Autoblog MISC http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog MISC 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[Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Isuzu Trail View - video screencap

Isuzu has taken to advertising its not-for-North-America KB pickup truck with a unique initiative. The company wanted to apply the Google Street View philosophy to some of South Africa's more remote off-road trails, and the result is Isuzu Trail View. Using multiple action cameras situated in a 3D-printed housing strapped to the top of the truck, the crew began bouncing along dirt and rock paths, recording all the while. They also shot additional video and worked with experts to provide excellent clips on how to navigate common off-road obstacles.

You can watch the making-of video below, and you can head over to the Trail View site to poke around a few South African trails for yourself. All we want to know is, how long before Jeep does the same here in the US?

Continue reading Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road

Isuzu Trail View is Google Street View for off road originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> googlegoogle street viewisuzuisuzu kbisuzu kb pickupisuzu pickupisuzu trail viewoff roadoff roadingstreet viewstreetviewtrail view Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566938/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20566938/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/17/isuzu-trail-view-is-google-street-view-for-off-road/20566938/article-detail.xml 20566938 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/suzuki-trail-view-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/suzuki-trail-view-628.jpg <![CDATA[VPG Autos ceases operations]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vpg-autos-ceases-operations/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vpg-autos-ceases-operations/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/vpg-autos-ceases-operations/#comments Filed under: , , ,



In the span of about a month, four start-up car-building companies in the US have encountered serious problems. Fisker laid off 75 percent of its employees, Coda filed for bankruptcy, Carbon Motors pulled out of its Indiana assembly plant and now VPG Autos has ceased its operations. VPG has not officially filed for bankruptcy, but it is no longer building its wheelchair-accessible MV-1 (pictured) at the AM General plant near South Bend, IN.

The MV-1 was a purpose-built vehicle designed to accommodate disabled drivers or passengers, but according to Business Insider, the company ran out of cash following the US Department of Energy freezing its assets. VPG took a $50 million loan from the DOE in 2011 but failed to keep its reserve funds at an amount required by the loan. Sadly, there was no shortage of orders for the MV-1, but VPG just didn't have the capital to get the vehicles built.

VPG Autos ceases operations originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> am generalUS Department of Energyvpg autosvpg autos federal loanvpg mv-1 Wed, 08 May 2013 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562407/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562407/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/vpg-autos-ceases-operations/20562407/article-detail.xml 20562407 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/2011-vgp-autos-mv-1-qs.jpg <![CDATA[Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Morgan Plus 8 Hot Rod in Jay Leno's Garage

We love Morgan for its quintessentially British approach to motoring charm, and while the automaker has recently ventured into more modern machinery with the launch and development of its Aero line, it's the classic Plus 8 and Roadster that have stood the test of time, having first been released back in 1968.

Of course, classic cars are all well and good for those who covet the joy of driving, just so long as it's kept to weekends and sunny days, but there's always room for tinkering and improvement to bring things up to modern levels of performance and reliability. With that in mind, we suggest you scroll down below to watch Jay Leno put a hot-rod Morgan Plus 8 through its paces with its builder, Jason Len of XKs Unlimited, along for the ride.

Continue reading Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod

Leno drives a V8-powered Morgan Plus 8 hot rod originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> jay lenojay lenos garagemorganmorgan plus 8videoxks unlimited Wed, 08 May 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562259/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20562259/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/leno-drives-a-v8-powered-morgan-plus-8-hot-rod/20562259/article-detail.xml 20562259 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/morgan-plus-8-jay-leno_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/morgan-plus-8-jay-leno.png <![CDATA[Nissan Juke-R [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

The Other Brother



The handler strapped into the carbon fiber race bucket next to me is the only other person outside of yours truly who looks like he thinks this is a bad idea. I've just finished situating myself in the cabin of the very first Nissan Juke-R ever constructed. There are literally thousands of man hours in this single prototype and only four examples of the car total in the entire world. Each one carries a price tag of around $656,400 at current conversion rates, making this both the rarest and most expensive piece of machinery anyone has ever let me get close enough to sniff, let alone drive.

And that's exactly what I mean to do.

I'm not puttering around some parking lot, either. Nissan has seen fit to let me hammer this thing around a road course set up on the infield of the now defunct Nashville Superspeedway for as long as my passenger will let me, and I'm keen to oblige. I send out the familiar and threadbare "Please don't let me crash this car" one last time, and with the engine already running, I click the shifter into gear and let the Juke-R grumble its way to the pit exit.

Continue reading Nissan Juke-R [w/video]

Nissan Juke-R [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> featuredfirst driveFirstDrivenissannissan juke-r Fri, 03 May 2013 14:54:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557371/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20557371/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/03/nissan-juke-r-w-video/20557371/article-detail.xml 20557371 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-juke-r-1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/nissan-juke-r-1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[1966 Volga GAZ-21 pops into Jay Leno's Garage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno in Russian Volga - video screencap

One of the many reasons we love Jay Leno's Garage is the depth of the comedian's collection and his appreciation for the unappreciated. Most men of his financial and social standing with even a passing interest in automobiles would occupy their driveways with six- and seven-figure high performance and luxury cars - they wouldn't even know what something like this 1966 Volga GAZ-21 is, let alone offer it a spot in their garage mahal.

Yet here is Leno, pouring over this ex-KGB staff car in detail and trying on his best labored Russian accent, genuinely fascinated by this small sedan. With a three-on-the-tree, primitive leaf-spring suspension and 95 horsepower from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder, this unrestored sedan - still riding on made-in-USSR tires - doesn't sound terribly exciting on paper, but Jay does a good job of outlining its features and putting it into historical context. He even tells a brief-but-amusing yarn about driving the car through Russian immigrant neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area. Learn more about this Cold War curiosity by scrolling below to watch the video.

Continue reading 1966 Volga GAZ-21 pops into Jay Leno's Garage

1966 Volga GAZ-21 pops into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1966 volga gaz-21jay lenojay lenos garagekgblenovideovolgavolga gaz-21 Thu, 02 May 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556083/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/1966-volga-gaz-21-pops-into-jay-lenos-garage/20556083/article-detail.xml 20556083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jay-leno-in-1966-volga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/jay-leno-in-1966-volga.jpg <![CDATA[Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/#comments Filed under: , ,

Emgrand EC7-EV live at 2013 Shanghai Motor Show

Detroit Electric Technology emblem The revived Detroit Electric company will be partnering with China's Geely, but the mission is not to cooperate on bringing the all-electric Tesla Roadster-like SP:01 to market. Instead, Detroit Electric and Geely will co-develop more normal passenger vehicles from Geely's Emgrand brand, starting with the EC7 pictured above. The two companies will also work on "related electric drive systems." The announcement was made at the Shanghai Motor Show today.

Geely and Detroit Electric have been working quietly for three years on feasibility studies and a joint development program that finally selected the EC7. All of the vehicles that emerge from the strategic partnership will be sold in China, and the first model, which will be called the EC7-EV and come in two range flavors (100 and 160 miles) is due in 2014. The EC7-EV will apparently have a top speed of over 124 miles per hour. The companies are bold enough to put out sales predictions already, saying they expect 3,000 to be sold in the first year and 30,000 in the first three years.

Detroit Electric is in the midst of an aggressive launch phase, with plans to already start building the SP:01 in Michigan in August. To refresh your memory, the SP:01 scoots on up to 62 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds on the way up to a top speed of 155 mph. The powertrain includes a 37-kWh lithium-polymer battery and an air-cooled, asynchronous AC electric motor that puts out 201 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. The range (as calculated on the New European Driving Cycle) is 180 miles - we figure that means about 150 miles using US tests.

Continue reading Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles

Detroit Electric, Geely announce strategic partnership for electric vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showdetroit electricemgrandemgrand ec7emgrand ec7-evevgeelyshanghai motor showsp:01 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546218/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546218/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/detroit-electric-geely-ec7-ev-electric-vehicles/20546218/article-detail.xml 20546218 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/emgrand-ec7-detroit-electric-geely-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/emgrand-ec7-detroit-electric-geely-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mazzanti introduces production Evantra V8 at Top Marques Monaco [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/mazzanti-introduces-production-evantra-v8-at-top-marques-monaco/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/mazzanti-introduces-production-evantra-v8-at-top-marques-monaco/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/mazzanti-introduces-production-evantra-v8-at-top-marques-monaco/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Mazzanti Automobili Evantra V8 - front three-quarter view

Mazzanti Automobili showed its Evantra last December, but this month's Top Marques Monaco show has finally unleashed the production beastie. The internals make for good reading: all-aluminum 7.0-liter V8, 701 horsepower, 624 pound-feet of torque, 0-62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, six-speed manual or sequential paddle-shift transmission, bodywork in either aluminum or carbon fiber laid over a steel and chromoly chassis, that second bodywork option making for a curb weight of 2,860 pounds.

It's the shape of the body by which Mazzanti plans to make its name. Penned by company founder Luca Mazzanti and the darkly named Zsolt Tarnok, the idea is that the various lines are a "perfect equilibrium of classical and modern." No matter where it sits on the spectrum, it's busy. Small details have been changed since the initial reveal a few months ago, but items like the tailored leather interior, Tricolore start button, 20-inch wheels on super low profile rubber and ginormous Brembo brakes remain.

If you'd like a different look for your Evantra, opt for the aluminum body and Mazzanti will hand craft it to your liking. No matter the material, Mazzanti only plans to produce five Evantra V8s per year, so it's likely the one above will be the only one you ever see. Check out a couple of videos of the car in Monaco below and take a look at the official press release while you're there.

Continue reading Mazzanti introduces production Evantra V8 at Top Marques Monaco [w/videos]

Mazzanti introduces production Evantra V8 at Top Marques Monaco [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mazzantimazzanti automobilimazzanti evantra v8top marquestop marques monaco Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547733/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547733/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/mazzanti-introduces-production-evantra-v8-at-top-marques-monaco/20547733/article-detail.xml 20547733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mazzanti-evantra-v8_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mazzanti-evantra-v8.jpg <![CDATA[Qoros could finally be the Chinese brand to fear in the west]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/qoros-could-finally-be-the-chinese-brand-to-fear-in-the-west/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/qoros-could-finally-be-the-chinese-brand-to-fear-in-the-west/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/qoros-could-finally-be-the-chinese-brand-to-fear-in-the-west/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Can Qoros Make A Difference Outside The Walls Of China?

Qoros badge

I know of no sober industry executive who fears a Chinese entry into the US.

Qoros is a venture between the Israeli Israel Corp. and state-owned Chinese company Chery. Chery, up to now, has been known mostly for "appropriating" western designs and having an ill-fated, ridiculous and half-baked venture with Malcolm Bricklin to bring Chery vehicles to the United States a few years ago. Bricklin was an original distributor of Subaru and Yugo in the US. The only people to find any success in that venture were the lawyers.

But what gets my attention now with Qoros is that the company seems to be addressing the cultural mistakes and barriers that have bedeviled every other Chinese automaker with aspirations to be successful beyond China. It is using non-Chinese executives - people with legitimate experience in the Western auto industry - in the areas of design, engineering and distribution.

Heretofore, I have been bored silly watching Chinese automakers like Chery, Great Wall and BYD either come to the Detroit Auto Show with a car, or strike some preposterous distribution deal with the hacks and ne'er-do-wells of the western auto retailing space. It's been all for naught. These cars and ventures have been so inept and awful that I know of no sober industry executive who fears a Chinese entry into the US.

Continue reading Qoros could finally be the Chinese brand to fear in the west

Qoros could finally be the Chinese brand to fear in the west originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachinese carsdavid kileyopinionqorosqoros 3 sedan Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547570/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20547570/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/qoros-could-finally-be-the-chinese-brand-to-fear-in-the-west/20547570/article-detail.xml 20547570 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/02qorosteasers_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/02qorosteasers.jpg <![CDATA[Icona Vulcano does a sultry striptease in Shanghai [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/icona-vulcano-shanghai-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/icona-vulcano-shanghai-2013/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/20/icona-vulcano-shanghai-2013/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Perhaps Icona didn't get the message that it's safe to reveal the entirety of the Vulcano now that the Shanghai Motor Show is underway, but we'll enjoy the half we can see and admit that we didn't expect to like it as much as we do. There's some Lexus LFA DNA in the face, some Ferrari 599 and F12 Berlinetta in the profile and a backside we've never seen before; the entire package manages a note all its own. At least, with the half we can see.

The placard next to the Vulcano presents more information than we know how to decipher at the moment: it weighs either 3,509 pounds or 3,597 pounds and has 870 or 950 horsepower depending on your choice of powertrain, those driveline options apparently being either gasoline, hybrid, two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The sprint from 0-60 miles per hour is either 2.9 or 3.0 seconds, and the top speed is 217 miles per hour. And if the lead image on Icona's site is to be believed, the Vulcano has a seven-speed transmission, a rev counter that goes to 10,000, a horsepower meter and a seriously futuristic digital dashboard.

Icona hasn't released the trove of details it must know everyone is waiting for - like if this is really just a one-off - so we'll update the post when we get it. For now there's a brief press release below and the high-res gallery above.

Update: Now with 50-percent less sheet, 100-percent more booth professional and exactly the same amount of official information from Icona. Enjoy the new pictures in our updated gallery.

Continue reading Icona Vulcano does a sultry striptease in Shanghai [UPDATE]

Icona Vulcano does a sultry striptease in Shanghai [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 shanghai motor showiconaicona vulcanoshanghaishanghai motor show Sat, 20 Apr 2013 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546130/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546130/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/20/icona-vulcano-shanghai-2013/20546130/article-detail.xml 20546130 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/icona-volcano-v2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/icona-volcano-v2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Spartan V trackday racer finally ready for prime time [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/spartan-v-trackday-racer-finally-ready-for-prime-time-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/spartan-v-trackday-racer-finally-ready-for-prime-time-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/spartan-v-trackday-racer-finally-ready-for-prime-time-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Spartan V trackday car - dead on front view, red

A few things have changed since the Spartan V track car was announced almost three years ago. Back in 2010, the red open-top sportscar from Australia was slated to be a 661-pound apex-hugger with 170 horsepower coming from a 1,200-cc Ducati engine. The slinky red bodywork remains, but the engine now comes from Honda: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turns the output wick up to 250 hp. Opt for the supercharger and benefit from 400 horsepower. Weight has predictably gone up as well, the Spartan V now clocking in at 1,100 pounds, while top speed has come down from 173 miles per hour to 149 mph.

With just enough of an interior to keep you on the paved bits, the Spartan V still shouldn't have any problem going fast, though, as the video below proves. There will be just 300 made, and the price quoted in Spartan's press release below is $95,000 - we'll assume that US dollars. The price in Australia is $79,000 AUD (about $82,000 US), so you can save yourself a few large if you already have a second home Down Under.

Continue reading Spartan V trackday racer finally ready for prime time [w/video]

Spartan V trackday racer finally ready for prime time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> roadsterspartanspartan motor companyspartan vtracktrack cartrack daytrackdayvideo Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20542291/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/spartan-v-trackday-racer-finally-ready-for-prime-time-w-video/20542291/article-detail.xml 20542291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/spartan-v-track-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/spartan-v-track-car.jpg <![CDATA[Britain's Morgan traces its family and model heritage]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/britains-morgan-traces-its-family-and-model-heritage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/britains-morgan-traces-its-family-and-model-heritage/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/16/britains-morgan-traces-its-family-and-model-heritage/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Harry F. S. Morgan sitting on the three-wheeler he invented in 1909 - video screencap

There are various points of entry to an exploration of England's Morgan Motor Company, and ancestry research company Genes Reunited takes the method of family history. Morgan has been run by three generations of the family, starting with Harry F. S. Morgan - that's him sitting on the three-wheeler he invented in 1909.

In this brief but highly informative video, the company's archivist and museum curator, Martyn Webb, takes us on a trip through 104 years of Morgan stewardship. Starting with Harry and picking up with son Peter and grandson Charles, Webb also covers the vehicles - how the three-wheeler led to the 4/4 in 1936 and how those two have become the new Three Wheeler and the Morgan Aeromax. It's well worth a watch, and you can do just that by scrolling below.

Continue reading Britain's Morgan traces its family and model heritage

Britain's Morgan traces its family and model heritage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> charles morgangenes reunitedharry morganmartyn webbmorganmorgan 44morgan motor companymorgan three wheelerpeter morganvideo Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539931/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/16/britains-morgan-traces-its-family-and-model-heritage/20539931/article-detail.xml 20539931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/morgan-family-genes_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/morgan-family-genes.jpg <![CDATA[Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai reveal [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



It used to be that New York marked the end of the auto show season, but after the Shanghai show has moved so as not to compete with NYC, we've settled in for a few more weeks of teasing. Here we have another glimpse of the Vulcano, the supercar created by Shanghai-based boutique carmaker Icona that we'll see revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show.

It's a fuller view of the back end than we glimpsed in the first teaser, covered in "Red Magma" paint. We're looking forward to finding out what that central hatch hides since the Vulcano's V12 engine - the work of Claudio Lombardi, whose resume includes powertrain engineering for World Rally Championship Lancias and the Formula One and GT Programs at Ferrari - is mounted in front. That engine is mated to electric motors and the whole shebang kicks out 900 horsepower.

The Vulcano is said to be an evolution of the all-electric Fuselage concept that Icona showed at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show. "Evolution" is a broad term, especially when we're going from a zero-emissions vehicle to a 900-horsepower hybrid sports car, but to at least check out where the company has been there's a video of the Fuselage below.

Continue reading Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai reveal [w/video]

Icona Vulcano teased again before Shanghai reveal [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> concept cariconaicona vulcanoShanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor showvideoyoutube Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540002/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/icona-vulcano-teased-again-before-shanghai-reveal-w-video/20540002/article-detail.xml 20540002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/icona-vulcano-tease-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/icona-vulcano-tease-2.jpg <![CDATA[MG to unveil CS crossover concept in Shanghai]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/mg-to-unveil-cs-crossover-concept-in-shanghai/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/mg-to-unveil-cs-crossover-concept-in-shanghai/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/mg-to-unveil-cs-crossover-concept-in-shanghai/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



MG has a compact SUV concept coming to Shanghai Motor Show, and it wears the compact moniker "CS." Beyond talking up its "sporting DNA," "charisma" and "multi-faceted 'shard' structure" headlights, we only know one thing about it: The CS concept previews a production compact SUV from MG, the Sino-English brand anxious to hop into a rapidly growing and lucrative segment.

There's a brief press release below along with a teaser image above (click to enlarge), and we'll bring you the real thing in pictures when the Shanghai show opens next week.

Continue reading MG to unveil CS crossover concept in Shanghai

MG to unveil CS crossover concept in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mgmg csmg cs conceptshanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor show Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540526/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540526/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/mg-to-unveil-cs-crossover-concept-in-shanghai/20540526/article-detail.xml 20540526 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mg-cs-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/mg-cs-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti Veyron Super Sport stripped of World's Fastest Car title by Guinness]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport - rear three-quarter view

Last week, the Hennessey Venom GT laid claim (unofficially) to the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 265.7 miles per hour, but more importantly, it brought to light that the previous record holder, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, may have had an unfair advantage. According to Hennessey, the Veyron SS that topped out at 267.8 mph back in 2010 had a modified speed restrictor, and The Sunday Times is reporting that Guinness World Records agrees.

Guinness has apparently stripped the Veyron SS of its title as the report - as well as Hennessey's claim - says that the standard production version of the Veyron SS has its speed limited to 258 mph, but this was altered just for the test to pick up the extra speed. The rules for the record indicate that the record-setting car must be unchanged from what is available to customers. Since the Venom GT's record is still unofficial, the world record for fastest production car reverts back to Shelby SuperCars (SSC) Ultimate Aero with a top speed of 256.1 mph.

In order for the Venom GT to take this title from the Ultimate Aero now, it must attain its average speed over two timed runs. Perhaps more importantly, Hennessey must also build some fifty identical examples of the Venom GT in order for it to qualify as a "production" car. In the short term, at least, that might end up being the taller order.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport stripped of World's Fastest Car title by Guinness originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron super sportguinness book of world recordshennesseyhennessey venom gtSSC Ultimate Aeroworlds fastest production car Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532880/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532880/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/bugatti-veyron-super-sport-stripped-of-worlds-fastest-car-title/20532880/article-detail.xml 20532880 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/10-2011-bugatt-veyron-super-sport-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/10-2011-bugatt-veyron-super-sport-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



The classic car-versus-motorcycle comparison is put to the test as Autocar pits a 2013 Audi R8 V10 against the Ducati Diavel in a run from 0-150-0 miles per hour. While you might expect the 162-horsepower Ducati weighing just 515 pounds to blow away the 542-horse, 3,500-pound Audi, this particular test measures the acceleration and braking of both high-performance machines.

Drag racing an Audi R8 against a Ducati on a long, flat stretch of concrete sounds fun to us, and Autocar documented the whole test for our viewing pleasure. We don't want to spoil the fun for you, so let's just say that a Volkswagen-owned brand wins. Scroll down to watch the video for yourself.

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line

Audi R8 V10 Plus takes on Ducati Diavel in straight line originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 audi r8audiaudi r8audi r8 v10 pluscar vs bikeducatiducati diavelvideo Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20531823/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/audi-r8-v10-plus-takes-on-ducati-diavel-in-straight-line/20531823/article-detail.xml 20531823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r8-vs-ducati_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/audi-r8-vs-ducati.jpg <![CDATA[An update on Terrafugia's flying car, one year after its NY debut]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/an-update-on-terrafugias-flying-car-one-year-after-its-ny-debu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/an-update-on-terrafugias-flying-car-one-year-after-its-ny-debu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/05/an-update-on-terrafugias-flying-car-one-year-after-its-ny-debu/#comments Filed under: , ,



One of the idiosyncratic stars of the 2012 New York Auto Show, just about one year ago, was the Terrafugia Transition. Proposing to bring the long-dreamed-of flying car to the masses - well, "masses" of people that can pick up a $279,000 check, at any rate - news about the Terrafugia has been pretty thin in the intervening 12 months. The good news, we hear, is that the paucity of press releases has been a result of the company working hard on bringing the Transition to market.

AOL Autos reports that the folks at Terrafugia are hard at work with the dual certification process that makes the vehicle such a complex one to bring to market. Having already cleared the hurdle of obtaining a VIN from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, as well as an N-number from the Federal Aviation Administration (both achieved by way of the Transition prototype), the company must now have the vehicle completely certified by NHTSA. The FAA doesn't require certification for craft that fall into the "light sport" category, like the Transition, but the company is prepping for likely audits of its manufacturing and risk-management processes, nevertheless.

Terrafugia won't discuss exactly when its flying car might start actual production; at least not until the certification process has been completed. With that goal post still being a year or more out, don't expect to see your neighbor winging home in his Transition anytime soon. When production does begin (fingers crossed), the company expects to ramp slowly, building just two or three vehicles per month in the early going. Scroll down to watch the original debut video of the Transition.

Continue reading An update on Terrafugia's flying car, one year after its NY debut

An update on Terrafugia's flying car, one year after its NY debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> flying carnew york auto showterrafugiaterrafugia transition Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20530217/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/05/an-update-on-terrafugias-flying-car-one-year-after-its-ny-debu/20530217/article-detail.xml 20530217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terrafugia-flying-car-628_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terrafugia-flying-car-628.png <![CDATA[Detroit Electric to launch sedan, hatchback models by end of 2014]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Detroit Electric SP:01 - front three-quarter view, blue

Detroit Electric revealed its new SP:01 electric sports car (pictured) at Detroit's historic Fisher Building Wednesday - the same place where the company's headquarters are located - marking the rebirth of a marque that had been dormant since 1939. And while the first SP:01 cars won't even be built until August, the company is already looking to the future, promising two more vehicle launches before the end of 2014.

During a press briefing, Albert Lam, chairman and CEO, and Don Graundstadt, CEO of North American operations, told reporters that the new models coming to market will be a sedan and hatchback, both of which will cost far less than the $135,000 SP:01 sports car (a price that does not include the federal tax credit, by the way). Specific pricing hasn't been announced, but Lam said that the vehicles will be priced for "everyday practical usage," and that one of them could fall in the $30,000 to $35,000 range - similar to that of a Nissan Leaf.

The vehicles will be priced for "everyday practical usage," and one of them could fall in the $30,000 to $35,000 range.

Much like the Lotus-based SP:01, the new vehicles will follow the strategy that the company is currently using, where most of the car's components will be outsourced from another automaker, with final assembly of the Detroit Electric product happening in the United States. Officials declined to reveal what automaker(s) it will be working with on these new products at this time, but Autoblog has learned that an official announcement about a partnership with a global automaker will be announced at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

Specific details about the new sedan and hatchback have not been divulged, but Detroit Electric says the vehicles will have both short-range and long-range battery options, and they will also feature the SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) system and 360 Powerpack found in the SP:01.

As for how the company plans to sell and service its vehicles in the US, Detroit Electric is allegedly in talks with a large organization that has an existing dealer network as means of setting up shop. Following the launch of the SP:01, which is limited to just 999 units, the company hopes to sell as many as 10,000 vehicles around the world each year, with the goal of increasing that number to as high as 40,000. Production of the SP:01 will kick off at an undisclosed Detroit-area facility this fall.

The SP:01 features a 37-kWh, AC Propulsion-sourced lithium-polymer battery and electric motor capable of producing 201 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque mated to either a four-speed manual transmission or a two-speed automatic. The first SP:01 will be delivered in September, and the company plans to hand over the keys to its initial vehicle in - you guessed it - Detroit.

Detroit Electric to launch sedan, hatchback models by end of 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> detroit electricdetroit electric sp:01shanghaishanghai 2013shanghai motor show Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20529557/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20529557/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/detroit-electric-to-launch-sedan-hatchback-models-by-end-of-201/20529557/article-detail.xml 20529557 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/006-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1365039488_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/006-detroit-electric-sp01-live-1365039488.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel developing titanium Atom chassis]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/ariel-developing-titanium-atom-chassis/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/ariel-developing-titanium-atom-chassis/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/ariel-developing-titanium-atom-chassis/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2010 Ariel Atom 3 - front three-quarter view

Just last week, we heard reports that the KTM X-Bow would be getting a substantial power increase thanks to a new model using the excellent engine from the Audi TT-RS, but now its rival, the Ariel Atom, could be going in another direction for improved track performance. AutoCar is reporting that the open-wheel, open-top sports car could be getting an available all-titanium tube frame for a substantial drop in curb weight.

The article indicates that the weight of the chassis alone could drop by about 40 percent, which would lead to an overall dip in curb weight of eight percent. This would mean that the Atom's already spindly 1,350-pound curb weight could drop to less than 1,250 pounds. A titanium-framed Ariel would likely be a limited edition, according to the report, but it sounds like there are no plans to move the Atom away from its high-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder sourced from Honda.

Ariel developing titanium Atom chassis originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> arielariel atomtitaniumtitanium ariel atomtrack daytrackday Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516526/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516526/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/ariel-developing-titanium-atom-chassis/20516526/article-detail.xml 20516526 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lead1arielatom3qs2010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/lead1arielatom3qs2010.jpg <![CDATA[Dartz promises own 6x6 G-Class with golden shishas and a dining room]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/dartz-6x6-g-class-with-golden-shishas-dining/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/dartz-6x6-g-class-with-golden-shishas-dining/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/25/dartz-6x6-g-class-with-golden-shishas-dining/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



So you didn't really think Dartz Motorz was going to let the limited-production, 544-horsepower Mercedes 6x6 G63 AMG go without a challenge, did you? Picking up the gauntlet as only Dartz can, the Russian dream-makers have come up with the Sahara G-eopard, supposedly a special request from a buyer to make one of the 'standard' six-wheelers "more opulent and insane."

That means the vehicle from the factory gets extended by about a foot (30 centimeters), coach doors in the rear, a "yacht floor" and air conditioning that runs on its own power source, Asanti 24-inch Gold Bullion wheels and a water dispenser with Russian diamonds, which the owner will need to fill the golden shishas (hookahs) in the portable smoking room. That's right, you heard the man: a portable smoking room. Where the occupants will retire when they're finished in the portable dining room. Of course.

Yes, it will even have leopard spotting painted onto its nano-coating, and so much more. You can check out the press release below from the source. Try not to be jealous.

Continue reading Dartz promises own 6x6 G-Class with golden shishas and a dining room

Dartz promises own 6x6 G-Class with golden shishas and a dining room originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2013 mercedes-benz g63 amg6x6amgdartzdartz sahara g-eopardg-classg-wageng-wagong63g63 amgg63 amg 6x6gelandewagenmercedesmercedes g-classmercedes-benzphotossahara g-eopardvideo Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20516781/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/25/dartz-6x6-g-class-with-golden-shishas-dining/20516781/article-detail.xml 20516781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/dartzg-eopardg-class_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/dartzg-eopardg-class.jpg <![CDATA[KTM X-Bow to get Audi TT-RS five-cylinder turbo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/ktm-x-bow-to-get-audi-tt-rs-five-cylinder-turbo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/ktm-x-bow-to-get-audi-tt-rs-five-cylinder-turbo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/ktm-x-bow-to-get-audi-tt-rs-five-cylinder-turbo/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

KTM X-Bow GT

The Audi TT-RS continues to occupy a warm spot in my personal top five list of cars thanks in no small part to the lusty turbocharged 2.5-liter five cylinder under the hood. With 360 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque in stock configuration, the engine is a shining star of internal combustion. And now it's headed to one of our favorite vehicles. EVO reports KTM is planning to plop the turbo 2.5 from the TT-RS into the upcoming X-Bow. That ruckus you hear? It's a choir of angels singing "Halleluiah." While speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer said the engine is good for up to 480 horsepower.

Pierer went on to say that the company is already testing prototypes and that we may very well see the engine show up in some races next year. What's more, the company's engineers are playing with dual-clutch transmissions, too. Since KTM is already testing the turbo 2.5 on the track, it's only a matter of time before customers will be able to get their grubby mitts on a street-legal version.

KTM X-Bow to get Audi TT-RS five-cylinder turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audiaudi tt-rsktmktm five-cylinderktm x-bowx-bow tt-rs Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507185/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507185/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/19/ktm-x-bow-to-get-audi-tt-rs-five-cylinder-turbo/20507185/article-detail.xml 20507185 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ktm-x-bow-gt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ktm-x-bow-gt-628.jpg -1 2