Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Atom Smasher: UK-bound Ariel V8 to command $200,000?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/atom-smasher-uk-bound-ariel-v8-to-command-200-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/atom-smasher-uk-bound-ariel-v8-to-command-200-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/atom-smasher-uk-bound-ariel-v8-to-command-200-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ariel Atom - click above image for hi-res gallery

Two hundred thousand bucks is a house in most places. Well, that's £120,000 to our British friends. Still, that's an awful lot of scratch. How much is it compared to other cars? If say you wanted a Porsche Cayman S -- a car many consider the finest sports car in the world -- the mini-Porker costs just £44,000. How about an Aston Martin V8 Vantage -- which many consider to be the best sounding sports car in the world? A mere £83,000, or £91,000 if you want the drop top so as to better hear the wikkid engine.

Okay, but what about a serious performer -- like a 550 hp Porsche Panamera Turbo? Just £95,000. Or a 525 hp Audi R8 V10? "Only" £100,000. Even a Porche Turbo Cabriolet is priced to sell at £110,000. No, if you want a vehicle that costs as much as the roofless, doorless, bodyless Ariel Atom V8 is going to cost in Great Britain you're going to probably be cross shopping it with... a Caterham Se7en RST-V8 Levante that also has a V8 but lacks doors and retails for about £120,000 pounds sterling. Ironic, no? Sure, there are always more expensive cars (hello Lambo, Ferrari) but at this lofty price point not too many.

Is it worth that much cash? Very hard to say, as the craziest ever Atom (which is saying something) is as track-only as it gets. For instance, even the manic Se7en RST-V8 Levante has something resembling a windshield. On the pro side, Ariel will only be shipping 25 cars to the UK (19 of which have already sold) and the V8 engine is actually two Hayabusa motors joined to a common crank. With that in mind, the Atom V8 can hit 60 mph in a Veyron like 2.5 seconds. So... yes, totally worth the money.


Gallery: Ariel Atom


[Source: AutoCar]

Atom Smasher: UK-bound Ariel V8 to command $200,000? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArielAriel AtomAriel Atom 500Ariel Atom V8ArielAtomArielAtom500ArielAtomV8AtomBritainHayabusaSuzuki HayabusaSuzukiHayabusaUKTue, 10 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-production-lines-halted-at-mgs-longbridge-plant-this-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-production-lines-halted-at-mgs-longbridge-plant-this-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/06/report-production-lines-halted-at-mgs-longbridge-plant-this-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It is a travesty that the initials "MG" are coming to be a convenient epithet for the term "woe." The British sportscar maker has had an exceedingly trying history recently, and things haven't got any better with word that its owner, MG Motor UK Ltd. (which is really Nanjing Automobile Corporation), is reportedly closing the company's Longbridge plant.

Production of the MG TF was back in order early last year, but economic turbulence made the factory's fortunes equally bumpy. It hasn't helped that the last couple of special editions the company has put out, the MGTF LE500 and the 85th Anniversary MGTF, haven't been so well received. MG Motor said it couldn't guarantee stability and now, 2009 production has ceased. There were rumors of a new 2010 MG model coming out... but that was a long time ago, and things have lately been as quiet as the now-shuttered Longbridge factory.

[Source: BBC]

REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainconvertiblelongbridgemanufacturingmgmgtfnacNanjingperformanceplantssportsukTue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: First cars more memorable for most than first kiss or first love]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/study-first-cars-more-memorable-for-most-than-first-kiss-or-fir/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/study-first-cars-more-memorable-for-most-than-first-kiss-or-fir/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/study-first-cars-more-memorable-for-most-than-first-kiss-or-fir/#commentsFiled under: ,



The long story done shortly, according to a study of 1,000 people, 97% will never forget their first car and 90% rate it as more memorable than their first kiss. As the study was done in the UK, take it with a grain of salt as their first car had three wheels and their first kiss (probably) involved a ruler wielding school mistress. That said, we're pretty foggy on the name of the first girl we kissed - though we do remember describing it as "like licking jello." But we could never forget our first car, a brown on brown 1985 Pontiac Parisienne Safari. That's right - Pontiac's naming conventions had gotten so goofy that the station wagon variant of the Parisienne was called the Safari.

The study also suggests that over two-thirds of the respondents had names for their first cars. Ours: The Lieberwagon. As in, "Going draggin' in the Lieberwagon." Which was a joke because I was slower than the car. How about you and your first (four-wheeled) love? Pet names, too. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: motors.co.uk | Photo: Charles01]

Continue reading Study: First cars more memorable for most than first kiss or first love

Study: First cars more memorable for most than first kiss or first love originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainFirst CarFirstCarFri, 14 Aug 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Findings from inquiry into demise of MG Rover finished... only took 4 years and $26M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/findings-from-inquiry-into-demise-of-mg-rover-finished-only/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/findings-from-inquiry-into-demise-of-mg-rover-finished-only/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/findings-from-inquiry-into-demise-of-mg-rover-finished-only/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The final days of MG were disastrous and disastrously expensive. The British government finally has an accounting of what happened, but it only adds to both sides of the disaster: the report took four years and £16 million ($26 million U.S.) for CPA firm BDO Stoy Howard to compile.

For now, various government figures are upset about the delay and the cost. BDO is reported to have spent more than £130,000 ($214,000 U.S.) on hotels and expenses, leading to charges of the firm "living like kings" while MG's workers were living on government support. The report hasn't been released yet, so no one knows what it says. When it is made public, if the MG story continues as it has, what's actually in the report will probably be just as hard to swallow as the lead-up to it.

[Source: Sunday Mercury]

Findings from inquiry into demise of MG Rover finished... only took 4 years and $26M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BDO Stoy HowardBdoStoyHowardbritainenglandmgroverukTue, 30 Jun 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce to double workforce ahead of Ghost production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/rolls-royce-to-double-workforce-ahead-of-ghost-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/rolls-royce-to-double-workforce-ahead-of-ghost-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/rolls-royce-to-double-workforce-ahead-of-ghost-production/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers. Rolls is adding 300 production workers to the payroll, bringing its Sussex workforce to 900. The majority of new positions will be in the wood, leather and paint shops, but there will be assembly positions opening up as well since the Ghost gets its own line. It might not be the best time to bring a top-end luxury sedan to market, but it is a very good time to apply for a job, and Rolls wants to fill them over the next few months. If you have a luxurious way with wood, leather, or paint (or all three), you can peruse the job openings on the Rolls-Royce site, www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Rolls-Royce 200EX concept

Rolls-Royce to double workforce ahead of Ghost production originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainenglandhiringmanufacturingplantsrolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce silver ghostRolls-royceSilverGhostRollsRoycerr4saloonsedansilver ghostSilverGhostukThu, 21 May 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[P1 reportedly following other British supercar clubs into bankruptcy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/p1-reportedly-following-other-british-supercar-clubs-into-bankru/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/p1-reportedly-following-other-british-supercar-clubs-into-bankru/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/p1-reportedly-following-other-british-supercar-clubs-into-bankru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



While the idea of the supercar club has yet to take hold here in The Colonies, across the Atlantic in jolly old England, the notion developed into a popular alternative to the costly prospect of owning and maintaining high-priced exotica. The idea, in a nutshell, was to provide customers with the opportunity to occasionally borrow vehicles from a stable of supercars. Since most privately-owned supercars sit around unused most of the time, membership in a supercar club seemed - and, for a while, was - a logical alternative, offering most of the benefits with none of the hassle.

Unfortunately, the weakened global economy has meant that many of these supercar clubs have had to close down. With membership dropping and fleets of supercars losing their value, these businesses haven't been able to stay afloat. Over the course of the past year, Seagrave, Group 20 and Club Velociter - all supercar clubs based in the UK - shut down, and now the grand-daddy of them all, P1, has gone into court-administered bankruptcy.

P1 International was the first such club, founded in 2000 by former F1 world champion Damon Hill and business partner Michael Breen, and it was arguably the most successful, with 300 members and a fleet of 40 supercars - including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, Aston Martins and Bentleys - in two locations. Hill, now the president of the British Racing Drivers' Club, withdrew from the company three years ago, but claimed he was still owed money. A legal battle ensued, resulting in the club being put into bankruptcy by local courts. What this will mean for the club's members remains to be seen, but with used supercar values in the dumpster, it is reasonable to think that some well-used Astons and Ferraris will be up for grabs in short order.

[Sources: F1-Live and Car]

P1 reportedly following other British supercar clubs into bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishcar clubcar rentalCarClubCarRentaldamon hillDamonHillenglandmichael breenMichaelBreenp1p1 internationalp1 supercar clubP1InternationalP1SupercarClubsupercar clubsupercar clubsSupercarClubSupercarClubsukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomMon, 06 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[How nice of them - EU lets Britain keep the mile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/how-nice-of-them-eu-lets-britain-keep-the-mile/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/how-nice-of-them-eu-lets-britain-keep-the-mile/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/how-nice-of-them-eu-lets-britain-keep-the-mile/#commentsFiled under: , ,



What Car is reporting that the European Parliament has graciously agreed to allow Britain to continue using the mile a bit longer. How nice of them. The EU has just passed a broad measure that allows shops to continue to display imperial and metric measures, thus keeping Britain from having to switch their speedometers and road signs to kilometers. The governing body had previously asked for firm dates from Britain and Ireland to make the switch and stop using Imperial measures, and though their neighbors in Ireland have already made the change, Britain remains noncommittal.

We sympathize with our British brethren. If the EU could just walk 1.609344 km in our shoes, they'd know that switching to the metric system would wreak havoc on poetry and songwriting as we know it. Smiles would no longer be the longest word. There would be no more Mile High Club. Denver would lose its Mile High Stadium. Eminem would be crushed upon losing 8 Mile Road. Miles Davis would have to change his name to Kilometers Davis. It would be the end of the world as we know it.

[Source: What Car]

How nice of them - EU lets Britain keep the mile originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaineuropean parliamenteuropean unionEuropeanParliamentEuropeanUnionimperialImperial MeasuresImperial UnitsImperialMeasuresImperialUnitsirelandmetric systemMetric UnitsMetricSystemMetricUnitsThu, 18 Dec 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[German police mocked by Muppet-driven Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/german-police-mocked-by-muppet-driven-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/german-police-mocked-by-muppet-driven-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/german-police-mocked-by-muppet-driven-audi/#commentsFiled under: ,



The British have been known to "take the piss" out of their German counterparts for several decades now, and that goes well back before World War II. Time to score one for the sceptered isle again: somebody in a right-hand-drive vehicle in Germany has been foiling German speed cameras with a Muppet. German cameras are aimed to get clear pictures of the driver in a left-hand-drive car, but not a shot of the passenger -- who is, in this case, the driver. All they can get is this googly-eyed fellow. Jim Henson must be pleased. Thanks for the tip, Abe!

[Source: BoingBoing via AutoFiends]

German police mocked by Muppet-driven Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainetceuropegermanymuppetspeed camerasSpeedCamerasspeedingTue, 28 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson wins: UK reviewing all traffic signs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/jeremy-clarkson-wins-uk-reviewing-all-traffic-signs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/jeremy-clarkson-wins-uk-reviewing-all-traffic-signs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/16/jeremy-clarkson-wins-uk-reviewing-all-traffic-signs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Clarkson has a thing against roadside signs in the UK: namely, that a great many of them are stupid, and he wants the government to get rid of them. Turns out that Britain's Department for Transportation (DfT) might agree with him, but first they're going to review all the signs in Britain to see how they can make things better. It will be the largest review of signage in 40 years.

Among the variety of objectives, the review aims to examine new sign technologies to help manage traffic flow, provide better information, and reduce accidents and emissions. Another unsaid aim of the DfT is probably to get Clarkson off its back, which is always good for everyone. The first DfT meeting will take place next month, with the first plan of action for creating "signs fit for the 21st century" coming in about a year.

[Source: Britain Depatment for Transport | Photo from Wikicommons, Credit: Dickbauch]

Jeremy Clarkson wins: UK reviewing all traffic signs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainbritishdepartment for trans...department for transportationDepartmentForTrans...DepartmentForTransportationdftroad signsRoadSignssignagesignstraffic signsTrafficSignsTue, 16 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[HiQ garage goes for Coolest Auto Repair Shop honors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/hiq-garage-goes-for-coolest-auto-repair-shop-honors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/hiq-garage-goes-for-coolest-auto-repair-shop-honors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/hiq-garage-goes-for-coolest-auto-repair-shop-honors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for more images of the HiQ service center

As some of us are pretty sharp with a wrench, we loathe taking our cars elsewhere for repairs. Most of the time, we want to watch the guy doing the work, and that's usually not possible so we end up chain-drinking burnt coffee in the waiting room. HiQ, a new automotive service chain in the UK, is revamping its brand and has decided to allow customers to get in on the action. To prove their new concept, cooked up by branding wizards Fitch, HiQ has opened a new facility in Nottingham. The design is clean and more retail chic than a greasy-fingernailed muffler shop. Our favorite feature, by far, is the glass wall that allows you to stare down the monkey lad as he applies several hundred pound-feet of torque to your wheel lugs with an impact wrench.

Thanks for the tip, Larry!

[Source and photos: the Cool Hunter]

Gallery: HiQ

HiQ garage goes for Coolest Auto Repair Shop honors originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchaincustomerenglandhiqrepairretailshopukMon, 11 Feb 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Speed bumps are bad for the planet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/speed-bumps-are-bad-for-the-planet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/speed-bumps-are-bad-for-the-planet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/27/speed-bumps-are-bad-for-the-planet/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Britain's Automobile Association has found another bump in the road to environmental kindness: speed bumps and really low speed limits. They took a car that got 58-mpg running a constant 30-MPH, and ran it over speedbumps at the Millbrook Proving Ground, slowing down and speeding up for each bump. What they discovered was that mileage dropped to 31-mpg and carbon dioxide emissions went up. The findings correlate with those of the country's Transport Research Laboratory, which reported that "carbon monoxide emissions are increased by as much as 82% and nitrous oxide levels by 37% on roads with speed bumps."

The AA also found that setting the speed limit at 20-MPH instead of 30-MPH raised car emissions and consumption by 10-percent. Along with the speed bump results, these are intriguing findings, but in the real world, how long do you spend each day driving over speed bumps, and driving 20-MPH? The AA says that it knows speeds need to be kept down on residential roads to keep children safe, but thinks that "average speed cameras" would be more acceptable to the driving public. Based on the comments we get at Autoblog about speed cameras, we doubt it.

[Source: Channel 4]

Speed bumps are bad for the planet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincarbon dioxideCarbonDioxideemissionsenvironmentgreenspeed bumpsspeed humpsSpeedBumpsSpeedHumpsukSun, 27 Jan 2008 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari Approved program launches in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/ferrari-approved-program-launches-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/ferrari-approved-program-launches-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/ferrari-approved-program-launches-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While repeatedly denying the existence of an upcoming entry-level Ferrari, company executives have stated that the real entry-level Ferrari is a used Ferrari. To back that up, the company's outfit in the UK has established the Ferrari Approved program to certify second-hand Prancing Horses.

The program covers the 360, 430, 465M, 612, 550, 575 and 599 models, in all their derivations, with the oldest stretching back no earlier than 1998. As part of the process, factory-trained technicians put the cars through a 190-point inspection, replacing or repairing defective parts; an independent investigation is conducted into the car's history ensuring there are no outstanding debts on the car; and the service record is verified. Only non-modified cars, dealer-serviced throughout, are eligible for the program, and once the cars come out, they're backed by a 12-month factory warranty and 12 months of roadside assistance.

Although Ferrari North America offers a pre-owned vehicle program, it does not appear to be nearly as extensive in its certification process as the one Ferrari GB Ltd has just launched. Maybe the British program will serve as a pilot before it comes stateside.

[Source: Ferrari GB]

Ferrari Approved program launches in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>approvedbritainbritishenglandfactoryferrarigbpre ownedPreOwnedukwarrantyWed, 16 Jan 2008 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/euro-only-toyota-auris-gains-sporty-sr180-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/euro-only-toyota-auris-gains-sporty-sr180-model/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/27/euro-only-toyota-auris-gains-sporty-sr180-model/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above for high resolution gallery of the Toyota Auris SR180

The bucket of parts that makes up the Toyota Corolla also gives life to several other vehicles worldwide. In the UK and other parts of the world, they get the Auris, a three- or five-door hatch-type-thing. While Toyotas in the United States are sleepy affairs, the Auris is ringing in 2008 with a sporty, well-equipped SR180 version. Looking great with a lowered suspension from Toyota Motorsport and blacked out rear glass, the Auris appears intimately involved with the pavement. There's a subtle spoiler atop the hatch, which always gives a nice finish to the back end of this style car, and the wheel arches are nicely filled with 17-inch alloy rims. Underhood, Toyota's D-4D Diesel provides 175 horsepower and a whopping 294 ft-lbs of torque through a six-speed manual while returning 38 mpg (US) on a combined cycle.

Equipment levels are up, providing the driver with such goodies as dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and wipers, and cruise control. Stability and traction-control systems are standard, too. It all sounds and looks very good until you run the roughly £18,500 price through a currency conversion - coming out the other side at about $37,000 greenbacks. Some people would sell a kidney on eBay for the opportunity to get something like this Stateside, and it certainly is a rare Toyota that makes us say "That's cool." If you're someplace where you can take advantage of it, order yours now for January delivery.

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: Toyota Auris SR180

Continue reading Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model

Euro-only Toyota Auris gains sporty SR180 model originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurisbritaincorolladieselenglandeuropehatchhatchbackmotorsportsportsr180toyotaukwagonThu, 27 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Recycling Land Rovers for profit and country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/recycling-land-rovers-for-profit-and-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/recycling-land-rovers-for-profit-and-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/recycling-land-rovers-for-profit-and-country/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The old saying 'one man's junk is another man's treasure' couldn't be more true in the case of UK entrepreneur Peter Hobson and his vast collection of scrapped Land Rovers. Hobson runs a factory refurbishing old parts pulled from wrecked Land Rover SUVs and reselling them as spares.

"I've got the largest Land Rover parts store outside Land Rover," 60-year-old Hobson reveals about his store of spares, amassed over the last two decades. Some of the parts, like whole engines, cost upwards of £7,000 ($14,600) and then there are the complete cars. In all, Hobson estimates the value of his collection to be close to £25m ($50m).

So sought after is his services that he's even been hired by military groups around the world for the supply of armored vehicles. "I supply many armies around the world," Hobson boasts, with armies from Turkey, Jordan, Australia and a string of Middle-Eastern nations all listed as clients. Of course, Hobson's main client is the UK Ministry of Defence. It is a British company after all.

[Source: BBC]

Recycling Land Rovers for profit and country originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainPeter HobsonPeterHobsonUKFri, 09 Nov 2007 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi A4 Cabriolet S line Special Edition joins UK lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/audi-a4-cabriolet-s-line-special-edition-joins-uk-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/audi-a4-cabriolet-s-line-special-edition-joins-uk-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/audi-a4-cabriolet-s-line-special-edition-joins-uk-lineup/#commentsFiled under: ,



With the new Audi A4 sedan gracing stands at last week's Frankfurt Show, Audi is attempting to inject some life into the older-shape A4 Cabrio with the addition of the S line sports specification for the 2.0L TFSI model. Available only in the UK from December onwards, the special edition packaging adds Pearl Nappa leather, a Bose stereo system, parking sensors, and xenon headlamps.

Handling is improved with 18-inch double spoke alloys and a lowered sports suspension, while the exterior dons an optional blacked out grille and unique front and rear bumpers with an integrated rear diffuser. The car's mechanicals haven't come in for an upgrade, but the 197 HP and 206 lb-ft. of torque available from the 2.0L engine should suffice until the new model arrives. Opt for the multitronic CVT and the 0-62 MPH will take you 8.1 seconds while fuel consumption stands at 28 MPG.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A4 Cabriolet S line Special Edition joins UK lineup

Audi A4 Cabriolet S line Special Edition joins UK lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BritainS-lineUKThu, 20 Sep 2007 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Britain's newest supercar entrant: Farbio GTS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/britains-newest-supercar-entrant-farbio-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/britains-newest-supercar-entrant-farbio-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/20/britains-newest-supercar-entrant-farbio-gts/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Farbio. Not sold on the name, but we're sure there's a good reason behind it. Someone from the English sports car maker will email us and tell us that it's the maiden name of owner Chris Marsh's beloved grandmother or something, so we won't mock it, just state that it doesn't roll off the tongue. Besides, why would we want to upset the maker of such a nicely turned out car as the Farbio GTS?

There are two versions of the mid-engined sportster: fast and faster. Fast is the 262HP GTS, which can run to 60MPH in 4.8 seconds thanks to its 3-liter V6. Faster sees the V6 fitted with a supercharger, boosting the horsepower by over 100 to 384, and shaving 9 tenths off the 0-60 time, which drops to 3.9 seconds. No new ground is broken when it comes to styling, but that's not to say it's ugly, either. The GTS is reminiscent of several of our favorite cars, and the lines are trim and simple. Inside the carbon fiber shell is plenty of comfort with leather and alcantara, a nav system, and enough room for a 6' 6" driver in the Sparco seats. There's even decent storage space in the rump, so you could go grand touring for a weekend with actual luggage. Orders are backed up for the next 8 months, so you'll have time to save.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Gallery: Farbio GTS



Britain's newest supercar entrant: Farbio GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincoupeenglandfarbiofarbio gtsFarbioGtsgtgtsukThu, 20 Sep 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Brits go un-Challenged: No Dodge Challenger for the UK!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/15/brits-go-un-challenged-no-dodge-challenger-for-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/15/brits-go-un-challenged-no-dodge-challenger-for-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/15/brits-go-un-challenged-no-dodge-challenger-for-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The holders of the purse-strings at Chrysler have been juggling and ditching programs since the change of ownership, and the latest move is sure to make fans of American muscle cars over in England particularly sad. When Chrysler announced that they would be building the new Challenger next year, they intended to export the cars to overseas markets as well. However, it now appears that the Challenger will be kept at home and possibly be built in lower volumes than originally planned. Prospective Challenger drivers in the UK will now have to import the cars one at time and only in left hand drive configuration. They should be able to do that shortly after the the production version is launched next February at the Chicago Auto Show.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Brits go un-Challenged: No Dodge Challenger for the UK! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainDodge ChallengerimportsSat, 15 Sep 2007 15:54:00 EST<![CDATA[New Volvo V70 Police Car debuts in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/new-volvo-v70-police-car-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/new-volvo-v70-police-car-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/new-volvo-v70-police-car-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above image for high-res gallery

While Michigan cops are switching over from Crown Vics to Impalas, the UK police are holding fast with their police cruisers and have debuted the redesigned Volvo V70 in police spec with a new livery. Volvo touts the V70's interior space and increased payload capacity of 724kg (up from 539kg in a standard model) as reasons why bobbies in the UK favor the V70, telling us that these features "ensure that the vehicle can safely transport all the equipment necessary for modern policing, including heavy firearms when the situation demands." Boo-yah. So don't go approaching any V70s that look like this in the UK if you're itching for a fight. Chances are they're packing a lot of heat in their rear underfloor lockable storage area.

[Source: Volvo]

Gallery: Volvo V70 UK Police Car

Continue reading New Volvo V70 Police Car debuts in UK

New Volvo V70 Police Car debuts in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainpolicepolice carpolice cruiserPoliceCarPoliceCruiserUKv70volvo v70VolvoV70world policeworld police carWorldPoliceWorldPoliceCarTue, 14 Aug 2007 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[UK cops give speeding tickets, take DNA sample]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/uk-cops-give-speeding-tickets-take-dna-sample/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/uk-cops-give-speeding-tickets-take-dna-sample/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/03/uk-cops-give-speeding-tickets-take-dna-sample/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It seems a little unreasonable and over the top to us. UK drivers pinched for speeding may soon be compelled to surrender a swab, too. If the authorities get their way, it's not just speeders they'll nab to build their DNA database, but even litterbugs will be asked to "donate."

The UK's DNA database has recently come under fire for concerns that the stockpile is overly heavy with children and minorities. Treating everyone like a fugitive shows the government's basic contempt for its citizenry, and collecting reams of biometric data on the population is fraught with the potential for future abuse or invasion. While having DNA on file will likely lead to the solution of some crimes, it seems out of the scope of consequence for speeding. It's one thing if you can opt out, but if it becomes compulsory, we'll remain glad to stay in the Colonies.

[Source: Pistonheads]

UK cops give speeding tickets, take DNA sample originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaindatabasednaenglandsamplespeedingukFri, 03 Aug 2007 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Breathe easy: British website lists low CO2 emitters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/breathe-easy-british-website-lists-low-co2-emitters/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/breathe-easy-british-website-lists-low-co2-emitters/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/breathe-easy-british-website-lists-low-co2-emitters/#commentsFiled under: , ,



British buyers have been able to glance quickly at their color coded environmental labels since 2005, a convenient way to assess the footprint they'll be leaving on things green or furry. Now buyers can head to the Department for Transport's website, and the DfT's ACT on CO2 program will provide a list of the top 10 cars in 14 different categories for low CO2 emissions. Providing this information in an accessible manner has the potential to spur drivers to purchase more fuel-efficient (and thus more CO2 efficient) vehicles. The categories were laid out by What Car? and the rankings were created using data from the Vehicle Certification Agency, which conducts the official emissions tests for the DfT. The website can be found here.

[Source: DfT via autoindustry.co.uk]

Breathe easy: British website lists low CO2 emitters originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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