Say what you will of the late John DeLorean, but when push came to shove, he never tired of searching for creative ways to promote his business interests.

One of the last initiatives he undertook was a time machine of sorts. Not quite like the one that immortalized his creation -- the stainless-steel, gull-winged DMC12 in the Back to the Future trilogy -- DeLorean Time was an initiative to sell a unique wristwatch. While you could certainly argue that any merchandising initiative - be it a timepiece or anything else - is simply another way for an automaker to raise income through alternative means, DeLorean was a little more direct about it. With the purchase of the DeLorean watch, the buyer would be entered into an unofficial contract to get first crack at the DMC2, the ill-fated sportscar which DeLorean had hoped to build before passing in 2005. By selling enough watches, DeLorean hoped, he could raise enough money to get the DMC2 into production.

Follow the jump to view a video of John DeLorean promoting the watch, or follow the link to view more photos.

[Source: Watchismo]

Continue reading Time Machine: the DeLorean wristwatch

Time Machine: the DeLorean wristwatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading When eight ain't enough: Rotora 12-piston caliper

When eight ain't enough: Rotora 12-piston caliper originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In the world of modern Italian exotic supercars, a surprising share of the field has stemmed from one car: the Ferrari Enzo. It is in and of itself one of the best performing cars of all time, shattering previous records and nearby windows in the process. But it didn't stop there: the Enzo had offspring. Most recently, the 599 GTB Fiorano got its engine from the Enzo. Before that came the Maserati MC12, which itself bred road, race and track versions, as well as the show-stopping Birdcage concept car. Then Ferrari turned out the FXX program, something of an "Enzo Evo".

German tuning house Edo Competition didn't like that the FXX was out-performing the first ever 200-mph Maserati and has set out to rectify the situation by giving the MC12 the "FXX treatment". This isn't the first time Edo has tinkered with the limited-edition MC12, having created the MC12 R previously. But whereas that program netted a more modest 70 horsepower increase - by no means something to scoff at considering how high-strung the engine is already - the new MC12 XX boosts power by 170hp to match the FXX's 800hp rating.

[Source: Edo Competition and World Car Fans]

Continue reading Tuner Tuesdays: Maserati MC12 XX by Edo Competition

Tuner Tuesdays: Maserati MC12 XX by Edo Competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Mazda's new micro-site for the MX-5 hard-top convertible is a load of fun, placing its coupe-cabrio in a variety of ridiculous situations to demonstrate the *ahem* life-saving capabilities of what Mazda claims is "the world's fastest retractable hardtop".

Visitors to the site can create their own video, starring the MX-5, set in a variety of genres and placed in some off-the-wall scenarios with everything from ninjas and great white sharks to zombies and cowboys. It's direct-your-own B-movie fun for gearheads. (Of course they also give you the opportunity to find out more about the car the site and the movies showcase.)

Follow the jump to check out a few sample trailers and see how a retractable hard-top can save you from a variety of dangers you may or may not find yourself in.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading 12-Second Thrillers at the Mazda MX-5 micro-site

12-Second Thrillers at the Mazda MX-5 micro-site originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.