Autoblog: News Thread

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: Mystery MINI mule a MINI Moke?

Filed under: Spy Photos, BMW, MINI
Could it be true? Could there be an as-yet-unheard-of MINI variant added to the pile? Spy pics of some yellow beastly thing wearing a MINI front and rear have a few folks wondering if MINI might make a Moke. The original MINI Moke from the sixties was an offroad vehicle that Alec Issigonis was trying to sell to the military. We doubt BMW would have any such aims for a Moke revival, but at the very least it could be a much more capable four-wheeler than the Crossman/Monte looks like it's going to be. A "possible retractable hard-top convertible, or a stripped down, open-air speedster variant," and even the possibility of a small truck bed have been thrown into the guessing game basket. Or, as ever, it could just be a test mule and mean nothing at all. But knowing MINI, we doubt it. Oh, and BMW might also want to change the car's name: moke means adull or boring person, adonkey, or an old, broken-down horse.

[Source: Winding Road]
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[monkeyboy]

MSN News: Twin-test: BMW X5 v Audi Q7

We test the BMW X5 against the Audi Q7 (image by James Lipman © Microsoft)

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: 2009 Dodge Ram breaks through the gate

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Dodge

click above for 83 high-res images of the 2009 Dodge Ram

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/autos/First_Look_2009_Dodge_Ram_1500'; Since both The New York Times and AllPar.com have already broken the embargo, we don't mind telling you all you need to know about the 2009 Dodge Ram. The look is as aggressive as a Ram should be, but slippier through the air than past models. Instead of upping the ante with an even larger grille, Dodge designers instead tipped the angle of the grille forward to impart the face of their truck with a solid presence. Another interesting styling touch is molding the rear bumper around the two chrome tipped tailpipes instead of having the pipes just poke out beneath.

Mechanically speaking, the '09 Ram comes ready to play with a new 5.7L HEMI V8 with 380 HP and 404 ft.-lb. of torque (the Toyota Tundra's 5.7L V8 produces 381 HP and 401 ft.-lb. of torque for comparison's sake). There's also a 4.7L V8 available with 310 HP and 330 ft.-lb. of torque and a 3.7L V6 making 215 HP and 235 ft.-lb. of torque. Transmissions include a six-speed manual and four- and five-speed automatics, and gear ratios run from 3.21 to 3.55 to 3.92 to 4.10. When optimally configured, the new Ram can sprint to 60 MPH in a mere 7 seconds. Snappy for a full-size truck, wouldn't you say?

More after the jump, including the 2009 Dodge Ram's official rap sheet and 83 high-res images in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Dodge Ram breaks through the gate

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: NY Times jumps the gun: 2009 Ford F-150, others revealed!

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Trucks/Pickups, Dodge, Ford, Mitsubishi

Click image for a look at the other model debuts by the NYT

The Old Grey Lady has officially kicked off the Detroit Auto Show 24 hours early, and they brought some party favors for all their readers to boot. The New York Times' Automobiles section has a Detroit preview article (dated 1/13, incidentally) in its feature spot. No longer under wraps are the 2009 Dodge Ram, 2009 Ford F-150 Platinum, Mitsubishi Concept-RA, Ford Verve sedan concept, and the Fisker plug-in luxo-hybrid, as all are featured prominently in the piece's accompanying new vehicle gallery.

The biggest fish in the tank are the two full-size trucks. While Chrysler inadvertently gave us a sneak preview of the Ram last month, Ford has kept the new F-150 well under wraps until now. The model pictured is the tip-top-of-the line F-150 Platinum, in case you were wondering. As for the others, the snazzy blue Ram Sport is looking good to these eyes (more on the '09 Ram here), while the Verve concept looks to be a slightly tweaked version of the one shown in China, updated with a coat of red paint and a modified fascia (note the differences in the foglamps). The Mitsubishi Concept-RA has us hankering for a new Eclipse, while the shapely Fisker PHEV looks like a green vehicle we'd be more than happy to pilot daily. You can read the Times' full preview here. Team Autoblog will assemble in Motown starting tomorrow, but it looks like the fun's begun in earnest already.

[Source: The New York Times]

Gallery: New York Times reveals Detroit '08 new models


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Spy Shots: International LoneStar Class 8 tractor

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Commercial Trucks

Click image for 5 more shots of the mystery rigs

Big rigs are awesome. We freely admit that this isn't our area of expertise, but when something particularly cool and truck-related comes along, we're more than happy to share. Thanks to an Autoblog reader named Johnny, who sent in the photos you see here, something cool indeed came along.

We don't know if the pair of rigs you see are concepts or a new production model that's set to debut sometime soon. The Mid-America Trucking Show -- the biggest show in the industry -- is coming up in March, so these might be headed there. Our submitter at first thought that they might just be show vehicles, but some details lead him to believe that this could be a new production model sporting a nifty new hood design. The thing that has our tipster thinking "production" is that different sleeper configs are shown. The silver rig's is taller and incorporates a large fairing, while the black one's is less pronounced. Aside from the swoopy front end, the layout seems conventional, with exposed fuel tanks and the like. The final clue that these may be upcoming production trucks is on the rear mud flap of the black rig, which has something like "LongStar" or "LoadStar" emblazoned on it. Most of International's trucks have "Star" nomenclature, and the "Star" moniker on the pictured vehicle is not one currently in use. We'll have to wait and see what plays out in the coming weeks, but one thing's certain: these things are bitchin'.

Thanks for the photos, Johnny!

UPDATE: According to commenter FC, the trucks are examples of International's new Class 8 flagship tractor, the LoneStar, will will be officially premiered at the Chicago Auto Show next month. Sadly, we don't think one of these will fit in the Autoblog Garage. Thanks, FC!

Gallery: International's mystery big rigs


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[Marko]

Thanks Autoblog! There was me saving up to buy a Kenworth rig, but thanks to these spy shots I now know where to spend my money...........

 

[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: CES 2008: PumpTop TV coming your way

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Lifestyle
Westinghouse Digital had its PumpTop TV on display at CES. As described by the title, it's a flatscreen monitor that sits on top of a fuel pump. It gives the consumer something to do besides staring at passing vehicles while waiting around for the tank to fill. The unit is already in use at many gas stations throughout the United States. While the idea of being bombarded by even more advertising when out driving is not a pleasant thought, the TV network might be helpful in exposing folks to urgent news alerts such as bridge collapses, dust storms, or forest fires. In Southern California some pump televisions also display real-time traffic data in addition to weather, news and (of course) advertisements. While that can be useful info when trying to plan a route through clogged freeways, the downside of the PumpTop set is its poor screen visibility in extreme sunlight, which might explain why many stations equipped with the devices simply leave them turned off.

[Source: Engadget]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Filed under: Motorsports, Autoline on Autoblog
John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

PLEASE MAKE MOTOR RACING MORE RELEVANT

First, a confession. I love motor racing. Been following it since I was a kid. And back then you really had to be a fanatic to follow it since the media devoted so little attention to it.

There was no such thing as live TV coverage. The best we got was a two-week delay of the Monaco Gran Prix on ABC Wide World of Sports. I had to carefully avoid reading parts of the sports section on the Monday after the race just in case they had their miniscule 1-inch report of who won. That way I could watch it two weeks later on television and enjoy it in all its dramatic glory.

And it wasn't just Formula One. NASCAR was considered so Hicksville that television virtually ignored it. The only live feed you could get of the Indy 500 was on radio. Can-Am, Trans-Am and the NHRA seemingly didn't exist. And yet, somehow or other, a bunch of us became fanatics for the sport.

Today of course we're blessed with coverage that's almost as complete as any sport. But to me, racing is undergoing a disturbing development. It's becoming more about entertainment and brand marketing and less about the technological development that attracted most of us to it in the first place.Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 track attack

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet

On a nice autumn day, some people go play golf. Others toss the pigskin around. Garage 419 shares our idea of a perfect fall day, though: Corvette Flogging. Not just any Corvette, either, but Garage 419's camera wonks were treated to plenty of neck-snapping fly-bys from the new Corvette ZR1. What more do we need to say? It looks great, it sounds great, it goes fast. There's a couple of interviews at the end of the clip that make you want the car even more by noting that there's only going to be about 2,500 made and with the General's crack suspension team on the job, the car won't pound you into renal failure. Maybe we should start playing the ten dollar scratch tickets in hopes of a bigger payout.

video posted after the jump

Thanks for the tip, Brian!

[Source: Garage419]Continue reading VIDEO: Corvette ZR1 track attack

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Lincoln returning to RWD, too

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Ford, Lincoln


Not that they ever left, but Lincoln's not going to pull what Cadillac tried in the '90s, switching its entire lineup to FF chassis. Derrick Kuzak, Ford's Lutz, has intimated to Car & Driver that rear wheel drive remains part of Lincoln's plans, and that there's a new FR car under development. While the big news at Lincoln lately is the MKS, that car's fan base will likely not know what stringbacks are.

Last year's hotness, the MKR, was based on modified Mustang underpinnings, so perhaps that's what's coming. Or, Ford could be looking at the new global RWD platform that's being developed in Australia, though that seems unlikely. It would be expensive to build a car in Oz and shipping would add another layer of expense, too. The MKS is a good start for Ford's plan of more Lincoln sales volume. It's nice looking, the EcoBoost motor will shove you back into the seat, and even the unboosted 3.5 is a great match for the chassis. For all that, the MKS probably won't have what it takes to sway drivers with enthusiast desires, but such a car could definitely slot nicely in the lineup.

Thanks for the tip, Zac!

[Source: Car & Driver]
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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: eBay find of the day: Sky Commuter Prototype

Filed under: Auction Action, Etc.

Looking for something really exotic? Do your vehicular leanings include more than just cars? If so, have we got the auction for you. What you see here is the very last Sky Commuter Prototype in existence. While we would imagine that this vehicle will end up somewhere in a museum or in the clutches of a rich collector, the auction lister believes that it would be "for the most part functional after learning the power source," for whatever that's worth. Speaking of worth, at the time that this was written, the highest bid was $45,300.00, but we'd expect that to change soon enough. The Sky Commuter is registered with the FAA with a valid number, so it appears that the information in the listing is legit.
Our research is leading us to believe that each and every time one of these machines was lifted off the ground, it crashed. We don't say this very often, but our advice would be to leave this one a true, dedicated trailer-queen.
Gallery: Sky Car


[Source: eBay]

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 looks to keep its crown

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Ford

click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Ford F-150

The full-size pickup market may be shrinking in sales, but it's more competitive than ever. With the introduction of the 2009 Dodge Ram and this truck, the 2009 Ford F-150, the segment is filled to the brim with modern, next-gen pickups. The best-selling F-150, however, is looking to keep its crown with the introduction of the 2009 model. Like any next-gen truck worth its salt, the '09 F-150 is pretty much better in every way.

Styling is always subjective, and fortunately there are many styles of the new F-150 from which to choose. The XL, STX, FX4, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and new premium Platinum trims all have their own look to varying degrees. Having seen all the different variations, we actually think the new F-150 gets uglier the more you pay for it. That's probably not what Ford designers intended, but the Platinum model's 20-inch aluminum wheels and bright chrome grille with mesh inserts just don't say "Built Ford Tough" to us. We'll take one of the less expensive models with its black bumpers and Super Duty-inspired three-bar grille instead.

Follow the jump for more on the 2009 Ford F-150, including Ford's official press release. Check out all the pics we have so far (more will be added) in the gallery below.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Ford F-150 looks to keep its crown

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Ford Verve Sedan concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Ford

click above for more high-res images of the Ford Verve Concept

The rise in gas prices has increased demand for smaller, more fuel efficient cars in the American market, a call to which Ford has so far only paid lip service. The debut of the 2008 Focus at last year's Detroit Auto Show following the debut of several recent European market models like the Mondeo also caused people to call on Ford to bring its European Kinetic design to the U.S. Ford has finally responded on both counts, or at least it will for 2010 when the production version of this concept finally goes on sale here.

The Verve debuted as a three-door hatch at the Frankfurt Motor Show and then grew a trunk at a Chinese show last fall. It now comes to Detroit with a revised front fascia and taillights. The Verve certainly brings a new level of style that small US market Fords have lacked for a long time. Ford doesn't specify which fuel efficient 4-cylinder engine the Verve will get, but the 1.4L EcoBoost and the PowerShift dual clutch transmission would seem like a prime choice for the US market.

UPDATE: Gallery now contains 34 high-res pics

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: Ford Verve Sedan Concept - US Version

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Ford Verve Sedan concept

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Fashion, Music, and a few cars, It's GM Style

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet

click above for more high-res images of the Corvette ZR1 at GM Style

For the second year in a row, General Motors kicked off the North American International Auto Show festivities with its celeb-studded GM Style Event. The show this year featured music from Mary J Blige, Maroon 5 and Detroit-area native Kid Rock. The star of the show, however, was the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The 620hp+ sports car was the finale of the runway fashion show that featured an assortment of GM production and concept cars. We'll have more on the rest of the GM Style Event later, but for now, just enjoy the ZR1.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Corvette ZR1 at GM Style


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Mazda

Click the image above for a gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8.

Mazda's redesigned RX-8 has officially been released into the wild and, surprise, it's exactly the same as the RS model that debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon, right down to the wheels. Mazda admits that the 2009 RX-8 is simply a mild evolution of the outgoing model, with a few changes to the exterior and interior, along with a couple of mechanical revisions and a new suspension package.

On the outside, the RX-8's shape is largely unchanged, with a new front and rear bumper, restyled front fascia and larger exhaust pipes. Inside, Mazda has redone the instrument panel and included a "variable red-zone" on the tach that indicates when the Wankel is up to operating temperature (similar to BMW's M-powered products).

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

Continue reading Detroit 2008: 2009 Mazda RX-8

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Lexus LF-A Convertible

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertibles, Supercars, Lexus

click above for more images of the Lexus LF-A Convertible

Motive dropped Lexus' bomb on the unsuspecting masses a few minutes ago, showing the convertible version of the LF-A premium sports car concept. The high-po roadster is made up of carbon fiber and aluminum, supposedly maintaining a high amount of structural rigidity even without its roof.

Pulling both design and (assumed) engineering from the LF-A coupe, the roadster will be packing approximately 5.0-liters in its front-mounted V10, sending over 500 hp down to a transmission fitted between towards the back for optimal weight balance.

We'll have more from the show floor when the LF-A takes the stage, but in the meantime, check the gallery of images below.

[Source: Motive]

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Convertible


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Detroit 2008: Evolving the Explorer - Ford Explorer American concept LIVE

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

Click the image above for a gallery of live shots of the Ford Explorer America Concept.

The unveiling of Ford's Explorer America concept might finally prove that the end of the SUV era is upon us. FoMoCo's stalwart 'ute has left the body-on-frame world and joined the ranks of crossovers that - if you believe the hype - are quickly filling up the SUV-sized vacuum left in garages across the country.

On the outside, Ford decided to keep several of the design cues that have defined the Explorer over the years, simply smoothing the edges, raising the belt line and giving it a healthy injection of futuristic lines that would make it a shoe-in as Robocop's next black-and-white cruiser. The sliding door on the passenger side might not make it to production, but it would be a smart addition to bridge the gap between machismo and minivan.

We're assembling all our live pics, but in the meantime check out our previous post for all the details on the Ford Explorer America.

Gallery: Explorer America Concept



Gallery: Detroit 2008: Ford Explorer America concept


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Pics (and VIDEO) Aplenty: Mazda Furai Concept

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Mazda

click above to view 61 high-res images of the Mazda Furai Concept

We're eagerly awaiting the moment when we get to see the Mazda Furai in person tomorrow, but until we must be satisfied with more high-res pics of the automaker's ALMS-inspired concept. Mazda just released dozens more photos of the Furai, and based on what our eyes see, it's already a Best of Show contender. Now, following the release of on-track video of the Furai (click here to view), we're that much closer to giving it the nod sight unseen. How come? The Furai is as audibly evil as it looks. Still not 787B evil, but this is close. Mazda, Autoblog wants a ride. Check out the video after the jump, you won't regret it.

[Source: AutoTau via Jalopnik]

Gallery: Mazda Furai Concept

Continue reading Pics (and VIDEO) Aplenty: Mazda Furai Concept

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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Cattle! Trucks! 2009 Dodge Ram reveal "pregame"

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trucks/Pickups, Chrysler, Dodge

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Ram reveal preparations

var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pets_animals/115_head_of_cattle_in_a_Detroit_parking_lot'; The official introduction of the 2009 Dodge Ram is still almost a half-hour away, but preparations for the cattle stampede that will herald the truck's arrival appear to be going exactly as planned. Tucked out of sight in a downtown Detroit parking lot-turned-corral are 115 head of longhorn cattle that came all the way from Oklahoma for the event. As you can see, they're fine-looking critters, and according to the wranglers babysitting them, they're also as friendly as can be. They just don't smell too great. But hey, get 100-plus steer in one place and there'll be no shortage of BS.

Also on hand with our animal friends are a trio of 2009 Rams. They're disguised, but we managed to get peeks of different elements as the trucks were readied for their big moment. We'll have photos and video of the reveal and press conference a little later, but until then, we've got these pregame pics to tide you over.

Gallery: 2009 Dodge Ram stampede: Preshow


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[monkeyboy]

Autoblog: Malibu and CX-9 win North American Car/Truck of the Year

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet, Mazda

Though four out of the six finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards were GM vehicles, only the new 2008 Chevy Malibu managed to earn the honor of 2008 North American Car of the Year. On the truck side of things, the Buick Enclave and Chevy Tahoe Hybrid lost out to the Mazda CX-9.

The Malibu was competing for North American COTY honors against the new Honda Accord and 2008 Cadillac CTS. The judges use a point system to determine the winner, and the Malibu achieved the most among the cars at 190, with the CTS fairly close behind at 165 and the Honda firmly in third with 95.

The Mazda CX-9, meanwhile, blew out its truck competitors with 201 points. Surprisingly, the Chevy Tahoe 2-mode Hybrid came in second with 140 and the Buick Enclave, which we believed (and you, too) had a chance to win, only managed 109 points.

What say peanut gallery? Is the Malibu a better choice for this year's honor than the CTS. Was the Accord snubbed? And what happened to the Enclave in this competition?

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Malibu


Gallery: 2008 Mazda CX-9


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