Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: UK motorcyclists saved from being sliced in two by wire rope barriers

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Motorcycles, UK


We aren't conspiracy theorists, and we believe that government usually wants to do the right thing. Nevertheless, we do wonder sometimes how large groups of smart people come up with such dumb ideas. In this case, it's wire rope barriers used to act as a median on rural roads.

The barriers, already in use in Sweden, the Netherlands and New Zealand, are used to prevent head-on collisions between automobiles on narrower roads that don't allow for thick concrete barriers. The UK was in favor of installing them, until a study by a motorcycle group showed that they would be fatal for motorcyclists. In New Zealand, the barriers were nicknamed "cheese cutters" after a 22-year-old motorcyclist encountered them at speed and was sliced in two like a brick of fromage.

Now the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the group that had been lobbying for them in the UK, has withdrawn its endorsement. It now wants to "ensure that any barrier system proposed anywhere on our roads places the safety needs of motorcyclists at the top of the list."

Thanks for the tip, Adam!

[Source: Motorcycle News]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mercedes/BMW collaboration gaining steam

Filed under: Euro, Plants/Manufacturing, Tech, BMW, Mercedes Benz
Reports out of Munich are that BMW and Mercedes will be getting very cozy when it comes to cooperation. Earlier this year, Mercedes said "nein" to some sort of tie-up with BMW, even as Daimler was eying MINI motors for its upcoming A- and B-Class cars. Unnamed sources, though, have told the Financial Times Deutschland that BMW and Mercedes are not only looking at cooperating on engines, but they could also be open to developing assemblies like "axles, steering gear or drive systems."

BMW is being driven by the desire to cut costs. One can only assume that Mercedes, for all of its protestations, has the same thing in mind. Every carmaker is coming out with a raft of smaller cars to serve multiple purposes, among them: meet CO2 emissions and CAFE standards, put on a green face on for the public, and, of course, increase volume by selling more inexpensive vehicles.

While we're sure consumers would like to imagine each maker bringing its own technology -- and specifically, intangible brand feel -- to its vehicles, the business case cries out for closer cooperation for economies of scale. We aren't sure yet how BMW and Mercedes will be joining up, but we're pretty sure that they'll be doing so in some substantial way soon enough.

[Source: Bloomberg]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Automakers losing interest in performance hybrids

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Honda, Toyota


Well, that was short-lived. According to an article in the Freep, automakers are already beginning to disregard the idea of a hot hybrid, despite the benefits in fuel economy, emissions and performance.

The lackluster sales of the Honda Accord Hybrid, which was quasi-marketed as a pseudo-sports sedan, proved that the combination of "performance" and "hybrid" is too much of a stretch for the majority of consumers. While the Priusification of the species continues, with Honda confirming that it will be developing a direct competitor to Toyota's rolling fromage, it's worth mentioning that Toyota's own SARD racing team took the Tokachi 24-hour race this past July in a hybrid-equipped Supra. Not to mention ToMoCo's recent concepts, particularly the FT-HS, that sports a 3.5-liter V6 mounted to its Hybrid Synergy Drive system.

As Sam mentioned in his post over at AutoblogGreen, back in April, the SAE World Congress discussed the viability of performance hybrids, so the idea is still alive and well in the consciousness of the engineering community. Whether we'll see these performance-oriented offerings come to fruition is open to debate.

[Source: Detroit Free Press via AutoblogGreen]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Honda's Rose Parade float a transformer

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Honda


And you thought you were going to have to wait until next summer for the Transformers sequel. Well, thanks to Honda, you only have to wait until the Rose Bowl Parade to see shape-shifting-mechanical-flying things. Honda, long a sponsor of the parade, will be entering a float called "Passport to the Future." The trick: it turns from float into flying machine.

A huge, flower-covered Honda Ridgeline-type truck will sit atop a bed of multi-colored flowers. At the appointed time, the engine bay will turn into a cockpit, the sides will become wings, jet engines will emerge from the bed, and it will tuck its wheels and take flight in a cloud of steam. At the wheel will be a replica of Honda's personal robot, ASIMO.

Steve Morikawa, assistant VP of American Honda, said the company "is committed to creating products that give people mobility -- on both two and four wheels, and soon, in the skies. This year's float takes a fun and imaginative look at what the future of mobility might hold." If that means robots flying floral Ridgelines, it's going to be an exciting future indeed.

Thanks for the tip, Jonathan!

[Source: Street Import Online]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: High-mileage Loremo convertible in the works

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Green


The Loremo sedan (LOw REsistance MObile) isn't even here yet -- it's slated for 2009 -- and already the convertible has been announced. The coupe made its debut last year at the Geneva Motor Show, and the claims were grand: 20-HP in the 2-cylinder turbodiesel LS version, 0-60 in 9 seconds, a top speed of 122-MPH, a weight of 990 pounds, a Cd of .20, and 150-computer-simulated-MPG.

Of course the Loremo -- coupe or convertible -- isn't for everyone. The point of the car is to offer style (take that any way you wish), a modicum of luxury, and fuel-sipping economy at a prices between $13,000 and $18,000. The convertible would probably have a slightly higher Cd and therefore slightly worse gas mileage, but if you just get 100-MPG, that'd be all right, no? The convertible version would also probably be easier to get into than sliding over the fenders of the tilt-forward-canopy coupe. The Loremo Cabrio is expected to bow at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: World Car Fans]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autobacs bringing 14 cars, Speed Racer replica to Tokyo Auto Salon

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Etc., Tokyo Auto Salon

During our recent trip across the Pacific to cover the Tokyo Auto Show, we got word that our flight out of Narita was going to be delayed for 23 hours. The first thing that jumped into our jet-lagged minds was how much trouble it would be to catch a ride to the nearest city so we could revel in the JDM parts bonanza that is Super Autobacs. Think Kragen/Pep Boys/AutoZone, but with 20-times more new and used parts that don't completely suck. We never made it, but Autobacs presence at the Tokyo Auto Salon might make up for it when it hosts 14 different vehicles on its show stand, including a replica of the Mach 5 from Speed Racer and the SuperGT winning GT500 ARTA NSX. We're hoping that photos from the Autobacs booth are forthcoming, and when we get them, they'll be uploaded post haste.

[Source: GT Channel]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Back to the Future, Bullitt added to National Film Registry

Filed under: Time Warp, Etc., Celebrities

Judging from how a generation of thirty-somethings have images of a flying, fusion-powered DeLorean imprinted in their DNA, we'd say that Back To The Future has left its mark. Likewise, Highland Green '68 Mustang fastbacks only look appropriate wearing American Racing Torq-Thrust Ds and flying through the air. Bullitt might not have quite as broad an influence since it wasn't a comedy, but it's touched at least two generations of car nuts and sparked two commemorative edition cars. Because of the cultural significance of these films, they've been named to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for preservation in perpetuity.

BTTF and Bullitt are but two of a total of 25 great films that the National Film Preservation Board and the Librarian of Congress have chosen as "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." The list this year includes greats from a variety of genres, though it's still a little strange to think of Marty McFly's character being as deep as Humphrey Bogart's lead in fellow nominee "In a Lonely Place." Bullitt's 11-minute car chase was certainly the most talked about aspect of the film, but the tense cop drama was also well acted and has a superb score. Back To The Future's special effects really pushed the envelope, while the underlying story proved portable through two sequels sharing the same basic plot. It's quite a gift to car guys and children of the '80s who've wanted to have a badass green Mustang and a sleek (if not fast) DeLorean parked next to each other in the garage to see these two films topping the list, but the 23 other films named to the register are just as worthwhile. Our Saturday nights will be wrapped up for a while working through the movies named. We'll start with Bullitt, though.

[Source: Library of Congress]Continue reading Back to the Future, Bullitt added to National Film Registry

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: eBay Find of the Day: Tupac Shakur's H1 gets around

Filed under: SUVs, Auction Action, HUMMER, Celebrities

click image above to see more pics of Tupac's H1

Like the rapper himself, his accouterments also refuse to die. Tupac's H1 is for sale on eBay, after having been raffled off in a contest on BET, then sold to someone else, then sold or given back to his family, then transferred to his entertainment company, Havenotz Entertainment. And now, their forced liquidation sale is your potential gain.

The 1996 H1 hardtop is remarkably lightly altered, with nothing more than a lightbar, and a couple of Hummer logos and "Eliminator" badges on the rear fenders. The tan interior doesn't look to have a single DVD player or 10-inch LCD in sight. Apparently, bling does know some bounds, and if you can call an H1 'tasteful,' then this is it. The current bid: $200,200. If you just gotta have it, the Buy It Now Price is $500,000 -- which should buy you a nice slice of heaven in Thugs Mansion. Check out the gallery of pics below.

[Source: eBay via Jalopnik]
Gallery: Tupac Shakur's H1 on eBay


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rendered Speculation: 2009 Mercedes CLK

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Mercedes Benz

If this is an accurate depiction of the 2009 Mercedes CLK, all we can say is, well, we're disappointed. Not because it's a bad looking car, because it isn't. But was it Aston Martin or VW that started this trend of creating the same car in different sizes? If it was Aston, they've only got three models (for now), and they're playing in a smaller, hand-stitched leather arena, so we'll let them go. But for the mass market folks -- where did design differentiation disappear to?
This could be a much smaller CL. Or a slightly smaller 2-door E-Class. Or a larger, 2-door C-Class. BMW appears to be doing the same thing with the 2009 7-Series, the renderings of which look like a massive and slightly bloated 3-Series. We have no doubt this will sell well, if it is indeed the new CLK, especially as it gives the coupe a much-needed sharpening. The creases do this car a far better service than they do the current S-Class. Still, we wouldn't mind a little more imagination being applied across the drawing boards.
[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Leaked: facelift for Mercedes CLS

Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes Benz, AMG

We've been seeing camouflaged test mules of an updated Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class sedans driving around for some time now, but the German automaker apparently can't keep it under wraps anymore. On Saturday the online motoring press worldwide lit up with two pictures of the facelifted "four-door coupe", reportedly leaked by someone inside Mercedes ahead of its intended debut.
The pictures show an updated top-of-the-line CLS 63 AMG. What we can tell from the images is that the newest AMG rocket gets a new grille split in three sections instead of four; upgraded wheels from 18 to 19 inches, with a style similar to those on the Porsche 911 Turbo; led tail-lights; a carbon fiber rear spoiler; a new rear diffuser; and updated exhaust outlets.
Whether any mechanical changes have been made has yet to be revealed, but we'll be sure to keep you posted. A shot of the rear is included after the jump.

[Sources: Carscoop and Motor Authority]
Continue reading Leaked: facelift for Mercedes CLS

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Buick, GM


Through the success of the Enclave, Buick has discovered that nicely designed, well-built, high content vehicles sell. Being the first Buick in a long time to log advance orders, GM thinks it might be onto something with the Enclave formula. That recipe consists of bolder styling than past Buicks, with cues coming from the Velite and Riviera show cars. Avoiding retro, forthcoming Buicks promise to amp up the curbside drama with unabashed curves, and a lot of chrome. The Enclave has an interior that was obviously fussed over, too. If Buick can turn out a car using the same discipline that guided the successful Enclave launch, it should be exciting to watch the brand reinflate. Both the Riviera and Velite concepts have striking, tight designs that are nothing like the blobby, amorphous Buicks of the recent past. The Lucerne is a stylistic step in the right direction, and with a new LaCrosse due soon, we might start to see the return of stylish GM sedans that people clamor to buy. We'll get some indication soon, when we see what Buick brings to Detroit.

Follow the jump to see the Velite's unveiling at the 2004 New York Auto Show.

[Source: AutoObserver]Continue reading Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Teaser: Mercedes releases twin SL AMG roadsters

Filed under: Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Mercedes Benz, AMG

It's been a regular smorgasbord for fans of Mercedes roadsters over here, with this teaser shot of the upcoming facelifted flagship SL hitting the web just a few days after Benz revealed the updated version of the smaller SLK. But while the SLK was revealed first in "ordinary" guise, the image above shows the full-fat, fire-breathing SL 65 AMG version.
We already know that the facelift will feature a heavily revised front end with new headlight treatment, but from the rear three-quarter view Mercedes is enticing us with, all can also see the revised taillights, new diffuser with quad exhausts, and a subtle lip spoiler. The new SL 65 also appears to be riding on AMG's latest 19-inch five-spoke rims, similar in style to those found on Stuttgart's other earth-pounding range-topper, the Porsche 911 Turbo.
With the teaser shot also comes information on the two AMG models in the new SL range: the SL 65 AMG we see here, and the SL 63 AMG. The former packs AMG's twin-turbo V12 pumping out a whopping 612 horsepower, while the latter is driven by Affalterbach's 6.3-liter V8 with 525 horsepower, replacing the outgoing 55 version and in the process distancing it from the smaller SLK 55 AMG revealed previously.
We'll have to wait to see more images of the new AMG roadsters, including those that celebrities will be wrapping around trees.
[Sources: Mercedes-Benz via World Car Fans and Motor Authority]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: This one's for the gals: the top 10 cars for women that'll make a guy's hea

Filed under: Etc., Lifestyle, UK

Eve Cars, a UK mag, interviewed "hundreds of men" and came up with a list of ten cars that women could buy if they wanted to impress a guy. First on the list was the 1955-63 Mercedes 300 SL Roadster. We'd like to take those guys aside and ask them if they'd really be checking out the driver. After all, if Estelle Getty pulled up in a 300 SL, we'd give her and the car a second look. Five of the cars on the list, at least where we live in LA, tend to be driven exclusively by very attractive women, which would appear to skew the results a tad.
Also on the list was the to-be-expected 911. The Land Rover Defender took the number four spot, two spots above the Rolls-Royce Phantom. There are some unexpected entrants, however: a VW Golf R32, and a Fiat 500. All we can say to that is: really? We're guessing that English men made up the interview sample, and we must admit to some shock that our brethren across the pond are doing double-takes for R32's and tiny -- albeit super cute -- Fiats.
Frankly, we suspect the title of the list should be "Top 10 Cars British Men Really Like, No Matter Who's Driving." Incredibly, a Ford police cruiser with fur-lined handcuffs hanging from the mirror didn't make the list. But maybe that's an American thing.
[Source: Eve Cars]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Want to buy a Serbian car? How about a Serbian carmaker?

Filed under: Time Warp, Euro, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials
Remember the Yugo? The little hatchback was built by Yugoslavian state-owned automaker Zastava Automobili and came to the US market in 1986 with a list price under $4000. Zastava started producing cars in 1955 but closed in the 90's during the Balkan wars that crippled the local economy and damaged its factory in Kragujevac, some 70 km outside of Belgrade. The company picked up production again once the wartime dust settled, repaying its debts to Fiat in 2005 and began building previous-generation Puntos, which the company badges as the Zastava 10 and sells around the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa. Zastava has since ceased production of the original Yugo, and in addition to the Puntos, is preparing to assemble Opels next year at its plant, which has an annual capacity of 60,000 units.
The company is now in the hands of the Privatisation Agency, the branch of the Serbian government responsible for Thatcherizing state enterprises, which is preparing to sell Zastava. The agency stated that it will only accept bids from automakers, automotive component manufacturers or established investment firms, with interested parties reported to include Fiat, GM and Magna-Steyr. Fiat's tipped to be the leading contender, given its long-running ties with Zastava and having recently missed out on the purchase of Russian automaker AvtoVAZ. Bidding is anticipated to begin with due diligence by the end of March 2008.
[Source: Italiaspeed]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Amateur oil-burning action! VW TDI cup set to kick off

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedans/Saloons, Volkswagen


Volkswagen has a history of supporting grass roots racing programs that goes back to the sixties. Over the years, countless drivers have come up through series like Formula Vee, SuperVee, Rabbit Cup, Golf Cup, among others. Amidst the alumni of VW-powered race cars include professional championship winners with names like Andretti and Unser. Volkswagen announced their latest racing program, the Jetta TDI cup in October at the SEMA show. The Jetta TDI cup is designed for amateur racers aged 16-26. Drivers who are interested in participating can sign up at a special VW web site. The series is limited to only thirty drivers and a series of qualifying races will be held in March 2008. Drivers who make it through to the full series will have to come up with $35,000 to cover the full season. For that money, VW will supply a fully race prepped diesel-powered Jetta TDI with all the necessary safety equipment. The 2.0L diesel is tuned for 170hp and drivers just need to show up at the track with their helmet and driving suit. Race winners earn $1,500 and the series champ will get $100,000. If the series champ hooks up a pro ride within six months of the end of the series, they earn an extra $250,000 bonus from VW. Go sign up now!

[Source: Volkswagen via AutoblogGreen]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Lamborghini Reventon

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

There are some photogenic cars that take your breath away just from the pictures. And there are others that you have to see in the flesh to appreciate. Then there are a few - like the Lamborghini Reventon - that fit both: each picture speaks a thousand words, but seeing it up close yields an even deeper appreciation of its styling. The most extreme of Lamborghinis was created for just that purpose: shock and awe.
Although rumors are circulating that Lamborghini may give the green light for a total production run of 100, currently the company plans to build only twenty examples, which means that most may never have a chance to see one up close and in person. Fortunately Sant'Agata has released this video walk-around to allow the world to take in its latest creation in all of its oblique glory. Follow the jump to see for yourself.
[Source: World Car Fans]
Gallery: 2008 Lamborghini Reventon


Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini Reventon

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: SpadaConcept designs a carbon-fiber racing helmet

Filed under: Gadgets, Motorsports, Etc., Tech

If the name SpadaConcept rings a bell, you're probably recalling the Codatronca, the Italian coachbuilder's radical shark-nosed and tail-fined Corvette-based supercar pictured at right. The design studio has now designed a racing helmet for Italian manufacturer Stilo that's almost as radical.
The ST4 helmet is made of carbon fiber and manufactured in an autoclave, giving it a lower weight than conventional designs. Although it's not the first CF helmet on the market, it could be the most intriguing we've seen yet. The aggressive design incorporates two outlets for radio connection and hydration system in an aerodynamic shape good for open-cockpit racing. The result is a package that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie or video game (take your pick), but we'd gladly strap one on to test the 600-horsepower Codatronca, if and when the car is built.
[Source: Italiaspeed]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mitsubishi could partner with PSA at new Russian plant

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi, PSA, Peugeot, Citroen

More news from the advancing front of European carmakers expanding eastwards: PSA, Europe's second largest automaker and the French parent company of Peugeot and Citro&euml;n, is considering opening its new plant in Russia to partnerships with rival carmakers.
The new factory is located in Kaluga, some 180 km outside of the capital, Moscow. Russia is considered one of the fastest-growing markets worldwide, alongside India and China, where Western automakers have also been setting up factories, principally through joint ventures with local manufacturers. PSA's Kaluga plant, scheduled to begin production in 2010, will start out building only Peugeots and Citroens, principally mid-size automobiles which PSA says accounts for 60% of the Russian market for new cars.
If PSA did look to partner with another automaker for production at Kaluga, it could go even father east to Japan's Mitsubishi, which recently obtained financial incentives from the Russian government to assemble cars there and with which the French carmaker already partners on its SUVs.
[Source: Automotive News Europe - subscription required]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 12.31.07

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


How much pimping does biodiesel and hydrogen add to a truck? AutoblogGreen finds out in an interview with Beau Boeckmann on his biohydro Ford F-450. In a similar vein, what is it with these ten cars that men find so irresistible when a woman is behind the wheel? Whatever it is, it appears that men don't do a lot of thinking with their green sides.

• Honda FCX Clarity one of Motor Trend's "Top 10 Cars of 2007"
• ABG Q&A: Beau Boeckmann's tricked out 2008 Ford F-450 Super Duty runs on biodiesel and hydrogen
• MotorWeek video: E85 conversions are impractical
• Popular Mechanics: "Hybrids, beware of diesels"
• New Tesla CEO Ze'ev Drori finally speaks
• Does president Bush know how many flex-fuel cars are on the road?
• Big Ad Agency predicts "Blue" will replace "Green" as the color of environmentalism
• DaimlerChrysler gets record $30M CAFE fine
• Video of E85 Corvette Z06, 2008 Indy 500 pace car
• Are the cars on this Top Ten really the ones that turn men's heads?
• Would the Tesla Roadster be a suitable track car?
• Iraqis riding scooters for the same reasons as everybody else
• Khosla: plug-ins are "toys," batteries "immaterial"
• 2008 Detroit Auto Show preview videos: A-BAT Toyota's hybrid concept truck, BMW X6 Active Hybrid
• Bob Lutz Video: Volt, the most fuel-efficient car in the world?

See more after the break.


Continue reading AutoblogGreen for 12.31.07

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dakar officials won't cancel rally despite Al-Qaeda attacks

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Safety

Following meetings between the head of security for the Lisbon-Dakar Rally and government authorities in Mauritania, race organizers, undeterred by recent terrorist attacks in the country, have announced that the event will go on as planned.
Last week, terrorists in Mauritania shot and killed four French tourists and four Mauritanian soldiers. Reports indicated that the attacks were perpetrated by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the infamous terrorist network's North African wing, praying on fears that the militants were expanding southwards from their previous activities in Morocco and Algeria.
Last year's rally had two stages canceled due to security concerns regarding Algerian rebels. This year's rally is set to depart from Lisbon, Portugal, on January 5, passing through Mauritania on January 11 en route to the finish line in Dakar, Senegal, on January 20, covering a total of 9000km (5600 miles).
[Source: Autosport]

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