toyota's supplier improperly heat treated it. Automotive News reports that Toyota discovered the problem when a single owner complained about noises coming from that area of his truck. Only one case of the shaft actually separating from the joint has been reported according to Toyota, and it did not result in an accident.

Credit Toyota for investigating the issue and determining which trucks are affected, then actually issuing this recall despite knowing it will hurt in the court of consumer opinion. In addition to today's recall, Toyota has also had to deal with Tundra owners complaining of "rumble strip" noises coming from the transmission, camshaft failures on a small number of trucks, and weak tailgates that have failed.

Toyota still hopes to sell 200,000 Tundras this year, and through the end of November has actually sold 177,336 units. It will require a BIG sales month in December to move nearly 25,000 Tundras, especially considering that the pickup's best selling month this year was July when 23,150 Tundra were sold.

[Source: Automotive News, Toyota]Continue reading Aw Snap! Toyota recalling 15,600 Tundras for transmission shaft problems

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan unveils navigation-enabled cruise control

Filed under: Safety, Tech, Infiniti, Nissan

Click the image above for a gallery of detailed shots.

Radar-based cruise control systems are quickly becoming par for the luxury course, but Nissan is upping the ante with a new setup that integrates the on-board navigation system to adjust vehicle speed. The system will grab route information from the sat nav, anticipating curves, and then adjust speed for the corner and then resume acceleration once the turn is complete.

The Distance Control Assist feature will also make sure that drivers are aware of an impending disaster, even with their foot on the accelerator, by pushing the gas pedal against the driver's foot. If the system detects things are going to go sour quickly, it will sound off an audio warning and display a message telling the driver to hit the brakes.

This new navigation-based system is yet another attempt at removing the driver from the equation, something that's met with a fair share of skepticism around Autoblog HQ. We're more content to do the driving ourselves and know full well that systems like this, although touted as a safer means of travel, will inevitably result in more driver inattention as motorists rely on the car to do their duties for them. Although, they said the same thing when cruise control first appeared on the scene, too.

Nissan's full press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan's Radar and Navigation-Assisted Cruise Control System

Continue reading Nissan unveils navigation-enabled cruise control

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: SPOILER ALERT! More pics of Knight Rider's GT500KR KITT

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Ford

click on either image for more new pics of KITT

We've found yet more high-res pics of the Shelby GT500KR that will play KITT in the TV revival of Knight Rider. This new batch finally gives us enough angles of both the KITT Hero and KITT Attack cars, including KITT's interior, to make a judgment on how successful the transformation is.

One thing we always liked about the original KITT was how simple it was: just a jet black exterior with black wheels. The GT500KR KITT Hero car conforms to this ethos, with an exterior that doesn't distinguish itself very much from a standards GT500KR save for the black paint accented by matte black racing stripes and the swooping red light bars in the hood nostrels. But why the chrome wheels? The blingy rims contrast too much with the stealth exterior treatment. What if KITT were trying to penetrate a nuclear waste facility and a search light bounced off his 20-inchers? They're not very practical for corporation-based vigilante crime fighting, if you ask us.

Gallery: The new KITT - OFFICIAL PHOTOS

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT! More pics of Knight Rider's GT500KR KITT

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept foretells next Mazdaspeed6

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

Click the image above for a gallery.

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/New_Mazda_concept_signals_the_return_of_the_MazdaSpeed6'; The 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon is right around the corner and despite rumblings that Mazda isn't considering making a 'Speed version of the Atenza/Mazda6, it's trotting out a concept to Japan's premier tuner expo to gauge consumer interest.

What's being dubbed the "Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept" found its way onto the Web, but information about the body kit-equipped concept is sorely lacking. We know it'll be coming to the show with new front and rear bumpers and some mild aero modifications, along with new side skirts, a lower ride height and a set of 18-inch 10-spoke wheels. Beyond that, it's anyone's guess as to what's powering the new 6 and how that power is finding its way down to the road.

Regardless, we've been able to source a couple of good photos of the concept and are hoping to have more information about all of Mazda's concepts bound for 2008 TAS soon.

[Source: Autocar]

Gallery: Mazda Atenza Mazdaspeed Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2007 Holiday Sweepstakes Day 5: DashDAQ Series II

Filed under: Contests




Today is our final 2007 Holiday Sweepstakes, and we hope you've enjoyed what we've had to offer so far. We think today's prize, however, is the biggest one under the tree. One randomly selected commenter on this post will receive a DashDAQ Series II valued at $695! This open source computer for you car can do almost anything. Out of the box it can display a gauge cluster in a variety of skins, show and clear diagnostic codes, and pull up data points from any of your car's sensors. But it's open source, so what the DashDAQ can do is only limited by the third-party applications that are developed for it. The Series II model won 9 SEMA International new product awards last month, and it's a more robust model than its predecessor with more processing power and additional inputs (two serial connecters, two USB ports and an SD card slot). Read more about its capabilities at DashDAQ's website, but make sure to enter to win it first.

NOTE: Because the DashDAQ Series II is our Grand Prize, we'll be accepting entries through 12:00PM EST on Monday, 12/17/07.

How to Enter: Just leave a single comment on this post (if you leave two or more, all will be disqualified).Simple Rules:

• 1 winner will be randomly selected at 12:00PM EST Monday, 12/17/07
• You may enter today's sweepstakes only once
• Only residents of the United States are eligible
• You must be at least 18 to enter

Click here to view official rules and come back every day this week around noon to see what else we're giving away. Happy Holidays from your friendly neighborhood Autoblog!

NOTE: We have already randomly chosen 1 winner for yesterday's sweepstakes and will be in contact shortly. Feel free to enter today's sweepstakes if you're eligible, and if you happen to be a previous Holiday Sweepstakes winner, your entry in today's sweepstakes will automatically not count.
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