Autoblog Design/Style http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Design/Style http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle debuts at Villa d'Este]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle - front three-quarter view

BMW R 90 S in Daytona Orange - front three-quarter viewThe Concept 90 is one of two new vehicles BMW is showing off at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the tony shores of Lake Como in Italy. This year is the 90th anniversary of BMW Motorrad and the 40th anniversary of the R 90 S (inset) - the first production motorcycle to come with a front fairing - and BMW has worked with custom bike builder Roland Sands Design to craft a homage to the Daytona Orange boxer from the Seventies.

While following the line of its forbearer, obviously the Concept 90 has been sexed and sleeked up. The bodywork is of hand-worked aluminum, the giant halogen lamp of the 1975 model (which is when Daytona Orange was introduced) has gone LED, and the front engine cover, valve covers, exhaust and wheels have been made with a contrast-cut milling process.

For a finer description of the Concept 90 check out the press release below, or skip the words and go straight to the high-res images above.

Continue reading BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle debuts at Villa d'Este

BMW Concept 90 Motorcycle debuts at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw concept 90bmw motorcyclesbmw motorradbmw r 90 smotorcycleroland sands designvilla deste Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582660/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582660/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/bmw-concept-90-motorcycle-debuts-at-villa-deste/20582660/article-detail.xml 20582660 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-concept-90_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-concept-90.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé bows at Villa d'Este]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-bows-at-villa-deste/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-bows-at-villa-deste/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-bows-at-villa-deste/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe - front three-quarter view

The first collaboration between BMW and Pininfarina is this blunt-force two-door called the BMW Pininfarini Gran Lusso Coupe revealed at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Said to be the "interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupé as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina," once you get past all of the design-speak, you can focus on the full-bodied and keen-edged missile sitting on 21-inch wheels.

The long wheelbase makes for short overhangs. Up front, BMW's design language gets scraped across a whetstone, everything getting sharper, including the usually round cat's eye headlights that have gone dihedral. Under the hood is a V12, behind the twin-kidney grille in matte-sheen aluminium and high-gloss black. The same aluminum treatment also backs the taillights, the lenses designed to let air flow through them.

Inside is room for four, a cockpit canted toward the driver, Foglizzo leather in black and Tobacco Brown, 48,000-year-old kauri wood from New Zealand, deep pile carpet on the floors, a patterned virgin wool headliner and an "oblong aperture in the roof liner" set off by white LEDs.

There are words as flowery as the materials in the press release below and a gallery of high-res images to make sense of it all above. What do you think, should BMW consider a production version of this concept as a successor to the long-dormant 8 Series? Have your say in Comments.

Continue reading BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé bows at Villa d'Este

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé bows at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw 8 seriesbmw conceptbmw gran lusso coupebmw pininfarina gran lusso coupeconcorso deleganza villa destepininfarinavilla deste Fri, 24 May 2013 12:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20582659/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-bows-at-villa-deste/20582659/article-detail.xml 20582659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar sculpture by RCA design students is a minimal beauty]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/jaguar-sculpture-by-rca-design-students/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/jaguar-sculpture-by-rca-design-students/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/24/jaguar-sculpture-by-rca-design-students/#comments Filed under: ,



With its well-deserved reputation for high design, it is not particularly surprising to see Jaguar reaching outside of the automotive realm for future inspiration. To that end, the British automaker recently enlisted the talents of students at the Royal College of Art to create a piece of forward-looking, automotive-inspired sculpture.

The result of this project can be seen above; a sculpture created by RCA students Claire Miller and Ewan Gallimore, and unveiled to a small audience to kick off London's Clerkenwell Design Week. The spare and rather elegant form created by the talented pair absolutely harkens back to coupes from Jaguar's past as well as its present (read: F-Type) without aping any one model particularly.

In a press release, the artists had this to say about the work: "Our form relates to the Jaguar brand through its sculptural volumes, bespoke materials and visual lightness. These elements helped us to create a sculpture that aimed to display a seamless transition between interior and exterior space." Get a better look at the Jaguar artwork in the gallery above, or read through the press release, which follows.

Continue reading Jaguar sculpture by RCA design students is a minimal beauty

Jaguar sculpture by RCA design students is a minimal beauty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 May 2013 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 jaguar f-typeartjaguarjaguar f-typejaguar sculptureroyal college of artsculpture Fri, 24 May 2013 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580149/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20580149/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/24/jaguar-sculpture-by-rca-design-students/20580149/article-detail.xml 20580149 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/royal-college-of-art-jaguar-sculpture-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/royal-college-of-art-jaguar-sculpture-628.jpg <![CDATA[Online Find Of The Day: 2008 Cadillac XLR picks up where Excalibur left off]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Custom 2008 Cadillac XLR Neoclassic - front three-quarter view

We try very, very hard to keep snark away from creations like the one you see here. After all, someone poured plenty of enthusiasm, time and money into turning a 2008 Cadillac XLR into a modern interpretation of the new-old cars typically done by cottage builders like Excalibur and Clénet. Even so, it's hard not to wince when you set an eye on this machine. With its wheelbase stretched to accommodate the extra bodywork, goofy sidewalls and upkicked nose (examine it in profile, it looks slightly bent in the middle), this "neoclassic" takes whatever was loveable about the Cadillac underneath and buries it in a tacky grave.

Miraculously, the engine bay has been left unmolested, which means the retractable hardtop convertible still features a 4.6-liter Northstar V8 engine good for 320 horsepower. If only that were enough to outrun its shame. If, for some reason, you feel like taking this thing home, Harry Kaufmann Motorcars of Milwaukee says it can be yours for a paltry $74,998. We wish were joking. Check it out here.

Online Find Of The Day: 2008 Cadillac XLR picks up where Excalibur left off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2008 cadillac xlrbaroquecadillaccadillac xlrcustom cadillac xlr neoclassicneoclassicneoclassical Thu, 23 May 2013 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579609/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20579609/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/23/online-find-of-the-day-2008-cadillac-xlr-picks-up-where-excalib/20579609/article-detail.xml 20579609 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xlr-neoclassic-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-xlr-neoclassic-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



There seem to be plenty of reports swirling in regards to Land Rover lately. According to Autocar, not only is the British automaker going back to the drawing board for the design of its next-generation Defender, but the outlet is also saying that the Freelander name could be dropped.

While the article doesn't say why, its source indicates that current plans for the next Defender have been scrapped, yet there is a still a replacement in the works. The existing Defender will end production in 2015, but this replacement vehicle will not be ready by then. We imagine that the styling of the replacement won't echo that of the DC100 Concept shown above, and that the news would affect the planned Defender-based Tata SUV as well as the proposed Land Rover factory in India.

As for the Freelander, it sounds like the next generation of this SUV will be out by next year, but it will not be wearing the Freelander name. Instead, Land Rover will include it as a smaller version of the Discovery. Here in the States, these two vehicles are named LR2 (Freelander) and LR4 (Discovery).

Next-gen Defender plans scrapped, Freelander name being dropped originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> land roverLand Rover DC100land rover defenderland rover discoveryland rover freelanderland rover lr2land rover lr4 Wed, 22 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578607/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578607/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/22/next-gen-defender-plans-scrapped-freelander-name-being-dropped/20578607/article-detail.xml 20578607 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-dc100-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/land-rover-dc100-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Meet the man whose house is designed around his car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Holger Schubert and his Ferrari garage - Petrolicious video screencap
It's been a couple of years since we last heard about Holger Schubert and his award-winning office/garage, but it looks like the city of Los Angeles, thankfully, did not force him to tear down the bridge that gives his Ferrari 512 BBi arguably the nicest parking spot in California. Petrolicious is back again with another well-done video, which finally introduces us to Schubert as well as his lust-worthy Ferrari.

As for the structure, it is half garage and half work space with an office, couch, bookshelf and television, and one hell of a view. There is a ramp that raises to allow the Ferrari to roll backward out of the garage before starting up on the aforementioned bridge that sits 16-feet above the ground. The car itself is an equally admirable piece of art, with a wedge-like shape and its reserved dark gray hue. If you're not the jealous type, scroll down to meet Schubert and his incredible Ferrari.

Continue reading Meet the man whose house is designed around his car

Meet the man whose house is designed around his car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ferrariferrari 512 bbferrari berlinetta boxerferrari boxergaragegarage mahalholger schubertpetroliciousvideo Tue, 21 May 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20578083/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/meet-the-man-whose-house-is-designed-around-his-car/20578083/article-detail.xml 20578083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holger-schubert-ferrari-garage2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/holger-schubert-ferrari-garage2.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #334]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/autoblog-podcast-334/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/autoblog-podcast-334/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/autoblog-podcast-334/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 2 Series, People trust autonomous cars

Autoblog Podcast logo

Episode #334 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the BMW 2 Series recently snagged by spy photographers, and a new study that indicates public support for autonomous automobiles. We wrap up with your questions and comments, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. You can follow along after the jump with our Q&A. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #334:


Topics: In the Autoblog Garage: Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:35:28
Get the podcast:
[UStream] Listen live on Mondays at 10PM Eastern at UStream
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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #334

Autoblog Podcast #334 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 honda civic2013 nissan juke2014 mercedes s-classautoblog podcastautonomous carsautonomous vehiclesbmw 2 seriesfeaturedmercedes s-classmercedes s-klassepodcast Tue, 21 May 2013 16:16:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #334Autoblog01:35:28 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577508/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20577508/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/autoblog-podcast-334/20577508/article-detail.xml 20577508 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/podcastlivev2stamp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/podcastlivev2stamp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe in Lime Rock Green - video screencap

It's been a while since Chevrolet offered its Corvette with green paint - well over a decade, in fact. We've known for a while that the new C7 Stingray would be available in Lime Rock Green, but haven't seen it up until now in anything but the antiseptic studio shots offered up on the Corvette's configurator. Well, we can now cross it off the list - at least online - as the first production example has been caught on video at the Lone Star Classic Corvette show by the folks at NCM Insurance.

According to CorvetteBlogger, the last production model to feature such verdant paint dates to 2001, when Chevy offered its sports car in Dark Bowling Green Metallic. But when we think of Vettes in this color spectrum, we tend to think of the Polo Green C4, a deep shade this paint reminds us of. This particular Stingray is fitted with the Z51 performance package, along with the 3LT Brownstone interior. As we think Z51-equipped cars tend to look better in darker shades (which better integrate/disguise the package's additional ductwork), this Lime Rock Green looks pretty good to our eyes.

We haven't seen new green sports cars in some time - perhaps cars like this C7 and the British Racing Green Metallic 2014 Jaguar F-Type will kickstart a revival. What do you think, does the C7 look good in green? Check out the video below and then have your say in Comments.

Continue reading Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green

Chevy Corvette Stingray shows off in Lime Rock Green originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 May 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevy corvette2014 chevy corvette stingrayc7chevygreen corvettelime rock greenlone star classic corvette showvideo Mon, 20 May 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20576388/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/20/chevy-corvette-stingray-shows-off-in-lime-rock-green/20576388/article-detail.xml 20576388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-green_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-chevrolet-corvette-stingray-green.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept - front three-quarter view

Aston Martin CC100 Concept interior viewGenerally speaking, today's Aston Martin is known more for its beauty and power than for its minimalism or lightness. But that could change if it decides to produce a version of this CC100 Speedster concept, designed to celebrate the company's centenary. The V12-powered roadster is being unveiled at the Nordschliefe today ahead of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, where it is expected to lap the circuit with Aston CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez at the wheel. The rakish concept is a nice surprise, and will be run around the circuit along with a 1959 DBR1 with racing royalty Sir Stirling Moss in the driver's seat. No surprise, then, that designers had the company's Nürburgring- and Le Mans-winning '59 racecars in mind when they conceived of this car.

Aston says that the two-seat CC100 Speedster came together in under six months time, carbon fiber bodywork and all. Powered by the British automaker's well-known naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 and six-speed sequential manual paddleshift gearbox, the company estimates 0-60 in four seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Aston claims the butterfly-doored CC100 affords onlookers with "teasing glimpses of potential future design direction," suggesting a pugnacious new face is in store for the company.

Production hopes? None are mentioned, but even if today's Aston isn't known for its minimalism or lightness, it is known for turning concepts into production cars, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn in a few months that a handful of the company's best customers have managed to cajole it into building a handful of examples.

Oh, and about that Stirling Moss connection - forgive us if we're experiencing a bit of déjà vu. After all, doesn't this half-door speedster concept remind you a bit of another car? The Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR Stirling Moss comes to mind for us. For some reason, however, this doesn't really bother us. If it doesn't bother you either, scroll down for to watch a video from Aston and to find the official press release.

Continue reading Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video]

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster is a 180-mph centennial celebration [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 hours of nurburgringaston martinaston martin cc100aston martin cc100 speedster conceptbreakingnurburgringstirling mossulrich bez Sun, 19 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575109/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575109/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/19/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-is-a-180-mph-centennial-celebration/20575109/article-detail.xml 20575109 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-concept-628-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/aston-martin-cc100-speedster-concept-628-2.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi confirms pair of MiEV Evolution II electric racecars for Pikes Peak]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Preparing for next month's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Mitsubishi - the presenting sponsor of this year's PPIHC - has unveiled its entrant for the race: the all-electric MiEV Evolution II. Building off last year's MiEV-inspired entrant, the Evolution II has received numerous improvements, including a more powerful electric drive system, a lower center of gravity and even a more traditional racecar look. Driving a pair of MiEV Evolution II models this year will be Hiroshi Masuoka from Mitsubishi vehicle development and six-time PPIHC motorcycle winner, Greg Tracy.

Both MiEV Evolution II racers employ a quartet of electric motors (last year's car used just three), and output has been increased from 280 kilowatts (375 horsepower) up to 400 KW (536 hp). For improved handling, the cars' lithium-ion battery packs help provide lower centers of gravity, and both Masuoka's and Tracy's cars have received active yaw control, stability control and redesigned anti-lock braking systems. Hopefully, this will help them stick to the mountain better. As previously mentioned, even their look has changed, with less of a wide-body i-MiEV feel and more of a racecar appearance. We think the finished product would actually make for a pretty cool Le Mans Prototype racer, or perhaps an electrically powered rival for trackday cars like those from Radical.

Mitsubishi confirms pair of MiEV Evolution II electric racecars for Pikes Peak originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> electric racecargreg tracyhill climbhiroshi masuokamitsubishimitsubishi imitsubishi i mievmitsubishi miev evolution iipikes peakpikes peek international hill climb Fri, 17 May 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572404/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572404/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/mitsubishi-confirms-pair-of-miev-evolution-ii-electric-racecars/20572404/article-detail.xml 20572404 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-miev-evolution-ii-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mitsubishi-miev-evolution-ii-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Mercedes S-Class is ready for your plutocratic dollars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in silver - front three-quarter view

There are superlatives and acronyms, there is hyperbole, there are neologisms like "navitainment," there is the longest press release we've ever seen - it includes a glossary - and there is the quest to build "the best automobile in the world." What else could it be but the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

With the Asian market and its chauffeured drivers in mind, the long-wheelbase S-Class is the focus this time. It has the same length and wheelbase as the outgoing model, it's 0.7 inches higher and about an inch wider, but made of aluminum throughout so weight gain is negligible (Mercedes-Benz hasn't released a US-spec weight yet). In front is a larger radiator grille and a facial treatment that, from quite a few angles, makes it look like a slightly larger E-Class to our eyes. Behind that are the design themes we've seen unleashed on other Mercedes such as its "Dropping Line" along the side and the sloping rear end. The coefficient of drag is just 0.24 - that's only 0.02 more than the comparatively tiny CLA.

Let's run down some of the noteworthy standard and optional items on the V222 (the long-wheelbase version of the W222, which is the only one we'll get):
  • The cabin gets two 12.3-inch TFT screens for the instrument cluster and the navitainment, a touch-sensitive telephone keypad, rear climate control with two more zones, access to infotainment media from any seat in the car - rear seat passengers can even see the Google Maps display to make sure the driver is going the right way
  • Roughly 300 LEDs in the cabin offer seven hues, five dimming levels and four dimming zones will be standard and the LED brake lights dim at night or while waiting at lights so as to be kinder on the eyes of drivers behind
  • Five different options in rear seating, the uppermost of which offers a backrest that reclines nearly 45 degrees, does so independently of the bolster, and has calf support and a heel rest. Get the First Class Rear package and avail yourself of a console that allows control of the center console from the rear, and thermally-controlled cupholders
  • Magic Body Control that uses stereo cameras to scan the road surface and adjust the suspension in advance of road imperfections
  • Massaging seats based on the "hot stone principle" for front and rear using 14 cushions in the backrest and six massage programs
  • An Air Balance Package that ionizes and filters the air and emits five choices in fragrance
  • Grouped under "Intelligent Drive," the next generation of features like Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition
  • A Warmth and Comfort package with heated steering wheel and armrests, seats with active ventilation, and power heated rear seats with memory
The new S-Class will launch with two models in the US, the S550 in September and the S550 4Matic following in November, which will probably joined by the inevitable S63 AMG 4Matic. Next year will welcome more powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid. As noted in the brochure that recently leaked online, the twin-turbo V8 in the S550 goes up to 4.7 liters in capacity from 4.6 and gets 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. And of course, there's the promise of an eventual high-zoot Pullman model to supplant Daimler's now-dead Maybach range, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

There's so much more, but we'll leave it at that for now - there's plenty of reading in the release below to keep you occupied while we go visit the car and return with a report on the live European reveal.

Continue reading 2014 Mercedes S-Class is ready for your plutocratic dollars

2014 Mercedes S-Class is ready for your plutocratic dollars originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 mercedes s-class2014 mercedes s-klassemercedesmercedes s-classmercedes s-klassemercedes s550v222 Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569493/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20569493/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/15/2014-mercedes-benz-s-class-revealed/20569493/article-detail.xml 20569493 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-mercedes-s-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-mercedes-s-class.jpg <![CDATA[BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept echoes 8 Series]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe - rear three-quarter rendering

BMW and Pininfarina are planning to debut a new concept at the 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The Gran Lusso Coupé is designed to be the next logical step forward from the Zagato Coupé, and the one-off creation boasts plenty of BMW earmarks to set the car off as a true member of the German automaker's family. With a long wheel base and a stretched nose, the two door can't help but channel the long-dead BMW 8 Series, and the potent V12 under the hood only reinforces the link.

BMW has been kind enough to slip the world a few teasers, and the images show what looks like it could be the low-slung grand tourer of our dreams. Check out the full press release below for more information, and stay tuned for the full unveiling.

Continue reading BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept echoes 8 Series

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé concept echoes 8 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw gran lusso coupebmw pininfarina gran lusso coupegran lusso coupepininfarinavilla destevilla deste 2013 Tue, 14 May 2013 19:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566720/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/bmw-pininfarina-gran-lusso-coupe-concept-echoes-8-series/20566720/article-detail.xml 20566720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gran-lusso-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gran-lusso-628.jpg <![CDATA[2014 BMW M5 facelift shows up online]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2014 BMW M5 leaked image - front three-quarter, blue

Is it that time already? Like its predecessors, the current BMW M5 has been endangering US licenses since it first went on sale here in 2012, but its design became a known quantity back at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Apparently that also means that the F10 generation has already grown tired enough to the "Must Have Latest Set" who can afford these sorts of super saloons that a facelift is in order.

If these leaked images sourced from Autocar are anything to go by, BMW stylists have used a predictably light hand to rework their hottest 5 Series, with a revised grille that echoes the M6 along with modestly resculpted headlamps. The rear end appears wholly unaltered. Interior changes gleaned from a look at the cabin photos include an updated touchpad-equipped iDrive controller and a new steering wheel cribbed from the M6.

No new word on changes to the 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 powertrain, but in late April, we heard that BMW was readying new competition packages for the M5 and M6. The packages are said to include 15 more horsepower, revised suspension and steering, along with new wheels and blackened exhaust tips. Given that BMW is known for habitually underrating its cars' horsepower outputs (particularly its M models) we can't help but wonder if its engineers will need to do anything other than wave a magic wand to corral those extra ponies underhood...

2014 BMW M5 facelift shows up online originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 bmw 5 series2014 bmw m5bmwbmw 5 seriesbmw m5 Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568468/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20568468/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/2014-bmw-m5-facelift-shows-up-online/20568468/article-detail.xml 20568468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-leak-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/2014-bmw-m5-leak-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the Lamborghini Egoista fire up on stage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Lamborghini Egoista

Seeing the wild Lamborghini Egoista is one thing, but hearing the single-seat concept car fire to life in all its glory is something entirely different. Visitors at the Lamborghini 50th anniversary celebration in Sant' Agata got that rare opportunity when the Egoista made its presence felt. Nothing says, "I have arrived" quite like a 5.2-liter V10 barking at the crowd. It may not be the prettiest belle at the ball, but it has the pipes to make even the most jaded among us weak in the knees.

You can catch the clip of the machine firing up in the brief (and sadly shaky) video below. We've also included a more polished video recap from the anniversary celebration. Something tells us you don't need a reason to spend a few minutes watching classic Lamborghini models prancing through Italy. You're welcome.

Continue reading Watch the Lamborghini Egoista fire up on stage

Watch the Lamborghini Egoista fire up on stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> egoista conceptlamborghinilamborghini egoistalamborghini egoista videovideo Mon, 13 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567050/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567050/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/13/watch-the-lamborghini-egoista-fire-up-on-stage/20567050/article-detail.xml 20567050 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Does the mere desire to own a ridiculously high-performance and stupendously expensive supercar automatically make its prospective owner a little selfish? Not necessarily, but if said supercar has just one seat, a case could certainly be made that its megalomaniacal owner simply doesn't want to share the experience with his friends...

For such an owner, Lamborghini has presented the Egoista Concept - perhaps fittingly, the car was unveiled at a private 50th birthday party that the automaker seems to have thrown for itself. From what we can glean without any official announcement from Lamborghini to go by, the Egoista Concept has room for a single occupant, is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine and boasts styling said to be inspired by an Apache helicopter.

While we eagerly await more details from Lamborghini, we suggest you click on the image above to view the Egoista in high resolution. With just one angle to go by, we can't really offer much commentary on its design, other than to say it joins the Veneno as one of the more memorable self-given birthday presents in recent memory.

*UPDATE: Full image gallery and press release from Lamborghini added.

Continue reading Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners

Lamborghini unveils Egoista Concept for selfish supercar owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 May 2013 02:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> lamborghinilamborghini birthdaylamborghini egoista Sun, 12 May 2013 02:19:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20565931/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/12/lamborghini-egoista-concept-supercar/20565931/article-detail.xml 20565931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-000-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/lamborghini-egoista-000-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



This year's award for Life Ball Mini designer goes to Roberto Cavalli. The Life Ball is a charity event held in Vienna, Austria every year that raises money to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS. Since 2001, the year of its reintroduction, Mini has been involved with the ball, auctioning a car that has been made over by a world-famous designer. This year Cavalli gets the nod and a Paceman for a canvas.

The iridescent brown/black paint is the eye-catcher in the sketch above (click to enlarge), but don't forget to note Cavalli's logo on the roof. We're not sure what other flourishes he has in mind for the car, but those in attendance will find out on May 24 when it's unveiled at the Cavalli store opening in Vienna. The press release below has more details.

Continue reading Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity

Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> life ballminimini pacemanroberto cavalli Fri, 10 May 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563901/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20563901/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/mini-paceman-roberto-cavalli-life-ball-charity/20563901/article-detail.xml 20563901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mini-roberto-cavalli-life-ball_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mini-roberto-cavalli-life-ball.jpg <![CDATA[Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/#comments Filed under: , , ,



The man responsible for creating the sleek 2010 Nissan Ellure Concept you see above is now the design director for Infiniti. Alfonso Albaisa (shown at right) has been a member of the Nissan design team for 25 years, but was recently promoted to executive design director for the Infiniti brand.

His past roles at Nissan have included design director for Nissan from 2004 to 2007, vice president of Nissan Design Europe from 2007 to 2011, vice president of Nissan Design America in 2011 and, most recently, he held the title of Nissan's global design director. Aside from Ellure, Albaisa was also responsible for designing the 2012 Nissan Xtrem Concept, "key strategic production vehicles soon to be launched" and he's even contributed to a handful of Infiniti designs. Scroll down for the official press release.

Continue reading Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa

Infiniti's new Design Director is American Alfonso Albaisa originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 May 2013 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Alfonso Albaisadesign directorInfinitinissanvehicle design Fri, 10 May 2013 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562580/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/10/infiniti-design-director-american-alfonso-albaisa/20562580/article-detail.xml 20562580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-nissan-ellure-la-2010-1290024144_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/01-nissan-ellure-la-2010-1290024144.jpg <![CDATA[Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/#comments Filed under: ,



Vehicle customization has played a huge role in car culture in the US, and Dean Jeffries was perhaps one of the most well-known builders, painters and customizers of his time.

Hemmings is reporting that Jeffries died on Sunday at the age of 80. He leaves behind a legacy in the automotive world that includes a paint job on the very first Shelby Cobra ever made, the Ford used on the cover of the 1963 Beach Boys Little Deuce Coupe album, a custom GTO for The Monkees called The Monkeemobile and even some paint work on James Dean's Porsche 550 Spyder. A signature Jeffries' custom car called the Mantaray was on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in LA for a time.

Outside of customization, Jeffries also worked as a stunt driver in films like The Blues Brothers, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Die Hard With a Vengeance. Scroll down for a couple videos showing some of the cars that will ensure that Jeffries' name will forever be enshrined in the automotive community.

Continue reading Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80

Dean Jeffries, legendary customizer, dies at 80 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dean jeffriesobituaryvehicle customization Wed, 08 May 2013 09:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561844/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20561844/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/dean-jeffries-legendary-customizer-dies-at-80-w-video/20561844/article-detail.xml 20561844 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-monkeemobile-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/01-monkeemobile-628.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren dealership creates special MP4-12C Greenwich Edition]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Could this be a first? Normally we wait in anticipation of the camouflage to be taken off prototype cars, but Greenwich Patch is reporting that Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT has taken a production car back to its prototype days. The McLaren MP4-12C above was painted gray, but you'd never know it because the sheetmetal has been covered by a vinyl wrap decorated with the same camouflage pattern McLaren uses for its pre-production prototypes. It was designed by McLaren - for proof, check out this P1 in winter testing - and took three days to apply. The shapes are those of race tracks around the world.

The dealership calls it the MP4-12C Greenwich Special Edition. It's a pre-owned car and we're not sure whether the wrap was applied as new or to help the coupe find a new home, but we'd like to buy a pint for the person that thought it up. If you like the style but not the $259,035 price, you can probably design one for your own car with countless hours and Adobe Illustrator. Or, you can simply get a closer look at this one from every angle, in the high-res gallery above.

McLaren dealership creates special MP4-12C Greenwich Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> camouflageconnecticutgreenwichmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmiller motorcarsprototypevinyl wrap Mon, 06 May 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20558966/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich-edition/20558966/article-detail.xml 20558966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/mclaren-mp4-12c-greenwich.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar F-Type Coupe patent images exposed, 4-cyl coming?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/jaguar-f-type-coupe-patent-images-exposed-4-cyl-coming/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/jaguar-f-type-coupe-patent-images-exposed-4-cyl-coming/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/jaguar-f-type-coupe-patent-images-exposed-4-cyl-coming/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Last year, Jaguar told us that "if you get a convertible right, it's easy to do a coupe" in reference to a coupe version of the Jaguar F-Type, and now we might be seeing our first unofficial look at a hardtop version of the convertible. The German publication Auto Motor und Sport has dug up what it is reporting to be patent images filed by Jaguar showing the lines of the new coupe.

If these are actually patent drawings, they have definitely been enhanced with color and shadowing compared to what we usually see from OEM patent filings. We wouldn't be surprised if they are just altered images of Jaguar's C-X16 Concept, but either way, it's going to be a sharp car. On top of the new coupe, the article also says that the F-Type could be getting the same 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is currently used in the Jaguar XF, as well as the Land Rover LR2 and Range Rover Evoque.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe patent images exposed, 4-cyl coming? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jaguarjaguar f-typejaguar f-type coupepatent images Fri, 03 May 2013 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556447/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/jaguar-f-type-coupe-patent-images-exposed-4-cyl-coming/20556447/article-detail.xml 20556447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jaguar-f-type-coupe_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jaguar-f-type-coupe.jpg -1 2