Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![CDATA[Video: Is your brain predisposed to make you love Rolls-Royce?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/is-your-brain-predisposed-to-make-you-love-rolls-royce/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/is-your-brain-predisposed-to-make-you-love-rolls-royce/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/is-your-brain-predisposed-to-make-you-love-rolls-royce/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche

XCAR has taken a look at what could very well be one of the most quintessential British cars ever built: the 1973 Rolls-Royce Corniche. The question at hand is whether or not expensive luxury items like artisan foods, designer clothing and yes, high-end automobiles are worth their monetary cost. Do they bring some undefined additional value to the table over their low-buck counterparts, or are they simply an excellent way to part a fool from his dollar bills? While the video below can't comment on four-course meals or $400 jeans, our valiant host does have a word or two on the joy a Rolls-Royce can bring to your life.

That's even true of a model like the '73 Corniche. Built during one of the darker days of the company's history, the convertible was designed and manufactured by an automaker on the verge of collapse. Still, it manages to hold on to that essential spirit of luxury so crucial to the Rolls-Royce brand. Check out the video below to see what we mean.

Continue reading Is your brain predisposed to make you love Rolls-Royce?

Is your brain predisposed to make you love Rolls-Royce? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973 rolls-royce cornichecornicherolls-roycerolls-royce cornichevideoxcarWed, 19 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: PGO launches Cévennes Speedster in Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/pgo-launches-cevennes-speedster-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/pgo-launches-cevennes-speedster-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/pgo-launches-cevennes-speedster-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 PGO Automobiles Cevennes

Now, from the "weird little French car" file, we give you the 2013 PGO Automobiles Cévennes speedster. Powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter BMW four-cylinder engine mounted midship, the little roadster serves up a healthy 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The modest muscle gets to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Consider our interest piqued.

PGO Automobiles says the new model tips the scales at a scant 2,200 pounds and features a theoretical top speed of 140 miles per hour. That's plenty fast enough to get you in trouble or get you dead. Fortunately, engineers also managed to bolster the car's rigidity by 15 percent and a new MacPhereson strut setup front and rear helps the car handle the twisties with a bit more composure than previous efforts from the automaker.

As you may recollect, PGO Automobiles got its start manufacturing kit cars modeled after the Porsche 356. Its clear the company's designers have held on to some of their favorite elements from that car. Rounded fenders front and rear as well as familiar-looking headlights all harken back to the little German droptop, but elements like the smallish windshield and variety of air inlets clearly identify the car as French. We dig it.

PGO launches Cévennes Speedster in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 pgo automobiles cevennespgopgo automobilespgo cevennesWed, 19 Jun 2013 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunswift Eve is a solar car for everyone, maybe [w/video]]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/sunswift-eve-is-a-solar-car-for-everyone-maybe-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sunswift Eve

Sydney's University of New South Wales Sunswift team has worked on a number of solar-powered cars in the past, enough that they call themselves "Australia's premier solar car racing team." The team is headed in a new direction now, though, with the Eve, which dispenses with the ultra-efficient design meant to win races and instead moves a bit into "normal" car territory.

Project director Sam Paterson said in a statement that the Eve is intended to be more mainstream. "This year's vehicle, unlike some of our previous models, has four wheels, doors and is designed to be safer and more practical. It departs from the typical spaceship design of most solar cars and looks like an actual car," he said.

Actual performance details for the Eve are not yet available, but we expect we'll hear more when the car is officially unveiled on August 9th. If you're in Australia, or want to go, you can get tickets to the event through the crowdfunding site Pozible, where the team is collecting pledges to try and build the Eve. The team set a $20,000 (Australian) goal and is currently sitting at $15,390. For added geekiness, the Pozible page is full of Eve-centric memes.

The Sunswift team is made up of students from a variety of courses at UNSW (engineering, business, science and industrial design are the examples listed) and has been going since 1995. The Sunswift Eve is the team's fifth-generation solar powered supercar.

Since the official Sunswift website loads sloooowly and causes an "unresponsive script" for some of the Autoblog team, we recommend connecting with UNSW over on their Facebook page. A short (30-second) video of the Sunswift Eve being unloaded is available below.

Continue reading Sunswift Eve is a solar car for everyone, maybe [w/video]

Sunswift Eve is a solar car for everyone, maybe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclesolarsunswiftsunswift eveunswWed, 19 Jun 2013 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied with minor changes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spied-with-minor-changes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spied-with-minor-changes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-spied-with-minor-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Roadster spy shots - front three-quarter view

Despite looking fresh and fancy as ever, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is nearly four years old now. Its design was first shown to the world at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, and judging by these spy photos, it looks like a couple of small changes are in order for Merc's gullwing baby (or not, seeing as how the test car spied this time around happens to the the Roadster). The timing of the update is interesting, seeing as how Mercedes introduced a new GT model that effectively replaced the standard car last June. The SLS AMG GT didn't receive much in the way of optical attention, however, so perhaps this is just the Three-Pointed-Star keeping things fresh.

The only real camouflage on the test car seen here is found up front, where it looks like the SLS' fascia has undergone a slight nip/tuck. The grille shape has been modified a tiny bit, and it appears that the lower lip gets the majority of the changes. Our spy shooters tell us that we shouldn't rule out more changes down the road, possibly to the headlamps and taillamps. Of course, there could be further massaging under the hood or inside the cabin, but it's unclear if any of that is going on based on these photos.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG spied with minor changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercedesmercedes sls amgmercedes sls amg gt roadsterspy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 19 Jun 2013 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Read This: PickupTrucks.com's latest test results in a familiar winner [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/pickuptrucks-coms-latest-test-results-in-a-familiar-winner-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/pickuptrucks-coms-latest-test-results-in-a-familiar-winner-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/pickuptrucks-coms-latest-test-results-in-a-familiar-winner-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

2013 PickupTrucks.com Light Duty Challenge

PickupTrucks.com has gone and thrown the latest batch of half-ton pickups into a cage match to see who would come out on top. The site put the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2013 Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan through a battery of tests. Those included 0-60 miles per hour acceleration, 60-0 mph deceleration, fuel economy, a hill climb, and payload and towing. They even threw the rigs on an autocross course to evaluate overall handling. Each truck was given points based on how it scored in each evaluation.

Who came out on top? Somewhat surprisingly, the 2013 Ford F-150 walked away with the gold, though fewer than 50 points separated first and fourth place. Head over to PickupTrucks.com to read the full evaluation and the final results. You may be shocked to see exactly where some of the segment's newest additions placed. You can also watch a video on the test below.

Continue reading PickupTrucks.com's latest test results in a familiar winner [w/video]

PickupTrucks.com's latest test results in a familiar winner [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet silveradofordford f-150gmcgmc sierranissannissan titanpickuptrucks.comtoyotatoyota tundraWed, 19 Jun 2013 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Aston Martin unveils new Gulf livery for Le Mans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/aston-martin-unveils-new-gulf-livery-for-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/aston-martin-unveils-new-gulf-livery-for-le-mans/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/aston-martin-unveils-new-gulf-livery-for-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aston Martin Racing Vantage GTE Gulf Livery

Aston Martin has pulled back the sheets on the company's new Gulf livery for this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Penned by Jonathan Wesley, the Number 97 Vantage GTE will wear the colors throughout race week as the car prepares to compete in the 90th 24 Hours of Le Mans. Darren Turner, Stefan Mucke and Peter Dumbreck will all take turns behind the wheel of the car. Wesley said he designed the livery using the four Gulf corporate colors arranged from lightest to dark, with the right side painted white and the left painted dark blue to symbolize the change in race conditions from daylight to dusk.

Fans chose Wesley's design from a spate of others as part of a Gulf contest. As a result, the designer will spend Le Mans weekend as a VIP guest with Aston Martin. The company says the No. 97 car will compete along with four other Vantage GTE bruisers, but will be the only one to carry the special livery. You can read the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Aston Martin unveils new Gulf livery for Le Mans

Aston Martin unveils new Gulf livery for Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 24 hours of le mans2013 le mans24 hours of le mansaston martinaston martin vantageaston martin vantage gtegulf liveryvantage gteWed, 19 Jun 2013 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: New J.D. Power Initial Quality Study puts Porsche, GM in spotlight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/new-j-d-power-initial-quality-study-puts-porsche-gm-in-spotlig/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/new-j-d-power-initial-quality-study-puts-porsche-gm-in-spotlig/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/new-j-d-power-initial-quality-study-puts-porsche-gm-in-spotlig/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche Emblem

J.D. Power and Associates has released its annual Initial Quality Study, and this year, Porsche and General Motors took the spotlight. The study, which asks new car owners to report problems experienced during the first 90 days of ownership, found that overall, the industry averages 113 problems per 100 vehicles.

Porsche managed a score of just 80 problems per 100 vehicles, while GMC took the second spot on the podium with 90. Lexus filled out the top three with 94 problems per 100 vehicles, followed by Infiniti at 95 and Chevrolet at 97. The study also looks at specific models, and found the Lexus LS to enjoy the best initial quality at 59 problems per 100 vehicles.

Interestingly enough, the report found that around two-thirds of most owner problems experienced in the first 90 days are attributable to vehicle design instead of mechanical failure. Specifically - echoing a refrain we've been hearing for the last few years - owners are having a hard time figuring out how to use the technology present in their new vehicles. Head over to the J.D. Power site for more information, or scroll down below for the company's related press release.

Continue reading New J.D. Power Initial Quality Study puts Porsche, GM in spotlight

New J.D. Power Initial Quality Study puts Porsche, GM in spotlight originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gmgmcjd powerjd power and associatesjd power inital quality studyporscheWed, 19 Jun 2013 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Korres Project 4 is an on- and off-road Corvette-powered juggernaut [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/korres-project-4-is-an-on-and-off-road-corvette-powered-juggern/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/korres-project-4-is-an-on-and-off-road-corvette-powered-juggern/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/korres-project-4-is-an-on-and-off-road-corvette-powered-juggern/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Korres Project 4

It looks as if the Local Motors Rally Fighter will soon have some competition. The Korres Project 4 boasts a 7.0-liter LS7 V8 lifted from the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. With 505 horsepower shoved into a 3,527-pound package, the creation should have no trouble covering ground very quickly. Dimitris Korres, the Greek architect behind the Project 4, says his creation can clip to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186. That's all par for the course, but it's the machine's innovative suspension that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Capable of increasing or decreasing its ride height as necessary, the Project 4 can cover all sorts of terrain at speed. With locking differentials front, center and rear, the creation has the potential to be very impressive. You can check out a pair of videos below for a better look. Note that the photos in the gallery show the bruiser with its body panels removed for a better look at its innovative suspension and bare aluminum chassis, and check out this link for more.

Continue reading Korres Project 4 is an on- and off-road Corvette-powered juggernaut [w/video]

Korres Project 4 is an on- and off-road Corvette-powered juggernaut [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>korreskorres project 4project 4videoWed, 19 Jun 2013 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Next Chrysler minivan to be Town & Country only, fueling Dodge closure rumors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/next-chrysler-minivan-to-be-town-and-country-only-fueling-dodge-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/next-chrysler-minivan-to-be-town-and-country-only-fueling-dodge-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/next-chrysler-minivan-to-be-town-and-country-only-fueling-dodge-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

​2013 Chrysler Town & Country S - front three-quarter view

Recent reports have suggested that Chrysler may soon phase out its long-running Dodge brand, and while the company remains mum on the subject, you can't blame analysts for thinking that's the direction the Pentastar's everyday brand is heading. After all, Chrysler has shown a willingness to shutter brands, having killed off Plymouth back in 2001, and it's putting big dollars behind its bid to build Fiat into a North American force. Chrysler also recently took the step of spinning off its trucks into the stand-alone Ram brand and relocated its halo Viper supercar under the SRT banner.

Couple that with long-held gossip that the full-size Dodge Durango utility vehicle and the Avenger sedan are both living on borrowed time, and you've got a dwindling product portfolio. That would leave Dodge with the Dart compact (a model that isn't selling particularly well), the Charger (which has a mechanical twin in the Chrysler 300) and the Challenger, which could be supplanted by a rumored Chrysler/SRT Cuda. On the people-mover front, Dodge offers the aging Journey and the Grand Caravan, which is the twin to the bigger-margin Chrysler Town & Country.

Stories for some time have pegged Chrysler as only moving forward with one minivan, though there has been some waffling as to whether the next-generation MPV would wear the Town & Country badge or that of the Grand Caravan. A new report out of Canada - where the vehicles are built - says that the winner in the sippy-cup derby is the next Chrysler Town & Country, which will carry a 2016 model year designation. In addition, sources report that T&C production at the Windsor Assembly Plant will be joined by an as-yet-unnamed large near-luxury crossover for 2017, another long-rumored model that could be similar in concept to the long-defunct Pacifica. The brand for this new model? You guessed it - Chrysler.

Next Chrysler minivan to be Town & Country only, fueling Dodge closure rumors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chrysler town and country2013 dodge grand caravanchryslerchrysler town and countrydodgedodge caravandodge grand caravanwindsorwindsor assembly plantWed, 19 Jun 2013 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Jaguar F-Type Coupe proves sexy can't be disguised]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/jaguar-f-type-coupe-proves-sexy-cant-be-disguised/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/jaguar-f-type-coupe-proves-sexy-cant-be-disguised/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/jaguar-f-type-coupe-proves-sexy-cant-be-disguised/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jaguar F-Type Coupe spy shots

Jaguar's new F-Type is a pretty potent little pouncer. And while we do love a good roadster, many of us at Autoblog are perhaps more excited about the upcoming hardtop version of Jag's stylish new entry-level sports car. Why? Because even here in heavily camouflaged prototype form, the thing looks really, really good - the sleek roofline blending rather nicely into the F-Type's shapely rump, allowing for better distinction of its pronounced hips over the rear wheel wells.

Mechanically speaking, the F-Type Coupe should be identical to its droptop sibling. That means the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engine lineup should carry over unchanged, though we've heard rumors about a four-cylinder application as well. There's also talk of hotter R, R-S or R-S GT models coming down the pipeline, and based on what we've experienced in things like the XKR-S, we certainly can't deny the allure of such a model.

It's unclear exactly when Jaguar will show the production F-Type Coupe (at the Frankfurt Motor Show, perhaps?), but the car is expected to go on sale sometime in 2014. Check it out in our latest spy gallery, above.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe proves sexy can't be disguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 jaguar f-type coupejaguarjaguar f-typejaguar f-type coupespy photosspy picsspy shotsWed, 19 Jun 2013 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Watch Porsche's 918 Spyder break a sweat while hot weather testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/watch-porsches-918-spyder-break-a-sweat-while-hot-weather-testi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



With five months left until the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder enters production, Porsche engineers are still putting the hybrid sports coupe through a battery of last-minute tests. To give us new reasons to ogle over the car - as if we needed any more - Porsche has released a short video showing the 918 Spyder undergoing shakedown tests in the hot Nevada desert. And you can't drive through Nevada without visiting Vegas, too, right?

Although there's really nothing new to see in this video, it's still fun to watch as Porsche approaches one million test miles logged on this exciting new high-performance model. One interesting part (at around the 0:37 mark) shows the car taking off under electric power and then transitioning to engine power, which results in a mix of whirs and growls as the 918 Spyder switches from a 127-horsepower electric vehicle to an 887-hp hybrid supercar. Scroll down to watch - and hear - Porsche's latest creation in motion.

Continue reading Watch Porsche's 918 Spyder break a sweat while hot weather testing

Watch Porsche's 918 Spyder break a sweat while hot weather testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 porsche 918 spyderporscheporsche 918 spydervideoWed, 19 Jun 2013 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2014 Fiat 500L]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-fiat-500l-review-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-fiat-500l-review-first-drive/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-fiat-500l-review-first-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Unexpectedly, This Opposite Attracts

2014 Fiat 500L

Back in 2007 when the Fiat 500 was launched, I was unrepentantly nuts about the thing. From the first time my eyes clapped on the Nuevo Cinquecento at the Geneva Motor Show that year, I wanted one. Since there were no plans for a North American model at the time, I had to settle for purchasing a 1/18th-scale diecast at the expo. When Fiat finally returned to the US and the Cinquecento went on sale in 2011, I was no less excited.

And then I drove one, and the bloom was off my little Italian rose. Oh, I still appreciated its size and high style, but I found it wholly unsatisfying to drive, something that wouldn't be rectified until the Abarth arrived. It wasn't that the standard 500 was slow - I expected that - it was that its wonky driving position, lackluster transmissions and ropey steering all stood in the way of appreciating its other virtues. The Abarth's characterful powertrain would eventually come along to alleviate most of those pains, but not all of them.

Now with the advent of the 500L for 2014, it appears I'm living the same scenario, albeit in reverse. My first encounter with this new, larger Fiat was also at the Geneva show, only this time, when the sheet was yanked off its flanks in 2012, I didn't like what I saw. The Italian marque hadn't just name-checked the Cinquecento with this larger five-door, it attempted to appropriate its amusing and iconic design by repeating key styling elements like its circular light fixtures and simple chrome bar grille (collectively known as the "whiskers and logo face"), along with rounded interior forms painted in body colors. To my eyes, the design just didn't work, yet I was still intrigued about the promise of a larger 500 and more polished driving experience.

Continue reading 2014 Fiat 500L

2014 Fiat 500L originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 fiat 500lcinquecentofeaturedfiatfiat 500lfiat 500l reviewsfiat500lreviewsfirst driveFirstDriveseicentoWed, 19 Jun 2013 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Mazda announces live-streaming vehicle intro on Xbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/mazda-announces-live-streaming-vehicle-intro-on-xbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/mazda-announces-live-streaming-vehicle-intro-on-xbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/mazda-announces-live-streaming-vehicle-intro-on-xbox/#commentsFiled under: ,

XBox logo

In April, Mazda introduced a marketing campaign titled "Game Changers" to showcase how certain people have made significant impacts in their respective sports, and now it's the Japanese automaker that is changing the game by creating an innovative way to launch a new product. Mazda is teaming up with Xbox to offer a first-of-its-kind live-streaming global debut of a new product. Mazda didn't say which model will be debuted, but our guess is that it will be the next-generation Mazda3.

The actual reveal will take place at 9 pm on June 26 during a live concert from the band Metric in New York City, but there will be other live events preceding the concert in Melbourne, St. Petersburg, Istanbul and London. Mazda will be promoting the event on social media using the hashtag #GameChanger, and there is also a contest on Xbox where one winner will receive $2,500 to attend a music event of their choice. Scroll down for the full details of the contest and vehicle debut event.

Continue reading Mazda announces live-streaming vehicle intro on Xbox

Mazda announces live-streaming vehicle intro on Xbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live streaming videomazdaxboxWed, 19 Jun 2013 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Model S recalled for seat safety issue]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/http://green.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/tesla-model-s-recalled-for-seat-safety-issue/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tesla Model S at sunset

Back when the first Tesla Model S electric vehicles were rolling off the assembly line in California, CEO Elon Musk was literally checking each vehicle before it went out into the wild. As production ramped up, this was no longer possible. And, not that we're suggesting the two issues are directly related, now the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Tesla are announcing the first big Model S recall. Tesla's first NHTSA recall affected the Roadster back in 2009.

The Model S recall affects 1,228 vehicles that were made between May 10 and June 8 of 2013 and is about a possible failure of the seatback mounting. Specifically, "an improper method for aligning the left hand seatback striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle." What does that mean? "In the event of a crash, the left hand seatback may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers."

"Tesla has revised assembly procedures and retrained manufacturing technicians."

The problem happened because Tesla redesigned the joint between the bracket and vehicle to "improve function and reduce weight," and the new joint was put into place May 10. The new bracket worked just fine, but then, "on June 7, 2013, a technician on the assembly line was adjusting the alignment for the newly designed left hand second row seat striker utilizing a slide hammer when he noticed the action caused the striker to become loose. ... Upon review, Tesla Quality determined that the weld and bonding between the second row left hand seat striker mounting plate and the vehicle was compromised due to this method of adjustment." Since then, "Tesla has revised assembly procedures and retrained manufacturing technicians."

There have been no complaints or reports of injury about this issue. Tesla will repair the issue in the affected cars, but has not yet said when. Owners should be on the lookout for notification from Tesla if their car is subject to the recall.

You can read more in these PDFs (1, 2), which are letters between Tesla and NHTSA regarding the recall. You can also find more information on the NHTSA site by searching for campaign number 13V249000, and the text of the recall can be seen below.

Continue reading Tesla Model S recalled for seat safety issue

Tesla Model S recalled for seat safety issue originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric vehiclenational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallteslatesla model sWed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Carbon Motors officially files for bankruptcy, lawsuits follow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/carbon-motors-officially-files-for-bankruptcy-lawsuits-follow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Carbon Motors E7 diesel police car - front three-quarter view

So much for Carbon Motors. The would-be police pursuit vehicle manufacturer has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (read: liquidation) according to the Indianapolis Business Journal. The company officially lists its liabilities at $21.7 million and its assets at a mere $18,976, including one prototype, a few bits of furniture, books and the company's intellectual property. Some of the largest debtors are investors and suppliers, including BMW. The German automaker claims Carbon Motors owes them some $3 million.

Carbon Motors built a business model around for its diesel-powered E7 police car by securing a Department of Energy loan through its Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing program for $310 million, but the US Government denied the company's application in March of 2012. From that point, it was evidently only a matter of time before the company caved in on itself. The warning signs were already thick on the ground when it was revealed that the company had quietly pulled out of its Connerville, Indiana plant back in April.

Bankruptcy protection shields Carbon Motors from lawsuits against the manufacturer. That's good news, considering three former executives have already filed a lawsuit against the company earlier this year for $600,000 in deferred wages.

Carbon Motors officially files for bankruptcy, lawsuits follow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcycarbon motorscarbon motors bankruptcycarbon motors e7diesel police carpolice carsWed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/chevy-silverado-gmc-sierra-4-3-liter-ecotec3-v6-nets-18-mpg-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/chevy-silverado-gmc-sierra-4-3-liter-ecotec3-v6-nets-18-mpg-cit/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/chevy-silverado-gmc-sierra-4-3-liter-ecotec3-v6-nets-18-mpg-cit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2014 Chevy Silverado towing Summerland camper

There is no doubting that fuel economy has become an important factor in the highly competitive fullsize truck market, with the Ford F-150 EcoBoost V6 and Pentastar V6-powered Ram 1500 setting quite a precedent in recent years. Now it's General Motors' turn. The General has just announced that the new base V6 used in the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models will return an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in two-wheel drive trim, regardless of cab configuration.

While these figures don't go so far as to earn GM any "best-in-class" fuel economy claims (thanks to the 25-mpg Ram 1500 HFE), this new 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 does edge the F-150 and Toyota Tundra while boasting best-in-class numbers for torque, payload and towing capacity among six-cylinder rivals. This all-new engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque, and it gives the 2014 Silverado and Sierra the highest towing rating among standard V6 models with a 7,200-pound towing capacity - besting the Ram by 700 pounds, the base F-150 by 1,100 pounds and coming within 200 pounds of the V8-powered Nissan Titan. Scroll down for the official press releases from Chevrolet and GMC.

Continue reading Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway

Chevy Silverado, GMC Sierra 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V6 nets 18 mpg city, 24 highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevy silverado2014 gmc sierrachevychevy fuel economychevy silveradoecotec3fuel economygmcgmc fuel economygmc sierraWed, 19 Jun 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante drops its mind-blowingly beautiful top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-reveal-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-reveal-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/2014-aston-martin-vanquish-volante-reveal-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante - front three-quarter view, blue

Behold the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante in all its convertible glory. Like its hard top twin, the convertible Vanquish boasts a 5.9-liter V12 engine with 565 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. That thrust is good enough to push the car to a top speed of 183 miles per hour, and Aston Martin says the 2014 Vanquish Volante is the first of the company's convertibles to bow with body panels comprised entirely of carbon fiber. It also offers the stiffest body structure in the history of the automaker's droptop efforts.

The machine's power three-layer top can be put up or down at speeds of up to 30 mph and can do its dance in around 14 seconds. Interestingly, designers went with a full-length windshield, which runs directly up to the cloth top. there is no sheetmetal (or in this case, carbon fiber) header between the glass and the roof. Very cool.

A six-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties and a new set of springs and dampers help cope with altered dynamics of the convertible. Aston Martin claims the 2014 Vanquish Volante offers up a weight distribution of 51:49, and a set of carbon-ceramic brakes help bring the whole party down from speed. If you want one, get ready to shell out at least $297,995 for the pleasure. Deliveries are set to begin early next year. Check out the full press release below once you stop gawking at the gallery above.

Continue reading 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante drops its mind-blowingly beautiful top

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante drops its mind-blowingly beautiful top originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 aston martin vanquish2014 aston martin vanquish volanteaston martinaston martin vanquishvanquish volanteWed, 19 Jun 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Confirmed: Fiat 500 Cattiva on the way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/fiat-500-cattiva-on-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fiat 500 Cattiva concept live at 2013 Detroit Auto Show - front three-quarter view

While its dealer body has been clamoring for new and larger models, Fiat has actually done a pretty good trade selling all manner of 500 variants, from the standard hatchback and 500C cabriolet to its Abarth models, 500e electric runabout and special editions like the Gucci.

Fiat USA was a little slow out of the gates as it built up brand awareness and its dealer network, but it's now chugging along, with combined 500 model sales outselling that of its arch rival Mini (provided you subtract the Countryman crossover, a model for which Fiat has had no direct competitor up until this point). Franchisees are finally about to get the bigger, broader-appeal model they've been seeking in the form of the five-door 500L, but Fiat is still going to be devoting a lot of attention to their whisker-faced icon, the Cinquecento.

As proof, at the first drive event of the 500L in Baltimore, Fiat North America boss Jason Stoicevich confirmed that his company will produce a production version of the 500 Cattiva concept shown at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Stoicevich wouldn't divulge the model's pricepoint or availability timeframe, but he told us, "I can guarantee you it will happen. I just can't tell you when."

The Cattiva is based on the middle-child 500 Turbo, and is essentially a trim-and-tape package, albeit a very attractive one. It includes rich 'Rame' (read: copper) paint with black trim, including 'Nero' gloss black light housings front and rear and a matching roof-mounted spoiler along with unique charcoal 16-inch alloys. Inside, changes are limited to a 'Matte Nero' instrument panel and trim, along with silver stitching on the black sport wheel and shift knob. No word on any improvements to the Turbo's 135-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder, but at least that should keep the price from rising much above the standard 500T's $19,500 MSRP. As far as timing goes, we're thinking that this model won't be too far down the line after the company launches the 500L.

Back when it revealed the 500 Cattiva concept, Fiat also showed a matte gray Tenebra showcar that builds upon the even hotter 500 Abarth, but Stoichevich declined to comment on that concept's chances for production.

Fiat 500 Cattiva on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 fiat 500 cattivacattivacinquecentofiatfiat 500fiat 500 cattivafiat 500 tenebrajason stoicevichWed, 19 Jun 2013 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/19/205k-suzuki-models-being-investigated-for-airbag-sensor-issue/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The Detroit News is reporting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation on the 2006-11 Suzuki Grand Vitara and 2007-11 Suzuki SX4 due to issues with the airbag and seatbelt for the front passenger seat. So far, NHTSA has received 128 complaints on these vehicles for airbag warning lights, airbag off lights and seatbelt lights, on a vehicle set that totals around 205,000 units, but there is no indication as to how many, if any, injuries have reported.

Via technical service bulletins, Suzuki has already acknowledged two airbag-related issues with front passenger seats on both vehicles, including a programming error for the passenger seat load indicator on 2009 models and an open-circuit problem for the sensor mat that determines if an adult or child is sitting in the front seat. Since this latter issue would not shut off or lessen the impact of the passenger airbag, Suzuki has already extended the warranty for the seat cushion bottom to 10 years or 120,000 miles. After ceasing new-car sales in the US and Canada, potential recall repairs (which still may or may not happen) would be handled by remaining dealers as laid out in the recent court-approved bankruptcy plan.

205k Suzuki models being investigated for airbag sensor issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nhtsarecallrecall investigationsuzukisuzuki bankruptcysuzuki grand vitarasuzuki sx4Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Easier Said Than Done rally documentary trailer shivers our timbers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/easier-said-than-done-rally-documentary-shivers-our-timbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/easier-said-than-done-rally-documentary-shivers-our-timbers/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/18/easier-said-than-done-rally-documentary-shivers-our-timbers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Easier Said Than Done rally documentary

Combining moving visuals - slow-motion camera shots, impossible angles, beautiful scenery and, of course, ridiculously fast rally cars - with compelling storylines is a sure-fire way to win some friends in the Autoblog offices. And that's exactly what the video you'll see below has to offer.

As a teaser for a full-length documentary called Easier Said Than Done that's slated to be released on September 28th (internet release coming on October 1st), this video succeeds in whetting our appetites for the rest of the show - promising footage shot in eight countries over a period of 18 months - while leaving enough to the imagination that our ridiculously short attention spans aren't left too far behind.

Check out the video below, then set a reminder in your calendar for the end of September to watch the rest.

Continue reading Easier Said Than Done rally documentary trailer shivers our timbers

Easier Said Than Done rally documentary trailer shivers our timbers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>documentaryeasier said than donerallyrally documentaryrally videoTue, 18 Jun 2013 19:59:00 EST