Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Official: Transit Courier completes Ford's new commercial van line, will we get it?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/transit-courier-completes-fords-new-commercial-van-line-will-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/transit-courier-completes-fords-new-commercial-van-line-will-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/13/transit-courier-completes-fords-new-commercial-van-line-will-w/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



This week Ford rolled out the 2014 Transit Courier, the fourth addition to its Transit range. Ford says its the first time for the nameplate in the compact van segment.

"Ford has now completely transformed its commercial vehicle line-up, with four all-new, class-leading Transits for European customers," said Barb Samardzich, vice president of product development for Ford Europe. "With the all-new Transit range, we expect sales to grow to 400,000 units per year by 2016, well over 50 percent more than we sell today."

When the Courier goes on sale in the Spring of 2014, it will offer more than 1,400 pounds of payload capacity, multiple mounting points for racks or other framework and a rear cargo area that can carry items 5.3 feet-long. An optional folding passenger seat boosts the cargo length to 8.5 feet.

"With 10 percent more load volume and floor area than its closest competitors, the all-new Transit Courier brings a new level of productivity to the compact van segment," Samardzich said in the press release.
Three engines will be available in the Courier with start-stop optional with all of them. First there is the choice between the two Duratorq TDCi diesel choices: a 1.5-liter, 74-horsepower and a 1.6-liter, 93-horsepower. A step up from that would be the 1.0-liter EcoBoost gasoline engine with 98 horses.

Pricing on the 2014 Transit Courier hasn't been announced yet and Mike Levine, Ford's truck communications manager, tells us, "There are no plans to bring Transit Courier to the US."

Read the official press release below.

Continue reading Transit Courier completes Ford's new commercial van line, will we get it?

Transit Courier completes Ford's new commercial van line, will we get it? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercial vanduratorqecoboostfordford europeford transitford transit couriertdciSat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Italian border agents find $6M in gold bars hidden in car [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/italian-border-agents-find-6m-in-gold-bars-hidden-in-car-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/italian-border-agents-find-6m-in-gold-bars-hidden-in-car-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/italian-border-agents-find-6m-in-gold-bars-hidden-in-car-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gold bars confiscated from motorist by Italian police

Border police in Italy struck gold when they dug a little further into a car trying to pass into Switzerland.

The car's occupants, a family of five, claimed to be on an Easter vacation. But police said their nervous behavior prompted them to go on an Easter egg hunt. The officers eventually found a dozen gold bars worth at least $6 million hidden in a storage compartment.

Police say the 53-year-old driver of the car was a legal representative at a Swiss company and couldn't provide an explanation for where the gold originated or why it was in his car. The police confiscated the gold and the family's car. The driver faces charges of money laundering.

Based upon our extensive experience with gold smuggling, we recommend that next time, he form the gold into body panels for his car. It's a much more effective strategy. At least until a double-nought spy comes looking for you. For more, watch a news report video below.

Continue reading Italian border agents find $6M in gold bars hidden in car [w/video]

Italian border agents find $6M in gold bars hidden in car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gold barsgold smugglinggoldfingeritalymoney launderingsmugglingswitzerlandvideoFri, 05 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: NHTSA SaferCar app allows consumers to track safety ratings, recalls]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/nhtsa-safercar-app-allows-consumers-to-track-safety-ratings-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/nhtsa-safercar-app-allows-consumers-to-track-safety-ratings-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/nhtsa-safercar-app-allows-consumers-to-track-safety-ratings-rec/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NHTSA SaferCar appWhile many car shoppers say safety is a big factor in their choice of new car, there hasn't been an easy to way to access data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The government agency's website is clunky at best, and close to unusable on mobile devices.

That's why NHTSA decided to release the SaferCar app for mobile iOS devices. Users can easily access crash test ratings, recalls and complaints about hundreds of cars. Use the app to scan your car's VIN and it will even alert you to news and recall notices. The app also helps with the proper installation of child safety seats by directing users to the nearest fire or police station and other entities that can assist.

But possibly a more important piece of news from NHTSA today is that it will open up its databanks and Application Programming Interfaces (API) to other app developers so the data can be used in other apps. NHTSA will even publish an online course to teach programmers how to access and use the APIs.

The free app is available now from Apple's App Store, and you can read more about it in the press release below.

Continue reading NHTSA SaferCar app allows consumers to track safety ratings, recalls

NHTSA SaferCar app allows consumers to track safety ratings, recalls originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplechild safety seatIOSnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsasafercar appsafetyMon, 25 Mar 2013 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Honda confirms 2014 Odyssey and Acura MDX for New York]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/honda-confirms-2014-odyssey-and-acura-mdx-for-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/honda-confirms-2014-odyssey-and-acura-mdx-for-new-york/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/honda-confirms-2014-odyssey-and-acura-mdx-for-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Look beneath the seats of a Honda Odyssey and you'll likely find a handful of that iconic loop cereal loved by toddlers nationwide. And to show that Honda understands its minivan's target market, it is using the breakfast staple to announce its plans to reveal the updated 2014 model at next week's New York Auto Show. While the announcement is creative, it unfortunately lacks much in the way of information, leaving us with little more than a vague teaser alluding to "some innovative new features."

As expected, Honda has also confirmed we will see the production version of the 2014 Acura MDX in New York. We expect the 2014 MDX to look very much like the prototype we saw in January at the Detroit Auto Show with only slight differences. The 3.5-liter i-VTEC V6 will be offered with all-wheel drive or, in a first for MDX, front-wheel drive.

You'll find the official press snippets for both below, and we'll have live images and details on both from the New York show. Until then... Cheerio!

Continue reading Honda confirms 2014 Odyssey and Acura MDX for New York

Honda confirms 2014 Odyssey and Acura MDX for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 acura mdx2014 honda odysseyacuracheerioshondahonda odysseymdxnew york auto showodysseyMon, 18 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: How nasty, foot-long "wandering meatloaf" snails could improve car batteries]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/how-nasty-foot-long-wandering-meatloaf-snails-could-improve-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/how-nasty-foot-long-wandering-meatloaf-snails-could-improve-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/14/how-nasty-foot-long-wandering-meatloaf-snails-could-improve-c/#commentsFiled under: ,

Underside of Gumboot Chiton marine snail

"Slow" and "ugly" are words used to describe some hybrid cars and, coincidentally, the gumboot chiton. Soon the two may have even more in common thanks to a discovery by researchers at the University of California, Riverside.

Gumboots, also known as the "wandering meatloaf," are foot-long marine snails that roam tidal zones, scraping algae from rocks by using up to 80 rows of magnetite-tipped teeth. Magnetite, the "hardest biomineral known on Earth," not only strengthens the gumboot's chompers, it makes them magnetic as well. New teeth are grown continuously and enter the "wear zone" as old ones wear out.

University of California Riverside Assistant Professor David Kisailus studied how the gumboots grew their magnetic teeth and found they produced nanocrystals at significantly lower temperatures than scientists have ever figured out. That could mean cheaper, more efficient solar cells and faster-charging Li-ion batteries. According to the Ward's Auto:

"Kisailus presently is using the snail's biomineralization pathway to grow minerals used in Li-ion batteries and solar cells. By controlling the crystal size, shape and orientation of engineering nanomaterials, he believes he can build materials that will allow the batteries and solar cells to operate more efficiently."

The same process might also be used to grow materials for car and airplane frames as well as abrasion-resistant cloth. Check out Ward's for the full scientific download.

How nasty, foot-long "wandering meatloaf" snails could improve car batteries originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batterieschitoncryptochiton stellerielectric car batteriesev batteriesli-ionlithium ionmagnetic teethmagnetitemarine snailnanotechnologysolarsolar cellsThu, 14 Mar 2013 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: SpyCamp is summer fun for the most hardcore car enthusiasts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/09/spycamp-is-summer-fun-for-the-most-hardcore-car-enthusiasts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/09/spycamp-is-summer-fun-for-the-most-hardcore-car-enthusiasts/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/09/spycamp-is-summer-fun-for-the-most-hardcore-car-enthusiasts/#commentsFiled under: ,

If long hours of solitude spent in the searing hot Arizona desert, punctuated by mere seconds of fleetingly frantic excitement sound appealing to you, then you're the perfect candidate for Brenda Priddy's SpyCamp.

Brenda will host the first class of her SpyCamp this July in an undisclosed location 330 miles from Reno, 125 from Las Vegas. After checking in to your (less than) luxurious accommodations, you'll enjoy a pizza dinner with Brenda at a "famous 'car tester' bar" then spend four very hot days waiting to get that perfect shot of a camo-covered car. Afterward you'll get Brenda's unvarnished critique of your "talents."

The camp application states Ms. Priddy is "not a tour guide," so participants shouldn't expect fun-filled days of frolicking in the sun with the "World's Most Famous Spy." In fact, the app also states, "I DO NOT bail people out of jail and/or pay for traffic violations." So campers, behave!

Included in your $775 cost ($1,250 for two) is a "famous BP&Co. SpyCamp 2013 wristband" and a free adrenaline rush. Not included is travel to and from the area, hotel ($77.95 a night for five nights), car rental (which you'll definitely need) and fuel costs.

For more info, contact spycamp2013 at gmail dot com.

SpyCamp is summer fun for the most hardcore car enthusiasts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brenda priddyspy photographyspy photosspy shotsspycampspyshotsSat, 09 Mar 2013 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorsports: How federal budget cuts could curb motorsports pageantry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/#commentsFiled under: ,



At your next NASCAR event, you might hear, "Look! Up in the sky! It's, well, nothing." That's because government sequestration budget cuts will probably nix Air Force flyovers that have been a long-time tradition at many NASCAR races.

If fully implemented, the sequestration cuts would force the federal government to cut $1.2 trillion from its budget over the next 10 years. The reduced spending mandate slashes across every federal department including the Pentagon. Since the high-flying, pre-race panoply is hardly a necessary expense, you can bet it will be among the first picks of low-hanging budgetary fruit.

Last year, Congress banned the armed services from directly sponsoring race teams and USA Today says the March 10 NASCAR race in Las Vegas could be the last flyover for the Air Force's Thunderbirds.

How federal budget cuts could curb motorsports pageantry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air force thunderbirdsblue angelsflyoversmotorsportsnascarnavy blue angelssequestrationthunderbirdsTue, 05 Mar 2013 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva: Volkswagen formally introduces super-efficient XL1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/volkswagen-xl1-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/volkswagen-xl1-geneva-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/04/volkswagen-xl1-geneva-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Lightweight and low drag are hallmarks of great sportscar design. But when paired with a super-efficient, hybrid powertrain, you have the Volkswagen's XL1 that has been formally introduced in Geneva today.

When the 1,700-lb, carbon-fiber-bodied two-seater hits the road, its claimed 261 miles per gallon will make it the world's most-fuel-efficient production car. Though "production car" might be a stretch since VW said in a February press release that the XL1 would be built using "handcrafting-like production methods." We translate that to mean you won't be seeing many of these cars on the road. Though no one at VW has mentioned pricing yet, early rumors suggested a six-figure price tag.

That's supercar budget for a vehicle that has a 47-horsepower, two-cylinder diesel engine and a 27hp electric motor. With numbers like that, owners can expect 0-62 mph times of 12.7 seconds and top speed near 100 mph.

No new information was released in Geneva so we still don't know how many XL1s will be built or when interested buyers can start placing their orders. Still, we invite you to check out the high-res images live from VW's annual pre-show event above.

Volkswagen formally introduces super-efficient XL1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2013geneva motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen xl1vwvw xl1vwxl1xl1xl1 volkswagenxl1 vwxl1volkswagenxl1vwMon, 04 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Judge rules against builder of Batmobile replicas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/judge-rules-against-builder-of-batmobile-replicas/#commentsFiled under: ,

1966 Batmobile

A federal judge has ruled that Batmobile replicas built by Mark Towle, of Gotham Garage, do, in fact, infringe on copyrights and trademarks held by Warner Bros.

Towle's attorney, Larry Zerner, argued that US copyright law doesn't allow "useful articles" to be copyrighted. Zerner, in court documents, insisted that Warner Brothers' lawsuit claimed the entire Batmobile was protected including doors, seats and tires. The judge agreed, but ruled the law does allow copyrighting of unique design elements of useful articles.

"The implications of a ruling upholding this standard are easy to imagine," Zerner wrote. "Ford, Toyota, Ferrari and Honda would start publishing comic books so that they could protect what, up until now, was unprotectable."

US District Judge Ronald Lew disagreed and ruled that, "The Batmobile is a character and exists in both two- and three-dimensional forms. Its existence in three-dimensional form is the consequence of the Batmobile's portrayal in the 1989 live-motion film and 1966 television series.

"Defendant did not copy the design of a mere car; he copied the Batmobile character," Lew continued. "The fact that the unauthorized Batmoble replicas that Defendant manufactured - which are derivative works - may be 'useful articles' is irrelevant. A derivative work can still infringe the underlying copyrighted work even if the derivative work is not independently entitled to copyright protection."

Zerner did, however, duck part of the lawsuit that asserted he willfully infringed on Warner's rights. The judge wrote that Zerner did at least wait until the design patents on the cars expired, and therefore didn't think copyright law applied.

Meanwhile we look forward to the Ferrari comic books.

The entire 54-page court ruling can be read here in PDF form.

Judge rules against builder of Batmobile replicas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmobilegeorge barrisgotham garagemark towlewarner brosWed, 13 Feb 2013 08:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ailing Peugeot writes-down over $5.5B in assets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-5-5b-in-assets/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-5-5b-in-assets/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/11/ailing-peugeot-writes-down-over-5-5b-in-assets/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Assembly line at Peugeot plant with worker and sign

As Europe's economy continues to suffer, so do automakers. One of the latest pieces of bad news comes from French carmaker Peugeot which says it will write down its assets by $5.53 billion. The figure represents almost 29-percent of the company's property, valued at $19.4 billion in June. Peugeot says it will also take a second-half charge of $325 million for "onerous contracts." Speaking of onerous, The Detroit News notes the "write-downs are more than double Peugeot's current market value." Yipes.

"This calculus results from cautious assumptions about the European economic environment," Chief Financial Officer Jean-Baptiste de Chatillon is quoted as saying in the article. "We think that this European car market will remain affected by the crisis for a long time."

With European auto sales falling the most in almost 20 years, Peugeot executives see little chance of improvement. Peugeot's sales dropped 13 percent in 2012 and Chatillon said markets could fall another 5 percent this year.

Efforts to right the ship include cutting 17 percent of its French workforce, closing a factory near Paris and selling off assets. The French government has offered $9.3 billion in bond guarantees that await European Union review. In addition, an alliance between General Motors and Peugeot authored last year was meant to save the two companies $2 billion in annual cost savings and sales improvements over 5 years, but it's currently under review.

Ailing Peugeot writes-down over $5.5B in assets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailouteuropean financial crisisfinancial crisisgeneral motorsjean-baptiste de chatillonpeugeotMon, 11 Feb 2013 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/30/fiat-500-least-safe-vehicle-to-drive-according-to-insurance-webs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fiat 500 crash test

When the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crashed a 2012 Fiat 500, the little car got the best scores in all categories. It's a safe car, then, right?

"If safety is a priority, you should avoid the smallest cars," advises Russ Rader, spokesperson for IIHS. "Weight counts. Smaller, lighter cars are safer than they used to be, but all things being equal, people riding in bigger, heavier vehicles get more protection in crashes."

That's why, despite its near-perfect crash-test score, the Fiat 500 is No. 1 on Insure.com's list of worst vehicles for protecting passengers from injuries. In an accident with a larger object, the Fiat's safety cage and array of air bags do what they can to protect passenges, but like eggs in a coffee can, the passengers get thrown about and smashed up.

If the Fiat 500 is like a coffee can, then a fullsize GMC pickup (which tops the website's list of vehicles best at protecting passengers) would be a 50-gallon barrel. In a collision between the two, the barrel of eggs will win every time. The GMC Sierra 1500 is rated best at protecting passengers by Insure.com, but IIHS rated it just average in the side impact test and marginal in the roof strength test. Second place on Insure.com's best list is the Porsche Cayenne, which has not been tested by IIHS. The third through fifth place spots go to the GMC Yukon, Sierra 2500 and Terrain.

The listings are the result of Insure.com's analysis of personal injury protection and medical payment claims which affect what car owners are charged for insurance.

Check out videos of the IIHS crash test of the Fiat 500 as well as the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 below.

Continue reading Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video]

Fiat 500 least safe vehicle to drive according to insurance website [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 least safe cars2014leastsafecarscrash testfiatfiat 500 safetyfiat safetygmc 1500gmc crash testgmc safetygmc sierraiihsInsurance Institute for Highway Safetylarge car safetyleast safe cars insure.comleastsafecarsinsure.comsafest small carsmall car crast testsmall car safetyWed, 30 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/25/bmw-toyota-outline-new-tech-joint-venture-new-sports-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota and BMW execs sign tech joint venture

Back in June, Toyota and BMW announced a "memorandum of understanding" outlining plans for the two companies to join forces on future products and technology development. On Thursday, they signed a more formal and binding agreement that goes further into detail about the partnership, and it all sounds pretty exciting. The two announced they will work together in four main areas:
  1. Joint development of a fuel cell system
  2. "Set up a feasibility study to define a joint platform concept for a mid-size sports vehicle"
  3. Focus on lightweight technology - the agreement mentions reinforced composites that could be used in the aforementioned sports vehicle
  4. Better batteries - the companies will work to develop a lithium-air battery with a much greater energy density than today's cells.
The most intriguing item is the mention of a "mid-size sports vehicle." The vague term had us wondering what, exactly, is meant by "sports vehicle," but we're being assured this feasibility study is centered on a sports car. Is this the first step toward a Supra revival?

Despite our fervor for all things sports car, however, fuel cell research could prove to be the pact's most important point. Both companies have built advanced fuel research vehicles, with Toyota favoring fuel cells and BMW leaning toward hydrogen-powered, internal combustion. The press release specifically lists fuel cell stacks, hydrogen tanks, motors and batteries as areas of interest. If the two can eventually bring a fuel-cell vehicle to market at an affordable price point, it would be huge news, although there's always the problem of infrastructure to support such cars. BMW and Toyota's new deal can't solve everything though, right? Read the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car

BMW, Toyota outline new tech joint venture, new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fuelbmwelectric carevfuel cellhydrogenlithium ion batteriessoprts carsports vehicletoyotaFri, 25 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ETC: Russians create Toyota Land Cruiser ice sculpture with full interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/russians-create-toyota-land-cruiser-ice-sculpture-with-full-inte/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Toyota Land Cruiser is a pretty hot model around the world. But it took the Russians to make it cool. We have few hard, cold facts and only small slivers of information about these photos, but it seems the icy Toyota was part of the International Snow & Ice Festival in Perm, Russia.

Artists took a huge chunk of ice and shaved it down to the temporary art installation you see here. The sub-zero SUV comes complete with a full interior accessed by the (permanently frozen open) driver's side door. The steering wheel and seats look to be upholstered in, well, dirt. With the back seats removed, the frigid four-door is a pretty slick ride in which to chill out.

Just a thought, but wouldn't a Toyota Tundra have been more appropriate? See the gallery for more photos.

Russians create Toyota Land Cruiser ice sculpture with full interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ice and snow festivalice carvingice sculptureland cruiserpermrussiatoyotaThu, 24 Jan 2013 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/24/ford-fusion-and-fusion-hybrid-nab-five-star-ratings-from-nhtsa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Ford Fusion

Ford's Fusion and Fusion Hybrid have both received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The rating is a big upgrade for the Fusion, which was completely redesigned for 2013. The previous model fell one star short of the top rating, after scoring only three stars in the frontal crash test and four stars in the side crash test and rollover evaluations. The 2013 Fusion received four stars in side crash and rollover testing and a full five stars in the front crash test.

Test results for the 2013 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid were greatly improved at least in part due to Ford's Personal Safety System. The system utilizes smarter sensors to gather crash data and tailor the car's restraint systems to the occupants. Seatbelt usage and seat position are taken into account to ensure airbags deploy with less pressure for smaller drivers, more for larger drivers.

The 2013 Fusion twins also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ designation. Read the official press release below.

Continue reading Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA

Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid nab five-star ratings from NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusioncrash testfive star ratingfordfusionfusion safetyIIHSnhtsasafetytop safety pickThu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Corvette Stingray Convertible images mysteriously appear on web, so we add our own]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/chevrolet-c7-corvette-stingray-convertible-images-mysteriously-appear-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/chevrolet-c7-corvette-stingray-convertible-images-mysteriously-appear-on-web/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/22/chevrolet-c7-corvette-stingray-convertible-images-mysteriously-appear-on-web/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Corvette Stingray Convertible - silver rendering

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible - alleged leaked imageIt was inevitable that we'd see the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray topless at some point, but that didn't make us any less interested when a pair of supposedly leaked official images showed up on theautoinsiderblog.com last week. We posted them on our Facebook page, but held off reporting on them here until we could get a little more information.

Those images, which feature a dark red car on a sterile black studio background, supposedly first appeared on the website of diecast model maker Maisto. A Chevrolet spokesman has been reported saying that they are "not official images released by Chevrolet PR," which isn't a denial they're the real deal, but neither is it a confirmation.

Close examination of the photos suggest they could be official shots of the Corvette Stingray Convertible, and while some have doubted their authenticity due to a lack of vents (which were seen on the C7s that debuted in Detroit last week), it could be that the images are of a base model car without the Z51 package that doesn't require the extra venting and cooling.

While we've waited to learn more, we had some artist friends of ours work up our own exclusive renderings that place a silver 2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible in a more natural, wind-in-you-hair (or not, in the case of our cue-balled driver) outdoor setting. Now in addition to imagining the topless C7 sitting in your all-black garage, you can visualize yourself blasting down a country road with the wind whipping through your, uh, eyebrows.

Corvette Stingray Convertible images mysteriously appear on web, so we add our own originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet corvette stingray2014 chevrolet corvette stingray convertiblec7chevroletcorvettecorvette convertiblefirst driveleakedofficialrenderingstingrayTue, 22 Jan 2013 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit: eBay Find Of The Day: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray press kit for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-press-kit-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-press-kit-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/16/ebay-find-of-the-day-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-press-kit-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Members of the motoring press who were invited to the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray reveal all left with a pretty sweet press kit. The individually numbered black box within a black box contained not only a chunky little flash drive, but a paperweight adorned with an actual Stingray badge.

Before we even left the press reveal, at least one had popped up on eBay. There are several there now, including one being auctioned by Chevrolet for charity. Chevy's auction features number 1 of the 2,014 produced. Not only that, but the interior black box has been signed by "key GM executives."

With just about a half a day left on the timer, the bidding has reached more than $1,500 for this piece of rare Vette memorabilia. Considering it's the first kit in the series and the money will go to the American Cancer Society, we can't really argue with the steep price. Happy bidding, Corvette fans.

eBay Find Of The Day: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray press kit for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show2014 chevrolet corvetteauctionc7charitychevroletchevrolet corvette stingraychevroletcorvettestingraychevychevy corvette stingraychevycorvettestingraycorvettecorvette stingraycorvettestingraydetroitdetroit 2013ebaypress kitpresskitstingrayWed, 16 Jan 2013 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Nissan Leaf becomes least expensive 5-seat EV with massive price drop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/nissan-leaf-becomes-least-expensive-5-seat-ev-with-massive-price/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/nissan-leaf-becomes-least-expensive-5-seat-ev-with-massive-price/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/14/nissan-leaf-becomes-least-expensive-5-seat-ev-with-massive-price/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 nissan leaf

In a roundtable interview today at the North American International Auto Show, Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn announced a $6,400 price drop for the base-model 2013 Nissan Leaf. Last year's base model was $35,200, while the new base-level 2013 Leaf S starts at $28,800. Ghosn says the new prices make the Leaf the least expensive five-seater electric for sale in the US.

Some of the lower cost is due to a difference in content from last year's low-end model to this year's. But a sizable portion can be chalked up to the Leaf's production moving from Japan to Tennessee. The 2013 Leaf is not only assembled in the US now, but its lithium-ion batteries and the car's electric motors are manufactured in the same southern state.

The Leaf SV will be priced from $31,820 for 2013 compared to $35,200 last year. The high-end Leaf SL now starts at $34,840, down from the 2012 model's $37,250. These models also have differences in content. One big one is a new 6.6-kWh charger that reduces charging times pretty dramatically.

All 2013 prices will have an $850 destination fee added, but the cars will still qualify for a $7,500 federal income tax credit in addition to various state and local incentives.

Continue reading Nissan Leaf becomes least expensive 5-seat EV with massive price drop

Nissan Leaf becomes least expensive 5-seat EV with massive price drop originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 detroit auto show2013 leaf2013 nissan leafcheap evcheapest electric cardetroitdetroit 2013leafleaf price dropleast expensive electric carnew nissan leaf detroitnewnissanleafdetroitnissannissan leafnissan leaf 2013nissan leaf pricenissanleafnissanleaf2013nissanleafpriceMon, 14 Jan 2013 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Logic3 classes up headphones with Prancing Horse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/logic3-classes-up-headphones-with-prancing-horse/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/logic3-classes-up-headphones-with-prancing-horse/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/11/logic3-classes-up-headphones-with-prancing-horse/#commentsFiled under: , ,



White earphones too bland for you? Black too slow? Your otherwise high-end cans just not expensive enough? Logic3 hopes to remedy your plight with its new line of Ferrari-branded earphones and headphones.

Logic3's Cavallino line is intended for the well-heeled audio enthusiast with aluminum housings covered in hand-stitched, lambskin leather. The Scuderia collection is also built with aluminum but instead of leather, the earphones' colors closely match those of the Ferrari F1 team. Yellow badges and aluminum grilles complete the look.

Both lines also include over-the-ear headphones and Bluetooth compatible dock station speakers. The Scuderia line headphones mimic the look of hearing protection worn by F1 pit crews.

In Ferrari's online store, Scuderia earphones are $166. Cavallino shoppers will pay between $220 and $249 for earphones. Performance specs look to be the same between the different lines as well as price levels. Headphones start at $334 and cap out at $441 in the Scuderia lineup while entry into the Cavallino headphones is $389 and goes up to $481. Sound performance is the same as that for the lower-end lineup.

Ferrari also lent its brand to three speaker dock models. A Scuderia-level speaker without Bluetooth is $667 and $835 with the wireless technology. The Cavallino model gets better performance specs, a different looking shell and $1,017 price tag.

Logic3 classes up headphones with Prancing Horse originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocesces 2013designear budsearphonesferrariferrari ear budsferrari headphonesheadphoneslogic3Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Chrysler UConnect wins AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/chrysler-uconnect-wins-aol-autos-tech-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/chrysler-uconnect-wins-aol-autos-tech-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/chrysler-uconnect-wins-aol-autos-tech-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: ,

AOL Autos Tech of the Year

The first annual AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award has been won by Chrysler's upgraded UConnect system.

Over 35 entries were considered and narrowed down to six finalists in three categories: Connectivity, Telematics and Active Safety. The judges, which included editors from AOL Autos, Autoblog and Engadget, as well as a number of other auto and tech journalists and luminaries, chose UConnect over the MyFord Mobile app, Audi Connect with Google Maps, Cadillac CUE, Honda's LaneWatch technology and Nissan's Tire Pressure Alert and Refill System. Even readers who were polled on which technology should win chose UConnect.

AOL Autos Editor in Chief David Kiley remarked that Chrysler's UConnect deserved the first Technology of the Year Award not because of what it does, but for how UConnect performs every time it's used. Kiley went on to say UConnect works the way it's supposed to, fills a need and puts a smile on your face. By meeting those requirements, UConnect very much deserved AOL Auto's first Tech of the Year award.

Accepting the trophy was Marios Zenios, head of connectivity for Chrysler. The official announcement was made today, Wednesday, on the Engadget stage at CES in Las Vegas.

Chrysler UConnect wins AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012aol autosaol autos technology of the yearaolautostechnologyoftheyearchryslerchrysler uconnectchrysleruconnecttechnology of the yearuconnectWed, 09 Jan 2013 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[CES: Delphi to offer clever DIY smartphone interface for older cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/delphi-to-offer-clever-diy-smartphone-interface-for-older-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/delphi-to-offer-clever-diy-smartphone-interface-for-older-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/delphi-to-offer-clever-diy-smartphone-interface-for-older-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Those of us with an older car might be feeling a bit jealous of all the new cars with their fancy smart phone apps. But if you have a 1996 or newer vehicle, you may soon be able to bring your car closer to those new-fangled models.

Autoblog spoke with Craig Tieman, advanced concepts and market development manager for Delphi, at the 2013 CES in Las Vegas Monday night about Delphi's Connected Car device. The matchbox-sized box plugs into a car's OBDII port to provide a link from your smartphone to your car.

From there, things get really interesting. After scanning your car's onboard computers, the little black box pairs with your smart phone and offers a choice of key fob designs on the screen. Choose the one that most resembles your car's original fob, and you're ready to go. Essentially, the smartphone app replaces all of the functions of your fob. Honk the panic button, open the doors, remote start, etc.

Using the OBDII connection, Delphi's gadget can also be used as an error code scanner to help you determine the source of your car's problems. Depending on the model of your car, the smartphone app can even display fuel level, battery health, and several other datapoints including a list of all trips, average speed, etc.

More? Okay. The Connected Car also can provide location information. If your teen driver sets out in the snow, you can track the vehicle's route in almost real time. Using your smart phone, you can even set up virtual geofencing boundaries that, if crossed, will send you an email. So you'll know when Junior is taking your Camaro to the drag strip, or when your little Snowflake is visiting that older boy you told her she couldn't see any more.

All this is can be done using Verizon's mobile service, so you can access the information from anywhere your phone can receive a signal. No phone? A web browser interface is also available.

If you're trying to unlock your car deep within your underground bunker and have no cell service, the Connected Car also includes a Bluetooth module. Once paired, cell service isn't needed for most of the basic functions.

Tieman says this is only the beginning, pledging to expect new functionality soon after the device is launched in February. Pricing of the Connected Car, to be sold by Verizon, as well as the service fees, haven't been determined. But, hey... it's got to be cheaper than buying a new car.

Delphi to offer clever DIY smartphone interface for older cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>code readerconnected cardelphidelphi connected cargeofencingobdiiobdii scannertelematicsverizonTue, 08 Jan 2013 17:31:00 EST