Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Teens caught for phony Craigslist Porsche scam

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Porsche


It used to be that kids did the darndest things. Lately, a lot of kids seem to be more into wacked-out-WTF things, like a 17-year-old Manhattan high-schooler in Long Island, NY who was the ringleader in a scam created to rob folks looking to buy a Porsche.

The scam was quite simple and took advantage of folks looking for the too-good-to-be-true. The ringleader would post an ad on craigslist for a used Porsche -- in one case for a 2002 Porsche Turbo for $50,000 OBO, in another case it was for a 2005 Carrera GT that the "owner" had simply "gotten too old for." The siren-goes-off part of the ads was when the owner requested that potential buyers bring $22,000 for the down payment on the car.

Turns out that folks did show up with cash in their pockets. Upon arrival, they were set upon by six male teens who tried to rob them of whatever they had. The most the teen crooks were able to get at one time was $4,000 from one couple. On another occasion, two gentlemen apparently did show up with $22,000, but only lost $50 before they were able to get away. The perps have all been caught, but next time you see an ad for a car that seems like a steal, ask a lot of questions and leave the $22,000 at home. Thanks for the tip, Kenny!

[Source: Gothamist]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Barrett-Jackson settles lawsuit against disgruntled customer

Filed under: Auction Action, Government/Legal

We heard the first rumblings of discontent a few weeks after last year's Barrett-Jackson when it was reported that some people thought certain cars weren't getting their fair share of time up on the block. One man, David Clabuesch, went as far as chaining up his vehicle after it was sold and trying to prevent its delivery to the buyer. He even went a step further and posted signs around the vehicle expressing his displeasure with the auction company. Barrett-Jackson responded by filing a defamation lawsuit against Clabuesch, wanting to protect its reputation. The two have settled their differences, and Clabuesch has agreed to "no longer pursue any action alleging auction irregularities, including the claim that the car was short hammered while on the block." Read on past the jump for the full story from Barrett-Jackson's press release.
[Source: Barrett-Jackson]
Continue reading Barrett-Jackson settles lawsuit against disgruntled customer

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Kia asks for the rock, buys its way into NBA

Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, SUVs, Marketing/Advertising, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia

Close your eyes for a moment and picture the typical form of transportation for an NBA baller. We're assuming that none of you envisioned a Kia, but that's exactly the association that the Korean automaker wants people to make in the future. To that end, it's paid an undisclosed amount of money to buddy up with the NBA and become its official supplier of cars. This paid honor means that Kia can run promotions at the biggest NBA events of the year like the playoffs and the draft, and in return Kia will give cars to the charity of choice for the players named MVP, defensive player of the year, most improved and best sixth man. While we likely won't see any all-stars rolling in an Optima, Kia's affiliation with the NBA is a big advertising victory, even if the "official car" title cost the company a fortune.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Redesigned Nissan Maxima coming to New York Auto Show

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Nissan


We've been wondering where Nissan was going to fit in on the docket of next week's Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS), but InsideLine confirmed our suspicions - they won't be having a press conference at all. Instead, the Forum concept will be set on stage and Nissan will turn its attention to the New York Auto Show in March. There, Nissan plans to take the wraps of the redesigned Maxima that's destined to go on sale later this year.

Darryl Harrison, Nissan's North American spokesperson, told InsideLine that the Maxima will be "all new" but he didn't go into details about what changes would be made. He also said that a "couple of other things" would be on display in the Big Apple and that Nissan's presence at the Chicago Auto Show would be minimal.

[Source: Inside Line]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Alex Roy on the Late Show with Letterman

Filed under: Videos


You may remember Alex Roy as a member of Team Polizei, which drove a BMW M3 across the continental U.S. in the unofficial record time of 31 hours and 4 minutes in late 2006. The record is unofficial because maintaining an average speed of over 90 MPH for a day and a half isn't exactly... legal. You can read about the monumental effort required of Roy and his team in his book The Driver, or you could watch the video after the jump of Roy's appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman last Tuesday. Having met Roy, the amazing thing about him is that he's fully aware of how dangerous and crazy his endeavor was, and on some level agrees with those who take offense with what he did. It's a disarming quality that makes him easy to talk to even if you're one those who disagree with his need for speed. That comes through in his interview with David Letterman, who belabors the illegality of Roy's record run a bit too vociferously in our opinion. Roy takes it like a champ and we think, by the end, wins Dave over. And once you've got Dave, you've got Paul, too. Check out the video after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Alex Roy on the Late Show with Letterman

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme

Filed under: Garage, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford, Saleen

Click above for high-res images of the 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme
My first experience with the Saleen S302E Mustang was an absolute blast. I was handed the keys and told to let loose on abandoned airstrip. Mash the throttle from a standing start and the 620 horsepower underhood would quickly turn the rear tires into a cloud of smoke. Use the throttle carefully and the rear tires would maintain traction, catapulting the car forward at an incredible rate. Brake to the absolute threshold, take a corner at high speeds, and then kick the tail sideways while exiting the turn - I was able to experience the full potential of the S302E, unrestricted by traffic and speed limits, with plenty of forgiving pavement in case of a spin.
Read on after the jump to hear about living with the S302E as a daily driver and check out our fab pics in the gallery below. Believe it or not, we took them ourselves.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Saleen S302 Extreme

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Toyota may have toppled GM in 2007

Filed under: GM, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Toyota has revealed that it sold 9.37 million vehicles worldwide in 2007, which amounts to a 6% increase. Though General Motors won't release its worldwide sales for 2007 until January 23rd, speculation has already begun that it wasn't able to hold off Toyota's aggressive growth and will cede its title of World's Best-Selling Automaker to the Japanese automaker for the 2007 calendar year. Though the world certainly won't end if this happens, GM has held that title for the last 76 years straight. Analysts predict that GM will report 2007 global sales of around 9.3 million vehicles, so the victor really depends on the margin of error.

Both automakers are downplaying the significance of this moment, which is smart. Each should be focused on improving their businesses, and from our view in the cheap seats, it appears they are. General Motors product portfolio is improving by the day, as evident by the steaming pile of praise heaped upon its two newest U.S. offerings, the 2008 Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS. Meanwhile, it's brands are growing in overseas markets like Europe and China. Toyota, meanwhile, just keeps growing... everywhere.

Even if GM gives up the top spot of the podium for 2007, expect 2008 and beyond to be just as heated. Toyota is predicting growth, again, to 9.85 million sales in 2008. While many believe GM sales may slip further in 2008, resurgent sales in the U.S. for its passenger cars could help balance things out. We'll convene here next year and let you know.

[Source: The Detroit News]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chrysler will sell version of Nissan Versa in South America

Filed under: Chrysler, Nissan

The potential partnership between Chrysler and Nissan on which we reported yesterday is officially a done deal, with Nissan agreeing to supply a version of the Versa for Chrysler to sell in South America. This is not, as we were all supposing, a deal that will have the automakers cooperating on any product for the North American market. The two companies, however, are still talking about other ways to buddy up, saying in their press release that they've "agreed to maintain an open dialogue to explore further product-sharing opportunities." It's been reported that Nissan is still interested in Chrysler's truck expertise and it's no secret that the smallest of Detroit's Big Three needs a small car to sell below the Caliber.

This deal, however, is strictly for the South American market. Chrysler is not unfamiliar with this practice of cross-company rebadging, as it sells Dodge-branded Hyundais in Mexico, for instance. So in the end, this partnership appears to be much ado about little. Dodge still has a gaping hole where a small car should be sold in the U.S. and Nissan, despite the advances of Carlos Ghosn towards every domestic U.S. automaker, remains stag.

[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Chrysler will sell version of Nissan Versa in South America

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Reader Spy: Production Dodge Challenger naked in the rain

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

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Dodge_Challenger_likes_to_go_naked_in_the_rain_PICS'; Autoblog reader Ray O'Connor happened upon an undisguised Dodge Challenger on his way to work in the Detroit area and managed to snap a photo of it from behind the wheel. At first, we wondered whether the HEMI orange car pictured was simply the concept car out and about, because it has been known to traverse public roads before. The ducktail spoiler on the trunklid is not a feature of the concept, however, so we're guessing one of the preproduction cars was stretching its legs a bit. Or maybe Chrysler's taking a page from GM and, like the Camaro, has decided to just get rid of the camo altogether. In any case, the car will finally be revealed to the world next month in Chicago, and we'll be there, as always, to cover it.

Thanks, Ray!

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Challenger - spy shots


Gallery: Dodge Challenger Concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Volvo's answer to DSG goes by the name Powershift

Filed under: Tech, Volvo

Volvo is joining the ranks of other automakers by beginning to offer a dual-clutch gearbox to the masses. The new transmission, developed in cooperation with Getrag, features six-forward gears and reverse, and opts for a wet-clutch system like the first generation VW/Audi setup. Aside from the obvious performance advantages gained by quick shifts, Volvo estimates that fuel consumption will be reduced by around eight-percent.

The new setup can handle over 330 lb.-ft. of torque, something that has proved to be an issue with similar setups because of the small surface area of both clutches. When Volvo's Powershift transmission debuts, it will initially be equipped on the C30, S40 and V50 fitted with the 2.0-liter turbo diesel. There was no mention of what models in the U.S. could benefit from the new 'box or when it might be available here in the States.

Volvo's full press release is posted after the jump.Continue reading Volvo's answer to DSG goes by the name Powershift

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: 2008 Lexus IS F to start at $56,000

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Lexus

click above for high-res pics of the 2008 Lexus IS F

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/2008_Lexus_IS_F_to_start_at_56_000'; Lexus announced today that its super sedan, the IS F, will hit the market with a base price of $56,000. In exchange for your money, Lexus will give you an IS sedan stuffed with a 5.0L V8 producing 416 horsepower and 371 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm, with which you could reach 60 mph in 4.6 seconds if so inclined. Attached to the muscle car-like motor is an 8-speed automatic with lighting quick 0.1 second shifts, and Lexus has fortified the car with a suspension tuned in Germany on the Nurburgring and Japan on Fuji Speedway. There's also bigger brakes, larger wheels and boy-racer bodywork that has yet to grow on us.

Let's get this out of the way first...

• 2008 BMW M3 Sedan: Pricing N/A, 414-hp 4.0L V8
• 2008 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG: Pricing N/A, 507-hp 6.3L V8
• 2009 Cadillac CTS-V: Pricing N/A, 550-hp 6.2L V8
• 2007 Audi RS4: $66,910, 420-hp 4.2L V8

It would seem that the MSRP of the Lexus IS-F, while high by any Average Joe's standards, compares favorably with at least the Audi RS4. We'll have to wait on pricing for the rest of these next-gen super sedans before we can tell you which one's the best value. The IS F's engine, meanwhile, falls short of only the indomitable AMG 6.3L V8 and a detuned version of the Corvette ZR-1 engine, and there's no shame in that.

[Source: Lexus]

Gallery: Lexus IS-F

Continue reading 2008 Lexus IS F to start at $56,000

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Camaro spotted by GM's spy shooters, again

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM

click above to view the new Camaro spy-shot in high-res

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/Another_Camaro_Photo'; General Motors has released another shot of the production Camaro making the rounds on its test track and this time we get a nice view of the front three-quarters. According to the FastLane Blog, the Camaro "is quickly evolving into final form," however, things like the headlight design will likely change before all is said and done. The itty-bitty pic doesn't divulge much, but it does prove that GM is sticking as close to the concept as possible. And just to let you know, we're already looking for a larger version of the pic.

UPDATE: High-res version of the pic added.
UPDATE 2: You knew they were coming. CamaroZ28.com forum member Rampant has provided with images of the new Camaro shot in a rainbow of colors.

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro - colors


Gallery: 2009 Chevy Camaro - spy shots


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Shelby celebrates Carroll's 85th birthday and start of GT500KR production

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Ford, Shelby

Carroll Shelby is celebrating his 85th birthday today in style with a 3-day party in Las Vegas along with dozens of Shelby owners and enthusiasts. Guests will be treated to a weekend of open track and drag racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a parts swap meet, and a chili cook off. The event will also serve as the kick-off for production of the GT500 KR, as well as a reunion of Shelby Hertz Mustangs, both old and new. Sounds like the ideal birthday party for the ultimate car guy!
[Source: Shelby via StangsUnleashed.com]
Gallery: Carroll Shelby w/ GT500KR Prototype




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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO/PICS: Your Corvette ZR1 questions answered by design manager

Filed under: Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

click above for brand new images of the Corvette ZR1

General Motors invited Autoblog down to its design dome at the Warren, MI Tech Center to have a look at a couple of the vehicles that will be displayed at the Detroit Auto Show next week. Fortunately, it was one of those rare instances where they allowed us to bring in cameras and we took full advantage. One of the two vehicles on display was the recently-unveiled Corvette ZR1. At the time, there was some controversy in our comments about certain design elements of the ZR1, including the window in the hood, the side vents, the carbon fiber and the wheels. We had the opportunity to talk with Corvette Exterior Design Manager Kirk Bennian at the design dome and ask him about all of your concerns. Before you all get riled up, the car we were allowed to photograph was not mechanically correct, but rather a standard Z06 used by the design staff to test out exterior parts. That means it doesn't have the carbon brake disks and there's an LS7 under the plastic window instead of the new LS9. For all of you who thought the ZR1 badges on the previous press photos looked cheesy and tacked on, that's because they were. The proper badges weren't available yet when GM did its original photo shoot. This car does have the proper badges. View our video tour and interview with Kirk after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Gallery: 2009 Corvette ZR1 in the GM Design Center

Continue reading VIDEO/PICS: Your Corvette ZR1 questions answered by design manager

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Scion announces xB Release Series 5.0 for February

Filed under: Tuners, Wagons/Estates, Scion

click above for more high-res images of the 2008 Scion xB R.S. 5.0

Scion does this all the time - unveils a special Release Series version of a model and affixes an X.0 appendage to the name like it's a firmware update. Very hip, edgy stuff. The newest one and first special edition Scion model for 2008 is the xB R.S. 5.0. This edition's main selling point is its Gold Rush Mica paint job since it's the same color that appeared on the xB show car unveiled at last year's Chicago Auto Show. It also features a body kit by KenStyle that's tasteful enough, but the tuner vibe is totally killed by the set of exclusive Release Series wheel covers that the vehicle is wearing. This thing needs solid alloys if it wants to be taken seriously. The R.S. 5.0 is the first of the new xB models with a moonroof, however. Not much has changed with the interior except for a splash of the same Gold Rush Mica on some trim pieces and the seats.

One thing that the Scion xB R.S. 5.0 will be is exclusive, since only 2,500 will be made and priced from $15,650 for the manual and $16,600 for the automatic. The only option appears to be a rear spoiler dipped in, what else? Gold Rush Mica paint. That adds another $320 to the bottom line. The xB R.S. 5.0 will go on sale in February at your nearest Scion dealer. No need to rush, we doubt there'll be a line unless a TRD supercharger suddenly becomes an option.

[Source: Scion]

Gallery: 2008 Scion xB Release Series 5.0


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Mitsubishi releases official pricing for Evolution X GSR

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedans/Saloons, Mitsubishi

click above for more high-res pics of the Mitsubishi Evolution X

Last month we were able to provide some speculative pricing on Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution X GSR and MR, but those figures were still unconfirmed. Now it's official. You can get behind the wheel of the new Evo in GSR trim (meaning, equipped with the five-speed manual) for $32,990.

Start ticking off the option boxes and the price will head north pretty quick. The "Sight, Sound and Spoiler" package that includes HID headlamps, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate ICE, Sirius, the Evo's trademark wing and the "FAST" keyless entry system costs $2,000. Add the 30 gig hard-drive navigation system and you're out another $1,999. The optional aero kit is another $2,000 and includes front, side and rear air dams, along with a rear spoiler extension. An aluminum shift knob and emergency brake handle are even being offered for the bargain price of $399.

Mitsubishi didn't announce pricing for the range topping, dual-clutch equipped MR, but if the GSR's pricing is any indication, early reports about it cresting the $40k mark are likely on target.

All the details are available in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Continue reading Mitsubishi releases official pricing for Evolution X GSR

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Chrysler halts construction of dual-clutch transmission plant

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler
Construction of the $530 million dollar plant being built by Chrysler and Getrag in Kokomo, Indiana, has been suspended indefinitely due to a contract dispute between the two companies. Neither Chrysler nor Getrag were willing to specify the exact reason for the stoppage, the only word from Chrysler to Automotive News was that it hopes the dispute can be resolved so that the transmissions will be available in mid-2009. We hope so too, since the new dual-clutch transmissions are an integral part of Chrysler's powertrain revamp which includes the new Phoenix V6.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: See the BMW-Sauber F1 launch live

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW

For you F1 fans, the BMW Sauber F1 Team is launching its 2008 challenger live on the team's website, www.bmw-sauber-f1.com. The unveiling happens Monday, January 14 from 12:00 to 12:30 CET. BMW Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld has played down the team's title chances; nevertheless, BMW finished second in last year's Constructor's Championship (due to the exclusion of McLaren), and nearly doubled the next constructor's total. This is also one of the cars that current World Champion Kimi Raikkonen said he would be looking out for. BMW has climbed the charts without a superstar driver, which makes one think, to paraphrase Mars Blackmon, "It's gotta be the car."

[Source: BMW]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Volvo XC90 Sport gets sportier with the R-treatment

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Volvo

Volvo's limited presence in Detroit will be punctuated by the expansion of its in-house customization line with the release of the XC90 Sport R-Design. Volvo connoisseurs can R-ified their 'ute with either 19- or 20-inch matte wheels, dual exhaust pipes, brushed sill moldings and the removal of the CUV's roof rails. Inside, a blue-lit instrument cluster joins some additional badging, a leather wrapped steering wheel and an aluminum center stack to boost the premium feel of the XC90. They're all nice touches, but we still maintain that anything sporting the letter "R" should involve upgrades to both the visual appearance of the vehicle and its performance.

Volvo's press release is available after the jump.Continue reading Volvo XC90 Sport gets sportier with the R-treatment

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Audi R8 is Robb Report's 2008 COTY

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Supercars, Audi, Lifestyle

Click the image above for a high-res gallery of Audi R8 pics

It's not something many people have talked about, but perhaps the biggest problem with the Audi R8 is that the car doesn't offer enough storage to haul its own growing bundle of awards. Among a passel of other international pubs, Automobile, Playboy, and Autobild have all named the R8 the ant's pants and the bee's knees, or something like that. Latest to sign the R8 Fan Register is the Robb Report, which has placed the R8 on the top step of its Car of the Year awards.

It was apparently "the closest voting in the award's recent history," which is not hard to understand based on the depth of the field. The stupendous machinery trumped by the R8 includes the Ferrari 599, 911 Turbo Cabriolet, Bentley Continental GT Speed, and Aston Martin Vantage V8. The award is decided by automotive professionals as well as Robb Report readers privileged enough to join in. Coming from a magazine that caters to people who can have anything, and often want people to know just how much they spent on everything, Audi's award is no small beer.

Of course, none of these accolades truly count until the car gets Autoblog's stamp of long-term-test approval, so Audi, whenever you think you're ready, we're here. In the mean time, you can check out the full Robb Report press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of hi-res pics below.

[Source: Robb Report]

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8

Continue reading Audi R8 is Robb Report's 2008 COTY

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