http://www.searchautoreviews.com/review/feed Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:36:38 GMT Car Research Made Easier http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54996/0/This+Car+Is+Killing+Lotus This Car Is Killing LotusFifty years after giving us the ideal sports car, the Elan, Lotus is on the ropes. (Again.) Its only path to survival, Ben Oliver explains, is to move on from sports cars.One of the many problems Lotus has is that, as a long-lived but perpetually struggling maker of semiaffordable sports cars, lots of people have owned one. Most of them feel they can take personal credit for having saved the business and are entitled to say how it ought not to be run, even if they don't have a clue about how the industry operates, last owned a Lotus when they still had hair and erectile function, and don't have any better solutions. Photo Gallery: This Car Is Killing Lotus - Automobile MagazineThis Car Is Killing Lotus | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:11:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54997/0/Video%3A+Mess+of+human+bodies+makes+for+good+car+crash+sculpture Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Australia The Motor Accident Commission in South Australia says that speeding is the number one killer on the state's roads. The tally doesn't just come from hooligans flagrantly doing eight billion kilometers an hour over the limit, but so-called low-level speeding less than ten or even five kph over and which is especially harmful to pedestrians. To make the case that even a few ticks beyond the posted limit is a deadly game, the MAC commissioned ad agency Clemenger BBDO to make a print ad, and the agency came up with a piece called Crash Puzzle: people painted and locked together in the shape of a wrecked car. Body painter Emma Hack, also known for her work with the Australian singer Gotye, spent eighteen hours applying five layers of paint to the seventeen athletes, bodybuilders and acrobats used in the piece. Check out the making-of video below, and a televised Crash Puzzle ad that uses real auto parts instead of anatomies.Continue reading Mess of human bodies makes for good car crash sculptureMess of human bodies makes for good car crash sculpture originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:33:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54998/0/Report%3A+Chrysler%27s+marketing+chief+wins+Brand+Genius+Award Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, CelebritiesWhen Chrysler wanted to use an Eminem song in its 2011 Super Bowl ad, the company's Chief Marketing Officer Olivier François took it upon himself to convince the elusive rapper. In the end, the Chrysler not only ended up with the song, but François had persuaded the performer himself to appear in the spot. In Chrysler's follow-up Super Bowl commercial earlier this year, Clint Eastwood made a rare pitch and a star-turn with the Halftime in America ad. Again, it was François who proved convincing enough to get Eastwood to sign on to the project. It's just that kind of hands-on creative spark that has caused Adweek to award François with its 2012 Brand Genius Award. Imported from Detroit came from a speech given by François at the Los Angeles Auto Show. "That started as kind of a joke, but then we thought it would be a very good marketing brief, not just a line," François told Adweek. The magazine gives at least partial credit to François, as well, for Chrysler's sales climbing 30 straight months since he joined the company in 2009. "We wanted to not only put Chrysler on the map - we wanted to remind everyone that this is a country like no other, a country that can be proud of building quality products," François said.Chrysler's marketing chief wins Brand Genius Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:03:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54999/0/SEMA%3A+Enemy+To+Fashion+imagines+what+Chevy+Sonic+would+look+like+as+an+army+vehicle Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Specialty In all the talk of the zombie apocalypse, there's been little discussion of how the undead are going to provide music for their election rallies and beachfront luaus. We can't be sure since we hardly know anything about it, but the Chevrolet Sonic prepared by Enemy to Fashion for SEMA could be the answer. Completely reskineed, re-interiored and barred up and braced for collisions, the "modern tactical vehicle" at first looks all Def-Con 5. The company's press release says it has "paid as much attention to the tactical experience as it has to the design aesthetic," but look a little closer and you'll see the roof is home to a lot of less-than-tactical speakers. We're going to guess it's so the last living DJ can ply his trade without getting eaten, but we'll know more when we see it at SEMA this week. In the meantime there's a press release below and a whole lotta high-res shots above.Continue reading Enemy To Fashion imagines what Chevy Sonic would look like as an army vehicleEnemy To Fashion imagines what Chevy Sonic would look like as an army vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:30:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54993/0/ETC%3A+Infographic%3A+30+years+of+American-built+Honda+Accord Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Honda Are we allowed to say that this infographic celebrating the 2013 Honda Accord might be - so far - the most interesting thing about the car? Breaking down thirty years and eight generations of Accord production at Honda's Marysville, Ohio plant, it's a detailed chart of how the Accord went from a 75-horsepower sedan that got 28 mpg, took 12.9 seconds to reach 60 mph in 1982 and boasted a digital clock, to a 185-hp (the four-cylinder model) sedan that gets 35 mpg, takes seven seconds to get to 60 mph and boasts the kinds of features you'd also find in a Mercedes-Benz. The factory numbers are just as interesting, the Marysville plant taking six years to build its first million cars, then taking just two years to add another one million during the third-generation Accord, repeating the feat again twice during the fifth and sixth generations. The latest sedan and coupe carry the hopes of those nine million others that came before it, each generation of which made Car and Driver's 10-Best list. Let the games begin - after you check out the infographic, which you can click on to enlarge.Infographic: 30 years of American-built Honda Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:02:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/55000/0/Porsche+Panamera+%282012%29+long-term+test Life with our BMW M5 is nearly at an end, so CAR needs a new super-saloon to keep our long-term test fleet’s emissions high and balance out all those eco diesels. Step forward the Porsche Panamera GTS. I can run... Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:10:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54994/0/Martini+Mustang+makes+more+with+less+weight%3A+It%27s+a+modern+take+on+a+45-year-old+car The Martini Mustang is based on a supposition. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:30:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54991/0/2013+Maserati+GranTurismo+Sport+First+Test Work-Life Balance: Updated Grand Tourer Brings Peace and Harmony Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:00:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54992/0/2011+Nissan+Quest+LE+Verdict Our Year-Long Quest Has Ended Thu, 01 Nov 2012 09:00:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54990/0/SEMA%3A+We+obsessively+covered+Day+2+of+the+2012+SEMA+Show Filed under: SEMA Show By now, you've indeed been exposed to the good, the bad and the ugly from this year's SEMA Show. We've spent the past two days scouring the Las Vegas Convention Center to bring you all of the new hotness from this year's preeminent tuner show, and you can see the fruits of our labor in the big ol' roundup below. But as if that weren't enough, we'll have another giant brace of posts for you to peruse tomorrow, so stay tuned for even more bolt-on accessories, giant wings, flared wheel arches and chrome, chrome, chrome. #content .quick_scan_post h2 a {color:#1567B6 !important} Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas Hyundai goes bonkers with performance Velosters Bisimoto Hyundai Elantra GT Concept makes monster power for a family hatch VWerks Ram KTS is a Ram Runner aftermarket-style Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition pops up at SEMA Hyundai Genesis Coupes from ARK Performance and Cosworth at SEMA Sleek new Ford Fusion gets hit with SEMA's ugly stick Custom Chevy Spark models light up in Vegas Production-ready Lingenfelter LTA Camaro debuts in Vegas Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes Jeff Dunham's UltraViolet Mopar Challenger isn't plum crazy 1940 Ford is a blank-slate for hot rod dreams 2013 SRT Viper with Mopar accessories shines at SEMA Hyundai Veloster Re:Mix is production-ready fun from SEMA Kelderman Ford F-250 Super Duty laughs at lesser trucks ICON Dodge D200 Reformer Series pickup is an unstoppable rebel force Mazda brings trio of tricked-out CX-5s to Vegas Fiat brings Café Racer, Beach Cruiser and Magneti Marelli samplers to SEMA 2013 Honda Accord Coupe HFP hitting dealerships next spring Mazda MX-5 Super25 Concept lights the way to motorsports glory Kia transforms five Justice League inspired models for Heroes charity Toyota owes us a 9-second car, presents us with DragQuoia instead Chevy Camaro Hot Wheels Edition is not kidding around Chevy Malibu Turbo Performance Concept is hotted up for your eyes only Honda HPD Supercharged CR-Z Concept is the one we've been longing for 2012 Chevrolet COPO Camaro Convertible is an Inferno Orange charitable donation Ford Racing debuts twin-turbo Mustang Cobra Jet Concept [w/video] .quick_scan_post{width:192px !important;height:172px} #quick_scan{float: left; margin: 15px 0px;border-left: 1px dotted #8D8E90;border-top: 1px dotted #8D8E90;} #content .quick_scan_post h2 a:hover div.thumb {width:191px} We obsessively covered Day 2 of the 2012 SEMA Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:01:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54995/0/Halloween+Hearse+pulls+into+SEMA%3A+Thundertaker+is+the+perfect+ride+for+Dia+de+los+Muertes%2C+even+if+you%27re+not+dead Just in time for Halloween, Fuller Hot Rods in Atlanta finished the ultimate cruising hearse, The Thundertaker, fitted out for the lucky living among us. Or at least for the zombie dead still looking for a party. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 04:10:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54989/0/Official%3A+2014+Subaru+Forester+revealed+ahead+of+LA+debut Filed under: LA Auto Show, SUV, Subaru Subaru has released two pictures and some preliminary details of the all-new 2014 Forester that will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The new Forester arrives with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will make 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The exterior adds some more refinement and the turbo model loses its iconic hood scoop - something some of us are glad to see go. Instead, the turbocharged Forester receives a unique front fascia, seen here in the image above. Subaru says that the Forester's fuel economy will improve, but final numbers have not been released. The Forester will debut a new six-speed manual transmission and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. (The CVT includes either six- or eight-speed manual modes so you can swap through the 'gears'.) The fourth-generation Forester also features a new suspension and 8.7-inches of ground clearance for any tough off-road obstacles. We'll have all the official details (as well as driving impressions) in about one month's time. For now, scroll down to read Subaru's official press release and stay tuned for the new crossover's live unveiling in Los Angeles.Continue reading 2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54986/0/SEMA%3A+Legacy+Power+Wagon+Conversion+is+three+tons+of+vintage+American+iron Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Dodge, Military, Specialty, Off-Road There's a soft spot in our hearts for well-done resuscitation of vintage off-road iron. Perhaps the most notable company performing such restomod work is Icon 4x4, but the Californian outfit isn't the only company turning its attention to the down-and-dirty side of the vintage scene. Legacy Classic Trucks in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is using the 2012 SEMA Show to display the Legacy Power Wagon. As its name implies, the truck started life many, many years ago as a Dodge Power Wagon (built between 1945 and 1980 - not to be confused with the current version), itself based on an older military design. In stock form, the Power Wagon was much loved for its stalwart ability to carry people and products over just about any terrain. In the form you see above, the massively capable Power Wagon looks beefy enough to pull a freight train uphill through a snow storm... or something like that. As seen above, the Legacy Power Wagon would set back its buyer some $180,000. In base configuration, the truck runs $114,950. That's a huge sum, no doubt, but we're sure a few well-heeled buyers won't mind. If nothing else, the Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is equipped with top-shelf componentry. The buyer can choose from either a 426-cubic-inch V8 with 425 horsepower from the Mopar parts book or a 3.9-liter Cummins turbo diesel four cylinder mill pounding out 480 pound-feet of torque. A range of transmission options are available, up to the stout Allison unit of the show truck. All the specifications and options can be seen here, and we invite you to gaze at our high-res image gallery above.Legacy Power Wagon Conversion is three tons of vintage American iron originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:29:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54987/0/SEMA%3A+Ford+Focus+ST+makes+presence+known+with+five+custom+cars+in+Vegas Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Ford These are the funky quintet of five custom Ford Focus STs that were teased not long ago, built by Tanner Foust Racing, Bojix, M&J Enterprises, Galpin Auto Sports and Steeda Autosports. Tanner went for the weekday commuter turned weekend track and canyon star (top); Bojix headed for "European design cues," which apparently means orange paint and big brakes (above, left); M&J called Cosworth, upped the power and braced the suspension, then draped the package in the marvelously named Tangerine Scream (above, right); the Galpins we know so well went daily-rally-car with a roof scoop, methanol injection and a WRC exterior aesthetic (below, left); and Steeda went for quiet yet very serious business with its G-Trac suspension and 19-inch wheels (below, right). You can check each Focus ST out in the high-res gallery above, and you'll find a few more details on each in the press release below.Continue reading Ford Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in VegasFord Focus ST makes presence known with five custom cars in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 01:00:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54985/0/Formula+Drift+Readies+for+10th+Anniversary%3A+2013+season+will+mark+a+decade+of+drift+in+U.S.+series Just two weeks after selling more tickets than ever at its 2012 season-ending event at Irwindale Speedway in Southern California, Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:57:44 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54988/0/SEMA%3A+Hyundai+goes+bonkers+with+performance+Velosters Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai Hyundai's news that it would be producing a new Re:Mix edition of the Veloster was passingly interesting, at least for fans of the sprightly hatchback. But that wasn't the only Veloster we saw at the SEMA show this year... far from it. Much more pulse pounding is this Veloster Turbo Velocity Concept, a fire-breathing, Cosworth-tuned, free-breathing, turbocharged beast of a thing that outputs some 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Full details on the Hyundai Velocity Concept were reported here, though we suggest you take in all of its be-winged glory in our gallery of live images first. While you're at it, have a gander at the Velosters presented by ARK Performance and the JP Edition Concept, as well. The "JP" in question stands for John Pangilinan, a mainstay of the tuning community, and his Veloster features a Mint Green shade of BASF that wouldn't look out of place on a Tiffany's box, as well as various fashionable interior and exterior upgrades. Meanwhile, the ARK "Alpine" Concept has been sorted to accommodate the lifestyles of extreme winter sports athletes. That means an interior designed to stand up well to wet gear that's composed of Alcantara, WeatherTek material and some leather.Hyundai goes bonkers with performance Velosters originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:41:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54980/0/SEMA%3A+Bisimoto+Hyundai+Elantra+GT+Concept+makes+monster+power+for+a+family+hatch Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Performance, Hatchback, Hyundai When Bisimoto took on the challenge of tuning the rather pedestrian Hyundai Elantra GT into a proper performance vehicle for SEMA, it took no half-measures. Rather than simply dropping in a turbocharger and bumping up output by 50 horsepower or so, the tuning house completely revamped the engine, added forced induction and fed the thing a bottle full of methanol. The result is a 600-horsepower car that has a singular appearance package to match its utterly jaw-dropping performance. Take a good look at the madness that Bisimoto has wrought with this particular Elantra GT in our gallery of live images.Bisimoto Hyundai Elantra GT Concept makes monster power for a family hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:20:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54981/0/SEMA%3A+VWerks+Ram+KTS+is+a+Ram+Runner+aftermarket-style Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Off-Road, Ram Chrysler first introduced us to its Ram Runner exactly two years ago at SEMA, but for buyers of this Raptor-like truck who don't want to go through dealerships for the upgrades, VWerks has just the thing. Looking every bit as mean as the dealer-built Ram Runner, the VWerks Ram KTS gets a wide-body treatment and upgraded off-road performance suspension similar to its Mopar contemporary. Starting life as your everyday Ram 1500, the Ram KTS on display at SEMA features a beefed-up KORE long-travel suspension system and off-road tires that allows the truck to tackle tough terrain at high speeds. From there, VWerks also added wider front and rear fenders, matte black 17-inch wheels and a Flowmaster performance cat-back exhaust system. For buyers looking for the rough and rugged look of the KTS but not needing the high-speed, off-road abilities, VWerks also offers the Baja Series kit that replaces the performance suspension system with a set of 20-inch wheels. The VWerks Ram KTS and Ram Baja Series kits are available on any 2009 through 2013 model year Ram 1500, but there is no word on pricing for either kit yet. Scroll down for more information about both kits, and check out the KTS in our live gallery above.Continue reading VWerks Ram KTS is a Ram Runner aftermarket-styleVWerks Ram KTS is a Ram Runner aftermarket-style originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:58:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54982/0/SEMA%3A+Lexus+LFA+N%C3%BCrburgring+Edition+pops+up+at+SEMA Filed under: SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Lexus Lexus has brought along a LFA Nürburgring Edition to its SEMA booth this year, apparently for no better reasons than to (a) show us the car in color other than the orange we saw for its Geneva debut and (b) let show-goers take turns running the car on a dynamometer. We'll admit, that last part is pretty good... we're waiting for the crowds to die down to take our turn, and to verify the alleged 562 horsepower output. While we wait, why not peruse the above gallery of live LFA images? Supercar goodness therein.Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition pops up at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:40:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54983/0/SEMA%3A+Hyundai+Genesis+Coupes+from+ARK+Performance+and+Cosworth+at+SEMA Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Hyundai Hyundai has brought along two high-performance Genesis Coupes to the SEMA Show to augment is huge fleet of Velosters, Elantras and other modified Korean goodies. We've already dropped the knowledge on both the Cosworth Genesis Racing Series Concept (above, right in blue) - tuned by Cosworth, as you can probably tell - and the Genesis Coupe R-Spec (above, left) that was tuned by ARK Performance. To recap: the ARK car is rocking 395 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque from its 3.8-liter V6. The Cosworth car, meanwhile, is pumping out 389 horses from its V6 - and despite the name, neither Cosworth nor Hyundai has announced an actual racing series for the car. Have a gander at both in our galleries of live images, here and here.Hyundai Genesis Coupes from ARK Performance and Cosworth at SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:21:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54984/0/Autoblog+Podcast+%23306 Filed under: Podcasts, SEMA Show, SUV, Truck, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan2014 Chevrolet Corvette LT1, Motor Trend SUV of the Year, 2014 GM trucks, SEMA Episode #306 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 engine, including an interview with Jordan Lee, General Motors small block program manager. Other topics include the soon-to-debut 2014 General Motors pickups, the Mercedes GL being named Motor Trend SUV of the Year and SEMA highlights. For those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening! Autoblog Podcast #306: Topics: 2014 Corvette's new LT1 Small Block 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Mercedes-Benz GL is Motor Trend SUV of the Year SEMA In the Autoblog Garage: 2013 Nissan Altima 2013 Cadillac XTS Platinum Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross Guests: Jordan Lee Runtime: 01:35:54 Get the podcast [UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Feedback Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com Review the show in iTunes Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #306Autoblog Podcast #306 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 23:01:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54974/0/Official%3A+SEMA+crowns+Mustang%2C+FR-S+as+this+year%27s+hottest+cars+in+the+building Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford, Jeep, Scion After wrapping up the first day of the 2012 SEMA Show, organizers handed out awards for some of the trendiest vehicles on display. Since the whole point of SEMA is to show off new products available in the aftermarket world for use in cars, trucks and SUVs, each year, the show distinguishes the most popular vehicle in various segments. Not surprisingly, this year's Hottest Car and Hottest Sport Compact are the Ford Mustang and Scion FR-S, respectively, while the Ford F-Series brought home the Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler was named the Hottest 4x4-SUV. More than 2,000 companies are at this year's show, and the display booths represents a "vote" for each car to determing the trendiest vehicles in each of the four categories. It isn't clear if these awards also take cars brought by OEMs into account, but the Mustang and FR-S were definitely well represented by both OEM and aftermarket show versions. As usual, the OEMs showed up in force at the this year's SEMA Show exhibiting a variety of cars ranging from production-intent cars like the beastly Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to much flashier rides like Scion's Carbon Stealth FR-S. We've obsessively covered Day One of the show already, but stay tuned for our continued live coverage.Continue reading SEMA crowns Mustang, FR-S as this year's hottest cars in the buildingSEMA crowns Mustang, FR-S as this year's hottest cars in the building originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:40:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54975/0/GM%27s+Reuss%3A+Next+Cadillac+Escalade+to+be+%22much+less+ostentatious%22 Filed under: SUV, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style, Luxury Within the next year or so, Cadillac will be launching its fourth-generation Escalade, and the SUV will be entering into a very different market than the one its predecessor first encountered in 2006. Over its history, General Motors' most expensive SUV has carved out a high-profile, highly profitable niche for itself as a larger-than-life, flamboyant style statement. But the next Escalade will dial back the chrome and the overtly conspicuous design that made it popular among attention-grabbing celebrities. Instead, General Motors' North American President, Mark Reuss, says the 2014/2015 Escalade will be "much less ostentatious" to be better in-step with the times. At a media roundtable held earlier today at GM's downtown Detroit world headquarters, Reuss told Autoblog that Cadillac is changing its design tack with the next Escalade because there has been a "permanent mindset change about what luxury looks like." The new luxury, it follows, is more substantive and less showy, with a greater emphasis on efficiency. As a consequence, the Escalade will be "understated yet elegant," though Reuss was quick to assert that the SUV's new design "is not feminine." Indeed, spy shots of the next Escalade suggest that the truck's design will still have gobs of presence, including a massive front grille and an intimidating stance marked out by large wheels. the Escalade will be "understated yet elegant," though Reuss was quick to assert that the SUV's new design "is not feminine." Reuss cautions that even though GM is targeting a more refined visual and driving experience, the Escalade will still hold appeal for current owners, with a much more upscale interior and the same high ride height that buyers have come to know and love. And as the Escalade will remain a body-on-frame truck with V8 power, it should still maintain its workhorse capabilities for those who tow regularly, despite posting sizable efficiency gains. At the same roundtable, Cadillac's new Global Vice President, Robert E. Ferguson, noted that the current Escalade has a surprisingly diverse ownership base, with clusters around both single males and mothers with young children. The next-gen Escalade will look to better leverage that spectrum of buyers, with GM hoping that its "audience will expand significantly." In order to court that broader consumer base, Reuss points out that the new Escalade also "won't be marketed the same as we did five years ago." Of course, GM isn't looking to abandon core customers that helped make Escalade one of the industry's most recognizable nameplates. To that end, Reuss assured Autoblog that "there will continue to be a place and trim" for the model's traditional customers who were drawn to the current Escalade's splashier style.GM's Reuss: Next Cadillac Escalade to be "much less ostentatious" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:19:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54976/0/SEMA%3A+Sleek+new+Ford+Fusion+gets+hit+with+SEMA%27s+ugly+stick Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Ford The 2013 Ford Fusion is a seriously pretty car, and every time we see one, we can't help but notice the styling influence from brands like Jaguar and Aston Martin. That said, the modified Fusions that Ford brought to this year's SEMA Show don't enhance the already attractive midsize sedan. In fact, to our eyes, it's quite the contrary. Case in point: The Tjin Edition Fusion above. When we got our first glimpse at the beige show car in teaser form, it wasn't wearing these oversized wheels, and that ridiculous front lip wasn't in place. If we're honest, it just ain't pretty. That said, we certainly won't complain about the upgraded 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine found underhood or the MagnaFlow exhaust system out back. Elsewhere on stage the 3DCarbon Fusion takes a rather pretty black-and-white color scheme and adds some visual aggressive flare (again with an oversized front lip), the MRT Performance car is a slammed-down black-and-blue brute, and the Ice Nine Group has incorporated a matte-and-green Monster paint job to the Blue Oval baby. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, so have a scroll through our attached image gallery and let us know in the comments if any of these Fusions get your motor runnin'.Sleek new Ford Fusion gets hit with SEMA's ugly stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:00:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54977/0/SEMA%3A+Custom+Chevy+Spark+models+light+up+in+Vegas Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet Four Chevrolet Spark concepts lit it up at SEMA, celebrating Z-Spec accessories, five-kilometer runs, breast cancer awareness month and the mere awesomeness of being sinister. The Salsa Red Z-Spec Spark wore a basket of parts currently available from Chevrolet dealers like a ground effects kit, Carbon Flash and Dark Argent accented trim pieces, split-spoke wheels and a lowered suspension. The kaleidoscopic Color Run concept points to the Spark's use as the pace car for the nationwide series of 5K runs. On the show floor it was decorated with Z-Spec bits as well - white wheels and custom seats - but even so, it can't be fully appreciated until it hits the race course and is doused throughout the route with corn starch. The Techno Pink Spark gives a nod to the American Cancer Society with a pink headliner and pink accents outside and in. At the other end is the Carbon Flash Metallic and Bahia Red Spark Sinister concept, wearing upgrades like fender flares over 18-inch wheels, a lowered stance, and rear spoiler and dual exhaust tips. Details on the quartet are below, and all have been captured in the gallery of high-res photos above.Continue reading Custom Chevy Spark models light up in VegasCustom Chevy Spark models light up in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:42:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54978/0/Why+Buick%27s+Encore+wasn%27t+a+Chevy Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Buick, GM, Luxury Buick is taking a gamble with its 2013 Encore. General Motors' near-luxury brand has enjoyed great success attracting conquest buyers to its larger Enclave crossover, but it has never offered something quite like this small CUV. Very early signs suggest that the gamble might be working. According to Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, the automaker expected about 1,500 initial orders from its dealers for the Encore, but it's tracking closer to 9,000 units. Alluding to the fact that historically, Buick has shared similar products with GM's other brands, Reuss says that Buick dealers are "thrilled to have an exclusive." The automaker already markets almost identical models in other markets as the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka and Chevrolet Trax, but The General's other brands won't offer a twin to the new baby Buick. The new Encore is based on the Gamma architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Sonic, and it shares the economy car's available turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. With standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, GM says its Encore will be pitted against competitors like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, both of which are much more expensive but also much more powerful. Some industry watchers - including members of Autoblog - have openly wondered whether the Encore is a good fit for Buick, as GM has been steadily working to turn the brand into a more premium marque to tackle the likes of Acura and Lexus. Those same pundits have suggested that the Encore's small size and limited power would perhaps play better under the Chevrolet banner, especially as there would appear to be enough white space below Bowtie's very popular Equinox CUV. Autoblog approached Reuss with this notion at a media roundtable today, and the executive bristled, stating categorically that the Trax "would have never worked" in North America because of financial and packaging reasons, not to mention the fact that the model doesn't wear Chevrolet's new design language (as seen in the 2014 Impala). Certainly, GM will be able to ask more money for the Encore with a Buick Tri-Shield badge on its nose than it would with a Chevrolet emblem - the range will start at $24,950 when it launches in the first quarter of 2013 - and strong early orders suggest that the automaker may indeed have the last laugh.Why Buick's Encore wasn't a Chevy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:21:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54973/0/Fisker+Karmas+burn+during+East+Coast+storm%3A+Carmaker+investigates+cause+of+fire+in+hybrid+cars+at+port Fisker Automotive Inc. is looking into a report that 16 of its Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:19:04 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54979/0/Report%3A+Hurricane+Sandy+destroys+16+Fisker+Karmas+at+port+with+water+and+fire Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Fisker, Electric Even before Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the US, there was no doubt the storm would wreak havoc for automakers (especially luxury brands) in the Northeast, but it looks like Fisker may have taken the biggest, most spectacular hit. According to Jalopnik, 16 Fisker Karma models waiting to be shipped off to dealers at Port Newark were flooded during the storm surge, and while it isn't clear how it happened, some of the cars ended up catching on fire. This isn't the first (or second) time a Fisker Karma has caught fire, but it is a different scenario that led to the fires. While the first two instances may have been related to a hot engine compartment, the storm-damaged Karmas were sitting in a lot full of other cars when they were flooded with sea water. Since none of the vehicles were being charged and it's unlikely that any had recently been driven, the best guess of a cause for these fires is some sort of short caused by the batteries coming in contact with salt water. Fisker has released an official statement about the fires (read it below) saying the company will investigate the situation, but as of yet, there is no additional information.Continue reading Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fireHurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:58:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54972/0/Chevrolet%2C+Kia+and+Hyundai+show+off+at+SEMA%3A+Autoweek+TV In this episode: Chevrolet will auction the final 2012 COPO Camaro at Barrett-Jackson, Kia creates Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:46:55 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54967/0/Autoblog+Giveaway%3A+Win+a+Meguiar%27s+Ultimate+Car+Care+Package Enter Sweepstakes We've got a new giveaway to kick off November: an Ultimate Car Care Package courtesy of Meguiar's. The pack contains everything you need to keep your car looking good as the weather turns bad, including Meguiar's Ultimate Wash and Wax Anywhere, Ultimate Compound, Ultimate Wax, Ultimate Quik Detailer, Ultimate Wash and Wax, Ultimate Polish and Ultimate Black. Rubber, vinyl, plastics and, of course, paint will all be covered by this prize pack, so follow the directions and rules below to enter. The Rules: Click here to enter. Requires that you Like the Autoblog Facebook page. Additional entries can be earned if your friends use a unique URL given to you to enter. Sweepstakes is open to all residents of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Canada (excluding Quebec), 18 or older! The winner will be chosen randomly. One winner will win a Meguiar's Ultimate Car Care Pack valued at $77.93. If you are chosen, you will be notified by email. Winners must respond within five days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another winner will be chosen. The full list of rules, in all its legalese glory, can be found here. Entries can be submitted until Tuesday, November 4, 2012 at 5:00 PM EST. .shrBut {float:right;width:245px;} #content .shrBut a:hover{text-decoration:none} .shrBut span {background:url(http://o.aolcdn.com/os/autoblog/sweeps/sweeps_enter.png) no-repeat scroll 0 0 transparent;display:block;height:83px;text-indent:-6666px;} .shrBut span:hover{background-position:left -119px}Autoblog Giveaway: Win a Meguiar's Ultimate Car Care Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:41:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54968/0/SEMA%3A+Production-ready+Lingenfelter+LTA+Camaro+debuts+in+Vegas Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet Following the well-received concept version of the Lingenfelter LTA at SEMA all the way back in 2009, the specialist tuning company has finally brought along a production version of the car this year. Surprise... it's a convertible! Ken Lingenfelter himself says that "overwhelming response after displaying conceptual versions of the LTA at previous SEMA Shows" has forced the company to offer up the real deal. Great news for enthusiasts of retro-themed performance cars, and Camaro fans in general. Each LTA begins life as a model year 2010-2013 Camaro (including convertibles, obviously) and is then modified completely by Lingenfelter. The company will not be selling pieces of the body kit, for instance, as separate pieces. Lingenfelter will only deliver "...a complete, finished vehicle that's been re-done inside and out." The LTA will be available in three grades, though the Level 3 LTA seen here would seem to be the one to have. This package includes a V8 engine tuned to produce some 655 horsepower, Brembo brakes, 20-inch "Honeycomb" wheels and a completely custom interior.Continue reading Production-ready Lingenfelter LTA Camaro debuts in VegasProduction-ready Lingenfelter LTA Camaro debuts in Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:19:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54965/0/2013+Volkswagen+Jetta+hybrid+drive+review%3A+Fine+German+driving+feel+combined+with+electric+power What is it? Wed, 31 Oct 2012 20:17:45 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54969/0/Video%3A+Watch+a+modified+Ford+GT+go+283+mph+in+a+standing+mile Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford, Specialty The BADD Ford GT built by Performance Power Racing - with the help of its two whirlygigs hanging out back and a fancy new metal called "Pandalloy" - set two records last week at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. From a standstill, the twin-turbo powerhouse got up to 283.232 miles per hour in just 5,280 feet, as measured by Tag Heuer timekeeping. That meant a new record in the standing mile as well as a Guinness World Record for top speed in a street-legal car. And that means the engineers in Molsheim, home to Bugatti, just might spend this evening getting to work on something even faster. Check out a video of the PPR GT at work below.Continue reading Watch a modified Ford GT go 283 mph in a standing mileWatch a modified Ford GT go 283 mph in a standing mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:59:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54970/0/SEMA%3A+Hurst+Edition+Trans+Am+proves+the+Screaming+Chicken+will+rise+from+the+ashes Filed under: SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, GM, Pontiac, Specialty It seems the Pontiac Trans Am steadfastly refuses to die. Ever since Chevrolet was granted a retrofied Camaro to compete with the Ford Mustang, Pontiac lovers have lamented the loss of this 1970s icon. And, looking at the Hurst Edition from Trans Am Depot, shown here at the 2012 SEMA Show, may explain what all the fuss is about. It's not going to appeal to everyone's muscle-car tastes, but there's certainly room for a brash-and-bold black-and-gold Special Edition in many a Trans Am lover's garage. After all, if you want the keys to a custom pony car, you'll certainly get noticed in this one. If this scheme isn't your bag,, you can alternatively order your Hurst Edition in white and gold or silver and black. Oh, and don't forget a color-coordinated Screaming Chicken on the hood. No matter which way you choose to go, your inner Burt Reynolds will appreciate the Eibach suspension kit, forged wheels with Pirelli PZero tires, functional shaker hood, fender air extractors, rear spoiler and, of course, a Hurst shifter inside. The interior is emblazoned with all manner of special touches, including a Hurst dash plate and T/A stitching on the Katzkin two-tone leather seats. Optional bits include T-Tops, which you simply must include, a supercharger or twin-turbo package and just about anything else your black-and-gold heart desires. If you'd like to know more, check out the official website here and our high-res image gallery above.Hurst Edition Trans Am proves the Screaming Chicken will rise from the ashes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:39:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54971/0/SEMA%3A+Jeff+Dunham%27s+UltraViolet+Mopar+Challenger+isn%27t+plum+crazy Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chrysler, Dodge, Celebrities What does comedian Jeff Dunham have to do with cars? We have no idea. That said, his name is attached to a pretty cool concept that debuted here at the 2012 SEMA Show. Called UltraViolet, the project is a collaboration between Mopar, Chrysler's in-house performance division, Dunham and Palmer's Customs, and the automaker says no body panel was left untouched. First and foremost on the upgrade list is a new Mopar 426 crate engine pumping out 515 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque under a functional T/A hood. The car is lowered an inch and fitted with 22-inch wheels from HRE that ably fill the Challenger's wheel wells. The front fascia has also been reworked, lowered and lengthened with a custom aluminum grille. Of course, that only scratches the surface, so we'd suggest checking out the press release below and our high-res image gallery from the show floor above.Continue reading Jeff Dunham's UltraViolet Mopar Challenger isn't plum crazyJeff Dunham's UltraViolet Mopar Challenger isn't plum crazy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:21:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54959/0/Official%3A+Ford+picks+black+and+blue+stripes+as+official+racing+colors Filed under: Motorsports, Ford, Specialty, Design/Style, Racing Ford has a new livery for its racing efforts. The automaker has officially chosen an offset black and blue stripe as its family colors. The paint scheme officially debuted on the new 2013 Ford Fusion headed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but the automaker says we can expect to see it crop up in every corner of the company's racing program. That includes on the NASCAR Mustang, the NHRA Mustang Funny Car, Grand-Am Focus ST-R, the Rally America Fiesta, the BITD off-road F-150, the CTCC Focus and the V8 Supercar Falcon in Australia. How's that for a family portrait? We've already seen a hint of the new livery on prototype models like the new twin-turbo Cobra Jet, but Ford says the actual racers will feature the gloss black and blue stripes on a matte black field. We like the sound of that combo. Check out the quick press release below for more information.Continue reading Ford picks black and blue stripes as official racing colorsFord picks black and blue stripes as official racing colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:01:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54960/0/SEMA%3A+1940+Ford+is+a+blank-slate+for+hot+rod+dreams Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Ford, Specialty The 1940 Ford Coupe body shell from Ford Restoration Parts presents a clean canvas for those people who've always wanted the perfect hot rod. The durable body is a far better starting place than similar kits made from fiberglass, and is much easier to source than an original 70-year-old car. Ford is taking the first crack at putting one of these babies together, in the appropriate environs of the SEMA show. This factory version has received a heart transplant in the form of a carbuerator-fed V8 crate engine, which should give it plenty of performance to back up those classic good looks. Hot rod inspiration, thy name is Ford. Get a good look at the resto-mod, as well as some more snaps of the body shell in the raw, in our galleries of live images from the show floor.1940 Ford is a blank-slate for hot rod dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:41:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54958/0/Mopar+goes+off-road+with+Jeep+Sand+Trooper+at+SEMA The Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper was one of the most eye-catching displays at the SEMA show. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:36:02 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54956/0/Jaguar+Concept+Speedboat+complements+XF+Sportbrake On Tuesday Jaguar unveiled a Concept Speedboat at the driving debut of the Europe-only Jaguar XF Sportbrake. Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:36:00 GMT http://searchautoreviews.com/review/view/54961/0/Racing+legend%2C+safety+pioneer+John+Fitch+dies+at+95 Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Racing We bring sad news that John Fitch has passed away at the incredible age of 95, succumbing to a rare form of skin cancer at 1:20 AM this morning. He was in the company of his family at his home in Lime Rock, Connecticut. John Cooper Fitch was a true racing legend, a fighter pilot and a pillar of the automotive community. When combined, these accolades represent the accomplishments of a man who has lived more in one life than most others care to dream. Whether you know the name John Fitch or not, he has undoubtedly affected your life through safety innovations such as the Fitch Barrier, which are those yellow barrels filled with sand or water that are found everywhere on highways. Those familiar with auto racing know that his legacy stretches far beyond that. Fitch was born in Indiana in 1917 and witnessed auto racing from his youth, as his step-father was an executive at the Stutz car company. During World War II, Fitch was a US fighter pilot at the helm of a P-51 Mustang. He was one of the first Americans to shoot down a German jet plane, and was later shot down himself, becoming a POW. After WWII, Fitch raced for Mercedes-Benz, becoming the first American to successfully compete in Europe after the War. His storied race career included campaigns with Briggs-Cunningham and Aston Martin, among other teams. He competed in the Mille Miglia, Tourist Trophy, and other races that are now the stuff of motorsport lore. He was the first manager for the Corvette race team, as well as the first general manager of his beloved Lime Rock Park, where he routinely attended vintage races into his older years. Two cars with his name affixed to them are the Fitch Phoenix and the Fitch-Whitmore Special. The former was an attractive sportscar based on the Corvair, while the latter was a custom Le Mans racer based on the Jaguar XK-120. It is arguably one of the most stunning race cars from its era. Throughout his life, Fitch remained a strong voice for vehicle safety and was a shining example of our Greatest Generation. He will be missed by his family, as well as the automotive community at large.Racing legend, safety pioneer John Fitch dies at 95 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:19:00 GMT