Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Bajaj Auto debuts $3,000 car ahead of Tata

Filed under: Economy, Misc. Auto Shows, India
With less than a day to go before Tata unveils its much-hyped $2,500 "people's car," one of the automaker's Indian rivals, Bajaj Auto, has unveiled a vehicle with a similar purpose. The concept, which was designed and built in India, will be produced under the Nissan/Renault/Bajaj alliance and should retail for around $3,000. The budget car's body might be different when it reaches production, but the running gear, steering, brakes and engine is pretty much set in stone. Other versions will be produced in the coming years sporting Nissan and Renault badges with bodywork to match each of those automakers' lineups.

While a $500 sticker over Tata's ultra-low cost conveyance isn't much, the bigger hurdle for Bajaj is getting production sorted out. Tata intends to begin production of its vehicle within the next eight months, while Bajaj might have to wait a full two years before its bargain-basement whip hits the streets.

[Source: Economic Times]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: An uncrashable motorcycle from BMW?

Filed under: Etc., Safety, BMW, Motorcycles

BMW has been known to come up with some interesting motorcycle designs, such as the Telelever, Duolever and Paralever suspension configurations. The above image, taken from a recent patent application, proves that the fertile engineering minds at BMW haven't stopped trying to improve the basic two-wheels-and-an-engine ethos of the motorcycle. Using a flexi-frame which pivots and hinges at most any conceivable location, the computer controlled chassis would be able to right itself even when the rider or outside influences would dictate a crash.
We don't have any real specifics to report on, but we'd imagine that some accelerometers and gyros must be in use here... or maybe a Wiimote or two?
Gallery: Uncrashable BMW Motorcycle


[Source: Motorcycle News]

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[Stuart]

Interesting reuslt. Not what I would have expected.
Seems the Subarau guys know what they are doing, even if they did beat it with the ugly stick.

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: What $2,500 buys in India: Tata Nano unveiled

Filed under: Economy


var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/world_news/What_2500_buys_in_India_World_cheapest_car_unveiled_PICS'; Tata has pulled the wraps off its long-discussed and highly-anticipated 1-lakh (around $2,500) car. The orb-like Tata Nano was unveiled at the New Delhi Auto Expo today, boasting a 30-horsepower 624-cc engine; a four-speed manual transmission; a disc/drum brake setup; room for five (based on the above photo); and claimed fuel economy of 54 US miles per gallon. There's no power steering, and you'll find more instrumentation on many wristwatches -- the Nano has only a fuel gauge, speedometer, and oil light. Suspension? Well, it has one. Tata claims that the car meets safety and environmental standards, and we're sure it won't be long before tests show whether the car is up to snuff in those areas. Say hello to the new "people's car," brought to you by the same folks who hope to sell you Jaguars in the not-so-distant future. We'd say that if all goes as planned, Tata's got just about every possible demographic covered. Thanks for the tip, RV!

[Source: Rediff]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 01.10.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

While we ooh and ahh over the Detroit Auto Show concepts we've gotten a peak of thus far, let's think just how much we'll be able to drive as gas prices continue to rise? The U.S. government is predicting that the national average cost for a gallon of gas will hit $3.50 before the end of Spring. So, enjoy the idea of driving a HUMMER HX, the Saab 9-4X BioPower and the Provoq E-Flex someday far away. In the near future, we'll likely be paying some serious cash for the cars we already have.

• US Gov't: A gallon of gas will cost $3.50 before June
• Detroit 2008: HUMMER HX Concept
• Detroit 2008: Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept
• Smart Fourtwo: Car of the Year?
• EVS23: A few late thoughts and an interview with Brian Wynne
• Video: GM's fuel cell E-Flex at CES
• Instructable of the day: Homemade green solar powered helmet
• CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq concept debuts during Wagoner keynote!
• 2007 UK car market CO2 performance numbers released
• Las Vegas to the get the 1000th GM-Allison hybrid bus this month
• Exclusive video of Cadillac Provoq at CES
• Zap will give new buyers a year's worth of free electricity
• Mitsubishi gives $1M to protect a portion of Patagonian coast
• PriceWaterhouseCoopers restricts their employee car program to green models only
• Chrysler builds first pilot production Durango Two-Mode Hybrids
• Abandoned bycicles turned into free rentals in Japan
• Need some good news about ethanol? EPIC's got you covered

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Aston Martin Racing unveils Gulf livery for DBR9s!

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Euro, Aston Martin

Click image for high-res gallery

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/motorsport/Aston_Martin_Racing_to_wear_Gulf_colors_at_Le_Mans_2008_2'; The now-famous powder-blue and orange Gulf Oil racing livery was on a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner for the first time in 1968 when Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi piloted the #9 Ford GT40 to overall victory at the Circuit de la Sarthe. It has subsequently been worn by a variety of other racers at Le Mans, most notably the Porsche 917, and even on the R8 campaigned by Audi Sport UK in 2001. This year, on the 40th anniversary of that first victory, the Gulf colors will again be worn by contenders at Le Mans. The #007 and #009 Aston Martin Racing DBR9s will trade in their green livery for the iconic blue-and-orange as Aston looks to defend its GT1 crown against Corvette Racing. For a race as steeped in tradition as Le Mans, this change by Aston Martin Racing seems only fitting and further adds to the mystique.

[Source: Aston Martin]
Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin Racing DBR9

Continue reading Aston Martin Racing unveils Gulf livery for DBR9s!

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[Clive]

That looks bloody fantastic

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mazda releases two images of updated RX-8 RS, many more leaked

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Japan, Mazda, Misc. Auto Shows

click above for more images of the Mazda RX-8 RS

var digg_url = 'http://davedeli.blogspot.com/2008/01/revealed-2009-facelifted-mazda-rx8-type.html'; According to World Car Fans, the vehicle you see above is the JDM-only RX-8 RS that's scheduled to be unveiled this week at the Tokyo Auto Salon, Japan's version of our own aftermarket SEMA Show. In advance of the car's debut, Mazda was nice enough to release two images of the RX-8 RS with its fresh face and updates, some of which we may see in a few days on the standard RX-8 at the Detroit Auto Show. The rest of the 25 images we have in our gallery came from Motor Authority, higher-res versions of which are likely forthcoming from Mazda as soon as the car officially debuts.

The RX-8 RS features larger air intakes on the front fascia that now incorporate a set of flush-fitting fog lights. There's also a chin spoiler that flares out near the edges to divert air up and into the intakes. New taillights can be seen on the car's rear, as well as a spoiler we're not likely to get on garden-variety RX-8. We probably won't see those new 19-inch wheels either, but wouldn't mind if we did.

Mazda did not divulge any information with the two images it officially released, so we can't tell you what's under the hood of the RX-8 RS, whether the engine is an update of the current Renesis motor or an all-new one. The Detroit Auto Show starts on Sunday, at which time all will be revealed.

[Source: World Car Fans, Motor Authority]Gallery: Mazda RX-8 RS


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Dodge Viper could be sacrificed for new Sebring

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Supercars, Chrysler, Dodge

click above for more images of the 2008 Dodge Viper

Cerberus has had a chance now to fully inspect Chrysler LLC's offerings, and the private equity firm wants to make fast changes. The equity firm owners recognize that a complete overhaul of the relatively new Sebring with its cheap interior and eye-sore looks needs to happen immediately. Unfortunately, some of the cash necessary to fix the Sebring may come at the expense of the Dodge Viper. Inside Line reports that Cerberus is prepared to make an instantaneous decision regarding the future of the Viper, both because of a cash crunch and because the $85,000 snake may be losing its bite anyway with the passing of a new national energy bill and higher CAFE standards around the corner. It's hard for us to imagine Dodge and parent company Chrysler LLC losing its halo car like this. We're no auto execs, but the Viper does nothing but make money and fans for Chrysler, and since it's new for 2008, another redo isn't required for at least a four-year life-cycle or so. In other words, we don't like the idea, and likely very few of you do either. Thanks for the tip, Gustavo!

[Source: Inside Line]
Gallery: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Buick Riviera Concept makes it through Customs

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes

click above for more high-res pics of the Buick Riviera Concept
General Motors has released new photos of the Buick Riviera Concept, which reminds us that we are that much closer to getting our first up-close look at this concept designed in China. The Riviera, which made its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show last year, will make its first North American appearance in Detroit in just a few days. Designed at GM's Pan Asia Technical Center, the Riviera will supposedly set the tone for the next generation of Buick vehicles. Design highlights include carbon fiber bodywork, gullwing doors, and a futuristic interior with blue ambient lighting. We doubt much of that will ever make into a production vehicle, but we do give two thumbs up to the team that designed the exterior.
While our first live shots of the Riviera Concept won't come for a few days, the new studio shots from GM can be found in the gallery below.
Gallery: Buick Riviera Concept - Studio Shots (new)


Gallery: Buick Riviera Concept - Action Shots


Gallery: Buick Riviera Concept - Shanghai debut



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: British rivalry: Avocet raises the bar on Lotus Elise

Filed under: Coupes, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Click the image above for a couple of high-res pics of the Avocet.

MM Industries and Roush Technologies in the UK are teaming up to produce a vehicle that splits the difference between dedicated track toys (Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow) and traditional British sports cars (Lotus Elise). The Avocet is being unveiled this week at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, with production of the lightweight, two-seater expected to begin later this year.

The basic formula is nothing new, but with a body weighing in at just over 1,500 pounds and a Roush-tuned 2.0-liter four producing between 150 and 225 hp, performance should be impressive. MMI is claiming that the sprint to 60 should be dispatched in under five seconds, while a carbon ceramic brake upgrade will not only slow forward progress with ease, but will shave about 5.5 pounds at each corner.

According to MMI, the major selling points will be the availability of parts - most of the running gear and drivetrain is sourced from Ford through Roush - and the high level of customization available, including a removable roof, fitted luggage and plenty of go-fast goodies.

Although pricing hasn't been announced, it's expected that the Avocet will come in around &pound;25,000 and will be available in both left- and right-hand-drive models. A Spyder version is also planned, but initially MMI and Roush will only be making about 50 units a year.

Hit the jump for the full press release.
Gallery: Avocet

Continue reading British rivalry: Avocet raises the bar on Lotus Elise

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots, Tokyo Motor Show edition: Amuse and Top Secret taking on the GT-

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Japan, Supercars, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon


The impending Nissan GT-R extravaganza in Japan is about to get underway. Unfortunately, the Tokyo Auto Salon runs right up against our coverage of the North American International Auto Show, so we're stuck covering the event from our couch and hotel rooms. When will they learn?

Regardless, through the power of the Web, we're able to get a sneak peak as to what some of the top tuners in Japan will be doing with the Nissan GT-R in the coming months. Amuse brought out its own GT-R to a Time Attack event at Tsukuba sporting a new rear wing, carbon-fiber front splitter, revised exhaust and a new pair of seats. We're sure there's more, but we don't have the details yet (check out Auto Otaku for pics). The car was tested by Mr. Tanabe around Tsukuba and even the old man himself clocked a lap time of 1:01.332. Color us impressed.

Top Secret, the high-powered dominators of the Tokyo tuning scene, will have another GT-R gracing its show stand, this one fitted with new wheels, a revised front splitter and God knows what else.

We're getting excited at the prospects and will be sure to keep our eye out for anything and everything of interest while battling the throngs in Detroit.

[Sources: Nissan GT-R Proto, Auto Otaku via Kultivate]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autoblog Podcast #84

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Audi, Cadillac, GM, Honda, HUMMER, Hyundai, Mazda, Saab

We're back from the holidays with Autoblog Podcast episode #84. Kicking things off, we review what's been in John, Damon, and Alex's parking spots in the Autoblog Garage. After a Mazda CX7/CX9-Honda Fit-Audi S5-lovefest, we're on to real happenings. Things are ratcheting up as we head into the North American International Auto Show next week, and we'll have coverage from the show starting this weekend. Ahead of the actual show in Detroit, we've been watching as embargoes fall. GM has had all of its secrets revealed with the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, Hummer HX, and Saab 9-4X hitting the internets prior to their official unveilings. Also uncovered, the Hyundai Genesis, which clearly has the Germans in its sights, not to mention Lexus and Infiniti. We're not sure if we're excited or skeptical, but it's hard to argue with the value that the car will likely offer. And Hyundai's not fooling around, so we'll be adding our names to the list when they finally become available for sampling. Thanks for your 51 minutes, let's do this again soon, okay?

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: Rumormill: Bugatti developing $3m uber-Veyron track car

Filed under: Supercars, Bugatti
Speculation over a potential second model from Bugatti has been a colossal roller-coaster. There were rumors of a super-luxury sedan, an entry-level roadster and a targa variant of the existing Veyron.

The Veyron was a pet project of former VW Group CEO Ferdinand Piech, who remains chairman of the VW supervisory board and is said to be keen on moving ahead with a follow-up to the Veyron. When Martin Winterkorn took over, however, he was reported to have shelved any plans for an additional model, prompting Bugatti CEO Thomas Bscher to resign. Bugatti then shifted to the control of Bentley CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen, who, after shoehorning the Veyron's engine into a Bentley Arnage luxury sedan, revealed last September that there would be an additional Bugatti coming.
Reports are now surfacing which indicate that the new model could be an even more expensive, even faster supercar than the Veyron. Whereas the Veyron, for all its enormous, time-bending power and speed, was designed as a comfortable grant tourer, the new model would be a tighter, more track-focused supercar. Power would likely come from a retuned version of the Veyron's 8-liter quad-turbo W16, which was long reported to be under-rated in its power production of 1000 hp, and is tipped to produce 1175 hp in the new version. Artistic renderings from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport depict the car with styling more akin to a Le Mans racer, with a protruding front splitter and an enormous rear wing.
The vehicle, currently rumored to be code-named "Project Lydia" after Ettore Bugatti's wife, would exceed the 400km/h top speed of the Veyron in pursuit of a Nurburgring lap time of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. While these reports could very well turn out to be no more substantial than previous ones, if Bugatti did built Project Lydia in a reported run of 70 examples for a whopping Є2.5 million apiece, it would easily eclipse anything else out there.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Motor Authority]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Rendered Speculation: Ford Fiesta/Verve ST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Hatchbacks, Ford, UK
Ford's fully redesigned Fiesta won't be making its official unveiling until the Geneva Motor Show in March, but it's already working on the hotted-up ST variant and AutoExpress has some exclusive information and a rendering of Ford's performance-bred super-mini.

Aside from the highly-stylized exterior that will carry over from the production model, the ST will come equipped with a new front fascia sporting larger air intakes, a spoiler perched over the rear window and a set of upgraded wheels. Power is expected to come from one of the new range of turbocharged, direct-injected EcoBoost engines set to be revealed in Detroit, although the Fiesta ST will have to make do with a 1.6-liter four producing between 180 and 190 hp. A seven-second 0-60 time should square the ST up with it's competitors, the Corsa VXR and Abarth Grande Punto.

The chassis will be retrofitted to make things stick as well as the outgoing model and Ford plans to offer plenty of upgrades through its partnership with Mountune racing.

The new Fiesta will hit dealers abroad in the Fall, with the ST following sometime in 2009. Whether or not Ford will bring the ST to the States when the Fiesta makes the trek across the Atlantic remains to be seen.

[Source: AutoExpress]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mean mom sells son's car after finding hooch under front seat

Filed under: Etc.
Jane Hambleton of Des Moines had two simple rules for her 19-year-old son regarding the car he acquired around Thanksgiving: keep it locked, and no booze allowed. She wasn't asking a lot, so when she found some hooch in the ride, she got angry. Mrs. Hambleton is apparently not someone you want to make angry, particularly if you're her son. After discovering the contraband, the following ad appeared in the paper:

OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet.

End result? Car sold, hard lesson learned, and Mrs. Hambleton is getting props for being the self-described "meanest mom on the planet." Her son is predictably unhappy, saying it wasn't his booze and that it was left behind by a passenger. Face it, man - you lost. Better your mom than the police. Adding insult to injury, she's keeping the ad in the paper another week since the response to it was so positive. Note to our very own John Neff: you just missed a golden opportunity to upgrade your Alero to the next rung on the ladder in Oldsmobile's lineup.

[Source: AP via Fox News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Doing burnouts in a U-HAUL

Filed under: Convertibles, Etc., Videos, Commercial Trucks, Mazda, Driving


var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Burnout_IN_a_Uhaul_literally'; And by "in a U-Haul," we mean it in the most literal sense. This is what happens at the end of a move when enterprising lads look for something to do with their now-empty truck. Enter one Mazda Miata that fits nicely inside the box hauler and Internet gold is born. Watch it after the jump. Thanks to Dan Strohl at Hemmings for the tip!

[Source: The Pansy Patrol]Continue reading VIDEO: Doing burnouts in a U-HAUL

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: 2010 Ford Mustang GT caught again

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford

click above for more spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Spy photographers may have lost a money-maker when Bob Lutz decreed that all Camaro prototypes must be stripped of their camouflage, but don't worry about these optical argonauts just yet because Ford is still trying to keep a lid on its refreshed 2010 Ford Mustang. Apparently, however, the automaker isn't doing that well a job, as Brenda Priddy & Co. has snapped new shots of a heavily camouflaged blue Mustang GT prototype on city streets. As we reported earlier, the 2010 Mustang GT will get front and rear fascias to help it compete with the upcoming Camaro and Dodge Challenger. We have a close up of the Mustang's new nose now in which the new headlights and some of the grille and lower air intakes are visible. Despite Ford's best attempt to keep the new Mustang a secret, we have little doubt that spy photographers will catch it sans camo sometime soon.

[Photos: Brian Williams for Brenda Priddy & Co.]
Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots II


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang GT - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan to hook up Chrysler with small cars

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchbacks


Carlos Ghosn, Nissan/Renault's CEO, has been looking for a U.S. automaker to partner up with for some time and he may have finally found a suitable suitor. Reuters is reporting that a negotiations between Chrysler and Nissan to supply the Cerberus-owned automaker with a small car that would displace around 1.8-liters are being finalized. The move is an obvious attempt to provide Chrysler with a sub-compact competitor while simultaneously lowering the development and production costs of both automakers. What kind of vehicle will be created by the alliance is open to speculation, but a Dodge- or Chrysler-badged Versa seems like an obvious choice considering its platform and powertrain.

[Source: Reuters]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: No! No! No! NO! Another GT-R gets wrecked

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Supercars, Nissan


Why, dear God? Why do bad things happen to good cars? We have no idea what circumstances were at play when this gleaming new grey Nissan GT-R got a sizeable love tap in the right front quarter panel. We're willing to give the owner the benefit of the doubt and assume that someone backed into the car while he or she was waiting for a parking space in Shibuya, since we know first hand that that can happen... Sigh. At least this GT-R isn't a total write off like the first one that wrecked.

[Source: Kultivate]
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