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: Translogic visits Europe, first to drive the Lightning GT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/translogic-visits-europe-first-to-drive-the-lightning-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/translogic-visits-europe-first-to-drive-the-lightning-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/09/translogic-visits-europe-first-to-drive-the-lightning-gt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Lightning GT all-electric supercar has been inching its way towards production for years now. The last time we talked about itwas November 2010, but it's back thanks to Translogic.

The video series from our colleagues at AOL Autos took a trip to Europe and managed to score the very first drive of the Lightning GT before anyone else. Not even Top Gear has sat in this thing and it's being developed in their backyard.

The specs for the car as they stand today are 400 horsepower from its electric motor powering the rear wheels for a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds and a maximum range of 150 miles. The folks behind the Lightning GT even claim that their lithium-titanate batteries (sourced from the U.S.) can be recharged in just 10 minutes when paired with a big daddy ultra powerful off-board charger.

Bold claims for sure, and we'd likely describe the Lightning GT as vaporware if Translogic didn't just drive it. Drive it they did, though, so follow the jump to watch Translogic host Bradley Hasemeyer be the first to put foot to floor in the Lightning GT.

Continue reading Translogic visits Europe, first to drive the Lightning GT

Translogic visits Europe, first to drive the Lightning GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bradley hasemeyerlightninglightning gttranslogicvideoThu, 09 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago: 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited is literally a dream come true]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-kia-optima-sx-limited-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-kia-optima-sx-limited-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/2012-kia-optima-sx-limited-chicago-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While Chrysler got the most attention for its Super Bowl ad starring Clint Eastwood, many found Kia's spot starring Mr. Sandman, Adriana Lima and Motley Crue to be the most entertaining. The car featured in the ad was the new Optima SX Limited, which made its debut today at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

The SX Limited is the new range-topping trim for the Optima, slotting neatly above the SX. What it adds to the already loaded SX are LED daytime running lights, chrome accenting on the rear spoiler and lower door sills, red painted front brake calipers, a unique set of chrome 18-inch wheels, high-dollar Napa leather, wood interior trim and three exterior colors options: Ebony Black, Snow White Pearl or Titanium Metallic.

While no pricing for the SX Limited was given, we obviously expect it to start somewhere north of the SX trim's $26,500 base price. Production begins later this month at Kia's assembly plant in West Point, Georgia.

Continue reading 2012 Kia Optima SX Limited is literally a dream come true

2012 Kia Optima SX Limited is literally a dream come true originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 kia optima sx limitedchicagochicago 2012chicago auto showkiamr. sandmanoptimasx limitedWed, 08 Feb 2012 16:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago: Kia Track'ster concept is a self-contained 250-hp AWD track star]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/kia-trackster-concept-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/kia-trackster-concept-chicago-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/08/kia-trackster-concept-chicago-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Kia Track'ster Concept

It's not like we needed any more reason to like the Soul, but Kia went ahead and debuted the Track'ster concept at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show anyway. The Track'ster is a three-door, all-wheel-drive, 250-hp version of the cute and quirky urban Soul that we hope gets green lights all along its road to production. That's wishful thinking, but follow along to find out why we want the Track'ster made so badly.

The Track'ster eschews a back seat in favor of a "fully integrated equipment tray and spare-tire well."

To date, the Soul has been anything but a performance machine. The Track'ster changes that in a big way by eschewing not only a pair of doors, but also the back seat in favor of what Kia describes as a "fully integrated equipment tray and spare-tire well." This tray is designed to house helmets, race suits, gloves, tools and all the accoutrement that goes with being a serious track rat.

The idea for the Track'ster is to run what your brung, so while the car itself carries everything you need to race, it also needs to move with enough hustle that you're not embarrassed behind the wheel. To that end, Kia has fitted the concept with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 250 horsepower that gets dissected by a six-speed short throw manual transmission and further divided among all four 19-inch wheels by an all-wheel-drive system.

Despite the lack of rear doors, the Track'ster sports a wheelbase nearly an inch longer than the Soul and a 75.5-inch rear track that stretches nearly five inches wider. Likewise, its braking system is also extra strength with 14-inch Brembos clamped by six-piston calipers up front and 13.6-inch discs with four-piston calipers in back. Of course, the interior has also been done up for concept duty, but not so much that it's outside the realm of possibility.

The Track'ster is one of those concepts that occupies a space just near enough reality that we believe it, or something like it, could be be produced if the proletariat buying regular old Souls screams loudly enough. Let us just say, AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

Continue reading Kia Track'ster concept is a self-contained 250-hp AWD track star

Kia Track'ster concept is a self-contained 250-hp AWD track star originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chicagochicago 2012chicago auto showkia trackster concepttracksterWed, 08 Feb 2012 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Cadillac ATS earns GM another Most Watched Ad Ever title]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/cadillac-ats-earns-gm-another-most-watched-ad-ever-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/cadillac-ats-earns-gm-another-most-watched-ad-ever-title/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/cadillac-ats-earns-gm-another-most-watched-ad-ever-title/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When spending big dollars on a Super Bowl ad buy, companies would do themselves well to remember that the successful spots aren't just the ones being talked about the next day. The ads that more eyeballs actually saw while watching the game were also worth their weight in focus groups.

For the second year in a row, General Motors is claiming that it aired the most watched ad during the most watched event in U.S. TV history. We are speaking of the 30-second spot entitled "Green Hell" featuring the Cadillac ATS that aired during the game's most tense moments, right after the official two-minute warning was reached. The time was 9:37 PM EST and, according to analysis by Kantar Media, more people were watching NBC's broadcast at that time than any other.

And since this year's Super Bowl was again viewed by another record audience - 111.3 million viewers in the U.S., not to mention over a billion worldwide - the ATS ad therefore becomes the most watched advertisement on television in U.S. history.

We said this is the second time that GM has claimed this crown. The first was with last year's Camaro commercial called "Miss Evelyn." To see the two most watched spots in U.S. television history back-to-back, just follow the jump.

Continue reading Cadillac ATS earns GM another Most Watched Ad Ever title

Cadillac ATS earns GM another Most Watched Ad Ever title originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac atsatscadillacmost watched ad eversuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsTue, 07 Feb 2012 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The List: The List #0024: Race in the 24 Hours of LeMons]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/the-list-0024-race-in-the-24-hours-of-lemons/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/the-list-0024-race-in-the-24-hours-of-lemons/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/the-list-0024-race-in-the-24-hours-of-lemons/#commentsFiled under: ,



While we've already sent Jessi and Patrick to a professional driving school, there's no way their on-track training could prepare them for the the 24 Hours of LeMons.

This relatively recent phenomenon of endurance racing with $500 beater cars has grown into a 20-race season for 2012 that, as the organizers themselves put it, is "Inexplicably Presented by Car and Driver." It's legit racing with a laugh track, yet requires the same dedication to win, or even finish, as any real racing endeavor.

Jessi and Patrick caught up with the 24 Hours of LeMons at Buttonwillow Raceway near Los Angeles, California where we got them rides with a team full of masochists who field only tiny British cars. What could possibly go wrong?

Follow the jump to watch them check off "Race in the 24 Hours of LeMons" from The List.
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  • Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.
  • You can also click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0024: Race in the 24 Hours of LeMons

The List #0024: Race in the 24 Hours of LeMons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemonsfeaturedjessic combspatrick mcintyrethe-listTue, 07 Feb 2012 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: AdSpotting Super Bowl Edition: Grading the Ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/adspotting-super-bowl-edition-grading-the-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/adspotting-super-bowl-edition-grading-the-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/06/adspotting-super-bowl-edition-grading-the-ads/#commentsFiled under:



Just like Super Bowl XLVI had to have a winner and a loser, so do the commercials. We've assembled every car commercial that aired during the big game after the jump, along with a poll allowing you to vote on your favorite.

To help you decide, we've graded the ads based on the opinions of our own AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley. Having been marketing editor at BusinessWeek, an Adweek and Advertising Age columnist and reporter, and an ad executive at three agencies that worked on Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Cadillac accounts, Kiley's judgment counts more than most in this sort of discussion.

Follow the jump to review our report card and vote for your favorite Super Bowl car commercial in our poll. The automakers are listening, so use your vote to tell them the ad you liked most, and just maybe you'll see more like it next year.

Continue reading AdSpotting Super Bowl Edition: Grading the Ads

AdSpotting Super Bowl Edition: Grading the Ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adspottingfeaturedpollsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsMon, 06 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Chrysler debuts "Halftime in America" Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/chrysler-halftime-in-america-super-bowl-ad-clint-eastwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/chrysler-halftime-in-america-super-bowl-ad-clint-eastwood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/05/chrysler-halftime-in-america-super-bowl-ad-clint-eastwood/#commentsFiled under: ,



How do you follow up a Super Bowl ad staring Eminem's music and one of 2011's most successful taglines? If you're Chrysler, you call in Clint Eastwood and revisit the city of Detroit's comeback story for a progress update.

Appropriately titled "Halftime in America," Chrysler's Super Bowl ad made its impactful debut immediately following the game's halftime show. Starring American icon Clint Eastwood, the ad's theme mimics the game itself, reminding Americans that even though times are tough, Detroit has proven that comebacks are possible.

Stirring? We think so. See for yourself after the jump and let us know in the comments if you think Chrysler has created a worthy follow up to last year's commercial.

Continue reading Chrysler debuts "Halftime in America" Super Bowl ad

Chrysler debuts "Halftime in America" Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerclint eastwoodhalftime in americasuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsSun, 05 Feb 2012 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Jonathon Ward talks about his Icon Derelicts in latest eGarage video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/jonathon-ward-talks-about-his-icon-derelicts-in-latest-egarage-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/jonathon-ward-talks-about-his-icon-derelicts-in-latest-egarage-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/jonathon-ward-talks-about-his-icon-derelicts-in-latest-egarage-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are very few things that get the unanimous approval of everyone here at Autoblog. One of them is Icon 4x4, which makes impossibly expensive yet worth-every-penny reimaginings of history's best off-roaders. For this year's SEMA Show, Icon debuted something new that had nothing to do with off-roading, yet still had our whole team salivating.

Christened a "Derelict" by Icon founder and designer Jonathon Ward, this 1952 Chevy Coupe looks like an abused artifact from a time not worth remembering. Knowing Icon like we do, however, it's anything but. The Derelict is fitted with a 6.2-liter V8 from General Motors producing 430 horsepower and an interior upholstered in gorgeous vintage briefcase leather, but the exterior is as original and rusty as it was when Icon found it. What we didn't know at SEMA is that the '52 Chevy isn't the first Derelict that Icon produced.

Our friends at eGarage have produced an excellent video about how the two Derelicts came to be, including how Jonathon Ward and his company made them. Spoiler alert: It wasn't as easy as dropping a new engine into an old car and redoing the leather. The Derelicts were meant to be high-performance yet reliable daily drivers, which requires more thought and engineering than we ever imagined.

Follow the jump to be one of the first to watch this latest video from eGarage.

Continue reading Jonathon Ward talks about his Icon Derelicts in latest eGarage video

Jonathon Ward talks about his Icon Derelicts in latest eGarage video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletderelictegarageiconicon 4x4jonathon wardvideoFri, 03 Feb 2012 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Chevy Silverado takes shot at Ford in apocalyptic Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/03/chevy-silverado-takes-shot-at-ford-in-apocalyptic-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Silverado Super Bowl ad

Chevrolet continues its onslaught of Super Bowl ads released before this Sunday's big game, clearly hoping that volume plays in its favor when the points are tallied by marketing analysts on Monday.

Today's commercial, entitled "2012," stars the Chevrolet Silverado in a post-apocalyptic world. In this ad, Chevy reminds us of its oft-repeated statistic that its trucks are the longest lasting, most dependable trucks on the road, and it does so by imagining that the Mayans were right and that 2012 is our last year on Earth.

It's a well-done spot with lots of fun things to focus on - we're even amused by the soundtrack, which isn't what we'd immediately expect to hear as the backing music following life after an Extinction Level Event.

Follow the jump to view the end of the world through Chevy's eyes.

Continue reading Chevy Silverado takes shot at Ford in apocalyptic Super Bowl ad

Chevy Silverado takes shot at Ford in apocalyptic Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet silveradochevroletfordsilveradosuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsvideoFri, 03 Feb 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/kia-debuts-adriana-lima-infused-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/kia-debuts-adriana-lima-infused-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/02/kia-debuts-adriana-lima-infused-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Kia has been spending big on Super Bowl advertising for a few years now, but its commercials have been hit or miss. Its ad for the big game in 2010 entitled "Joyride" was a hit for bringing toys from our childhood to life behind the wheel of a Sorento, but last year's "One Epic Ride" was a definite miss. Kia's ad for this year's Super Bowl, called "A Dream Car. For Real Life," will likely be a hit.

The premise is simple: A fairy who visits bedsides with magic dust that guarantees good dreams accidentally trips over a slipper and spills his whole bucket of sprinkles on an unsuspecting, demographically targeted and non-threateningly handsome 30-something man. The resulting indulgent dream stars Victoria's Secret model Adriana Lima, 80's hair band Mötley Crüe (looking a little worse for wear, we might add) and UFC fighter Chuck Liddell. There's also a school bus-sized sub sandwich being cut in half by lumberjacks and a roaring crowd of thousands of bikini-wearing beauties.

In the midst of all this REM-induced revelry is the Kia Optima, because what other car would your subconscious pick to impress Ms. Lima?

Kia has also published a five-hour-long video of Adriana Lima waving a checkered flag in slow motion on YouTube, because hey, if you've got her on set for the day, why not? Follow the jump to watch them both.

Continue reading Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad

Kia debuts Adriana Lima-infused Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 kia optima2012 super bowladriana limachuck liddellkiakia super bowl admötley crüemotley crueoptimasuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsvideovince neilThu, 02 Feb 2012 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[January 2012 - Hangover Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/january-2012-hangover-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/january-2012-hangover-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/01/january-2012-hangover-edition/#commentsFiled under:

Camry and Civic lead comeback of Toyota, Honda

When 2011 ticked over to become 2012, something changed with the dynamic that had been in place nearly all of last year. We had become so used to the domestics seeing increased sales month after month while Toyota and Honda struggled to keep their heads above water while fixing disaster-related production issues. No more.

January saw both Toyota and Honda report strong positive sales figures (up 9.00 and 9.25 percent, respectively). That's good enough to out-trend Ford (up 8.29 percent) and General Motors (down 6.11 percent), the latter of which saw its new year kick off with a decline after finishing 2011 with 11 out of 12 monthly sales gains. Conversely, Honda kicked off its new year right after posting eight straight months of sales declines to end 2011.

The Chrysler Group was King of the Hill in January, posting a 44.26-percent increase in sales.

Both Toyota and Honda should especially be pleased with how their traditional top sellers performed. The redesigned 2012 Toyota Camry entered the market without skipping a beat and posted a 55.9-percent increase on 28,295 units sold. Likewise, the Honda Civic, which received a harshly criticized redesign in 2011, bounced back in January with a 49.5-percent increase on sales of 21,883 units. It replaces the aging Accord at the top of Honda's sales heap, which remained flat in January with just 13,659 units sold.

What about Chrysler? Shockingly, the Chrysler Group was King of the Hill in January, posting a 44.26-percent increase in sales compared to 2011, led by an indomitable Chrysler brand that reported an 81.39-percent increase in sales on the back of strong performances by its 200 and 300 sedans. Ram (41.86 percent), Jeep (37.40 percent) and Dodge (29.37 percent) all reported strong sales, as well.

Additional mentions should be made for Mazda (up 68.19 percent) and Volkswagen (up 47.87 percent). Mazda enjoyed a 532.6-percent in Mazda2 sales to 3,032 units, as well as a 118-percent increase in Mazda6 sales to 4,929 units. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Passat went from selling just 108 units last year to moving 6,318 last month.

Check out the rest of last month's sales numbers in the table below.

Brand/Company Vol. % Jan 2012 Jan 2011 DSR* % Jan 2012 Jan 2011
Chrysler 81.39 17,604 9,705 81.39 734 404
Mazda 68.19 23,996 14,267 68.19 1,000 594
Volkswagen 47.87 27,209 18,401 47.87 1,134 767
Bentley 43.90 118 82 43.90 5 3
Ram 41.86 18,470 13,020 41.86 770 543
Land Rover 41.13 3,205 2,271 41.13 134 95
Smart 38.55 496 358 38.55 21 15
Jeep 37.40 31,710 23,079 37.40 1,321 962
Dodge 29.37 31,454 24,314 29.37 1,311 1,013
Kia 27.81 35,517 27,789 27.81 1,480 1,158
Mercedes-Benz 22.91 21,230 17,273 22.91 885 720
Mini 21.19 3,334 2,751 21.19 139 115
Subaru 20.94 22,807 18,858 20.94 950 786
Audi 19.74 9,354 7,812 19.74 390 326
Hyundai 14.73 42,694 37,214 14.73 1,779 1,551
Nissan 12.53 72,517 64,442 12.53 3,022 2,685
Honda 9.25 74,628 68,308 9.25 3,110 2,846
Toyota 9.00 112,266 102,996 9.00 4,678 4,292
Ford 8.29 131,589 121,511 8.29 5,483 5,063
Porsche 6.25 2,550 2,400 6.25 106 100
Jaguar 5.35 985 935 5.35 41 39
Acura 5.28 8,381 7,961 5.28 349 332
Volvo 4.33 4,461 4,276 4.33 186 178
BMW 3.14 16,405 15,905 3.14 684 663
Chevrolet -1.22 123,864 125,389 -1.22 5,161 5,225
Lexus -4.56 12,274 12,860 -4.56 511 536
Lincoln -7.86 5,121 5,558 -7.86 213 232
Infiniti -8.22 6,796 7,405 -8.22 283 309
GMC -9.73 24,966 27,658 -9.73 1,040 1,152
Mitsubishi -17.55 4,711 5,714 -17.55 196 238
Buick -23.07 10,208 13,269 -23.07 425 553
Cadillac -29.06 8,924 12,580 -29.06 372 524
Suzuki -41.26 1,505 2,562 -41.26 63 107
Fiat NA 1,911 0 NA 80 0
Saab NA NA 658 NA NA 27
COMPANIES
Chrysler Group 44.26 101,149 70,118 44.26 4,215 2,922
Jaguar Land Rover 30.69 4,190 3,206 30.69 175 134
Nissan NA 10.39 79,313 71,847 10.39 3,305 2,994
American Honda 8.84 83,009 76,269 8.84 3,459 3,178
Toyota Mo Co 7.50 124,540 115,856 7.50 5,189 4,827
Ford Mo Co 7.38 136,710 127,317 7.38 5,696 5,305
BMW Group 5.81 19,739 18,656 5.81 822 777
General Motors -6.11 167,962 178,896 -6.11 6,998 7,454
*Brands and companies are displayed in descending order according to their percentage change in volume sales. There were 24 selling days in January 2012 versus 24 selling days in January 2011, so the change in monthly sales volume will be the same as the change in average daily sales rate (DSR) for each brand/company. Also, brands are combined and reported as companies only if their sales figures are released jointly.

January 2012 - Hangover Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salesautomotive salesby the numbersfeaturedjanuary 2012 auto salesmonthly auto salesWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago: Mopar celebrates 75 years with bunch of Chicago-bound special editions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/31/mopar-celebrates-75-years-with-bunch-of-chicago-bound-special-ed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



This year Mopar is celebrating 75 years since its name - a combination of MOtor and PARts - was first trademarked. During that time, Mopar has evolved to become synonymous with performance parts for Chrysler and Dodge vehicles, as well as amp'd-up specialty package vehicles, vehicle service and maintenance, and add Fiat to the long list of Chrysler Group brands it supports since the Italian automaker took part ownership in the smallest of Detroit's Big 3.

Anniversaries usually come with presents, and Mopar is bring four to show and share at the Chicago Auto Show next month. The first, and only one that will be sold turn-key, is the '12 Mopar 300, which becomes the brand's third factory-built model for modern times following the '10 Mopar Challenger and '11 Mopar Charger. While offering no more power than a standard 5.7-liter V8-equipped 300, the '12 Mopar does benefit from a new final-drive ratio of 3.91:1 that drops its 0-60 time in the low five-second range, as well as a significantly stiffer suspension, grippier tires and brake system upgrades.

Then there's the exterior. If the plague's preferred method of transmission were by car, this would be its ride. It is the Black Death on wheels, which themselves are 20-inch, 8-spoke forged aluminum rollers painted Gloss Black with Mopar center caps. We especially like the tasteful blue striping that appears across the '12 Mopar's sides and around its rims. While we've yet to see it, Mopar says the interior is equally void of light save for accents of Mopar Blue.

Only 500 of these '12 Mopar 300 models will be built and sold this summer for the price of $49,700, which includes destination charges. Each one will also come with a special box of goodies that includes Mopar-branded key fobs and merch; proof of the vehicle's exact manufacture date and number built; and a sketch of the car signed by its designer.

Follow the jump for three more anniversary models from Mopar.

Continue reading Mopar celebrates 75 years with bunch of Chicago-bound special editions

Mopar celebrates 75 years with bunch of Chicago-bound special editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 mopar 3002012 chicago300500500 stingerchicagochicago auto showchryslercompasscompass true northdartdart gts 210 tributedodgefiatjeepmoparTue, 31 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Seinfeld dumps Porsche to promote Acura NSX during Super Bowl]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/seinfeld-dumps-porsche-to-promote-acura-nsx-during-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/seinfeld-dumps-porsche-to-promote-acura-nsx-during-super-bowl/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/seinfeld-dumps-porsche-to-promote-acura-nsx-during-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



How good will the upcoming return of the Acura NSX be? So good, apparently, that despite still being three years out, the supercar has converted well-known Porsche fan Jerry Seinfeld to worship at the altar of the NSX Concept.

Though we wouldn't think the creator and namesake of the hit TV show Seinfeld would need any more money (syndication ftw!), here he is shilling for Acura, obsessed with being first in line for a product that the Japanese automaker isn't expected to begin selling until 2015. Turns out, however, he's not the only comedian with more money than sense who wants an NSX.

Watch the commercial yourself, and help us posit why Acura would spend millions of dollars producing a Super Bowl commercial that doesn't promote any of its currently available products. Couple this commercial with parent company Honda's ad that features Matthew Broderick reprising his role as Ferris Bueller, and we think Honda and company have earned this year's award for spending the most on celebrity talent.

Continue reading Seinfeld dumps Porsche to promote Acura NSX during Super Bowl

Seinfeld dumps Porsche to promote Acura NSX during Super Bowl originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acurahondajerry seinfeldnsxnsx conceptsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsvideoMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Cadillac's Super Bowl ad shows ATS in hell]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/cadillacs-super-bowl-commercial-shows-ats-in-hell/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/cadillacs-super-bowl-commercial-shows-ats-in-hell/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/cadillacs-super-bowl-commercial-shows-ats-in-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Super Bowl Sunday is a scant six days away, which means you've got less than a week left to prepare yourself for the onslaught of advertising that will commence well before kick off. We're doing our part by showing you the car commercials ahead of time so you can use those commercial breaks for more important things like evacuating your bladder or refilling the salsa, not necessarily in that order.

Cadillac has developed an ad for the Super Bowl that will be 30 seconds in length and highlight its new ATS sedan, which debuted this month at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Unlike every other Super Bowl commercial you're probably going to see, Cadillac's playing it straight with this one. There will be no humor, no overpaid celebrity endorsement and no sweepstakes on Facebook involved.

Instead, you'll just see real footage of the ATS being tested during its development in an inhospitable environment. No, it isn't footage of the ATS playing Peek-a-boo among the snow drifts of Scandinavia or arid dunes of Death Valley. Where this footage was shot was truly hell. Descend to the first circle after the jump.

Continue reading Cadillac's Super Bowl ad shows ATS in hell

Cadillac's Super Bowl ad shows ATS in hell originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac atsatscadillacsuper bowlsuper bowl adssuper bowl commercialsMon, 30 Jan 2012 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/infographic-which-automakers-gave-the-biggest-discounts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/infographic-which-automakers-gave-the-biggest-discounts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/infographic-which-automakers-gave-the-biggest-discounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Business was a-boomin' in the auto industry last year, and while a number of factors conspired to keep cars moving through dealerships, chief among them was discounts. How do we know that? This infographic contains part of the answer.

Compiled using data from car-shopping website CarWoo!, the infographic tells us which automakers gave the most discounts last year, where they were given, who got them, and more. Which automaker doled out the most discounts? Jeep, which CarWoo! says was selling its vehicles at a 17.7-percent discount in 2011. Which automaker also posted the largest percentage gain in sales last year? Jeep, whose sales jumped over 44 percent compared to 2010.

Mitsubishi and Kia, which posted the second and third largest percent increases in sales last year, also make CarWoo!'s list by having offered high discounts of 11.7 and 12.1 percent in 2011.

Big savings didn't always equal big sales, though. Infiniti, for instance, is on record offering discounts of 12.2 percent in 2011, but still saw its sales fall 4.8 percent.

Check out the rest of what CarWoo!'s infographic has to say about savings after the jump.

Continue reading Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts?

Infographic: Which automakers gave the biggest discounts? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingcarwoodiscountsinfinitijeepkiamitsubishisavingsSun, 29 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Shelby SuperCars gets a new name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/shelby-supercars-gets-a-new-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/shelby-supercars-gets-a-new-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/shelby-supercars-gets-a-new-name/#commentsFiled under: ,



When you hear the Shelby name, the first person who comes to mind is likely Carroll, father of the Cobra, racing legend, and a man still involved in the development of performance Fords at nearly 90 years of age.

You probably don't think of Jerod Shelby, even though his company, Shelby SuperCars, has for years been building cars that compete for the title of world's fastest. His latest creation, the Tuatara, might steal the title back from the Bugatti Veyron, but in the meantime has proven to be very popular in the Middle East.

Problem is, the automotive world isn't big enough for two companies named after a Shelby, and so it has come to pass that Jerod's company will change its name from Shelby SuperCars to SSC North America. The switcheroo is reportedly a result of a settlement with Carroll Shelby Licensing and Carroll Shelby International.

With that behind him, hopefully Jerod can get back to the Veyron-beating business. His company has also just broken ground on the new 36,000-square-foot world headquarters and production facility in West Richland, Washington we reported on a few months back.

Shelby SuperCars gets a new name originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carroll shelbyjerod shelbyshelby supercarssscssc north americatuataraSun, 29 Jan 2012 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Dad disapproves of son's 530-horsepower MR2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/dad-disapproves-of-sons-530-horsepower-mr2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/dad-disapproves-of-sons-530-horsepower-mr2/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/29/dad-disapproves-of-sons-530-horsepower-mr2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dad reaction in 530-hp MR2

Reaction vids certainly aren't in short supply. Whether it's a mom screaming her head off during a hot lap of Laguna Seca, a little boy freaking out over the silent rush of acceleration in a Tesla Roadster, or a wife screaming expletives at her husband in Italian during a Sunday spin in a Honda Civic Type-R, these candid-camera-style videos are usually good for a few laughs.

More recently, the meme has been slathered with sex appeal to attract even more eyeballs. There's this well-known example, plus someone on YouTube who just has pretty girls ride shotgun as he takes them for a ride.

We like it best when the passenger's reaction is honest and unscripted, though. Like this example, in which a son takes his father for a ride in his pride and joy: a 530-horsepower Toyota MR2. Shot back in 2010, it's not new, but we'd never seen it before and still get a kick out of the father's response.

Take a trip with Dad after the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading Dad disapproves of son's 530-horsepower MR2

Dad disapproves of son's 530-horsepower MR2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car videoin-car videomr2reaction vidshocked dadtoyotatoyota mr2videoSun, 29 Jan 2012 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[The List: The List #0433: Driving a Tank]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/the-list-episode-0433-driving-a-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/the-list-episode-0433-driving-a-tank/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/24/the-list-episode-0433-driving-a-tank/#commentsFiled under:



The List is about fulfilling your wildest wheeled fantasies, and sometimes those wheels are bound and held in place by tank treads. Our latest episode takes Jessi and Patrick to Vikings country in the heart of Minnesota. It's Patrick's turn to indulge one of his childhood dreams, which means the pair will be piloting a small battalion of tanks through the woods and over, well... you'll just have to watch.


Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0433: Driving a Tank

The List #0433: Driving a Tank originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drive a tankdriveatankdriveatank.comjessi combstanksthe-listTue, 24 Jan 2012 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Camaro chief claims ZL1 will outperform Shelby GT500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/camaro-chief-claims-zl1-will-outperform-shelby-gt500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/camaro-chief-claims-zl1-will-outperform-shelby-gt500/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/camaro-chief-claims-zl1-will-outperform-shelby-gt500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser with Camaro ZL1

It would seem on paper that the 2013 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 should easily slay the heavier and less powerful 2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1. The former weighs 3,850 pounds and brings 650 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque to the table, the latter carries 4,120 pounds and 580 hp/556 lb-ft.

"We've done simulations. We predict that the ZL1 will be quicker to 60 than the [2013] GT500."

Not so fast, says Camaro Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser (above). Speaking with Autoblog at an Arizona drive event for the Camaro ZL1, Oppenheiser told us, "We've done simulations. We predict that the ZL1 will be quicker to 60 than the [2013] GT500... We ran the Nürburgring and released a time. Ford took the GT500, too, and never released a time. I guess you can draw your own conclusions."

When asked point-blank if he thought the ZL1 would be quicker around the 'Ring, Oppenheiser replied, "No question."

Them sounds like fighting words, especially in the face of data that suggests the opposite is true. Remember, this is the same guy who told Mustang fans "you're welcome" for encouraging Ford to throw everything it can at the Camaro.

But we're not counting Oppenheiser among the crazy just yet. All that power generated by the GT500's supercharged 5.8-liter V8 will be for naught if it can't reach the ground without turning into tire vapor, and let's not forget that the Blue Oval's bomber is still dragging around a solid rear axle, compared to the all-independent suspension sporting third-generation Magnetic Ride shocks on the ZL1. And who's doing the driving can always be the great equalizer when talking 'Ring times.

We're still inclined to put our chips on the blue square, but nothing's certain until these two titans of Detroit meet head-to-head.

Camaro chief claims ZL1 will outperform Shelby GT500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet camaro zl12013 ford shelby gt500al oppeneheisercamarocamaro zl1chevroletfordnurburgringoppenheisershelby gt500zl1Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Chevy Corvette C7 prototype spied testing!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/chevy-corvette-c7-prototype-spied-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/chevy-corvette-c7-prototype-spied-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/chevy-corvette-c7-prototype-spied-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Corvette is the very definition of a halo car, and the fact that 2013 marks its sixtieth year in production is nothing short of a miracle. The seventh-generation Corvette is still a model year away, during which time Chevy plans to send off the C6 with a special edition 60th Anniversary 427 Convertible.

Development of the C7, however, continues at full speed, and we have the very first shots of a prototype being tested in cold weather to prove it. The car in question is wrapped in vinyl covering, underneath which hides the familiar black-and-white swirl paint job we see so often on prototypes. Even still, we can identify some aspects of the evolution that will take place between the C6 and C7.

For one, comparing profile shots of this prototype with the C6, it's apparent that the front wheels have moved farther forward, increasing the dash-to-axle ratio and likely the wheelbase. The rear end also appears to be larger, with a higher deck lid and slightly longer overhang. We also noticed that this prototype's side mirrors are a different shape than the C6's, and its dual tailpipes are positioned closer together to form a perfectly spaced line of four pipes.

There's no evidence of a split rear window and a mid-engine layout is clearly not in the cards. These photos should put those wild rumors to rest, but what's under the hood and how the interior has been improved are still unknowns.

Chevy Corvette C7 prototype spied testing! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevy corvette2014 chevrolet corvettec6c6 corvettec7c7 corvettechevroletchevycorvettespy picsspy shotsThu, 19 Jan 2012 08:10:00 EST