Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.20.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


AutoblogGreen has already shown you pictures of the all-electric Mustang Ronaele 300e and the Shelby Cobra 427 EV, but now we've got videos, too. You're welcome. And if you're still not satisfied, check out videos of the plug-in Prius prototype and the Chevy Malibu hybrid. Whew.

• EVS23: The baddest Shelby Cobra 427 around is all-electric (video)
• EVS23: Droolworthy all-electric Mustang Ronaele 300 can be yours in early 2008 (video)
• EVS23: We go for a ride in the plug-in Prius prototype (video)
• EVS23: Testing out the Chevy Malibu hybrid (video)
• Tesla clarifies their plans for early production transmissions
• Will the Volt become a Vega?
• Now it's pen-on-paper official: President Bush signs 35 mpg CAFE into law
• Videos: London's Heathrow airport to use driveless, electric POD transport system
• The EU enforces CO2 limits and will fine polluting carmakers
• Daimler AG will deliver over 1,000 new diesel-electric hybrid buses by 2010
• Video: Indy racer says he gets better mileage on ethanol
• If the Nissan Titan lives on, it might get a diesel
• Will NYC get the congestion charge in early 2008?
• New York Mayor Bloomberg test drives Miles Automotive's Javlon in China
• Mazda demonstrates that small lightweight cars be safe too
• Tata's $2,500, 59-mpg offering described as "eco-car," on display in January
• Stanford researcher claims lithium ion breakthrough

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford Focus RS could beget Volvo C30R

Filed under: Hatchbacks, Volvo


Mere minutes after receiving word that Volvo would begin producing the C30 hatch, we've been speculating about the possibility of a performance version that would evolve the stylish three-door into a GTI competitor. The announcement that Ford is developing a new Focus RS has given us even more reason to be hopeful. Pure speculation and performance prognostication says that the 2.5-liter turbocharged mill shouldn't be an issue since it's already fitted into the C30's platform siblings, the Focus ST and S40, plus, all-wheel-drive could be part of the equation.

A 300+ hp C30R has the potential of joining the Mazdaspeed3 as another way of satiating our desire for a hot Focus, and if the price, we're smelling a hit.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Thanks for the tip, Paul!
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: IIHS recreates fender benders, then heads for the body shop

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivans/MPVs, Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Kia, Nissan, Toyota

Click the image above to check out the (mild) carnage.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been conducting a series of studies to test the extent of damage caused by low-speed crashes - one of the most common collisions around. The tests included running a bumper-shaped barrier into the front and rear corners of select vehicles at 3 mph and full-width impacts at 6 mph.

The financial results aren't surprising for anyone who's sustained what used to be minor damage. Of the vehicles tested, the Nissan Quest "failed miserably," when the bill for the damages amassed $8,102 for the corner and full-width impacts. Honda faired slightly better, with an estimate of $5,258, with the Chevrolet Uplander, Dodge Caravan and Toyota Sienna all coming in under $6-grand.

The IIHS' full press release is printed in full after the jump and proves that even a slight bump in the parking lot can result in repairs well into the five figures.

Gallery: IIHS Bumper Crashes

Continue reading IIHS recreates fender benders, then heads for the body shop

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Congress looking to mandate better visibility in trucks, SUVs

Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Government/Legal


The United States Government does not believe consumers have enough safety measures in place in their automobiles. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has passed a bill that will require government regulators, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to adapt their standards to require various means of diminishing blind spots in trucks and large SUVs, increased prevention of vehicles rolling away and more finger (or neck) friendly power windows. This bill relates to similar legislation passed by a Senate committee back in May. It is different from previous versions though, because it does not specify rear-view cameras as the solution to the visibility issue. It leaves NHTSA the ability to regulate through the use of additional mirrors, sensors, cameras, etc. All this legislation may sound helpful to consumers, but honestly just because better visibility exists doesn't mean the driver will use it. You get the idea after reading this particular editorial by Natalie Neff from Autoweek.

[Source: Detroit Free Press via Winding Road]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford likely won't use "Twin Force" name despite its kickassedness

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Tech, Ford, Lincoln

When we saw the Lincoln MKR at the Detroit Auto Show, we were every bit as excited about the high-tech twin-turbo V6 as we were the sleek-looking RWD sedan. Even the "Twin Force" name given to the hopped-up powerplant struck us as cool. While Ford doesn't necessarily disagree that Twin Force is a great name, the automaker feels customers may think "Force" somehow is more indicative of its 415 HP power than its fuel-sipping thrift. Ya don't say! Ford is looking to re-brand the force-fed direct inject engine to help bring focus to its V8 power with V6 fuel economy. It just might be difficult to sell 400+ HP as green, but if it can achieve 27 MPG and hit 60 MPH in 5 seconds, Ford could call it the Pinto and it would be coveted.

Is it just us, or does Ford Motor Company need a naming scion that can pick one name and stick with it? Lets see, we have the like-named Freestar (dead) and Freestyle, which is now the Taurus X. Then there was the Five Hundred/Taurus, and who could forget the MKX/MKZ/MKS/MKR debacle that even top-ranking executives can't seem to keep strait. The one year of Zephyr was classic, too. Then there is the upcoming V8 that the company wanted to name "Hurricane," yet reconsidered after Katrina nearly destroyed New Orleans. Well, if the Blue Oval is going to rename the engine, we may as well give them a hand. Let us know what you would call Ford's fire-breathing green machine after the jump. Did we mention that the Fusion was supposed to be the Futura?

[Source: Wards Auto]
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[Stuart]

There was nothing much wrong with the olf NSX, it just needed more power.
They should have given it a mild facelift and doubled the power. Job done.

That Advanced Sports Car Concept looks horrible. I wouldn't have that if you gave it to me.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Something "stunning" coming from Audi

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Audi

Following our report last month, Audi has confirmed it will be showing two new cars at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. Although Audi is mute on what those two cars will be, one is reportedly a "stunning" new concept car; the second being a new production model making its worldwide debut.

We previously speculated that Audi could be showing the production TT-S, although the next new model expected to come down the pipeline from Audi is a facelifted version of the A3 hatchback, which makes it a strong candidate to fill that slot at Audi's Detroit stand. The A3 has run the longest in the line-up since introduction or refresh, followed by the A8 luxury sedan.
The "stunning" concept car is expected to be somehow based on the already-stunning R8 supercar. Some reports suggest it could be the V10 version known tentatively as the RS8, or possibly a convertible version of the mid-engined sportscar. Given the aesthetic used, the roadster would seem more fitting than the V10, although a design study could also fit the bill.
We'll just have to wait another few weeks to see.
[Source: Audi]​

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Something "stunning" coming from Audi

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First look at facelifted Mercedes SLK

Filed under: Convertibles, Mercedes Benz

Click on the image above to view in high resolution
We've been seeing spy shots of the upcoming facelifted Mercedes-Benz SLK for some time now, awaiting its unveiling to see what those zany Germans have been up to on the baby SL, and now the first factory-released images have surfaced on the internet.
The most prevalent changes have been made cosmetically to the front end, where Mercedes seeks to capitalize even further on its ties with Formula One - not only does Mercedes partner in the McLaren team, but the SLK itself can often be seen pulling duty as safety car at grands prix. The F1-style nose and front bumper are accompanied by new tail-lights out back and a refreshed interior with redesigned seats and a more subdued center console.
The updated SLK also benefits from a revised 3.5-liter V6 with an anticipated 10 extra horsepower over the current version. More details will be made available as we close in on the car's official unveiling in the spring, but we'll be on the look-out in the meantime, so watch this space. Mercedes-Benz does not yet have the images up on its press site, so enjoy these branded pics courtesy of AutoExpress in the meantime - check out the gallery below.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Navistar set to buy GM's medium duty trucks

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Commercial Trucks, GM

You may recall that Navistar supplies Ford with diesel engines for its Super Duty trucks. You may also recall that the last two diesel engines used in Ford's Super Duty pickups (the current 6.4L Power Stroke and last generation's 6.0L) have had some quality problems. The 6.0L Power Stroke was known for problems stemming from defective fuel injectors, while the newer 6.4L has had one recall related to high exhaust temperatures that could ignite diesel fuel in the particulate filter, causing an impressive light show out the tailpipe. Because of their strained relationship on account of these engines, Ford and Navistar are likely to part ways in the near future.

So what do you do when your biggest client dumps you? You walk across town and strike a deal with its competitor. General Motors announced this morning that it has entered into a "non-binding memorandum of understanding" (read: gentleman's handshake) with International Truck and Engine Corporation to sell its medium-duty truck business to the Navistar owned-and-operated subsidiary. Thus, Navistar will eventually take over building and selling the GMC TopKick and Chevy Kodiak trucks. That's right, while Ironhide will remain a GMC vehicle, he'll no longer be owned by GM.

To be fair, Navistar was undoubtedly forced to produce the last two Power Stroke diesels for Ford in a hurry to meet rising emissions standards, which likely contributed to the problems that both engines have had. Apparently that doesn't bother GM, as we expect the TopKick and Kodiak will likely eschew their Duramax turbodiesels for International diesel engines after the deal is done.

[Source: GM]Continue reading Navistar set to buy GM's medium duty trucks

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

Filed under: Car Buying, Supercars, Mercedes Benz

Click on the images to view our high-resolution gallery
Some will say for better, others will say for worse, but one way or another, the Mercedes SLR McLaren is the supercar that refuses to go quietly into the night. It was previewed by the Vision SLR concept way back in 1999, and since entering limited production in 2003, the Anglo-Saxon supercar has performed disappointingly both on the road and in the market. But rather than allowing it to slip away, Mercedes has repeatedly given it new transfusions with the Roadster, 722 and most recently the 722 GT derivatives. The SLR, in all its incarnations, is about due for retirement, so where has it gone? To Florida, of course!
RENNtech, the Sunshine State-based Mercedes tuner par excellence, has been given the exclusive contract to import and distribute the long-named and long-nosed Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT in North America. RENNtech, which, as we reported earlier, tuned the SLR road car to actually produce 722 hp, will offer an allotment of 21 examples of the factory SLR 722 GT track-day special, each available at about $1.2 million.
To sweeten the deal, RENNtech is setting up a full track-day program for the SLR 722 GT owners, including set-up and maintenance by specialized technicians, opportunity to learn the track behind the wheel of its special SLR karts (pictured, right) and instruction from professional drivers (David Coulthard, although no longer affiliated with McLaren, is claimed to be on board).
To celebrate the arrival of the sharpest (and potentially last) version of the SLR to American shores, we've got a whole mess of new photos for you... just click on the gallery below. (Full press release after the jump.)
[Source: RENNtech]
Gallery: SLR 722 GT in America


Continue reading Coming to America: Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes

Filed under: Hatchbacks, Mercedes Benz

Mercedes' small cars, the A-Class and B-Class, have not been the runaway success that the German automaker had hoped they would be, partially due to high costs of production that drove retail prices up above their competitors. That's why Mercedes-Benz had been looking at forming a partnership with a rival automaker in order to reduce costs and produce more competitively-priced entry-level models. But after discussions were held with both BMW and Fiat, Mercedes has opted to go it alone.
Read more after the jump.
[Source: Inside Line]
Continue reading Mercedes going solo for new A and B-Classes

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Graphics accelerator: Nvidia's custom computer housed in a Porsche Cayenne

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Tech, Porsche

click above image for more pics
Automotive-branded computers are nothing new, but this takes it to new levels. Computer manufacturer SLI recently unveiled this PC encased in the Porsche rim.
The computer hardware is housed in a chromed 18-inch wheel from the Porsche Cayenne sport-utility, wrapped in Bridgestone rubber with twin exhaust-silencers housing the liquid cooling iron. The custom set-up was commissioned by Nvidia to showcase its SLI video performance platform, and really sticks it to all those fancy branded laptops from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Koenigsegg, Maybach and (soon) BMW.
[Source: Gizmo Watch via German Car Scene]
Gallery: Porsche Cayenne wheel PC mod




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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: What does the future hold for supercars with new fuel economy rules?

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Government/Legal, Green, Tech, Supercars, BMW, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari

Click the ZR1 for a high-res photo gallery

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Will_supercars_survive_new_fuel_economy_rules'; As the 2009 Corvette ZR1 was unveiled on the very same day that President Bush signed into law a new energy bill, the obvious question is where do we go from here? The most prominent part of the bill was the first increase in corporate average fuel economy requirements in over two decades. By 2020, most manufacturers will have to achieve a sales weighted average fuel economy of 35 mpg for their fleets. Note that was "most" and not "all" manufacturers, a subject we'll return to in a moment.

At the press preview of the new LS9 engine, GM Powertrain VP Tom Stephens was asked about gas guzzler taxes and how the energy bill would affect the future of cars like the ZR1. Stephens acknowledged that the ZR1 would have a gas guzzler tax, although the final mileage numbers weren't done yet. As for the future, it's too early to tell. In the past, the death of performance cars has been predicted repeatedly and here we are at a new high water mark. Corvette VLE Tom Wallace said at the car's debut that the ZR1 would last at least through the C6 model cycle. No decisions have been made about the C7 and beyond. Keep reading after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8

Continue reading What does the future hold for supercars with new fuel economy rules?

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Goodbye, Chrysler Crossfire

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

The Chrysler Crossfire was one of those unfortunate exercises in style-over-substance. What's worse is that its style was somewhat questionable, garnering reactions from "oh, that's interesting" to "make it stop, please make it stop". Well, Chrysler finally listened to the latter, and here at Autoblog we're not exactly weeping over the demise of the coupe and roadster, the last of which rolled off the assembly line in Germany on Tuesday.
During its five-year lifespan, the "all-American" coupe built in Germany sold 80,000 units, but last year US sales accounted for only 8,216. The car was offspring of the now-defunct partnership between Chrysler and Mercedes, and shared its platform with the original SLK roadster after it had been replaced.
The Crossfire is the first of four models that Chrysler is giving the axe under its new ownership, and since production of the car and many of its components are so closely tied to Daimler, it makes sense that it's the first to go. Next to be cut are the Dodge Magnum (unfortunately), Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible (unfortunately only the convertible) and Chrysler Pacifica (wait, which one was that again?).
[Source: Motor Authority]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Filed under: Chrysler, 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.

WHAT WENT DOWN AT THE CHRYSLER CHRISTMAS PARTY

I've always loved live theater. The more dramatic the better. And last week I was treated to one of the most enthralling performances I've ever seen. It was officially called The 2007 Chrysler Holiday Media Party.

First, the backdrop to the plot. Just days before the performance was to take place the director, Chrysler PR honcho Jason Vines, quit the company. He stomped off in protest over artistic differences he had with the new producer, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli.

Now you have to realize that the audience at this annual event was mainly made up of people from the automotive media, people who have known Jason for years. And while some of them may have had a run-in with Jason at one point or another, he was respected by most. Bright, blunt and always entertaining, Jason brought an intensity to the business seldom seen by others in his field. And we especially looked forward to the raucous comedy skits he'd perform at these gatherings. So his abrupt departure cast a pall on the whole evening.

But the show must go on, and so it did. Yet, it was quite a different performance than if Jason had been directing.Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autoblog Podcast #83

Filed under: Podcasts, Sports/GTs, Supercars, BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Hyundai, Nissan, Celebrities

Autoblog Podcast #83 was judiciously held back until after the embargo cleared, but we can now talk freely. The biggest news this week is the official unveiling of the Corvette ZR-1/Blue Devil. Powered by the new LS9 supercharged small-block, the car's performance is sure to be astounding. After laying eyes on the un-camoflaged car, hood porthole and all, we have to ask: is it overwrought? From ridiculous speed to ludicrous wordsmithing, we talk about the Nissan FORUM concept mainly for the chance to bash the hilariously composed press release. Maybe it was written in Japanese and they just passed it through translation software before releasing the announcement.

While we're being scornful, we turn our gaze to the new Knight Rider. We've been keepig an eye on all the news, and let's just say we expect the show to fail. The new Mustang-based KITT, even in Attack guise, is no Super Pursuit Mode original KITT. We wrap up with some discussion of Hyundai's move toward a turbocharged 2.0-liter direct-inject engine (GEMA?) and take that off into a discussion about the expanded selection of good, inexpensive, and powerful coupes. The finale is some speculation about the rendering of a new McLaren supercar, as well as analyzing the absurdly high price of the BMW 1-series. 43 minutes will do it, see you next week!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
LISTEN to the show now
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: REPORT: Tata Motors confirmed to buy Jaguar/Land Rover

Filed under: Jaguar, Land Rover
Britain's Birmingham Post newspaper has gone out on a limb and reported that Tata Motors will be named the winning bid for Jaguar and Land Rover as soon as tomorrow - Friday, December 21st. Neither the seller, Ford, nor the buyer, Tata, have confirmed that an announcement will be made tomorrow, and in fact Ford has repeatedly said that a buyer will not be named until early next year. The British paper reiterates the same estimate we've heard before, that Tata will be doling out around &pound;1 billion, or $2 billion USD, for the right to own these two storied brands. Of course, we'll let you know tomorrow if the announcement does actually happen.

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

Autoblog: MINI Crossman CUV to use 1-Series parts

Filed under: Crossovers/CUVs, BMW, MINI


Motoring File is reporting that the upcoming MINI CUV dubbed Crossman will share elements with the BMW X1 SUV that itself is based on the 1-Series. You heard that right: the MINI Crossman will have parts from the 1-Series, although we don't know which ones will be crossing over just yet. The cross-use of components will save time to market and production costs for both brands. Hopefully the strategy will also keep both new utility vehicles around the same price as their competitors, unlike the BMW 1-series.

Recent spy shots show the Crossman to have the appearance of a raised Clubman, but while the test vehicle only contains two doors, the production version is actually expected to sport four. It will also be larger in every dimension over a standard Clubman, so the pics we keep seeing of a raised Clubman like the one above don't really tell the whole story. Also, don't worry, as the component sharing does entail the inclusion of an AWD system adapted especially for the MINI's configuration.

[Source: Motoring File]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: KITT vs. KITT: Which is better?

Filed under: Etc.


Later on today when we publish the latest episode of the Autoblog Podcast, you'll get to hear my voice quiver as I recall the original KITT in all its F-body glory. The one thing that irked me about KITT v1.0 was near the end of the series' run when he was destroyed and rebuilt with new features. Suddenly, KITT could go Mach 5 on the ground thanks to a new Pursuit Mode that was accompanied by every manner of wing, canard and automatically-extending aerodynamic supplement in the universe. The original KITT in Pursuit Mode was obviously the inspiration for the new KITT in Attack Mode, which is just as garish an automobile in its own right.

Inevitably, comparisons between the KITT of our youth and the new KITT will occur like the one above, so we're pleased that Popular Mechanics bit the proverbial bullet and did a Special Features Comparison between the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am that played the original and the 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR that's been hired for the new series.

Technology has advanced in the last 25 years and the new KITT has many more interesting features than the old one, like a mini-KITT reconnaissance drone, nanotech cloaking technology and DNA analysis equipment. It also features standard equipment that Pontiac didn't offer back in the day like 24-hour roadside assistance, heated seats and a heads-up display. But the new KITT is missing a few key items that could come in handy like a grapling hook, flame thrower and oil jets that shoot out the back. Also, the new KITT doesn't appear to accelerate as fast as the old one, which could hit 60 mph in 0.2 seconds with some help from its power boosters.

Click the Read link to see which car wins the battle of the better KITT.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Gallery: The new KITT - OFFICIAL PHOTOS


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: BMW 1-Series spot - creation by precision

Filed under: Coupes, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

The BMW 1-Series is on the verge of being sold here in the U.S., which means the multimedia blitz is on its way. With automakers getting more creative to capture buyers attention, spots are getting more high tech, and less reality based. BMW brass have recognized the trend, and the end result is a fanciful version of how the 1-Series is produced at the factory. Hit the jump to see the the :30 spot, which carries the tag line "Makes you want to get behind the wheel." While the commercial may not do that for us, the razor sharp BMW chassis and silky smooth 300-hp twin-turbo inline-six has us panging for a shot behind the wheel. Check out the gas fill up point just before the Bimmer takes off. That would beat the hell out of self-serve in the dead of winter.

[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: BMW 1-Series spot - creation by precision

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