Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/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/<![CDATA[FerrariChat: P4/5 Competizione still aiming for Nürburgring 24]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/ferrarichat-p4-5-competizione-still-aiming-for-nurburgring-24/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/ferrarichat-p4-5-competizione-still-aiming-for-nurburgring-24/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/ferrarichat-p4-5-competizione-still-aiming-for-nurburgring-24/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pininfarina Ferrari P4/5 Competizione - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few months ago, the internet started to rumble with rumors of a race car being built out of the incredible Pininfarina Ferrari 612 P4/5 that James Glickenhaus had commissioned at a staggering (but understandable) $4 million. A thread on Ferrari superforum FerrariChat.com put those rumors to rest -- Glickenhaus wasn't going to turn his P3/4 homage into a race car, he was going to build another car that he would take racing.

While the final product hasn't been revealed in full, the thread includes over 20 pages of Q&A between James and the rest of the F-Chat community giving several hints at what's to come. There are even several photo renderings depicting what the car might look like. What we do know is that this new P4/5 Competizione will not be Enzo/FXX/MC based -- it will be based on a Ferrari chassis and feature a Ferrari V8, with Glickenhaus saying that a V12 isn't practical because of fuel consumption.

Engineering has already begun on this dedicated racecar, which will hopefully get its maiden run at the Nürburgring 24 hour race next year. It will run in an open class that allows one-offs, as there are apparently no plans to homologate this retro-inspired racer. It's just Glick being Glick, building something for fun and bringing his teen memories of Ford vs. Ferrari back to life in endurance racing.

It could also be seen as a great opportunity for sponsors to get a ton of exposure. If the Competizione is anything like the road-going P4/5 in the publicity department, we'd say it's a safe bet you'll get a lot for your advertising dollars. We'll keep you posted as the car comes along, and we're already petitioning the higher-ups to include the Nürburgring 24 into our travel budget next year.


Gallery: Pininfarina P4/5 Competizione


[Source: FerrariChat]

FerrariChat: P4/5 Competizione still aiming for Nürburgring 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enzoFerrariFerrari 612 P45ferrari enzoFerrari612P45FerrariEnzoglickenhausNurburgringnurburgring 24nurburgring 24 hoursNurburgring24Nurburgring24Hoursp45pininfarinaPininfarina P45Pininfarina P45 CompetizionePininfarinaP45PininfarinaP45CompetizioneFri, 20 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/acura-zdx-to-start-at-45-495/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/acura-zdx-to-start-at-45-495/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/acura-zdx-to-start-at-45-495/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Acura ZDX - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're interested in picking up the 2010 Acura ZDX crossover, the bottom line begins at $45,495. There's a full press release with all of the details after the jump, but the main points are these: The ZDX will go on sale beginning December 15 with an MSRP of $45,495, plus destination and handling charge, which adds another $810.

The 2010 Acura ZDX will be available in three trim levels -- the base ZDX, ZDX with Technology Package, and ZDX with Advance Package. This being an Acura, even the base ZDX gets a ton of standard features, including premium items like the "world's longest panoramic glass roof," hand-stitched leather, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) and that 300-hp 3.7-liter VTEC V6. And even with that much power on tap, Honda has figured out a way to give the ZDX class-leading fuel economy of 16/23 mpg.

For an extra $4,500, the Technology Package adds a 415-watt Acura/ELS Premium Audio System with 15-gig hard drive, a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start with Keyless Access, and Acura's Nav System with Voice Recognition, Real-Time Traffic, Real-Time Weather, a full VGA display and a new multi-view rear camera.

The Advance Package goes a step further by adding a blind spot information system (BSI), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Acura's Collision Mitigating Braking System (CMBS), an active suspension system, heated and ventilated front seats with Perforated Milano Premium Leather seating surfaces, premium brushed tricot headliner material and a sport steering wheel. All for another $6,050.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Acura ZDX


[Source: Acura]

Continue reading 2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit

2010 Acura ZDX starts at $45,495 with plenty of kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcuraAcura pricingAcura ZDXAcuraPricingAcuraZdxzdxZDX pricingZdxPricingFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.


Gallery: Ferrari's radical new doors


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exoticexotic carexotic carsExoticCarExoticCarsFerrariFerrari doorFerrari doorsferrari patentFerrariDoorFerrariDoorsFerrariPatentreportsports carsports carssportscarsportscarssupercarsupercarsFri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/breaking-schumacher-likely-to-return-to-f1-racing-with-mercedes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Say it ain't so, Schu! The Daily Telegraph is reporting that seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher is close to signing on with the newly formed Mercedes Formula 1 team. Mercedes is the new name of the former Brawn GP team, the current Constructors Champion. After a stellar rookie season that saw this former Honda team clinch not just the Constructors Championship, but also the Drivers Championship for Jenson Button, they had a bit of a dropoff as Button bolted for rival McLaren.

That left a seat to fill at Mercedes and if BBC Sport's Eddie Jordan is to be believed, none other than Michael Schumacher is about to sign a one-year contract to return to racing in that very car. The deal, which would net Schumacher the same salary that Button turned down at Brawn GP in favour of McLaren, would finally see the German teaming up with Mercedes, who were in the past unsuccessful in their bids to lure him away from Ferrari.

Ferrari almost lured the retired champ back this season when Felipe Massa went down following the infamous spring incident in Hungary. The Champ's sore neck put a stop to that comeback, but apparently it got Schumi's juices flowing again. Signing with Mercedes would create something of a German dream team with Nico Rosberg in the other car. If the deal goes through, MS will be reunited with Brawn GP-namesake and current Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, the man who guided Michael to all seven of his World titles.

Still just a rumor for the moment, the deal is said to give Schumacher the same salary Button turned down when he defected to McLaren. The Schumacher deal is just the latest volley in the silly season melee that has seen Kimi Raikkonen vacate his seat in order to make room for Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, which lost adviser Michael Schumacher as well. Whatever the future holds, it is only going to get more interesting. We'll keep you posted as things develop. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Daily Telegraph via Planet F1, BBC Sport | Image Source: Getty]

BREAKING: Schumacher likely to return to F1 racing with Mercedes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsF1Ferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemclarenmercedesmercedes-benzmichael schumacherMichaelSchumacherMSschumacherFri, 20 Nov 2009 14:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Range-topping Lamborghini Urus rumored anew]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/lamborghini-planning-new-range-topping-urus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/lamborghini-planning-new-range-topping-urus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/lamborghini-planning-new-range-topping-urus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Lamborghini Reventón Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery

So you like the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV, but you're struggling to justify the price. After all, it may be just as fast as the Reventón, but it only costs a third of that range-topping bull. You like that it's the latest limited-edition hypercar from Sant'Agata Bolognese, but will everyone think you're slumming by not getting the most expensive bull in the barn? Come to think of it, maybe you can hold out for the Reventón Roadster, which should easily surpass the coupe as the ne plus ultra in the Lambo lineup. Of course, you could just stick with your ordinary LP640-4 or LP650-4 Roadster a little longer and wait for the Murcielago replacement in a year or two.

When that so-called Jota finally debuts, it will bring with it a new carbon fiber chassis and an equally new direct-injected 6.0-liter V12 thought to be good for at least 700 horsepower. Yeah, that's probably the way to go. After all, the economy isn't exactly the best right now and plunking down $1.5M for a new car might make others unnecessarily envious. Haters. Of course, if you wait too long, you might find yourself debating waiting a little longer still for the Jota-besting halo car from Lamborghini, the rumored Urus.

CARS UK is quoting "a source close to Lamborghini" when they talk about this new halo vehicle, which is expected to take on all comers, especially that "FX70" Enzo-replacement coming out of Maranello. Using a modified Jota chassis, the Urus will go on an even stricter diet to make it a featherweight lighter heavyweight. It will drop the few bits of aluminum that are expected to be used on the Jota and go all carbon fiber. That, active aerodynamics, and a nearly 800 horsepower version of the Jota V12 in its engine bay should allow the Urus to challenge even the Bugatti Veyron with a sub-3-second 0-60mph time. The real question becomes -- Can you wait until 2012 for the Urus or will you buckle a year earlier and pop for the Jota in 2011? You know what, just get both.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Lamborghini Reventon Roadster


[Source: Cars UK]

Range-topping Lamborghini Urus rumored anew originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hypercarhypercarsJotaLamborghinilamborghini jotaLamborghini Jota UrusLamborghini LP670-4 SVlamborghini murcielagolamborghini murcielago lp670-4 svlamborghini reventonlamborghini reventon roadsterlamborghini urusLamborghiniJotaLamborghiniJotaUrusLamborghiniLp670-4SvLamborghiniMurcielagoLamborghiniMurcielagoLp670-4SvLamborghiniReventonLamborghiniReventonRoadsterLamborghiniUruslp670-4 svLp670-4Svreventonreventon roadsterReventonRoadstersupercarsupercarsurusFri, 20 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/bugatti-bird-gate-update-driver-identity-revealed-gov-schwarz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/bugatti-bird-gate-update-driver-identity-revealed-gov-schwarz/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/bugatti-bird-gate-update-driver-identity-revealed-gov-schwarz/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron of Andy House from Lufkin, Texas - Click above to view video

As we've already reported (stop tipping us on this!), yesterday a Texas man lost control of his Bugatti Veyron and ended up driving into the two-foot shallows of a nearby salt marsh. The driver claimed a kamikaze pelican that flew too low was to blame for the Veyron's bath. The Lufkin Daily News has now identified that driver as Andy House, the owner of Performance Auto Sales in Lufkin.

Perhaps too coincidentally, the company restores wrecked exotics for resale, which makes this whole situation seem like something akin to a mortician offing his own family members to drum up business. Unthinkable, for sure, and we hope it's not the case here as we'd hate to discover later that this Veyron was sacrificed as a publicity stunt.

Apparently a lot of people have been trying to reach Mr. House to discover exactly what happened. We're not sure what the connection is, but the group of interested callers is said to even include California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. We don't think the car has been terminated, but it might be a while before it's back.

*UPDATE: Now with incredible one-in-a-million video footage of the actual crash after the jump - and no, we don't see a pelican, either. However, we do hear explicit language, so this one is NSFW.

*UPDATE 2: Video working again.

[Sources: Lufkin Daily News; YouTube]

Continue reading Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed [*UPDATE: Now with actual crash video!]

Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed [*UPDATE: Now with actual crash video!] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andy HouseAndyHousebugattibugatti veyronBugattiVeyronLufkinPerformance Auto SalesPerformanceAutoSalesveyronveyron crashVeyronCrashFri, 13 Nov 2009 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: McLaren releases first webisode of MP4-12C development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/video-mclaren-releases-first-webisode-of-mp4-12c-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/video-mclaren-releases-first-webisode-of-mp4-12c-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/video-mclaren-releases-first-webisode-of-mp4-12c-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C - Click above to view the video after the jump

McLaren Automotive has just dropped a new video, the first in a series, that promises to show the story behind the company's upcoming MP4-12C supercar. This first episode gives us a peek at the car's development background, introduces us to some of the key players in the process, and even gives us a look at some of the key venues in the gestation of the new Lamborghini and Ferrari fighter from Woking.

This first short film, which you can find after the jump, is entitled: Inside McLaren: developing the MP4-12C. Pretty straightforward then, as is the dialogue. Technical Director Dick Glover takes us on a brief tour of McLaren's facilities - Racing, Electronics and Automotive, which he describes as the heart of the operation. He even points out the F1 simulator, where drivers and engineers have worked on race setups for the past 12 years. The MP4-12C team gets to play in there, too.

Next up is Chief Test Driver Chris Goodwin. He talks about the tracks and roads used in the development process, tracks like the Nürburgring Nordschleife and the Top Gear track at Dunsfold, which happens to be close to the McLaren facilities. Chris also gives us an idea of the extreme temperatures the 12C has been tested in, from the Arctic to Bahrain. Episode 1 wraps up with an introduction to some of the key engineers on the team, including Simon Andrew, Rob Tyers and Steve Hayes.

All of this is punctuated with glimpses of the 12C in action, which is why we're really all here in the first place. As cool as the McLaren facility is, the car is the star. Follow the jump for the video and full press release from McLaren.

[Source: McLaren]

Continue reading VIDEO: McLaren releases first webisode of MP4-12C development

VIDEO: McLaren releases first webisode of MP4-12C development originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenMcLaren MP4-12CMcLaren p11MclarenMp4-12cMclarenP11MP4-12CvideoFri, 13 Nov 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Scraps: 15-series tire from Nexen barely holds air]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/sema-scraps-15-series-tire-from-nexen-barely-holds-air/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/sema-scraps-15-series-tire-from-nexen-barely-holds-air/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/sema-scraps-15-series-tire-from-nexen-barely-holds-air/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nexen 365/15-24 tire - Click above for image gallery

While in Vegas for SEMA this year, we did our best to concentrate on the cars... and occasionally their hostesses. We deliberately stayed away from the thousands of individual products being introduced in order to spend more time on the cars, trucks, bikes and Snowbarus. Well, maybe we should have looked a little more closely at the products, or at the very least the wheels and tires. If we had spent more time in the lower level of the South Hall, we might have noticed a rather large crowd around the Nexen booth.

While the name might not be a household word, Nexen is a company with more than 50 years of tire-making experience under its steel belt. As impressive as that might be, it's not the reason everyone was standing around, mouths agape. The focus of their attention was a new tire by Nexen, one with an impressive 365 mm width and 24 inch diameter. As ridiculous as those numbers might be, they pale in comparison to the middle number in the equation.

You see, Nexen was showing off the very first 15-series tire. That's right, the world's first and only 365/15R24 tire. If you thought 35s looked like rubber bands wrapped around 19- and 20-inch wheels, this thing looks like a smear of black paint on that two-footer. We shudder to think of what the ride quality might be like, but we seriously doubt there will be any sidewall flex, mainly because there's no sidewall.


Gallery: Nexen 365/15R24 tire


[Source: Nexen via Consumer Reports]

SEMA Scraps: 15-series tire from Nexen barely holds air originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15 series15 series tire15-series15Series15SeriesTire36515-2436515R24low-profileNexenNexen Inc.NexenInc.SEMAsema 2009Sema2009tiretiresFri, 13 Nov 2009 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-pettys-garage-challenger-heading-to-barrett-jackson/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


2009 Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger - Click above for high-res image gallery

And with this official decree, let it be known that one custom 2009 Dodge Challenger, painted in a very familiar and regal blue shall be offered for sale to the highest bidder in Arizona in the year of our lord, 2010. The vehicle in question shall serve as a rolling tribute to Richard the 43rd. Long live the King!

Richard Petty was one of the winningest drivers in stock car history. With a record seven Daytona 500 trophies, 127 poles, 200 overall wins (including a record 27 -- and ten-in-a-row -- races in 1967), and seven championships in his 34-year, 1,185-race career, it's no wonder he's called The King. His legendary Chryslers, Fords and Plymouths bearing the number 43 were mostly built at his race shop in Level Cross, NC. Now all the king's men are working to build on his legacy under the newly formed banner of Petty's Garage.

The company plans to work on "museum-quality" restorations of vintage race cars, custom cars and high performance street machines. To kick off the new business, Petty's Garage has built a 2009 Challenger that will be sold in a Petty Family Foundation charity auction at B-J in January.

Painted in the trademark Petty Blue, it features a 585-hp Hemi 426, Pedders suspension upgrades, Brembo Gran Turismo brakes, a new center exit Corsa exhaust system, plus a Petty's Garage body kit consisting of custom front fascia, rear bumper cover, custom rocker panels and a rear spoiler. The inside gets the royal touch as well, with Petty's Garage branded seats and door panels. We saw the car at SEMA and it's a looker. You can read more details in the press release we've pasted in after the jump and check out the gallery from SEMA as well.


Gallery: Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Petty's Garage Dodge Challenger

Continue reading First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson

First Petty's Garage Challenger heading to Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionBarrett Jacksonbarrett-jacksonBarrettJacksoncharitycharity auctionCharityAuctiondodgeDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerLevel CrossLevelCrossPetty Family FoundationPettyFamilyFoundationPettys GaragePettysGarageRichard Pettyrichard petty dodge challengerRichardPettyRichardPettyDodgeChallengerWed, 11 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Foreskin Removal: Dartz Prombron drops the whale penis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/foreskin-removal-dartz-prombron-drops-the-whale-penis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/foreskin-removal-dartz-prombron-drops-the-whale-penis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/foreskin-removal-dartz-prombron-drops-the-whale-penis/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Dartz Prombron luxury SUV from Russia

You probably heard about the Dartz Prombron recently, the ultra-luxury armored SUV from Russia that would feature, among other ne plus ultra materials, leather pulled from whale penis foreskin. Why whale foreskin? Someone told them it was the best so they jumped on it. Unfortunately, the attraction didn't last very long. They have issued a release saying they will release the penis from their options list. Apparently the company has had a rethink on their choice of interior materials after receiving negative responses to their announcement from Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, and even Pamela Anderson.

Personally, we think this might be more of a reaction to the new anti-whaling boat that the Sea Shephards have picked up for the upcoming season of Whale Wars: The newly rechristened Ady Gil, a 90 km/h semi-submersible tri-hull that holds the record for global circumnavigation. Whatever the reason, Dartz has Bobbitted the penis from the vehicle's spec sheet. In a brilliant press release that we couldn't possibly put into any better words, the company announced the change. Follow the jump to read the verbiage for yourself. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Dartz via The Star, Jameslist]

Continue reading Foreskin Removal: Dartz Prombron drops the whale penis

Foreskin Removal: Dartz Prombron drops the whale penis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DartzDartz KombatDartz PrombronDartzKombatDartzPrombronsea shephardsSeaShephardswhale foreskinwhale peniswhale warsWhaleForeskinWhalePenisWhaleWarsTue, 10 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/la-preview-toyota-set-to-debut-2011-sienna-minivan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Soccer moms, NASCAR dads and empty-nesters rejoice! It looks like Toyota is going to debut its 2011 Sienna minivan in Cali next month at the 2009 LA Auto Show. Although the minivan market doesn't get a lot of playtime on enthusiast websites, the segment remains an important (if shrinking) one for full-line manufacturers. While Toyota's past minivans have ranged from the bizarrely interesting (Previa) to the drab but competent (current Sienna), word has it Toyota plans to introduce a van that will once again make it the segment's top choice.

No specifics have been released, but we've previously heard that the new Sienna would be shifting to the MC platform that Toyota uses for the Camry, Highlander, RAV4, Venza and even the Prius. Personally we're hoping for a lower, wider track, luxury vehicle with an available hybrid model. That, or something like the JDM Alphard/Vellfire we saw at SEMA. We'll have all the details and a bunch of live shots on December 2 when we see it at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but in the meantime, you can check out Toyota's brief press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan

LA Preview: Toyota set to debut 2011 Sienna minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 sienna2011 toyota sienna2011Sienna2011ToyotaSiennala auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009minivanminivanstoyotatoyota siennatoyota sienna miniva...ToyotaSiennaToyotaSiennaMiniva...Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Proud American and Bonneville Boss - Click above for high-res image gallery

Before our favorite weekly Southern California car gathering this Saturday, we had been told by a friend that he'd be bringing his new rocket truck. Rocket truck? What the heck's a rocket truck? Visions of rocket-powered pickups and semis running the quarter mile immediately came to mind. Did some drag racer sell Tom his race truck? Is that what he was bringing to the show?

As soon as we came around the corner we knew he hadn't. We knew this with absolute certainty because we saw a giant nosecone towering above the treeline. There was, in fact, a rocket-powered land speed record (LSR) car positioned at a launch-worthy angle atop a most amazing truck. Rocket, truck... Rocket truck. Makes sense now. But what was this thing and where did it come from? You can read the whole wacky story after the jump.


Gallery: Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss"


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

Continue reading The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck

The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BonnevilleBonneville Bossbonneville salt flatsbonneville speed recordbonneville speed weekBonnevilleBossBonnevilleSaltFlatsBonnevilleSpeedRecordBonnevilleSpeedWeekcars and coffeecars coffeeCarsAndCoffeeCarsCoffeecustom truckCustomTruckDean MoonDeanMoonhaulerhydrogen peroxideHydrogenPeroxideKy MichaelsonKyMichaelsonland speed recordland speed record carLandSpeedRecordLandSpeedRecordCarLSRLSR carLsrCarProud AmericanProudAmericanrocket carRocketCarTony FoxTonyFoxtransporttruckSun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Gran Turismo Best in Show is the Trans-Cammer Mustang]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/sema-2009-gran-turismo-best-in-show-is-the-trans-cammer-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/sema-2009-gran-turismo-best-in-show-is-the-trans-cammer-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/sema-2009-gran-turismo-best-in-show-is-the-trans-cammer-mustang/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Philip Koenen's "Trans-Cammer" 1970 Ford Mustang. Click above for high-res image gallery

Phillip Koenen brought a really gorgeous, miles-deep-black, 1970 Mustang to SEMA and came away with another fine piece of hardware:The Gran Turismo Best in Show award. For the past several years, Sony Computer Entertainment America has hosted these awards, which honor some of the coolest cars at SEMA.

Koenen's SOHC 427-powered "Trans-Cammer" snagged the Best Hot Rod award in addition to winning Best in Show. Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi awarded the trophy himself at the awards ceremony, which rocked The Palms' Rain nightclub Wednesday night. In addition to the the trophy, Koenen's beloved "Trans-Cammer" Mustang wins the right to be featured in a future installment of the Gran Turismo series.

Other Gran Turismo Award winners included Scott Bailey and Tony Vanillo's Ford F-250 Unlimited 2 Class short-course race truck in the Best Truck/SUV category; Chris Rado's World Racing Unlimited front-wheel-drive time attack Scion TC as Best Asian Import; KC Howet's 2009 Underground Racing Lamborghini LP560-4TT in Best European Import; and Nicholas Ashby's Moment Carbon Camaro for Best Domestic Automobile. Sounds like a dream garage to us. Follow the jump to read the official press release, and don't forget to check out the gallery as well.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1970 Trans-Cammer Mustang


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

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Gran Turismo Best in Show is the Trans-Cammer Mustang

SEMA 2009: Gran Turismo Best in Show is the Trans-Cammer Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 Ford Mustang1970 Mustang1970FordMustang1970MustangChris RadoChrisRadogran turismogran turismo awardsGranTurismoGranTurismoAwardsKazunori YamauchiKazunoriYamauchiKC HowetKcHowetKoenenMustangNicholas AshbyNicholasAshbyPhillip KoenenPhillipKoenenScott BaileyScottBaileySEMAsema 2009Sema2009Tony VanilloTonyVanilloTrans CammerTrans Cammer Ford MustangTrans-CammerTrans-Cammer Ford MustangTrans-Cammer MustangTrans-cammerFordMustangTrans-cammerMustangTransCammerTransCammer Ford MustangTranscammerFordMustangSat, 07 Nov 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals are anything but stock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-booth-professionals-are-anything-but-stock/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-booth-professionals-are-anything-but-stock/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-booth-professionals-are-anything-but-stock/#commentsFiled under: ,


Lisa Angeline, aka Catwoman - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's SEMA show in Las Vegas didn't have quite the gravitas of years past, as the state of the economy and the automotive industry in particular seemed to be a wet blanket over the whole proceedings. Thank goodness there were plenty of friendly faces throughout the halls to keep our spirits up.

One smiling face especially caught our eye, although we weren't sure why. The eyes and smile were familiar but we couldn't quite put our finger on where we had seen them before. And then it hit us, it was our beloved Catwoman (a.k.a. Lisa Angeline) from last year's BatSmart gallery! We hardly recognized her stripped of her catsuit. We saw her in the Vertical Doors booth. We know this with great certainty because the name of the company was written in very strategic locations - like on the banner above her head and (*ahem*) elsewhere. Smart folks behind that BatSmart. But to be honest, we weren't really paying too much attention to the cars there, so perhaps this strategy is flawed.

This happened quite a bit during the week. We'd go down to shoot a certain car, and an hour later, we'd be scratching our heads wondering what we had come down for in the first place. Take a look at the gallery and you'll probably agree - down year or no, the distractions were quite spectacular.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals


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

SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals are anything but stock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babebabe galleryBabeGallerybabesbooth babebooth babesbooth professionalsBoothBabeBoothBabesBoothProfessionalscatwomanfemale modelsFemaleModelslas vegasLasVegasLisa AngelineLisaAngelinemodelsSEMAsema 2009Sema showsema show 2009Sema2009SemaShowSemaShow2009show girlsShowGirlswomen of semaWomenOfSemaFri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


2009 SEMA Show Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every year at SEMA, we fill the week with posts featuring special vehicles and products that we felt were important enough to share. Generally, they are the most newsworthy projects and new model introductions, but sometimes they are just things that caught our eye. When all is said and done, we think we've given all of you a good taste of what's on offer here in the desert.

Of course, there are always things we see and shoot that don't make it into the regular posts from the days we are here. We end up with a few hundred photos of random weirdness and cool stuff that just didn't make it into a dedicated post. That's what this post is for. It's basically a chance to dump some of that random wackiness and wonder that is SEMA into one big bowl and invite you all to take a sip. Click on the gallery below and you'll see race cars, hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, wheels and more. None are labeled, but all should provide a unique look at what we saw at SEMA 2009.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Random sightings


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

SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcarcarscustomcustom carcustom carsCustomCarCustomCarslas vegasLasVegasSEMAsema 2009Sema showSema2009SemaShowFri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Chevy Graphics Camaro not bashful about changing in public]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-chevy-graphics-camaro-not-bashful-about-changing-in-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-chevy-graphics-camaro-not-bashful-about-changing-in-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-chevy-graphics-camaro-not-bashful-about-changing-in-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Chevrolet Camaro graphics options - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chevrolet decided that it might be fun to have a contest to pick out a new decal pack for its hot new Camaro. They posted six different possible decal sets on Facebook a while back and after letting their online friends vote, the automaker chose four finalists.

Those four looks were applied to a silver Camaro over the course of the four-day SEMA show in Vegas. We stopped by the booth every day except Friday and took some pics to show you how the stickers looked in person. We've assembled a gallery so you can peruse each and then head over to the Camaro's Facebook page to cast your vote for the winner.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Chevy Graphics Camaro

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

SEMA 2009: Chevy Graphics Camaro not bashful about changing in public originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto graphicsAutoGraphicsCamaroCamaro graphicCamaro GraphicsCamaroGraphicCamaroGraphicscar graphicsCarGraphicschevroletChevrolet CamaroChevroletCamaroGraphic Camarographic designGraphicCamaroGraphicDesigngraphicsSEMAsema 2009Sema2009Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Knee-high tri-axle pickup by Air-Zenith is down and (not so) dirty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-knee-high-tri-axle-pickup-by-air-zenith-is-down-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-knee-high-tri-axle-pickup-by-air-zenith-is-down-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-knee-high-tri-axle-pickup-by-air-zenith-is-down-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Air-Zenith custom pickup - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not exactly sure what this used to be in its former life, but it all kinds of cool in its current iteration. Just knee-high to a Hobbit, this six-wheel convertible was parked in the shadow of Bigfoot and we almost tripped over it.

We were able to locate an Air-Zenith banner on the windshield, however, we couldn't find any other info. But really, what else do you need to know? Air-Zenith is the same group that dropped the drag pickup we saw at SEMA 2008. That one might have been quicker, but this one has a cool bike in the bed!


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Knee-high tri-axle AirXenith pickup truck


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

SEMA 2009: Knee-high tri-axle pickup by Air-Zenith is down and (not so) dirty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Air-ZenithAir-Zenith pickupAir-Zenith slammed pickupAir-zenithPickupAir-zenithSlammedPickupairbagairbrushbaggedflame jobFlameJobflamesPickuppickup truckPickupTruckSEMAsema 2009Sema2009triple-axleFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: 1951 Henry J gasser is a 7-second blast from the past]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-1951-henry-j-gasser-is-a-7-second-blast-from-the-past/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-1951-henry-j-gasser-is-a-7-second-blast-from-the-past/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-1951-henry-j-gasser-is-a-7-second-blast-from-the-past/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


1951 Kaiser Henry J - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's another black beauty that caught our attention in the halls of SEMA 2009. It's a 1951 Kaiser Henry J owned and raced by Chris Beanes of California.

Running in A/Gas, this gloss-free gasser can storm the quarter in the mid-7s at better than 174 MPH. We read somewhere that it's powered by a Chevy 400 that's backed by a four-speed transmission, but other than that we don't have a lot more details. What we do have are a few pics in the gallery below that hopefully capture the magic of this nostalgic dragster.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: 1951 Henry J gasser


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

SEMA 2009: 1951 Henry J gasser is a 7-second blast from the past originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1951 Henry J1951 Kaiser1951 Kaiser Henry J1951HenryJ1951Kaiser1951KaiserHenryJAGasChris BeanesChrisBeanesdrag racerdrag racingDragRacerDragRacingdragstergasserHenry JHenryJkaiserKaiser Henry JKaiserHenryJnostalgiaSEMASEMA 2009:sema showSema2009:SemaShowFri, 06 Nov 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Pinkee's ignites lust for a Pontiac Firebird]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-pinkees-ignites-lust-for-a-firebird/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-pinkees-ignites-lust-for-a-firebird/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-pinkees-ignites-lust-for-a-firebird/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


1977 Pontiac FireBird by Pinkee's Rod Shop - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's SEMA show might have been a bit smaller than in years past, but there were certainly some heavy hitters in the crowd that proved the old "quality, not quantity" adage. Take, for instance, this super-clean, super-fine 1977 Pontiac Firebird. Like the Ringbrothers "Afterburner" Fairlane and the Goodguys Street Machine of the Year 1962 Corvette C1-RS, the look is modern, yet definitely retro. Dreamed up by hot rod artist Jimmy Smith, it was crafted to life by Pinkee's Rod Shop of Windsor, Colorado.

It has a smooth-as-glass appearance with its gloss black paint dripping off its shaved and streamlined form. Elegantly simple billet wheels, naked headlamps and a restyled rear complete the exterior look. The interior hasn't been forgotten either, as it is fully custom and equally straightforward. The same can be said for the engine bay, which looks like a surgical O.R., with its LS7 engine resting neatly in a fully customized bay. It was easily one of our favorite cars at this year's show.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Pinkee's FireBird


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

SEMA 2009: Pinkee's ignites lust for a Pontiac Firebird originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FirebirdPinkeesPinkees FirebirdPinkees Rod ShopPinkeesFirebirdPinkeesRodShoppontiacpontiac firebirdPontiacFirebirdSEMAsema 2009Sema2009show carShowCartrans-amtransamFri, 06 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley balances the bad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-blackout-bentley-balances-the-bad/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-blackout-bentley-balances-the-bad/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-blackout-bentley-balances-the-bad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2008 Bentley Continental custom - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems that matte black is the new black this year at SEMA, especially if you broaden if to gray and slip bare carbon fiber into the category. This particular application of said coloring resides on a sinister looking Bentley Continental GT.

Besides the satin paint, it's wearing a Premier 4509 Limited Widebody kit that, to this blogger's eyes at least, might have been a better choice for Bentley's own SuperSports. The interior has a nicely contrasting saddle and black design, with diamond-stitched suede inserts on the seats. It's a very cool looking car, but just as fun is the sign on the booth: "Nutek Wheels -- We make private label wheels... and we speak English!" Not exactly politically correct, but eye-catching to say the least.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley


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

SEMA 2009: Blackout Bentley balances the bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley continentalBentley Continental GTbentley continental supersportsBentleyContinentalBentleyContinentalGtBentleyContinentalSupersportscontinentalcontinental gtContinentalGtNutekPremier 4509 LimitedPremier4509LimitedSEMAsema 2009SEMA showsema show 2009Sema2009SemaShowSemaShow2009Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59:00 EST