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[Land Rover 6x4 Puma Concept not one to mess with]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/land-rover-6x4-puma-concept-not-one-to-mess-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/land-rover-6x4-puma-concept-not-one-to-mess-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/land-rover-6x4-puma-concept-not-one-to-mess-with/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Land Rover Defender is already a pretty badass vehicle. So how do you make a no-frills, no-nonsense off-roader even more badass? Why, add more wheels, of course! That's the approach taken by Land Rover Malaysia and Sasbilt Technologies Malaysia, which together built the behemoth you see above. While we've seen more than our fair share of stretched Range Rovers and Hummers, this concept truck actually has a purpose beyond prom night.

Targeted towards military applications, the Defender 6x4 Puma features an extra-long wheelbase that not even the jungle camo could disguise. The increased cargo capacity can be used for an electric generator or field telecommunications equipment, and the vehicle can drive through all six wheels or through just four. Unveiled at the Defense Services Asia 2008 show in Malaysia, the concept truck reportedly drew attention from military contractors from around the region.

[Source: paultan.org]

 

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]]>land rover defenderland rover defender 6x4land rover defender 6x4 puma conceptLandRoverDefenderLandRoverDefender6x4LandRoverDefender6x4PumaConceptmalaysia land roverMalaysiaLandRover2008-05-12T18:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi and BMW to utilize 8-speed gearboxes to take on Lexus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/audi-and-bmw-to-utilize-8-speed-gearboxes-to-take-on-lexus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As we reported last month, it appears BMW and Audi, following the lead of Lexus, will begin to offer eight-speed automatic transmissions in their flagship models. Sources are now saying the transmission will be supplied by ZF Friedrichshafen, a familiar German supplier to both marques. Although we don't know all of the specifics, Audi is expected to debut the new slushbox in the range-topping A8 sedan, Q7 SUV, and their future A7 premium model. BMW will likely debut the new gearbox in their premium 7-Series sedan and the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle, according to company sources.

The current Audi A8 and BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

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]]>6-speed automatic6-speedAutomatic7-speed automatic7-speedAutomatic8-speed automatic8-speedAutomaticeight-speedseven-speedsix-speedzf automatic transmi...ZF Friedrichshafenzf transmissionzf transmissionsZfAutomaticTransmi...ZfFriedrichshafenZfTransmissionZfTransmissions2008-05-12T14:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: The Jerrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-jerrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-jerrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-jerrari/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for gallery of the Jerrari

In 1963, Henry Ford II wanted to win Le Mans badly and was all set to buy Ferrari to boost Ford's racing program. Enzo Ferrari pulled out of the deal at the last moment, angering Ford II so badly that he went on to fund development of the legendary GT40 that went on to take many motorsports victories.

A few years later, Mr. Ferrari pissed off yet another powerfully rich American businessman with the outcome being the automotive abomination you see before you. Bill Harrah of Harrah's Casino fame asked Ferrari to construct for him an Italian 4X4 wearing the prancing horse badge. While no one thought to archive the response from Ferrari, we imagine it involved the words 'hell' and 'no'. In Italian, of course.

Undeterred and with more money than taste, Harrah created the Jerrari. Its ass-end is a 1970 Jeep Wagoneer, the nose is from a 1969 Ferrari 365GT. On the day of its birth, this one-of-a-kind offroading Ferrari sported V12 power, but now all four wheels are turned by a 350 V8.

The eBay auction for this abomination includes numerous pieces of documentation, like a 1971 review of the car by "Road & Track." Another is a letter from a previous seller in 1984 that indicates there could be more than one of these hideous creations out there. Maybe that's what's been starting all these rumors.

Watch a walk-around video of the Jerrari after the jump, and check out an extensive gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Ferrai + Jeep = Jerrari


[Source: eBay, Left Coast Classics via CarScoop]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: The Jerrari

 

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]]>4X4 Ferrari4x4FerrariBill HarrahBill Harrah JerrariBillHarrahBillHarrahJerrariFerrariFerrari SUVFerrariSuvJeep WagoneerJeepWagoneerJerrariJerrari FerrariJerrari Ferrari jeepJerrari Ferrari wagoneerJerrariFerrariJerrariFerrariJeepJerrariFerrariWagoneerwagoneer2008-05-12T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM may divorce trucks and full-size SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/09/gm-may-divorce-trucks-and-full-size-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



When the current GMT900 SUVs hit the market in 2006, gas prices were already near $3.00 per gallon, but the super-sized transports sold in prodigious numbers anyway. The reasoning from the General and its customers was that there were still people with big boats or trailers to tow, and unibody CUVs just aren't up to the task. In the two years that followed, gas prices have gone from pesky to pandemic, and buyers are leaving their body-on-frame SUVs by the thousands.

The General isn't blind to the trend, and a report from Bloomberg says that GM may be ready to take the drastic step of separating the platforms of its trucks and full-size SUVs by 2012. The move is extreme because SUVs and trucks have saved development time and money by sharing a platform for many decades, but with such a dramatic shift away from the handy but fuel-thirsty rigs, GM has little choice but to think of alternatives. A unibody Tahoe or Escalade wouldn't be able to tow quite like its predecessor, but they would be lighter and have better fuel economy.

Our first thought was that GM already has eight-passenger unibody CUVs like the Enclave, Acadia, Outlook and upcoming Traverse, but without more utilitarian SUVs like the Tahoe, there should be room for a more purpose-built CUV in the lineup. While this news isn't exactly earth-shattering, we're thinking it very accurately illustrates just how fast these times they are-a-changing, and how far automakers will go to stay viable. Thanks for the tip, Fro!

[Source: Bloomberg]

 

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]]>fuel economyFuelEconomyGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSUVTrucks2008-05-09T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota expecting profit drop in 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/toyota-expecting-profit-drop-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/toyota-expecting-profit-drop-in-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/toyota-expecting-profit-drop-in-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The current economic environment in the United States is hurting all auto makers these days, even mighty Toyota, which was once considered immune to so-called market realities. Though its overall performance last year would be considered a stellar achievement for any other automaker, Toyota's 28% profit plunge in the fourth quarter of 2007 points to an expected 27% drop in annual profits in 2008. If Toyota's revised forecast proves accurate, 2008 would break a nine-year stretch of profit growth. In addition to the slowing U.S. market, Toyota also cites high material prices, the worldwide credit crunch and a strong yen as contributing factors in its mild downturn.

Toyota's expected profit drop is certainly newsworthy, but we just have to wonder how the money-losing American car companies will cope in the U.S. market with the same issues. While sales of cars are gaining strength, the SUV and truck markets are sinking with what could be Titanic-like implications for the truck-heavy lines from Ford, Chrysler and GM.

[Source: Toyota]

 

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]]>toyotatoyota 2007toyota 2008toyota profittoyota salestoyota-2007toyota-2008toyota-profittoyota-salesToyota2007Toyota2008ToyotaProfitToyotaSales2008-05-08T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Cayenne caught on 'Ring!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/spy-shots-baby-cayenne-caught-on-ring/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Baby Cayenne spy shots

Porsche almost slid a fast one by spy photographers recently when it began testing a new baby Cayenne SUV prototype at the famed Nurburgring race track in Germany. The thing looks for all the world like an actual Cayenne SUV, but photographers first noticed its diminutive proportions, then its sharply raked D-pillar, and then the different cut lines around its door. Soon it became apparent that this was no Cayenne, but rather a prototype for a new, smaller Porsche SUV that's likely based on the upcoming Audi Q5. Like most people, we've always thought the idea of a Porsche SUV is kind of silly, but make it smaller and lighter and we get commensurately more interested. Click after the jump for more analysis from the spy photographers themselves.

Gallery: Porsche Baby Cayenne - spy shots


[Source: KGP Photography]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Baby Cayenne caught on 'Ring!

 

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]]>baby cayenneBabyCayennebreakingporsche baby cayennePorscheBabyCayennespy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots2008-05-08T11:53:00+00:00<![CDATA[Man moons speed camera, fine won't be so funny]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/man-moons-speed-camera-fine-wont-be-so-funny/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/man-moons-speed-camera-fine-wont-be-so-funny/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/man-moons-speed-camera-fine-wont-be-so-funny/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are times in everyone's life when you have an idea that sounds brilliant when explained in the audience of friends, but in practice is "exposed" as pure idiocy. The passenger of a BMW X5 gave a Cramlington, UK speed camera an uncensored view of his backside in an obvious attempt at humor, but in the end (no pun intended) the stunt could result in some hefty fines. Since local authorities weren't amused by the Braveheart salute, the passenger could receive tickets for public indecency and for not wearing a seat belt. Well, that is if the driver is willing to rat on his or her offending comrade.

While we admit this is kind of funny at first blush, mostly because we never before noticed that a BMW grille looks a little like a human butt, mooning a speed camera is stupid for a couple reasons. First, it's not cool to expose yourself in public. That's the kind of thing that will get you on a sex offender list if you're not careful. Second, speed cameras are really good at taking pictures of cars, giving authorities the plates of the vehicle as they pass through intersections. Third, and perhaps most important, why would the owner of a Bimmer want someone to press their bare ass up against their windshield? Lets just hope someone remembered to sanitize the soiled glass. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

(Source: BBC News)

 

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]]>bmwmooningspeed cameraSpeedCameraUKX52008-05-07T12:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Strike forces GM to suspend truck and SUV orders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/strike-forces-gm-to-suspend-truck-and-suv-orders/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/strike-forces-gm-to-suspend-truck-and-suv-orders/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/strike-forces-gm-to-suspend-truck-and-suv-orders/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



General Motors has informed its dealers that production of some of its 2008 full-size trucks and SUVs has been halted due to the ongoing American Axle strike. The affected vehicles include the GMC Yukon, Denali, Sierra heavy-duty regular and extended cab, its commercial-duty pickup and variants of Chevrolet trucks and Tahoes. According to the General, a basic lack of parts is the reason for the stoppage and dealer orders for the week of May 8th and May 15th have been cancelled. While a lack of production is bad news for any automaker, we can't help but think that it couldn't have come at a better time for the General as SUV and truck sales are down overall.

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

 

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]]>25003500chevrolet tahoeChevroletTahoedenaligm halts truck productiongmcgmc yukonGmcYukonGmHaltsTruckProductionsierrasuv2008-05-07T09:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Greenpeace builds Cayenne and M-Class bulldozers for some reason or another]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/greenpeace-builds-cayenne-and-m-class-bulldozers-for-some-reason/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above for high-res shots of this wacky scene

Running diesel vehicles on biofuels is a good thing, right? Not always, according to Greenpeace Argentina. It seems that the export of soybeans from Argentina is causing more pollution than was initially estimated. Also, too much of Argentina's native forests are being mowed down for the soybeans. These issues are in stark contrast with two of Greenpeace's stated charters: (1) catalyzing an energy revolution to address the number one threat facing our planet: climate change and (2) supporting sustainable agriculture by encouraging socially and ecologically responsible farming practices.

No Greenpeace protest would be complete without some sort of outlandish stunt, and this one follows suit. Because most of the Argentinian biodiesel goes to Germany, a Mercedes-Benz M-Class and a Porsche Cayenne were made to look like bulldozers by men and women wielding German flags. The two SUV's were surrounded by fake tree stumps. Once again, Greenpeace has done an admirable job of catching plenty of attention. Whether the group's wacky efforts have any effect, though, is another matter entirely.

Gallery: Argentina Greenpeace mission


[Source: Argentina Auto Blog - translated]

 

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]]>biodieselgreenpeacegreenpeace argentinagreenpeace-argentinaGreenpeaceArgentinasoysoybeans2008-05-05T17:05:00+00:00<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Dwight's Nissan Xterra!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ebay-find-of-the-day-dwights-nissan-xterra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ebay-find-of-the-day-dwights-nissan-xterra/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/ebay-find-of-the-day-dwights-nissan-xterra/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for gallery of Dwight's Nissan Xterra

Fact: A new episode of The Office aired last night in which Andy sells his Nissan Xterra to Dwight, who then puts it up for sale on eBay Motors.

Fact: the guy who owns the Xterra in real life works for the show and has put it up for sale on eBay Motors along with a script signed by the cast and props used during filming.

Question: how much is owning Dwight Schrute's Xterra worth to you?

The current bid is $15,300 (Kelley Blue Book says one in excellent condition is worth only $9,715) and no, your money will not go to an obscure charity. It will help this guy trade his SUV for a hybrid. That's so Hollywood. Thanks for the tip, Bojac!

UPDATE: Link to eBay Motors auction added, doh!

Gallery: Dwight Schrute's Nissan Xterra


[Source: eBay Motors]

 

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]]>dwight schrutedwights xterraDwightSchruteDwightsXterraebay motorsEbayMotorsnissan xterraNissanXterrathe officeTheOffice2008-05-02T14:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[SYNC retrofit kit now available for 2008 Navigator, Mustang next]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/sync-retrofit-kit-now-available-for-2008-navigator-mustang-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/sync-retrofit-kit-now-available-for-2008-navigator-mustang-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/sync-retrofit-kit-now-available-for-2008-navigator-mustang-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



When Ford launched its new SYNC in-car communications system in the Ford Focus, the crew in Dearborn may not have known just how popular the option would prove to be. While the SYNC system has started to infiltrate the rest of the Blue Oval line, its integration is apparently not moving fast enough for many consumers. Doug White, Vehicle Personalization Marketing & Planning manager at Ford says, "Customers and dealers were telling us that we needed SYNC on our flagship SUV and we felt we needed to respond to those concerns as quickly as we could. They essentially said, 'If you have it on Focus, why not Navigator.'" Sounds pretty reasonable to us. Considering that the Lincoln Navigator is the flagship product for Ford's up-market brand, it should be available with all the best techno-goodies available in the Ford arsenal.

The retrofit kit is now a dealer-installed option for all 2008 model year Navigator and Navigator L models built after December 4, 2007. According to the press release, pasted after the break, the vehicle must have been factory equipped with the voice-activated navigation system and DVD entertainment system, included with the Elite Package. The integration is reportedly rather straightforward and uses the steering wheel buttons and works the same as other SYNC systems. The price? Just $550, making it seem a rather no-brainer as far as we're concerned. Next in line for a SYNC accessory kit will be the Mustang.

[Source: Lincoln]

Continue reading SYNC retrofit kit now available for 2008 Navigator, Mustang next

 

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]]>fordford syncford-syncFordSynclincolnlincoln navigatorlincoln-navigatorLincolnNavigatormustang syncmustang-syncMustangSyncnavigator syncnavigator-syncNavigatorSyncsync2008-05-01T18:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2 concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the X-by-Wire EA2 Concept

Nissan showed off a drive-by-wire concept that wasn't about touting the technology itself, but the space and features you could get back because of it. By fitting a steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and shift-by-wire systems, 11 centimeters of extra space was added to the cabin which allowed for a third row of seats in the rear of this Murano-based concept. The room came from pushing the wheels out to the far corners, which could be safely done without sacrificing vehicle dynamics due to the lack of mechanical linkages.

The small, race-style steering wheel needs less turning input, and the column can be tilted up completely out of the way. The center tunnel has become a beautifully finished control panel that gently arcs up to greet the driver. When you don't need it, it can also be folded back over itself creating even more space in the front area. When I did, the swath of empty space between the front seats was so inviting I almost wanted to take a nap.

The Nissan R&D engineer with the vehicle said that there were no plans to put the technology into any products right now. But it is being studied, especially one of the main issues -- as with all drive-by-wire systems -- the implementation of redundant systems.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the EA2 concept and all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2


Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

 

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]]>brake by wireBrakeByWiredrive by wireDriveByWireea2 conceptEa2Conceptnissannissan 360nissan ea2 conceptnissan muranoNissan360NissanEa2ConceptNissanMuranoshift by wireShiftByWiresteer by wireSteerByWire2008-04-30T10:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Sorry, your SUV is now worthless]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/sorry-your-suv-is-now-worthless/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/sorry-your-suv-is-now-worthless/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/sorry-your-suv-is-now-worthless/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Thinking of trading your gas-guzzling SUV in for something smaller, a bit more fuel efficient? You are not alone. The rocketing cost of gasoline, and diesel fuel, is having a ripple effect on the SUV market. With consumers trading in their behemoths by the thousands in exchange for more frugal transportation, dealers are stuck with a surplus of unwanted sport-utes sitting on their lots with values dissolving.

Diesel-burning trucks aren't immune either. As diesel fuel costs hovering about fifty cents per-gallon above gasoline, some of the bigger oil-burning SUVs and trucks are losing measurable resale by the day. Overall, according to CNW Marketing Research, used SUV sales were down 14% in March alone. With any surplus, come big discounts. It may be a ghastly time to fill a 30-gallon tank on an SUV, but it is the perfect time to negotiate with a dealer for that seven-passenger family truckster you've been fancying. No need to hurry -- there will be an even better selection tomorrow.

Thanks to Jim for the tip!

[Source: U.S. News and World Report]

 

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]]>CAFEdieselResale valueResaleValuesport utilitysport utility vehiclesport utility vehiclesSportUtilitySportUtilityVehicleSportUtilityVehiclesSUVSUVsTrucks2008-04-30T08:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM to reduce full-size truck production beginning in July]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gm-to-reduce-full-size-truck-production-beginning-in-july/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gm-to-reduce-full-size-truck-production-beginning-in-july/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gm-to-reduce-full-size-truck-production-beginning-in-july/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Word just came in from General Motors that the automaker will be reducing shifts at four different plants that produce its full-size trucks and SUVs in an effort to bring production "in line with market demand". The output slowdown will begin on July 14th at GM's Flint, Janesville and Pontiac assembly plants, which produce the Chevy Heavy-Duty Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado and GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Sierra. The Oshawa truck plant will also be affected starting Sept. 8th. All told, the shift reductions will nix 80,000 full-size pickups and 50,000 full-size SUVs from GM's North American production capacity.

According to GM, both vehicles have lost ground in the market across the industry, with sales of full-size pickups dropping 15-percent and SUVs down 26-percent for the first quarter of 2008. This isn't surprising considering the cost of fuel right now and the subsequent reduced demand for larger vehicles. GM didn't provide specifics about how this would affect workers, only saying that it will "result in lower staffing requirements at all four plants," and that the details "would be worked out over the next several weeks with the UAW and CAW."

Naturally, GM felt the need to brighten up the lackluster announcement by highlighting that car and CUV sales are up. However, it hasn't made a decision to boost output of either type of vehicle in lieu of said increased demand. Check out GM's full press release after the jump.

[Source: GM, Photo by Scott Olson/Getty]

Continue reading GM to reduce full-size truck production beginning in July

 

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]]>full size pickup trucksfull-size pickup trucksFull-sizePickupTrucksFullSizePickupTrucksgeneral motorsgeneral motors production pickupsGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsProductionPickupsgmgm cutting productiongm trucksGmCuttingProductionGmTruckssuvsuvs2008-04-28T17:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Trouble at the top? Toyota vehicles sitting longer on dealer lots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/trouble-at-the-top-toyota-vehicles-sitting-longer-on-dealer-lot/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/trouble-at-the-top-toyota-vehicles-sitting-longer-on-dealer-lot/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/trouble-at-the-top-toyota-vehicles-sitting-longer-on-dealer-lot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Although Toyota has recently claimed the title of the World's Largest Automaker in terms of global sales, the Japanese-giant is finding out that life at the top isn't all it's cracked-up to be. While the Camry, Corolla, Yaris and Prius sedans are reportedly brisk movers, the same thing cannot be said about Toyota's line of trucks and sport utility vehicles. Toyota has cut Tundra and Sequoia production already, but dealers are still declining to purchase them, pushing the number of unclaimed units to an all-time high. Automotive News quotes an unnamed Toyota dealer as saying, "Last month, Southeast Toyota had 9,700 vehicles that had been turned down twice by dealers and are either sitting at the port or at sea. That's a significant number." Right now, Toyota/Scion has a high 58-day supply of available inventory on hand.

Some dealers, though, see the high number of available units as a blessing-in-disguise. "We've been asking for more inventory for two years and now we finally got it. This is a great opportunity. You have to take it when you can get it," says Steve Cain, general manager of Lewis Toyota-Scion in Topeka, Kansas. Regardless of your viewpoint, we expect that Toyota will align itself with market realities in order to bring production in line with actual sales sooner rather than later. In other words, if you've been in the market for a Toyota truck, chances are good you'll get a decent deal.

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

 

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]]>toyotatoyota dealerstoyota inventorytoyota sequoiatoyota supplytoyota tundratoyota-dealerstoyota-inventorytoyota-sequoiatoyota-supplytoyota-tundraToyotaDealersToyotaInventoryToyotaSequoiaToyotaSupplyToyotaTundratundra2008-04-28T14:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[GT-R SUV that never was, nor will be]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-suv-never-was-nor-will-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-suv-never-was-nor-will-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/gt-r-suv-never-was-nor-will-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Thankfully we can officially report that the humongously ugly rendering of a GT-R based SUV, which appeared in Best Car's early February edition, has no basis in reality. Reliable sources, both at Nissan's HQ in Tokyo and at the company's development center in Zama, who typically answer questions with non-committal "can neither confirm nor deny" statements, were adamant that no such project exists.

With the GT-R snatching the Porsche 911's crowns left, right and center, and the upcoming new hardcore Z rumoured to be a Cayman eater, Porsche can relax in the knowledge that the Cayenne, at least, is safe for now.

 

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]]>gt-rgt-r suvGt-rSuvnissansuv2008-04-28T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[7-year-old heeds Dodge marketers, "grabs life"...and grandma's Durango]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/7-year-old-heeds-dodge-marketers-grabs-life-and-grandmas-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/7-year-old-heeds-dodge-marketers-grabs-life-and-grandmas-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/7-year-old-heeds-dodge-marketers-grabs-life-and-grandmas-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Palm Beach Gardens policeDodge's marketing slogan is "grab life." Apparently, the message has resonated with the youth demo in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where a 7-year-old swiped grandma's car keys and commandeered her Durango while she was unawares. An unplanned demolition derby on the streets of the Florida enclave immediately ensued. His eight-minute joyride saw him take out a pair of mailboxes, hit two parked cars in a Costco parking lot, and then two more moving vehicles at an intersection before he drove into a street sign and broke the right front wheel off the truck, ending his impromptu cruise through the neighborhood. Miraculously, no one was hurt throughout all this. The obvious quote of the day comes from PBG police officer Ellen Lovejoy, who noted that the kid's actions constituted "unusual behavior for a seven-year old." Maybe he was just getting himself amped up for this week's impending Grand Theft Auto IV release.

[Source: Palm Beach Post]

 

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]]>7-year-old joyride7-year-oldJoyridedodge durangoDodgeDurangopalm beach gardensPalmBeachGardens2008-04-26T16:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Infiniti FX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/first-drive-2009-infiniti-fx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/first-drive-2009-infiniti-fx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/first-drive-2009-infiniti-fx/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Infiniti FX

It's confession-time: I've got a fetish for multi-purpose vehicles. No, I've never been a fan of SUVs. And no, the recent spate of crossovers has left me scratching my head (give me a wagon or give me death!). But what I am interested in are vehicles that can exhilarate on-road while holding their own off-road. It's that same allure that had me pressed against the window of a Subaru dealership at midnight to fantasize about the 2.5RS ten years ago; the reason that I can't wait to drive the BMW X6; and the reason I find myself in San Diego, once again, to spend some quality time with the 2009 Infiniti FX.

Gallery: First Drive: Infiniti FX


All photos (C) 2008 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>2009 infiniti fx2009 infiniti fx road test2009 infiniti fx test drive2009 infiniti fx35 test drive2009 infiniti fx50 road test2009InfinitiFx2009InfinitiFx35TestDrive2009InfinitiFx50RoadTest2009InfinitiFxRoadTest2009InfinitiFxTestDrivefeaturedfxinfiniti2008-04-23T00:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Beijing 2008: Land Wrangler? It's the Beijing B40!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/beijing-2008-land-wrangler-its-the-beijing-b40/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/beijing-2008-land-wrangler-its-the-beijing-b40/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/beijing-2008-land-wrangler-its-the-beijing-b40/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Beijing B40

The basic Jeep shape has essentially carried forward from World War II to the present day. It has also been replicated many times over by automakers scattered around the world, and variations on the theme continue to appear. The Chinese auto industry has never been shy about (ahem) "borrowing", and Beijing Automotive has come through with one of the "better" quasi-clones we've seen so far. The B40 is obviously Jeep Wrangler-inspired, but rather than ape the Jeep's signature front end, the B40 instead sports a more Land Rover-ish look (think LR2/Freelander 2). And you know what? It's actually kind of interesting to look at.

The interior is gussied up with contrast-stitched leather seats, a nav system, and a steering wheel that looks like it's been ripped from a modern Opel. The wheels are OEM Jeep knock-offs. One thing that jumps out at us is the door handles -- they're a flat style, similar to the ones Jeep used before switching to the circular push-button handles on the current JK Wranglers. We really like that old look better. Anyway, back to the B40 -- the only technical info Autoblog Chinese has is that it's powered by a gasoline engine. Offroad prowess is unknown, as is its production status, but at least we know what a Wrangler/Freelander love child might look like.

UPDATE: As has been pointed out in the comments, Beijing Auto is the current name of the automaker once known as the joint venture, Beijing Jeep. (Stands up, ready to catch javelins.) As such, this is in all likelihood derived from actual Wrangler mechanicals. As one commenter theorizes, if the nomenclature is related to the actual powertrain, this may well have the old 4.0L I6 underhood. You know -- the one you can't get in the USDM Wrangler anymore.

Gallery: Beijing B40


[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Bin Chen / Weblogs, Inc.

 

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]]>auto chinaAutoChinaB40beijingbeijing 2008beijing 2008 autoshowBeijing Autobeijing auto showBeijing Automotivebeijing autoshowbeijing motor showBeijing2008Beijing2008AutoshowBeijingAutoBeijingAutomotivebeijingautoshowbeijingmotorshowBeiking B40BeikingB40land wranglerLandWranglerwrangler freelander love childWrangler knock-offwrangler lr2 love childWranglerFreelander love childWranglerfreelanderLoveChildWranglerKnock-offWranglerLr2LoveChild2008-04-22T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Audi releases more images of new Q5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/pics-aplenty-audi-releases-more-images-of-new-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/pics-aplenty-audi-releases-more-images-of-new-q5/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/pics-aplenty-audi-releases-more-images-of-new-q5/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of the Audi Q5 with new images

Audi released the other half of its Q5 glamour shots over the weekend. We've updated the gallery with all of the images we could get our hands on (you can switch to a "high-res" view with the button on the upper right corner - perfect for saving desktops). Audi also tossed in several shots from the Q5's world introduction at the Beijing Auto Show. We always get a kick out of the designers, engineers, and executives standing around like beaming new parents. From our perspective, the Q5 looks like a typical Audi, the designs of which are beginning to lose their visual punch after having been spread across so many models.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5


[Source: Audi]

 

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]]>audi q5audi q5 auto chinaAudiQ5AudiQ5AutoChinaBeijingChinaimagesphotographyQ52008-04-21T10:57:00+00:00