Autoblog

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Luxury

George Barris's 1967 Oldsmobile Toronado 70-X - clic above for high-res image gallery

If you've never seen Vincent Gallo's Buffalo 66, stop reading and watch it. Why? Because otherwise the next part of this post isn't going to make any sense to you. Anyhow, remember the scene when his Billy Brown character kidnaps/carjacks Christina Ricci's Layla and forces her to drive because he can't work a manual?

"Would you like to know why I can't drive this kinda car? I'm used to luxury cars. Have you ever heard of a luxury car? Ever heard of Cadillac, Cadillac Eldorado? That's what I drive. I drive cars that shift themselves. My cars shift themselves. The luxury cars, they shift themselves."

We quote this scene because we think this here particular Oldsmobile Toronado would appeal to Mr. Brown's predilection for luxury cars. We mean, just look at that back seat. Incredible, right? Wrap around leather benches are totally (and sadly) missing from our everyday automotive experience. And we're pretty sure you could use the fold-out cocaine shelf to write on, so it's practical, too. Curiously, we've seen a Barris Toro before - though that one was dubbed 67X - and although it was in much worse shape, it failed to meet its reserve at $7,701.

Now, this particular custom Toronado (the story goes that Barris built four of these for the 1967 Canadian Expo -- only two are known to survive) is much better shape, having undergone a "complete frame-up restoration at an astronomical cost." However, $7,701 won't even get you into that amazing ~~drug den~~ back seat. In fact, the starting bid is $227,770 and the reserve isn't met. Sure, that's a lot of scratch, but you can really put a price on luxury like this? We're saying no. Happy bidding!

Gallery: 1967 Oldsmobile Barris 70-X Toronado

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: George Barris Olds Toronado 70-X is wraparound luxury originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG now has an order form and a price. While it's not cheap, it's nowhere near the most expensive car in the range: for €177,310 ($265,531 U.S. - note: that is a straight conversion, not an indication of the car's U.S. cost), you can put one of the gullwinged wonders in your - probably climate-controlled - garage.

That fits well in between the prices for the SL63 AMG at €148,155 and the SL65 AMG at a blistering €224,672. You get four more cylinders, 40 more hp and a folding hartop on the SL65; yet the SLS gets you gullwing doors, retro styling and €47,000 left over in your pocket. And you're still cooler than the folks in a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, who spent €450,000 when it was new.

What the SLS AMG purchase price won't get you is expedited delivery: the car still won't arrive until Spring of 2010. If you're one of those who needs to keep up, some gent named Matthew K. has been designated "the SLS AMG reporter" and he'll be posting all manner of info and clips online. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, check the car out again in the gallery of high-res photos below, or call your Luxembourger account manager in three, two, one...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out testing in Detroit

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

A little lawsuit isn't going to keep Chrysler from getting the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee ready for production. The next generation family-sized Jeep was spotted on Michigan roads. Looking rather spiffy in a matte black coat, from the side the SUV is a Cherokee with just a bit of a twist. However, the revisions to the rear and front, as well as its stance, appear to give it more European feel than any Jeep has ever had. Especially from the back it is heavily scented with an X5 influence.

If it gets an old world luxury interior to match, then who knows - the 2011 Grand Cherokee could be all growed up. You can have a look at it for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Peter.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: Jeep Garage via Accelerating Perspective]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee out testing in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the road sidewalk

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, Luxury

The Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS -- Click above to watch the video after the break

Fittingly, it appears that the Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS went for a cruise on Halloween night, which would give passers-by the perfect opportunity to ask the driver, "What kind of costume is that?" He could've replied, "I'm dressed up as the driver of the only 600-horsepower, €257,000, four-door convertible designed and built in Holland." Or he tell them the car's name, which is nearly as long.

The $385,000 car in the video sticks to the sidewalks so there aren't any shenanigans, but it's not a bad looker, and we salute the two gents who've made it real. Follow the jump to see the vid. Hat tip to Emile!

Gallery: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS

[Source: AutoGespot via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the ~~road~~ sidewalk

VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the ~~road~~ sidewalk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari 612 replacement test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari is reportedly currently working on the three V12 cars that will replace its comparable current offerings: the 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB, and Enzo. The 612's follow-on will be the first one to arrive, likely in early 2012, and another mule has been spotted out and about. It still sports the hood scoop (bigger engine with more power, anyone?) and California-style stacked tailpipes, and it looks like it might have a longer wheelbase to boot.

Rumor has it that the new direct-injected V12 will be 40 percent less polluting and get 40 percent better gas mileage than the 5.7-liter V12 presently in use, even as it's expected to get a slight 7-horsepower bump to 540. The fuel economy increase would provide a very respectable 16 MPG - not bad for a car that ought to hustle to 60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds. Check out a host of new spy photos in our gallery below. In case you're curious, the sticker on the steering wheel boss which reads "Betrieb nur mit geschlossener Motorhaube" is an instruction telling drivers that the engine should only be started with the hood closed.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement mule

[Image: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember how luxury crossovers were "The Next Big Thing?" Yeah, not so much.

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Luxury

According to Cadillac's general sales manage Ed Peper, mid-size luxury crossovers like the SRX, Audi Q5, and Land Rover LR3 "are like 26 percent of the luxury market." Perhaps he should have phrased that "are still 26%," because an Edmunds chart reveals that the crossover luxury segment has taken a beating over the past two years, dropping 25% in overall volume among major models.

The BMW X3 has fared the worst, with a 77.7 percent sales drop from 2007 to 2009, but the segment rewards freshness and the X3 is due to be replaced late next year. More telling is that only one of the six models listed escaped with less than a 40 percent decline over 24 months: the Lexus RX 350. The crossover that started the luxury CUV trend, or at least popularized it, has been impervious to substantial changes over its life cycle.

The real question is where are sales of the vehicles going? There is no consensus, with various reps citing model mixes, value, the economy, and what's coming as yet-to-be-determined factors in where that market goes. Some even mentioned the fact that the definition of a "luxury crossover" is still being decided -- are an SRX and ZDX the same thing? No matter. We're putting our money on humpbacked wagons. Make the jump to check out the release.

[Source: Edmunds]

Continue reading Remember how luxury crossovers were "The Next Big Thing?" Yeah, not so much.

Remember how luxury crossovers were "The Next Big Thing?" Yeah, not so much. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Luxury

Spada Codatronca promotional material -- Click above to watch the video after the break

The Spada is coming! The Spada is coming! Along with this promotional video put together to get you ready for it. A combination of The Dark Knight, Speed Racer, and The Car, the Codatronca's still an oddball looker, but with that Z06 running gear underneath it should at least be fun to drive. The vid was directed by a Mr. Kobayashi, which makes us think that Keyser Soze must be doing the driving. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

Gallery: SpadaConcept Codatronca

[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB is longer, and therefore better

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo long wheelbase revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show today doesn't add anything to the less well-endowed Alpina B7 we saw at Geneva except length, but isn't that enough? The double-turbo'd 4.4-liter V8 brings 507 romping horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque - all of which is enough to get the white whale to sixty in 4.8 seconds.

Alpina's custom 21-inchers support an interior package touched up with the tuner's logo throughout. Our only cause for pause: the much larger steering wheel; the smaller diameter unit in the regular BMW helps to make the execu-barge a hoot to throw around a track. See it all for yourself in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Long Wheelbase

Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB is longer, and therefore better originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Dutch auto journo Thomas Bangma giving his opinion on the Lexus LF-A -- Click above to view the video after the jump

The man you see above is Thomas Bangma. Described as a Dutch automotive journalist, and noted on his LinkedIn page as an "Independent Automotive Professional," we can't find much dirt on him -- but if he's getting invited to press events for the Lexus LF-A, he must know a bit about something.

During that aforementioned event, Mr. Bangma gave his opinion on Lexus' glacially developing supercar, and he adds no sugar to the medicine: "The car is the best car I have ever driven in my whole life as an automotive journalist." Well then. What we can definitely say is that as it flies by behind him, it sounds positively murderous. In a good way. Follow the jump for the rest of Bangma's thoughts.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus LF-A race car

[Source: YouTube via Cars UK]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not So Fast: Alfa Romeo not working on Multiair V8

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Alfa Romeo, Luxury

It's been 32 years since Alfa Romeo put out its own V8: a 2.6-liter, 197 hp mill fitted to the Montreal model that bowed out in 1977. And with emission regs what they are today, it looks like we may have to wait even longer.

Yesterday, Autocar reported that Alfa was working on a new 3.0-liter Mulitair-equipped V8 that would find a home in the replacement for its 166 flagship, supposedly based on the Chrysler 300 platform. Since the story hit the virtual presses, an Alfa spokesperson has denied the claim, saying "No front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive Alfa Romeo will use a engine larger than a V6." However, Alfa's parent, Fiat, does have access to Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6, but we somehow doubt that aging lump will find its way into the next generation of Alfa's range-topping model.

[Source: Autocar]

Not So Fast: Alfa Romeo not working on Multiair V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: "Lesser luxury" is the new black

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Up until very recently, the reason that you bought a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-Benz C-Class was to prepare you to buy a 5 or an E in a few years. You know, ladders to climb, blowing up to do, de-luxe apartments in the sky to own. These days, according to a new study, that is less and less the case: fewer premium buyers are moving up and more buyers are actually moving down.

According to numbers compiled by the Power Information Network, in 2006, nearly 16% of new car buyers moved from a compact to a mid-sized car, but through the first half of this year, only about 11% did so. And compared to 2006, this year two other categories showed 4% gains: people moving from large to mid-sized cars, and those moving from mid-sized to compact cars.

Gas prices have a bit to do with that, as does the democratization of high-end features, but the real story appears to be that unless David Stern signs your paychecks, being a baller is out. Customers don't want to look like they're flaunting their money, or they simply don't want to spend it. Even brand-loyal buyers are either keeping their cars, or instead of buying new ones they're going for pre-owned certified or an off-lease deal. Even Acura and Lexus are seeing their customers turn their aspirations downward.

According to Automotive News, brands that appear to be poised to benefit from this trend include Hyundai and Audi. The Korean firm's Genesis sedan is an all-the-luxury-you-want option for $10,000 less than most comparable brands. Less flashiness and an engineering-led message could also be the catalyst for Audi, whose sales declines are a third of the luxury market's overall. Said Scott Keogh, Audi's chief marketing officer, "There is affluence, and consumers have means, but frivolousness has gone away."

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

REPORT: "Lesser luxury" is the new black originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The car that authored the "four-door-coupe" terminology - and a great deal of Internet debate and dictionary definition checking - will introduce its second act toward the end of 2011. Unsurprisingly, the new model (which is expected to wear a 2011 designation), will look much like the current model. That's the way it goes with genre-defining things most of the time.

Perhaps it is just our eyes, but in the spy shots it looks like the car's rump could be even more sleek, with the glasshouse landing even further toward the rear of the car. Also, the mirror mountings have changed - at least on this prototype - from the A-pillar notch to the doors. In line with Merc's current designs, they are now giant square flaps mounted on stalks.

Engines are expected to range from a 3.5-liter V6 with 292 horsepower to the top-o'-the-heap 6.2-liter V8 with 525 hp. Rumored to be tucked in there as well is a 299-hp hybrid.

[Source: SpeedLux]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti's "swoopy anger" design language has made it to the M line, and InsideLine got some seat time in the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive, M56 and the six-cylinder, all-wheel-drive M37x. The M56 is, of course, the monster of the two and kinda looks it. The black hue and 20-inch wheels makes all the difference on the outside, giving the 400+ horsepower V8 sedan the sporting chops to make you go "Hmmm." The interior continues the curves, and the contrasting color scheme appears to create a very rewarding three-dimensional cabin.

The M37x is reportedly worth about 325 hp, and will end up being the middle in the range, just above a rear-wheel-drive model below it. Seven-speed autos will get the power to the ground in every model. Edmunds wasn't allowed to give driving impressions, but they did get lots of photos, so head on over to get a good look at the next M.

[Source: Straight Line]

2011 Infiniti M35 and M56 get a special reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Audi, Diesel, Luxury

2010 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel Quattro

The 3.0-liter, 240-hp diesel that first served in the Audi Q7 has been assigned to duty in the Audi A4. We drove the 3.0 in the Q7 during last year's Audi Mileage Marathon, and both mileage and power didn't disappoint. Put into the A4, the oil burner with 369 lb-ft should shine like Alpha Centauri.

Audi says it will get you to sixty in 6.2 seconds with the six-speed Tiptronic and return 35 mpg at the same time as it already meets the Euro 6 standards coming in 2014. It's unlikely we'll get the treat in this corner of the Western Hemisphere, but that doesn't mean we won't keep looking out for it... especially as an Avant... with those wheels...

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi A4 3.0 TDI

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S.

Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Audi 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro would make an excellent gift to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus is what carbon fiber was made for

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Mansory Cyrus -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When Mansory wants to give it to us good, they know how. This is the Mansory Cyrus (Khouresh Mansory told us that Cyrus was the first king of Iran), and - even though every other colleague here disagrees with us - we feel it the best use of carbon fiber we've seen since we've been here. The car is DB9-based and has been redone in aerospace, pre-preg carbon fiber, and gets 28 extra horses.

Well, all except the rear fenders because they couldn't shape the carbon fiber accordingly, so the carbon fiber -- extended in width by two inches from the original car - is glued to the standard panels with adhesive bought from Lamborghini. Otherwise it's all CF. No, the roof scoop isn't functional - but beauty makes no promises to functionality. You can also get the DBS done up thusly, and although we don't know what that car is called, we hope it's Xerxes. The Cyrus will run you €380,000 on top of a DB9. We won't call it money well spent... but we'd spend it.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus - Aston Martin DB9

Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus is what carbon fiber was made for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Lust-worthy Mercedes E63 AMG wagon makes us beg for E63 AMG coupe

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:19:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The most pressing things we have to say about the 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG Wagon here at the Frankfurt Motor Show have nothing to do with the wagon. On the car itself, everything about it makes us go "Hot!" It's got 525 hp and 464 lb-ft from AMG's well known naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8, it's got badass written in every body panel, and it's got the room and undercover cred of a wagon. It is also most tasteful inside, the carbon fiber trim playing its beautifully woven support notes for the cream interior.

But once past the "Hot!" the only thing looking at the E63 AMG Wagon does it make us drop to our knees and hold our heads in our hands, wondering why Mercedes won't give us an E63 AMG Coupe. The real reason, not the hints and obfuscations. Then we could have one of each. And be happy for the rest of our lives. Don't worry, Mercedes, we don't mind starting with the wagon. But don't be too long with that coupe, all right?

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG wagon

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Lust-worthy Mercedes E63 AMG wagon makes us beg for E63 AMG coupe

Frankfurt 2009: Lust-worthy Mercedes E63 AMG wagon makes us beg for E63 AMG coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When we walked up to the Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 resting on the hardwood floor of the Bentley stand, it immediately had us thinking a familiar thought. Just to make sure, we asked our colleagues if they had been experiencing the same thing, and that turned into a spirited discussion about car design and CAD-drawn vs. hand-drawn bodywork.

That well-known thought was: it's not so garish in person. Substitute "hideous," "bad," and "ugly" for "garish" and you've recreated our experiences with a number of vehicles lately, and not just in Frankfurt. From the outside it's just a good looking Continental with a new set of wheels and Bentley's always-upright center caps. Inside, the car simply feels blue with white trim, and tastefully so, which was not the impression given in the preview photos. We still look forward to the Series 51's future offerings, but this first one is a.o.k.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51

Frankfurt 2009: Bentley Continental GTC Series 51 ain't so bad under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

Porsche 911 Sport Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

The seriously limited edition Porsche 911 Sport Classic -- for Porsche, at least -- makes our nostalgic tails wag, even though the gray exterior color is difficult to pin down and we couldn't get over the feeling when we checked out the Espresso-hued internals that we were looking at an entirely different car.

Even after all that, though, we weren't put off: what could have been a regrettable voyage to schmaltzy contrivances actually shapes up with modern purpose. Buyers can expect to be enchanted by vented tail, booming exhaust pipes, and Fuchs wheels, and more than adequately propelled by the 403 hp out back. The appreciation on its €169,300 ($240,702 USD) purchase price began yesterday.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 SC

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche 911 Sport Classic shares a funky tail, funky colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Porsche Turbo Coupe and Cab take all the cake

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo differs from the Six Million Dollar Man in one crucial way; while it's better, faster, stronger, it can also be much, much yellower if you prefer. However, the last thing you want to be is yellow if you plan to explore the Turbo's capabilities. These 500 hp respond best to firm commands, the new Porsche Torque Vectoring responds to firm inputs, and the Coupe's $132,800 price tag ($143,800 for the Cab) respond to a bank account with the firmest of foundations. Perhaps our favorite thing about the car: no gas guzzler tax. That's hot for so many reasons. Not to diss yellow, but we'll stick with a manual black-on-black Coupe with the center-lugged wheels. The one on the Frankfurt show floor wouldn't be a problem, either.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

Frankfurt 2009: Porsche Turbo Coupe and Cab take all the cake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid runs (almost) silent, runs deep

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

BMW isn't taking any chances with its reputation for dynamics with the 7 Series Active Hybrid. To its 449-hp and 479-lb-ft 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 heart it adds a 60-pound, 35-cell lithium-ion battery in the boot. The battery doesn't take too much away from the trunk since it replaces the rear-seat air-conditioning unit from the standard 7.

The battery boosts maximum torque to 516 lb-ft when everything is really humming, and that gets the huge-ish hybrid to 60 in 4.9 seconds rowing through the eight-speed automatic. The battery, a judicious foot, and hybrid stalwarts like brake energy regeneration can get you 25 mpg. Until Brad and Angelina finish with their Hydrogen 7, this is your best bet for a caring Bavarian luxo-barge.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid runs (almost) silent, runs deep

Frankfurt 2009: BMW 7 Series Active Hybrid runs (almost) silent, runs deep originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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