Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Aston Martin joins the party, opens first merchandise store at the Nürburgring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/aston-martin-joins-the-party-opens-first-merchandise-store-at-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/aston-martin-joins-the-party-opens-first-merchandise-store-at-t/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/aston-martin-joins-the-party-opens-first-merchandise-store-at-t/#comments Filed under: ,



With Ferrari raking in cash hand over fist from Prancing Horse-branded merchandise, it was only a matter of time before its rivals began to catch on. And catch on they have, with several exotic automakers simultaneously cashing in on their image and promoting it with their own lines of branded merchandise. Stuttgart knows the game with its longstanding Porsche Design division, Molsheim has launched its own Bugatti Collection, and now Aston Martin has joined the fold in opening its first dedicated merchandise store. And where did they open it? At the Nürburgring - where else?

Opening its doors around the same time and in the same Grand Ring Boulevard location as the new Ferrari Store (coincidence? we think not), the first Aston Martin Store stocks an assortment of items from the Aston Martin Collection, including clothing and accessories for men, women and children, gifts, models and more. The store's grand opening was highlighted by the first production example of the One-77 rolling down the street from Aston's 'Ring-side test center. If you're not planning on heading down to the Nürburgring anytime soon, well... you should. But you can always stop by Aston's online shop and pick out your wares there. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Aston Martin Store Nurburgring


[Source: Aston Martin]

Continue reading Aston Martin joins the party, opens first merchandise store at the Nürburgring

Aston Martin joins the party, opens first merchandise store at the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> astonaston martinaston martin nurburgringaston martin storeaston martin store nurburgringaston nurburgringaston one-77AstonMartinAstonMartinNurburgringAstonMartinStoreAstonMartinStoreNurburgringAstonNurburgringAstonOne-77nurburgring Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:59:00 EST <![CDATA[STUDY: Despite insurance breaks, hybrids driven more, cost more to fix, and get more tickets]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/study-despite-insurance-discounts-hybrids-are-driven-more-cos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/study-despite-insurance-discounts-hybrids-are-driven-more-cos/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/study-despite-insurance-discounts-hybrids-are-driven-more-cos/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2010 Honda Insight EX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Conventional wisdom is that hybrid vehicles reduce our dependence on foreign oil and emit fewer environment hurting CO2 emissions. When comparing a hybrid to a conventional gasoline-powered model on a mile-by-mile basis, there's some logic to this argument provided the pricing disparity between the two models isn't too broad. However, a new study by Quality Planning shows that hybrid owners drive much more than non-hybrid owners, potentially negating the benefits of the added battery pack and electric motor.

Quality Planning studied nearly 360,000 vehicles throughout 2007 and 2008 to analyze driving habits, and some of the study's findings are pretty surprising. According to the survey, hybrid and non-hybrid drivers have statistically similar commutes, but hybrid owners drive their vehicles 25% more (2,000 miles) in non-commuting scenarios.

Dr. Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning, thinks part of the reason for these findings has something to do with the fact that high mileage drivers are typically more interested in hybrids than infrequent drivers.
"What we don't know is whether owning a hybrid vehicle encourages people to drive more miles each day or take more pleasure trips. High-mileage drivers appear to be attracted to these vehicles, so insurers should take steps to verify the intended use of hybrids and validate actual miles driven wherever possible."
The study also shows that hybrid owners are significantly more likely to receive traffic tickets. According to the survey, Toyota Prius owners received .38 tickets per 100,000 miles driven, versus a non-hybrid average of .23 tickets per 100,000 miles. That's a 65% differential. One possible explanation for the ticket disparity has to do with where hybrid owners live. Quality Planning found that hybrid owners are more likely to live in an urban setting, where tickets are more frequently issued.

If you really want a hybrid and you don't want to hear any more bad news, you should stop reading. QP also found that repair costs are significantly higher for hybrid owners. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, costs 31% more to repair than the gasoline-only model, while repairing the Toyota Highlander Hybrid will reportedly add 45% more cost. A recent report by IntelliChoice that found that, in the long-term, hybrids and diesels are actually cheaper than gasoline-only vehicles.

The text below illustrates how much on a per dollar basis hybrid repair costs for collision and comprehensive coverage versus one dollar for a non-hybrid. The disparity is shrinking every year, but according to QP, hybrids still cost more to fix. Hit the jump to view the Quality Planning press release.

Collision Comprehensive
Coverage Coverage
2006 Hybrid Models $1.16 $1.75
2007 Hybrid Models $1.09 $1.35
2008 Hybrid Models $1.13 $1.17


Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Insight EX


[Source: Quality Planning via Marketwire]

Continue reading STUDY: Despite insurance breaks, hybrids driven more, cost more to fix, and get more tickets

STUDY: Despite insurance breaks, hybrids driven more, cost more to fix, and get more tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cost of ownershipCostOfOwnershipgas-electrichonda insightHondaInsighthybridhybridsmaintenancemaintenance costsMaintenanceCostsquality planningQualityPlanningrepair costsRepairCoststicketstoyota priusToyotaPrius Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:29:00 EST <![CDATA[MADD angry at Flying Fish brewery for naming beers after NJ freeway exits?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/madd-angry-at-flying-fish-brewery-for-naming-beers-after-nj-free/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/madd-angry-at-flying-fish-brewery-for-naming-beers-after-nj-free/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/madd-angry-at-flying-fish-brewery-for-naming-beers-after-nj-free/#comments Filed under: ,

It is acceptable to name your alcoholic beverage after a moving vehicle so long as a car isn't the vehicle in question; e.g. Night Train Express wine and Warbird beer (How about Thunderbird? - Ed). In fact, it's frowned upon to give alcohol a name that can even be associated with cars. New Jersey craft brewer Flying Fish has attracted the attention of MADD, the NJ Turnpike Authority (NJTA), and the press for breaking the taboo with its line of beers named after exits on the New Jersey Turnpike.

The Exit 4 American Trippel was the first in the "big beer" series -- they come in 750-ml bottles -- part of "a multi-year brewing experiment to brew a series of beers as diverse as the great state of New Jersey." Exit 11, a Hoppy American Wheat Ale, will be coming later this month and is "a tribute to Woodbridge's exit, where the Turnpike meets the Garden State Parkway." Which must taste delicious...

MADD feels that "The combination of a roadway and advertising for any kind of a beer doesn't make any kind of sense." The NJTA wants to make sure no one thinks it's turned into a brewer. To address both issues each bottle of flying fish includes a disclaimer, "The New Jersey Turnpike Authority has no affiliation with the Exit Series. Both the Turnpike Authority and Flying Fish agree that you should never drink and drive." That hasn't quite quelled the controversy, but it does tell people two things they should already know.

[Source: Boston.com]

MADD angry at Flying Fish brewery for naming beers after NJ freeway exits? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alcoholbeerbreweryetcflying fishflying fish beerflying fish breweryFlyingFishFlyingFishBeerFlyingFishBrewerylifestylemaddmothers against drunk drivingMothersAgainstDrunkDrivingnew jerseynew jersey turnpikeNewJerseyNewJerseyTurnpike Wed, 15 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Robbie Maddison does the backwards flip with no-hands thing over the Thames ]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/video-robbie-maddison-does-the-backwards-flip-with-no-hands-thi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/video-robbie-maddison-does-the-backwards-flip-with-no-hands-thi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/video-robbie-maddison-does-the-backwards-flip-with-no-hands-thi/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the break

Robbie Maddison is set to solidify his reputation as the World's Preeminent Daredevil Motorcyclist after performing a no-handed backwards flip over the Thames in London at 2:55 am on July 13th. Using the iconic Tower Bridge as his takeoff and landing points, the Australian rider performed the stunt with the bridge in its raised position about 100 feet above the water.

Maddison hit the jump at about 40 miles per hour and managed a picture-perfect landing on the other side. The 27-year-old rider currently holds the record for the longest ever ramp-to-ramp jump ever at just over 350 feet and the highest ever "step up" to the 96-foot-tall Arc de Triomphe at the Paris hotel in Las Vegas. Click past the break to watch the event unfold on video.

[Source: BBC News via Top Gear]

Continue reading VIDEO: Robbie Maddison does the backwards flip with no-hands thing over the Thames

VIDEO: Robbie Maddison does the backwards flip with no-hands thing over the Thames originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> motorcycle jumpmotorcycle stuntMotorcycleJumpMotorcycleStuntrobbie maddisonrobbie maddison londonrobbie maddison tower bridgerobbie madisonRobbieMaddisonRobbieMaddisonLondonRobbieMaddisonTowerBridgeRobbieMadison Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:57:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno confirms <i>Top Gear</i> appearance]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/video-jay-leno-confirms-i-top-gear-i-appearance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/video-jay-leno-confirms-i-top-gear-i-appearance/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/video-jay-leno-confirms-i-top-gear-i-appearance/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Jay Leno and The Stig - Click above to watch video after the jump

Those previously unconfirmed rumors of Jay Leno making an appearance on Top Gear? Consider them now confirmed, courtesy of The Man himself. According to Jay Leno's Garage, the popular American late-night comedian, talk show host and all around cool guy did in fact visit Jeremy Clarkson, The Stig and the rest of the crew to film a piece for the show's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment.

From the sound of things, Leno had lots of fun in the U.K. and he specifically calls Top Gear his favorite show on television. With due respect to Conan, we'd have to agree. In addition to filming a few teaser shots of his trips around the TG Test Track, the comedian takes us into the Top Gear Production Office - and let's just say its pretty much exactly as you'd expect from a bunch of car-obsessed men. Click past the break to watch the video. Thanks for the tip, Stephen!

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno confirms Top Gear appearance

VIDEO: Jay Leno confirms Top Gear appearance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jay lenojay leno top gearjay lenos garageJayLenoJayLenosGarageJayLenoTopGearstar in a reasonably priced carStarInAReasonablyPricedCarthe stigTheStigtop gearTopGear Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Porsche Design and Adidas Gear Up for the Winter]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/porsche-design-and-adidas-gear-up-for-the-winter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/porsche-design-and-adidas-gear-up-for-the-winter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/porsche-design-and-adidas-gear-up-for-the-winter/#comments Filed under: ,


Porsche Design Sport Fall/Winter 2009 Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the rest of us are enjoying the summer, those working in the fashion industry at any level are already gearing up for the winter wonderland around the corner. So Porsche Design - the lucrative merchandising division - has released its latest Sport collection for the Fall and Winter seasons.

Made in collaboration with sportswear giant Adidas, the latest Porsche Design collection includes lines for sailing, golf, tennis, running and skiing, but of course, we cut straight to the good stuff: the driving gear, including a fresh assortment of driving shoes, gloves, scarves, sweatshirts, jackets and more. Naturally, they're all exquisitely designed, meticulously crafted and eager to keep you warm on a drive through the Alps. Follow the jump for the full press release and check out the images of the driving gear in the gallery below.


Gallery: Porsche Design Sport Fall/Winter 2009

Continue reading Porsche Design and Adidas Gear Up for the Winter

Porsche Design and Adidas Gear Up for the Winter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> porscheporsche adidasporsche designporsche design adidasporsche design drivingporsche design fall winter 2009porsche design sportPorscheAdidasPorscheDesignPorscheDesignAdidasPorscheDesignDrivingPorscheDesignFallWinter2009PorscheDesignSport Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:36:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Vauxhall skate party -- Click above to watch video

Vauxhall is rolling out the retro cool by holding an invitation-only roller skating event in North London on July 29. As part of the festivities, the General Motors division has reportedly commissioned bespoke sets of Vauxhall Corsa roller boots (seriously), and the event will even feature a "pit-stop themed hair salone with free styling from a 'huge name' in celebrity hairdressing." The secret party doesn't look to have a name, but it's got the kind of vibe that doesn't need one: "'70s disco meets Knight Rider on roller skates." If only the Knight Rider show had thought of that, perhaps it would still be on the air.

You can check out the details at www.tiny.cc/vauxhallskate, and you can get into the groove with video of a young lady doing her thing wearing Vauxhall Corsa skates after the jump. Hat tip to Clarence.

[Source: Event magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> corsaeventslifestylelondonpartyroller skatesRollerSkatesukvauxhallvauxhall corsaVauxhallCorsavideo Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/followup-gm-orders-youtube-to-remove-tasteless-gay-camaro-pro/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/followup-gm-orders-youtube-to-remove-tasteless-gay-camaro-pro/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/followup-gm-orders-youtube-to-remove-tasteless-gay-camaro-pro/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Yesterday, not long after we posted a story about a gay-centered General Motors marketing video for Chevrolet's new Camaro, the video was mysteriously pulled from YouTube. As it turns out, GM itself has copped to the disappearing act, as it reportedly ordered the popular video hosting site to yank the footage.

According to a USA Today article, GM spokesman Dave Barthmuss felt that the video - which featured a pair of so-called 'go go boys in Camaro-branded underwear washing a new 2010 model - was "not appropriate and not in good taste." The footage was filmed as part of a Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen gay day promotion at a Hollywood movie theater.

Despite pulling the video, GM has reportedly launched a more concerted campaign to broaden the scope of its marketing efforts as it applies to the Camaro, with more overt efforts to target gays, bisexuals and the transgendered. It is not immediately clear what (if any) effect pulling the footage will have on the rest of the automaker's p.r. efforts.

[Sources: USA Today; Mlive]

FOLLOWUP: GM orders YouTube to remove "tasteless" gay Camaro promo video? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> CamaroGayGBLTGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGLBTMarketingMegan FoxMeganFoxMichael bayMichaelBaypony carPonyCarShia LabeoufShiaLabeoufTransformersTransformers 2Transformers2 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:32:00 EST <![CDATA[Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/elle-macpherson-gets-topless-at-fiat-500c-launch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/elle-macpherson-gets-topless-at-fiat-500c-launch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/elle-macpherson-gets-topless-at-fiat-500c-launch/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Fiat 500C with Elle Macpherson - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat held a glitzy launch for the convertible version of its super hot supermini at the Whisky Mist in London the other night and swimsuit supermodel Elle Macpherson was the first in the UK to go topless, getting her very own 500C. We're told the Australian-born model and actress received the keys to the latest iteration of the Italian-built model outside her Notting Hill home and was soon overheard telling a friend how cool and sexy she thought it was. Of course, Elle knows all about cool and sexy Fiat 500s, having previously owned the original hard top version.

Other convertible-celebrating celebrities up in da club with Edoardo Agnelli, the nephew of Fiat's co-founder, included Tesla Roadster buyer and Black-Eyed Peas guy will.I.am and Sugababes' Amelle. Feel free to check out the gallery below of Elle's famous friends posing with her new ride. Americans lusting after a topless model for themselves may have to wait until 2011 before they are able to satisfy their desire. Hit the jump for a couple bonus vids of the 500C in action and the official UK launch press release.


Gallery: Fiat 500C UK launch


[Source: MS&L London]

Continue reading Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO]

Elle Macpherson gets topless at Fiat 500C launch [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 500500cEdoardo AgnelliEdoardoAgnelliElle MacphersonElleMacphersonfiatfiat 500Fiat 500CFiat 500C UK launchFiat500Fiat500cFiat500cUkLaunchwill.I.am Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:31:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: 'Personality traits' of automobiles studied]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-personality-traits-of-automobiles-studied/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-personality-traits-of-automobiles-studied/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/report-personality-traits-of-automobiles-studied/#comments Filed under: , ,


Reader-submitted "Cars" Photoshops - Click above for image gallery

The styling of your vehicle makes a statement, of course. Designers spend years perfecting the craft of automotive sculpture, and are finely attuned to what types of shapes and conventions send a given message. Now, the researchers want to move in and figure out how to express what the artists already know with a scientific approach called morphometrics. The practice of shape analysis, usually used for more classical studies like medicine and biology, is useful in improving healthcare equipment or possibly aiding in the identification of unknown remains.

People inherently look for faces and patterns, and the front of a car lends itself to being anthropomorphized. Professor Dennis Slice and his colleagues at Vienna University think the information gleaned from looking deeper into what the "faces" of various cars say - meek or mild appearance, for instance - and how to zero in on just what features will send the automaker's intended message. Of course, design teams already seem to be doing a good job of telling a story with design, with or without the newfangled algorithm. Possibly harder to nail down is the answer to the question of whether styling makes drivers behave differently, the next topic Slice and his team are tackling. Hat tip to Matt.


Gallery: Pixar CARS Photochops

REPORT: 'Personality traits' of automobiles studied originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto designAutoDesignautomotive design personalityAutomotiveDesignPersonalitycar designCarDesignvienna university auto designvienna university morphometricsViennaUniversityAutoDesignViennaUniversityMorphometrics Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[You Know, For the Kids: Volvo Motorsport launches children's racing gear]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/you-know-for-the-kids-volvo-motorsport-launches-childrens-rac/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/you-know-for-the-kids-volvo-motorsport-launches-childrens-rac/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/you-know-for-the-kids-volvo-motorsport-launches-childrens-rac/#comments Filed under: , ,

Volvo Motorsport Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any automaker - besides Little Tikes or Hotwheels - that tries to market to kids may find itself wasting precious advertising dollars. But as far as family cars go, Volvo seems to have made a name for itself making the safest vehicles in which parents - you know, the ones actually paying for and driving the car - can shuttle their kids around from school to karate class. Just ask any of the mothers sitting sideline at soccer practice and they'll tell you as much. That may go some way towards explaining why the Swedish automaker has taken such care in releasing the latest addition to its merchandise line.

While Volvo is hardly the first automaker to merchandise its brand image or even the first to create children's clothing, it's the first we've seen to launch one single kids t-shirt by itself. The Volvo Manager T-shirt for children bears the colors - namely green, to go with the earth-friendly DRIVe program - of the company's Swedish Touring Car Championship team on a tee made especially for the little guy, letting him (or her) in on the action while letting everyone know who's the boss: it's written there right on the back, printed on, like the rest of the badges, instead of embroidered to optimize the kid's comfort. Of course, Volvo Motorsport has a full line of gear for mom and dad as well, available on the company's website, but this piece itself is so simple that it's just, well... child's play. Details in the press release after the jump and images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Volvo Motorsport Collection


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading You Know, For the Kids: Volvo Motorsport launches children's racing gear

You Know, For the Kids: Volvo Motorsport launches children's racing gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> childrenDRIVekidsswedenswedishswedish touring car championshipSwedishTouringCarChampionshipt-shirtvolvovolvo merchandisevolvo motorsportVolvoMerchandiseVolvoMotorsport Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Jay Leno filming Star in a Reasonably Priced Car for <i>Top Gear</i>?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/jay-leno-filming-for-top-gears-star-in-a-reasonably-priced-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/jay-leno-filming-for-top-gears-star-in-a-reasonably-priced-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/jay-leno-filming-for-top-gears-star-in-a-reasonably-priced-car/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Jay Leno's Tank Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Citing an unnamed though supposedly reliable source, the boys at Jalopnik are reporting that Jay Leno - fresh from his appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed where he's believed to have piloted an awesome McLaren F1 GTR up the hill - was spotted filming a Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment today with the blokes from Top Gear. What are the chances we'll get surprise appearances by Leno's Tank Car or EcoJet?

Assuming this rumor turns out to be true, we fully hope that Jay can properly represent American gearheads by outlapping Jamiroquai lead singer Jay Kay, who currently sits atop the Star leaderboard after knocking Simon Cowell off his perch as the quickest celebrity in Britain.


Gallery: Jay Leno's Tank Car at Pebble Beach


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Jalopnik]

Jay Leno filming Star in a Reasonably Priced Car for Top Gear? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BBCjay lenojay leno top gearJayLenoJayLenoTopGearstar in a reasonably priced carStarInAReasonablyPricedCartop gearTopGear Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/google-phone-designers-plot-for-the-end-of-driving-with-autono/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/google-phone-designers-plot-for-the-end-of-driving-with-autono/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/google-phone-designers-plot-for-the-end-of-driving-with-autono/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Mike and Maaike's Autonomobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

In Possible Future Scenario #317-B, San Francisco industrial design firm Mike and Maaike presents the atnmbl (get it? - "autonomobile"). Less a car than an autonomous, seven-person mobile living room, the atnmbl is billed as a complete redesign of the car for those who believe that the ideal driving experience is not driving.

Essentially an all-wheel-drive Internet sitting room, the solar and electric atnmbl asks you where you want to go and then takes you there. Speed and acceleration are "irrelevant considerations," time savings is the key - that is, unless you ask the atnmbl to take the scenic route. Since you're not driving, you'll need something to do during the trip, hence the Internet browsing screen and open-source software architecture to download apps, social networking capabilities, and... a bar.

Mike and Maaike don't predict seeing the atnmbl until 2040, which gives you some time to enjoy having to leave your couch to go camping. As for such a thing actually materializing, coming from the folks who designed the Google Phone, and with, perhaps, the ears of Google's muckamucks, well, hey, who knows. In the meantime, you can read what the firm has to say about its creation after the jump.


Gallery: Mike and Maaike Autonomobile


[Source: Core77]

Continue reading Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile

Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alternativeandroidAndroid phoneAndroidPhoneatnmblfutureG1 phoneG1PhoneGoogleGoogle G1Google phoneGoogleG1GooglePhonegreenindustrial designIndustrialDesign Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[High Performance: Audi designs a €100,000 Bosendorfer piano to celebrate centenary]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/high-performance-audi-designs-a-bosendorfer-piano-to-celebrate/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/high-performance-audi-designs-a-bosendorfer-piano-to-celebrate/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/high-performance-audi-designs-a-bosendorfer-piano-to-celebrate/#comments Filed under: , ,

Bosendorfer Audi Design Grand Piano - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are some things you just don't mess with. Like the shape of a grand piano. They've been making them for centuries, and though to a trained ear, one might sound different over another or even feel different to a skilled musician, by and large, they all bear the same shape. Because there are some things you just don't mess with. But then on the other hand, rules are meant to be broken. And after 100 years in business, Audi doesn't appear very eager to follow conventions. So to celebrate its centenary, the German automaker's design studio - and by that we mean their automotive design team, not a merchandising division - has teamed up with renowned Austrian keyboard builders Bosendorfer to produce a uniquely beautiful grand piano.

Of course, the same general shape had to be retained for the sake of acoustics, but one look at Audi's Bosendorfer tells you this is no ordinary grand, and chief designer Wolfgang Egger says the process will help his design team take a fresh look at automotive design as well. The Bosendorfer Audi Design Grand Piano will make its world debut at Audi's 100th anniversary celebration at the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt on July 16, after which it will be available to the public for a princely €100,000 (about $140,000). At that price level, don't expect to see one in the window down at the local music shop, but you can check it out in the high-res gallery below along with the details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Bosendorfer Audi Design Grand Piano


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading High Performance: Audi designs a €100,000 Bosendorfer piano to celebrate centenary

High Performance: Audi designs a €100,000 Bosendorfer piano to celebrate centenary originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi bosendorferaudi designaudi forumaudi pianoAudiBosendorferAudiDesignAudiForumAudiPianobosendorferbosendorfer audiBosendorferAudicentenarycentennialconcert grandconcert grand pianoConcertGrandConcertGrandPianoeggergrand pianoGrandPianoingolstadtpianowolfgang eggerWolfgangEgger Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Batcycle with sidecar]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/ebay-find-of-the-day-1966-batcycle-with-sidecar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/ebay-find-of-the-day-1966-batcycle-with-sidecar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/03/ebay-find-of-the-day-1966-batcycle-with-sidecar/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


1966 Batcycle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Where does Batman get those wonderful toys? We may finally have an answer for the Joker: Batman shops on eBay, just like the rest of us, and he apparently also sells off his unwanted bits and pieces after they've served their purpose. Such is the case with the classic 1966 Batcycle, which was ably replaced a few years back by the far more menacing Batpod.

The Caped Crusader must have finally decided the Batcycle would be better served fighting crime in the hands of a new hero than collecting dust in a remote corner of the Batcave, as it's just been sold on eBay with a final winning bid of $29,500. It seems that Batman had put just 8,245 miles on his Batcycle before retiring it for more advanced machinery.

According to the auction, the bike itself was designed and assembled by Kustomotive for the original 1966 Batman feature film and made subsequent appearances in the television series from the '60s. The seller notes that this Batcycle was based on a 250cc Yamaha Catalina with a custom sidecar featuring a removable go kart for Robin that was powered by its own 50cc engine. While it's clear that the Batcycle wasn't exactly a barnburner, it sure makes up for its lack of power with style.


Gallery: eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Batcycle


[Source: eBay via Tilted Horizons]

eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Batcycle with sidecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1966 yamaha catalina1966YamahaCatalinabatcyclebatmanbatman sidecarBatmanSidecarbatpodrobinrobin sidecarRobinSidecar Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/goodwood-festival-of-speed-featuring-135-foot-monument-to-audi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/goodwood-festival-of-speed-featuring-135-foot-monument-to-audi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/goodwood-festival-of-speed-featuring-135-foot-monument-to-audi/#comments Filed under: , ,


Goodwood Festival of Speed Audi Sculpture - Click above for image gallery of more GFoS sculptures

The Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place this weekend, and every year the Earl of March, who manages the 12,000-acre Goodwood estate that hosts the event, commissions a giant art piece honoring that year's featured marque. Audi is the featured marque this year, which is timely since the Ingolstadt-based automaker is also celebrating its centennial.

This year's sculpture that was commissioned for Audi is a big swoosh of tire tracks with a 1937 Auto Union streamliner and new Audi R8 V10 suspended at either end. Standing 135-feet tall and weighing 40 tonnes, as they say in Britain, the piece is made entirely of steel to support itself without braces or cables. Gerry Judah is the designer, as he has been for Goodwood's featured art installations since 1997 when he first designed one for Ferrari. This is also the second time he's produced a piece for Audi, the first one being back in 1999.

It goes without saying that we all want to stick this in the flower bed in our front yard, but unfortunately you'll only be able to see it if you're in West Sussex this weekend to enjoy the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Check out more pics of this year's Audi sculpture, as well as art pieces from prior years, in the gallery below.


Gallery: Goodwood Festival of Speed Art Sculptures


[Source: Audi, Photos courtesy of Gerry Judah]

Continue reading Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi

Goodwood Festival of Speed featuring 135-foot monument to Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi centennialaudi featured marqueaudi goodwoodaudi sculptureaudi statueAudiCentennialAudiFeaturedMarqueAudiGoodwoodAudiSculptureAudiStatuefestival of speedFestivalOfSpeedgerry judahGerryJudahgoodwoodgoodwood festival of speedGoodwoodFestivalOfSpeed Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:25:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Norton Commando Transformer is more than meets the eye]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/video-norton-commando-transformer-is-more-than-meets-the-eye/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/video-norton-commando-transformer-is-more-than-meets-the-eye/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/02/video-norton-commando-transformer-is-more-than-meets-the-eye/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Click above to watch video after the break

We didn't much care for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen when we went out and saw it on opening night, but we're still smitten by the concept of robots that transform into all manner of vehicular machinery. In Michael Bay's new flick, motorcycles may have taken a more prominent role than in the past, but we prefer the classic Norton Commando in the short clip after the break to the two-wheeled robotic movie machines.

Composed and rendered by Steve Twist, a student from Bournemouth University gunning for his undergraduate degree in Computer Visualisation and Animation, this eight-month project looks to be time well spent to our eyes. Better still, in our heads, this is exactly what an old Norton motorcycle would sound like if it could talk.

Perhaps Twist can get in touch with Bay to instill at least a modicum of realism for the inevitable Transformers 3? Nah, probably not. Click past the break to watch the video.

[Source: Motorcycle News]

Continue reading VIDEO: Norton Commando Transformer is more than meets the eye

VIDEO: Norton Commando Transformer is more than meets the eye originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> michael bayMichaelBaymorphnortonnorton commandonorton motorcyclenorton motorcyclesnorton transformerNortonCommandoNortonMotorcycleNortonMotorcyclesNortonTransformerRevenge of the FallenRevengeOfTheFallenTF2tf3transformer motorcycleTransformerMotorcycletransformerstransformers motorcycletransformers movieTransformersMotorcycleTransformersMovie Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/hyundais-1-49-fuel-promo-causing-traffic-jams-at-gas-stations/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/hyundais-1-49-fuel-promo-causing-traffic-jams-at-gas-stations/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/hyundais-1-49-fuel-promo-causing-traffic-jams-at-gas-stations/#comments Filed under: , ,


Hyundai gas promotion traffic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Well, imagine that. People like cheap gas. Enough, in fact, that they're willing to line up in droves just for the privilege of filling up their tanks. As if you needed further proof of this unfailing truth, here are the pictures to prove it. As part of its new Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock promotion, the Korean automaker ran an unannounced campaign in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles where consumers could purchase gas for just $1.49 per gallon.

The catch? There was just one location in each cities where the program was in effect and the location was kept secret until an hour before the promotion began. In a nod to modern social media users, Hyundai sent the information to its Twitter followers (@hyundainews) just before local radio stations announced the promotion city-wide about an hour before it started. Predictably, a mad rush to each location ensued. Nice little PR stunt, no?

Click past the break for the press release and check out the images of the madness shot on location at the Horace Harding BP gas station in New York. Similar scenes were reported in Chicago and LA.


Gallery: Hyundai gas promotion traffic

Continue reading Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country?

Hyundai's $1.49 fuel promo causing traffic jams at gas stations across the country? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cheap gasCheapGashyundaihyundai assurancehyundai assurance gas lockhyundai cheap gashyundai gas lockHyundaiAssuranceHyundaiAssuranceGasLockHyundaiCheapGasHyundaiGasLock Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Forza 3 releases updated car list, more screen shots with Japanese theme]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/forza-3-releases-updated-car-list-more-screen-shots-with-japane/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/forza-3-releases-updated-car-list-more-screen-shots-with-japane/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/forza-3-releases-updated-car-list-more-screen-shots-with-japane/#comments Filed under: , ,


Forza Motorsport 3 Japanese Style - Click above for a high-res gallery

Turn 10 Studios has blessed us with another round of screen shots from the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3, as well as a few more hints regarding the tracks and vehicles in the game. The previous update had a Le Mans theme, but this time the focus is on Japan, highlighted by a selection of both cars and tracks from the Land of the Rising Sun.

While the complete line-up of Japanese cars hasn't been released, those listed give us a good idea of the range of vehicles due to be offered. You'll be able to drive everything from sub-compacts like the 2008 Toyota Yaris S and 2009 Honda Fit Sport to the race cars from the Super GT series including the Nismo Nissan GT-R. Of course, Japanese icons are also available, including the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza WRX STi as well as the latest range of sports cars like the Lexus IS-F and Nissan 370Z.

As far as tracks go, you'll be able to drive on some of Japan's best race venues including the Suzuka, Twin Ring Motegi, and the Tsukuba. With over 100 real-world tracks available in the game, we're guessing this is only a small sampling of the list. Stay tuned for Turn 10 Studio's bi-weekly updates, and be sure to check out the new high-res screen shots in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!


Gallery: Forza 3 Japanese Screen Shots



[Source: Forza Motorsport]

Forza 3 releases updated car list, more screen shots with Japanese theme originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ForzaForza 3Forza 3 car listForza 3 picturesForza 3 screen shotsForza 3 tracksForza MotorsportForza Motorsport 3Forza3Forza3CarListForza3PicturesForza3ScreenShotsForza3TracksForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport3 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:20:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Michigan man builds awesome jet-powered F-150]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/video-michigan-man-builds-awesome-jet-powered-f-150/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/video-michigan-man-builds-awesome-jet-powered-f-150/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/video-michigan-man-builds-awesome-jet-powered-f-150/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2005 Ford F-150 Jet Truck - Click above to watch the video after the break

Here we have what may quite possibly be the World's Coolest Hybrid. It may not be particularly adept at saving fuel - owner Chris Lentz of Jackson, Michigan, says it burns one to five gallons of kerosene per minute (though presumably it could also run on biodiesel like Jay Leno's EcoJet) but we aren't aware of any other hybrid vehicles that can put out 2700 horsepower at 516 miles per hour.

While half of the 2005 Ford F-150 STX's drivetrain consists of the stock FoMoCo 4.6-liter V8 and four-speed automatic transmission, the truck's coup de grâce is certainly the 1950s-era Czechoslovakian Motorlet M-701 turbojet mounted discreetly in the bed. The 728-pound jet engine is reportedly capable of punching out 1,962 pounds of thrust at 15,500 RPM.

Coupled together, the two engines can push the truck down the quarter mile at 103 miles per hour and up to a measured top speed of 140 mph, though it could likely go faster with a slightly modified mounting arrangement. Speed, though, is only a small part of the story. Click past the break for a video of Lentz's truck in action.

[Source: Automobile]

VIDEO: Michigan man builds awesome jet-powered F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chris lentzChrisLentzjet poweredjet powered truckjet truckjet-poweredjet-powered truckJet-poweredTruckjet-truckJetPoweredJetPoweredTruckJetTruck Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST