SearchAutoReviews.com

Splinter: Wooden Supercar - Got Wood?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:12:00 GMT

Splinter: Wooden Supercar - Got Wood?From God's own composite, Joe Harmon is making a renewable supercar.Yes, this is a wooden car. Forget the jokes. Anyone making more than mere decorative use of wood in an automobile has heard them all. And doesn't care. Wood is a magnificent structural material, "God's own composite," proclaimed the late Frank Costin, the brilliant technologist behind the glorious shapes of early Lotus cars, the Vanwall Formula 1 car, and-significantly-the plywood chassis of the Marcos in which a young Jim Clark won some of his first races. Photo Gallery: Splinter: Wooden Supercar - Renewable Supercar - Automobile MagazineRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

Comparison: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 vs 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Who's King of the Modern Ponycar Hill?

AutoblogGreen for 07.06.09

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:57:00 GMT

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green #saleschart { border: 0px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #saleschart td { padding: 7px; border-bottom: 0px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 100%;} #saleschart th.bottomrow { border-right: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart tr.features1 { border-top: 1px solid #333; } #saleschart td.bottomrow2 { border-right: 1px solid #333;} #saleschart th { font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #f3f3f3; border-top: 1px solid #333; } REPORT: Toyota will launch series production PHEV Prius in 2012In a word: finally. Strange But True: Researchers extracting hydrogen from urineGive a whole new meaning to, well, you know what we mean. Photo: estherase. EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system!Can we get this cleared up once and for all? Other news: Efficient air conditioning could potentially save billions of gallons of gas Turkish students get 568 km from one liter of hydrogen in tiny SAHİMO car CEO Winterkorn: expect first VW electric vehicle in 2013 AutoblogGreen for 07.06.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Judge approves sale of good assets to “New GM”

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:06:16 GMT

The sale of GM’s assets to a new corporate entity was approved Sunday night by a bankruptcy judge in New York, ahead of a July 10th deadline imposed by the U.S. Treasury. Judge Robert Gerber wrote in his ruling the sale will allow GM’s healthy assets to avoid “immediate and irreparable harm.” The ruling marks another [...]

BREAKING: Bankruptcy Judge OKs sale of good assets to New GM

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:07:00 GMT

Filed under: Government/Legal, GMGeneral Motors has cleared a major hurdle to get out of bankruptcy quickly, as U.S. Judge Robert Gerbe has finally given the automaker the go-ahead to sell off its best assets to a newly formed company that analysts have been calling "New GM". The new GM will include assets like the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, plus plants and production facilities that haven't scheduled for closure. The old GM will consist of soon-to-be shuttered plants, the Pontiac brand and mountains of debt and liabilities. Judge Gerbe gave the go-ahead on Sunday because he felt not doing so would cause "immediate and irreparable harm" to the 100-year-old company. The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Treasury Department was threatening to cut off funding to GM if the sale didn't go through by July 10. Hundreds of GM's debtors requested that the sale be rejected, but Judge Gerbe's ruling likely means that the affected parties won't see much, if any money owed. GM entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 1, and if New GM actually does emerge from bankruptcy this week, the fourth largest bankruptcy in this country's history will have been completed inside of just six weeks. The timeframe is very similar to that of the much smaller Chrysler, which needed only 42 days to exit bankruptcy.[Source: Detroit Free Press, Photo by Hiroko Masuike/Getty]BREAKING: Bankruptcy Judge OKs sale of good assets to New GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:03:00 GMT

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Audi 2010 Audi S4 - Click above for a high-res image gallery The tuners at MTM have begun tweaking the all-new 2010 Audi S4 (B8) in Europe, and as expected, Audi's new supercharged 333-hp 3.0-liter V6 is rife with potential. With only a revised ECU and an underdrive pulley - no intake or exhaust mods - MTM was able to coax 430 crank horsepower out of the blown six - 97 hp more than stock.The kit, which retails for 2,491 euros (around $3,500 USD), brings torque output up to 380 lb-ft and, according to MTM, drops the 0-60 mph time from 5.2 to 4.6 seconds. Clearly, good things are on the way for the BMW 335i fighter, and we expect more to follow when the new darling of the Euro-tuning scene arrives in the States later this year.Gallery: Paris 2008: 2010 Audi S4[Source: MTM]MTM turns up the wick on the 2010 Audi S4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted?

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:02:00 GMT

Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Nissan, Renault Spy shots of the 2010 Dacia crossover -- Click above for high-res image gallery These are said to be pictures of Dacia's coming crossover, caught in a Dacia facility in Romania. Said to be based on the Nissan Qashqai platform and using four wheel drive tech from the Nissan X-Trail, this is another in a line of vehicles with which Dacia wants to take its brand to the world. Names mentioned include Duster and Steppe, and production plans call for one million units per year at a price of €12,000. It is expected to be officially unveiled at next year's Geneva Auto Show. You can have a closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to IronickGallery: Dacia CUV Spy Shots[Source: Dacia Club via Automarket]Spy Shots: Production-ready Dacia crossover spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

HUMMER hanging on: Tengzhong in talks with Chinese government to clear sale

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:08:00 GMT

Filed under: SUVs, China, HUMMERChinese National Radio recently reported that Tengzhong wouldn't be allowed to purchase Hummer due to environmental concerns. The company released a statement after that news broke saying that while there was no "definitive agreement," the CNR report wasn't based on facts from the government regulatory body in question, and Tengzhong is still working on the deal.Last week, in a report titled "Tengzhong may get green light from the regulators for its acquisition of Hummer," CNR's take on where things appears to back up Tengzhong's view that the game is not yet played. The company's discussions with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce -- it needs approval from both parties -- have begun, and three options for concluding a deal were proposed. If Tengzhong can convince the authorities of its expertise and business blan, and gets approval from both parties, it wants to set Hummer up in Sichuan province. If there is resistance to setting Hummer up directly, Tengzhong could try to base the company in one of China's ten bonded areas -- harbor points where the vehicles aren't officially "in" the country until taxes and fees are paid -- but this could impact the company's ability to sell Hummers in China. Or, the company could simply become a foreign investor in Hummer. It isn't clear whether those options are Tengzhong's take on the purchase, or if that was just more speculation from CNR. Hummer had no comment on the matter.[Source: Hummer]HUMMER hanging on: Tengzhong in talks with Chinese government to clear sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:11:00 GMT

Filed under: Safety, Tech, Videos, Audi Audi's TechDay Quality philosophy -- Click above to watch video Why are German luxury cars so expensive? Because of German engineering. And what is this whole "German engineering" thing all about? That's the question Audi tries to explain once a year when it takes outsiders through its quality processes during its factory TechDay. According to the Audi, the automaker's three main tenets are Value, Precision, and Fascination, and they all add up to Quality. This encompasses processes that go into making processes like reworking the fit of the gas tank cap to adjust for parallax error, using a scanning electron microscope for surface analysis, and an olfactory team to make sure things like leather smell right.The video shows you what Audi does to get you that quality... and frankly, it looks like a lot more fun than the engineering bits. You can see the video and read a Joycean-length string of press releases after the jump. A host of high-res photos, including more shots of the A5 Sportback, are in the gallery below.Gallery: Audi TechDay Quality 2009[Source: Auto Scout (translated) via German Car Blog]Continue reading VIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay QualityVIDEO: What goes into German engineering - Audi's TechDay Quality originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:10:00 GMT

Filed under: Green 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery In a recent op-ed piece published in The Wall Street Journal, Alan Reynolds of the Cato Institute starts by making a few decent points about fuel taxation and fuel economy rules. Unfortunately, he undermines himself with some blatant errors and misinformation. In discussing how Detroit automakers will deal with new fuel efficiency requirements, he makes the all-too-common mistake of referring to Ford's hybrid system as licensed from Toyota ("Similarly, Ford has the Toyota-licensed hybrid Fusion and will soon produce the European Ford Fiesta in Mexico"). The reality is that Ford independently developed its own hybrid system at the same time Toyota was masterminding its own. The basic architecture of both systems is the same and both are based on the concepts developed and patented by TRW engineers in the late 1960s. When Ford introduced the Escape Hybrid, Toyota went after the Blue Oval for infringing on its patents. Ford had patents of its own on the technology that Toyota was using. Eventually, the two companies reached a cross-licensing agreement that gives both companies the right to build their own systems. Such cross-licensing agreements are common in these kinds of cases, but Ford did not use the Toyota hybrid system. The only other company that uses Toyota's system is Nissan for its Altima hybrid, and they actually buy hardware from Toyota. We continue deconstructing Reynolds' arguments after the jumpGallery: Review: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid[Source: Wall Street Journal]Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system!EDITORIAL: Attention Wall Street Journal - Ford does not use Toyota's hybrid system! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

MotoGP: Autoblog tours the Yamaha garages

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 19:09:00 GMT

Filed under: Motorsports, MotorcyclesYamaha MotoGP Garage Tour - Click above for a high-res image gallery Access to the garage areas of MotoGP teams is limited to say the least, and all but the highest-level passes will leave you trying to get a glimpse from afar while the mechanics diligently work on the bikes throughout the weekend. Good fortune was with us, however. Yamaha was kind enough to give us access to its garage so we could take a closer look at the inner-workings of a MotoGP team.While we couldn't spend too much time in any of the areas, we were amazed to see just how much goes into simply setting up each garage. Space is at a premium, so everything is extremely well organized. The workstations are incredibly clean, and some sections are even carpeted. Perhaps our favorite part was getting a close look at the motorcycles and their components. Each bike is a beautiful mass of carbon fiber, titanium, and CNC-machined parts. Yamaha allowed us to take photos, so you can check out the two-wheeled rides of Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, and Colin Edwards for yourselves in the high-res gallery below.Gallery: Yamaha MotoGP Garage TourPhotos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.MotoGP: Autoblog tours the Yamaha garages originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Toyota plans to manufacture up to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:05:00 GMT

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Japan, ToyotaFanning competition against GM's upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt plug-in, the Nikkei business daily reports that Toyota Motor Corp. plans to manufacture 20,000 to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012. Toyota allegedly wants pricing comparable to Mitsubishi's all-electric car, which is set to debut this month to fleet customers in Japan (both vehicles are eligible for government subsidies).Toyota's plug-in vehicles will be powered by lithium-ion batteries co-developed with Panasonic EV Energy Co. and are expected to offer a full-charge range between 20 to 30 km (12.4 to 18.6 miles) on battery power alone. According to the paper, Toyota would not comment on future product plans.[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]REPORT: Toyota plans to manufacture up to 30,000 plug-in hybrids in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

MotoGP: Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Preview

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycles2009 MotoGP Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix - Click above for a high-res image gallery Since 2005, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca has played host to the MotoGP race series, and this year Autoblog is happy to be in attendance at this year's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix. So far, it's been quite an entertaining weekend, with plenty of excitement both in the practice and qualifying sessions. Nicky Hayden, the fan favorite and winner of the 2005 and 2006 races, put his bike into the dirt during the practice session on Saturday morning and managed to only qualify eighth in his Ducati. Dominating the weekend so far is the Fiat Yamaha duo of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. Lorenzo was fastest in both sessions and captured the pole, but crashed twice during qualifying and was taken to the medical center with a dislocated shoulder and a bruised right foot. With Lorenzo in doubt for the race and third place qualifier Casey Stoner suffering a crash as well, it looks as though Rossi is likely to defend his win from last year and extend his points lead in the championship. Be sure to browse through our high-res gallery below, and check back for more updates from the race weekend.Gallery: MotoGP: 2009 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix PreviewPhotos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.MotoGP: Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix Preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Beijing Automotive bids for Opel; Magna still expected to close deal

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:07:00 GMT

Filed under: China, Euro, GM, Opel, VauxhallEven though Beijing Automotive (BAIC) tendered a non-binding offer for Opel, the company is said to have no chance of actually acquiring the brand. General Motors is still in talks with Magna and its partners, GAZ and Sberbank, and according to Sberbank CEO German Graf, "The choice has been made and the question now is of how to structure the deal."Observers also feel that the GM-Magna agreement is merely waiting on some dotted I's, crossed T's and that the deal won't fall apart unless Magna blows it up or walks away. That hasn't stopped GM and the German government from creating the appearance of courting other bidders for Opel and Vauxhall, including BAIC and Belgium's RHJ.BAIC appears to be serious, even if everyone assumes that GM's just using it as a decoy. Magna wants to get the paperwork inked by July 15, and that's around the same time that BAIC wants to make a binding offer for Opel's purchase. It's working with Deutsche Bank and PriceWaterhouse Coopers on its proposal, and we can only assume BAIC will be ready with a bag full of cash in the unlikely event Magna exits stage left. [Source: Auto News, sub req'd]Beijing Automotive bids for Opel; Magna still expected to close deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

MotoGP: Downtown Monterey becomes motorcycle heaven

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:04:00 GMT

Filed under: Motorsports, MotorcyclesMotorcycles in Cannery Row in Monterey - Click above for a high-res image gallery With the MotoGP this weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, motorcyclists from all around the country have converged on the Monterey peninsula to attend the event. To welcome the two-wheeled visitors, the city shuts down the main strip of Cannery Row in downtown Monterey the night before the race for one huge motorcycle party. It seems both the community and visitors have fully embraced the tradition, and the streets are packed with owners and spectators admiring the machinery on display. The range of bikes is very diverse, running the gamut from Harleys to Ducatis to custom choppers. Check out our favorites in the high-res gallery below.Gallery: MotoGP: Motorcycles on Cannery RowPhotos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.MotoGP: Downtown Monterey becomes motorcycle heaven originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Read | Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mini Miglia - Slot car version of classic race to benefit Alzheimer's research

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:05:00 GMT

Filed under: Etc., Euro, Event Alert The Mini Mille Miglia -- Click above for image gallery This weekend saw the running of the first Mini Mille Miglia. No affiliation to the famous touring event, the Mini Mille is a greatly scaled down version of the race. How scaled down? Well, it's run on a digital Scalextric track for 1/32-scale slot cars in Umbria, Italy. Put on to benefit Alzheimer's research, the Mini Mille was a full 3-day program of public activities, including 14 different races throughout Saturday and Sunday.Event founder Graham Lane built a 30-meter track tucked amid an Italian countryside: 20 meters of it is a central circuit, sightseers can dip off into a 10-meter loop into a forest-lined valley and over an aqueduct. Participants could either go with their cars to Umbria to race in person, or could send their cars and have them driven -- and photographed and videotaped -- just for the experience.While it's too late to enter this year's race, it's not too late to start prepping your miniature runner for next year's Mini Mille Miglia. Nor is it too late to have a gander at the gallery of images below.Gallery: Scalextric Mini Mille Miglia[Source: Mini Mille Miglia via Pistonheads | Photo credit: Jaak Beentjes]Mini Miglia - Slot car version of classic race to benefit Alzheimer's research originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero Britto

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 01:06:00 GMT

Filed under: Auction Action, Etc., Bentley Bentley Continental GT by Romeo Britto - Click above to enlarge With dozens of exterior paint shades and even more choices for the interior, there's no shortage of color combinations on the Bentley Continental GT. Beyond that, the British automaker's Mulliner customization division will be glad to set yours up any way you want... for a price, of course. But some people are never satisfied with the options laid out before them; people like Romero Britto, the creator of the rather, um..."intriguing" example you see here.The Brazilian pop artist, whose work hangs in such prestigious museums as New York's MoMA and Guggenheim and the homes of celebrities and notables including Elton John, Governor Schwarzenegger and the Rothschilds, comes from an impoverished village and uses cheerful colors and lively shapes to brighten people's spirits. Do they belong on a Bentley? That's a matter of taste, but curious connoisseurs can see it in person in Britto's exhibition at the Automobil Forum Unter den Linden in Germany from July 10 to September 6, after which the one-of-a-kind creation will be auctioned off to benefit multiple sclerosis and the mentally handicapped. Details in the press release after the jump.[Source: Bentley]Continue reading Bentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero BrittoBentley gets a Brazilian: Continental GT by pop artist Romero Britto originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ducati launches 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition at U.S. Grand Prix

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:33:00 GMT

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycles 2010 Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery Ducati is using this weekend's Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California as the backdrop to launch its new 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition sportbike. The new machine, which will only be available here in the States, features the same 134-horsepower L-twin Evoluzione powerplant, wet-clutch and six-speed gearbox as the rest of the 848 line.As the first of the 2010 848s introduced, the new Special Edition ushers in a revised LED dash cluster, optional 30mm mirror extensions for those with long-torsos and improved aluminum cam belt tensioner pulleys to go along with its new patriotic livery.The 848 Nicky Hayden SE will carry a $14,495 sticker price - a reasonable $500 over the asking price for last year's 848 - and will hit Ducati dealerships in America on July 7th after being on display throughout the U.S. GP festivities starting on the 4th. Click past the break for the official press release.Gallery: Ducati 848 Nicky Hayden Special EditionContinue reading Ducati launches 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition at U.S. Grand PrixDucati launches 848 Nicky Hayden Special Edition at U.S. Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 21:55:00 GMT

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Government/Legal, Green, Japan 2010 Lexus HS 250h - Click above for high-res image gallery Now that hybrid cars have taken the top sales spots in Japan for the last few months, that country's Transport Ministry is reportedly launching an investigation to determine whether it's wise to require hybrid automobiles to emit an artificial sound when operating with the internal combustion engine switched off. The thinking is that hybrids may be more dangerous to the blind due to their quiet operation under electric power.According to an unnamed official, the government's 13-member panel - consisting of a diverse group of scholars, vision-impaired groups, consumers, police and automobile industry officials - "decided to consider introducing a sound-making function" on all hybrids at its first meeting on Thursday, July 2. The panel hasn't yet decided what sound hybrids should make. We'll cast our unofficial vote in the direction of cowbells.The issue is well-known in America, where the government has launched Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Acts in each of the last two years to study the supposed problem. Naturally, there is some opposition to artificial noise generators on hybrids. "On the other hand, we should pay attention to residents (along roads) as hybrids are excellent in reducing noise," added the Transport Ministry official.Gallery: 2010 Lexus HS250hPhotos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.[Source: AFP via Google]REPORT: Japan could require hybrids to emit sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Luxury ride brings back memories of a once-in-a-lifetime cruise:

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:23:00 GMT

I come by this driving a motor coach honestly. It was 1979 and I had just gotten out of college early when a call came from then little-known American race driver Danny Sullivan.

REPORT: Toyota woes spell trouble for Fuji Speedway

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:19:00 GMT

Filed under: Motorsports, Japan, Honda, Toyota, Earnings/Financials Toyota's Timo Glock at the 2008 Japanese Grand Prix at the Fuji Speedway In any game of chicken, it's all about who flinches first. Ever since its first running in 1963, the Japanese Grand Prix has bounced between Fuji Speedway and Suzuka Circuit, the former dominating in the '60s and '70s before the latter got the exclusive in the late-'80s through 2006, at which point Fuji took over again. The rivalry is about more than just the tracks, though: With Toyota owning Fuji and arch-rival Honda owning Suzuka, the back-and-forth has become something of a turf war between the country's automotive powerhouses. Two years ago, the two tracks worked out a deal that would have the race alternating year to year, sort of like Germany's arrangement between Hockenheim and the Nürburgring. However, emerging reports suggest that tightening belts at Toyota could spell trouble for Fuji Speedway. The costs of hosting a Formula 1 grand prix event continue to escalate, and those costs may be harder to justify for the cash-strapped auto giant - especially if ticket sales don't cover the budget. Honda is likely in no better a financial situation, as evidenced by their unfortunate withdrawal from the sport. But if Toyota flinches first, Honda might win the race... in one sense or another.[Source: F1-Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]REPORT: Toyota woes spell trouble for Fuji Speedway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: First-ever in-the-fiber shots of Devon GTX supercar emerge

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:40:00 GMT

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, Videos, Supercars, Misc. Auto ShowsBrenda Priddy's long-lens outfit has captured the first shots off the Devon Motor Works GTX supercar during aerodynamics testing. The butterfly-doored coupe looks very promising in bare carbon fiber, as is word that the prototype was spotted at Willow Springs raceway with British Le Mans champion Justin Bell behind the wheel for testing duties. This GTX mule certainly has some interesting details to it, including the aforementioned up-and-forward doors, as well as a U-shaped vented hood, center-exit exhaust, a big (and likely temporary) adjustable wing, and funky contrasting fender treatments which may or may not see production.It isn't altogether clear what engine will be powering this beastie, but Priddy's people reportedly overheard the engineers talking of extracting 650 horsepower out of the drivetrain. California-based Devon, you may recall, was the sole bidder Chrysler reported for its Viper franchise, and it's certainly conceivable that despite the failed bid attempt, the car seen here would still feature a certain 8.4-liter V10 underhood. Indeed, given that Devon continues to tout its creation as "America's next great supercar," that scenario seems rather likely.The GTX is slated to make its first appearance at next month's Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance (we'll be sure to grab some live photos), and the coupe is tipped to go on sale in the U.S. first in 2010, with other markets to follow. Check out the gallery of renderings below as well as a video of the teasers after the jump.Gallery: Devon Motor Works GTX renderings[Source: The Detroit Bureau]Continue reading Spy Shots: First-ever in-the-fiber shots of Devon GTX supercar emergeSpy Shots: First-ever in-the-fiber shots of Devon GTX supercar emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: German man takes delivery of his 135th BMW

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:50:00 GMT

Filed under: BMW Klaus Hammerschmidt picks up his new BMW M6 - Click above to watch video after the jump How many cars have you owned over the course of your life? Three? Five? Ten? How about 135, and all from the same company? It may seem like unfathomable customer loyalty, but that's just what one Herr Klaus Hammerschmidt has done in taking delivery of his latest Bavarian motor work. You might think he'd mark the occasion with a new 135i, but instead the 73-year-old retiree picked up a brand-new M6 coupe, complete with the Competition Package, from the flagship BMW Welt showroom in Munich. Hammerschmidt says he began driving when he was just 12, taking the wheel of his dad's car while papa worked the pedals. His first car was a 1800ti in 1963, and since then he's had 26 M cars, 29 Alpinas and another 80 standard BMWs. Before you go pulling out the calculator, that works out to an average of nearly 3 new cars every year. Not a bad way to spend a lifetime's earnings if you have the means. And at just 73, he's likely to go through a few more before his days are up. Follow the jump for the video. [Source: BMW]Continue reading VIDEO: German man takes delivery of his 135th BMWVIDEO: German man takes delivery of his 135th BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Born to be Bentley: One-off Crewe chopper

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Filed under: Bentley, MotorcyclesAs similar as the two industries are, there aren't as many automobile/motorcycle crossovers as you might otherwise think. A handful of carmakers (Honda, Suzuki, Peugeot, BMW, Triumph once upon a time...) also make motorcycles. Ford has their Harley-Davidson edition F-Series pick-up trucks. Some small sports cars use motorcycle engines, and there are some big motorcycles (really big) that use car engines. Fiat sponsors world champion Valentino Rossi's MotoGP Yamaha bike. And, once in a while, we see a custom chopper decked out to look like a particular automobile. We've eyeballed our share of Ferrari-inspired motorbikes, but this is something else entirely: a Bentley chopper.Of course, there's nothing particularly Bentley about this chopper other than the trim, so don't go expecting a 6.75-liter V8 or a twin-turbo W12 sprung between two wheels. But the fit and finish look rather impressive. The greenish-grey paint finish is complemented by a soft tan leather saddle and capped with a "Flying B" emblem on the gas tank. Pretty sweet ride from the look of things, and even if it is a one-off, it's one more link between between motor vehicles with two wheels and those with four.[Source: Jalopnik]Born to be Bentley: One-off Crewe chopper originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Happy Independence Day from Autoblog

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:46:00 GMT

Filed under: Etc.Photo: soul motor | Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 2.0Today, we in the United States celebrate Independence Day; a day full of backyard celebrations with family and friends, tasty food on the grill, an abundance of refreshing beverages, and, in towns across America, fireworks displays that close the day of celebration in grand fashion. As we like to do each year on July 4th, we're giving you a you just one bit of required reading before you head out for all the festivities. Without that document, we have nothing to celebrate, but because of it, we have 233 years of history to commemorate today. So, Happy Independence Day from all of us here at Autoblog. Drive safely and have fun! Your regularly scheduled programming follows. Happy Independence Day from Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wisdom pays benefits at Rothbury:

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:45:00 GMT

Something good can be said for age. With age comes wisdom and a sense of what you like and what you don't. You don't waste time testing things you don't like. Just go for what you like.

Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 sporting double-bubble roof

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:44:00 GMT

Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sports/GTs, Porsche 2011 Porsche 911 - Click above for a high-res image gallery of spy shots With every iteration of the 911, Porsche makes incremental improvements to its iconic sports car and naturally, the next generation will be no exception.This latest 911 prototype was caught at the Nurburgring sporting 997 sheetmetal, but it's what's on top and out back that deserves note. A double-bubble roof panel has been fitted, while underneath the rear camouflage is a sizeable wing and additional ducting. Look closely and you'll see a small sill at the base of the rear windscreen that's assumed to be feeding the rear-mounted flat-six - likely necessary keep the boxer cool while Porsche engineers figure out how the new contoured roof affects aerodynamics. If previous reports are to be believed, we can expect the next 911 to debut sometime in 2010, but we wouldn't rule out an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 with double-bubble roofSpy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 sporting double-bubble roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

Behold: The one-of-a-kind Mercedes G/E-Class

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:59:00 GMT

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUVs, Mercedes-Benz Customized Mercedes-Benz G/E Class - Click above for gallery What is it lately that people don't seem to understand about hardcore off-roaders? They're not supposed to be aerodynamic, and they're not supposed to be pretty. And yet here we are yet again - after the modified Hummer recently spotted on eBay - looking at one of the world's most serious rock-climbing workhorses that's been smoothed out in controversial fashion, and in metallic Barney purple, no less.What we have on one hand is the Mercedes Geländewagen, the same essential truck that Magna Steyr has been building for the Three-Pointed Star for some thirty years now. It's got the aerodynamic profile of a barn. Attached to a parachute. On the other, we have the E-Class, one of the most aerodynamically slippery cars on the market. Part of the same company's line-up, but just about as different as can be. And yet, thanks to what looks to be a not inconsequential amount of elbow grease, the two have come together to breed this remarkable concoction, which, we gather, was recently put up for sale on eBay. While we can't locate the auction itself, one has to figure that the owner is going to have a hard time selling a vehicle that's been so extensively "personalized."Gallery: Custom Mercedes-Benz G/E Class[Source: Autogespot]Behold: The one-of-a-kind Mercedes G/E-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 years

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Earnings/Financials, Canada 2009 Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery Given the state of the market, the Ford Motor Company is on a bit of a roll right now. The Blue Oval posted an 11% decline in volume for June versus the same month in 2008; a far better number than nearly every competitor from Japan or Detroit. Ford also flat-out dominated the market in the Great White North, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker ranked number one in sales volume for the first time in 50 years. Ford outpaced perennial market leader General Motors by a substantial (for Canada) 5,000 units. Ford posted 27,408 sales for the month; a 24.6% increase over June 2008. Toyota and Honda also were in the rear view mirror, as the Japanese stalwarts managed sales declines of 17%. Chrysler was a distant fifth place, as bankruptcy and an outdated product lineup conspired to sink sales by 58% verses June 2008. Overall sales in Canada were down 13% on the month.Ford's increase in sales was due in part to a surprising 41% increase in CUV and SUV sales. The F-150 also posted a healthy 59% increase, with Ford's Edge was up 23%.[Source: London Free Press]Ford reportedly tops sales charts in Canada for first time in 50 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Batcycle with sidecar

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Filed under: Time Warp, Auction Action, Lifestyle, Motorcycles, Celebrities 1966 Batcycle - Click above for high-res image gallery Where does Batman get those wonderful toys? We may finally have an answer for the Joker: Batman shops on eBay, just like the rest of us, and he apparently also sells off his unwanted bits and pieces after they've served their purpose. Such is the case with the classic 1966 Batcycle, which was ably replaced a few years back by the far more menacing Batpod.The Caped Crusader must have finally decided the Batcycle would be better served fighting crime in the hands of a new hero than collecting dust in a remote corner of the Batcave, as it's just been sold on eBay with a final winning bid of $29,500. It seems that Batman had put just 8,245 miles on his Batcycle before retiring it for more advanced machinery.According to the auction, the bike itself was designed and assembled by Kustomotive for the original 1966 Batman feature film and made subsequent appearances in the television series from the '60s. The seller notes that this Batcycle was based on a 250cc Yamaha Catalina with a custom sidecar featuring a removable go kart for Robin that was powered by its own 50cc engine. While it's clear that the Batcycle wasn't exactly a barnburner, it sure makes up for its lack of power with style.Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Batcycle[Source: eBay via Tilted Horizons]eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Batcycle with sidecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - that's one every two days

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:44:00 GMT

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, China, Plants/Manufacturing Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery We've been hearing Chinese officials say for quite some time now that there are far too many automakers in the country for a healthy market in the long-term, but we didn't realize until today just how out-of-hand it may be. According to state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua, China has seen an unprecedented 89 new automobile launches so far this year. That's surely a big number, but it doesn't really hit home until you consider that 89 vehicles in the first half of 2009 averages out to a new or heavily revised vehicle appearing in China once every two days. Of those new designs, 73 were cars, nine were SUVs, six were MPVs and - in contrast to typical American vehicle launches over the same period - only one was a crossover.As you're surely aware, 2009 is only half over, and there are reportedly some 50 new vehicles still slated for introduction before the end of the year, equaling about 140 new models introduced in 2009. The good news, at least as far the bottom line goes, is that the new releases have translated into sales. The 4.96 million vehicles sold between January and May of this year represent a 14.29-percent increase over the same period in 2008. Still, considering the glut of new models hitting the market, one has to figure that a goodly number of those vehicles will go begging.Gallery: Geely GE[Source: Gasgoo]REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - that's one every two days originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in Australia

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:01:00 GMT

Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Hatchbacks, Ford, Australia 2011 Ford Verve spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery Eagle-eyed spy shooters for Car Advice in Australia have managed to snap off a series of photos of a new entry-level Ford hatchback that's likely headed to emerging markets like India, Brazil and some areas in Europe. The car seen in these spy shots is clearly disguised as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta, but it's believed that this new machine may actually be a production version of the Ford Verve concept that was first introduced back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.If it ever reaches production, it's likely that the Verve will feature a range of gasoline and diesel engines varying in size from 1.2- to 1.5-liters. According to Car Advice, this new hatchback is expected to get a formal green-light from Ford sometime in mid-2010 en-route to production a few months later. For what it's worth, we don't expect to see this car come Stateside, as America will already have the new Fiesta subcompact followed by a new global Focus. Click here for the rest of the shots.Gallery: 2011 Ford Verve - spy shots[Source: caradvice.com.au]Spy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: Chinese make offer for Opel

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:16:10 GMT

Despite an agreement signed with Magna International, General Motors is apparently considering a bid by China’s Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corporation (BAIC) for the Detroit automaker’s Opel unit. A source said that BAIC will make a binding offer to GM within a few weeks, but analysts indicate that GM will only consider the offer if [...]

REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:13:00 GMT

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Porsche 2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery Porsche plans to expand its Panamera line-up to include three new powerplants - a Volkswagen-sourced V6, a diesel and some manner of hybrid - but in addition to offering new engines, the automaker may offer a harder, more performance-oriented model to slot in above the Turbo.Similar to the strategy Porsche employed with the Cayenne, this new model - which could be dubbed the Turbo S or GTS - would nix the Turbo model's standard air suspension and instead fit a set of performance-tuned springs and shocks to maximize grip and on-track prowess.As for future powertrains, a senior Porsche executive told Autocar that VAG's V6 and V8 diesels could be fitted to future Panameras, and we wouldn't be surprised to find the new Audi S4's supercharged, petrol-powered 3.0-liter V6 in Porsche's first production sedan in the coming years.Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche Panamera[Source: Autocar]REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW Canada hits 3,000 monthly sales for first time

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:02:37 GMT

While sales are generally suffering across the board south of the border, BMW managed to sell more than 3,000 vehicles in Canada for the first time ever last month. The German luxury automaker sold 3,003 BMWs in June, a 2 percent increase over the year prior. Combined with Mini, the BMW Group Canada sold 3,531 cars [...]

The Rothbury Music Festival experience begins...:

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:49:00 GMT

There are some things we try to do in our lives that we can take great joy in retelling over the years. Sometimes these events happen, other times we help them along.

Spy Shots: New Grand Bentley pics smuggled out of Crewe factory

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:24:00 GMT

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, BentleyBentleys may be as large and luxurious as yachts, but that doesn't mean the premium automaker's factory in Crewe is without leaks. Although Bentley is keen on metering out glimpses at a snail's pace, British auto mag CAR managed to get a hold of a batch of photos of the highly anticipated new "Grand Bentley".Under development with the code-name Project Kimberley, the new Bentley is slated to replace the aging Arnage sedan at the top of the company's line-up and do battle with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. With technological input from its sister companies under the Volkswagen auto umbrella, the as-yet unnamed Grand Bentley promises to take a big step forward from the Arnage, which still carries its mechanicals and platform from the days when the automaker was under the same roof as Rolls -- not in direct competition. The spy shots reveal mesh grilles, LED lights, a retractable hood ornament (like the Phantom's) and a swooping roofline reminiscent of the classic 50's-era R-Type Continental. Looks pretty sweet, and we'll probably get an even better glimpse as the car's unveiling later this summer approaches with the pace of...well, a speeding Bentley.[Source: CAR]Spy Shots: New Grand Bentley pics smuggled out of Crewe factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: NHTSA to mandate lane departure warning and auto-brake systems?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:44:00 GMT

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, TechIs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about to add some more safety measures to your next new car? According to The Detroit News, they might be. The Motown daily says that government officials are pondering whether or not they should require new vehicles to be fitted with lane-departure warning systems and automatic braking systems that trigger upon warning of an impending accident. Both systems are currently available only in very small percentage of new passenger cars - primarily luxury vehicles. According to the DetNews report, safety experts believe that the systems "show significant promise" in their ability to reduce traffic accident-related fatalities and injuries. NHTSA will decide whether to require such systems in 2011 after further cost-benefit analysis, including looking at insurance company data and estimated manufacturing costs. It has already added new components to its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) for 2011 vehicles, including a test that measures the effectiveness of lane-departure warning systems and a different frontal-crash program.NHTSA hopes to announce its findings by the end of the year.[Source: The Detroit News]REPORT: NHTSA to mandate lane departure warning and auto-brake systems? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments

The wacky, wonderful world of Japanese manhole cover art

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:58:00 GMT

Filed under: Etc., JapanEver roll through some sleepy burg and notice the townsfolk have painted each fire hydrant, recycling bin or park bench as its own work of art? That's one thing... but how about a whole country? Only in Japan, where the same famously zany locals fascinated with sailor costumes and neon lights on dump trucks have done it yet again. Only this time, their attention has shifted to manhole covers. Yes, manhole covers.We don't know anything about this fad, how it began or how pervasive it is - we'd be glad to hear from you in our comment section below if you do - but from the look of the pinpointed map available at the link, it seems the craft has grown quite pervasive across the whimsical island nation. Check out a slew of our favorite examples in the gallery below, and try not to wonder how the artists didn't get run down by oncoming traffic while painstakingly completing their masterpieces.Gallery: Japan's Manhole-Cover Art[Source: ittemia.jp]The wacky, wonderful world of Japanese manhole cover art originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:29:00 GMT

Filed under: Time Warp, Safety, Videos, Celebrities Click above to watch video after the jump Most know how James Dean died; driving his Porsche 550 Spyder on Highway 466 in California. Dean even received a ticket earlier in the day, prompting many to assume that he was driving recklessly when the accident occurred. Later examination of the crash showed that the Hollywood icon was likely driving around 55 mph at the time of the crash; which was the legal limit at the time.While Dean was shooting the film Giant (released posthumously in 1956), the Hollywood superstar shot a quick public service video for the program Warner Bros. Parents. The short was about the dangers of speeding on the highway, and Dean insisted that speeding was for the race track and not for public roads. Chillingly, he ends the interview saying "Take it easy drivin'... the life you might save might be mine." As Dean died soon after filming the short segment, it reportedly never aired. Hit the jump to view the two minute interview.[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety videoVIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments