Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Did LA's Carmageddon scare trigger a baby boom?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/#commentsFiled under: ,

carmageddon sign

If you ask us, the whole "anything-ageddon" craze that has permeated the news networks is getting a bit old. Take last year's "Carmageddon," which turned a 10-mile Los Angeles freeway closure into a two month-long, End of Days-style scare-fest. By the time the dreaded weekend arrived, the entire ordeal turned out to be a whole lot of nothing.

But while traffic around the 405 wasn't bad, it appears that couples might have been bumper-to-bumper back home. CBS This Morning reports that births appear to be up significantly the past couple weeks, which is noteworthy considering that Carmageddon happened a full nine months ago. We're guessing you can do the math on that one.

Since the month isn't even over yet, it's difficult to get definitive proof of this phenomenon. But the CBS show managed to find a few parents who confessed to avoiding the traffic and staying home for a little private time that weekend. One couple was going to name their new baby Chevy, but when they found out it was a girl, the name idea turned to Prius. What, Prius isn't a manly name? Hit the jump to watch the CBS report.

Continue reading Did LA's Carmageddon scare trigger a baby boom?

Did LA's Carmageddon scare trigger a baby boom? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>405405 freewaybabiescarmageddoncbs newsfreeway closurelalos angelesWed, 25 Apr 2012 13:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/20223465/article-detail.xml 20223465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/baby-boom-carmageddon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/baby-boom-carmageddon.jpg <![CDATA[Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Side car video on Mulholland Drive

From what we've been told, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar is a unique experience requiring massive amounts of upper body effort. With three wheels instead of two, riders can't use the textbook press-and-lean method to negotiate turns. This rider apparently missed that memo. While tackling the infamous Mulholland Drive just outside of Los Angeles, this sidecar rider employed a unique method for kicking around the road's multiple switchbacks. By shoving the sidecar into the air, the bike regains its ability to yaw far to the left. Very impressive, but what happens when the same technique is applied for a quick right-hander?

We're guessing tragedy. Likewise, we can imagine throwing a passenger into the sidecar mix would make for an additional challenge. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome

Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>los angelesmotorcyclemulhollandmulholland drivemulholland sidecar videosidecarsidecar videovideoMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/20196116/article-detail.xml 20196116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/crazy-side-car-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/crazy-side-car-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Being agriculturally inclined to build barns in the country, we don't expect barn finds to turn up in the middle of a high-turnover metropolis. Yet that's been happening more regularly of late, and writer Michael Mraz has found another example in South Central, Los Angeles: a one-of-one Mercedes-Benz 1935 Caracciola 500K built especially for Silver Arrows race driver Rudolph Caraccioloa. It is pictured above in better days, after having been restored and displayed on the lawn at the Pebble Beach concours in the late 1970s.

What's amazing about the Caracciola 500K, and tragic for car lovers, is that it has a good deal of company: in a piece called "Wheels of Fortune" in the February issue of Town & Country magazine, Mraz found scaffolds full of vintage metal in awful condition, rusting outside in a parts yard called Porche Foreign Auto. They include:

...a pair of one-off prewar Maybachs; one of two Iso Grifo Spyders (designed and engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, who also has the Ferrari 250 GTO on his résumé); one of 29 alloy-bodied Mercedes Gullwings...; a couple of BMW 502s and 507s; a half-dozen or so Lamborghini Miuras, with their mighty V12 engines; and the last surviving example of the seven Horch 855 Spezial Roadsters ever built, a specimen once owned by Eva Braun that was for a time on loan to the Audi Museum in Germany. (Audi was founded by August Horch.) Parked one on top of the other are dozens upon dozens of Porsche Carrera carcasses....

Porche Foreign Auto was started in 1967 by a German butcher named Rudi Klein, who bought the Caracciola 500K after it was shown at Pebble in 1978. He took it to a Mercedes show in Newport Beach in 1980, and when it wouldn't start he loaded it on a trailer and took it home. It hasn't been seen since, outside of the parts yard.

Klein passed away, and his salvage yard is overseen by his sons, who won't let any gawkers into to view the cars. Even Mraz was denied entry. But he spoke to folks who have seen the collection, and one said that there are vehicles people have sought for decades and thought had been destroyed. The head of the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine believes the Caracciola 500K could be worth more than the 1937 540K Spezial Roadster that was auctioned for nearly $10 million at last year's RM Auctions at Pebble. But we might never know.

Town & Country doesn't have a proper website, so pick up the magazine to read the piece and see what the automotive world is missing. There's a sample of it in the attached gallery, but be warned, it's not pleasant to see.

One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1935 mercedes-benz 500kbarn findcaracciola 500 klos angelesmercedes-benz 500 kmike mrazporche foreign autorudolph caracciolatown and countrySun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/20153928/article-detail.xml 20153928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet takes the Guinness record for the world's largest claw game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sonic claw game

The Chevrolet Sonic marketing shenanigans continue under the rubric of "Let's Do This," this time with a five-story 3D projection of a claw game on the side of The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. In fact, a couple of Sunset Boulevard's lanes had to be shut down to accommodate the controls, which were a waist-high gearshift and an acclerator pedal.

So big was the PR stunt that it earned Chevrolet a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the mightiest claw game on Earth. Follow the jump to see it in action and to watch someone win a non-projected, very real, Chevy Sonic.

Continue reading Chevrolet takes the Guinness record for the world's largest claw game

Chevrolet takes the Guinness record for the world's largest claw game originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet sonicclaw gameguinness book of world recordslets do thislos angelessonicyoutubeSun, 22 Jan 2012 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152976/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/20152976/article-detail.xml 20152976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevyclawgamesonic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevyclawgamesonic.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai reveals details about new U.S. headquarters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai U.S. headquarters rendering

While Rhys Millen's been having smoking-rubber fun at Hyundai's old headquarters, plans continue apace on the new building that will replace it. The $150-million cost is the largest Hyundai has ever spent on an office building in the U.S., and for that money, the LEED-certified, Gensler-designed structure will be 419,000 square feet, featuring four stories of glass above a two-story pedestal entrance. A show of Hyundai models will be visible from the freeway, a feature you see rather often in Europe.

Follow the jump for a press release with more details on the command center that Hyundai says "represents Hyundai's vision for the future and reflects the innovation and creativity that our brand has come to represent."

Continue reading Hyundai reveals details about new U.S. headquarters

Hyundai reveals details about new U.S. headquarters originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturecaliforniafountain valleygenslerhyundai headquartershyundai hqleed certifiedlos angelesorange countyThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/20139894/article-detail.xml 20139894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/newhmusahq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/newhmusahq.jpg <![CDATA[San Pedro, CA suffers massive slide, takes road with it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/#commentsFiled under: ,



City officials in San Pedro, California, have long had their eye on a section of bluff-top road in the area. Constant erosion had threatened to walk away with the asphalt altogether, and that's exactly what happened during a storm on Sunday, November 20. A massive section of the Paseo del Mar roadway vanished down the bluff, leaving road crews to ponder on how to go about repairing problem. The city first discovered cracks in the road surface last spring, though the extent of the storm's damage was something of a surprise.

For now, the city is urging residents to stay away from the road until a solution can be found. The Los Angeles Police department has stepped up patrols in the area to keep would-be sight-seers away from the unstable road. Some area activists have accused rampant bluff-top development for accelerated erosion, though the slide could simply be nature at work.

San Pedro, CA suffers massive slide, takes road with it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lalandslidelos angelesmudslideroad slidesan pedro landslidesan pedro road slideWed, 23 Nov 2011 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20113130/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/20113130/article-detail.xml 20113130 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lalandslide.e6f15a017642404083a8b5102d804884_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lalandslide.e6f15a017642404083a8b5102d804884.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Infiniti JX crosses over into the big leagues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Infiniti JX

Few automakers make crossovers quite like Nissan does. And that extends to its luxury division Infiniti, as well. Infiniti crossovers tend to be, well... rather small. The FX combined a sportscar with a crossover long before BMW thought of the X6, and the EX is barely bigger than most hatchbacks. Want something bigger from Infiniti? That'd be the QX, but it's a proper truck-based SUV, and that behemoth just isn't for everyone. Enter the JX.

A new safety system warns the driver and even stops the JX if something scurries across its path while backing up.

Previewed in concept form at Pebble Beach back in August, the JX35 is now set to make its production debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Its design incorporates themes laid down by the Essence show car, but in a much larger form that encompasses three rows of seating for seven coddled souls. The JX is also jam-packed with luxury features and the latest technology you'd expect from a Japanese luxury automobile. That includes the usual suspects: adaptive cruise control, cameras all around, lane-departure warning and a Bose sound system. There's also a new industry-first safety system that warns the driver and even stops the vehicle if something scurries across its path while backing up.

All that tech and cabin space is handled by Nissan's 3.5-liter DOHC V6 driving 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque through a CVT to either the front wheels or all four. An independent front suspension handles the load up front, with a multi-link set-up in the back. Vented disc brakes larger than 12 inches in diameter at all four corners work with a host of electronic nannies to keep everything in check and are packed inside 18- or available 20-inch alloys.

Prospective buyers will begin taking delivery of 2013 models next spring, with prices starting at $40,450 - before taxes and delivery - for the front-wheel-drive model. Extra features are bundled into five packages, and together with all-wheel drive, can quickly push the price into the high-$50K range.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti JX crosses over into the big leagues

2013 Infiniti JX crosses over into the big leagues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2011 los angeles auto show2013 infiniti jxinfinitijx35jx350lala 2011la auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showWed, 16 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/20105116/article-detail.xml 20105116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-infiniti-jx-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-infiniti-jx-la.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar bringing XKR-S Convertible to LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/jaguar-bringing-xkr-s-convertible-to-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/jaguar-bringing-xkr-s-convertible-to-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/11/jaguar-bringing-xkr-s-convertible-to-la/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Jaguar has officially announced that the droptop counterpart to its new XKR-S will bow at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week. We've spied the XKR-S Convertible before, and aside from some minor tweaks to the suspension to keep the car from getting all wobbly after the roof was cut off, not much else is expected to change during the coupe-to-cabrio transformation.

The automaker has not released any details about the XKR-S Convertible at this time, stating only that it and the coupe represent the fastest and most powerful Jaguar automobiles ever created. We were pretty smitten with the hardtop variant when we drove it recently, so we're eager to see how the whole XKR-S experience changes with the wind in your hair.

Stay tuned for the full details live from Los Angeles next week.

Continue reading Jaguar bringing XKR-S Convertible to LA

Jaguar bringing XKR-S Convertible to LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la2011 los angeles2012 jaguar xkr-s convertiblejaguarla auto showlos angelesxkxkrxkr-sxkr-s convertibleFri, 11 Nov 2011 11:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20104318/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/11/jaguar-bringing-xkr-s-convertible-to-la/20104318/article-detail.xml 20104318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-jaguar-xkr-s-convertible-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-jaguar-xkr-s-convertible-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[Production 2012 Honda CR-V caught ahead of LA Auto Show debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/production-2012-honda-cr-v-caught-ahead-of-la-auto-show-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/production-2012-honda-cr-v-caught-ahead-of-la-auto-show-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/10/production-2012-honda-cr-v-caught-ahead-of-la-auto-show-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We'll be honest: Not only have we already seen the production 2012 Honda CR-V in the flesh, we've driven it. And we aren't the only ones. In fact, these spy shots were taken during a local CR-V media drive that's taking place in Detroit, and while we can't talk about our impressions of Honda's all-new crossover just yet, we can tell you that the vehicle in these pictures is the final production model.

Honda will officially take the wraps off its 2012 CR-V at the LA Auto Show next week, with the first examples hitting showrooms before the end of the year. It's common knowledge that the new CR-V will continue to use Honda's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, though mated to a new (or, at least, revised) transmission that will enhance both performance and fuel economy. The CR-V's interior gets a healthy update, too, with some new materials used throughout the cabin. The overall form and function of the interior, however, won't differ much from the current model.

You'll be able to read our full impressions of the 2012 Honda CR-V next week. Until then, click through our attached image gallery to see the production crossover out on the street.

Production 2012 Honda CR-V caught ahead of LA Auto Show debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la2011 la auto show2012 honda cr-vcr-vhondalala auto showlos angelesspy photosspy picsspy shotsThu, 10 Nov 2011 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20103585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/10/production-2012-honda-cr-v-caught-ahead-of-la-auto-show-debut/20103585/article-detail.xml 20103585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-honda-cr-v628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2012-honda-cr-v628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler sells controversial company-owned California dealership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/chrysler-sells-controversial-company-owned-ca-dealership/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/chrysler-sells-controversial-company-owned-ca-dealership/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/09/chrysler-sells-controversial-company-owned-ca-dealership/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chrysler Motor Village LA

It's official, folks. Motor Village LA, the posh dealership in downtown Los Angeles that Chrysler opened in California to serve as a showcase buying experience and test bed for innovative new Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep and Fiat stores, has been sold.

New Century Automotive Group reportedly purchased the dealership from Chrysler in late October, 2011. Automotive News reports that two new dealer franchises licenses were awarded in the process, one for Motor Village LA and one for Fiat of LA.

Apparently, despite the fact that the 189,000-square foot building and showcase glass tower is now in the hands of a separate entity, Chrysler still has to negotiate a settlement with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and the California New Car Dealers Association for opening a store within 10 miles of three other Chrysler dealerships, which is in violation of franchise laws.

Chrysler sells controversial company-owned California dealership originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler dealershipdealershipfiat of lala chrysler dealershiplos angelesmotor villagemotor village laWed, 09 Nov 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20102545/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/09/chrysler-sells-controversial-company-owned-ca-dealership/20102545/article-detail.xml 20102545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chrysler-dealership-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/chrysler-dealership-la.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ford Flex gets funkier with new nose, updated power and tech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2013-ford-flex-revealed-los-angeles-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2013-ford-flex-revealed-los-angeles-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/08/2013-ford-flex-revealed-los-angeles-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ford is certainly embracing the weirdness of its Flex crossover - at least, in terms of design - for its 2013 model year refresh. Set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week, the 2013 Flex features a restyled front fascia that strikes us as flashier and somehow more robotic than the current model. We've seen it in person, and if we're honest, we're not sure we love it.

Ford understands the fact that not all shoppers love the Flex's exterior as a whole, but the automaker maintains that prospective buyers will like the sort of retro-modern look to the new front end. As for the rest of the Flex's design, things haven't changed too much, save the addition of some new paint colors and wheel choices, as well as the now-standard Flex badging above the grille - something previously reserved exclusively for the Titanium trim. We'll have to see what future sales numbers look like before deciding if this new schnoz is a hit or a miss, though.

Behind that new front end, the Flex receives a powertrain update: the base 3.5-liter V6 now packs 20 more horsepower - 285 versus 265 - and even with that extra grunt, fine-tuning to the powerplant has yielded one extra mile per gallon in both city and highway driving modes (18/25 mpg). Of course, customers will still be able to outfit the Flex with Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, which carries over unchanged.

Inside, the 2013 Flex receives a refreshed dashboard and instrument cluster that incorporates the latest version of MyFord Touch. Other interior enhancements include pushbutton start, rain sensing wipers and the addition of more safety features including optional rear inflatable seatbelts and a host of collision-avoidance technologies.

We'll have more on the 2013 Flex live from Los Angeles next week. In the meantime, peruse our gallery and then follow the jump for Ford's official press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Ford Flex gets funkier with new nose, updated power and tech

2013 Ford Flex gets funkier with new nose, updated power and tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2011 los angeles2013 ford flexflexfordla auto showlos angelesmyford touchTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20099993/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/08/2013-ford-flex-revealed-los-angeles-show/20099993/article-detail.xml 20099993 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-ford-flex628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-ford-flex628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford bringing five-door Fiesta ST concept to LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/ford-bringing-five-door-fiesta-st-concept-to-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/ford-bringing-five-door-fiesta-st-concept-to-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/ford-bringing-five-door-fiesta-st-concept-to-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ford already debuted the Fiesta ST concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, but if you recall, that show car was based on the three-door Fiesta that isn't available here in the United States. Now, Ford is showing off a proper five-door version of the Fiesta ST, set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in two weeks.

Ford still tells us that the Fiesta ST is purely a concept right now, but the fact that both three- and five-door variants of the concept have been made leads us to believe that we'll eventually see a production version. What's more, Ford's own press release states, "The five-door Fiesta ST Concept shows the promise for a globally available performance model." Here's hoping.

Just like the three-door concept from Frankfurt, the five-door Fiesta ST is powered by Ford's new 1.6-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine, good for 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Like its big brother, the Focus ST, the Fiesta ST concept uses a front-wheel-drive setup, with power being sent to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

2012 Ford Focus STSpeaking of the Focus ST, we already saw the production car alongside the three-door Fiesta ST in Frankfurt, but Ford has announced that it will debut the left-hand-drive, North American-spec version of the car in Los Angeles, as well. The Focus ST is powered by Ford's 2.0-liter EcoBoost four, good for 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, and features amenities like Recaro seats, a performance-tuned suspension and upgraded wheels, tires and brakes.

See what the Fiesta ST concept looks like with an extra set of doors in our attached high-res image gallery, and follow the jump for Ford's official release on the new concept.

Continue reading Ford bringing five-door Fiesta ST concept to LA Auto Show

Ford bringing five-door Fiesta ST concept to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2011 los angeles2012 ford focus stfiestafiesta stfiesta st conceptfocusfocus stfordla auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showThu, 03 Nov 2011 00:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20096306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/03/ford-bringing-five-door-fiesta-st-concept-to-la-auto-show/20096306/article-detail.xml 20096306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ford-fiesta-st-concept628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-ford-fiesta-st-concept628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen CC nip/tuck revealed ahead of LA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2013-volkswagen-cc-nip-tuck-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2013-volkswagen-cc-nip-tuck-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/02/2013-volkswagen-cc-nip-tuck-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Without a doubt, the big story from Volkswagen this year was the launch of its all-new, American-built 2012 Passat. And while the sun is about to set on 2011, Volkswagen is now announcing some updates for the Passat's svelte sister, the CC, which will make its official debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.

For the 2013 model year, the CC benefits from a refreshed front and rear fascia, both of which are more akin to the styling direction seen on the larger Passat sedan. Up front, bi-xenon headlamps with LED running lamps are now offered as standard equipment - part of the CC's reworked nose that incorporates a new grille and lower fascia. Around back, the taillamps have been redesigned to look more like the new units found on the Jetta and Passat.

Volkswagen hasn't released any information - yet - about powertrain or interior upgrades, but we don't expect things to change too much here. The one interior photo that VW released looks almost identical to the current model, though we won't rule out some packaging or color combination changes. Under the hood, expect both the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V6 with 4Motion all-wheel drive to carry over unchanged.

Pricing for the 2013 CC will likely be announced closer to the car's on-sale date next spring. We'll have more details at the LA Auto Show in just a few weeks, but in the meantime, click past the jump for Volkswagen's brief press release.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen CC nip/tuck revealed ahead of LA debut

2013 Volkswagen CC nip/tuck revealed ahead of LA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la2011 los angeles2013 volkswagen cc2013 vw ccccla auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showvolkswagenvwWed, 02 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20096814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/02/2013-volkswagen-cc-nip-tuck-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/20096814/article-detail.xml 20096814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-volkswagen-cc628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/01-2013-volkswagen-cc628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-coming-to-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-coming-to-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-coming-to-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We've known for quite some time that Mercedes-Benz is prepping a hardcore AMG variant of its new-for-2012 M-Class crossover, and according to Car and Driver, it appears that the production model will debut next month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Aside from revised aesthetics and a spiffed-up interior, the big change for the 2012 ML63 AMG will likely be under the hood. As much as we love the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 found in the outgoing model, we'd hardly be surprised to find Merc's new twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 under the hood of the next ML63. Elsewhere in the automaker's lineup, this engine produces 518 horsepower (or 550 hp with the optional performance pack), so we'd expect a healthy increase versus the old ML63's 503 hp and 465 pound-feet of torque.

We'll have the full details live from Los Angeles in just a few weeks, if not sooner.

2012 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG coming to LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2012 mercedes-benz ml63 amgamgla auto showlos angelesmercedes-benzml63ml63 amgThu, 27 Oct 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091027/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/27/2012-mercedes-benz-ml63-amg-coming-to-la-auto-show/20091027/article-detail.xml 20091027 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/08-2012-mercedes-benz-ml350-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/08-2012-mercedes-benz-ml350-fd.jpg <![CDATA[One-third of red light camera violators in LA opting not to pay voluntary citations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/one-third-of-red-light-camera-violators-in-la-opting-not-to-pay/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/one-third-of-red-light-camera-violators-in-la-opting-not-to-pay/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/25/one-third-of-red-light-camera-violators-in-la-opting-not-to-pay/#commentsFiled under:

red light camera
Red light traffic cameras can be a real pain in the butt. The fines can be outrageous, the points lead to higher insurance rates and the programs can even take hard-working police officers off the streets. But what happens if you simply throw the ticket in the trash? In Los Angeles County, the answer seems to be a whole lot of nothing.

The Newspaper reports that red light camera revenue is down by one third after LA Police Commissioner Alan Skoban called the cameras "a voluntary citation program" back on June 7. The cameras have already been shut down in Los Angeles, but surrounding cities are losing boat-loads of dough. Since that June announcement, photo enforcement vendors are reportedly losing $1 million per month.

Still, while red light camera tickets are down, they're certainly not out. Drivers still paid 25,693 tickets at nearly $500 a pop from May through September. That's nearly $30 million over the course of a full year, which gets split between municipalities and the traffic camera system companies.

We're not sure what is more noteworthy - red light cameras that dole out $500 tickets, or ticked motorists that continue to pay outrageous fines even though the program is "voluntary." It appears the moral fiber of this country is still high... or not enough motorists know that the tickets don't have to be paid.

One-third of red light camera violators in LA opting not to pay voluntary citations originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan skobinla countylos angelesred light cameratickettraffic fineTue, 25 Oct 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20089320/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/25/one-third-of-red-light-camera-violators-in-la-opting-not-to-pay/20089320/article-detail.xml 20089320 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/traffic-camera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/traffic-camera.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler selling controversial factory-owned dealership in LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/chrysler-selling-controversial-factory-owned-dealership-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/chrysler-selling-controversial-factory-owned-dealership-in-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/22/chrysler-selling-controversial-factory-owned-dealership-in-la/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Chrysler is selling its company-owned dealership in Los Angeles, according to Automotive News. Motor Village of Los Angeles is reportedly set to be sold to New Century Automotive Group in an effort for Chrysler to avoid censure by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The CDMV recently filed administrative charges against the automaker for improperly operating a factory-owned store. New Century Automotive Group, based in North Hollywood, currently owns a total of six franchise, including three Volkswagen stores as well as Mini, BMW and Infiniti outlets. The deal is slated to close sometime next month.

While Chrysler opened its Motor Village location as a way to evaluate new retail techniques, other local dealers cried foul, saying that the move violated franchise laws. In California, no factory-owned store can occupy a space within 10 square miles of a privately owned dealership.

Chrysler selling controversial factory-owned dealership in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>california department of motor vehiclescdmvchryslerfranchise lawlos angelesmotor village of l.a.motor villiage of los angelesnew century automotive groupThu, 22 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20049575/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/22/chrysler-selling-controversial-factory-owned-dealership-in-la/20049575/article-detail.xml 20049575 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chrysler-motor-village-la-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/chrysler-motor-village-la-628.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru BRZ concept headed for Los Angeles as new details leak out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/subaru-brz-concept-headed-for-los-angeles-as-new-details-leak-ou/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/subaru-brz-concept-headed-for-los-angeles-as-new-details-leak-ou/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/21/subaru-brz-concept-headed-for-los-angeles-as-new-details-leak-ou/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

subaru brz concept

Spy shots and see-through body treatments are all we have to go on when it comes to the upcoming Subaru BRZ. We've had enough of that, however, and it seems Subaru is finally ready to show us a bit more of what's in store for the future sports coupe. According to Car and Driver, the Japanese automaker will unveil a concept version of the BRZ at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, and it will be wearing real sheetmetal this time, albeit with a wrinkle - none of the showcar's panels will be the same as the production car.

The BRZ that you will be able to buy will (finally) make its official debut later on at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it will join its Toyota FT-86/Scion FRS siblings. According to C/D, all three versions of the car will wear similar body panels with the exception of their faces. Subaru will apply its own mug, while the Toyota and Scion versions will be essentially identical with the exception of badging.

Subaru will be responsible for production of all three versions, and the sporty coupe will be built at the Japanese automaker's Gunma, Japan facility. There the cars will be fitted with 2.0-liter boxer engines and paired with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.

Subaru BRZ concept headed for Los Angeles as new details leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 los angeles auto showboxer sports carbrzlos angeleslos angeles auto showscion frssubarusubaru brztoyotatoyota ft-86Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20048719/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/21/subaru-brz-concept-headed-for-los-angeles-as-new-details-leak-ou/20048719/article-detail.xml 20048719 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/10-subaru-boxer-architecture-geneva-2011_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/10-subaru-boxer-architecture-geneva-2011.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis swing into action across U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/ford-transit-connect-cng-taxis-swing-into-action-across-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/ford-transit-connect-cng-taxis-swing-into-action-across-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/ford-transit-connect-cng-taxis-swing-into-action-across-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Transit Connect CNG Taxi

The next time you hail a cab in Southern California, you could be jumping into a vehicle fueled by clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG). That's because California Yellow Cab of Orange County has become the state's first taxi company to put CNG-fueled Ford Transit Connect vans into service. California Yellow Cab says 10 (and soon more than 120) natural gas Connects are on the roads and ready to pick up passengers in the greater Los Angeles area.

Meanwhile, over in Chicago, Taxi Medallion Management says it has a dozen Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis in service. And in Connecticut, two cab companies are waiting for Ford to fulfill orders for 70 CNG-fueled Transit Connect taxis.

Later on, CNG-fueled Transits will ship out to Las Vegas and St. Louis. Philadelphia is expected to get in on the CNG action, too, once city officials approve natural gas vehicles for taxi duty.

Continue reading Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis swing into action across U.S.

Ford Transit Connect CNG taxis swing into action across U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cngcompressed natural gasfordlos angelesnatural gastaxitransit connectSat, 10 Sep 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/10/ford-transit-connect-cng-taxis-swing-into-action-across-u-s/20039483/article-detail.xml 20039483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/cngtaxilede_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/cngtaxilede.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Hyundai Azera to debut at LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/2012-hyundai-azera-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/2012-hyundai-azera-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/26/2012-hyundai-azera-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai Grandeur

The Azera has become something of an odd fit within the Hyundai lineup. It slots above the Sonata but below the Genesis sedan and utilizes front-wheel-drive architecture. Think of it as a sort of Toyota Avalon competitor, a larger, comfortable cruiser for more traditional buyers. Nevertheless, Hyundai is committed to offering the Azera here in the United States, and the automaker has just confirmed via Twitter that next-generation 2012 model will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year.

It's probably safe to assume that the 2012 Azera will take a shape very similar to the Grandeur sedan seen here. The Grandeur has design elements of both the Sonata and Genesis, keeping in line with the automaker's "fluidic styling" language. As for powertrains, Hyundai hasn't said a peep, but our best guess is that the automaker's 333-hp 3.8-liter V6 will be found underhood, or perhaps a variant of its 274-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. We'll have the full details later this year.

2012 Hyundai Azera to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2012 hyundai azeraazerahyundaila auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showTue, 26 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20001077/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/26/2012-hyundai-azera-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/20001077/article-detail.xml 20001077 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/00-hyundai-grandeur-rendering-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/00-hyundai-grandeur-rendering-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Carmageddon fears fizzle as 405 reopens ahead of schedule]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/carmageddon-fears-fizzle-as-405-reopens-ahead-of-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/carmageddon-fears-fizzle-as-405-reopens-ahead-of-schedule/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/carmageddon-fears-fizzle-as-405-reopens-ahead-of-schedule/#commentsFiled under:

reopening the 405 freeway
Los Angeles motorists keep Carmageddon at bay - Click above to watch video after the jump

Carmageddon has come and gone. In reality, it never quite showed up. Los Angeles officials had been warning of the impending 405 freeway closure for months now, and it appears the populace was listening. According to reports, area freeways were relatively empty and travel through Southern California proved to be an easy task.

Work also seemed to go easily for the crew tasked with taking down a portion of the Mulholland Drive bridge. The 405 was slated to reopen sometime early morning, however, the freeway was open for business on Sunday, a full 17 hours ahead of schedule. This was all good practice for the next weekend-long shutdown of the 405, when construction crews will take down, then repair, the other half of the old bridge.

Click past the jump to watch a report on how Carmageddon turned into a relaxing California weekend.

Continue reading Carmageddon fears fizzle as 405 reopens ahead of schedule

Carmageddon fears fizzle as 405 reopens ahead of schedule originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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