Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Paint your pre-production Dodge Challenger now

Filed under: Coupes, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

Bored? Have an unhealthy Dodge Challenger fetish? The same Photoshop fiend that brought us a colored guide to the 2009 Chevy Camaro also created a very cool Challenger paint customizer web tool. Our guy Mike (Rampant on the CamaroZ28 forums) developed the Flash program with options for base color, two-tone, and stripes. There are 13 rich base color choices and millions of resultant combinations from which to choose. You can even change the background from blue skies to a white or black backdrop.

There are expectedly signs of a chop, yet the finished results are much better than even the aforementioned Camaro pics. We took a stab at the tool ourselves, and found it a lot of fun to mess around and create the ugliest Challenger we possibly could. Try it out and let us know what you think after the jump.
Gallery: Challenger-Paint


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept for real this time

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Green, Crossovers/CUVs, Saab

click above for more high-res images of the Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

GM has thrown the doors wide open on the Saab 9-4x BioPower concept after a Dutch media outlet spilled the beans earlier today. The 9-4x is badged as a concept, but the reality is that we will see new CUV probably sometime in 2009. The 9-4x and a new Cadillac that will likely look almost exactly like the Provoq Concept are expected to be based off an updated version of the Theta platform that's also used for the Saturn Vue. Unlike the Trailblazer-based Saab 9-7x, the 9-4x actually has some real Saab styling cues that tie it to the rest of the lineup as well as the heritage of the brand.

During the preview of the 9-4x, it was stated that Saab has tremendous support from the corporate overlords to be stewards of a niche brand. Saab has avoided the quirky aspects of its heritage while bringing forward elements like the shape of the forward sloping D-pillar, which reflects the contours of the classic Saabs like the 99 and 900. Similarly, the blacked out A-pillars recall the wrap-around windscreens of those classic Swedes and the Aero X concept. They've focused on the clean, crisp aspects of Scandinavian design while eliminating any fru-fru like cladding or imitation fender vents. When GM Design VP Brian Nesbitt talked about the 9-4x, he spoke of the design language being the look of Saab going forward. Read on after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]
Gallery: Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept

Continue reading OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept for real this time

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Gettelfinger says Ford, Chrysler in good shape for future

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler, Ford, UAW/Unions


New contracts for the United Auto Workers union that actually help save money for the Big Three domestic have been wrapped up for some time, but $100/barrel oil and continually despressed housing market are contributing to tough times for U.S. automakers. Those harsh realities don't seem to be getting UAW top dog Ron Gettelfinger down, though, as he likes the future of Ford and Chrysler. Union Ron acknowledges that the next six months will be tough, but once the new contracts begin taking effect, Detroit will have a lot more cash for future vehicle development.

Automotive News sites analyst predictions of $1,000 savings per vehicle that could give Ford $2.4 billion per year and Chrysler $2.0 billion per year to fund their respective turnarounds. Gettelfinger sees both domestics putting the money back into vehicle development, which would mean more and better new product. Although Gettlefinger feels Cerberus will invest money into Chrysler, he seems to think Ford is in better shape saying that it especially has a bright future. Hopefully we'll see reason for hope next week at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, as both Ford and Chrysler have the chance to show the world what they have up their sleeves for the coming years.

[Source: Automotive News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V revealed with 550 HP

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Cadillac

click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Our friends over at Jalopnik say the CTS-V is officially fair game now, so here we go. Now that the second generation Cadillac CTS is on the streets and garnering largely positive reviews for its looks, performance and handling dynamics, the time has come to turn it up a notch. The 2008 Detroit Auto Show will bring us the second generation high-performance CTS-V model. Just as the original 2004 version used an engine derived from the top Corvette of the time, so too does the new model. The 2009 CTS-V leap-frogs its chief competitor - the BMW M5 - with GM's new LSA V8 derived from the LS9 in the Corvette ZR1.

The goal of the CTS-V development team was to create a car with the poise and sophistication of the best luxury sedans melded with the outstanding performance of a high sports car. To achieve that they installed the supercharged 6.2L V-8 with an output of 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque into a heavily upgraded chassis and then went about dressing up both the interior and exterior to match. Read all about the new CTS-V after the jump.

[Source: Cadillac]
Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V revealed with 550 HP

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: China's SAIC to revive historic Longbridge UK plant

Filed under: China, Euro, Plants/Manufacturing
MG's former Longbridge, UK headquarters has been pretty quiet since production ceased in 2005. Newly-merged owners SAIC and Nanjing want the clatter of carbuilding to once again echo through the plant and plan to base their European and overseas operations there. The plant itself has the capability to build up to three different models; the challenge is deciding which of the former rival's products to build there. MG TF roadsters will likely lead the charge, with cars due at retail locations by March 1st. MG Rover holdovers could return to their roots if SAIC/Nanjing decide to build the MG 3 and MG 7, while the newly deisgned Roewe W2, pictured above, looks like a solid possibility, as well. In addition to manufacturing, R&D and sales efforts will also be strengthened. From the sound of things, it won't be long before Longbridge is once again turning out cars (some of the same cars, even) at a healthy clip.

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Delphi concept controls your car through iPhone

Filed under: Etc., Tech


var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Control_your_car_through_your_iPhone'; One of Delphi's major reveals during CES this week is surely to get the iPhone fanbois frothing at the mouth - even if it's just a concept. The software allows users to monitor and control several aspects of a vehicle's system, everything from unlocking doors to starting the car and getting the temperature just right.

The connection is made from the phone to a Bluetooth-enabled key-fob that then connects to the car. According to Delphi, that gives geeks the opportunity to connect to their vehicle from a mile away.

Beyond the aforementioned features, the system can start or stop the car, roll down the windows, check tire pressure, monitor oil and brake fluid life, as well as detecting if the car has been broken into. If and when the system is ready for primetime, Delphi expects it to be available for a number of smart phones.

Thanks for the tip Corinne!

[Source: PCMag]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Live blogging the Rick Wagoner keynote on Electric Avenue

Filed under: CES, Cadillac, GM

3:45pm: At about 4:30pm Las Vegas time GM Chairman Rick Wagoner will be taking the stage here at the Sands convention center to deliver the first keynote by a car company executive in the 41 year history of the Consumer Electronics Show. Once the speech starts we'll be bringing you full coverage right here so just keep refreshing the page for updates.

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Ford to invest $500m in India to build new small car, engines

Filed under: Economy, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, India
Ford's connections in India are growing far beyond the announcement that Tata is the preferred bidder to purchase Jaguar and Land Rover. Ford announced today that it would also be investing another $500 million in India to double its manufacturing capacity by 2010 and establish itself as a leader in one of the biggest growth markets in the world.

FoMoCo's total investment in India will grow to over $875 million with the new funds, and will pay for the development and production of a new small car at its plant in Chennai with an engine plant next door. Within the next two years, Ford plans to have an annual production capacity of over 250,000 gasoline and diesel engines in India, along with making its Indian operations a leader in small car production.

[Source: NYTimes]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: First Look: Mercedes CLC to be unveiled during Berlin Fashion Week

Filed under: Euro, Hatchbacks, Mercedes Benz
Remember the old Mercedes C-Class Sport Coupe? While it never took off here in the States and was subsequently pulled from the lineup, it soldiered on in Europe where a new version will make its debut later this month. Heavily facelifted and likely sporting an overhauled interior to bring it more in line with the current C-Class, the C-Class Sports Coupe gets a new name to boot: CLC. A host of new and/or revised features will be included with the car, which retains the same basic platform of the original Sports Coupe. Sadly, none of those features is named Eva Padberg, who is shown using her gown to hide most of the bodywork (both hers and the car's) from prying eyes. Expect to see the rest of the car on January 27 when fashion week officially kicks off.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chrysler and Mahindra possibly seeking partnership

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Outside of China, the biggest potential market for vehicles is in India, and Tata's recent bid for Jaguar and Land Rover proves that Indian automakers will be a force with which to be reckoned in the future. Chrysler recognizes this and in order to expand its own global reach might be looking to get into bed with one of India's up-and-comers.

Reports are beginning to surface that Chrysler may be considering a joint venture with India's Mahindra & Mahindra and in the process might gain an equity stake in the automaker. The news comes soon after a report that Mahindra might be pulling out of a joint venture with Nissan-Renault to build a $1 billion plant in India. If Chrysler can shore up ties with Mahindra while simultaneously pursuing its new ventures with Russia's Gaz, its dwindling market share here in the U.S. may be less of an issue.

[Source: AutoObserver]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chilean gov't offers up desert for Dakar Rally

Filed under: Motorsports


The head of Chilean Tourism, Oscar Santelices, has offered up his homeland as a possible venue for the recently cancelled Dakar Rally. The grueling event, which was recently cancelled due to terrorist threats, might be rescheduled in a different location sometime in February and Chile is now in the running with Australia, China and Russia.

If the event would take place in Chile, parts of the race would be held through the northern Atacama Desert, apparently the world's driest arid landsacape, and the local for the annual Patagonia-Atacama rally. We're sure that Santelices offer is more than just a goodwill gesture, considering the amount of revenue the event could provide, however, he made it clear to local media that no financial support would be offered from the government.

Thanks to all that tipped in!

[Source: ESPN]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: HUMMER HX Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, HUMMER


var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/HUMMER_HX_questions_the_Jeep_Wrangler_s_manhood'; Well, there's another embargo blown. HUMMERForums dropped all the images they had of the HUMMER HX concept that was due to be officially unveiled in a scant five days, and Jalopnik followed suit. So here it is, HUMMER's Wrangler-competitor in concept form, complete with a 3.6-liter SIDI E85 FlexFuel engine which sends power to all four wheels via a six-speed auto 'box. The HX is technically a convertible, meaning that the roof panels and modular rear can open or be stowed, while the interior instruments can be reconfigured depending on the type of driving you'll be doing. All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: HUMMER HX Concept

Continue reading Detroit 2008: HUMMER HX Concept

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Pics Aplenty: Cadillac Provoq Live Reveal

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Crossovers/CUVs, Cadillac, GM

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Cadillac Provoq at CES

Fresh from the floor of the Sands, where GM supreme leader Rick Wagoner delivered the CES keynote, we have photos of the Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept, courtesy of our own Sam Abuelsamid. The Provoq, as you likely know by know, makes use of the E-Flex architecture that also underpinned last year's Chevy Volt and Opel Flextreme concepts. If you like what you see, plan on seeing more of it in the not-too-distant future. The styling of the Provoq is likely very close to what we'll see when Cadillac eventually pulls the wraps off its upcoming BRX crossover. That's down the line, howeve. In the meantime, check out the gallery below for our first look at the Provoq in the metal.

Gallery: CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Live reveal



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan Pathfinder may return to CUV roots, ditch body-on-frame again

Filed under: SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Nissan


The Nissan Pathfinder has done what was needed to take advantage of a sales trends: it started life as body-on-frame, then switched to unibody, then back to body-on-frame. Today, it shares the ladder platform with the Nissan Titan pickup and Armada SUV.

Speculation, however, is that the next generation Pathfinder could go back to unibody construction. Nissan isn't yet saying what it will do, but with the need to raise mileage -- as well as comfort -- a new Pathfinder CUV could be a win for everyone. And, as seen with the repackaging of the Ford Explorer America concept, a unibody build would give Nissan designers a lot more leeway to create something new and fresh.

The biggest issue appears to be what to do about the Pathfinder's different buyers in other countries. In America, the Pathfinder could probably sacrifice some off-road prowess and towing capacity and not suffer too much if at all. In Africa, every bit of the Pathfinder's off-road ability gets used, and customers there wouldn't accept the compromises of a softer CUV. It wouldn't be unheard of to keep building the Pathfinder on a ladder frame for other markets while creating a new one for America. The next generation is still a couple of years away, but Nissan will announce its decision later this year.

[Source: Car and Driver]
Gallery: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Rick Wagoner roundtable discussion

Filed under: CES, Government/Legal, Green, Tech, GM
Prior to his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas yesterday, GM Chairman Rick Wagoner held a discussion with a group of us flacks to answer all of our questions clearly and completely without equivocation. OK just kidding, he did hedge on a number of questions as would be expected of any major executive, especially one heading up the largest automaker in the world (for now). A range of issues were discussed, including alternative fuels, hybrids and the fate of the Zeta platform beyond the Pontiac G8 and the Camaro.

Wagoner reiterated that nothing had changed on the status of the Volt and that it was still on track. He expressed appreciation that the EPA had denied the California waiver request for its greenhouse gas rules so that carmakers could focus on meeting one national set of CAFE standards. Also related to fuel economy, he declined to comment on the status of some vehicles planned off of the Zeta platform, aside from the fact that they were still considering options including models with smaller engines. You can listen to the whole discussion here as an mp3.http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/audiointerviews/rick_wagoner.mp3
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 01.09.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


The Detroit leaks continue, with the Saab 9-4X BioPower the latest to break out of the darkness. These leaks are coming before the Detroit Auto Show kicks off in a few days. But did you expect Zap electric cars to make an appearance at Macworld later this month? Neither did we. And here's another question: Who knew ideas for wooden cars have been around since 1495? Leonardo da Vinci, that's who. His contraption has was brought to life a while back, and we've got a nice video of the car in motion.

• AutoblogGreen looking for new bloggers. You interested?
• So, you want to start an electric car company? Read this Top 10 list first
• CAFE and slowing V-8 sales killed the new GM high-feature V-8
• Not even Kansas can come up with a good reason for corn ethanol
• Cool video: Leonardo Da Vinci's wooden car designed in 1495
• Zap "made for iPod" electric cars at Macworld Jan. 15-18
• Detroit 2008 leak: Saab's 9-4X BioPower CUV concept
• Video: Lotus, Ferrari, Tesla are using lightweight aluminum in their cars
• Ormat backs away from its $1.8m biodiesel investment
• Amory Lovins: 10 years until you can import "super-efficient" Chinese cars
• GM reaffirms commitment to build Volt by 2010, refuses to commit to date
• Israel Corp, China's Chery working on $225m deal
• Auto-News' list of low-CO2 SUVs in Germany
• Norwegian scientists confirm that transport is responsible for climate change
• Many presidential candidates support coal-to-liquid fuel
• Watch out Tata: Bajaj to double small car fuel efficiency, Ford invests in Indian small car plant
• Fiat introduces its first diesel in India today

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: The cars of CES

Filed under: CES, Chery


Among the never-ending sea of house-sized LCD TVs, untold navigation devices and cutesy robots at CES are more than a few cars. While last year the theme among custom-car builders was overwhelming gaudiness, this year someone must have written a rule mandating at least a little class.

We expected to see automotive LCD screens installed in more places than is acceptable, and we saw a few, but far fewer than 2007. We looked forward to a few exotics, but were surprised when we found Jay Lenno's EcoJet. Other surprises were a Year One Bandit, a Cadillac Escalade in flat gray primer, and a Morgan Aero 8.

As we approached the Dolby booth we were a bit intimidated by what we assume is a life-size model of the Transformer Bumblee. Very impressive indeed.

Perhaps the most surprising automotive find at CES was a Chery CrossEastar (shown at right) at the Delphi booth. Seating for eight, luxury to rival at least the Big Three, and an expected bargain-basement price has us looking forward to seeing what the company finally sends us. In the opinion of a dad, aside from the potential quality problems, it's an attractive vehicle. Delphi had it at CES to show its global reach, since it supplies its technology products to the Chinese automaker.

We're sure there were tons more we didn't see, but Ford and GM kept us busy this year. Check out our gallery of 60 high-res images for more cars we spotted CES.

Gallery: CES 2008: The cars of CES


All Photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Tutor / Weblogs, Inc.
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Revised Porsche Boxster/Cayman

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertibles, Coupes, Porsche
Spies have caught the restyled Porsche Boxster and its hardtop sibling undergoing testing, and in keeping with Porsche tradition, the changes are easy to overlook. The majority of the restyling is visible in the haunches of the Cayman, where the tail lamps have grown and become more curvaceous - feminine even. Up front, LEDs have been installed within the new front fascia and AutoExpress expects some upgraded materials to find their way inside Porsche's midship duo when the refresh is unveiled later this year.

[Source: AutoExpress]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Minor bump between a car and a cyclist in China turns into a riot

Filed under: China, Etc.


The tale of this incident begins with a fantastic understatement: "Every so often, a traffic accident gets blown out of proportion in China." In America, we say things get "blown out of proportion" when a parking lot fender bender turns into a screaming match. In this case, "blown out of proportion" means something that would bring out tear gas and riot gear in the States.

What happened to the Buick you see above didn't happen in the car accident. The woman driving this Buick through Nankai University campus bumped into a bicyclist, leaving her car with a scratch. That was the accident. She got out and demanded an apology, and then demanded payment for damages. Other students began to gather, and because the woman's Buick didn't have a permit to allow her to drive on campus, their first question was where was she from and what was she doing on campus. Her response was "If I produce my identification document you should be scared to death."

The police came. The driver's mother and brother came. Campus security came. Teachers came. And more -- a lot more -- students came. After the driver's brother assaulted a student who tried to further scratch the Buick, that's when things got, as they say, "blown out of proportion." The amassed students had their way with the car, and a 10-inch scratch turned into something more like a salvage title writeoff. Click the link to get the full story. And if you make it over to Beijing for the Olympics, try not to upset the students.

Thanks for the tip, Kevin!

[Source: China Car Times]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Wisconsin police use cardboard cut-outs to slow speeders

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Driving
Neenah, Wisconsin has such a speeding problem that it can't keep up. Even with a full court press of law enforcement, drivers continue to speed and have even sped by other motorists receiving their obligatory revenue-production invoice. In an effort to keep drivers on their toes while also leaving time to fight real crimes, the Neenah PD will post cardboard cutouts that look like an officer pointing a radar gun in strategic locations. Like something out of Weekend At Bernie's, the paper tigers will be rotated with living, breathing officers so that the ruse has a chance of effecting change. At this point, it's less about filling the coffers and more about quelling an epidemic of overly-velocitized drivers.

[Source: Winding Road, Photo: brentkmoore.blogspot.com]
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