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[Spy Shots: Prototype 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught naked?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/spy-shots-prototype-2011-volkswagen-touareg-caught-naked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/spy-shots-prototype-2011-volkswagen-touareg-caught-naked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/spy-shots-prototype-2011-volkswagen-touareg-caught-naked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hey there, odd looking, what you got cooking? Yes, we're pretty positive you're looking (or about to be looking) at the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught without its robe on. Visually speaking, not much has changed. The front clip and hood look more in line with the sixth generation Golf/GTI. From behind, you can see an awful lot of Porsche Cayenne - which is not surprising as the two SUVs are very closely related - especially these days.

We're always liked the Touareg. It's one of those special Volkswagens built almost entirely out of Ferdinand Piech's adrenal glands, akin to the Phaeton and Bugatti Veyron. All three are cars built (largely) without compromise. Don't believe us? Allow us to suggest a weekend with the twin-turbo V10 TDI model - it really will bring you around to our way of thinking. 553 lb-ft of blown diesel torque at 1,800 rpm tends to have that effect on people.

The question now is, will this new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg be anywhere near as phantasmagorical as the last one? We can't say (yet), but we're thinking VW's going to probably dial the "hell yeah!" back a bit. That's just the way of things. Of course, they may not. Either way, we just hope they figure out how to make the next one more reliable. A tip of our off roadin' flap hats to Paul!

[Source: Secret New Cars]

Spy Shots: Prototype 2011 Volkswagen Touareg caught naked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Touareg2011 Volkswagen Touareg2011Touareg2011VolkswagenTouaregFerdinand PiechFerdinandPiechPorscheTouaregVolkswagen TouaregVolkswagenTouaregThu, 26 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/next-in-line-to-get-irked-by-jeremy-clarkson-the-romanian-gover/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear in Romania - click above to watch video

Another day, another country that hates Jeremy Clarkson's guts. Or at least, another country that is seeking an apology from the Top Gear host for his no doubt rude, but no doubter funny comments about said country. In this case, it's the former Iron Curtain nation of Romania. Seems that during the series' season 14 opener, Jezza had some less than flattering observations about the country that shot former "Conductor" Nicolae Ceauşescu and his wife before they could even be tied up and blindfolded.

Clarkson's offending remarks? He referred to Romania as "Borat country." He also donned the silly-looking pork pie hat above and stated, "I'm wearing this hat so the gypsies think I am one. I'm told they can be violent if they don't like the look of you." He also called Romanian water "Communist water" and mentioned that Romanians like to express their sense of humor with guns. Pretty innocuous stuff if you ask us. Especially compared to cracks Clarkson's made about other non-British places. Like Germany, America and Malaysia. Regardless, the Romanian government is apparently expecting an apology. We think they'd have a better chance at satisfaction by issuing a Whamber Alert. In any case, you can see the offending footage in its entirety by clicking through to the jump.

[Sources: Telegraph; YouTube]

Continue reading Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO]

Next in line to get irked by Jeremy Clarkson? The Romanian government [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBCBoratClarksonCommunismJames MayJamesMayJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonRIchard HammondRichardHammondRomaniaTop GearTopGearTue, 24 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi RS6 Avant driver reportedly caught going 133 MPH with nearly 2,000 pounds of pot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/audi-rs6-avant-driver-reportedly-caught-for-going-133-mph-with-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/audi-rs6-avant-driver-reportedly-caught-for-going-133-mph-with-n/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/audi-rs6-avant-driver-reportedly-caught-for-going-133-mph-with-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Audi RS6 Avant - Click above to for high-res image gallery

If you read publications about cars long enough, you'll no doubt catch on to our pro-wagon bias. In fact, if us auto-journo types ran things, SUVs, CUVs and sedans would be banned, and all passenger cars would either be mid-engined, 500 horsepower coupes or 600 hp wagons. With manuals and roll up windows. No, really. This is the type of thinking required to join our vaunted profession. However, one of the many reasons we want mega-burly wagons isn't to haul one ton of dope around.

Seems that a twin-turbo, Lambo-V10 engined Audi RS6 Avant (good for at least 580 hp) was busted outside of Seville, Spain for not only going 133 mph, but for carrying 2,000 pounds of pot. Twenty-seven bundles of hashish to be specific. Value? €120,000, or about $180,000 USD. That's a lot of grass, man. And probably about one thousand pounds more than a RS6 sedan could have carried. Er... umm... we mean.... "Bad RS6 Avant, bad!"


Gallery: 2008 Audi RS6 Avant


[Source: Motor Pasion]

Audi RS6 Avant driver reportedly caught going 133 MPH with nearly 2,000 pounds of pot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi RS6Audi RS6 AvantAudi RS6 WagonAudiRs6AudiRs6AvantAudiRs6WagonAvantRS6RS6 AvantRS6 WagonRs6AvantRs6WagonTue, 24 Nov 2009 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/video-2010-dodge-viper-acr-makes-the-rounds-at-laguna-seca-set/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/video-2010-dodge-viper-acr-makes-the-rounds-at-laguna-seca-set/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/video-2010-dodge-viper-acr-makes-the-rounds-at-laguna-seca-set/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above to watch the video

The Dodge Viper is many things to many people. An object of unparalleled lust to some, a big-mouthed, truck-engined Corvette ripoff to others. And an ankle burner to still others. But no one ever thought of Dodge's V10 quarter-mile thug as a serious track car. Until the Viper ACR showed up.

Lighter (especially in Hardcore Package guise) and producing ten times as much downforce as the "regular" SRT10 Viper, the ACR model set off some pretty big waves when the big-winged snake debuted (especially in the Nurburgring record community), even though most of the rippling came from the street-legal slicks. But never mind all that, the new 2010 Dodge Viper ACR is here, and it's even better than the 2009 version.

Why? Well, it's faster (top speed is now 202 mph) and quicker (it can reach said top speed a whole 14 seconds sooner than the 2009 model). How? Gearing, specifically 5th gear, which has been revised from 0.741 to 0.796. Also, the end caps on the giant wing have been revised, resulting in that higher top end. Some new colors, too. We have tons of videos of it rumbling/blasting around Laguna Seca for your perusal, after the jump. Hat tip to Ryan!

UPDATE: Looks like Dodge, the Viper ACR and driver Chris Winkler just broke the Laguna Seca single-lap record with a time of 1:33.944. Those of you with longish memories will remember that a Devon GTX (powered by a Viper motor) recently set the (now) old record at Laguna -- 1.35.075. In other words, the new Viper ACR just beat the previous record by more than a second. Impressive. And yet another video, after the jump.

UPDATE 2: Gallery of images from the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR's day at the track added.

UPDATE 3: Chrysler just twittered: "To honor Viper's record-breaking lap at Laguna Seca, Dodge will rollout a Laguna Seca Special Edition Viper." Now that's planning product on your feet!


Gallery: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR at Laguna Seca



[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record

VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 dodge viper2010 Dodge Viper ACR2010DodgeViper2010DodgeViperAcrDodgedodge viperDodge Viper ACRDodgeViperDodgeViperAcrLaguna SecaLagunaSecaViperViper ACRViperAcrTue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Car and Driver</i> announces 2010 10Best Cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/image-car-and-driver-announces-2010-10best-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/image-car-and-driver-announces-2010-10best-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/image-car-and-driver-announces-2010-10best-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Our pals over at Car and Driver, now helmed by our esteemable buddy Eddie Alterman, just released their 2010 10Best Cars. Quite an undertaking. As they put it, "58 contenders. $2.5 million total. 12,000 test miles logged." For those keeping track, this is the 28th time C/D has published their 10Best. Surprises this year? No not really. The BMW 3 Series continues its unabated drive of dominance to 10Best history with an impressive, will-probably-never-be-duplicated 19th straight win. Not to be too outdone, the Honda Accord also makes the cut for a 24th time, though not consecutive.

Also note that while the Audi S4 makes the grade, the run-of-the-mill (so to speak) A4 does not. We're also pleased to see the Ford Fusion Hybrid getting its just dues (again, it's interesting that the gas-only version doesn't). And of course, you've got your yearly appearance by the Mazda Miata MX-5, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and Volkswagen GTI. Falling off the list this year? The Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G37, and the Jaguar XF.

Would we have done things much differently? Probably not much, though we must admit we were pulling for the highly impressive Suzuki Kizashi to make its debut and we're a bit surprised to not see one of the new crop of pony cars on the list. Maybe next year. Alphabetical list of winners after the jump.

[Source: Car and Driver | Image Source: R.S. Owens]

Continue reading Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars

Car and Driver announces 2010 10Best Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 Best10 best cars10Best10best cars10BestCars2010 Audi S42010 BMW 3 Series2010 Cadillac CTS2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid2010 Honda Accord2010 Honda Fit2010 Mazda Miata MX-52010 Mazda32010 Porsche Boxster2010 Volkswagen GTI2010AudiS42010Bmw3Series2010CadillacCts2010FordFusionHybrid2010HondaAccord2010HondaFit2010Mazda32010MazdaMiataMx-52010PorscheBoxster2010VolkswagenGtiBMW M3BmwM3Car DriverCar Driver 10BestCarDriverCarDriver10bestCaymanCDCTS-VFord FusionFordFusionMazdaSpeed3Ten Best CarsTenBestCarsTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a CUV we can live with]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/first-drive-2010-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-is-a-cuv-we-can-live-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/first-drive-2010-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-is-a-cuv-we-can-live-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/first-drive-2010-mitsubishi-outlander-gt-is-a-cuv-we-can-live-w/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi presented its best and brightest rides for us to drive over the course of an eight-hour event in the parched desert oasis of Palm Springs, CA. Everything from a tuned, 290-hp Lancer Sportback Ralliart to an electric i MiEV. And drive them we did. We rocketed up winding mountain roads and down gravel-caked trails. If they brought it, we pounded on it. Fairly hard, too. Odd then that the focus of this particular review - and in many ways the star of the party - isn't some carbon fiber body kit-enhanced EVO X, but rather the new 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT.

Yup, an SUV. Actually, a CUV, albeit one with lots of ground clearance. Mitsubishi first introduced the second generation Outlander in 2006 (replacing the more wagon-esque first gen.), and 2010 marks a major refresh. In GT trim, almost everything has changed, from the exterior to the interior to the quantity and quality of gadgets to the engine output to the transmission and finally, most importantly, its all-wheel-drive system. The 2009 Outlander was a fine, competent, utilitarian machine - perfectly adequate for schlepping kids and groceries. But let's be frank, it didn't set hearts on fire. And while the new Outlander GT won't necessarily do that either, it's most definitely not just another sedan on stilts.


Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT


Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Off-Roading


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a CUV we can live with

First Drive: 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a CUV we can live with originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT2010 Outlander GT2010MitsubishiOutlanderGt2010OutlanderGtfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveMitsubishiMitsubishi Outlander GTMitsubishiOutlanderGtOutlanderOutlander GTOutlanderGtS-AWCFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Swedish Pickle: Study says GM lost $5,000+ on each Saab sold over the last 8 years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/swedish-pickle-study-says-gm-lost-5-000-on-each-saab-sold-ove/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/swedish-pickle-study-says-gm-lost-5-000-on-each-saab-sold-ove/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/swedish-pickle-study-says-gm-lost-5-000-on-each-saab-sold-ove/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo X - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the automotive history of the last ten or so years is written, one of the most curious chapters will be why big, flush with cash American car companies purchased relatively diminutive, relatively oddball Swedish brands. Ford and Volvo, while still not a match made in heaven, at least gave it a go, sharing platforms and technology. The merger has yielded some good results, too. Anyone that's driven cars like the Flex or new Taurus can attest to how well Ford skin draped over a Volvo-based chassis works - especially when motivated by a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected motor.

General Motors acquisition of Saab on the other hand, was basically a complete and total disaster. Saab suffered mightily at the hands of the General, being forced to accept Opel underpinnings with hard points that prevented hatchbacks and therefore alienated the brand's five-door loving base. The 9-5 (formerly the 9000) languished and essentially died on the vine. The Saabaru (9-2X) proved the no one wanted to pay a $5000 premium for a WRX with nice seats, and the 9-7X was for all intents and purposes a Chevy Trailblazer with the ignition key stuck between the seats. Worse, with Saturn morphing into the American branch of Opel, Saab was the afterthought after the afterthought.

According to an article in Sweden's di, GM lost $5,100 on every Saab it has sold over the last eight years. The how is murky, but the why is that they spent a lot of money to purchase Saab and then didn't sell very many of them. Moreover, it's costing GM a pretty penny to unload Saab. Just about $900,000,000 to put a number on it. All in, General Motors lost nearly $6 billion dollars with Saab in the eight years they spent together. A total waste on both sides of the Atlantic. Here's hoping for better things from the (still pending) Koenigsegg marriage.


Gallery: 2008 Saab Turbo X


[Source: di.se via TTAC]

Swedish Pickle: Study says GM lost $5,000+ on each Saab sold over the last 8 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>General MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSaabSwedenFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[STUDY: If you're gonna make us pay for a bloke's writing, it bloody well better be Clarkson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/study-if-youre-gonna-make-us-pay-for-a-blokes-writing-it-blo/#commentsFiled under: ,



We'll admit up front that this news item is minimally car-related, but bear with us. In response to News Corp's Rupert Murdoch's repeated threats to bury all of his content behind a pay-for-it-wall, the UK's Guardian conducted a poll asking readers which online columnists they'd pay for. The not so shocking result: Jeremy Clarkson, number one. Number two is Charlie Brooker, who we've heard of. The next eight? Not so much. But here's the point.

Jeremy Clarkson writes about cars. The other day, we were arguing with a burned out (and nameless) colleague about our mutual chosen profession. Eventually he blurted out, "You're still working under the delusion that writing a good car review is somehow noble." Not that Clarkson is particularly noble, but the notion that the writer most people (well, British people...) want to read spends his days scribing about powersliding the tires off half-a-million dollar cars is quite heartening. Almost ennobling, really.

[Source: The Guardian | Image: AFP/Getty]

STUDY: If you're gonna make us pay for a bloke's writing, it bloody well better be Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ClarksonJeremy ClarksonJeremyClarksonrupert murdochRupertMurdochThe GuardianTheGuardianTop GearTopGearFri, 20 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choices: Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang GT500?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/choices-nissan-gt-r-or-ford-mustang-gt500/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/choices-nissan-gt-r-or-ford-mustang-gt500/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/choices-nissan-gt-r-or-ford-mustang-gt500/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Click above to read the rest of the post and vote in our poll

A few months back we were lucky enough to roll around in a 2010 Nissan GT-R. On our way up to a pre-burnt Angeles Crest Highway for the now infamous flip-flop-gate photoshoot, yours truly began explaining to our intrepid photographer Drew Phillips just exactly how Nissan's latest and greatest is faster than a speeding Gallardo, more powerful than a F430 and able to leap tall canyon roads without breaking a sweat. And on and on and on. When I finally shut up, Drew asked me, "Would you take a GT-R over a GT500?" Whoa...

Read the rest of the post and vote in our poll after the jump.


Gallery: Review: 2010 Nissan GT-R


Gallery: 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang

Continue reading Choices: Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang GT500?

Choices: Nissan GT-R or Ford Mustang GT500? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Nissan GT-R2010 Shelby GT5002010NissanGt-r2010ShelbyGt500FordFord MustangFord Shelby Gt500FordMustangFordShelbyGt500GT-RGT500NissanNissan GT-RNissanGt-rShelbyShelby GT500ShelbyGt500Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/ford-and-m-sport-officially-unveil-fiesta-s2000-rally-car-w-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car - click above for high-res image gallery

Ford Motor Company and noted rally masters M-Sport have pulled the veil off their latest collaborative rally machine, the Fiesta S2000. It's their first global rally car, and as such will be able to compete in a whole bevy of international competitions ranging from IRC to the S2000 World Cup to Aatos and Aamu's Finnish Tree Bash. Long story short, going by past history alone, this should be one bruiser of a successful rally car.

Right, so let's talk stats. The Fiesta S2000 comes with a naturally aspirated 1998cc I4 Duratec S2000 engine good for 280 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of twisting torque all the while spinning to an 8,000 rpm redline. That mill gets mated to a permanent all-wheel drive system hooked up to a sequential manual transmission with an AP clutch. Sizable Brembos are at all four corners (and like the wheels, vary in size depending on asphalt or gravel). Ready for the best part? It weighs just 2,640 pounds - and that's with the roll cage. And get this - the Fiesta S2000 is "due for homologation in January 2010." Fake, well-produced "spy video" after the jump, gigantic high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Ford and M-Sport Fiesta S2000 rally car


[Source: FiestaS2000.com via 0-60mag.com]

Continue reading Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO]

Ford and M-Sport officially unveil Fiesta S2000 rally car [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FiestaFiesta S2000Fiesta S2000 rally carFiestaS2000FiestaS2000RallyCarFordFord FiestaFordFiestaM-SportM-Sport FiestaM-sportFiestaRallyRally CarRallyCarWed, 18 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Billionaire investor Soros buys $53M in Ford stock, sends it soaring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-billionaire-investor-soros-buys-53m-in-ford-stock-send/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-billionaire-investor-soros-buys-53m-in-ford-stock-send/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-billionaire-investor-soros-buys-53m-in-ford-stock-send/#commentsFiled under: ,

About a year ago, when Ford's stock dropped to just above $1 per share, we had a total Ralph Kramden-style get rich quick epiphany. Take all our money and buy Ford stock. Why? Having driven Ford's new, excellent products (like, say, the 2010 Ford Fusion), we knew that barring some weird disaster, that its stock could only, would only rise. Talk about easy money - we'd just sit back and get rich(ish). Trouble was A) we didn't have very much money B) we... forgot to buy any Ford stock.

Now, billionaire with a B investor and philanthropist George Soros has lots of money. Tons, quite literally. So much, in fact, that his holding group bought 7.3 million shares of Ford stock yesterday. All in, those shares are valued at about $53 million. Because of Mr. Soros' confidence in Ford, the price of the company's stock shot up briefly over $9.00, before ending the day valued at $8.98 a share. All in all, it's up 3.1% since Soros said "go." Imagine if we would have sunk $1,000 or so into Ford back when the share price was $1.26 last November. Nearly $8,000 smackeroos of cold, hard, profit! Maybe next recession.

[Sources: Reuters; Auto News - sub req | Image: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Billionaire investor Soros buys $53M in Ford stock, sends it soaring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FordFord StockFordStockGeorge SorosGeorgeSorosSorosWed, 18 Nov 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Top Safety Picks announced by IIHS, new roof strength rule shakes things up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/2010-top-safety-picks-announced-by-iihs-new-roof-strength-rule/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/2010-top-safety-picks-announced-by-iihs-new-roof-strength-rule/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/2010-top-safety-picks-announced-by-iihs-new-roof-strength-rule/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has once again announced the winners of its Top Safety Pick award - all 27 of them. This time out, 19 cars and eight SUVs made the all-important grade. To break it down a bit for you, Subaru is the only make to earn top marks in each of the classes in which it competes (four), winning a total of five awards. Ford and Volvo combined to take home six Top Safety Pick awards (the most of any automaker), VW/Audi comes away with five and Chrysler gets four. Added to this year's safe list in the small car segment are also two new competitors, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.

New for 2010 are more stringent rollover standards used in the evaluations by the IIHS, a tweak which is apparently responsible for keeping Toyota, the world's biggest automaker in terms of sales, from receiving a single award - even though last year, between Toyota, Lexus and Scion there were eleven winners. BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Saab were also absent from the list for the same reason, as the was the Ford Fusion. The Toyota Camry, meanwhile, didn't make the cut because of a marginal rear crash rating. All 27 winners - and a full press release - can be found after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks

Large carsLarge carsLarge carsLarge carsMidsize cars

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading 2010 Top Safety Picks announced by IIHS, new roof strength rule shakes things up

2010 Top Safety Picks announced by IIHS, new roof strength rule shakes things up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Top Safety Pick2010 Top Safety Picks2010TopSafetyPick2010TopSafetyPicksIIHSInsurance InstituteInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetySafetyTop Safety PickTopSafetyPickWed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-backstory-behind-hpps-showstopping-daytona-conversion-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-backstory-behind-hpps-showstopping-daytona-conversion-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-backstory-behind-hpps-showstopping-daytona-conversion-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

HPP Daytona - Click above for high-res image gallery

When we saw the HPP Daytona at this year's SEMA show, two things became very apparent. One, we'd really like to drive it. Two, we need better pictures of it. See, the poor thing got itself shoved into a tight booth at SEMA and we just couldn't get too many decent shots. So, being the enterprising lads that we are, we wrote HPP and asked if they had some better pictures. Guess what? You're looking at 'em.

One thing we really dig about these studio shots is the detailing. Just check out the custom exhaust tips - the square suckers sticking out of the Daytona's side behind the rear wheel. Nifty, no? Great hood latches, great front splitter, good looking (and apparently functional) hood scoops and really nice hood pins. And just look at that wing - fabulous. Really, the more we look, the more we like this 600-horsepower supercharged bad boy. Which leaves us with one big question: who is HPP?

Well now, included with the purty pictures was a very interesting explanation to that very question. Gordon M. Heidacker is the president of Heide Performance Products (HPP). He's been in the car business for 23 years, working for AMC and Chrysler while getting his hands dirty with cars like Plymouth Prowler and Dodge Viper. After the Cerberus debacle, Heidacker decided to go it on his own, and set up HPP to fill, "a general hole in the market for accessories and upscale vehicles that could be converted into passionate expressions of metal, glass, plastic to become rolling art." Sounds good by us.

As far as this here Daytona goes, Heidacker had a conversation with Chrysler explaining what he and his team wanted to do. And if Chrysler liked it, they'd fund it. But, as Heidacker points out, they "Delivered that proposal to Mopar exactly 1.5 hours before they declared bankruptcy. So we decided to internally fund the project." Timing, as it's said, is everything. What's next for HPP? Next up is another Challenger, but for next year's SEMA show, they'll be bringing a Chevrolet Camaro. We, for one, will be there. For a partial list of the 50 individual changes HPP made to the Challenger when turning it into the Daytona, make the jump.


Gallery: HPP Daytona Studio Shots


Gallery: SEMA 2009: HPP Daytona Challenger


[Source: hppcars.com]

Continue reading The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next?

The backstory behind HPP's showstopping Daytona conversion... is a Chevy Camaro next? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DaytonaDodgeDodge ChallengerDodge DaytonaDodgeChallengerDodgeDaytonaGordon HeidackerGordonHeidackerHeide Performance ProductsHeidePerformanceProductsHPPHPP DaytonaHppDaytonaMOPARPlymouth SuperbirdPlymouthSuperbirdSuperbirdWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/quick-spin-superformance-mkiii-r-cobra-kickstarts-our-hearts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Superformance MKIII R Cobra - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's mea culpa time. While it's probably best not to begin a review with an apology, I'd be fairly derelict in my auto bloggin' duty if I didn't admit that not only does this review represent my first time in a Cobra - ever - but that I went in wanting to love the car. After all, not only is the Cobra Daytona Coupe the single greatest car I've ever driven, but I'm what you might call a Shelby-head. At least once a week my fiancee is hollering at me to put one of my several Shelby books back in the bookcase. But still, before today, I'd never driven a Cobra.

Of course, purists will argue I still haven't. This gun metal gray beauty wasn't built on Princeton Ave. in Venice Beach. Nor was it built at Shelby America's hanger near LAX. In fact, it wasn't even built in America. No, this particular Cobra - the Superformance MKIII R, a special version of their MKIII - is built in South Africa. Recently, too. The MKIII R actually has a modern, square-tube spaceframe chassis with different hard points and suspension than you'd find underneath a classic Cobra's skin. Perhaps it's not a "real" Cobra, but here's what Carroll Shelby has to say about Superformance's efforts, "It's not a true Shelby, but I've endorsed and licensed the car for being as close to correct and well-built as possible." Good enough for me.


Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII-R


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts

Quick Spin: Superformance MKIII R Cobra kickstarts our hearts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carroll ShelbyCarrollShelbyCobrafeaturedMKIII RMkiiiRquick driveQuickDriveRoushRoush 427Roush 427 SRRoush427Roush427SrShelby CobraShelbyCobraSuperformanceSuperformance CobraSuperformance MKIII RSuperformance MKIII R CobraSuperformanceCobraSuperformanceMkiiiRSuperformanceMkiiiRCobraWed, 18 Nov 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/rumormill-subaru-version-of-toyota-ft-86-to-be-bigger-get-subs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/rumormill-subaru-version-of-toyota-ft-86-to-be-bigger-get-subs/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/rumormill-subaru-version-of-toyota-ft-86-to-be-bigger-get-subs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toyota FT-86 Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

While most sports car fans everywhere are waiting with bated breath for the new Toyota FT-86 to arrive from the Land of the Rising Sun, some of us are a little bit more excited about the car's Subaru cousin. Why is that, especially considering that the FT-86 appears to be kinda just what the doctor ordered (rear-wheel drive, 200 horsepower, light, cheap)? Well, for one thing, Subarus are all-wheel drive. And while rear-wheel driven sports cars definitely have their charms (earlier rumors even suggested that Fuji Heavy (i.e. Subaru) was even caving and going rear-drive with its version of the Toyobaru), there's really little in life as fun as blasting down a gravel road at a seemingly unsafe clip while kicking up mountainous clouds of dust. Plus, you know, rain and all that.

Then there's the engine. Our pals at Inside Line are reporting that the Subaru iteration of the FT-86 will have more power - 250 hp according to them. Using Jeremy Clarkson-style logic, 250 hp is better than 200 hp. Because it's more. IL claims that the Toyobaru will use a version of the just-developed-for-the-FT-86 flat-four 2.0-liter engine - supposedly naturally aspirated like in the FT-86.

But here's the thing - the smallest engine Subaru offers American consumers these days is a 2.5-liter boxer. And that motor, turbo-tuned for WRX duty, makes 265 hp (though we've driven it and we'd wager it kicks out a bit more than that). Why would Subaru put a smaller, weaker engine into a $30,000 coupe ($30,000 according to the IL article) than the motor they stick in the $25,000 WRX? Exactly -we don't think they would.

Inside Line also says the Subaru version will be larger than the Toyota car because of a "stretched platform." We're not sure if that means longer or wider - or both - but we'd err on the side of longer, as in more backseat room. What we're looking at then, is a big-ish, AWD coupe with a lot of power. Can you say 2011 SVX? We knew you could.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Toyota FT-86 Concept


[Source: Inside Line]

Rumormill: Subaru version of Toyota FT-86 to be bigger, get substantially more power, AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FT-86SubaruSubaru CoupeSubaru SVXSubaru WRXSubaruCoupeSubaruSvxSubaruWrxsubiyotaSVXToyobaruToyotaToyota FT-86ToyotaFt-86WRXWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[The Truth About Cars founder Robert Farago leaves the building]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-truth-about-cars-founder-robert-farago-leaves-the-building/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-truth-about-cars-founder-robert-farago-leaves-the-building/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/the-truth-about-cars-founder-robert-farago-leaves-the-building/#commentsFiled under:

We've known for two months this day was coming, yet it's still something of a shock. Robert Farago, the one man wrecking crew of an editor-in-chief over at The Truth About Cars, has hung up his gloves. Why a shock? Love him or loathe him, Farago has been a mega-influence in the autoblogosphere (and, in auto journalism as a whole, it must be said) for nearly a decade. In many ways he's been the devil (or angel) on all of our shoulders reminding us not to enjoy that perfectly cooked, medium rare New York strip and spareribs paired with a very fine French wine too much while on press trips. In the end, it's all about the truth of the car.

As we've mentioned, Farago was an early Autoblog writer, albeit very briefly. He also wrote for Jalopnik.com back in the day. In fact, Farago invented the three-part car review format they employed up until yesterday. Moreover, through relentless browbeating, haranguing and sheer chutzpah, Farago finally got Edmunds Inside Line to tack a "This was a manufacturer sponsored press event" disclaimer onto the end of their reviews (though Edmunds disputes this). Then of course, there's this. And while over the years there has been some friendly (and totally unfriendly) friction between TTAC and Autoblog, Farago gave at least one of us our start in this crazy, dirty and frankly weird biz. And when the going gets weird, you know what the weird do. Make the jump to read this author's personal, Not-Safe-For-Work Farago recollections (WARNING: Explicit language).

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Continue reading The Truth About Cars founder Robert Farago leaves the building

The Truth About Cars founder Robert Farago leaves the building originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FaragoRobert FaragoRobertFaragoThe Truth About CarsTheTruthAboutCarsTTACWed, 18 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Bufori drops the retro and goes for the contemporary with new Malaysian-built CS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bufori-drops-the-retro-and-goes-for-the-contemporary-with-new-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bufori-drops-the-retro-and-goes-for-the-contemporary-with-new-ma/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/bufori-drops-the-retro-and-goes-for-the-contemporary-with-new-ma/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bufori CS rendering - click above for high-res image gallery

First things first - these are renderings. In other words, an artist's conception of what the finished product will (probably) look like. Are these the best renderings ever produced? In a word, no. They actually leave quite a bit to be desired. But, they are just renderings. Got it? Good.

If you've never heard of the Bufori Motor Car Company - and odds are good that you haven't - it's a small Malaysian automaker founded by three Australians that until today has concentrated on cars that look like a Morgan crossed with an Excalibur. But never mind all that retro stuff, Bufori is looking to the future. They've just announced the Bufori CS, and the "CS" stands for "Compact Sports." A good starting point if you ask us.

The body will be crafted from carbon fiber and Kevlar, meaning it ought to be stiff and light - also good attributes in a small, sporty car. Better yet, it sits on a spaceframe chassis, similar to a Lotus 7, Shelby Cobra or Rolls-Royce Phantom. Power comes from an unidentified 2.0-liter turbo four-banger - which could mean anything from Subaru to Audi to General Motors' Ecotec. All four corners of the CS's suspension will be fully adjustable.

If you squint (and hope) hard enough, you might just be looking at a wonderful sports car, inline with Toyota's new FT-86, only fancier. Look for the CS to drop around 2011. Odds of it coming to the USA? Zilch. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Bufori CS


[Source: Bufori Motor Car Company]

Continue reading Bufori drops the retro and goes for the contemporary with new Malaysian-built CS

Bufori drops the retro and goes for the contemporary with new Malaysian-built CS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuforiBufori CSBuforiCsMalaysiaTue, 17 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/att-autotechnik-drops-bmw-335i-doppelturbo-cabriolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/att-autotechnik-drops-bmw-335i-doppelturbo-cabriolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/att-autotechnik-drops-bmw-335i-doppelturbo-cabriolet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

ATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-Cabriolet - click above for high-res image gallery

This is the problem: According to ATT Autotechnik -- the M3 Convertible is so good, why bother with any other 3 Series convertibles? And they have a point... until now! Meet ATT's new Doppleturbo-Cabriolet. What they've done is to take a regular BMW 335i convertible and make it quicker. How much quicker?

The regular 335i is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque (though, of course, those numbers are underrated a bit). The Doppleturbo on the other hand makes 356 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque. A little less power than the M3 (414 hp) but nearly 25% more torque (the M3 makes just 300 lb-ft). You also get a stainless steel exhaust and big, good looking 20-inch, 20-spoke wheels (though some more brakes would be nice, at least visually speaking). But is it any good?

Well, in the past we've seen BMW tuners do the whole less-horses-more-torques thing with good results. Anybody remember Alpina's take on the Z8? Essentially, rather than use the E39's high-strung 5.0-liter V8, Alpina bored out a 4.4-liter BMW V8 to 4.8-liters. The results were 375 hp (vs. 394 hp) and 383 lb-ft of twist (vs. 368 lb-ft) and according to all lucky enough to drive the car, a much preferable grand tourer to the "stock" car. Could ATT Autotechnik have worked the same magic with the Doppelturbo? Maybe. Awkwardly translated press release after the jump.


Gallery: ATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-Cabriolet


[Source: att-tec.com]

Continue reading ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlpinaAlpina Z8AlpinaZ8ATT AutotechnikATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-CabrlioetAttAutotechnikAttAutotechnikDoppelturbo-cabrlioetBMWBMW 335iBMW 335i ConvertibleBmw335iBmw335iConvertibleDoppelturbo-CabrioletTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-george-barris-olds-toronado-70-x-is-wrapar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

George Barris's 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X - clic above for high-res image gallery

If you've never seen Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66, stop reading and watch it. Why? Because otherwise the next part of this post isn't going to make any sense to you. Anyhow, remember the scene when his Billy Brown character kidnaps/carjacks Christina Ricci's Layla and forces her to drive because he can't work a manual?
"Would you like to know why I can't drive this kinda car? I'm used to luxury cars. Have you ever heard of a luxury car? Ever heard of Cadillac, Cadillac Eldorado? That's what I drive. I drive cars that shift themselves. My cars shift themselves. The luxury cars, they shift themselves."
We quote this scene because we think this here particular Oldsmobile Toronado would appeal to Mr. Brown's predilection for luxury cars. We mean, just look at that back seat. Incredible, right? Wrap around leather benches are totally (and sadly) missing from our everyday automotive experience. And we're pretty sure you could use the fold-out cocaine shelf to write on, so it's practical, too. Curiously, we've seen a Barris Toro before - though that one was dubbed 67X - and although it was in much worse shape, it failed to meet its reserve at $7,701.

Now, this particular custom Toronado (the story goes that Barris built four of these for the 1967 Canadian Expo -- only two are known to survive) is much better shape, having undergone a "complete frame-up restoration at an astronomical cost." However, $7,701 won't even get you into that amazing drug den back seat. In fact, the starting bid is $227,770 and the reserve isn't met. Sure, that's a lot of scratch, but you can really put a price on luxury like this? We're saying no. Happy bidding!


Gallery: 1967 Oldsmobile Barris 70-X Toronado


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1967 Barris Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X1967 Oldsmobile Toronado1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X1967 Oldsmobile Toronado Barris 70-X1967BarrisOldsmobileToronado70-x1967OldsmobileToronado1967OldsmobileToronado70-x1967OldsmobileToronadoBarris70-xBarris Oldsmobile ToronadoBarrisOldsmobileToronadocGeare BarrisGeareBarrisLuxuryOlds Toronado 70-XOldsmobil Toronado 70-XOldsmobileOldsmobile Barris Toronado 70-XOldsmobile ToronadoOldsmobileBarrisToronado70-xOldsmobileToronadoOldsmobilToronado70-xOldsToronado70-xToronadoToronado 70-XToronado70-xTue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Rossignolo buys De Tomaso, new models headed for Geneva in 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-rossignolo-buys-de-tomaso-new-models-headed-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-rossignolo-buys-de-tomaso-new-models-headed-for-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/report-rossignolo-buys-de-tomaso-new-models-headed-for-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Panthera Rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're working off a machine-translated web page, so bear with us, but it looks like legendary Seventies marque De Tomaso is being resurrected once again. This time by a wealthy Italian industrialist named Gian Mario Rossingnolo. Looks like Signor Rossingnolo has already purchased a Pininfarina factory in which to build the new De Tomaso, and tried (unsuccessfully) to rescue Bertone earlier this year.

The big question is what are they going to build. Well, the ambitious-sounding-to-our-ears plan is to build 8,000 aluminum-bodied cars per year. And they are to be prestige cars, to better take advantage of the De Tomaso brand. As for specifics, Rossingnolo is planning on a luxury sedan, a coupe and an SUV. The cars should make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show the year after next. Here's hoping one named Pantera shows up with Ford's supercharged 5.4-liter V8 mounted behind the driver.


Gallery: Panthera rendering


[Source: Argentina Auto Blog]

REPORT: Rossignolo buys De Tomaso, new models headed for Geneva in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>de tomasoDe Tomaso PanteraDeTomasoDeTomasoPanteraGian Mario RossingnoloGianMarioRossingnoloPanteraPininfarinaTue, 17 Nov 2009 09:26:00 EST