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Autoblog
First Drive: 2011 Honda Odyssey
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Honda, First Drive
Honda doesn't redefine the minivan, they strive to perfect it
2011 Honda Odyssey - Click above for high-res image gallery
Honda did something silly during the launch of its all-new 2011 Odyssey minivan. The automaker built a large autocross-type "track" in the parking lot of San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium and invited journalists to take its latest eight-passenger family hauler for hot laps. It was an interesting "fish out of water" introduction to Honda's fourth-generation people mover.
Designed, developed and manufactured in the United States, Honda considers the 2011 model an "American Odyssey." The domestic development team, owners of 46 Odysseys between them, labored to deliver a minivan with distinctive style, greater interior versatility and improved fuel economy. Did Honda build itself a worthy successor and how did it fare on the autocross?
Continue reading...
Photos copyright (C)2010 Michael Harley / AOLContinue reading First Drive: 2011 Honda Odyssey
First Drive: 2011 Honda Odyssey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 9, 2010 3:07:13 AM (2 hours from now)
Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works?
Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Subaru, Celebrities
As if his success in motocross and rally racing weren't enough, Travis Pastrana may be looking for still bigger mountains to climb. Mainly, Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft.
Autoblog reader Andrew Stowell caught up with Pastrana at the famed Mt. Washington Auto Road where the multi-medal X Games winner was reportedly scouting turns, making pace notes and filming some interviews for what should be a new YouTube sensation if he accomplishes this mission.
According to Stowell, Pastrana's plan is to break the Mt. Washington Auto Road record of six minutes and 42 seconds set in 1998 by Frank Sprongl driving an Audi Quattro (see Sprogl's run in full after the jump). Pastrana will supposedly be driving his X Games rally WRX STI, though when Stowell caught him he was behind the wheel of a stock WRX for practice.
Astute readers will remember my own tale of tackling the Auto Road this summer in Autoblog's long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, which I accomplished in around 25 minutes amidst heavy tourist traffic. The eight-mile road is not for the faint of heart with over 100 turns. True, Pikes Peak is longer at 12.4 miles and turnier with 156 curves, but that famous stretch of Colorado road rises at an average incline of just 7 degrees. The Mt. Washington Auto Road reaches for the skies at a 12-degree angle, and the road is narrower too. So let's just say it's no drive in the park.
We're not exactly sure when Pastrana will possibly attempt a record run, or if in fact that's what he's doing there. Subaru of America told us that it's a Red Bull-sponsored stunt and they're not involved, and Red Bull Motorsports has yet to respond to our inquiries. Nevertheless, our man on the ground claims the attempt will happen on Thursday. We'll keep you updated when we find out how he did.Continue reading Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works?
Travis Pastrana spotted on Mt. Washington, record attempt in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 9, 2010 3:07:13 AM (1 month ago)
Report: Ferrari Enzo successor will be a hybrid
Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Technology, Ferrari, Luxury
Ferrari 599 HY-KERS - Click above for high-res image gallery
Sorry, Ferrari purists, but even the mighty Prancing Horse isn't immune to the need to increase fuel economy. According to Autoweek, Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has confirmed that the successor to the Enzo throne will come equipped with a hybrid drivetrain. According to Montezemolo, the electrified supercar will borrow heavily from the company's 599 HY-KERS concept that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. That vehicle used hybrid tech derived from the kinetic energy recovery system that Ferrari experimented with on its F1 vehicles.
Previously, Ferrari has said that the incorporation of a battery pack and an electric motor would allow the company to continue to offer high-cylinder-count engines while offsetting fuel consumption and emissions. The company has also made it clear that it intends to begin moving toward smaller models to further reduce weight.
The news came as Montezemolo announced that he has no intention of moving from his post at Ferrari to greener pastures in the Italian government. The chairman said that he fully intends to stay at the company long enough to help craft the vehicles in the next product cycle, each of which will follow in the footsteps of the Enzo successor.
[Source: Autoweek]Report: Ferrari Enzo successor will be a hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 9, 2010 3:07:13 AM (1 month ago)
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.8.10
First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Lincoln has finally stuck a balance between luxury and fuel economy with the 2011 MKZ Hybrid.
Vauxhall GTC concept completely revealed ahead of Paris Motor Show debut
The Astra Sport Hatch hasn't arrived yet, but the Vauxhall GTC, with it's aggressive styling and turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, is a good indication of what will be hitting the streets next year.
General Motors unveils Chevrolet Aveo show car ahead of Paris Motor Show
The all-new Aveo is ready for its big day in Paris, but before the show, Chevrolet takes the wraps off its all-new subcompact.
Also of interest:
- Next Mazda RX-8 to use Sky G rotary
- BMW's dontblogaboutthis.com car revealed on forum
- GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality
- Video: Mazda Shinari concept and Kodo-fied Mazda3 make the scene
- Nevada governor candidate pitches speeding for dollars plan as budget fix
Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 9.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 9, 2010 3:07:13 AM (1 month ago)
Caterham releases Roadsport 125 Monaco
Filed under: Performance, Specialty
Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco - Click above for high-res image gallery
Lightweight aficionados rejoice! Caterham has announced a new special edition roadster is joining its ever-expanding lineup. Allow us to introduce you to the Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco. The brushed aluminum bodywork looks resplendent alongside the black nose and fenders. The red and white stripes which run up the nose and across the sides of the car represent the Monegasque flag - the official flag of Monaco. The theme continues into the cabin where the black and red color scheme is designed to represent the roulette wheels accessible throughout Casino Square.
The Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco is powered by the same engine and transmission combination found in the Lambretta special edition - a 125 horsepower 1.6-liter Ford-sourced four-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Since Caterham adheres to Colin Chapman's philosophy of lighter is faster, the 125 hp mill should provide plenty of thrills behind the wheel.
Pricing for the Roadsport 125 Monaco is set at £20,995 or around $33,000 U.S. However, Caterham is offering a discount on the first 20 Monacos sold. If you act early, you can scoop one up for £19,995 which is a hair over $31,000 US.
Continue reading Caterham releases Roadsport 125 Monaco
Caterham releases Roadsport 125 Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 9, 2010 3:07:13 AM (1 month ago)
How they made Lexus IS "Music Track" commercial
Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Videos, Lexus, Luxury
The making of "Music Track" - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Lexus kicked off its "Wield Precision" campaign with a nice drum solo performed by a 2011 Lexus IS sport sedan. Now it's giving us a sneak peak into how the spot came together.
People from very different worlds collaborated to produce something unique. Engineers worked with a doctor of mathematics who in turn worked with a drum tech to figure out how to translate the vision of director Kevin Fitzgerald into reality. Once the piece was composed and the drums were placed, it was up to stunt driver Eddie Braun to precisely wield the Lexus through the course. Check out the making of "Music Track" after the jump.
Continue reading How they made Lexus IS "Music Track" commercial
How they made Lexus IS "Music Track" commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Citroën reportedly readying hot hybrid DS4 Racing model
Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Citroën
Citroën DS4 - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're still scratching your head trying to figure out what to make of the new Citroën DS4, get ready to be even more confused. Emerging reports from across the pond indicate that the French automaker is preparing a performance version of the premium hatchback/crossover/whats-it in the same vein as the DS3 Racing... only taller. And with a few more doors.
Presumed to be called the DS4 Racing, the high-performance version of the vehicle slated to debut in Paris later this month, will ostensibly target the bigger hot hatches already on the market, like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Renaultsport Megane 250.
Performance-oriented trim inside and out - from the two-tone aero kit and upsized wheels to the racing buckets and flat-bottomed steering wheel - will give the DS4 Racing an aggressive attitude, but the real party trick will be sitting under the hood. Citroën is reportedly working on adapting the HYbrid4 through-the-road all-wheel drive system to couple the 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo four from the Peugeot RCZ with an electric boost.
With the DS4 still to be publicly unveiled and the DS3 Racing just hitting the market now, sources don't expect the DS4 Racing to arrive before 2013.
[Source: Auto Express]Citroën reportedly readying hot hybrid DS4 Racing model originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units
Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Technology, Suzuki
Suzuki SX4 Sport with Garmin navigation system - Click above for high-res image gallery
When Garmin issued a recall on its Nuvi portable navigation system a couple of weeks ago, Japanese automaker Suzuki informed us that it would need to issue a follow-up recall for a few vehicles in its lineup. After all, Suzuki offers dashboard-mounted Garmin GPS units in its Equator, Grand Vitara and SX4 models, and unfortunately, the Nuvi navis supplied to Suzuki are among the ones that need repair.
Approximately 20,692 Suzuki vehicles are affected by this recall - specifically the 2008-2010 SX4, 2010 Grand Vitara and 2009-2010 Equator equipped with Garmin Nuvi 750, 760 and 765 navigation systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the batteries in these nav units can potentially overheat which could result in a fire.
Garmin technicians will replace the existing batteries free of charge and owners will be notified within the next few weeks. The official recall notice from NHTSA is available after the jump.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL
[Source: NHTSA]Continue reading Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units
Suzuki recalls SX4, Grand Vitara and Equator for overheating Garmin sat-nav units originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Aug 9, 2010 3:07:13 AM (1 month ago)
Autoblog Podcast #194 - Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico's Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars
Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Paris Motor Show, Bentley, GMC, Lamborghini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Military
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
It's Episode #194 of the Autoblog Podcast, and Chris, Sam and Dan talk about the 2011 Bentley Continental, what Lamborghini has in store for the Paris Motor Show, Mexico's Mastretta MXT and budget sports cars from Toyota. Two questions cap it at just over an hour this week. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #194 - Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico's Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars
In the Autoblog Garage:
Nissan Pathfinder
GMC Sierra 3500 HD
Mitsubishi Outlander
News:
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk
Runtime: 63:00
Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)
Review the show in iTunes and take our survey
Autoblog Podcast #194 - Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico's Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Video: World's Fastest backhoe is pointless wheelstanding amusement
Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Humor, Specialty, Racing
World's Fastest backhoe - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Drag racing and construction vehicles do not typically mix well. Unless someone is trying to quit their job in dramatic fashion, heavy equipment is confined to slow speeds and hard labor. The JCB GT backhoe chooses to disagree. Thanks to a 1,300 horsepower engine, this drag racing backhoe (one of the weirdest phrases ever typed) rips away from the tree and down the line. Perhaps they were inspired by videos of wheel-standing loaders and drifting semi trucks?
The folks at JCB are no strangers to speed. A few years ago, their diesel-powered salt flats racer hit 350 miles per hour and at one point they expressed interest in purchasing Jaguar. We'd love to see how driving the Dieselmax compares to handling the JCB GT. We'd wager the backhoe is scarier to drive...
See the JCB GT in action after the jump.
[Source: Streetfire via CarDomain]Continue reading Video: World's Fastest backhoe is pointless wheelstanding amusement
Video: World's Fastest backhoe is pointless wheelstanding amusement originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday
Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing
Ken Block and his crew from DC Shoes didn't exactly stun the world with Part I of Gymkhana 3. The clip was more music video than sideways action, and after worshipping the first two hoon-laden pieces of cinematic glory, we were all expecting, well, more. Fortunately, it appears that Block has his heart set on delivering. According to Jalopnik, Part II will feature all of the tire and wheel-shredding glory we've come to expect from the rally world's number-one showboat. The team began teasing the next installment with a Craigslist ad hawking a pair of very abused 18-inch Volk wheels. Whatever the next clip entails, we're nearly guaranteed to see some sparks fly.
The next video is set to drop on September 14, and was supposedly filmed in France using the team's beastly Ford Fiesta rally beater. Can it top the sheer magic of Gymkhana I? Miracles do happen.
[Source: Craigslist via Jalopnik]Real Gymkhana 3 will debut 9/14, next Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
SSC Ultimate Aero II flashes backside for Top Gear
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Design/Style
SSC recently teased us with shots of their new would-be Bugatti assassin, the Ultimate Aero II and Shelby Supercars has allowed Top Gear to provide the world a new angle with which to view their exotic road warrior.
The SSC Ultimate Aero II is designed by skilled artisan Jason Castriota, who his now putting his pen to paper for Saab. The design of the front is a beautiful mix of flowing lines with subtle, hard creases. The rear end seems much more alien, but equally stunning. The previous SSC vehicle, the Ultimate Aero TT, bested the Bugatti Veyron in the all-out speed competition at 256 miles per hour. This all-new Ultimate Aero II looks like it already beat that mark while simply posing for pictures. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if someone handed us the keys then told us "where we're going... we don't need roads."
Our one nitpick? The eventual damage to the exhaust area. It already looks like that rear pod is sitting on the deck so it's unlikely the SSC will make it through the local Wal-Mart parking lot. Oh well, time to put the checkbook back in the drawer. We'll just wait for the Saab equivalent.
SSC Ultimate Aero II flashes backside for Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Report: Next Mazda RX-8 to use Sky G rotary
Filed under: Japan, Technology, Mazda
Mazda has big plans for the future of its rotary engine. According to GoAuto, the company is currently hard at work on improving the powerplant's fuel economy by a full 50 percent. If it can pull it off, the new mill will proudly wear the same "Sky" designation as its traditional four-cylinder counterparts. The site quotes Seita Kanai, Mazda's director of R&D and program management, as saying that upping the rotary's fuel economy is essential for the engine's survival.
From the sound of things, Mazda is wholly committed to keeping a rotary in its stable. In the report, Kanai says the company is investigating every possible aspect of the engine's design to look for ways to increase efficiency, down to the very principles behind the design. Even so, he stopped short of saying whether or not the company is toying with an electric turbocharger as part of development.
Even with word that the Japanese automaker is stoking the rotary flames, GoAuto reports the company currently has no plans for a legitimate RX-7 successor. While designers and engineers within the company may be itching to jump onto a new sports car, the company's decision makers are currently more occupied with slimming its corporate average fuel economy.
[Source: GoAuto]Report: Next Mazda RX-8 to use Sky G rotary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Video: 2011 Bentley Continental GT out on the road
Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Paris Motor Show, Bentley, Luxury
2011 Bentley Continental GT - Click above to watch the video after the jump
The all-new 2011 Bentley Continental GT was recently revealed online. Initially we only had pretty pictures to look at, but information comes fast and furious on the world wide web. We have gotten our hands on a video of the luxurious grand tourer doing what it does best.
The video (located just beyond the jump) is a bit low on action but high on design and style. These pictures and videos only serve to whet our appetite for some (heated leather) seat time in the new Continental. The car is set to make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show so be sure to tune in to our coverage of the entire event. We can't give this Bentley our stamp of approval just yet but details such as the 567 horsepower W12, a top speed of 198 miles per hour, climate-controlled seats and an updated (finally!) touchscreen have us leaning towards "huzzah!"
Click over to the jump to check it out for yourself.
[Source: Bentley via YouTube]Continue reading Video: 2011 Bentley Continental GT out on the road
Video: 2011 Bentley Continental GT out on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
BMW's dontblogaboutthis.com car revealed on forum
Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Rumormill, Specialty
dontblogaboutthis BMW - Click above for high-res image gallery
Yesterday we brought you a few strange images and even weirder videos showcasing an odd BMW. Today, more images have hit the web, proving this is more than a BMW 6 Series with skinny tires and a missing tailpipe. The car may be wearing 6 Series skin from the a-pillar back, but the front is a different animal. It appears to be similar to the face found on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle.
There are a lot of ways these "spy shots" can be perceived. The above image and the extremely quiet running sound from the clips certainly led us to believe this car is utilizing a new EfficientDynamics powertrain. This would mean the above mash-up mobile is powered by a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder diesel as well as a pair of electric motors set on the axles.
A viral campaign complete with dark photographs of a mysterious vehicle? It must be auto show season! The Paris Motor Show is right around the corner and we hope someone BMW will be ready to spill their precision-engineered beans.
[Source: dontblogaboutthis, e90post forums]BMW's dontblogaboutthis.com car revealed on forum originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Woman gets Kia Soul after passing drive test on 960th try
Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Hatchback, Kia, Humor, South Korea
Kia Soul - click above for high-res image gallery
We like to think of ourselves as pretty determined folk here the United States. After all, our forebearers forged our country out of a wild and unsettling terrain, fought off tyrants, cooked up some of the most amazing inventions of the last century and helped populate a symbol of diversity and freedom renowned the world over. That doesn't mean that we'd willingly subject ourselves to the DMV 960 times, however. Yet that's exactly what a Korean woman, Cha Sa-soon, did on her quest to obtain her driver's license. Despite copious studying, the 69-year-old Cha just couldn't manage to get past the written portion of the exam.
In April 2005, she began taking the 50-minute, 40-question test once a day, five days week, failing each time. Eventually her pace slowed to taking the test twice a week, but on the 960th try, she managed to get enough of the questions right to pass.
Local news outlets ran with the story, and it wasn't long before the tale caught the ear of Hyundai-Kia. The company asked people to post congratulatory messages online, and after an overwhelming response, Kia handed her the keys to a brand-new Soul.
We like her style.
Photos Copyright (C)2010 John Neff / AOL
[Source: The New York Times]Woman gets Kia Soul after passing drive test on 960th try originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality
Filed under: Technology, Cadillac, GM
General Motors is ready to bring the fight to Ford's Sync system with a reworked version of OnStar, but the salient details won't be revealed for another seven days. However, we've gotten word from the General that it's testing two new features: Audio Facebook updates and voice texting.
On the Facebook front, GM is the experimental phase of integrating OnStar with the 800-pound social media gorilla, allowing users to verbally update their Facebook status via audio recordings, with the possibility of utilizing the OnStar Virtual Advisor feature to read off Facebook status updates and news feeds.
Voice texting works in a similar manner, pairing the driver's Bluetooth mobile phone to OnStar and allowing the system to read received SMS messages and reply using a voice command to select four pre-set messages. That's not true voice-to-text functionality, but it's similar to what's being offered by other automakers.GM testing OnStar Facebook and texting functionality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
SEMA Preview: Cervini's brings some Eleanor flavor to the Ford Mustang GT
Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford
The 2010 Ford Mustang is a good looking car, but the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 from Gone in 60 Seconds is a beautiful car. If you own a 2010 Mustang, first of all, sorry about the 2011, but secondly, there's a way to try and capture some of that Eleanor styling for your modern Ford pony car.
Cervini's has released images of its upcoming kit for new 'Stangs, and the urethane kit includes a hood, front bumper, side skirts, side scoops, a rear valence, a ducktail spoiler, upper and lower billet grilles, a set of fog lights and a side-exiting exhaust system. The image above makes the kit come off a bit over the top, but we'll reserve final judgement until we see it in person at this year's SEMA show.
Currently, only the hood and side scoops are available for purchase, while the rest of the kit should be available within two months. Pricing hasn't been announced, but the full C500 kit for 2005-2009 Ford Mustangs is available for $26,155 and in addition to the body mods, it includes go-fast/stop-fast parts that raises the power output to 535 horsepower.
Of course, there is another option if you can't wait any longer and only have $600, you could always settle for a LIL-C500.
[Source: Cervinis]SEMA Preview: Cervini's brings some Eleanor flavor to the Ford Mustang GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
Video: Chevrolet Cruze ads ramp up
Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM
First Chevrolet Cruze commercials - Click above to watch the videos after the jump
The first production copies of the 2011 Cruze are likely heading to a nearby Chevrolet dealer as you're reading this, and that means that General Motors' advertising blitz can't be far behind. Actually, it starts after the jump. From where we sit, it appears that the Bowtie's new C-segment sedan is ready to do war with the competition, and Chevy clearly has its eyes trained on the segment's sales leader. The first 30-second spot with actor Tim Allen's voiceover is aptly titled "Dear Corolla," and it chides the Toyota mainstay for not offering as standard equipment keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
The second spot doesn't aim directly at any one competitor, choosing instead to play off of the Cruze's role as the new kid in the C-sized segment. Chevy's ad gurus chose to pull out a pair of brief quotes made by auto news outlets that liken some of the Cruze's best attributes to that of distinctly pricier competition, and we're betting that at least one of those publications will sound familiar.
Both spots strike us as a bit paint-by-numbers marketing for such an important launch, though it's good to see that GM isn't shrinking away from one of its biggest competitors. Hit the jump to view both videos and judge for yourself. The Corolla commercial comes first, followed by the "New Kid" spot.
[Source: General Motors]Continue reading Video: Chevrolet Cruze ads ramp up
Video: Chevrolet Cruze ads ramp up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)
First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Lincoln, First Drive
Shows other luxury hybrids how it's done
2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
On the whole, luxury manufacturers just can't seem to figure out what to do with hybrid drivetrains. Sure, there's some vague notion of improved fuel economy, but for every fuel-sipping Lexus HS250h, there's a 455-horsepower, 26-mpg BMW ActiveHybrid 750i to balance the scales. Part of the problem is that fuel economy and luxury traditionally play as well together as 50 Cent and KC and the Sunshine Band. High-end autos are synonymous with power, weight and cabins large enough to comfortably raise a middle-class family, while their miserly counterparts tend to be tinny contraptions with the driving dynamics of low-rent washing machines.
But that doesn't mean there aren't automakers trying to meld the two. One of the big buzz phrases making its way around automotive circles right now is "The 'And' Car." That is, a vehicle capable of being all things to all people through the miracle of technology. Lincoln believes it's come up with just such a creation in the 2011 MKZ Hybrid - a sedan that bests the fuel economy of the competition by a wide margin and provides all of the luxury amenities buyers demand. The question is, have they pulled it off?
Continue reading...
Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOLContinue reading First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
First Drive: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Sep 8, 2010 3:07:13 AM (22 hours ago)