Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[VIDEO: Mythbusters annihilate a car near the speed of sound]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-mythbusters-annihilate-a-car-near-the-speed-of-sound/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-mythbusters-annihilate-a-car-near-the-speed-of-sound/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/video-mythbusters-annihilate-a-car-near-the-speed-of-sound/#comments Filed under: ,

Mythbusters make us smile - click above to watch the video

This one is good. Previously Adam and Jamie smashed a car to smithereens between two semi trucks. Which was fun, but hardly fun enough. So, they get a two-stage rocket sled and ram it into some poor, defenseless Ford Aspire -- at 650 mph! As gets pointed out in the video, the word "awesome" is thrown around all too easily these days. That said, this is AWESOME! Maybe double awesome. Make the jump to watch the video while giggling like a ten-year-old.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mythbusters annihilate a car near the speed of sound

VIDEO: Mythbusters annihilate a car near the speed of sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> MythbustersRocketRocket SledRocketSled Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: BBC says <i>Top Gear</i> doesn't ban gay couples from show audience]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/report-bbc-says-top-gear-doesnt-ban-gay-couples-from-sh/#comments Filed under: , ,



Is the BBC discriminating against gay couples? As is often the case, that depends on whom you ask. How so? It seems that Top Gear, the Beeb's ridiculously popular car show, has created a rule stipulating that its audience be made up of 50 percent males and 50 percent females, and at least one gay couple was allegedly denied tickets "unless [they] took a couple of female friends."

A BBC spokesperson has responded to the kerfuffle saying, "We do not - absolutely do not - discriminate against same sex couples... the whole implication that Top Gear is in any way homophobic is completely wrong." Ben Summerskill, chief executive of gay rights charity Stonewall, doesn't quite seem to agree: "It's very odd, but what do you expect from pigs that grunt? Regrettably, with Jeremy Clarkson involved, it's not surprising. The show itself is full of stereotyping of both men and women - but it's funded by gay and lesbian license fee cash as well as everyone else's."

The BBC adds that it doesn't even handle the actual ticketing for the show. A company called Applause Store issues the tickets in quantities of two. Says the spokesperson, "We don't ask people to apply as a couple, we ask them to apply as people."

[Source: AOL TV UK]
Note: AOL owns both AOL TV and Autoblog, but the two share no editorial affiliation.

REPORT: BBC says Top Gear doesn't ban gay couples from show audience originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Applause StoreApplauseStorebbcbbc discriminationBbcDiscriminationdiscriminationgaygay discriminationGayDiscriminationGLBTGLBTGJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRichard HammondRichardHammondsexual discriminationsexual orientationSexualDiscriminationSexualOrientationtop geartop gear discriminationTopGearTopGearDiscrimination Sun, 06 Dec 2009 14:09:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-random-beauty-in-the-city-of-angels/#comments Filed under: ,

Just some of the beauty in LA - Click above for high-res image gallery

With the state of the economy, it didn't come as much of a surprise that manufacturer presence was down at the LA Auto Show this year. The carmakers that did show up, however, brought their "A Game" - mostly. As much as that was true for new vehicle introductions, it also applied to the deployment of booth professionals as well.

Many booths didn't hire models this year, unfortunately, and companies that have traditionally been reliable sources of model employment weren't even here in 2009. We're looking at you, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Still, it was nice to see even a few smiling faces while we scoured the darkened halls of the LA Convention Center trying in our obsessive search for postworthy material.

While we didn't encounter many spokesmodels, we did find a lot of beauty in the City of Angels. We've assembled a small gallery of random shots and artsy-fartsy images to give all of you a taste of this year's show from LA. Click below to see our small but satisfying high-res gallery.


Gallery: LA 2009: LA beauty


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Random beauty in the City of Angels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> babe galleryBabeGallerybabesbooth professionalsBoothProfessionalsla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Convention CenterLA ladyLA ShowLA womanLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaConventionCenterladiesLaLadyLaShowLaWomanlos angeles auto showlos angeles international auto showLosAngelesAutoShowLosAngelesInternationalAutoShowspokesmodelspokesmodels Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/cornells-sae-baja-buggy-helps-us-get-even-with-would-be-alma-mater/#comments Filed under: ,

Cornell's SAE Baja Buggy - Click above for high-res image gallery

How much horsepower do you need to have fun in a car? More is usually better, but sometimes less is okay too. Sometimes even none is enough - if you have gravity on your side. When you're running off-road through mud, rocks, up hills, crashing off of whoops and flying over jumps, you certainly can't rely on the attraction of physical bodies to get you around the course. You need power. Cornell's Baja SAE buggy admittedly doesn't have much, driven by a lowly 10-hp Briggs & Stratton that wouldn't look out of place on a lawnmower. This most certainly is not a lawnmower.

Cornell's team of students past and present have built an impressive chariot to cradle that engine and a driver. CAD modeled, CNC hewn and carbon fiber-skinned, nearly everything on the kart is a one-off created by the sort of technology that drives Formula One. When an offer came in to come drive the thing, we jumped right in - right in to a mudbath as it turned out. Won't you join us?


Gallery: Cornell's SAE Baja buggy tour and test drive

Continue reading Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater

Cornell's SAE Baja buggy helps us get even with would-be alma mater originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> buggycartcornellcornell baja saecornell sae bajaCornellBajaSaeCornellSaeBajafeaturedkartkartingsaesae bajaSaeBajatest drive Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:57:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/la-2009-2010-kia-forte-and-forte-koup-crowned-nadaguides-com-co/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


2010 Kia Forte - Click above for high-res image gallery

With a brief press release and a trophy handoff at the LA Auto Show, car pricing authority NADAguides.com has heaped the first of what we could be many accolades upon the stylish and affordable 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup by naming the duo their Car of the Year for 2009. Citing the pair's "best in class" features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said these Kia compacts were standout vehicles in a pretty impressive field. Other contenders for the crown included such significant and praiseworthy vehicles as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz E350 and Nissan 370Z Roadster.

In our own review of the Kia Forte, we praised its styling, build, layout and performance, and especially its budget-minded pricing, so we see where NADA is coming from. Sometimes, we have to scratch our heads a bit when one of these sorts of awards are announced, but in this case, we certainly think the cars are deserving.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Kia Forte SX


[Source: NADAguides.com]

Continue reading LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY

LA 2009: 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup crowned NADAguides.com COTY originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Kia2010 Kia Forte2010 Kia Forte Koup2010Kia2010KiaForte2010KiaForteKoupcar of the yearCarOfTheYearCotyforteForte CoupeForte KoupForteCoupeForteKoupkiaKia ForteKia Forte CoupeKia Forte KoupKiaForteKiaForteCoupeKiaForteKoupKoupla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009nadanada guidesNadaGuidesnadaguides.com Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/jay-z-vandalizing-2011-jaguar-xj-for-on-to-the-next-one-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



On Wednesday night, as part of the run-up to the LA Auto Show, Jaguar held a sizable soiree at SoCal's Milk Studios to show off its latest wares to the public and press, with a heavy focus on its 2011 XJ flagship.

With the British automaker's latest model taking center stage, Mike O'Driscoll, Jaguar's managing director, discussed the finer points of the super saloon before announcing that rapper Jay Z will feature the XJ in his upcoming music video, "On to the Next One," a track from his new album The Blueprint 3. The 60-second trailer we saw didn't set our hearts on fire, but with Jaguar's renewed focus on "making Jaguar Jaguar again" and its push to appeal to a broader swath of the world's elite, the collaboration - although slightly awkward and mildly forced - could pay itself forward. It's just a shame about Jay Z's new logo being painted on the flanks of the luxury sedan.

Jay Z vandalizing 2011 Jaguar XJ for 'On to the Next One' video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Jag2011 Jaguar2011 jaguar xj2011 XJ2011Jag2011Jaguar2011JaguarXj2011Xjblueprint 3Blueprint3HovajagJaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjjay zjay z jaguarjay z jaguar xjjay-zjay-z jaguarJay-zJaguarJayZJayZJaguarJayZJaguarXjJiggalala 2009la auto showla showLa2009la2009showLaAutoShowLaShowlashow2009music videoMusicVideoOn to the Next OneOnToTheNextOneThe Blueprint 3TheBlueprint3 Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Porsche Design gears up for the sunshine with new driving and sportswear collection]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/porsche-design-gears-up-for-the-sunshine-with-new-driving-and-sp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/porsche-design-gears-up-for-the-sunshine-with-new-driving-and-sp/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/porsche-design-gears-up-for-the-sunshine-with-new-driving-and-sp/#comments Filed under: ,

Porsche Design Sport Spring/Summer 2010 Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

It may be getting colder across the country, but in Porscheland, things are heating up. The German automaker just took the wraps off its ultimate tribute to sun and fun, the new Boxster Spyder, in Los Angeles, and its merchandising counterpart is gearing up for sunshine with its new collection of gear for the spring and summer.

The latest sport collection has items for the driver, runner, golfer, swimmer, sailor and tennis player, all made in collaboration with sportswear giant Adidas. Highlights include weatherproof jackets, shock-absorbing sneakers, and even the odd Bermuda or two. You can check it all out in the press release after the jump and in the high-res image gallery below. The collection is available from Porsche Design stores worldwide, and the best part is you don't have to own a Porsche to buy them (you little poseur, you!).


Gallery: Porsche Design Sport Spring/Summer 2010


[Source: Porsche Design]

Continue reading Porsche Design gears up for the sunshine with new driving and sportswear collection

Porsche Design gears up for the sunshine with new driving and sportswear collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> adidas porscheAdidasPorscheporscheporsche accessoriesporsche adidasporsche clothingporsche designporsche design sportPorscheAccessoriesPorscheAdidasPorscheClothingPorscheDesignPorscheDesignSport Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Audi twists e-tron concept's 3319 lb-ft torque rating]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/audi-twists-e-tron-3319-lb-ft-torque-rating/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/audi-twists-e-tron-3319-lb-ft-torque-rating/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/audi-twists-e-tron-3319-lb-ft-torque-rating/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Audi e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Audi boasted its all-electric e-tron was fitted with four electric motors producing "230 kW (313 horsepower) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 pound-feet) of torque." While the e-tron's styling may have raised a few eyebrows, we were notably moved by the quoted torque figure - especially when we considered that the twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, one of the most powerful vehicles on the road, makes 738 lb-ft in comparison. We were stupefied by the number, and it set off more than a few debates among our group, but Audi made no attempt to clarify...

The team at Automobile Magazine, initially duped like everyone else, has recognized that Audi was quoting torque measured at the wheels, not at the output shaft - the industry standard. Measuring torque at the wheels takes the multiplication effect of the transmission and final drive gears into account. The resulting figures are generally ten-fold of what they would be at the crank (meaning cars like a 3.6-liter Chevrolet Malibu packs a similar 3,115 lb-ft of torque). Audi's e-tron torque figures are not exactly dishonest, but they are using a completely different evaluation without making mention of it in the press release. Long story short, Automobile estimates the e-tron makes about 252 lb-ft of torque, or a bit less than the Tesla Roadster's 273 lb-ft.


Gallery: LA 2009: Orange Audi e-tron


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept


[Source: Automobile]

REPORT: Audi twists e-tron concept's 3319 lb-ft torque rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Audiaudi conceptaudi etron conceptaudi torqueAudiConceptAudiEtronConceptAudiTorquee-tronetronetron torqueEtronTorqueoutput shaftOutputShafttorquewheel torqueWheelTorque Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:27:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/2010-honda-element-dog-friendly-los-angeles-2009/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Luna, left, and Toby, model the Honda Element Dog Friendly edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda certainly can't be accused of running a dog and pony show here at the LA Auto Show, because there were no ponies. They did, however, have the adorable Luna and Toby on hand to demonstrate their clever Dog Friendly system on this Honda Element. It's essentially a collapsible ramp and pup tent (couldn't resist) with tethers that keeps dogs secure in back while protecting the interior of your vehicle from stains and pet hair.

We've shown you this Dog Friendly setup before, but couldn't resist snapping a few pics of the system in action, especially now that it's available. The Dog Friendly package is available on any 2010 Honda Element model for an extra $995. besides the nylon kennel and ramp, the system includes a cushioned bed, a spill-proof water dish, a small 12-volt ventilation fan, seat covers for the second row, and rubber floor mats with a bone motif. Seems like a reasonable price for keeping one's pets safe and secure, especially considering it's a custom fit package from the people who actually build the vehicle itself. There's a full press release after the jump and some more pics of Toby and Luna in our high-res gallery below.


Gallery: LA 2009: Dog Friendly Honda Element


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Honda]

Continue reading LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package

LA 2009: Luna and Toby model the 2010 Honda Element Dog Friendly package originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dog friendlyDog Friendly carDog Friendly ElementDog Friendly Element ConceptDog Friendly HondaDog Friendly Honda ElementDog Friendly Honda Element Conceptdog safetyDogFriendlyDogFriendlyCarDogFriendlyElementDogFriendlyElementConceptDogFriendlyHondaDogFriendlyHondaElementDogFriendlyHondaElementConceptDogSafetyhondahonda doghonda dog friendlyHonda dog-friendly Element concepthonda elementHondaDogHondaDog-friendlyElementConceptHondaDogFriendlyHondaElementla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowpet safepet safetyPetSafePetSafety Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:58:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Hughes Telematics recently announced its partnership with Mercedes-Benz on the automaker's new line of "mbrace" mobile telematics solutions. The system, which connects mbrace-equipped vehicles with an app installed on the user's Apple iPhone or RIM Blackberry, allows people to lock and unlock their doors, contact roadside assistance, get in touch with a local dealer or find their vehicle in a crowded parking lot. It's a relatively trick technology that we spent some time with at the LA Auto Show, and there's plenty of potential on the horizon.

Continue reading LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps

LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowhughes telematicsHughesTelematicslala 2009la auto showla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowmbracemercedes-benz Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2011 Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wow. Lexus brought their new LFA supercar to the LA Auto Show this year. That might not seem particularly wow-worthy, but it definitely becomes more surprising when you hear that they actually brought an LFA and a half. While a white LFA was happily humming along, spinning slowly on a rotating platform in the middle of the booth, another LFA-like creature lay motionless a few feet away.

It seems Lexus had an extra drivetrain they wanted to display, but instead of just parking the engine, transaxle and other mechanical bits on a stand, they decided to make it something of a cutaway. Rather than chopping up one of those exquisitely woven carbon fiber bodies, thankfully, they supported the running gear in a wireframe cutaway of sorts that mimics the overall shape of the production car. It was even done up in white just like the real thing on the other side of the stand. While some saw it as a novel way to display the internals, we think this might be a sneak peek at the cheaper, simpler Lexus LFA we had hoped for. Or, you know, not.

Check out the gallery below, and do yourself a favor - Take a few extra seconds to ogle that engine.


Gallery: LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowlexusLexus LF-Alexus lfalexus supercarLexusLf-aLexusLfaLexusSupercarLF-Alfalos angeleslos angeles 2009LosAngelesLosAngeles2009 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/video-lexus-lfa-illicitly-investigated-by-fanboy-in-secret-ware/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/video-lexus-lfa-illicitly-investigated-by-fanboy-in-secret-ware/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/video-lexus-lfa-illicitly-investigated-by-fanboy-in-secret-ware/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Motor Mavens sneaks a look at Lexus LFA - Click above to watch video after the break

If Motor Mavens legitimately got a call from a well-placed friend and truly snuck in to fiddle with a $400,000 car that's ostensibly in trustworthy care, we apologize, but it smells really staged from here. It doesn't matter, though, the LFA looks fantastic in this video, and the LCD gauges are cool to watch in action. That's the real value of this video, watching the interior come alive like the bridge of some kind of spaceship.

Damon talked about the way the gauges animate to display different information, but watching the display slide around makes us want to be the guy sitting in the driver's seat, twiddling all the buttons with meaty, indiscriminate paws. The entirety of the car is as worthy of "dude, check this out" as you'd expect from a supercar-class vehicle. Check it out after the jump, and let us know if we're being too suspicious.

We're just having trouble with details like interested-looking parties reflected in the window of the opening shot, and the fact that it's supposed to be poor quality, but looks pretty decent and apparently, when you drop everything and run out of the house, you take the time to call a cameraman. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to go line our winter hats with tinfoil. Thanks for the tip, Michael!


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA


Photos copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Motor Mavens]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse

VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lexuslexus fanLexus LF-ALexusFanLexusLf-aLF-Alfalfa fanLfaFan Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-maximum-bob-maximum-live-blog/#comments Filed under: ,


Click above to view the live blog after the jump

We're here in the City of Angels to watch Fritz Henderson deliver GM's keynote address to the all us media types here at LA Auto Show. Only thing is, Fritz resigned yesterday, and for some reason interim CEO Ed Whitacre will not be delivering the keynote. Which can only mean one thing -- GM's Vice Chairman of Marketing and Communications Bob Lutz will be delivering the opening address. Are you as excited as we are? We kinda doubt it. Make the jump to read our live blog.

Continue reading LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog

LA 2009: Maximum Bob, Maximum Live Blog originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob lutzBobLutzgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlala 2009la auto showLa2009LaAutoShow Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:40:00 EST <![CDATA[Take a virtual lap of the Lotus test track on Google street view]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/take-a-virtual-lap-of-the-lotus-test-track-on-google-street-view/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/take-a-virtual-lap-of-the-lotus-test-track-on-google-street-view/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/take-a-virtual-lap-of-the-lotus-test-track-on-google-street-view/#comments Filed under: ,



For car buffs one of the more interesting aspects of Google Maps has been checking out the high resolution satellite imagery of race tracks and manufacturer test tracks around the world. Aside from the engineers who work at those facilities and selected outsiders like the media, the proving grounds are typically tightly guarded places and regular people can't just wander in.

Ever since Google augmented maps with the street view function several years ago, users have have been exploring and finding all kinds of neat places they've never visited or sometimes just checking out their own neighborhoods to see if they got caught on camera. Recently Lotus invited one of the street view camera cars inside its headquarters at Hethel near Norwich in south east England.

The results are now visible on Google maps when you go to the home on Lotus on Potash Ln and start zooming in. When you zoom all the way down, you can take a virtual drive through the front gate, past the factory and engineering buildings and right out onto the track. The street view car circulates the track with a Lotus Evora, a 2-eleven and a methanol fuel experimental Exige 265e. You can get directly to Lotus via http://3.ly/LotusCarFactoryGoogleStreetView

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Take a virtual lap of the Lotus test track on Google street view

Take a virtual lap of the Lotus test track on Google street view originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> googlegoogle mapsgoogle maps street v...google maps street viewgoogle streetgoogle street viewgoogle street viewsgoogle streetviewGoogleMapsGoogleMapsStreetV...GoogleMapsStreetViewGoogleStreetGoogleStreetViewGoogleStreetViewshethelLotuslotus headquarterslotus test trackLotusHeadquartersLotusTestTrackNorfolk Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/royal-scam-uk-license-plate-d1ana-expected-to-fetch-100-000/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Coys of Kensington will be hosting a True Greats auction on December 1, and among the items for sale will be an MG service manual (Lot 1), a Corvette poster (Lot 61), and some pre-WWII driving gauntlets (Lot 81). Oh, and there'll also be the matter of Lot 142, a number plate reading "D1ANA" expected to pull down £100,000. That's $164,174 to us here in the American system.

That's no small beer, certainly, yet while it might appear to be impressive, other less obviously impressive number plates have recently been fetching ridiculous amounts: aside from the UK tuner who bought the "F 1" plate for $870,000, earlier this year a gent - also in the UK - bought "1 D" for $513,000. And it's not just our British pals in that game: "D1ANA" is far less fetching than the number "6," which was bought by a Delaware man for $675,000. So there.

The preliminary viewing was today, but it's not too late to get in on the auction. Follow the jump for the press release, and get your pounds and pence ready.

[Source: Coys]

Continue reading Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction

Royal Scam? UK license plate "D1ANA" expected to fetch £100,000 at COYS auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> englandeuropelicense platelicense plate auctionLicensePlateLicensePlateAuctionnumber plateNumberPlateprincess dianaPrincessDianauk Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/#comments Filed under: ,



There is some ethanol in almost all of the gasoline sold in the U.S. Usually, this amount is no more than 10 percent of the total and, if it's more than that, it jumps all the way to 85 percent and is sold as E85. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was supposed to come down on one side or the other today of a possible increase across the board to 15 percent that Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers asked for, but instead announced that it needs more time.

The EPA has been looking at the E15 issue all year and investigating all sorts of issues, but there are a lot of moving parts in this sort of decision. Everyone from farmers and their subsidies to grow the corn used to make most of the ethanol sold today to car makers who have tuned their engines to run on E10 but not E15 want to have their say. The EPA has heard the comments, and now says that it needs more time to test E15 in vehicles. Right now, it thinks that any vehicle built after 2001 will burn E15 just fine, but there are a lot of older vehicles still on the road. Cash For Clunkers didn't get all of them off the road, after all. A decision is now expected in mid-June 2010.

The postponement was met with approval by the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, which said they want more government testing "to prove that increasing the allowable ethanol blend limit will not harm vehicle emissions, performance, and durability." Read their full statement after the jump.

[Source: Reuters, Auto Allliance | Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images]

Continue reading Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars

Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> e10e15e85environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaethanolgrowth energyGrowthEnergyU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.s.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Push Me, Pull You: R&T investigates the comings and goings of gear changes]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/push-me-pull-you-randt-investigates-the-comings-and-goings-of-ge/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/push-me-pull-you-randt-investigates-the-comings-and-goings-of-ge/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/push-me-pull-you-randt-investigates-the-comings-and-goings-of-ge/#comments Filed under:



When it isn't unusual to get into five or six different cars a month, you realize you spend a lot of time figuring out how, and how many ways, one can shift the gears in an automatic or double-clutch car. Where is the shifter? How many settings does the shifter have? How do I get into manual shift mode? Once there, how does it work? Are there paddle shifters as well? Do the paddle shifters move with the wheel or not? And so on...

Road & Track surveyed a number of automakers about how they set up their manual shifting modes. Some require you to push the lever forward to upshift, while for others that's a downshift, and a couple demand you move the lever side-to-side. The 13 makers examined all have their reasons, the loose consensus being that the forward-for-downshift bunch is modeled after driving dynamics, the forward-for-upshift bunch based on intuitiveness and customer feedback.

At least two makers have two cars that use different shifting methods. And if not for Subaru, Audi, and Porsche there'd be a nice way to classify the forward-for-upshift crowd as being for buyers who aren't into sporting driving. As far as we're concerned, forward should be for downshifts, and single-function paddles should be mounted on the wheel, not the column. But you can tell us what you think in the comments.

[Source: Road & Track]

Push Me, Pull You: R&T investigates the comings and goings of gear changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gearboxManual TransmissionManualTransmissionroad and trackRoadAndTrackshiftingtransmission Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Global search reportedly on to find successor for Ratan Tata]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/#comments Filed under: , ,



Three years ago the retirement age for Tata's holding company was upped to 75. Although Ratan Tata is only 71, there is no obvious successor to take his place at the head of India's global conglomerate, so the search has begun for the leader of the next act.

Whoever that person is will take the conductor's baton and guide an orchestra of 98 companies and 357,000 workers. He or she will also need to deal with the twin anchors of Jaguar-Land Rover debt and Corus Steel debt, both of which were brought on by economic freefall after top-of-the-market acquisitions.

At this point it looks like the CEO spot will be taken by someone outside the Tata family for only the second time in the history of the company. And while Ratan Tata has said "It would certainly be easier if [my successor] were an Indian national," he is open to filling the position with a foreigner. The company has three years to conclude, with Tata expected to step down in 2012.

[Source: Times Online | Photo: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images]

Global search reportedly on to find successor for Ratan Tata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ratan tataRatanTataretirementtatatata ceoTataCeo Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Cambodian reportedly develops 'telepathic' new car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-cambodian-develops-telepathic-new-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-cambodian-develops-telepathic-new-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-cambodian-develops-telepathic-new-car/#comments Filed under:

Cambodia is known for a few things - such as the amazing ancient ruins in Angkor Wat and an over-abundance of scooters and three-wheeled Tuk Tuks - but a real-life automobile industry is most definitely not one of them. Not yet, at least. While current transportation choices are mostly imported from Vietnam and Thailand, there's apparently a growing desire in Cambodia for a homegrown automobile.

In fact, a number of individual Cambodians have taken it upon themselves to jump start the nascent auto industry by creating their very own DIY cars... even ones that supposedly respond to telepathic commands. According to Nhean Phaloek, a 51-year-old Cambodian who just built his Angkor 333-2010 (at right), "I just snap my fingers and the car's door will open. Or I just think of opening the car's door, and the door opens immediately."

While we're not quite ready to buy the thought-control bit, building your very own two-seat convertible for $5,000 that can hit speeds of about 62 miles per hour is itself an accomplishment to be proud of. Thanks for the tip, Adrián!

[Source: AFP via Yahoo]

Cambodian reportedly develops 'telepathic' new car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cambodiacambodia carCambodiaCarcambodiancambodian carCambodianCartelepathtelepathictelepathic carTelepathicCartelepathy Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/bentley-does-a-double-decker-for-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/bentley-does-a-double-decker-for-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/bentley-does-a-double-decker-for-charity/#comments Filed under: , ,


Luke, a London Routemaster bus retrofitted by Bentley for St Luke's hospice - Click above for high-res image gallery

We haven't met anyone who works in the Bentley factory. (At least, this writer hasn't.) But we like them already. Because while workers at other assembly plants go on strike or to Eminem concerts when they've got no more work, the crew from Crewe puts their energy and considerable talents into charitable endeavors. A couple of weeks ago we brought you a collection of artwork created by Bentley craftsmen, scheduled to be auctioned off to benefit cancer research. Now they've completed work on a bus for a hospice.

The decommissioned London Routemaster double-decker city bus affectionately named Luke was acquired by St Luke's hospice - a care facility for the terminally ill in Winsford, Cheshire - earlier this year. The goal was to use it as a sort of "community charity bus" to be used for fundraising, public awareness and as a "traveling shop" for college campuses. We don't know exactly what that entails, but the results, billed as the world's most luxurious charity bus, are impressive.

Very different in nature from rival Aston Martin's bus project, 59 Bentley workers from the woodshop, tool-room and maintenance departments volunteered some 2,000 man-hours to transform Luke from a mode of public transportation into what looks like an impeccably well-crafted vehicle for charitable work. See for yourself in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the full press release.


Gallery: Luke the bus outfitted by Bentley


[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity

Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bentleybentley charityBentleyCharitybuscharitydouble-deckerhospicelondonlondon buslondon routemasterLondonBusLondonRoutemasterlukeroutemasterst lukesStLukes Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST