Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Production 2008 Dodge Challenger caught, too

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Dodge

click above image for more spy shots of the production Dodge Challenger

Seems like one when modern day muscle car gets caught a spy photographer, they all get shot. We've already shown you new spy shots of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT today, and now we bring you two new shots (the first two in the gallery below) of the production Dodge Challenger that's been caught testing out in public. Dodge is saving the production Challenger's debut until February when it will be unveiled at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show, but as we've seen from official teaser shots, don't expect a car much different than the Challenger with which we all fell in love. This test vehicle was reportedly sporting a HEMI V8, so it's probably an SRT8 model, the same kind that will go on sale this year before the rest of the Challenger line-up arrives next year.

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]
Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Toyota F1 pins its hopes on new TF108

Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota

'Tis the season to unveil new F1 cars, and following Ferrari's unveiling of the new F2008 and McLaren taking the wraps off its MP4/23, Toyota is next having debuted the TF108 at the team's headquarters in Cologne, Germany earlier today.
The TF108 departs from last year's TF107 primarily in two areas. First, Toyota lengthened the wheelbase to improve vehicle stability. (Ferrari made a similar design move last year with the F2007, the car with which they secured both world championship titles, but the Scuderia shrank it down again for the new F2008.) Secondly, the TF108 benefits from what Toyota says is a significantly improved aerodynamic package, an area in which last year's car was severely lacking. The TF108 also has to conform to new regulations imposed on the entire series, including further structural safety measures and the standardized ECU. Although engine development has been frozen by the FIA, the RVX-08 engine is mated to a new 7-speed sequential geabox.
Panasonic Toyota Racing desperately needs to find success behind the wheel of the TF108 next season, after the revelation that the bean counters in Japan have given the team two more seasons to turn things around... or else. We'll be watching closely to see how Jarno Trulli, returning for another season with Toyota, and Timo Glock, fresh from his title in GP2, will perform in the 2008 Formula One World Championship.
Follow the jump for a video from the launch, full press release and technical specifications on the TF108.
[Source: Toyota F1]
Gallery: Toyota TF108


Continue reading Toyota F1 pins its hopes on new TF108

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VW Jetta TSI racer introduced in UK

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

Click the image above for a gallery of high-res shots of the Jetta TSI Racer.

The chosen chariot for the new Volkswagen Racing Cup is a Jetta sporting a 1.4-liter supercharged and turbocharged TSI producing 226 hp, the same mill that won the Best New Engine of 2006 at the International Engine of the Year Awards. Power is sent though a six-speed manual gearbox to a limited slip differential and on down to 18-inch BBS wheels fitted with 225/40 Hankook tires. Exhaust gases are expelled through a race-spec unit, while slowing the 2,690-pound racer is done through a set of 360mm vented discs with 12-pot calipers.

It's a very trick setup that we can't wait to see campaigned during the 2008 season, so expect some reports from the grid later this year. Make the jump for the official press release.

[Source: VW via OneEightTurbo]
Gallery: Jetta TDI Racer

Continue reading VW Jetta TSI racer introduced in UK

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Enter the Rumormill: Audi A4 Allroad Quattro

Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Crossovers/CUVs, Audi

Remember when Subaru tried to give the Outback treatment to the smaller Impreza? What resulted was the Outback Sport, and it didn't last very long. If emerging reports are to be believed, however, Audi thinks it can do a better mini-me impression by applying the Allroad concept - its take on the Outback theme - to the smaller A4.
Currently the Audi Allroad is based on the mid-range A6 Avant Quattro wagon, with an off-road suspension and contrasting body-cladding. Like the Outback and the XC70 version of Volvo's V70 wagon, the Allroad offers sport-ute appeal and functionality with better driving dynamics and less weight to schlep around.
A beefed-up A4 Avant Quattro could provide an attractive alternative to the emerging field of compact SUVs like the BMW X3 and Acura RDX ,as well as upcoming models like the Mercedes GLK, Infiniti EX and even Audi's own Q5. Then again, maybe poaching its own sales wouldn't be that great an idea.
[Source: AutoBild via Motor Authority]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mustang-based Aston Vanquishes other replicas

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin

Click on the images to view in high resolution
In our day-to-day, we come across a fair number of replicars. Some are especially convincing, while others are just plain bonkers. Far more so than the Miata-based AMX07 we brought you back in 2006, this Aston Martin V12 Vanquish replica could have had us fooled.
Made by Ontario, Canada-based Exclusive Motor Cars, this Aston replica is based on a previous-gen Ford Mustang. Ten companies are then involved in the transformation -- stretching the wheelbase, widening the track and lowering the ride height with suspension mods; crafting, painting and fitting the 34 composite body panels; custom upholstering the interior and fitting interior trim pieces; and mounting all the extra details from the headlights to the badges.
The end result, at least as far as we can tell from the pictures (you can judge for yourself in the gallery below), would appear to fool anyone but the most trained eye. Exclusive even plans to offer a "spy package" complete with (what we'd hope are fake) grille-mounted rocket launchers and hood-mounted machine guns in an effort to complete the "Die Another Day" 007 package. Although the company's pricing page is currently blank, you can bet it costs a heck of a lot less than the authentic, now-discontinued V12 Vantage itself. You very well might be the only one who would know the difference.
[Source: Exclusive Motor Cars via Carscoop]
Gallery: Exclusive Aston Martin Vanquish replica



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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Audi

Click above for high-res pics of the Audi TT-S coupe and cabrio.

After a series of leaks over the last few days, Audi has finally seen fit to release a bevy of images and the official press release for its Detroit-bound TT-S coupe and convertible. As a refresher, the TT-S finds motivation through a 2.0-liter TFSI inline four producing 268 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. The coupe can do the deed to 60 in 5.4 seconds, while the roadster takes an additional .2 seconds to make the sprint. If you upgrade to the S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox, you can hack off an additional .2 seconds from the 0-60 time with the help of Quattro. Naturally, Audi has tweaked the suspension and upgraded the brakes, while Alcantara and aluminum finds its way onto the pedals and trim.

Live shots to follow in a few days. Stay tuned. Audi's full press release is posted after the jump.
Gallery: Audi TT-S

Continue reading UPDATE: Audi TT-S images and official info

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Live reveal of Tata Nano plus more pics

Filed under: Economy, Hatchbacks, India

click above to view more images of the Tata Nano

The unveiling today of the Tata Nano in India has caused quite a stir. The $2,500 micro car will officially become the world's cheapest production car when it goes on sale later this year, and we've actually been getting emails all day from people the world over asking how they can buy one.

We've got video of the Nano's live reveal at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, and it was quite an event. Consider that the unveiling's soundtrack was the theme music from 2001: A Space Odyssey, a.k.a. "Also sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss. That's a pretty heavy score for such a small vehicle.

We've also added more pics to our gallery that show the Standard Nano and Luxury Nano from more angles, including our first view of the interior. We'll save you the suspense, it's spartan, very spartan. Don't expect XM and a navigation system to be offered in the Nano. As a matter of fact, it wouldn't be that hard to find an optional nav system on some luxury cars that cost more than the Nano itself.

Follow the jump to view video of Tato Nano being unveiled.

[Source: Tata Motors]
Gallery: Tata Nano

Continue reading VIDEO: Live reveal of Tata Nano plus more pics

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Lamborghini bringing personalization with Ad Personam program

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click the image above for more high-res pics of the Lamborghini Ad Personam program.

What's more exclusive than a Lamborghini? A Lambo individualized through the raging bull's Ad Personam program. The concept behind the program, due to be unveiled in Detroit in a few days, is to allow customers to create their own rolling masterpieces through exclusive colors and interior appointments.

The Gallardo Spyder will be available in Marrone Apus and the same matte brown finish originally debuted on the Reventon, which has apparently been requested by several owners. Blu Cepeus will be another hue available on both the Murcielago LP640 coupe and roadster, which also sports the same matte finish. The interior of the Gallardo and Murcie can be fitted with Marrone Gaia, along with a few other equally pompous lofty-titled leathers, plus Alcantara.

If you've got the means, then check Lamborghini's press release after the jump.
Gallery: Lamborghini Personalization

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Lamborghini bringing personalization with Ad Personam program

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Joy to the World: Honda F1 ditches globe livery

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Honda

The Honda Racing F1 Team didn't win a lot of fans when it pulled the bold move of ditching its sponsors and painting the 2007 car like a globe. Thankfully, the Japanese team has revealed that it'll be ditching the map scheme for next season's car, the RA108.
The world map livery was instituted last year to promote Honda's environmental conscience, but came off as an ironic statement considering that it was painted on a gasoline-slurping F1 car. The only slogan on the car was the rear wing that pointed spectators to the team's tree-hugging website, myearthdream.com. But while the 2008 car won't carry the global map theme itself, the new livery will bear some sort of environmental slant to it. We'll have to wait for the it's unveiling on January 29 to see exactly what Honda has in store for us.
In related news, Honda F1 announced that it's hired veteran Austrian racer Alexander Wurz as its test driver. Wurz had announced his immediate retirement from F1 in the middle of last season, and cited the opportunity to work with Honda's new chief Ross Brawn as a principal motivating factor for his return.
[Sources: F1-Live and autosport]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: Video of Delphi's Dual-View nav screen in action

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Safety, Tech, Videos

click above image to view video

We've seen a lot of cool technology coming out of the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, but few gadgets are more useful or cool than this dual-view navigation screen from Delphi. When out of Park, the driver can only see navigation or radio controls on the nav screen, but a passenger riding shotgun can watch a movie. The driver can't even lean over to see the other view while driving, as Delphi employed special blocking technology to keep its invention from causing accidents. One screen with two simultaneous uses is good stuff. Check out Engadget's embedded YouTube clip of the technology in action after the jump.

[Source: Engadget]Continue reading CES 2008: Video of Delphi's Dual-View nav screen in action

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Infiniti EX35 receives IIHS' Top Safety Pick

Filed under: SUVs, Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti

Infiniti has finally joined the ranks of other automakers deemed worthy of the IIHS' Top Safety Pick with its recently introduced EX35 CUV. The luxurious and techalicious cute 'ute has garnered a fair amount of praise in recent months for its combination of high-class amenities and high-tech wizardry, but the Institute's focus is set squarely on how it avoids crashes and how it fairs in front, side and rear impacts. In order to receive the IIHS' designation, the vehicle has to provide "superior overall crash protection" and incorporate electronic stability control, both of which, the EX35 apparently provides.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's press release is posted below the fold.

[Source: IIHS]Continue reading Infiniti EX35 receives IIHS' Top Safety Pick

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Corvette ZR1's LS9 inspired by BMW M V10?

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Tech, BMW, Chevrolet, GM


It used to be that American muscle cars were competing against themselves when it came to power. But rumor has it that, in the case of the Chevrolet ZR-1, the domestic horsepower war has a new international benchmark: the BMW M-division V10.

Word is that "German competition is driving the higher horsepower and torque numbers coming to the Corvette." Chevy engineers said that the new LS9 was created to "match up favorably" with the V10 found in the M5 and M6. The supercharged 6.2-liter LS9 has 620HP and 595 lb-ft of torque, with 535 lb-ft available from 2,600 RPM and a 6,200-RPM redline. The high-revving, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 has 507 HP and 385 lb-ft of torque, and goes all the way up to 8,250-RPM.

It's good to see Chevrolet taking its cues from the best, no matter whether its domestic or international. Especially when it's applied to an engine created with a different philosophy (large-displacement, low-revving grunt) to go in a car with a vastly different purpose than the M5 or M6. BMW's S85 V10 has won at least two International Engine of the Year awards for three years straight, and the LS9 still needs to prove itself. In the mean time, the far more powerful LS9 can gloat that it gets better highway gas mileage: 20 MPG versus. the V10's 17. American ingenuity, +1.

[Source: The Car Connection]
Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


Gallery: Supercharged LS9 V8


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[Stuart]

Interesting perspective.
Maybe GM are onto something?

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autoblog gets new galleries!


click above image to try out Autoblog's new galleries!

Ask and ye shall receive. You asked us to make our galleries faster and easier to use, and we did, just in time for the gallerific click-fest that is the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit beginning this Sunday.

Check 'em out. The new galleries place the pic you're viewing front and center, with buttons to move back and forth right on top. Each gallery's complete set of thumbnails is immediately below and there's a, wait... what's that? A "Related Post" button to get back to the post from the gallery?!?!?! Boo-yeah! That was easily the no. 1 reader suggestion on how we could make Autoblog a better site, and now it's here.

For your first trial run, check out this gallery of the Buick Velite Concept, which, despite being four years old, will be dusted off and trotted out at the Detroit Auto Show on Sunday. Enjoy and let us know how you like the new galleries in the comments.
Gallery: Buick Velite Concept

Continue reading Autoblog gets new galleries!

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: AutoblogGreen for 01.11.08

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green


Just how much will a $2,500 car change the world? Maybe more than nighttime solar cells or the EESTOR ultracapacitor. Now, if we could combine those three things into one vehicle, we'd have something to write home about.

• Should we ban the catalytic converter?
• Solar cells that work at night?
• Here's the $2,500 Tata Nano, the Indian peoples car
• AutoblogGreen Q&A: The latest on Volt batteries with Denise Grey
• Video: Toyota's "EV mode" TV commercial
• What's this? EESTOR convinces Lockheed Martin it's on to something
• "Primarily flexible-fuel and hybrid" vehicles will make up GM's official Republican National Convention fleet
• Detroit 2008 Preview: Video of the Audi R8 V12 TDI, 737lb-ft and 23 MPG!
• Ford is flex-fuel top seller in Germany
• Daimler, ADM & Bayer team up to try biodiesel from Jatropha
• Civic hybrid coming to India later this year
• Recent study shows that switchgrass may be a more viable source of biofuel than previously thought
• Centina says new biogasoline is "similar to traditional unleaded gasoline"
• EPA head takes our advice, skips meeting with Sen. Boxer
• The World chimes in on the Tata Nano
• Toyota says ECO indicators will be standard one day

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Buy a brand new Jag XK120 C for $133,000

Filed under: Aftermarket, UK


Proteus, maker of hand-crafted replicas of bygone sports cars, is coming to America. Recently purchased by Enduro Cars, Proteus plans to restart production of its carbon copy Jaguar XK120 C -- the record-breaking Le Mans-conquering roadster -- that you'll be able to purchase for $133.000.

In addition to the XK 120 C, the company is looking at making a Lightweight E-Type and perhaps some early F1 cars. Last year, Proteus showed a C-Type coupe to the public to gauge reaction. No decisions have been made yet on that car, but the 21-year-old company is planning to begin fabricating three more Jags -- the SS100, XKSS, and D-Type - as well as the Aston Martin DB3S and the racing version of the gullwing 300SL, the 300SLR.

The company builds about 150 units of the XK 120 C per year, and each all-aluminum car comes with a 5-year, 60,000-mile warranty. Sure, it'll cost you $133,000, but that will get you a one of the most beautiful cars ever penned and cost a lot less in the long run than the original.

[Source: Gizmag]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Buick Riviera Concept debuts in US

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Buick

Ed Welburn talks about the Buick Riviera concept

At the Max Fisher Music Theater in Detroit yesterday, GM VP of Design Ed Welburn and Buick Design boss Dave Lyons showed off the Buick Riviera concept for the first time in the US. Yes, we know the Riviera is hardly new. It debuted at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show and was in fact designed and built by GM's Shanghai Tech Center. This concept is important, however, for a number of reasons. First, it shows that while Chinese manufacturers may largely have their heart set on creating cheap knock-offs of established designs from the west, Chinese designers are actually capable of creating some great designs. Although GM refuses to say whether Buick will get a new coupe based on the Riviera, they do say that design elements of the car will appear on a new production Buicks to be unveiled later this year as well as other future models.

[Source: Buick]
Gallery: Detroit 2008: Buick Riviera concept


Gallery: Buick Riviera Concept - Studio Shots (new)

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Buick Riviera Concept debuts in US

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Hallelujah! Oklahoma busting slow drivers in left lane

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Videos, Driving


If there is anything worse than someone doing tortoise-like speed in the left lane, it's someone doing tortoise-like speed in the left lane and driving next to someone doing tortoise-like speed in the right lane. Oklahoma State Troopers aren't having any more of it and have begun enforcing the state's left lane law.

Section 41-11-301 dictates that "Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane when available for traffic..." What this means is that unless you're doing at least the speed limit or are about to make a left turn, you need to stay out of the left passing lane or risk being pulled over by the guys with the flashing rooftop lights.

The OK troopers say this is about getting out of the way for police and emergency service vehicles who shouldn't have to wait for slower drivers to exit the left lane. But seeing that any rushing authority is usually going well over 65 MPH, and folks in the news video were being pulled over for doing 62, we don't see how 3 MPH would really make that difference. Not that we're complaining, because it takes all of our green tea and feng shui to stay calm when we rock up behind slowpokes in the left passing lane. For now, however, folks in OK getting pulled over receive nothing more than a warning. Soon, however, Oklahoma troopers will start handing out $206 tickets. If you want to know how your state feels about the matter, check out the list of "keep right" laws.

[Source: CNN]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Nissan's JGTC GT500 GT-R officially unveiled in Tokyo

Filed under: Motorsports, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for a gallery of pics.

We got an early look at an un-liveried version of the Nissan GT-R GT500 race car testing at Suzuka back in October. Nissan has finally revealed the final version today at the Tokyo Auto Salon complete with its all-new paint scheme that will be featured across all of Nissan motorsport in 2008. The design is a result of close cooperation between Nissan and NISMO with some input from a NISMO enthusiasts club. The red signifies Nissan's passion for racing while the black symbolizes the extreme performance of the GT-R.
Technical details and specifications have yet to be released, but we should be getting the official numbers by the end of the month. For now, check out the new photos in the gallery below or follow the jump for a video of the GT-R race car on track and the press release from Nissan.
[Source: Nissan]
Gallery: Nissan GT-R GT500 Race Car


Continue reading Nissan's JGTC GT500 GT-R officially unveiled in Tokyo

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: GM considering small, premium MINI-fighter?

Filed under: Economy, Hatchbacks, GM

click above for more images of the Chevy Beat Concept

Business Week reporter David Welch revealed a few days ago that General Motors may be developing a premium small car that targets the same type of customers who might consider a MINI. Dubbed the "micro-premium car", it would be positioned against the aforementioned MINI in the marketplace, as well as the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. Under what brand it would be sold wasn't mentioned, and honestly we don't have the foggiest idea what brand besides Cadillac could match up against those heavyweights. At the same time, we have a difficult time imagining Cadillac following the same path downmarket that it did with the ill-fated Cimarron.

GM's Korean Daewoo subsidiary has a number of small platforms that could be used for such a car, but do any offer the dynamics required for a premium small car? Rear-wheel-drive is practically a must for such a car, so then we're looking at the Kappa platform that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky as a candidate. At the moment, it's the smallest RWD platform in GM's stable.

Gallery: Chevy Beat Concept

Continue reading GM considering small, premium MINI-fighter?

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