Los Jalopniks build a boombox out of car parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Autoblog Night Watch (NSFW): The Knight Rider Stripper originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Another take on the MINI SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Spy Shots: 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible totally exposed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.]

Ford Super Duty seeing super sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Porsche development engines mysteriously appear at TechArt shop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Gallery: 2002 Porsche Boxster Carrera GT Replica

eBay Find of the Day: Poor man's Porsche "Carrera GT" Boxster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Gallery: Miata-based BMW Z9 clone

eBay Find of the Day: Miata-based BMW Z9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Continue reading VIDEO: Add some real gauges to your racing sim

VIDEO: Add some real gauges to your racing sim originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]

Schumi's new job: Test driver for Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 May 2007 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Doling out the Benjamins falls to an independent committee to be formed later in the year, which will use the money to provide for an opera house in Seoul and twelve other cultural institutions across the country. Chung also mentioned he hopes that the money will go toward funding an end to global warming. $1.1 billion just ought to about cover that, right?

[Source: Associated Press via The Detroit News]

Give 'till it hurts: Hyundai Chairman will give $1.1 billion in charitable donations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Autonet Mobile is the ringleader behind the effort, developing the system exclusively for Avis. Anything that would hook up to a WiFi network is compatible with the system, making it easy to use laptops from the comfort of the Avis rental to access e-mail, games, music, etc. without a need for a cellular chip or other satellite-based card.

While $10.95 may not sound cheap, it's not uncommon for hotels and some cafes (cough-Starbucks-cough) to charge about that much anyway, and really, how much time do you spend in your hotel room?

Full press release from Avis after the jump.

[via Engadget]

Continue reading Avis to offer internet in cars for $10.95/day

Avis to offer internet in cars for $10.95/day originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If we needed any more convincing that you can find more delicious things on eBay than old movies and great deals on ecco golf spikes, this auction would have done the trick. AutoHaus in Los Gatos, Calif. is auctioning off this flippin' fanTAStic restored 1968 Ferrari Miura P400 (for Posteriore 4 litre) with apparent SV upgrades done by a retired pilot who owned the vehicle. The eBay summary says the vehicle has a mere 44,000 miles on the odometer, but a magazine article included in the listing pegs it at 66K.

The Miura is powered by Lamborghini's 3.9L V12, which was also used in the 400GT. Unlike the latter, the engine is mounted transversely in the Miura and produces 350 HP. Frank Sinatra, who owned a 1970 Miura P400SV, remarked, "If you want to be famous, drive a Ferrari! If you are famous, drive a Miura."

At the time this was written, the current bid was $135,100.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

eBay Find of the Day: 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jim Dunne has dunne it again... one of the world's most famous (and most irritating, if you're an OEM engineer) spy photographers has caught the 2009 Lincoln MKS as it ran out for a little test jaunt around Dearborn.

While Dunne admits that the presence of an early-prototype MKS is no big whoop after Ford just showed off the concept version last January at Detroit's North American International Auto Show, it's nice to know that with all the shuffling going on at Ford they're still on track with product development.

The MKS will be a Lincoln flagship, boasting a V6 engine mated to a six-speed transmission putting power to the ground via the front wheels. No official word on when the car will launch, but Popular Mechanics says we should expect to see it launch in 2008 as a 2009 model.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Spy Shots: 2009 Lincoln MKS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Living at -80°C with the British Antarctic Survey and Honda's All Terrain Vehicles
• Jenson Button's test drive of the new Civic Type-R
• Review of the FR-V in Copenhagen
• Built to Move - getting from A to B with innovation in the 21st century.
  

Continue reading Honda UK releases e-zine version of 'dream' customer rag

Honda UK releases e-zine version of 'dream' customer rag originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

While Towbin claims the the flag is an expression of his patriotism, the dealer's neighbors and other concerned citizens in Las Vegas assert that his intentions are mostly commercial, accusing Towbin of exploiting veterans for his own financial gain. One point of controversy is a war memorial Towbin planned to build at the base of the pole. Towbin, who is an honorary commander at Nellis Air Force Base, said he has not built the memorial because the flag was only approved tentatively pending a six-month review. The six months came and went without the city following up on the matter.

Whatever the circumstances, an interesting component of the battle over the flag is the fact that both sides claim the other is anti-American -- critics of those who wish that the flag be removed say that taking down a flag is unpatriotic, while others say keeping the flag up allows Towbin to commercialize a patriotic symbol. Only Towbin knows for sure his intentions, of course.

Factoid: Dan Towbin is owner of Towbin Auto Group, and his son is Josh Towbin, a.k.a. Chopper from King of Cars.

[Source: Las Vegas Review Journal]

Vegas council orders American flag down at Towbin Hummer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Chrysler 300C-based Rolls-Royce 100EX kit by LuxuryKit

Recreate a Rolls 100EX Concept with your Chrysler 300C originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For the butthead in your life, Nexx X60 has this open-face helmet available for purchase that only an aging rockstar from the '80s could love. The denim version, complete with button and stud accents, is one of several helmet designs, though it's the only one sporting the "ass in tight jeans" look.

The other helmets include bold solids, camouflage, racing stripes and chrome. Many are outfitted with detachable visors, and retail for $200 USD. An added bonus includes anti-sweat fabric inners, which can be removed and washed, as can the chin strap. We wish you could say the same about leather chaps.

[via Gizmodo]

Jon Bon Jovi, your helmet is ready originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click the image above for our full, high-res gallery.

Nissan's new 2008 Pathfinder hit dealerships yesterday, boasting a new design on the outside, more gadgets on the inside and more power under the hood.

MSRP on the '08 Pathfinder starts at $25,700 for the Pathfinder 4x2 S V6 and $27,700 for the Pathfinder 4x4 S V6, jumping up to $30,600 for the Pathfinder 4x2 SE V8 and $32,850 for the Pathfinder 4x4 SE V8.

All engines are mated to a standard 5-speed transmission, and Nissan's 5.6-iter V8 engine is tuned for more towing capacity with an additional 44 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque over the 4.0-liter DOHC V6. The truck shares its platform with the Titan and Armada.

For the technologically inclined, the Pathfinder comes with an optional navigation system and 9.3-gigabyte hard drive, dubbed the "Music Box," for MP3 storage, along with Bluetooth capability.

Click through to the jump for Nissan's press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Gallery: 2008 Nissan Pathfinder

Continue reading Nissan prices new 2008 Pathfinder from $25,700

Nissan prices new 2008 Pathfinder from $25,700 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Following up the last post on the subject, Audi TV has launched on the internet, offering up original Audi content 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week.

Magazine-type shows, from "behind-the-scenes" looks at vehicle launches to interviews with musicians and other Audi partners, pepper the web waves in both English and German for the enjoyment of Audi-philes across the world. Available at www.audi.com/tv and www.audi.de/tv, programming covers not just the cars themselves, but culture, sport, lifestyle and technology.

The effort is spearheaded by a small team at Audi AG in Germany and supported by various marketing, communications, sales, technology and design heads elsewhere throughout the company.

Check out Audi's press release after the jump.

Continue reading All Audi, all the time : Audi TV hits the web waves

All Audi, all the time : Audi TV hits the web waves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.