Autoblog

It's not often that a project of this magnitude crosses our computer screens. Say what you will about our friends over at Jalopnik (even you, Wert) -- they know the true meaning of "automotive enthusiast."

The crew at the aforementioned web site has built the Turbo II Junkyard Boogaloo boombox, capable of pumping thrilling beats, flashing better than a disco dance club and making the margaritas to go along with it. Aside from the power outlet, plywood, a few input jacks, the epoxy holding it all together and the special edition NASCAR Jeff Gordon blender, this conglomeration of fuel switches, indicator lights, car speakers and other parts came directly from the junkyard, pulling pieces out of Jaguars, Toyotas, BMWs and other rides to make an old school homemade car battery boombox, just like the first breakdancers made.

A detailed "how-to" accompanies a more general walk-through, and photos of the project abound -- click through "Read" link to check them out.

[Source: Jalopnik]

America's Got Talent wasn't lacking for talent in the stripper department with Michelle L'amour in the house. And a smart stripper, too -- it's not often the contestants think to play to a judge's (i.e. David Hasselhoff's) ego. Ms. L'amour put together this creative bit starring a KITT lookalike and featuring the theme song with risque, albeit kitschy, sound bytes scattered throughout, melding a few of the things boys like best: sexy women and cars.

Did she win? Brandy obviously wasn't enthused with the Finance major-turned-stripper's antics, evident as she punched the strike buttons of her fellow judges, but it was the viewers who eliminated her in the semi-finals. Thankfully, her stripteases remain on YouTube for the forseeable future.

Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: YouTube]

Just as MINI is ramping up to launch the Clubman wagon in addition to its current lineup for 2008, rumors are flying about a possible MINI compact sport utility vehicle, reportedly inspired by the Austin Ant and MINI Moke, dunebuggy-ish off-roaders originally designed for the British military. BMW's California DesignWorks studio is apparently already working on a design, and production would likely take place in the U.S. at BMW's Spartanburg plant. It would include BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive and rumor has it that the CUV would actually be based on the same platform as the BMW 1-Series.

Thanks to the Spartanburg plant's flexible manufacturing system, the CUV would be right at home next to the BMW X5 and Z4 roadster models, odd as that may sound.

Click through to the link to see a concept drawing of the MINI SUV and some spy photos of the Clubman.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Normally, flashing should be discouraged, but the lack of any cover on this Saab 9-3 Aero convertible is something to be celebrated. The next-generation convertible that was born from jets was spied out and about, flashy as can be in brilliant yellow paint and chrome abounding.

The front end features some matte chrome accents, toning down all the metal and allowing the redesigned grillework and headlamps to take the leading role. The rear end is a dynamic shift from earlier models, with clear taillamps, a subtle spoiler and two exhaust pipes. The interior, from what we can tell from the photos, is standard Saab issue with the past years' design, including the two-tone steering wheel with built-in sound system controls and functional DVD navigation system and HVAC controls.

Click through for more photos.

[Source: SaabTurboClub via GMInsideNews]

With gas prices at record highs, Ford's heaviest and biggest trucks, the F-350 models and F-450, are surpassing all sales expectations.

The decked out Lariat and King Ranch variations of the F-350, as well as the F-450, are going gangbusters, with the King Ranch up 53-percent over last year, while the Lariat is up 30-percent. Overall, both models are leading their segment. With options topping $17,000 and sticker prices exceeding $60,000, the truck's decent sales are likely a breath of fresh air to the incentive-prone automaker.

Ford has more to brag about in its lighter trucks -- the F-250 also continues to be the top seller in its segment, and the F-150 historically has been one of Ford's most important vehicles behind the Taurus, set to relaunch this fall.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

The scandal! German tuner shop TechArt might have thought it was Christmas when it unwrapped three prototype Porsche engines. Final Gear reports that two conventional engines and one "engine of the future" missing from Porsche's development center have been found in the custom car builder's garage, much to Porsche's irritation. TechArt maintains its innocence, stating that employees bought the engines in good conscience and thought they were getting conventional 997 engines. We don't know much more than that, but it appears so far that Porsche is taking the tuner to court for theft, and that two Porsche employees, and two customers, are in the slammer.

[Source: Final Gear via Jalopnik]

Click photo for gallery

So many things are possible thanks to the wonders of eBay. Tea with Nelson Mandela? No problem. Ferrari Enzo? Sure, you can have one, and you can even get one with a 26-year-old woman tacked onto the deal.

Needless to say, we aren't surprised to come across a Porsche Boxster with a Carrera GT bodykit -- recessed doors, power hardtop convertible, Tiptronic (or "Triptonic," if you look at the auction listing), and just 16,000 miles on it. It also sports new rims worth $6K. The seller is moving to Hawaii, lucky dog, and has "too many cars," as if there is any such thing.

With a reserve of over $50,000 we're not exactly expecting a blowout, but it is a cool knock-off for significantly less than a bona-fide Carrera GT -- and with Porsche engineering, still. Place your bids here.

Thanks for the tip, Zac!

[Source: eBay]

Click the image above if you really want to see more.

It's obvious that someone was champing at the bit to get a 1-series convertible before it makes its way to the U.S. This Miata-based BMW rip- off might not be a finished replica of the Z9 concept from a few years back, but the progress, is, ummm... progress?

The owner makes it clear that the car is still street legal, with its stock emissions systems left intact. So that side exit exhaust is merely for show, as is the plastic BMW engine cover.

Were you to part with your hard-earned cash for such a misshapen homage to Bavaria, you might be willing to spend some coin on a nice coat of silver metallic or midnight blue paint, and then take to the interior with a hacksaw and some vision.

Good luck, you'll need it.

[eBay via Carscoop]

We're not sure whether to peg this guy as a true nerd or an auto enthusiast-god. It's probably a little of both. This race simulator fan has taken the gauge, tachometer and speedometer out of a real live car, spliced together a bunch of wire and USB cables, and managed to come up with this Frankensteinian contraption that hooks into a computer to provide an even more realistic driving experience. How he did this, we've got no clue, but we're in awe. He no doubt has one of those fancy gaming wheels, complete with paddle shifters and/or a clutch on the floor, so this is quite the addition to an already realistic situation.

The conversation in the You Tube comments lead us to believe that the maker may be going to market with this most marvelous of car/computer hacks, and that other upgrades are in store for it.

Follow the jump to see a video of the gauge package in action.

[Source: Gizmodo]

Michael Schumacher's credentials run the gamut: 1995's youngest double Formula 1 World Champion, most career wins, most wins in a season, most consecutive wins, etc. Now he can add a notch on his belt representing his role as test driver for Ferrari... or at least for a day.

Autocar spies caught a rare sight the other day -- a Ferrari 599 GTB on the Nurburgring rather than its test track in Fiorano. After witnessing some pretty serious hot rodding, the photographers zoomed in on the driver... only to see one Michael Schumacher at the wheel. Future profession for Schumi, or entertaining day trip? Hopefully we'll find out soon. High-res photo available here

Thanks for the tip, Wang Meng!

[Source: AutoCar]