Autoblog: News Thread
- Thread starter monkeyboy
- Start date
Autoblog: Ferrari F1 guru Ross Brawn defects to Honda
Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings, Honda, Ferrari
When Ross Brawn took a sabbatical last year from Scuderia Ferrari, the rumors started flying. Would he return to Ferrari? Would he sign with another team? Or would he retire from racing altogether? The rumor mill can stop churning now, as the mastermind behind Ferrari's dominance of the Formula One circuit, it has been announced, is heading over to Honda.
When Schumacher moved to Ferrari from Bennetton ten years ago, Brawn came with him and took up the position of technical director, the number-two spot on any F1 team, and together the pair built the team up. But when Schumacher retired, Brawn took a sabbatical, leaving his options open for a return. Some pundits speculated that Brawn would return to Maranello and take over management of the team from overworked CEO Jean Todt, but in the post-Schumacher era, Brawn will be hawking his wears elsewhere.
Following the revelation, Ferrari announced some changes of its own, promoting Stefano Domenicali from sporting director to team principal, allowing Todt to focus on the bigger picture. Several other changes in the technical staff were also announced.
Honda, meanwhile, has one of the biggest budgets in F1, but has seen little success in return. This past season, the Honda team has been embarrassed by the comparative success of their B-team Super Aguri... along with just about every other team, big and small. With Brawn behind the proverbial wheel, however, Honda is bound to become a force with which to be reckoned.
[Source: Autosport]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings, Honda, Ferrari
When Ross Brawn took a sabbatical last year from Scuderia Ferrari, the rumors started flying. Would he return to Ferrari? Would he sign with another team? Or would he retire from racing altogether? The rumor mill can stop churning now, as the mastermind behind Ferrari's dominance of the Formula One circuit, it has been announced, is heading over to Honda.
When Schumacher moved to Ferrari from Bennetton ten years ago, Brawn came with him and took up the position of technical director, the number-two spot on any F1 team, and together the pair built the team up. But when Schumacher retired, Brawn took a sabbatical, leaving his options open for a return. Some pundits speculated that Brawn would return to Maranello and take over management of the team from overworked CEO Jean Todt, but in the post-Schumacher era, Brawn will be hawking his wears elsewhere.
Following the revelation, Ferrari announced some changes of its own, promoting Stefano Domenicali from sporting director to team principal, allowing Todt to focus on the bigger picture. Several other changes in the technical staff were also announced.
Honda, meanwhile, has one of the biggest budgets in F1, but has seen little success in return. This past season, the Honda team has been embarrassed by the comparative success of their B-team Super Aguri... along with just about every other team, big and small. With Brawn behind the proverbial wheel, however, Honda is bound to become a force with which to be reckoned.
[Source: Autosport]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: eBay UPDATE: Auto shop not allowed to profit from LiLo's DUI
Filed under: Auction Action, Etc., Mercedes Benz
A few days ago we alerted you to the fact that Lindsay Lohan's smashed-up-yet-now-repaired Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG was being listed on eBay Motors by the shop that fixed its front end. The shop figured out it was Ms. Lohan's ride when a customer compared the license plate that was still on the car to one seen in a video about the starlet's DUI crash. They indeed matched and the shop then realized it was sitting on a potential gold mine. After all, if people will pay thousands for Britney's unwashed left sock, surely Lindsay's personal Doom's Day machine would fetch a few more dollars than a standard SL65 AMG. And so the eBay listing for the car went up and was plastered with LiLo's image and tales of debauchery to which the car was a witness.
Apparently, eBay frowns upon profiting from the mishaps of young hollywood (or else a team lawyers had some words with eBay). The auction apparently ended prematurely, but don't fret - the car is back up for sale on eBay Motors, this time without any mention of Lohan and her exploits. Instead, the only clue as to this car's previous owner is the description "previously owned by high profile celebrity". We wanted to let you know just so that no one out there thought this Merc was previously owned by Britney, Paris or any other celebrity that buys inappropriately high-powered cars.
Thanks for the tip, alex!
[Source: eBay Motors]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Auction Action, Etc., Mercedes Benz
A few days ago we alerted you to the fact that Lindsay Lohan's smashed-up-yet-now-repaired Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG was being listed on eBay Motors by the shop that fixed its front end. The shop figured out it was Ms. Lohan's ride when a customer compared the license plate that was still on the car to one seen in a video about the starlet's DUI crash. They indeed matched and the shop then realized it was sitting on a potential gold mine. After all, if people will pay thousands for Britney's unwashed left sock, surely Lindsay's personal Doom's Day machine would fetch a few more dollars than a standard SL65 AMG. And so the eBay listing for the car went up and was plastered with LiLo's image and tales of debauchery to which the car was a witness.
Apparently, eBay frowns upon profiting from the mishaps of young hollywood (or else a team lawyers had some words with eBay). The auction apparently ended prematurely, but don't fret - the car is back up for sale on eBay Motors, this time without any mention of Lohan and her exploits. Instead, the only clue as to this car's previous owner is the description "previously owned by high profile celebrity". We wanted to let you know just so that no one out there thought this Merc was previously owned by Britney, Paris or any other celebrity that buys inappropriately high-powered cars.
Thanks for the tip, alex!
[Source: eBay Motors]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: Rendered Speculation: Ferrari SUV that's not going to happen
Filed under: Concept Cars, Ferrari
Rumors of Ferrari producing an SUV have been around for years, probably ever since the Porsche Cayenne arrived and proved that a marque with the highest of sporting credentials could get away with offerings such a clod to its clientele. Nevertheless, Ferrari fans scoff at the idea, with some here at Autoblog exclaiming they will draw their last breath before Maranello builds an SUV.
Yet the rumors persist, recently culminating in a post by our friends over at World Car Fans that contained an incredible amount of specific conjecture about a Ferrari F599 FS 599 Fuoristrada concept being readied for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The rendering that accompanied their post was a bit 8th grade-esque in execution, so we thought we'd share this one cribbed from what appears to be a Romanian site. For all we know the linked article could be telling us that the Ferrari SUV has been approved for production and Michael Schumacher will personally autograph the passenger-side airbag of each one, but we don't speak Romanian and neither do any of our trusted web-based translaters. If you do, let us know what the scoop is in the comments.
Regardless, this rendering at least does justice to what a Ferrari SUV might look like, with sinewy curves, styling cues that evoke past prancing horses and what appears to be a wheel/tire combo that could easily take an apex or two. Should such a vehicle ever be made? Hell no! But there's no harm in drawing one, we suppose.
Thanks for the tip, Justin!
[Source: automarket.ro]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Concept Cars, Ferrari
Rumors of Ferrari producing an SUV have been around for years, probably ever since the Porsche Cayenne arrived and proved that a marque with the highest of sporting credentials could get away with offerings such a clod to its clientele. Nevertheless, Ferrari fans scoff at the idea, with some here at Autoblog exclaiming they will draw their last breath before Maranello builds an SUV. Yet the rumors persist, recently culminating in a post by our friends over at World Car Fans that contained an incredible amount of specific conjecture about a Ferrari F599 FS 599 Fuoristrada concept being readied for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The rendering that accompanied their post was a bit 8th grade-esque in execution, so we thought we'd share this one cribbed from what appears to be a Romanian site. For all we know the linked article could be telling us that the Ferrari SUV has been approved for production and Michael Schumacher will personally autograph the passenger-side airbag of each one, but we don't speak Romanian and neither do any of our trusted web-based translaters. If you do, let us know what the scoop is in the comments.
Regardless, this rendering at least does justice to what a Ferrari SUV might look like, with sinewy curves, styling cues that evoke past prancing horses and what appears to be a wheel/tire combo that could easily take an apex or two. Should such a vehicle ever be made? Hell no! But there's no harm in drawing one, we suppose.
Thanks for the tip, Justin!
[Source: automarket.ro]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: Malibutique: Chevy midsize sedan inspires fashion accessories
Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet
We had a chance to drive the 2008 Chevy Malibu recently and said it's one of the best products (possibly the best midsize sedan) ever made by General Motors. Apparently, though, we didn't realize just how fashionably-styled the new Malibu really is.
Chevrolet has teamed up with (i.e. paid) Lucky Magazine and fashion designer Rafe Totengco to sell a line of fashion accessories inspired by the new Malibu in the Malibutique. Totengco says in the ad that appears in the November issue of Lucky, "The Chevy Malibu is an American icon; who wouldn't be inspired by that?" For some reason we're struck by the urge to raise our hands right now.
[Source: Lucky Magazine]Continue reading Malibutique: Chevy midsize sedan inspires fashion accessories
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet
We had a chance to drive the 2008 Chevy Malibu recently and said it's one of the best products (possibly the best midsize sedan) ever made by General Motors. Apparently, though, we didn't realize just how fashionably-styled the new Malibu really is.
Chevrolet has teamed up with (i.e. paid) Lucky Magazine and fashion designer Rafe Totengco to sell a line of fashion accessories inspired by the new Malibu in the Malibutique. Totengco says in the ad that appears in the November issue of Lucky, "The Chevy Malibu is an American icon; who wouldn't be inspired by that?" For some reason we're struck by the urge to raise our hands right now.
[Source: Lucky Magazine]Continue reading Malibutique: Chevy midsize sedan inspires fashion accessories
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: VIDEO: Power TV offers inside look at popular aftermarket companies
Filed under: Aftermarket, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos
Many adults these days have grown up with Sesame Street as a staple of their youth. The show has also introduced many children to the world of heavy machinery with their factory tour segments. You know the clips where they show detailed videos of the crayon manufacturing process? It's amazing how enthralling molten wax can be. Wouldn't it be great to see similar videos featuring aftermarket performance brands? Well it seems that Power TV has answered this heretofore unknown demand. The video sharing network has posted a shop tour series featuring inside looks at a few well known names in automotive performance.
The clips show elements of design, manufacturing and quality control as they pertain to pistons, cylinder heads, exhausts, turbochargers, superchargers and even engine blueprinting. It is apparent that expensive modern technologies such as 3-D CAD software, coordinate measuring devices (CMM) and 5-axis CNC machines have infiltrated aftermarket organizations thus creating better products for the end user. While some of the videos come across as blatant advertisements, they still offer a nice peak into the world of performance goods. Follow the jump to view the video series.
[Source: PowerTVOnline.com]
Continue reading VIDEO: Power TV offers inside look at popular aftermarket companies
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Aftermarket, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos
Many adults these days have grown up with Sesame Street as a staple of their youth. The show has also introduced many children to the world of heavy machinery with their factory tour segments. You know the clips where they show detailed videos of the crayon manufacturing process? It's amazing how enthralling molten wax can be. Wouldn't it be great to see similar videos featuring aftermarket performance brands? Well it seems that Power TV has answered this heretofore unknown demand. The video sharing network has posted a shop tour series featuring inside looks at a few well known names in automotive performance.
The clips show elements of design, manufacturing and quality control as they pertain to pistons, cylinder heads, exhausts, turbochargers, superchargers and even engine blueprinting. It is apparent that expensive modern technologies such as 3-D CAD software, coordinate measuring devices (CMM) and 5-axis CNC machines have infiltrated aftermarket organizations thus creating better products for the end user. While some of the videos come across as blatant advertisements, they still offer a nice peak into the world of performance goods. Follow the jump to view the video series.
[Source: PowerTVOnline.com]
Continue reading VIDEO: Power TV offers inside look at popular aftermarket companies
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: Mays: Ford's single global design language will debut in six years
Filed under: Euro, Ford
It's been no secret that part of Ford's turnaround plan (or we calling it Bold Moves anymore?) is to reunite its North American and European operations with more platform sharing and a common design language. With product life cycles being as long as they are in this industry, none of that will happen overnight. In fact, J Mays, Ford's group vice president of design and chief creative officer, told Automotive News that a single uniting global design language for both sides of the pond will be ready in about six years.
The main stumbling block is that Ford vehicles in North American and those sold in Europe have successfully established their own recognizable and well-liked design themes. It's called "Kinetic design" in Europe where the best example can be found in the new Mondeo, and "Bold American" in the U.S. where it manifests itself in the form of the three-bar chrome grille.
We've heard from inside sources that there's also a clash of personalities involved here between Ford of Europe's chief designer, Martin Smith, and Peter Horbury who heads up design for Ford in the U.S. Establishing a single visual language for Fords sold on both sides of the pond hinges on these two working together, which we've heard is progressing albeit slowly. Mays tells AN, "I'm so pleased with the professional approach that Peter Horbury and Martin [Smith] have taken on driving us to the right answer," but we assume he has to say that, so take it with a grain of salt.
Now that Aston Martin is gone and Jaguar and Land Rover are on their way out, Mays has time once again to delve deeper into the designs of each brand over which he has dominion. Hopefully the hands on approach will keep Martin and Horbury motivated with the end result being some fantastic Ford designs in a half dozen years.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Euro, Ford
It's been no secret that part of Ford's turnaround plan (or we calling it Bold Moves anymore?) is to reunite its North American and European operations with more platform sharing and a common design language. With product life cycles being as long as they are in this industry, none of that will happen overnight. In fact, J Mays, Ford's group vice president of design and chief creative officer, told Automotive News that a single uniting global design language for both sides of the pond will be ready in about six years. The main stumbling block is that Ford vehicles in North American and those sold in Europe have successfully established their own recognizable and well-liked design themes. It's called "Kinetic design" in Europe where the best example can be found in the new Mondeo, and "Bold American" in the U.S. where it manifests itself in the form of the three-bar chrome grille.
We've heard from inside sources that there's also a clash of personalities involved here between Ford of Europe's chief designer, Martin Smith, and Peter Horbury who heads up design for Ford in the U.S. Establishing a single visual language for Fords sold on both sides of the pond hinges on these two working together, which we've heard is progressing albeit slowly. Mays tells AN, "I'm so pleased with the professional approach that Peter Horbury and Martin [Smith] have taken on driving us to the right answer," but we assume he has to say that, so take it with a grain of salt.
Now that Aston Martin is gone and Jaguar and Land Rover are on their way out, Mays has time once again to delve deeper into the designs of each brand over which he has dominion. Hopefully the hands on approach will keep Martin and Horbury motivated with the end result being some fantastic Ford designs in a half dozen years.
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout
Filed under: SUVs, Nissan, Australia
Click image to enlarge
Automakers making rough-and-ready versions of their SUVs is nothing new, but it's clear that some of these are more serious than others. Nissan Australia has whipped up a machine that falls solidly into the latter category with the special-edition Patrol DX Walkabout. In Walkabout trim, Nissan's venerable off-roader receives a laundry list of accessories as standard equipment, including a bull bar, snorkel, cargo barrier, side steps, alloy wheels, and $2,000 (AUD) worth of camping equipment. (Oh yeah, it gets a CD changer, too, so you can blast your Midnight Oil records while rumbling through the bush.) Power comes from a 158-hp/280 lb-ft 3.0L turbodiesel mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It's available in silver or white and is priced at AUD $49,990 (manual) and AUD $52,990 (auto). That money buys you a vehicle that's pretty much ready to frighten kangaroos and traverse the island continent at a moment's notice. Just pack a couple extra jerry jugs of diesel and hit the road (or lack thereof).
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout
Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: SUVs, Nissan, Australia
Click image to enlarge
Automakers making rough-and-ready versions of their SUVs is nothing new, but it's clear that some of these are more serious than others. Nissan Australia has whipped up a machine that falls solidly into the latter category with the special-edition Patrol DX Walkabout. In Walkabout trim, Nissan's venerable off-roader receives a laundry list of accessories as standard equipment, including a bull bar, snorkel, cargo barrier, side steps, alloy wheels, and $2,000 (AUD) worth of camping equipment. (Oh yeah, it gets a CD changer, too, so you can blast your Midnight Oil records while rumbling through the bush.) Power comes from a 158-hp/280 lb-ft 3.0L turbodiesel mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It's available in silver or white and is priced at AUD $49,990 (manual) and AUD $52,990 (auto). That money buys you a vehicle that's pretty much ready to frighten kangaroos and traverse the island continent at a moment's notice. Just pack a couple extra jerry jugs of diesel and hit the road (or lack thereof).
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Australia: Nissan Patrol DX set to go Walkabout
Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: eBay Find of the Day: Jeep Grand Cherokee Commando Edition
Filed under: SUVs, Auction Action, Etc., Jeep
Here's a familiar morning routine now that the weather's turning colder: start car, set heat on high, retreat inside to finish coffee. There's plenty of debate for and against the practice of warming up by idling, but the unfortunate story of this ZJ could bolster the argument for just getting in and going. eBayer buickonly had his 1996 Grand Cherokee swiped from his driveway one morning as it sat innocently trying to generate some warmth. What had been a nice clean vehicle ended up having its nose bashed in and was abandoned after becoming wedged between two trees. The coniferous atomic wedgie sheared off an exterior door handle, so there's only three working doors, and a Lincoln Town Car donated its proboscis to some crude rhinoplasty, but at least it's got lights out front again. Naturally, his wife refuses to ride in it, especially with it's rattle-can chic paint job, so buickonly's trying to unload it. If you've got a need for a vehicle that doesn't have to be pretty, bids start at $1,600.
Thanks for the tip, Erik!
Gallery: Commando Jeep
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: SUVs, Auction Action, Etc., Jeep
Here's a familiar morning routine now that the weather's turning colder: start car, set heat on high, retreat inside to finish coffee. There's plenty of debate for and against the practice of warming up by idling, but the unfortunate story of this ZJ could bolster the argument for just getting in and going. eBayer buickonly had his 1996 Grand Cherokee swiped from his driveway one morning as it sat innocently trying to generate some warmth. What had been a nice clean vehicle ended up having its nose bashed in and was abandoned after becoming wedged between two trees. The coniferous atomic wedgie sheared off an exterior door handle, so there's only three working doors, and a Lincoln Town Car donated its proboscis to some crude rhinoplasty, but at least it's got lights out front again. Naturally, his wife refuses to ride in it, especially with it's rattle-can chic paint job, so buickonly's trying to unload it. If you've got a need for a vehicle that doesn't have to be pretty, bids start at $1,600.
Thanks for the tip, Erik!
Gallery: Commando Jeep
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 11.13.07
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green
How much would you pay for "this year's hottest form of transportation?" If you agree with Vectrix that said form is their new all-electric scooter, then you might be in the market for their $11,850 two-wheeler. And hey, they'll deliver it to your home. Other deliveries in the near future include the third VW up! variant and the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, both coming to the L.A. Auto Show.
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green
How much would you pay for "this year's hottest form of transportation?" If you agree with Vectrix that said form is their new all-electric scooter, then you might be in the market for their $11,850 two-wheeler. And hey, they'll deliver it to your home. Other deliveries in the near future include the third VW up! variant and the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid, both coming to the L.A. Auto Show.
- Vectrix home delivery will bring the all-electric scooter to where you live (in CA)
- LA 2007 Preview: Third VW up! variant to debut, perhaps with fuel cell power
- The American Roadster by Eco-Fueler seats one-and-a-half men
- LA 2007 Preview: Porsche Cayenne Hybrid
- Motley Fool sez AltairNano stock "missed the mark"
- New ethanol plants face an old problem - NIMBY
- Bosch ramping up for major US diesel push
- Video: In-wheel electric motors on robotic legs
- VIDEO: Chevy Fuel Solutions commercials
- Honda Soltec solar cell facility opens today
- Israel considering making electric vehicles completely tax free
- Toyota wants a hybrid sports car, once lithium batteries are ready
- You want your car to run on electricity? I've got a guy...
- Navistar first company to enter line production of hybrid commercial trucks
- Jeep adds diesel option to entry level model and cuts price by $1,000
- Video: Jeremy Clarkson says 4X4 = uncool, bad sex?
- Vectrix Electric Superbike Concept bows at Milan
- KillaCycle drops into the seven second range in the quarter mile
- Volkswagen UK sells out of 2007 Bluemotion vehicles
More...
Autoblog: Saleen set to launch updated Heritage and Extreme Mustangs for 2008
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen
Saleen isn't slowing down, despite company founder Steve Saleen retiring from the company earlier this year. The specialty manufacturer will release updated versions of its Extreme and Heritage models for 2008. Both will use a supercharged version of the 302 cubic inch engine found in the Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang that we drove last year. The upgraded Heritage model, dubbed the H302 SC, will have styling cues from both the PJ and the previous Heritage model, as well as a functional shaker hood that sucks cool air into an air box directly above the supercharger. Each will have more horsepower than any of the current Mustang models, and the Extreme version is rumored to have north of 600 ponies pounding the pavement. All models feature Saleen's Racecraft suspension, upgraded Saleen brakes, and more.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen
Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: V8 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon delayed until 2009
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Chevrolet, GMC
Bad news V8 fans. The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon won't be available with the 5.3-liter V8 that's bound to power the new Hummer H3. Instead, buyers bent on getting their hands on one of the few remaining small-sized pickups will have to rely on either the Vortec 2.9-liter four or 3.7-liter inline-five for motivation until the 2009 model goes on sale late next year.
The story originated on a thread over at GM Inside News, and our man Mike Levine followed up with Chevy truck spokesman, Brian Goebel, who said that delay is due to "a cost and engineering issue that resulted in a decision to postpone the introduction by a few months."
[Source: Pickuptruck.com]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Chevrolet, GMC
Bad news V8 fans. The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon won't be available with the 5.3-liter V8 that's bound to power the new Hummer H3. Instead, buyers bent on getting their hands on one of the few remaining small-sized pickups will have to rely on either the Vortec 2.9-liter four or 3.7-liter inline-five for motivation until the 2009 model goes on sale late next year.
The story originated on a thread over at GM Inside News, and our man Mike Levine followed up with Chevy truck spokesman, Brian Goebel, who said that delay is due to "a cost and engineering issue that resulted in a decision to postpone the introduction by a few months."
[Source: Pickuptruck.com]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, GM
Cadillac's lineup is looking better than it has in years, with the hot-selling CTS and the defacto standard for large SUVs, the Escalade. While the SRX crossover is an Autoblog favorite, it isn't experiencing the kind of sales success as many of its rivals.
Cadillac appears to have another crossover up its sleeve and the spy photographers at KGP caught it testing with the Saturn Vue on which it's based. With the two vehicles next to one another, it's easy to see the similarities, but since the new model is destined to be a Cadillac, it's likely the two vehicles will share very few body panels. Although the BRX is heavily camo'd, we can see more angular lines, including a hard crease across the Caddy's profile, and the Vue's rounded rear appears to be gone as well.
The BRX will likely serve as Cadillac's answer to the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, and Lexus RX350, and is expected to go on in 2009 as a 2010 model with the 3.6L engine found in the CTS and STS.
[Source: Inside Line]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Cadillac appears to have another crossover up its sleeve and the spy photographers at KGP caught it testing with the Saturn Vue on which it's based. With the two vehicles next to one another, it's easy to see the similarities, but since the new model is destined to be a Cadillac, it's likely the two vehicles will share very few body panels. Although the BRX is heavily camo'd, we can see more angular lines, including a hard crease across the Caddy's profile, and the Vue's rounded rear appears to be gone as well.
The BRX will likely serve as Cadillac's answer to the Acura MDX, Lincoln MKX, and Lexus RX350, and is expected to go on in 2009 as a 2010 model with the 3.6L engine found in the CTS and STS.
[Source: Inside Line]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: GM trademarks the name Vapor
Filed under: GM
GM recently filed the appropriate trademark paperwork to ensure it gets dibs on the name Vapor as it pertains to motor vehicles. However, there is no indication of where GM intends to utilize the new moniker. That means, for now, that the Vapor remains nothing more than vaporware, although we're hoping it carries a Saturn badge when it finally comes market. The Saturn Vapor; it sounds like a cloud of poisonous gas, and who wouldn't want to drive that?
Thanks for the tip Mork!
[Source: Trademork.com]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: GM
GM recently filed the appropriate trademark paperwork to ensure it gets dibs on the name Vapor as it pertains to motor vehicles. However, there is no indication of where GM intends to utilize the new moniker. That means, for now, that the Vapor remains nothing more than vaporware, although we're hoping it carries a Saturn badge when it finally comes market. The Saturn Vapor; it sounds like a cloud of poisonous gas, and who wouldn't want to drive that?
Thanks for the tip Mork!
[Source: Trademork.com]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: Get ready: Gas prices expected to jump 20 cents
Filed under: Etc., Driving
With oil prices running amok of late, you kind of had to know this was coming. The US Energy Information Administration reports that consumers should prepare to see prices at the pump increase by another 20 cents or so in the coming weeks. Thanksgiving travelers should expect feel the pain immediately with jacked-up prices greeting them during the road trip to Grandma's. High gasoline prices should continue beyond the holiday, and if things go as projected, we can expect to see the a new record high set for gasoline in the immediate future. As for OPEC, the member states will meet in December to figure out what's on their agendas, and they haven't given the feds any clues. If they don't increase production, the price of crude will remain elevated and result in high fuel prices again this spring. The fun never ends.
[Source: Reuters]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Etc., Driving
With oil prices running amok of late, you kind of had to know this was coming. The US Energy Information Administration reports that consumers should prepare to see prices at the pump increase by another 20 cents or so in the coming weeks. Thanksgiving travelers should expect feel the pain immediately with jacked-up prices greeting them during the road trip to Grandma's. High gasoline prices should continue beyond the holiday, and if things go as projected, we can expect to see the a new record high set for gasoline in the immediate future. As for OPEC, the member states will meet in December to figure out what's on their agendas, and they haven't given the feds any clues. If they don't increase production, the price of crude will remain elevated and result in high fuel prices again this spring. The fun never ends.[Source: Reuters]
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: LA Auto Show preview: 2018 Mazda3 concept winner
Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Mazda
After several weeks of voting over at Facebook, Mallory McMorrow emerged as the winner of the Mazda Design Challenge, a contest that tasked budding automotive artists to envision what design direction the Mazda3 might take in 2018. The 21-year-old Notre Dame industrial design major beat out 300 contestants over the course of the contest, and beyond being recognized for a her artistic prowess, she'll be on hand when her design is rendered in clay and paint over the course of the LA Auto Show.
Mallory will work with Mazda designer Jacques Flynn between November 14 and 24 to bring the concept to full-form, which she describes as an everyday sports car "that makes me forget that I own a five-door." We're looking forward to the transformation from a hunk of clay to a full-fledged concept over the next ten days, and we'll make it a point to see how it's progressing when the doors open up to the media tomorrow.Continue reading LA Auto Show preview: 2018 Mazda3 concept winner
Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Mazda
After several weeks of voting over at Facebook, Mallory McMorrow emerged as the winner of the Mazda Design Challenge, a contest that tasked budding automotive artists to envision what design direction the Mazda3 might take in 2018. The 21-year-old Notre Dame industrial design major beat out 300 contestants over the course of the contest, and beyond being recognized for a her artistic prowess, she'll be on hand when her design is rendered in clay and paint over the course of the LA Auto Show.
Mallory will work with Mazda designer Jacques Flynn between November 14 and 24 to bring the concept to full-form, which she describes as an everyday sports car "that makes me forget that I own a five-door." We're looking forward to the transformation from a hunk of clay to a full-fledged concept over the next ten days, and we'll make it a point to see how it's progressing when the doors open up to the media tomorrow.Continue reading LA Auto Show preview: 2018 Mazda3 concept winner
Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Autoblog: Milan 2007: Aprilia FV2 1200 concept bike
Filed under: Euro, Motorcycles
When Aprilia first unveiled their new Shiver and its 750cc V-Twin, they hinted that there would soon be larger versions of the engine available. Here they provide further proof that they are serious about making their own engines by lodging a 1200cc version of the torque-pump in their carbon fiber FV2 1200 concept bike which was shown in Milan last week. Although the engine is production-probable, don't hold your breath for the rest of the concept, as the carbon chassis is likely very expensive to manufacture. Not only that, but appearing like a Confederate designed by KTM with all of their inherent sharp creases, it seems a little off-putting, although very attention-grabbing... perfect for a bike to be seen only on the show circuit. The front suspension is similar to the Hossack-designed system used on the new BMW K-Series of bikes and might look familiar to those of you who are used to seeing upper and lower A-arms on racing cars.
Despite the fact that the FV2 is likely just a means to show off their 1200cc V-Twin engine, we are not disappointed by it. We are glad to see Aprilia making their own engines are look forward to the liter-plus beasts to make it onto the street and into hooligan hands.
[Source: Aprilia]
Gallery: Aprilia FV2 1200
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
</img> 
</img>
More...
Filed under: Euro, Motorcycles
When Aprilia first unveiled their new Shiver and its 750cc V-Twin, they hinted that there would soon be larger versions of the engine available. Here they provide further proof that they are serious about making their own engines by lodging a 1200cc version of the torque-pump in their carbon fiber FV2 1200 concept bike which was shown in Milan last week. Although the engine is production-probable, don't hold your breath for the rest of the concept, as the carbon chassis is likely very expensive to manufacture. Not only that, but appearing like a Confederate designed by KTM with all of their inherent sharp creases, it seems a little off-putting, although very attention-grabbing... perfect for a bike to be seen only on the show circuit. The front suspension is similar to the Hossack-designed system used on the new BMW K-Series of bikes and might look familiar to those of you who are used to seeing upper and lower A-arms on racing cars.
Despite the fact that the FV2 is likely just a means to show off their 1200cc V-Twin engine, we are not disappointed by it. We are glad to see Aprilia making their own engines are look forward to the liter-plus beasts to make it onto the street and into hooligan hands.
[Source: Aprilia]
Gallery: Aprilia FV2 1200
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
More...
Similar threads
