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[Wagons Ho! Volvo V70 gets R-Design treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/wagons-ho-volvo-v70-gets-r-design-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/wagons-ho-volvo-v70-gets-r-design-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/wagons-ho-volvo-v70-gets-r-design-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more high-res pics of the Volvo V70 R-Design

Once upon a time, there was a subtle wagon called the V70R who's meek outward appearance belied the snortiest turbo 5-cylinder Volvo has ever put in a production car. All-wheel-drive helped the power get to the ground instead of immolating the front tires, and the R sat atop the V70 trim-level range. Alas, the R is no more. While it was awesome and amusing, it was also outgunned by the competition, even with 300 hard-breathing horsepower. Still, there are those who desire the look and demeanor of the R, while finding no fault with the lesser powertrains that Volvo offers.

Those buyers can find what they're looking for with the new V70 R-Design package on the third generation wagon. Since the demise of the R, the V70 has moved up to become the wagon version of the S80, and the R-Line package adds a little visual oomph and chassis verve to the big estate. Ride height has been reduced and thicker swaybars are added, along with higher durometer bushings in the suspension. Like we saw on the C30 R-Design, matte finish metal accents are added to exterior pieces like the mirror housings and grille surround. Sporty-looking exhaust outlets, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels round out the exterior changes. The interior gets blue-faced gauges, unique metal trim pieces, and Volvo's already excellent seats get R-Design logos and sportier bolstering. The R-Design package adds £2,000 or so to the price of a UK V70, a decent price for a handling upgrade and a hunkered look. Volvo hasn't decided whether to bring it to the United States yet. If it does come to the North American market, the V70 R-Design will be a 2009 model, and we'll know by early summer if we have to look longingly across the pond for a clean-looking, sporty-driving wagon.

Gallery: V70 RDesign


[Source: Volvo]

 

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]]>volvo rvolvo r-designvolvo r-linevolvo v70volvo wagonvolvo wagonsVolvoRVolvoR-designVolvoR-lineVolvoV70VolvoWagonVolvoWagons2008-05-08T12:42:00+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[Artega GT production beginning this summer, convertible version planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/artega-gt-production-beginning-this-summer-convertible-version/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/artega-gt-production-beginning-this-summer-convertible-version/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/artega-gt-production-beginning-this-summer-convertible-version/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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

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

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

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

Gallery: Artega GT - Production Version


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>artegaartega gt cabrioartega gt convertibleArtegaGtCabrioArtegaGtConvertiblegt2008-05-06T19:22:00+00:00<![CDATA[Vauxhall VXR8 gets LS3 V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/06/vauxhall-vxr8-gets-ls3-v8/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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

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

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Vauxhall VXR8


[Source: Vauxhall]

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]]>ls3vauxhallvauxhall vxr8VauxhallVxr8vxr82008-05-06T12:35:00+00:00<![CDATA[The Truth About Smart: fortwo rumors dispelled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/the-truth-about-smart-fortwo-rumors-dispelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/the-truth-about-smart-fortwo-rumors-dispelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/02/the-truth-about-smart-fortwo-rumors-dispelled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Though Men's Vogue has already attempted to disprove the theory that only women can get away with driving one, it seems that smart has seen the need to dispel some rumors about the fortwo, their little urban runabout. Specifically, many people apparently question how large of a person the smart can easily handle, how safe a car this small could be, how much room there is for stuff and what features the fortwo is equipped with. In all honesty, the smart would probably work for a large percentage of the population of both the U.S. and the U.K., but certainly not for every situation likely to come up in everyday life. As a second car or strictly for commuting, we imagine that the smart would meet the needs of quite a few drivers who would never even consider a vehicle this small.

Just for fun, why not check out the truth about smart here. Even if you hate the car, you may enjoy seeing it mildly-mangled by a wrecking ball.

[Source: the truth about smart]

 

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]]>smartsmart carsmart for twosmart fortwosmart-carsmart-fortwosmart-fortwo-mileageSmartCarSmartFortwotruth about smarttruth-about-smartTruthAboutSmart2008-05-02T17:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[T-minus 45 days to Top Gear and Jezzampsterlow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/t-minus-45-days-to-top-gear-and-jezzampsterlow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/t-minus-45-days-to-top-gear-and-jezzampsterlow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/t-minus-45-days-to-top-gear-and-jezzampsterlow/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you've been repetitively clicking the Top Gear website and reading the Sunday Times while you wait for the new season of Top Gear, your hour of deliverance is nearly at hand. Jeremy Clarkson (Jezza), Richard Hammond (Hamster), and James May (Captain Slow) will be returning June 15 with brand new episodes that will deliver more of the same-old same-old: automotive praise and abuse with English wit, absurd car challenges, and general hilarity. Ready, set, Tivo... Thanks for the tip, MIke!

[Source: Final Gear]

 

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]]>2008-05-01T18:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[British study suggests that older drivers are safer drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/british-study-suggests-that-older-drivers-are-safer-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/british-study-suggests-that-older-drivers-are-safer-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/british-study-suggests-that-older-drivers-are-safer-drivers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Contrary to the findings of the Japanese Metropolitan Police, a new study has just been released in Britain which suggests that older drivers are not dangerous on the roads. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) data shows that older drivers actually become less of a risk than drivers under the age of thirty. Unfortunately, though, drivers over the age of seventy are more likely to be seriously injured when they do get into an accident. Neil Greig, director of the IAM Motoring Trust suggests that older drivers self-regulate themselves as they realize their abilities are weakening.

Still, the U.K. requires drivers over seventy to renew their licenses every three years, but it's up to the driver to report any physical conditions that could impair their driving. The U.K. government is considering adding new testing requirements for drivers over the age of seventy-five.

In other news, ninety-one percent of teen drivers consider themselves safe, though only 34-percent would say the same for their friends. Feel free to scare yourself by reading an entire press release of teen-driving statistics after the break.

[Sources: What Car, Erie Insurance]

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]]>elderlyelderly driverselderly-driversElderlyDriversold driversold-driversOldDriversolderolder driversolder-driversOlderDrivers2008-05-01T07:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mazda2 MPS and 280 hp Mazda6 MPS on their way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/mazda2-mps-and-280-hp-mazda6-mps-on-their-way/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model from AutoExpress.

The Mazda Performance Series, or MPS, is what we've come to know in the U.S. as "Mazdaspeed." It's quickly becoming one of the defining characteristics of modern-day Mazdas, and with the releases of the new Mazda6 and its baby brother, the Mazda2, we've been anxiously awaiting Mazdaspeed's tweaked versions of both vehicles.

In addition to getting the scoop on the new Evo MR and STI Spec C, AutoExpress has got the goods on Mazda's two new hot offerings. A concept version of the Mazda6 MPS will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October, complete with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four, sending 280 hp to all four wheels, and sprinting to 60 in six seconds. Naturally, the Mazda6 MPS (or Mazdaspeed6 when it makes the trek to U.S. shores) will be sporting an aggressive front clip, spoiler, side skirts, bigger wheels, a stiffer suspension and upgraded brakes when it goes on sale in 2010.

Less information is available about the Mazda2 MPS, but expect a turbo'd 1.5-liter mill sending around 170 hp to the front wheels, a sport-tuned suspension and some exterior and interior tweaks to bring it up to Mazda Performance standards. If and when the Mazda2 makes it to the States, we'd expect the Mazdaspeed2 version to follow shortly thereafter.

[Source: AutoExpress]

 

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]]>mazdamazda2mazda2 mpsMazda2Mpsmazda6mazda6 mpsMazda6Mpsmazdaspeedmazdaspeed2mazdaspeed6mpsparisparis motor showParisMotorShow2008-04-30T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[VW Passat R36 goes on sale in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/vw-passat-r36-goes-on-sale-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image for more high-res shots of the Passat R36

Volkswagen's most powerful Passat ever, the R36, which we've been hearing about for over a year, is finally on sale in the U.K. in both sedan and wagon versions. Featuring a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system to put the 300 horses and 258 lb. ft. of torque to the ground, VeeDub claims that the sedan can get to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 5.6 seconds. The wagon is a few hundredths slower in the sprint to sixty, but both boast a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Besides the powertrain updates, the R36 gets a unique body kit, Bi-Xenon headlights and a new grille. Chassis enhancements include 18-inch rims, new brake calipers and most importantly, a 20mm lowering of the ride height. A blindingly bright turned-aluminum dash applique matches the new allow pedals and sill plates, while new seats promise a snug fit. The £30,990 base-price is encroaching on Audi territory, though not one featuring 300 horsepower. Now that Volvo's V70R is no longer available, the £32,150 estate model (that's wagon to us yanks) offers lots of performance and utility in a much more refined manner than your typical SUV. No word on a Stateside offering as of yet, but we won't give up the hope.

Gallery: Volkswagen Passat R36


[Source: Volkswagen]

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]]>passatpassat r36passat-r36PassatR362008-04-29T15:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Latest Ford Focus ST arrives in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/latest-ford-focus-st-arrives-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/latest-ford-focus-st-arrives-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/latest-ford-focus-st-arrives-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the new Ford Focus ST

Today's reminder of how much more awesome the Euro-market Ford Focus is than our own comes from Ford UK, where the latest, greatest Focus ST goes on sale starting Thursday. As you're probably well aware, in ST trim the newly-restyled Euro Focus gets the once-over from Ford Europe's in-house tuning arm, TeamRS. The standard engine offerings are replaced by a turbocharged 2.5L five-banger underhood that's good for 225 PS (around 223 hp), is mated to a six-speed stick, and lets the Focus ST do 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.8 seconds. According to Ford, the new ST also lapped the Nordschleife in 8:35. The exterior is dressed up with 18-inch wheels, the expected body kit and available racing stripes. Inside, the proper cockpit gets a push-button starter and Recaro seating. Depending on the ST trim level selected (there are three) and available options chosen, you can add all manner of comfort and convenience features to the spiffy-looking pocket rocket. Even Bluetooth... but not SYNC. Something tells us the Brits aren't crying in their beers over this.

Yes, we know that the next-gen Focus will be global and that the U.S. will share the same car sold in Europe. No, that doesn't make looking at this any easier in the meantime. Ford's official missive is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Focus ST


[Source: Ford]

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]]>2008 ford focus st2008FordFocusStfocusfocus stFocusStford focus stFordFocusStnew focus stNewFocusStstteam rsTeamRs2008-04-28T13:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rouge: When a mock top isn't really a mock top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/vauxhall-tigra-sport-rogue-when-a-mock-top-isnt-really-a-mock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/vauxhall-tigra-sport-rogue-when-a-mock-top-isnt-really-a-mock/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/26/vauxhall-tigra-sport-rogue-when-a-mock-top-isnt-really-a-mock/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rogue

Mock tops: they're not just for Cadillacs anymore. Heck, now they're not even for non-convertibles anymore. Across the pond, Vauxhall has found an answer to a question no one has asked -- or at least a question no one should be asking. That question is, "how do we appeal to customers who want the look of a soft top on their hardtop convertible."

Our answer: Those customers are insane -- pay them no mind. Their answer: Give the droptop a mock top...even though it's not technically "mock". This, in a nutshell, is rationale behind the Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rouge, whose folding metal roof is covered in red fabric, combining the look of a soft top with the weight and diminished cargo capacity that come with a retractable hardtop. Brilliant. The least they could have done was insert fake bows under the fabric to really drive home the theme. I mean, that treatment looked completely awesome on the four-door Buick Regal grandpa speciaI I saw in the supermarket parking lot the other day.

Gallery: Vauxhall Tigra Sport Rogue


[Source: Vauxhall]

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]]>fake fabric roofFakeFabricRoofmock top droptopMockTopDroptopsport rogueSportRoguetigravauxhall tigra sport rogueVauxhallTigraSportRogue2008-04-26T13:54:00+00:00<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: BMW M3 Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/pics-aplenty-bmw-m3-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/pics-aplenty-bmw-m3-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/pics-aplenty-bmw-m3-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW M3 convertible.

To signal the beginning of sales of the M3 convertible in the UK, BMW decided to release two-dozen more photos of its drop-top super coupe, and that's enough of a reason for us to include them in a gallery with its white counterpart. Everything remains the same, including the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed DCT gearbox, all without that pesky roof to keep you from enjoying the 420 hp, 4.0-liter V8 when you're sending it up into its 8.400-rpm redline.

BMW's UK press release is posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

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]]>20092009 bmw m3 convertible2009BmwM3Convertiblebmwconvertiblem32008-04-25T20:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Audi TT-S to be official car of the Tourist Trophy races]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/audi-tt-s-to-be-official-car-of-the-tourist-trophy-races/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/audi-tt-s-to-be-official-car-of-the-tourist-trophy-races/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/audi-tt-s-to-be-official-car-of-the-tourist-trophy-races/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi TT-S

The Isle of Man credits itself as hosting the world's oldest races, the Tourist Trophy (TT). The 32-mile long island, located in the Irish Sea (it's the body of water between the United Kingdom and Ireland), held the first motorcycle and car races back in 1905. Now, for the first time in more than a century, a car sharing the same name as the event has been named the "Official Car" of the event. You guessed it, event organizers have chosen the Audi TT as the "Official Car." It's not just any TT that gets the honor -- it's the hot new 265-hp Audi TT-S. Audi will be supplying eight cars for the event at the end of May. Driven by race officials (yes, at non-race speeds), they will help with the course inspection and other logistics during the week-long event. Oh, we should add, it is a motorcycle race. Doh!

Gallery: Audi TT-S


[Source: Audi]

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]]>AudiIsle of ManIsleOfManOfficial CarOfficialCarTourist TrophyTouristTrophyTTTT-S2008-04-25T14:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[AC Cars moving to Brooklands and Michigan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/ac-cars-moving-to-brooklands-and-michigan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/ac-cars-moving-to-brooklands-and-michigan/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/ac-cars-moving-to-brooklands-and-michigan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

AC Cars, creators of the original Cobra on which Carroll Shelby built his legendary roadster, is planning two important moves. The sportscar-maker, owned by Acedes Holdings LLC, is currently based in Malta. However, legal troubles in the country have prompted the company to return to its original headquarters at the famous Brooklands facility in England. A second factory in Michigan where AC will build its classic sportscars for U.S. consumption is also in the works.

AC continues to manufacture the original Ace, Mk11, Mk11 FIA and Mk111, and is anticipated to build just ten units per year at an average price of £150,000 a pop. No word, however, on the new roadster, the rights to which Project Kimber acquired to resurrect AC after Smart cancelled the vehicle.

[Source: 4car]

 

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]]>acac aceac brooklandsac carsac maltaac michiganac mk11AcAceAcBrooklandsAcCarsAcMaltaAcMichiganAcMk112008-04-25T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Astra VXR Nürburgring Edition: now with Vauxhall badges]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/astra-vxr-nurburgring-edition-now-with-vauxhall-badges/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/astra-vxr-nurburgring-edition-now-with-vauxhall-badges/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/astra-vxr-nurburgring-edition-now-with-vauxhall-badges/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click to view the Vauxhall Astra VXR Nürburgring in hi-res

There's no shortage of automakers which claim the vaunted Nürburgring Nordschleife as their own stomping ground. Along with the likes of BMW, Porsche and Aston Martin, to name but a few, GM's European subsidiary staked its claim last year with the Opel Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition. Now Vauxhall, its British counterpart, wants to be part of the club, too. But rather than create its own performance model, Vauxhall's big news is that it has essentially taken the OPC Nürburgring and slapped on the shiny new griffin logo and called it its own.

Giving credit where credit is due, however, the special edition Vauxhall VXR edges out its Opel OPC counterpart with an extra 14 horses unbridled by a Remus sport exhaust. Aside from the grille and the tailpipes, however, the package is just about the same. Lightweight 18" alloys - shod with Dunlop rubber, mounted on a widened track and barely hiding 321mm front and 278mm rear ventilated discs with signature blue VXR calipers - come in white, complimenting the white paint job. That's the only color this special VXR offers, and is accented by checkered-flag graphics (like those seen on special-edition Renaultsport hatchbacks from across the Channel) and faux-fiber accents on the B-pillars and wing mirror housings. Step inside and the special touches continue, including leather-trimmed Recaro racing seats embossed with the Nürburgring track layout, carbon fiber door trim and an individually-numbered plaque. The price of exclusivity for British customers comes in at £21,295, a £1,575 premium over the standard VXR. More details in the press release after the jump, and images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Vauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition


[Source: Vauxhall]

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]]>Nurburgring editionNurburgringEditionvauxhall astraVauxhall Astra VXR NrburgringVauxhall Astra VXR Nurburgring EditionVauxhallAstraVauxhallAstraVxrNrburgringVauxhallAstraVxrNurburgringEdition2008-04-22T07:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ranger: Built Ford Tough... with stripes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/ranger-built-ford-tough-with-stripes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/ranger-built-ford-tough-with-stripes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/ranger-built-ford-tough-with-stripes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view in hi-res

While we wait for the F-150 SVT Raptor to be unveiled, Ford is offering European customers a sporty truck of its own: a Ranger with stripes! Although some media are labeling this the Le Mans edition, Ford's own release (which you can see after the jump) doesn't mention the name of the race anywhere. Nor should it, because a compact truck has about as little to do with endurance sports-car racing as a lampshade, except maybe if you're trying chart your own path out of town when the 24 hours are up and the roads are closed.

We use the term "iconic" a lot here, but the Performance Blue with twin white stripes running up the hood, over the roof and down the tail has become an icon for Ford performance vehicles, particularly on the other side of the pond. And that's pretty much all that sets this special edition Ranger Wildtrack apart from the standard production version, aside from some optional equipment - like ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, air-con and an off-road data pack - bundled in as standard. However, the stripy Ranger will only be offered in limited numbers, so European customers had better either act quick or get out the whitewash and paint roller.

[Source: Ford]

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]]>ford rangerford ranger europeford ranger performance blueford ranger stripesford ranger wildtrackFordRangerFordRangerEuropeFordRangerPerformanceBlueFordRangerStripesFordRangerWildtrack2008-04-15T15:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Elderly man hangs up the keys after trashing two Porsches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/elderly-man-hangs-up-the-keys-after-trashing-two-porsches/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/elderly-man-hangs-up-the-keys-after-trashing-two-porsches/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/elderly-man-hangs-up-the-keys-after-trashing-two-porsches/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jack Higgs of Penarth, England, is 93. He has been driving for 76 years, and has never gotten a ticket. He never even had a single accident since learning to drive at age 17. That flawless streak came to an end, however, on Monday, when Mr. Higgs totaled two cars and badly damaged a third. Mr. Higgs swears he'll never drive again.

A former Pentecostal minister, Higgs was backing up his 13-year-old Ford Fiesta at a local Porsche dealership when he inexplicably lost control and found himself hanging upside down by his seat belt in his overturned car. At 93, Higgs managed to get himself out of the wreck unassisted and, after being checked over by the paramedics, walked away from the scene unscratched. You'd think the owners of the dealership would be livid, but their concern was mostly for Higgs' wellbeing. The nonagenarian, who attributed his good fortune to prayer and God, had been driving through the dealership's front lot for years without incident to get to his garage, was known to everyone at the dealership, and even offered to help clean up the mess. Somehow we doubt Mr. Higgs will have trouble finding someone to give him the occasional lift.

Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: BBC News]

 

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]]>elderly driver accidentElderlyDriverAccidentjack higgsJackHiggsporsche accidentPorscheAccident2008-04-15T09:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[Officially Official: Caterham R500, really warps time, and face]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/officially-official-caterham-r500-really-warps-time-and-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/officially-official-caterham-r500-really-warps-time-and-face/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/officially-official-caterham-r500-really-warps-time-and-face/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Caterham R500.

After getting teased and then leaked on, we officially have details on Caterham's new Superlight R500. The stats are as insane as we predicted, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Ford Durtec sending 263 hp and 177 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed sequential gearbox equipped with launch control. With 520 hp per ton (it weighs 506 kg, or 1,116 pounds) the R500 can rocket to 60 in exactly 2.88 seconds, but that's only part of the performance equation.

Caterham fitted the R500 with a "Carbon Induction Airbox," Eibach springs and dampers pulled from the C400 Caterham racer, four-piston calipers in front and two-piston rotors out back, Avon C500 track-day rubber, and replaced many of the components with aluminum and carbon fiber to shed 9 kgs from the chassis. The R500 is also equipped with a new electronic IP nestled into a full carbon fiber dash. If you're in the UK and have £36,995 to spare, you could do worse for you next track-day excursion.

Make the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Caterham R500

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]]>caterhamcaterham r500CaterhamR500r5002008-04-11T16:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chevy caters to insecurity, trials drive-in fitting room]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/chevy-caters-to-insecurity-trials-drive-in-fitting-room/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/chevy-caters-to-insecurity-trials-drive-in-fitting-room/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/chevy-caters-to-insecurity-trials-drive-in-fitting-room/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of Chevy's "fitting rooms"

In what has to be the most ridiculous or utterly ingenious marketing ploy to date, Chevrolet has set up a drive-in fitting room outside a London dealership to allow consumers to "try on" their car before they buy. According to GM's research and marketing hacks, three out of four consumers consider their car to be a status symbol, despite 95-percent of people having no idea what they look like inside their car. As strange and admittedly vain as this campaign is, we can't help but think that it isn't an entirely bad idea. However, we doubt that it's going to make the trek across the pond and redefine our dealership experience.

GM's full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: Chevrolet Drive-In Fitting Room

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]]>chevroletchevrolet fitting roomChevroletFittingRoomchevychevy fitting roomchevy mirrored roomChevyFittingRoomChevyMirroredRoomdrive in fitting roomsdrive-in fitting roomsDrive-inFittingRoomsDriveInFittingRoomsgeneral motorsGeneralMotors2008-04-11T13:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Jag XJ and Lexus LS named Chauffeur CotY]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/jag-xj-and-lexus-ls-named-chauffeur-coty/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/jag-xj-and-lexus-ls-named-chauffeur-coty/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/jag-xj-and-lexus-ls-named-chauffeur-coty/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Close your eyes, sit back and imagine you're being chauffeured around town. Now open your eyes, and say what luxury conveyance you pictured your ride to be. The editors of The Chauffeur magazine - who we'd all imagine are named Jeeves or Somethingsworth - have made their selections, naming the Jaguar XJ long wheelbase and Lexus LS600hL as their top picks for Chauffeur Car of the Year 2008.

The Jaguar beat out the Volvo S80, Mercedes E, Chrysler 300C and VW Phaeton, which were nominated alongside it in the £25-£50k category. Up one class in the £50-100k segment, the Lexus beat out a selection of Europe's finest in the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Audi A8. No word yet on the final choice for the top category, but with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Maybach 62 all nominated, we'd be hard pressed to pick one ourselves (hint: it wouldn't be the Maybach). Chauffeur mag was quick to point out that the dedicated chauffeur programs offered by both Jaguar and Lexus scored both the long-wheelbase luxury sedans extra points in their deliberations. Follow the jump to read the press releases from Jaguar and Lexus.

Gallery: 2008 Jaguar XJ

Gallery: Lexus LS600h L

[Sources: Jaguar and Lexus]

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]]>chauffeur car of the yearChauffeurCarOfTheYearjaguar xjJaguarXjlexus lslexus ls600hLexus LS600h LLexusLsLexusLs600hLexusLs600hL2008-04-10T09:59:00+00:00