Autoblog

Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

On Wednesday night, Chevrolet held a media preview in Motown to discuss and show off some of what will be coming up at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Unfortunately, we were not allowed take any photos or video at the event, although General Motors officials did say we could write about anything that was discussed.

The presentation kicked off with an introduction to new Chevrolet general manager Jim Campbell who just assumed his role a week ago. Campbell and Mike Simcoe, director of exterior design, then spent the next half-hour showing off the same batch of new Chevrolets that we were shown in the GM design dome last August. All of these cars including the forthcoming Orlando MPV, Cruze, Camaro convertible, Volt and the all-new 2012 Malibu are promised to be in U.S. Chevrolet showrooms within the next 24 months. The Orlando remains pretty true to the 2008 concept, with the only real changes being to the details of the light clusters - just don't look for it at the Detroit show.

Anchoring the entr- level end of the Bowtie's lineup will be the Spark and Aveo. Campbell reaffirmed that the Spark will be coming to the U.S. in 2011, putting to rest - at least for the moment - rumors that the program had been canceled. The bigger news is the next Aveo which will get its first public viewing at next month's show. Read on after the jump for more details and observations.

[Image: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo

Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Concept ActiveE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells - a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on after the jump for more details and the official press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 740i - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the latest generation of BMW's big 7 Series went on sale in the U.S. early this year, buyers had a choice of either the marvelous twin-turbocharged and direct-injected 400-hp 4.4-liter V8 or the supremely impressive twin-turbo, 535-hp V12. A hybrid version of the 7 also goes on sale here in a few months, still mated to the V8. Since day one, European drivers have also had a pair of six-cylinder options fueled by either gasoline or diesel. BMW still hasn't committed to a 7 Series diesel for the U.S., but today has confirmed will be getting the sweet gas-powered I-6.

The 740i and 740LI both come to the U.S. market in spring 2010 powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six. In 740 trim, the six cranks out 315 hp and 330 pound-feet, up a bit from the 300/300 ratings in the smaller 335i. The 740 engine does retain the direct injection and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. This new model also marks the U.S. debut of brake energy regeneration on a non-hybrid BMW. Interestingly, BMW has opted to retain the 7's 6-speed automatic transmission rather than upgrading to the new 8-speed found in the hybrid and the new 5 Series.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 740i

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7

Detroit Preview: 2011 BMW 740 brings six-cylinder power back to the 7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is ready for its close-up at the Detroit Auto Show, but before the shindig in Michigan gets underway next month, Mercedes has dropped all the official details on its CLK convertible replacement.

Like the coupe on which it's based, the Cabrio is a step up from its predecessor and comes packing a choice of powerplants: a 3.5-liter V6 putting out 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in E350 guise or a 5.5-liter V8 churning out 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque in the E550 cab.

Unlike some of its competition, the E-Class Convertible doesn't employ a retractable hard-top, but rather a 0.9-inch cloth roof that pays dividends in the capacity department. With the top up, the trunk is good for nearly 14 cubic feet of space and cut down to just over three cubic feet when the top is dropped and stowed behind the rear passengers. There's also a pass-through underneath the roof's enclosure -- similar to the recently released Audi A5 convertible -- that should make schlepping longer parcels a bit easier.

The real party piece on the convertible E-Class is the new AirCap system, which includes a 2.4-inch wind deflector that extends from the windshield, along with a draft-stop mounted behind the rear seats. According to Mercedes, this limits the amount of wind intrusion into the passenger compartment up to speeds of 100 mph, keeping your perfectly coifed hair in check and making conversations easier when storming the autobahn.

Other tech includes the Mercedes Airscarf, which blows warm air around the neck of the front seat passengers (originally seen on the SL) and Mercedes' first application of head airbags in a convertible. If you're champing at the bit to get your hands on the 2011 E-Class Convertible, you'll have to wait until May, but in the meantime, you can scope out all the details in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Continue reading Detroit Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

Detroit Preview: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Toyota

Toyota Hybrid Concept teaser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota, the Undisputed Heavyweight Hybrid Champion of the World, has just announced that it will unveil a new gas-electric concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Beyond that, details are decidedly scarce. As a dedicated model, this apparently won't be a hybridized version of a current Toyota model but a new vehicle entirely, and, judging by the two teaser images released with the announcement, it doesn't appear to be quite like anything the automaker has shown us before.

With that out of the way, let's speculate a bit. We've been hearing that Toyota is considering expanding its Prius range with both a sporty coupe and a roomier wagon, so this could be a conceptual version of one of those models. Or not. We'll find out for sure on January 11 when we point our own DSLR lenses at the concept in Detroit. In the meantime, feel free to hit the jump for the extremely brief press release and peruse the two high-res teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: Toyota Hybrid Concept Teaser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle

Detroit Preview: Toyota teases new hybrid concept vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Performance, BMW

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

When BMW launched the new Z4 early this year, they made it clear that, unlike the last Z4 and the Z3 before it, there were no plans to create an M version this time around. Of course, forgoing the M nomenclature doesn't mean that BMW won't create a faster Z4 than what's currently in showrooms.

In fact, the first of those faster roadsters will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. The Z4 sDrive35is is based on the existing 35i, with its delicious twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. Compared to the existing turbo Z4, the new model gets a higher-flow intake and the turbos are allowed to spin up to higher boost pressures, resulting in an 11 percent bump in both power and torque output. The '35is now makes 335 hp and 332 pound-feet. In fact, for brief bursts, the 35is can crank up the boost even higher resulting in short periods of up to 369 pound-feet of torque.

BMW claims the Z4 sDrive35is will get to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Other features of the 35is include revised electric electric power steering programming, a standard dual-clutch gearbox, and brake energy regeneration. Visually, the 35is wears some M Sport aero and suspension bits and sees its ride height dropped 0.4 inches lower than the standard 35i. They may not be calling this a full M Roadster, but in most respects, that's exactly what this new model is.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M

Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mini to debut off-road Moke concept in Detroit

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Crossover, Mini, Off-Road

According to the know-it-alls (in a good way, naturally) at MotoringFile, America's second-smallest brand plans to debut a new R60 Countryman-based soft-roader called the Mini Moke at the Detroit Auto Show next month. What's more, if public reaction is favorable enough, the Moke could be in production by 2012.

Like the original model from Morris, we're told to expect an open top with a stripped-out interior, sort of like a less-rugged Jeep Wrangler. All-wheel drive will be included, and we'd expect the chassis to be jacked up a bit to enable a modicum of off-road ability. We're not entirely sure how a vehicle based on the Countryman could recall the ethos of the original, but we look forward to finding out.

[Source: MotoringFile.com | Image: FaceMePls - C.C. License 2.0]

REPORT: Mini to debut off-road Moke concept in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's long been presumed that the Chevrolet Volt (and its Opel/Vauxhall Ampera twin) would not be the only car rolling out of General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant after late 2010. After all, Volt volumes are unlikely to be sufficient in the first several years to justify an entire plant. However, when a future product plant was leaked out after the 2007 UAW contract was signed, it was assumed the new Chevy Orlando would join the Volt. After all, the Orlando shares the Delta platform with the Volt and Cruze.

Following the announcement Monday of the investment in the Detroit factory to build the Volt, The Detroit News believes it has learned that the next-generation Malibu will also be built in Detroit. The new Malibu is slated to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. Current Malibu assembly takes place in Fairfax, Kansas. The General's Orion, Michigan plant had also been building the mid-sized sedan, but it is now being re-tooled build the next generation Aveo. With Fairfax now also building the Buick LaCrosse, a second plant may be needed to meet demand if the new model is successful.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: The Detroit News]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

REPORT: Chevrolet Malibu to join Volt in Detroit-Hamtramck plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's RenCen headquarters in Detroit 'at risk' without tax credits?

Chris Paukert — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Earnings/Financials

According to The Detroit News, General Motors has gone on record as suggesting that without state tax credits designed to keep 2,500 employees ensconced at its Detroit Renaissance Center headquarters, the automaker could pull out of Motown's skyline and into the suburbs and surrounding areas.

As the story goes, transcripts from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. say that the Michigan Economic Growth Authority needs to amend a slate of already-approved tax credits to include the Renaissance Center. The requested amendment reportedly includes a provision that GM would need to keep at least 2,500 employees working at the RenCen with a total payroll of $60 million in order to qualify for the incentives.

If GM does not receive the tax breaks, it could disburse the approximately 1,500 additional workers at its headquarters to other offices in the metro Detroit area.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM's RenCen headquarters in Detroit 'at risk' without tax credits? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen Touareg successor headed for Detroit

Michael Harley — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Hybrid, SUV, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Touareg - Click above for high-res image gallery

January's North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) is expected to host the debut of Volkswagen's all-new third-generation Touareg SUV (the facelifted "second-gen" arrived in the States as a 2008 model). While details are few, rumor has it that VW will introduce its new Touareg with a variety of powerplant choices during its first model year, including a hybrid variant.

As previously reported, the hybrid is expected to combine the supercharged 3.0-liter TSI V6 from the Audi S4 mated to a 38 kW electric motor. An all-new eight-speed automatic transmission wraps up the package. Total combined power is 374 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. With an all-wheel drive powertrain, the Touareg Hybrid should sprint to 60 mph in less than seven seconds and return a combined EPA fuel economy figure of about 26 mpg. While it debuts in just two months, the new Volkswagen Touareg isn't expected in showrooms until the second half of 2010.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Volkswagen Touareg successor headed for Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Videos, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi A6 or 2011 Audi A8 - Click above to watch the video

Well, is it? Hard to say. We do know that both a new Audi A8 and A6 are headed our way sooner rather than later. Sooner, as in the South Florida International Auto Show for one of the new Audis, and/or Geneva for the other. We're pretty sure that the car captured in the video you'll soon be watching after the jump is the same sedan wearing the BMW-style psychotropic body wrap in our earlier post. Only now, watching the car in motion and especially seeing it next to other vehicles, we're just not sure the Audi in question is large enough to be an A8.

Which means we might just be looking at the 2011 Audi A6. And we have to say, it almost looks too small to be an A6. Watch as the test mule passes various hatches and economy cars and seems to be about the same height, if not over all size. Maybe the mule's black paint is playing tricks on us. Or maybe - just maybe - the new A6 is going to be smaller than the current car. Time will tell. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6?

VIDEO: Are you the 2011 Audi A8? Or are you the 2011 Audi A6? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Fun, frolic and destruction with a dump truck at Detroit's Packard plant

Alex Nunez — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Work, Humor

This dump truck is going to take a dive - Click above to watch the video

In future Detroit, pushing a junked dump truck out of a fourth floor window at the old Packard plant might result in a swarm of gen-1 Taurus police cars surrounding the building, and, if you're particularly unlucky, intervention by ED-209. ("You have 20 seconds to comply...").

In the present day, this creative bit of criminal mischief gets you featured on The Wall Street Journal website. Go figure! Follow the jump to watch the video.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fun, frolic and destruction with a dump truck at Detroit's Packard plant

VIDEO: Fun, frolic and destruction with a dump truck at Detroit's Packard plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fitting Irony: Detroit Mayor Bing's own auto supply company hurting and on the block?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM

No one is allowed to escape the grinding maw of Detroit's woes -- not even Detroit Piston extraordinaire and hometown mayor Dave Bing. The mayor owns an automotive supplier called The Bing Group that provides stamped parts for carmakers. The recession has put the company on such slippery footing that it told GM it couldn't provide any more parts, and it's looking to sell itself.

As part of assuming the position of mayor, Bing stepped away from the day-to-day operations of the company by creating a blind trust. Or at least, he was supposed to -- Bing remains the registered agent for the company, and that makes him the first person the state would go to for information on the firm, which suggests that he should know something about how its currently run.

Regardless, Bing is still considering whether to sell and will decide early next year. GM has told the company that as a condition of GM's bankruptcy its suppliers are compelled to keep sending parts even if GM didn't pay them, but that didn't appear to take into account the supplier nearly going bankrupt without that money. In the interim, GM is moving toward paying its suppliers on a weekly basis, which should help The Bing Group (and others). Yet in spite of the talked-about economic rebound, Detroit still hurts.

[Source: Detroit News | Image Credit: Dave Hogg via CC2.0]

Fitting Irony: Detroit Mayor Bing's own auto supply company hurting and on the block? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Moore screens new film Capitalism: A Love Story at GM RenCen [w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM, Celebrities

As Michael Moore Tweeted, "Here's a video of my first official visit inside General Motors headquarters." For you youngsters out there, before Michael Moore made Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 911, and Sicko, twenty years ago, he made a little film called Roger & Me. That film, Moore's first, chronicled the extreme hardships in Moore's native Flint, Michigan after CEO Roger Smith decided to move most of General Motors' jobs out of town and down to Mexico, laying off some 30,000 American workers during a time of massive profitability.

As you may then imagine, Michael Moore is not exactly beloved by GM. Which is why it's all the more ironic that Moore decided to premiere his new film, "Capitalism: A Love Story" on four screens inside the GM-owned Renaissance Center in Downtown Detroit this past weekend. GM didn't like that. In fact, after realizing what they had scheduled, officials apparently tried to have the shows canceled. A compromise was eventually worked out where the film could be screened, but Moore himself could not be on the premises. Neither could his cameras or any media.

Moore is forced to conduct his post-screening interviews at the nearby Marriott (not the Marriott in the RenCen, but the one across the street). However, he does eventually walk into GM headquarters and addresses the people that watched his film. And unlike twenty years ago, Moore is not escorted out. How times change, and don't really change at all. Buncha videos after the jump.

[Source: Mediaite]

Continue reading Michael Moore screens new film Capitalism: A Love Story at GM RenCen [w/VIDEO]

Michael Moore screens new film Capitalism: A Love Story at GM RenCen [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorsports Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees

Noah Joseph — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

2009 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductees - Click above for high-res image gallery

Talk to most gearheads about induction and they'll be picturing turbos and superchargers. But at this year's Woodward Dream Cruise, seven legendary figures from American racing were chosen for induction of another kind - into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Not to be confused with the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is located in Novi, Michigan, on the outskirts of Detroit. This year's induction ceremony, however, was held at the old Fillmore Theater in Detroit proper, where Kenny Bernstein, David Hobbs, Scott Parker, Les Richter, Al Unser, Jr., H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler and Joe Weatherly were officially inducted.

Known as the King of Speed, Bernstein is a four-time Funny Car champion and was the first in NHRA history to break 300 mph. Bernstein was inducted by NHRA president Tom Compton. A former SCCA Trans Am champion and F1 driver, David Hobbs was inducted by his fellow Speed Channel presenter Bob Varsha. Scott Parker scored 94 wins and nine dirt track championships for Harley-Davidson, whose chief Willie G. Davidson inducted him. Former pro football player Les Richter was inducted by Roger Penske for his revival of the Riverside International Raceway and activities as a race organizer.

Former CART champion and two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser, Jr. was inducted by his father. Humpy Wheeler's management of Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte earned him his place, presented by racing broadcaster Ken Squier. And finally, Joe Weatherly was posthumously induced by stock car legend Ned Jarrett for his numerous titles both on motorcycles and in NASCAR. Follow the jump for more details in the full press release.

Gallery: 2009 Motorsports Hall of Fame inductees

[Source: Motorsports Hall of Fame]

Continue reading Motorsports Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees

Motorsports Hall of Fame welcomes seven new inductees originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another blow to Motor City: Detroit's Belle Isle Grand Prix reportedly iced for 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Audi R10 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

When Roger Penske revived the Detroit Grand Prix in 2007, Michigan race fans turned out in droves and cheered the great job that was done on fixing up the Belle Isle facility. Over 100,000 people showed up for the Labor Day weekend races in both 2007 and 2008. Unfortunately, we all know what happened in the weeks and months following the 2008 event. As the toilet was again flushed on the Michigan economy, Detroit Grand Prix sponsors slashed spending and the prospect of past attendees being able to spend the money on tickets dwindled. As a result, the 2009 race was canceled.

Unfortunately, the prospects for Michigan still haven't recovered sufficiently, so race organizers have decided to wait yet another year before trying to revive the event. The current plan is for the racers to hit the island again in 2011. We'll see if the economy cooperates.

Gallery: Detroit Grand Prix 08: IndyCars

Gallery: Detroit Sports Car Challenge 08

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Detroit Grand Prix]

Another blow to Motor City: Detroit's Belle Isle Grand Prix reportedly iced for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year nominees leak out

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:55:00 EST

2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year nominees - Click either image to start the list

The 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards are still months away, but the "long list" has leaked out and it's an odd mix of good, mediocre and, in several cases, not-yet-released.

Fifty journalists from around the continent have voted for 37 vehicles, with 12 offerings hailing from Japan, 11 from Europe, another 11 from the U.S. and three from Korea. Strangely, the Suzuki Kizashi, which hasn't even debuted in production guise, is included in the cars list, while the upcoming Honda Crosstour, the pseudo-wagon-cum-crossover, is listed (as a "truck" no less) despite only being recently confirmed by Honda and spied in the Great Smoky Mountains. Also of note, there's not single Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep offering to be found on the long list, which will be whittled down between now and the awards ceremony at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Check out all the contenders for this year's award in both the car and truck categories, and let us know if they missed anything in the comments below.

[Source: InsideLine]

2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year nominees leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Vintage promo film made for Detroit's 1968 Olympic bid reveals city's precipitous decline

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Classics, Trends, Etc., Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We often think of the 1950's as being the heyday for Detroit's fortunes, but even in the early-to-mid Sixties, it remained something of a modern marvel, thanks largely to its world-leading auto industry. This archival video was apparently commissioned as part of a failed bid for the 1968 Summer Olympics (which went to Mexico City instead). Reportedly filmed in 1965, Detroit - City on the Move shows the area in full bloom - a startling contrast to the shell of an empire that remains just 44 years later.

With the harmonies of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as a backdrop, Mayor Jerome Cavanagh takes us through footage of downtown streets bustling with some of the city's two million residents, shots of a startlingly clean and new Cobo Hall (including scenes of the Detroit Auto Show itself), the crisp campuses of the (then) Big Three, and of the city's once-mighty cultural draws. It even has footage of the late John F. Kennedy talking up its virtues as part of the Olympic bid.

Interestingly (and perhaps tellingly), this sanitized look at Detroit all but glosses over mounting troubles with blustery talks of 'rebirth,' it utterly omits mention of the hitmakers at Motown Records, and in retrospect, it fails to adequately address growing racial tensions in the city (Detroit's infamous riots would lay siege just two years later in 1967).

Admittedly, such promotional films show a city in its best light by design, but even still, there's no getting around the fact that the World's Automotive Capitol ain't what it used to be. This video, part of the Prelinger Archives, gives us a glimpse into what Detroit used to be, and perhaps more than anything, what it sought to be. It's an amazing yet sobering look into mid-Sixties America, and it's worth a look. Take a trip back in time by clicking on the jump.

[Source: Archive.org]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vintage promo film made for Detroit's 1968 Olympic bid reveals city's precipitous decline

VIDEO: Vintage promo film made for Detroit's 1968 Olympic bid reveals city's precipitous decline originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Detroit businesses lining up to court Fiat execs with... $1,600 sandals?!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Fiat, Lifestyle

It is estimated that up to 200 Fiat executives would relocate to Michigan if Fiat ends up owning Chrysler, and the city of Birmingham, Michigan wants them. It's gearing up for something like an Olympic bid to attract prosperous Continental types, and is joined in the effort by nearby city Bloomfield Hills. The two cities are regular landing spots for top level execs -- Zetsche, Wagoner, Henderson and Nardelli, among others -- with beautiful real estate, high property values, and a high school founded to serve transplanted kids.

A Birmingham real estate agent is planning to present its relocation services to the local Italian consulate. and the Bloomfield Hills International Academy is considering an Italian extracurricular program. To sweeten the deal, the owner of a boutique shoe store pitches the fact that only she and the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas sell $1,595 Chrissie Morris high heeled sandals. No, it's not Turin and the surroundings are the Piedmont -- but a fresh million in Birmingham will get you 3,000 square feet more living space and a yard, and if you're going to be in Michigan anyway...

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Detroit businesses lining up to court Fiat execs with... $1,600 sandals?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren, MI mayor offers GM deal to move headquarters, Detroit officials counter

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, GM, Earnings/Financials

Earlier this month, General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson said in reference to the possibility that the automaker may move its headquarters from Detroit: "We're looking at, frankly, everything within our business, but it's not like we have that queued up at the top of our list. We don't have any such plan... but if we did it would be motivated by business rationale, which would be cost, efficiency and speed."

Apparently, Jim Fouts, mayor of the city of Warren, Michigan, was paying attention. In an effort to lure General Motors from its current Renaissance Center headquarters in the heart of Detroit. The Detroit News reports that Fouts has hand-delivered a letter to the automaker's top brass outlining what he describes as "an offer they will find hard to refuse." Fouts goes on, "I've done everything I can humanly and legally do to induce General Motors to make this wise, economical move." That offer reportedly includes the largest set of tax breaks ever offered in the state of Michigan.

Not surprisingly, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Governor Jennifer Granholm and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano are less than enthused about the idea of GM moving to Warren. Ficano says, "We got together and asked what tools we have in our toolbox to tell the rest of the world that we're really open for business." Apparently, that toolbox holds its own set of tax incentives and abatements designed to keep GM in the RenCen.

All things being equal, it seems unlikely that General Motors would vacate its current headquarters to move to Warren, especially with an expected bankruptcy filing waiting in the wings. Either way, the ball is now firmly in GM's court.

[Source: The Detroit News | Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Warren, MI mayor offers GM deal to move headquarters, Detroit officials counter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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