Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Schumacher passed on being Ferrari F1 boss

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari
2007 was a year of major transition for the Ferrari Formula One team. Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher had finally retired, long-time Technical Director Ross Brawn was on a sabbatical and team boss Jean Todt was looking to relinquish his control of the team as well. Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo promoted Todt to CEO of the entire Ferrari operation in 2006. Todt held extensive discussions with Brawn about taking over his job, but Brawn ultimately decided to move over to Honda taking the same job there. Todt also tried to get Schumacher to take on the new role but Michael decided he preferred not to be tied down in that way. After all those years of driving, the freedom was probably pretty appealing to him. Ultimately the job went to a veteran Ferrari administrator Sporting Director Stefano Domenicali.

[Source: AutoSport via Winding Road]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Honda set to go retro in '09 with CB1100F?

Filed under: Time Warp, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Motorcycles

Click the pic above for more high-res images.
Retro is fast becoming an accepted design theme industry-wide with vehicles such as the New Beetle, Mini Cooper and Fiat 500 shining as examples of the genre. The same can be said of motorcycles, with such designs as the Ducati SportClassic range as well as half of Triumph's line acting as flag-bearers. Harley could be grouped into that category as well, although they've never really changed since... well, the beginning of time. Anyway, Honda is considering capitalizing on the market trend with a new design inspired by the ground-breaking CB's of the 1970's. When it was first introduced, the CB750 turned the motorcycle world upside-down and went a long way towards making the sporty English bikes of the day obsolete overnight. As an odd turn of events, though, the CB1100F seen above would be anything but revolutionary in the sporting bike game today, considering that the air-cooled engine, skinny "right-side-up" fork and dual shocks are carry-over pieces from the original design. Of course, that's why it looks retro and why many people would likely run to their nearest Honda dealership to place their orders.
Gallery: Honda CB1100F


[Source: Motorcycle Daily]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lexus IS-F Racing Concept coming to Tokyo Auto Salon

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedans/Saloons, Lexus, Tokyo Auto Salon


Lexus is gearing up for next week's Tokyo Auto Salon and has released a teaser image on its preview site showing the Super GT SC430 and the IS-F Racing Concept. Lexus hasn't released any details about the DTM-esque racer, but from the looks of its massively flared wheel arches, comically large diffusers and righteous wing, it's all business with a side of flash. Where Lexus might campaign such a vehicle is open to speculation and we'd encourage you to do just that in the comments below.

[Source: Lexus via World Car Fans]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Auto Futura recreates history with the CAV GT Gulf Oil Edition

Filed under: Time Warp, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford

The Gulf Oil paint scheme was immortalized in motorsports history when the the '68-'69 Ford GT40 capped off four straight victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Later cars such as the Porsche 917 have also featured the unique livery, but it's the Ford GT40 that first comes to mind when you think of the light blue and orange paint.
Auto Futura, the manufacturers of the CAV GT replicar, have secured the rights to paint their cars in the Gulf Oil colors complete with period sponsor stickers and BRM wheels. The cars will also feature a 500 horsepower V8 with Weber IDF carburetors, nubuck leather interior with Gulf Oil logos embroidered on the seats, five-point safety harnesses, and special chassis plates identifying them as being officially licensed Gulf Oil cars. Each chassis number will be added to a registry, and owners will receive a certificate from Gulf Oil confirming their vehicle's authenticity. Follow the jump for full features and details.
[Source: Auto Futura]
Gallery: Auto Futura CAV GT Gulf Oil Edition


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Ford Explorer America Concept says bye-bye to body-on-frame

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford

click above for 50 high-res images of the Ford Explorer America Concept

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Ford_Explorer_America_concept_teases_next_gen_crossover'; For more than a decade the Ford Explorer was the top-selling SUV in the US with annual sales topping 400,000 units for many years. The best days of the body-on-frame SUV are clearly behind it, though, as the market has shifted toward crossovers like the smaller Escape and Honda CR-V, as well as larger vehicles like the Ford Edge. Ford has seen the light and the next generation Explorer is finally abandoning the traditional setup in favor of a new unit body design.

The new Explorer America concept that Ford is debuting at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show is the first public hint of where the Explorer is going in the coming years. When the Explorer is replaced around the end of this decade, the new model is expected to look much like this concept. The basic proportions and size are very close to the current Explorer, but the styling is a more modern look for this Ford stalwart. The combination of rising fuel costs and new fuel economy rules is pushing Ford to increase the efficiency of all their vehicles including the next generation Explorer.

[Source: Ford]
Gallery: Detroit 2008: Ford Explorer America concept

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Ford launches EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Tech, Ford
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Ford_announces_EcoBoost_engines_to_give_20_mileage_boost'; Ford is using the 2008 Detroit Auto Show to kick off the transition of a significant portion of their engine lineup to what they are calling EcoBoost technology. EcoBoost consists of smaller displacement engines with direct fuel injection and turbocharging (GDTI) to provide a fuel economy boost without any loss of performance. Ford first showed the idea in the 2007 Lincoln MKR concept when it was called Twin-Force. The Twin-Force name has been set aside in favor of one that emphasizes the efficiency aspects of the technology. Thanks to the combination of small low-inertia turbos, the direct injection and variable valve timing, the new engines should have no lag and a much fatter, flatter torque curve.

The first EcoBoost engine out of the gate is the 340hp 3.5L V-6, This will be the optional engine in the Lincoln MKS starting in 2009 in place of a V-8. Besides having higher specific efficiency than a larger normally aspirated engine, the smaller EcoBoost units also save weight and size. The 3.5L saves over 150 lbs. compared to the 4.6L V-8 also helping contribute to fuel efficiency savings of up to 20%. Following the MKS with EcoBoost will be the Ford Flex and the new Explorer based on the Explorer America concept. The new SUV is expected to use GDTI engines exclusively, with a 275hp 2.0L four as the base engine and the 3.5L six as the option. Ford is by no means the first to do this, with Volkswagen pushing the tech for several years already on their TSI and TFSI engines. aMazda and GM also use the same principle. Ford really wants to make it mainstream, however, with over half a million EcoBoost engines annually within five years. Read more about EcoBoost over at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: Ford, AutoblogGreen]
Gallery: Ford EcoBoost GDTI engines

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Ford launches EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Saturn

Click the Two-Mode Vue for a high-res gallery

var digg_url ='http://digg.com/autos/GM_introduces_Saturn_Vue_Two_Mode_hybrid'; In 2006, the Saturn Vue Green Line became General Motors' first production hybrid vehicle when it debuted with the company's mild hybrid system. In fall 2007, a updated BAS-equipped Green Line version based on the second-generation Vue went into production. GM has now added the second of three hybrid variants to the Vue lineup with the2009 Saturn Vue Green Line 2 Mode. The 2 Mode Vue is based on the same technology used in the award-winning Tahoe and Yukon full-size SUVs. The Vue has the first transverse mounted front-wheel drive application of the 2 Mode system.

The 2 Mode transmission is paired up in the Vue with GM's 3.6L twin-cam V6 equipped with direct fuel injection. Like the big SUVs, the engine is equipped with a cylinder deactivation system that allows it to run on three cylinders under light load conditions. The combination of the advanced hybrid system and the V6 helps maintain the V6 Vue's 3,500 tow rating while still achieving a fifty percent boost in urban fuel economy. There's more on the 2 Mode Vue over at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: General Motors]
Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Iqua Bluetooth Snake whispers in your ear as you drive

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, CES



One of the big problems with aftermarket, in-car Bluetooth devices is sound. Most of them plug up in your car's auxiliary power plug (that's a cigarette lighter to those of use born before 1990), and unless you drive a Miata, that's not where your ears are.

Iqua says their Bluetooth Snake fixes the problem by moving the sound closer to your head. The Snake fits onto your car's headrest and sits right at your right cheek to better pick up your voice as well as put the sound where it's needed.

It still gets its power from where you once lit your smokes, so theres some cableage to run. And despite the photo above, the Iqua's CES rep assures us the Snake doesn't obstruct your vision or distract your attention from the road ahead.

More hi-res photos of the Iquas Bluetooth Snake in our gallery.

Gallery: CES 2008: Iqua Bluetooth Snake


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Etc., Kia


We've already seen some undisguised pictures of Kia's handsome new midsize SUV, but the vehicle just launched officially in Korea as the Mohave. Official launch means official pictures, and that's what we have here, a ton of really beautiful images of what we'll soon know as the Borrego. Not that Borrego, this one sports a full frame, seating places for seven, and the choice of Kia's strong-like-bull V6 or their first V8. The wisdom of introducing a new body-on-frame SUV at this point, especially in light of the coming new CAFE rules, might be questionable, but the vehicle itself is handsome and it's hard to deny the inherent value that Kia bakes into its cars. We'll check the Borrego out in person when it makes it's US debut at the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, Carscoop unearthed a lot of great pictures to tide us over.

[Source: Kia via Carscoop]
Gallery: Kia Borrego offical shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Cobra Nav One 5000 keeps Baby Boomers on track, ticket free

Filed under: Gadgets, CES

Thanks to World War II vets returning in huge numbers way back in the 50s, America's drivers are getting older, their glasses are getting thicker, and gadget manufacturers are paying attention.

Take Cobra, for example. Their new Nav One 5000 portable GPS unit features oversized icons and text on its 5-inch touch screen so that even those of us with bifocals can see just what we're clicking on. Cobra says the display's icons are 50% larger than their competition and the LCD's backlighting is enhanced for improved visibility. Cobra also decided to make the screen more vertical than some GPS units, which they say provides 20% more of the road ahead of you instead of to the sides.

The 5000 features red-light and speed camera warnings, as well as all the usual GPS features like Bluetooth integration, text-to-speech, real-time traffic updates and maps upgradeable via your computer's USB port.

Cobra also brags about the 5000's My Favorite Brands feature. Choose your favorite stores and restaurants from a list of 600 well-known brands, and with just a touch of the screen, your preferred names show up on the map.

Cobra's Nav One 5000 is on sale now for MSRP of $510 with an additional $160 for a 15-month traffic subscription.

Read Cobra's full press release after the jump.

[Source: Cobra]Continue reading CES 2008: Cobra Nav One 5000 keeps Baby Boomers on track, ticket free

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: NBC releases second Knight Rider TV spot

Filed under: Sports/GTs, Videos, Ford


var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/television/New_Knight_Rider_30_Second_Teaser'; 550 horespower, race-tuned suspension, and the little things like nanotech-enhanced camouflage. These are just some of the features you'll find on the new, heavily-Fordified Knight Industries Three Thousand when Knight Rider, the TV movie, airs next month. No word yet as to whether all of KITT's nifty accessories will be supplemented by other nice-to-haves like a good plot, quality acting, and seamless visual effects. We'll find out soon enough.

[Source: Knight Rider Online].
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Autopage lets you start your car from ANYwhere

Filed under: Gadgets, CES

Ever been sitting in a cafe in, say, Paris, and wanted to impress your new French friends by starting your car back in the States remotely? No, neither have we, but if the opportunity ever arises, Autopage can make it happen.

We poke fun, but Autopage's new C3 system is actually pretty cool and won the 2008 CES Best of Innovations Award. After installing several of Autopage's various modules in your car, you are, virtually, Michael Knight. Using your most any smart phone, you can not only remotely start your car from anywhere you have service, you can also roll windows up or down, disable the starter and open your trunk.

But those are not the coolest things it can do. If your car moves more than 25 feet without your permission (stolen, towed, rolled into a lake after you forgot the parking brake, etc.) you will be notified via text message that sumthin's up. Then you can invoke yet another feature: GPS tracking via your mobile. C3 shows you a map updated every 5 minutes of your car's direction of travel so you can help the fuzz track down the perp who stole your ride. Or you can use it to keep dibs on your teenager who's headed to Vegas instead of the movie theater.

Speaking of teenagers, C3 will also alert you via text message if the car exceeds a set speed limit. So next time Junior takes the Camry over 90 again, you'll know it. Then you can lock the doors, disable the starter and know exactly where he is.

We didn't get a price on the entire system (it can't be cheap), but service plans (you didn't think all those fun things were free, did you?) range from $150 a year for a limited number of uses, to $250 a year for unlimited use.
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ferrari unveils F2008 Formula One race car

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

Click on the images to view in high resolution
With its principal rival McLaren scheduled to follow tomorrow, and the others (accept for Williams) in the coming days and weeks, Ferrari kicked off the unveilings of the 2008 F1 cars when it took the wraps off its new F2008 today in Italy.
If you're thinking that the F2008 looks a lot like the F2007 it's replacing, you're not very far off. Aside from the fact that most F1 cars look the same to the untrained eye, rather than go with a completely new package like they did last year, Ferrari's racing engineers and designers opted to go for an evolution of the F2007 with the new car, code-named Project 659.
Despite the constantly-evolving technology in F1, the F2008 is actually heavier than last year's car, due to new regulations coming into play for the upcoming season that include the elimination of traction control, a new standardized ECU and additional safety structure. While the aerodynamic package has been significantly revised, Ferrari has been quick as ever to point out that all those wings and spoilers will be significantly revised again before the car begins its campaign to defend its world titles at the Australian Grand Prix in March.
The F2008 is scheduled to hit the track for the first time tomorrow at the company's private Fiorano test facility in Maranello. For more images, check out the gallery below. For those interested in the technical details, we've got the full press release after the jump.
[Source: Ferrari]
Gallery: Ferrari F2008


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Pioneer takes on SYNC with LINC

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, CES


Pioneer says its newest GPS unit, the memorably-named AVIC-F500BT (fondly called the AVIC LINC by its creators), "changes the face of navigation."

Foremost, it's an in-dash GPS device bringing everything you expect from a high-end direction-finder. In addition to those standard features, the AVIC-F500BT brags of 1.2 million points of interest, has an SD slot for updating your system's navigational information and uses MSN traffic, weather and gas price information.

LINC is an acronym for Lifestyle Innovation Network Console, and it's what makes the F500BT more interesting than most GPS boxes. Using Pioneer's "VoiceBox Conversational Voice Search Platform," basically an advanced voice recognition system, you can totally control your iPod or other MP3 players as well as your Bluetooth-connected phone.

Much like Ford's SYNC, Pioneer's LINC lets you ask your system for a song or your phone to dial a number.

Unlike Ford's SYNC, LINC is compatible with most OEM systems and aftermarket head units according to Pioneer.

There wasn't a chance to try out the system at Pioneer's Sunday morning press conference, but we hope to get our hands on one later in the week. At the press conference, Pioneer reiterated its objective to be a top-end automotive aftermarket supplier. Larry Rougas, Pioneer mobile business group's VP of marketing, said, "We are car people. We are all about pulse rates, not bit rates."

Check out high-res photos here, and read the entire press release after the jump.

Gallery: CES 2008: Pioneer Avic-F500BT LINC

Continue reading CES 2008: Pioneer takes on SYNC with LINC

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: RIP: James Robert Stewart, 1931-2008

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

We're saddened to report the passing of James Robert Stewart, former racing driver, eldest member of the Stewart racing family and older brother to triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart.
Although his own racing career was rather unremarkable, he would later act as the inspiration for his younger brother Jackie to begin racing. The brothers grew up in Dumbarton, Scotland, where father Bob was a Jaguar dealership. Jimmy began racing at hill-climb events, later moving up to sportscars, racing Healeys, Bristols, Coopers, Jaguars and Aston Martins in numerous racing series. He raced at the 1953 British Grand Prix for Ecurie Ecosse and several times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.After a number of crashes, breaking the same arm twice, Jimmy retired from racing. Ten years later he helped his younger brother Jackie get into racing, who went on to win the world championship three times.
Sir Jackie reportedly cut short a vacation to be by his brother's side when he died this past Thursday, January 3, at age 76. The funeral will take place on Tuesday, January 8, and a traditional Scottish thanksgiving service will be held next month in Scotland. Jimmy is survived by his son and daughter; our condolences to the entire Stewart family.
[Sources: The Daily Telegraph]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Autoblog goes behind the scenes at Consumer Reports

Filed under: Etc., Tech, Videos

Another installment of Consumer Reports annual automotive issue is close at hand. The yearly car issue crowns Top Picks in a variety of categories as well as offering up some solid alternative choices. Last year, we had the opportunity to peek behind the curtain at CR's huge auto test facility in Connecticut, and we were psyched to find out there's real car guys behind all those filled-in circles. Here's a sample of what CR's crew is likely up to right now, expending a huge amount of labor on careful research and evaluation. In a couple of months, we'll be able to raise a fuss when CR yet again passes over our favorite car and anoints something far more reliable and better built their favorite. Oh well, there's always next year.

click through to see the videoContinue reading VIDEO: Autoblog goes behind the scenes at Consumer Reports

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Pioneer's speakers beat paper with rock

Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, CES

Pioneer speakers have been outputting headache-inducing rock for decades. But the company has just announced its TS-D line of speakers with cones made of basalt fabric. The company says the volcanic stone is pulverized and melted at 2700 degrees before being drawn into fibers. The resulting fabric increases the speaker cone's rigidity and strength while keeping weight low.
In a press release, Larry Rougas, Pioneer mobile business group's VP of marketing, said, "Our speaker engineers are extremely passionate in their quest to build speakers that reproduce the highest sound quality possible. They are constantly looking at different materials that can be used to make a more efficient speaker with a stronger more rigid cone. The basalt rock achieves this goal without adding weight to the cone, resulting in an open and smooth frequency response."

Their are 13 speakers in the TS-D lineup, will be on sale soon at prices starting at $150.

Read the entire press release after the jump.

Gallery: CES 2008: Pioneer TD-S basalt speakers

Continue reading CES 2008: Pioneer's speakers beat paper with rock

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Brain drain continues: Audi names ex-Toyota manager as new COO

Filed under: Hirings/Firings, Audi, Toyota


Following on the heels of Jim Press and Jim Farley, another American Toyota executive has jumped ship to join a competitor. This time it's former Regional Manager of Toyota's Portland region, Mark Del Rosso. Del Rosso has spent his entire career at Toyota since graduating from USC. He joins Audi of America as Chief Operating Officer, where he will be responsible for sales, distribution and market planning for VAG's premium brand. With so many high-ranking executives leaving Toyota's US operations, one has to wonder if this is a sign of trouble at Toyota or a case of people leaving a success story in search of new challenges. The Audi press release is after the jump.

[Sources: Audi, Automotive News - Sub. req'd]Continue reading Brain drain continues: Audi names ex-Toyota manager as new COO

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

Filed under: Spy Photos, Euro, Hatchbacks, Alfa Romeo

Before its highly-anticipated unveiling at the Geneva show in March, Alfa Romeo has been leaking mere glimpses at its upcoming entry-level hatchback. Tentatively known as the "Junior" after Alfa scrapped its own online naming contest, the hatchback is based on sister company Fiat's Grande Punto platform, but with even more sumptuous Italian styling and a range of engines.
These latest images appear to have been prepared for its brochure, but have somehow found their way out of the factory and into cyber-space. None of the images, which can be seen after the jump, reveal anything more than some close-up details, but the when Alfa takes the wraps off its latest, it should give the Mini a run for its money.
[Source: Progretti955 via Carscoop]
Continue reading Alfa Romeo 'Junior' teaser images leaked

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Buh-bye: Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible ends production

Filed under: Convertibles, Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

There were no eulogies. No bagpipes were played or honor-guard gunshots fired. Few paid any notice, but on December 21, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible passed quietly into the night and was buried. And we doubt many will miss it.
The axing of the ragtop PT is part of the phasing-out of several Chrysler LLC products devised by its new owners in order to cut costs. Earlier we brought you the news that the Chrysler Crossfire ceased production in Germany. Before that, the Chrysler Pacifica ended its lifecycle in November. Although originally only the convertible version of the PT Cruiser was scheduled for execution, reports later suggested that the regular hard-top wagon version could also be discontinued.
While those Chryslers likewise won't be terribly missed, except by small pockets of devoted enthusiasts, the next to lie under the Chrysler LLC guillotine will be the Dodge Magnum, which is being discontinued in March. The gonzo wagon dropped 25% in sales in 2007 over the previous year. As Inside Line points out, however, if you're still keen on getting a Magnum (or a PT convertible, for that matter), some good deals are likely to be had from local dealers eager to sell the last remnants of a dying breed.
[Source: Inside Line]

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