Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Video: <i>Fifth Gear</i> remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/fifth-gear-remembers-what-made-the-original-audi-quattro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

fifth gear legends audi quattro

Compiling a list of automotive legends is a task that could force all enthusiasts into a debate of epic proportions. Opinions will differ, feelings will be hurt and some deserving vehicles might wind up off the ultimate list. There is one vehicle, however, that should create little debate as to its place in the annals of all-time greats. We're talking about the original Audi Quattro, and it's clear that the folks from the UK's Fifth Gear agree.

The Fifth Gear crew managed to snag the keys to an Ur-Quattro for its Legends series, and set about tracking it down some of their local country roads. Cameras were powered up, lenses were clean and the resulting review is available to fawn over after the jump.

Continue reading Fifth Gear remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special

Fifth Gear remembers what made the original Audi Quattro so special originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattrofifth gearfifth gear legendsquattrour-quattrovideoThu, 29 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Cadillac ATS convertible scuttled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/cadillac-ats-convertible-scuttled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/cadillac-ats-convertible-scuttled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/cadillac-ats-convertible-scuttled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

cadillac ats spy shot

Cadillac is going to keep things classy with its upcoming ATS. The top will stay on, which means the lineup will lose the planned convertible version but retain the sedan and coupe.

What's the motivation for the drop-top rejection? Volume projections. Cadillac doesn't see enough convertible fans stepping up with cash to support the production of an ATS convertible.

The sedan is still on track to arrive in dealerships during the summer of 2012. Rumor has it that the coupe is slated to arrive a few years later as a 2015 model. Regardless, we're eagerly awaiting word on what the V versions will pack under their hoods.

Cadillac ATS convertible scuttled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atsats convertibleats coupeats sedancadillaccadillac atscadillac ats convertiblegeneral motorsgmWed, 28 Sep 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Porsche 911 found to be Frankfurt favorite]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/porsche-911-found-to-be-frankfurt-favorite/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/porsche-911-found-to-be-frankfurt-favorite/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/porsche-911-found-to-be-frankfurt-favorite/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 porsche 911

The coverage coming out of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show was filled with vehicles that run the gamut of the automotive spectrum, but one vehicle in particular caught the eyes of journalists and readers alike. The 2012 Porsche 911 was the darling of the Frankfurt show, and the data backs it up.

According to browsing and social media data compiled by UK company Kantar Media Precis, the new 911 was the most (virtually) talked about machine in attendance. Websites, blogs and social media feeds were all abuzz, and it was the latest 911 that dominated all discussions.

We're guilty of falling in love with the German sports car as well. We spoke about both the standard 911 and the Carrera S, and are gearing up for another 50 or so variants set to debut in the next decade and a half.

Porsche 911 found to be Frankfurt favorite originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 frankfurt2011 frankfurt motor show2012 9112012 porsche 911911frankfurtfrankfurt motor showporscheporsche 911Porsche 991Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Hyundai CEO downplays Corvette competitor, warns of CAFE loopholes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/hyundai-ceo-downplays-corvette-competitor-warns-of-cafe-loophol/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/hyundai-ceo-downplays-corvette-competitor-warns-of-cafe-loophol/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/28/hyundai-ceo-downplays-corvette-competitor-warns-of-cafe-loophol/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai North America CEO John KrafcikLike nearly every other automaker these days, Hyundai is keenly focused on bringing fuel-efficient vehicles to market. That apparently means the automaker doesn't currently see a need for a halo sportscar to compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Corvette, though it recognizes it would be an exciting addition to the lineup. Hyundai's North American CEO, John Krafcik tells Ward's Auto that even though such a model would would be a fun addition to the family, a range-topping sports car would also probably be a poor investment that wouldn't serve the brand properly.

Krafcik is clearly focused on building more fuel efficient machines, and he argues that vehicles like the new Veloster coupe can provide sort of reverse halo from the bottom-up, not unlike the way the CTS has been the star of the Cadillac lineup for some time. This strategy seems like a smart move ahead of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements waiting just a few years down the road.

Every automaker has a reason to be concerned about CAFE, but as Krafcik points out in an interview with Ward's Auto, loopholes exist in the legal requirements that may allow car companies to switch up their product strategy without aggressively pursuing more fuel-efficient products. Larger vehicles are subject to less strict requirements, and Krafcik argues that some smaller vehicles will likely fall by the wayside as an unintended consequence. This sort of thinking could allow a few manufacturers to skirt around the more strict CAFE requirements. An example of this is the decline of the compact pickup truck, which has given way to the less-restricted full-size.

Hyundai CEO downplays Corvette competitor, warns of CAFE loopholes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cafecafe standardscorporate average fuel economyhyundaihyundai ceohyundai sportscarjohn krafcikkrafcikWed, 28 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Ferrari 458 Spider priced from $257,000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/ferrari-458-spider-priced-from-257-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/ferrari-458-spider-priced-from-257-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/ferrari-458-spider-priced-from-257-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ferrari 458 spider

The top's already come off, but we're just now getting to the subject of price. Don't get too excited, most of you can't afford it anyway. We're talking about the Ferrari 458 Spider, and it'll cost you at least $257,000 to put one in your climate-controlled garage. Should you have the means, you can place your order starting in January of 2012.

What do you get when you replace $257,000 from your bank account with the Ferrari 458 Spider? A 4.5-liter V8-powered exotic sports car with a roof that disappears so your ears can get closer to aural nirvana. Sure, the fancy folding top covers up the visuals, but we'd take the soundtrack over the artwork any day. Besides, the body lines on the 458 Spider will keep your eyes busy enough as it is.

Ferrari 458 Spider priced from $257,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458458 spiderferrariferrari 458ferrari 458 spiderTue, 27 Sep 2011 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: 2012 Toyota Hilux proves it's as tough and unbreakable as ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/2012-toyota-hilux-proves-its-as-tough-and-unbreakable-as-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/2012-toyota-hilux-proves-its-as-tough-and-unbreakable-as-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/2012-toyota-hilux-proves-its-as-tough-and-unbreakable-as-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Toyota Hilux New Zealand ad

Top Gear showed us just how sturdy the Toyota Hilux pickup truck can be. The plucky Brit trio put one poor truck through a series of increasingly harder challenges until they finally strapped it to the roof of a building destined to be demolished. After pulling it off the pile of rubble that used to be an apartment building, the Hilux was eventually started up, and later driven into the Top Gear studio. Needless to say, this is one tough truck we're talking about here.

Toyota knows its latest Hilux is tough, too, and the automaker has decided to play up this angle for a new series of commercial spots running in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Seeking to show just how unbreakable and manly its pickup is, the machine is put through its paces over hill and dale, from the desert to the top of snow-capped mountains... and it meets some strange blokes along the way.

It's also so manly that it even makes dainty women into something barely removed from... well, her husband. Click past the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading 2012 Toyota Hilux proves it's as tough and unbreakable as ever

2012 Toyota Hilux proves it's as tough and unbreakable as ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 hilux2012 toyota hiluxhiluxhilux unbreakabletacomatoyotatoyota commercialtoyota hiluxtoyota pickupvideoMon, 26 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Stillen supersizes power output of Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/stillen-supersizes-power-output-of-nissan-370z-and-infiniti-g37/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/stillen-supersizes-power-output-of-nissan-370z-and-infiniti-g37/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/stillen-supersizes-power-output-of-nissan-370z-and-infiniti-g37/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

supercharged nissan 370z by stillen

Steve Millen and has talented team know a thing or two about turning Nissan products into Stillen rockets. The latest project to emerge from the tuning company's garage is the supercharged 370Z you see above. The bolt-on kit is legal in all 50 states thanks to the thumbs-up from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and it comes with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. You won't care about emissions when you're behind the wheel, though - the supercharger kit means this hotter Z now produces over 500 horsepower.

If you own a vehicle with the VQ37 engine, such as the 370Z or Infiniti G37, you owe it to yourself and your machine to turn it into a sports car capable of embarrassing BMW M3 owners. The heart of the Stillen kit is comprised of a Vortech V-3 supercharger, which is fed via a cast-aluminum intake manifold, has a self-contained oiling system and runs on a V-belt design.

Stillen worked hard to make sure this unit fit under the stock hood, unlike the setup created for the Nissan 350Z. This time around there is no need for an ugly hood hump blocking your line of sight. Click past the jump to see the supercharged Stillen 370Z in action.

Continue reading Stillen supersizes power output of Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 [w/video]

Stillen supersizes power output of Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissan 370zsteve millenstillenstillen superchargedstillen supercharged 370zstillen superchargerstillen vq37 kitsupercharged 370zMon, 26 Sep 2011 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Senator calls for investigation of OnStar privacy issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/senator-calls-for-investigation-of-onstar-privacy-issues/#commentsFiled under: ,

onstar

It appears that OnStar users have something in common with Rockwell, and we're not talking about an affinity for products from Detroit. You should always feel like somebody's watching you... because they are. OnStar is tracking a handful of data streams related to your driving such as speed and location, and it's doing so regardless of whether you are still subscribed to the system.

Many are surprised at just how much information OnStar is grabbing, and see this move as a clear invasion of privacy. OnStar has no plans to change, and this has lead U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to call for a government investigation into the actions of the telematics company. Schumer believes that what Onstar is doing is unfair trade practice, and "one of the most brazen invasions of privacy in recent memory."

You may be an average man or woman, with an average life. You work from nine to five, and you may or may not pay the Onstar Price. If all you want is to be left alone in your average home, OnStar might have you feeling like you're in the Twilight Zone.

Senator calls for investigation of OnStar privacy issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chuck schumeronstaronstar investigationonstar spyingsenator schumerMon, 26 Sep 2011 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Nissan developing 'super Juke', details coming next week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/nissan-developing-super-juke-details-coming-next-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/nissan-developing-super-juke-details-coming-next-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/nissan-developing-super-juke-details-coming-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

super juke sketch

One common thought process of any automotive enthusiast is to envision taking the powertrain from a high-performance machine and placing it into something totally different. Someone at Nissan has been dreaming of a swap along these lines, and it's even weirder than you would've guessed. The Japanese automaker is prepping a Super Juke that utilizes the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter mill swiped from a Nissan GT-R.

Re-read that last sentence.

Details are still very sketchy at this point, and the above image is reportedly an official sketch of what could be in store. Still, we can't hide the excitement felt at what appears to be a Forza dream machine come to life. Even if it turns out to be a concept, we're happy that Nissan engineers and designers are thinking about putting the GT-R heart into more bodies.

Nissan developing 'super Juke', details coming next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-r jukegt-r powered jukejukenissannissan gt-rnissan jukenissan super jukesuper jukeMon, 26 Sep 2011 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Cop potentially car surfing is crazy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/cop-potentially-car-surfing-is-crazy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/cop-potentially-car-surfing-is-crazy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/cop-potentially-car-surfing-is-crazy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

car surfing cop

Normally, the best place to operate a motor vehicle is in the driver's seat. Someone up near Montreal managed to capture a police officer who hasn't quite figured that out. Instead, the cop is seen sitting on the hood of his cruiser while the automobile slowly rolls to a stop. We're not entirely sure what's going on here, and there's a good chance that someone else is working the controls.

Still, it certainly looks like this cop is trying his hand at vehicular surfing. (He needs to take a lesson from Teen Wolf and stand on the roof.) Click past the jump to watch the clip. Also, a quick note to those capturing video on cell phones - turn your screens to the side, please.

Continue reading Cop potentially car surfing is crazy

Cop potentially car surfing is crazy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Supercharged Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the works]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/supercharged-hyundai-genesis-coupe-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/supercharged-hyundai-genesis-coupe-in-the-works/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/supercharged-hyundai-genesis-coupe-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

supercharged hyundai genesis coupe

We're big fans of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe here at Autoblog. We're also fans of vehicles that find ways to make our driving experience more exciting in any way possible. And while it would be nice to see Hyundai plop its 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood of the Genesis coupe, there is little chance of that ever happening. (Probably for good reason, too.) Still, that doesn't mean more power can't be had, and spy photographers have captured a possible solution lurking under the hood of a Genesis prototype.

It looks like Hyundai is simply going to stick with its 3.8-liter V6 as the range-topping engine, albeit, with a bit of supercharged force added on. What you are looking at could very well be a Hyundai Genesis Coupe R-Spec that's indeed fitting of its extra nomenclature. The supercharger should help push the standard 3.8-liter output of 306 horsepower (333 hp in the 2012 Genesis sedan) up closer to a figure that will have Mustang GT drivers checking their mirrors.

Supercharged Hyundai Genesis Coupe in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hyundai genesis coupegenesisgenesis coupegenesis coupe r-spechyundair-specspy photosspy picsspy shotssuperchargedMon, 26 Sep 2011 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Next Corvette will sport seven-speed manual, too]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/next-corvette-will-sport-seven-speed-manual-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/next-corvette-will-sport-seven-speed-manual-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/26/next-corvette-will-sport-seven-speed-manual-too/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 chevrolet corvette grand sport convertible

Perhaps the manual transmission isn't as dead as a few Italian automakers would like you to believe. Porsche has declared that as long as there is demand it will continue to supply automobiles with do-it-yourself gearboxes, and the German automaker has outfitted its 2012 911 with a seven-speed manual gearbox. Now it seems General Motors is following suit, and the next-generation Chevrolet Corvette will reportedly offer up seven forward gears, as well.

Inside Line has reported that the 2014 Corvette is set to swap in an extra cog for increased fuel efficiency. As a bonus, this move will allow engineers to play with the lower gear ratios thus providing a bit more speed from the lower end.

Now that Porsche has made the leap to a seven-speed manual and Corvette is following suit, could a cackling, wild-eyed locked-in-the-basement transmission engineer be working on an eight-speed unit? We doubt it, but we're already doing heavy shoulder workouts just in case.

Next Corvette will sport seven-speed manual, too originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet corvettechevroletchevrolet corvettecorvettegeneral motorsgmseven-speedseven-speed corvetteseven-speed manualMon, 26 Sep 2011 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza 4 announces Indy track, Season Pass, Day One DLC and demo date]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/24/forza-4-announces-indy-track-season-pass-day-one-dlc-and-demo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/24/forza-4-announces-indy-track-season-pass-day-one-dlc-and-demo/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/24/forza-4-announces-indy-track-season-pass-day-one-dlc-and-demo/#commentsFiled under:

forza 4

Gamers, Turn 10 Studios is about to have you say goodbye to your family and friends. Forza Motorsport 4 is nearly available for purchase, and the creative team has let slip a few goodies that will be included with the game. We've already heard about the involvement of Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson, and how the developers turn a real track into a virtual one. Today, however, we've learned that there's a whole lot more in store for us.

The game hits stores on October 11th, but XBox Live Gold members can grab a demo version starting on October 3rd. Everyone else needs to wait until the 7th for their shot at the demo. When the full version of the game hits a few days later, fresh downloadable content will be available.

Now, DLC will be offered throughout the game's life cycle. To make sure you have access to it as it becomes available, Forza 4 offers a season pass. Paying $29.99 ensures that you get access to all six of the soon-to-be-released content packs. Buying in bulk also saves you 30 percent over buying each pack individually. This plan also provides you with a bonus American Muscle car pack. It adds the 1965 Pontiac GTO, 1968 Pontiac Firebird, 1970 Buick GSX, 1970 Dodge Coronet Super Bee, 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, 1969 Shelby GT500 428CJ, 1971 Plymouth GTX 426 Hemi, 1967 Dodge Coronet W023, 1968 Dodge Dart HEMI Super Stock and 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt to your list of playable vehicles.

Turn 10 has gone to great lengths to include famous race tracks from around the world, and has announced that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the latest to be added to the game. Click past the jump for the full skinny from Turn 10.

Also, be sure to check back next week when we share our thoughts on the game... oh, we didn't tell you? We've already gotten to play it. Stay tuned!

Continue reading Forza 4 announces Indy track, Season Pass, Day One DLC and demo date

Forza 4 announces Indy track, Season Pass, Day One DLC and demo date originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forzaforza 4forza motorsportforza motorsport 4turn 10turn 10 studiosvideo gamesxboxxbox 360Sat, 24 Sep 2011 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Porsche looks into the future of motorsport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/24/porsche-looks-into-the-future-of-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/24/porsche-looks-into-the-future-of-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/24/porsche-looks-into-the-future-of-motorsport/#commentsFiled under: , ,

porsche video screenshot

Porsche is good at building race cars, and what the company learns on the track trickles down to its passenger vehicles. This is what makes driving them so rewarding.

In a new video, Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche Motorsport, discusses the link between Porsche's track and street cars, and he also takes a look at the future of motorsports. Click past the jump to watch.

Continue reading Porsche looks into the future of motorsport

Porsche looks into the future of motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>frankfurt motor showhartmut kristenporscheporsche motorsportvideoSat, 24 Sep 2011 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Power Wheel Racing needs your help]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/power-wheel-racing-needs-your-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/power-wheel-racing-needs-your-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/power-wheel-racing-needs-your-help/#commentsFiled under:

power wheels racing series

Our favorite racing series just got a bit of competition, and it comes in a surprising form. We're not saying this will take the place of the 24 Hours of LeMons, but it's certainly captured our attention. Called the Power Wheel Racing Series, this form of electrified motorsports pits racers against each other as they pilot uprated kids toys around a track.

To put it rather simply: this is awesome, and we want in.

The series needs a bit of help, however, to go from a singular event into a full-blown season for 2012. The minds behind the mayhem have turned to Kickstarter, and they are accepting your cash in exchange for a differing level of gratitude based upon how much you're willing to plunk down.

If you need some convincing, click past the jump to learn more about the series. After that, head over to Kickstarter and show this fledgling race series some love.

Continue reading Power Wheel Racing needs your help

Power Wheel Racing needs your help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstartermotorsportspower wheelspower wheels racingpower wheels racing seriesFri, 23 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: AdSpotting: Toyota Yaris is a car, and apparently, not much else]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/adspotting-toyota-yaris-is-a-car-and-apparently-not-much-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/adspotting-toyota-yaris-is-a-car-and-apparently-not-much-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/adspotting-toyota-yaris-is-a-car-and-apparently-not-much-else/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Company: Toyota

Brand: Toyota

Medium: Online

Product: Toyota Yaris

Campaign: It's a car!

What We Like: Placing Michael Showalter in your ads earns automatic bonus points with us. These spots are pretty funny, and Showalter is the driving force behind the humor. Also, it's refreshing to see an automaker take a self-deprecating point of view from time to time.

What We Don't Like: We think Toyota is basically saying that the new Yaris is as simple of an automobile as you can find. The tounge-in-cheek humor is used to mask the fact that the Yaris isn't much more than an appliance on wheels.

Strategy: Toyota is really going out on a limb by using humor to highlight the fact that the new Yaris is a rather basic automobile. Still, the spots do manage to point out the fact that this vanilla machine has some solid features for its price point. Despite that fact, we're torn on this campaign. The spots themselves, which you can view after the jump, are hilarious but ultimately come across as spoof material put together by a competing automaker.

Grade: C (We're split, and this grade reflects our feelings. Showalter helped keep the grade from falling lower.)

Watch the videos after the jump and give it your own grade below. Also, if you use Chrome as your browser, you can head to Toyota.com/ItsACar for a more interactive experience.

View Poll

Continue reading AdSpotting: Toyota Yaris is a car, and apparently, not much else

AdSpotting: Toyota Yaris is a car, and apparently, not much else originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota yaris2012 yarisadspottingits a carmichael showaltertoyotatoyota yarisvideoyarisyaris its a carFri, 23 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Ford victorious in requesting legal reversal of $43M fatal crash judgment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/ford-victorious-in-requesting-legal-reversal-of-43m-fatal-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/ford-victorious-in-requesting-legal-reversal-of-43m-fatal-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/ford-victorious-in-requesting-legal-reversal-of-43m-fatal-crash/#commentsFiled under: ,



In 2003, a Lincoln Town Car driven by John and Dora Jablonski burst into flames when it was hit from behind, the fire taking the life of John and severely burned Dora. The accident turned into a court case, which resulted in a $43 million judgment against Ford Motor Company. Now, however, that judgment has just been reversed.

Ford asserted that the design of the 1993 Town Car in question had nothing to do with the accident, and, in fact, met or exceeded all industry standards set at the time. The automaker points out that this was an unfortunate accident in which a distracted driver slammed into the Town Car at 60 miles per hour, and that the company should not be liable. After this new theory was argued, a jury agreed, and the initial judgment was reversed in favor of Ford.

Ford victorious in requesting legal reversal of $43M fatal crash judgment originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1993 lincoln town car1993 town carfordford legaljablonskilegallincolntown carFri, 23 Sep 2011 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: 728-hp Toyota Camry is the ultimate sleeper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/728-hp-toyota-camry-is-the-ultimate-sleeper/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/728-hp-toyota-camry-is-the-ultimate-sleeper/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/23/728-hp-toyota-camry-is-the-ultimate-sleeper/#commentsFiled under: , ,

dynamotorsports toyota camry

A sleeper is any vehicle that appears to be slow, but is hiding an evil secret in its engine bay. Sleepers are scintillating machines that prove time and skill (and money) can turn a garden variety family sedan or station wagon into a street rocket ready to tackle those with far more cash to burn.

Take this Toyota Camry, for example - it just received a new lease on life courtesy of Canadian tuner Dynamotorsports. Under the hood sits a 3.0-liter V6 engine fitted with custom intake and exhaust manifolds, a big ol' HKS turbo and a whole lot of boost. The end result: a Camry that puts down 728 horsepower - at the wheels.

We imagine that mashing the gas results in a display of torque steer that would make Hercules weep as his arms thrash from side to side. Still, this is one Camry we would love to spend some time with, if only for a good laugh. Click past the jump to watch it attack a dyno.

Continue reading 728-hp Toyota Camry is the ultimate sleeper

728-hp Toyota Camry is the ultimate sleeper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camrydynamotorsportssleepersleeper camrytoyotatoyota camryvideoFri, 23 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/lexus-ls-tmg-edition-running-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/lexus-ls-tmg-edition-running-the-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/lexus-ls-tmg-edition-running-the-ring/#commentsFiled under: ,

lexus ls tmg edition

With each passing day, our lives become more intertwined with the latest sporting machine from Lexus. Previously contained only through still photography, the Lexus LS TMG Edition has now been captured by a video camera: The 641-horsepower sport sedan was seen in its native habitat, which is stalking the twists and turns of Germany's Nürburgring.

We are still waiting to learn more about this oddly enticing product born from the Cologne garage of Toyota Motorsport GmbH. So far, all we've got to go on is the leaked spec sheet. That slip of conveniently laid-out paper has us eager to get quite a bit closer to the LS TMG.

Click past the jump to watch it run through a few turns at the 'Ring.

Continue reading Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring

Lexus LS TMG Edition running the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus lslexus ls tmglexus ls tmg editionlsls tmgls tmg editionnurburgringthe ringvideoThu, 22 Sep 2011 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/how-californias-laws-are-holding-up-the-ford-mustang-boss-302s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/how-californias-laws-are-holding-up-the-ford-mustang-boss-302s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/how-californias-laws-are-holding-up-the-ford-mustang-boss-302s/#commentsFiled under: ,

ford mustang boss 302 laguna seca

Ford promised its Mustang Boss 302 customers that their car was perfect for both the street and the track, and that the dual nature of the sports coupe could be personified with the TracKey. Pop that lovely little device into your ignition and your Boss 302 takes on a different attitude. Hundreds of parameters are changed to work in concert as the car takes on a more track-focused mindset. The TracKey has Boss 302 owners salivating at the prospect of owning sporty daily driver and track star, which occupies a singular spot in their garage.

There's a bit of a problem, however, and it seem that Mustang owners have California to blame.

Ford is butting heads with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the stalemate has left Boss 302 owners without their TracKeys. The folks at CARB know that the TracKey alters the emissions leaving the tailpipes of the Boss 302, and they have a problem with that. Until these issues are sorted out, Ford won't be able to deliver any TracKeys to Boss 302 owners.

As you can imagine, that has the car owners a bit peeved. One owner in particular has decided to vent his frustrations in a manner befitting our Internet-adled brains. Turning to the surprisingly popular Hitler video meme, he has applied his thoughts to the video antics of Adolf.

Click past the jump to watch the clip (note: NSFW language). Also, be sure to click through our gallery of the Ford Mustang Boss 302, while you pretend what it would be like if CARB turned a blind eye to the TracKey issues.

Continue reading How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video]

How California's laws are holding up the Ford Mustang Boss 302's TracKey [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boss 302california air resources boardcarbfordford mustang boss 302hitlertrackeyvideoThu, 22 Sep 2011 17:59:00 EST