Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Opel Insignia five-door hatch caught]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/spy-shots-open-insignia-fiv-door-hatch-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/spy-shots-open-insignia-fiv-door-hatch-caught/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/11/spy-shots-open-insignia-fiv-door-hatch-caught/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Over in Europe, midsize cars like the Opel Vectra, Renault Laguna and Ford Mondeo have long been offered in multiple body configurations including four-door sedans, station wagons and, of course, five-door hatchbacks. Unlike Americans, who for some reason are averse to a fifth body opening unless the vehicle rides 4 to 6 inches higher than it should, Europeans have always appreciated the extra utility. The Opel Vectra is being replaced this summer by the redesigned and renamed Insignia, but so far we've only seen photos (either spy pics or official GM shots) of the four-door sedan that will likely land here later next year as the next Saturn Aura. A sharp-eyed photographer, however, has captured what may be the first shots of the new hatchback Insignia. The five-door version doesn't look radically different from the sedan, the main variance being the shorter rear deck that's attached to the rear glass. Will the hatchback arrive as an Aura at Saturn dealers? Highly improbable, but then so was the Astra, so anything is possible. We more likely might just get a wagon version that we haven't yet seen.

[Source: Winding Road]

 

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]]>opel insigniaopel-insigniaopel-insignia hatchbackOpel-insigniaHatchbackOpelInsigniasaturn astrasaturn aurasaturn-astrasaturn-auraSaturnAstraSaturnAura2008-05-11T10:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[If you own this, you should probably be ordering the salad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/if-you-own-this-you-should-probably-be-ordering-the-salad/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/if-you-own-this-you-should-probably-be-ordering-the-salad/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/if-you-own-this-you-should-probably-be-ordering-the-salad/#commentsFiled under: , ,

French Fry Holder for your carPeople who eat at the wheel are a menace. An errant drip of ketchup can be the difference between a mundane commute and a starring role in an impromptu Richard Weyman film. To help further enable the noshing pilot, someone has invented a cupholder-mounted french fry holder. This is undoubtedly a harbinger of the motoring apocalypse. Seriously folks, if your in-car fry habit is such that you require a dedicated, purpose-built mount (with an integrated ketchup tray, no less), you probably need to re-evaluate your lifestyle. In an ironic twist more delicious than a McDonalds' french fry, this contraption is sold through the Improvements catalog. We're hard pressed to determine what this improves other than the chance of a fry-related mishap at highway speeds. According to the site, it's "not available at this time," which is either cause for concern (it's completely sold out) or celebration (someone pulled the plug and stopped the madness).

[Source: Improvements via Jalopnik via Automoblog]

 

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]]>apocalypsefrench fry holderFrenchFryHolder2008-05-09T11:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai launches i800 full-size van in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/hyundai-launches-i800-full-size-van-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/hyundai-launches-i800-full-size-van-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/hyundai-launches-i800-full-size-van-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai i800

What, you thought only Ford and GM did the full-size van thing anymore? Say hello to the eight-passenger Hyundai i800, which goes on sale late June in the UK. The i800 sports captain's chairs up front with two three-passenger benches out back. That makes a grand total of eight seat belts thanks to its totally accommodating third-row. Hyundai's big van is powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine, so we expect acceleration is an afterthought in this cavernous cruiser. The i800 does, however, feature a coil-sprung rear suspension for a more minivan-like ride than some of its commercial transport competition. But aside from its features, the i800 is just a good looking van. Its design is more fluid than Chrysler's new boxy minivans and it doesn't look like it belongs in a FedEx fleet (we're looking at you, Ford Econoline). Screw the Entourage, we want this Hyundai hauler in the U.S.

Gallery: Hyundai i800


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai launches i800 full-size van in Europe

 

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]]>full size vansFullSizeVanshyundai i800HyundaiI8002008-05-08T20:26:00+00:00<![CDATA[You know what they say: Court orders Volvo to pay man with big feet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/you-know-what-they-say-court-orders-volvo-to-pay-ma-with-big-fe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/you-know-what-they-say-court-orders-volvo-to-pay-ma-with-big-fe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/you-know-what-they-say-court-orders-volvo-to-pay-ma-with-big-fe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"Hey, Stompy, you wanna take a test drive?

Nein, I'll just take the one in black, please."

So goes the imagined conversation between Michael Herzog, he of size 12 (UK) feet, and the Volvo dealer from whom he purchased a C70. Herzog says his feet are too large for the pedal box in his Volvo, precluding use of that most essential pedal, the accelerator. The issue went to court in Wiesloch, Germany, where a judge ruled that size 12 is not freakishly large, so Volvo should have designed a car to accommodate that size foot. Size 12 on UK size charts is about the same as a U.S. size 12, so it's not an incomprehensibly large foot. The dealer has been directed to refund five percent of the purchase price, a total of £1,350, to pay for a custom pair of shoes that allow the owner to drive his new car, as well as compensate him for time lost to shoe-changes. And we thought the U.S. was litigious.

[Source: am-online, Photo: BBC]

 

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]]>big feetBigFeetvolvo big footvolvo c70volvo feetvolvo lawsuitVolvoBigFootVolvoC70VolvoFeetVolvoLawsuit2008-05-07T16:43:00+00:00<![CDATA[BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/brabus-tunes-new-mercedes-benz-sl-to-reliably-insane-levels/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/brabus-tunes-new-mercedes-benz-sl-to-reliably-insane-levels/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/brabus-tunes-new-mercedes-benz-sl-to-reliably-insane-levels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the BRABUS SL

"BRABUS" might as well be German for, "Hey, why not?" This would seem to be the question its engineers ask themselves before they stuff ludicrous amounts of power under the hoods of Mercedes-Benz cars and trucks. This behavior is well-documented, and it continues unabated with the arrival of MB's new SL. Full wheel/tire, interior, and styling packages are a given. Backing up those enhanced looks is an assortment of tuning packages capable of providing more power than even Montgomery Scott could ever plead for.

The SV12 S Biturbo engine swap appears to have been created by someone with a severe, pathological hatred for tires. This is the same engine used in the Brabus Bullit, and it dishes out a predictably ridiculous 720 horsepower and 973 lb-ft of torque. The latter number is electronically restrained to a mere 811 lb-ft., and a top speed of well over 200 mph comes with the territory. Not interested in the full swap? No worries, BRABUS has your back. SL 65 AMG drivers can opt for the T 65 S package, which bumps the stock V12 Biturbo to 705 hp/811 lb-ft. There's a solution for the all-motor SL 63 AMG as well that packs on an additional 40 horses over stock. This pattern continues right on down the line -- even the "lowly" V6-powered cars can be tuned to deliver 327 hp/ 310 lb-ft. Bonkers. Er, BRABUS, rather.

Gallery: 2009 BRABUS SL


[Source: BRABUS]

Continue reading BRABUS tunes new Mercedes-Benz SL to reliably insane levels

 

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]]>brabus slBrabusSlmercedes-benz slMercedes-benzSlsl 280sl 500sl 550sl 600sl 63 amgsl 65 amgSl280sl350Sl500Sl550Sl600Sl63AmgSl65AmgSV12 SSv12S2008-05-07T14:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Artega GT production beginning this summer, convertible version planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/artega-gt-production-beginning-this-summer-convertible-version/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/artega-gt-production-beginning-this-summer-convertible-version/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/artega-gt-production-beginning-this-summer-convertible-version/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the production Artega GT.

Artega's parent company, Paragon, is getting ready for its assault on the Porsche Cayman this summer, when it finally begins production of the Artega GT. The seductively small coupe will be built in an all-new factory in Westphalian, and Paragon expects two vehicles per day to roll off the assembly line, with a plan that would produce 20 cars per week within two years.

The automaker is in the process of setting up a dealer network in the UK, and along with a right-hand-drive model, it intends to offer a convertible version in the future.

The Artega GT, originally show in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2007 and followed by the production version earlier this year, is powered by a VW-sourced, 3.6-liter V6, mounted amidships and sending 300 hp to a six-speed, twin-clutch gearbox. Penned by Henrik Fisker, the GT will tip the scales at around 2,400 pounds, thanks to an aluminum spaceframe and carbon fiber body panels. Unfortunately, there's still no word on whether it's coming to the U.S. We wouldn't hold our breath.

Gallery: Artega GT - Production Version


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>artegaartega gt cabrioartega gt convertibleArtegaGtCabrioArtegaGtConvertiblegt2008-05-06T19:22:00+00:00<![CDATA[VW Group's next small-car platform to get AWD across the board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vw-groups-next-small-car-platform-to-get-awd-across-the-board/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi metroproject quattro Concept.

Buyers of the next generation of Volkswagen-developed small cars will have one more option box to tick when placing their order: all-wheel-drive. The new platform, dubbed PQ25, will find its way underneath a handful of new models, spanning the range from the low-end (SEAT), mid-grade (VW) and luxury (Audi). All-wheel-drive won't be an option for the new SEAT Ibiza, but consumers of the next VW Polo (specifically the CrossPolo) might be able to outfit their tiny runabout with AWD, while the Audi A1, due out in late 2009, will continue the automaker's love affair with quattro.

Gallery: Audi metroproject quattro Concept


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>a1all wheel driveall-wheel-driveAllWheelDriveaudiaudi a1AudiA1awdawd crosspoloAwdCrosspolocross poloCrossPoloquattroseatvolkswagenvolkswagen crosspoloVolkswagenCrosspolovw crosspolovw poloVwCrosspoloVwPolo2008-05-06T14:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Vauxhall VXR8 gets LS3 V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery of the Vauxhall VXR8.

Our friends across the pond finally get to enjoy the new LS3 that's currently powering the Pontiac G8 GXP and Holden Commodore HSV, with the revised Vauxhall VXR8. The upgraded V8 has grown from 5,967 cc to 6,162 cc and is producing 425 hp at 6,000 rpm. Coupled with the revised automatic gearbox, 0-60 times drop to 4.9 seconds (from five), and the run from 80 to 100 mph is reduced from 4.3 seconds to four seconds flat. Fuel economy remains the same as the outgoing LS2 and automatic-equipped models now get a transmission cooler standard. The new VXR8 is currently on sale in the UK for £35,695, an extra £485 over the outgoing model.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8


[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall VXR8 gets LS3 V8

 

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]]>ls3vauxhallvauxhall vxr8VauxhallVxr8vxr82008-05-06T12:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/ford-europe-launches-new-top-shelf-mondeo-the-titanium-x-sport/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport

The Ford Mondeo has been a well received car in Europe, and Ford says that there's so much demand for high-end models that it's decided to introduce a new top-of-the-line version called the Titanium X Sport. Dubbed "the most desirable Mondeo yet" by Ford, the Titanium X Sport will be available either as a saloon (sedan) or estate (wagon) and be powered by Ford's 2.5L turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine or its 2.2L TDCi diesel mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. New 18-inch alloy wheels, side skirts and chrome dual exhaust tips add a premium punch to the visuals, while the interior benefits from red stitching on its leather seats, as well as a cow hide-covered steering wheel and shifter. You'll find no wood veneer on this car's instrument panel, as aluminum inserts and piano black inlays give the Mondeo's domicile a more stark and modern feel. There is a "sports suspension", but it appears that the Titanium X Sport is more show than actual go. Buyers will, however, get a nice long list of standard features to keep them company while accelerating to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds in the diesel-powered version.

Gallery: Ford Mondeo Titanium X Sport


[Source: Ford Europe]

Continue reading Ford Europe launches new top shelf Mondeo - the Titanium X Sport

 

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]]>fordford mondeoford mondeo titanium x sportFordMondeoFordMondeoTitaniumXSportmondeotitanium x sportTitaniumXSport2008-05-06T11:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW's in-car internet coming to U.S. later this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/bmws-in-car-internet-coming-to-u-s-later-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/bmws-in-car-internet-coming-to-u-s-later-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/bmws-in-car-internet-coming-to-u-s-later-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It looks like BMW will begin rolling out its in-car internet system to markets outside of Germany sooner than expected, according to Automotive News. ConnectedDrive offers unrestricted access to the Web through the EDGE network, one of the faster mobile connections on the planet, and while backseat passengers can surf while on the go, front seat occupants will have to keep their speed under 5 kph if they want to check their favorite websites. BMW is setting up the system so that unlimited access will cost customers 15 euros each month.

BMW will begin offering the service to German consumers this September, with ConnectedDrive (click link for video) coming to 'Net-addicted Bimmer owners throughout Europe and the U.S. soon afterwards. AN contacted Mercedes-Benz and Audi to ask if they intended to offer similar systems in the future. Both of automakers responded in the negative, saying that demand isn't sufficient enough to justify the expense. BMW obviously thinks otherwise, as does Chrysler, which is developing its own system, due out before the end of the year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>bmwconnectdriveconnecteddrivemobile bmwmobile internet bmwMobileBmwMobileInternetBmw2008-05-05T14:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi to offer electric vehicles within ten years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/audi-to-offer-electric-vehicles-within-ten-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/audi-to-offer-electric-vehicles-within-ten-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/audi-to-offer-electric-vehicles-within-ten-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Audi has been quietly going about the business of preparing its lineup for a green future, with cleaner and more efficient diesels in Europe, and oil-burners scheduled for the US in the near future. While the German automaker realizes diesel will be big in the next 10 years, it's also planning for life without emissions. Audi exec Rupert Stadler says the four-ringed automaker is primed to offer an electric vehicle in the next five to ten years. Meanwhile, Audi's German competition has been talking up its green position, but Stadler points out that the Volkswagen-owned brand has more research resources to exercise its options.

With the emissions belt being tightened both here in the US and in Europe, every automaker is going to have to make huge changes to its vehicles to stay in the game, and Audi is no different. We're going to be the big winners during these changing times, and while a battery-powered R8 won't sound as good as its petrol-powered twin, we like the idea of plugging in our sports car instead of filling it with gas every few days.

[Source: Reuters]


 

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]]>Audibatterydieselelectricemissionslithium-ion2008-05-05T07:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hard times means some Icelanders can't keep on truckin']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/hard-times-means-some-icelanders-cant-keep-on-truckin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/hard-times-means-some-icelanders-cant-keep-on-truckin/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/04/hard-times-means-some-icelanders-cant-keep-on-truckin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In Iceland, the leviathan you see in the picture above is called a "jeep." Here in the U.S., it would be called a massively tricked out F-350 Super Duty, or probably just "monster truck." The 6,000 members of Iceland's 4x4 club use them to explore the barely reachable sections of the island nation, trusting 4-foot-high studded tires and a bevy of custom modifications to get them back to civilization.

The problem is that Icelanders are having their own currency issues, with a free-fall even worse than the dollar's being just the start. When gas is almost $8 per gallon, that puts a fill-up somewhere around the $500 mark. And that puts a hurting on everything -- especially when you have to spend even more money getting your truck hauled out of the ice it just fell through. Not that any of this really stops them, because, well, there isn't much else to do in Iceland. So follow the link and check out the trucks in the slideshow. It's big-wheel badness.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

 

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]]>four wheel drivefour wheelerFourWheelDriveFourWheelericelandicelandicmonster truckmonster truck 4x4monster trucksMonsterTruckMonsterTruck4x4MonsterTrucksoff roadingOffRoading2008-05-04T16:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Eurospares: Exoticar slaughterhouse? Parts heaven? Both!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/eurospares-exoticar-slaughterhouse-parts-heaven-both/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/eurospares-exoticar-slaughterhouse-parts-heaven-both/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/eurospares-exoticar-slaughterhouse-parts-heaven-both/#commentsFiled under: ,


This Ferrari 330 GT is gonna die so that others might live.

Eurospares, based in Essex, UK, specializes in spare parts for Italian cars, boasting 12,000 square feet worth of spares for Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis. As The Independent reports, if you need headlamps for a Lamborghini Miura, a steering column for a Ferrari 360, or a chassis and body for a BB512, the people at Eurospares have your back. But spares for out-of-production exotics need to come from somewhere, and this is where some readers might find themselves feeling queasy.

Eurospares honcho James Pumo gets parts from all around -- in some cases, from sources his father formed relationships with many, many years ago. Sometimes, however, the parts received don't come piled in shipping boxes; sometimes, they arrive as a whole, like the Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 you see above. Nice, right? Don't get too attached. As Eurospares details on its website, rust issues and a problem in one cylinder mean that the old stallion is going to get fully dismantled and parted out. It must die so that perhaps another 330 in need can be returned to its former glory. For car guys, witnessing the company's breakup operations must be akin to a vegan getting a tour of a slaughterhouse -- horrifying and mentally-scarring. On the flipside, to owners seeking the final piece of a restoration/repair puzzle, Eurospares is like that mythical pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. It's all about perspective, we guess. Those of you interested in seeing what's scheduled to head to the big garage in the sky courtesy of Eurospares' blowtorch-wielding car slayers, click here. It might make you a little sad, though, so don't say we didn't warn you.

[Source: The Independent]

 

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]]>break up exoticsBreakUpExoticsdismantledismantling exoticsDismantlingExoticseurosparesitalian car spare partsItalianCarSpareParts2008-05-02T19:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ken Livingstone is Mayor of London no more!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ken-livinstone-is-mayor-of-london-no-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ken-livinstone-is-mayor-of-london-no-more/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ken-livinstone-is-mayor-of-london-no-more/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ken Livingstone is the current mayor of London who has not endeared himself to the city's swarm of automobile owners while in office since 2000. His most controversial move as London's mayor was to institute a congestion charge for driving in certain parts of the city, and his latest idea of instituting a $50-per-day tax for gas-guzzlers within the city limits has drawn some serious ire from Porsche. It looks like Stuttgart can call off its lawyers, as good ol' Kenneth just lost his reelection bid to the Conservative party's Boris Johnson. The Conservatives handed the Labour party its lunch in most local elections today, but the loss of the mayoral seat in London must especially sting for Livingstone and his Labourers. Unfortunately, we don't know what kind of guy Johnson is like and whether or not he'll repeal the congestion charge or pursue the gas-guzzler tax, but at least car-crazy Londoners can rest easy tonight knowing that their mortal enemy has lost his seat of power. Thanks for the tip, John!

[Source: The Telegraph]

 

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]]>ken livingstoneKenLivingstonelivingstonelivingstone congesti...livingstone mayor of londonLivingstoneCongesti...livingstonecongestio...LivingstoneMayorOfLondonmayor of londonMayorOfLondon2008-05-02T17:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Thieves: No gearbox? No problem!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/thieves-no-gearbox-no-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/thieves-no-gearbox-no-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/thieves-no-gearbox-no-problem/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford brochureCar thieves are a resourceful lot. Despite whatever technical wizardry automakers incorporate to thwart them, they find a way. Of course, they don't just go after the new stuff. Older cars are fair game, too -- many of which are bereft of those pesky security systems the bad guys are masters at defeating anyway. Suppose, however, your car was sitting outside without a gearbox. That's gotta be enough to keep it from getting swiped, right? As the Scottish owner of an unknown-vintage Ford Grenada Scorpio learned this week, it is indeed not enough. The lack of a gearbox did nothing to deter thieves, who police believe simply towed the car away one day earlier this week. Hey, it's common practice for some regular folks bring a trailer when they go to pick up a car they've bought, so why not thieves? It's like the same thing, minus the whole "buying" part. Any U.S. readers who own Merkur Scorpios, take note and keep your heads on a swivel. These guys might have passports.

[Source: The Scotsman]

 

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]]>ford granadaford granada scorpioford scorpioFordGranadaFordGranadaScorpioFordScorpiono gearboxNoGearbox2008-05-02T16:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Fiat buys Zastava to build new Topolino microcar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/fiat-buys-zastava-to-build-new-topolino-microcar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/fiat-buys-zastava-to-build-new-topolino-microcar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/fiat-buys-zastava-to-build-new-topolino-microcar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you told us a year ago that Fiat was going to sign a deal with the government of Serbia, we'd have laughed. But that was before the country announced that it was accepting tenders for investment in the state-owned automaker Zastava, makers of the famous Yugo (aka Skala 55). The process started back in December when the Serbian government made the announcement, sparking interest from various automakers. But even as recent as last week, the Fiat stance was that it was still considering the proposition. Well, it appears the Italian auto giant has done thinking, and has signed a memorandum of understanding with Serbia to establish a joint venture that involves Fiat investing a staggering 700 million euros (!) into Zastava's manufacturing facilities in exchange for a majority stake in the company, known in full as Zavodi Crvena Zastava. The Serbian government, meanwhile, will contribute some 200 million euros through tax incentives and similar measures.

Fiat has revealed that it will use the Zastava plant to produce the upcoming Topolino microcar. The vehicle will be based on the same platform as the 500 and Panda, but even smaller and positioned below either model, and share the same name as the concept car that previewed the new 500 and originally used on the 1936 runabout pictured above. According to reports, the new Topolino will be a compact two-seater measuring just 3150mm (124 inches) in length, slightly longer than the Smart ForTwo at 2692mm (106 inches). A four-seater version is expected to follow, in addition to an upscale version for the Lancia division.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>fiatfiat microcarfiat serbiafiat topolinofiat topolino zastava serbiafiat zastavaFiatMicrocarFiatSerbiaFiatTopolinoFiatTopolinoZastavaSerbiaFiatZastavaserbian governmentSerbianGovernmentyugozastava2008-05-02T08:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Pininfarina confirms Ferrari, Brembo and Sabelt as new shareholders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/pininfarina-confirms-ferrari-brembo-and-sabelt-as-new-sharehold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/pininfarina-confirms-ferrari-brembo-and-sabelt-as-new-sharehold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/pininfarina-confirms-ferrari-brembo-and-sabelt-as-new-sharehold/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for more images of the Pininfarina Sintesi

Pininfarina has confirmed the three new shareholders who will take stake in the company as part of its 100 million euro capital increase. As we reported previously, Piero Ferrari, son of the late Enzo Ferrari and vice-chairman of the eponymous Maranello sportscar firm, and Alberto Bombassei, chairman of the Brembo brakes company, will take shares, in addition to the Marsiaj family at the helm of Italian seatbelt manufacturer Sabelt.

The increased capital will finance the development and production of the upscale electric minicar Pininfarina will produce together with French industrial group Bollore and Indian automaker Tata. The car is expected to begin production in 2010 with 2000 units, ramping up to a full capacity of 15,000 units by 2012 with sales in the United States, Europe and Japan. Although the size of each new shareholder's stake has yet to be confirmed, the shares will come out of the Pininfarina family's 55% ownership.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>bombasseibrembobrembo pininfarinaBremboPininfarinaferrarimarsiajpiero ferraripiero ferrari pininfarinaPieroFerrariPieroFerrariPininfarinapininfarinasabeltsabelt pininfarinaSabeltPininfarina2008-05-02T07:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[More images of Carrozzeria Touring's coachbuilt Maseratis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/more-images-of-carrozzeria-tourings-coachbuilt-maseratis/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/more-images-of-carrozzeria-tourings-coachbuilt-maseratis/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/more-images-of-carrozzeria-tourings-coachbuilt-maseratis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click on the images to view the Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS and Bellagio Fastback in high resolution

The reborn Carrozzeria Touring made a big splash at Villa d'Este. As the featured marque of the Concorso d'Eleganza this year, the fathers of the classic Superleggera construction method took the wraps off two stunning coachbuilt Maseratis. While we wait for Touring to release more information on the swoopy A8 GCS sportscar and Bellagio Fastback, the Carrozzeria has graced us with a few new images of the two cars.

The photos of the A8 GCS show the custom coupe in a much better light than the initial batch, and there's another shot of the Quattroporte-based Bellagio, as well. As you can see in the latter, the side windows on the wagon are blanked out, but while the extension might not do any favors for blind-spot visibility, we hardly think that's the point as the design and craftsmanship appear second to none. Check out the images in the two galleries below to see for yourself.

Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS


Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati Bellagio


[Source: Carrozzeria Touring]

 

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]]>carrozzeria touringcarrozzeria touring maseraticarrozzeria touring superleggera maseratiCarrozzeriaTouringCarrozzeriaTouringMaseratiCarrozzeriaTouringSuperleggeraMaseraticoachbuilt maseratiCoachbuiltMaseraticoncorso deleganzaconcorso deleganza villa desteconcorso deleganza villa deste carrozzeria touringConcorsoDeleganzaConcorsoDeleganzaVillaDesteConcorsoDeleganzaVillaDesteCarrozzeriaTouringcustom maseratiCustomMaseratimaserati a8 gcsmaserati quattroporte bellagio fastbackMaseratiA8GcsMaseratiQuattroporteBellagioFastbacktouring bellagioTouringBellagiovilla desteVillaDeste2008-05-01T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Infiniti wants a 1-series competitor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/infiniti-wants-a-1-series-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/infiniti-wants-a-1-series-competitor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/infiniti-wants-a-1-series-competitor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Infiniti is gearing up for its entrance into Europe, but something's missing from its lineup: a small car. With BMW's 1-series being a popular choice for badge-obsessed consumers abroad, Infiniti needs something similar to solidify its place in the luxury hierarchy, but what form it will take is unclear.

According to Autocar, Infiniti insiders are planning to unleash something that aims to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series, but unnamed sources at Infiniti are quick to point out that the shape will be something entirely different than what's currently being offered by its competitors. The two options, according to Autocar, include a smaller crossover that would slot in below the EX35 or a hardtop convertible. Whatever it looks like, expect the new B-class Infiniti to be revealed sometime in 2010.

[Source: Autocar via JustAuto - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>1-seriesa3audibmweuropeinfiniti2008-05-01T14:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota iQ could spawn larger variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/toyota-iq-could-span-larger-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/toyota-iq-could-span-larger-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/toyota-iq-could-span-larger-variant/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Toyota iQ.

The expense of developing an entirely new platform to underpin a single model is hardly cost efficient, so it comes as little surprise that Toyota is considering another model built off its recently released iQ microcar. The new vehicle would be larger than the two-door city car - possibly aimed to compete with the Volkswagen up! -- although there's no word on how the dimensions might grow and what body styles are under consideration.

As for the standard iQ, an unnamed senior executive at Toyota told Autocar that their new city car would be priced "between the Fiat 500 and the MINI," and that a hybrid version isn't feasible since there's no room of the battery pack and the additional weight contradicts the philosophy behind the iQ; specifically designed to be a lightweight means of urban transport. While engine choices have yet to be officially announced, Autocar is reporting that two gasoline-powered engines will be offered, along with one diesel mill, and that a start-stop system will be employed to improve fuel economy.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>iqtoyotatoyota iqtoyota iq pricingToyotaIqToyotaIqPricing2008-05-01T13:31:00+00:00