Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk take a Mini JCW Cabrio up a Monte Carlo Rally route - Click above to watch video

Alec Issigonis' Mini began production in 1959. By 1960, there were half a dozen works teams entering the car in the Rally Monte Carlo. By 1964, Mini had won with the pilotage of Irishman Paddy Hopkirk, and in 1967, the automaker won again with Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel.

Those two gents got behind the wheel of a modern Mini JCW Cabrio (top down in the snow!) and tackled the Col de Torrini again, in the process sharing a few thoughts on the cars and the racing. We can't say we'd want to be in the back seat, but it's terrific to watch and to remember where Mini and the checkered flag really got to know one another. Follow the jump to see the vid.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miniMonte Carlomonte carlo rallyMonteCarloMonteCarloRallymotorsportmotorsportsPaddy HopkirkPaddyHopkirkracingrallyrallyingrauno aaltonenRaunoAaltonenvideoMon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dale Earnhardt lives on... as 305-foot roller coaster at Kings Dominion?! [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/dale-earnhardt-lives-on-as-305-foot-roller-coaster-at-kings-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/dale-earnhardt-lives-on-as-305-foot-roller-coaster-at-kings-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/dale-earnhardt-lives-on-as-305-foot-roller-coaster-at-kings-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Intimidator is coming soon - click above image to watch the video

Let's see The New York Times ignore this! Next Spring, Kings Dominion amusement park in Virginia will be introducing an all-new giga-coaster not only named "The Intimidator" after the late, impossibly great stock car king, but featuring cars designed after Dale Sr's signature black Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

We're not entirely sure what a "giga-coaster" is either, but we'll go out on a limb and assume it's bigger than a regular roller coaster. A lot bigger. How giga? How about a 305-foot main drop? Exactly, dang. Not only that, but lucky riders will be hurled through time and/or space at speeds over 90 mph. Which for a coaster is very, very fast. Oh, and that whole thing about the NYT ignoring Earnhardt's death? 100% false. And if you'd like to watch a teaser virtual video of the Intimidator coaster in action, make the jump where you'll not only find the footage, but the official press release as well.


Gallery: Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Roller Coaster

dei20dei30dei40dei50dei60

[Source: intimidator305.com]

Continue reading Dale Earnhardt lives on... as 305-foot roller coaster at Kings Dominion?! [w/VIDEO]

Dale Earnhardt lives on... as 305-foot roller coaster at Kings Dominion?! [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletChevrolet Monte CarloChevroletMonteCarloChevy Monte CarloChevyMonteCarloDale EarnhardtDale Earnhardt Sr.DaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtSr.Giga-CoasterKings DominionKingsDominionMonte CarloMonteCarloRoller CoasterRollerCoasterThe IntimidatorTheIntimidatorFri, 21 Aug 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/spoiler-alert-2009-monaco-grand-prix-recap/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/spoiler-alert-2009-monaco-grand-prix-recap/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/26/spoiler-alert-2009-monaco-grand-prix-recap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Monaco Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another race, another week of wondering whether the other Formula 1 teams would make enough progress to catch Brawn GP. Saturday's qualifying session for the Monaco Grand Prix looked pretty familiar, save for a sorely missed flash of red on the front row. This week's top three? Not surprisingly, Brawn's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello bracketing Ferrari's former champion, Kimi Raikkonen. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was fourth, with last year's runner-up, Felipe Massa fifth in the other Ferrari. Massa had shown the updated F60's potential by qualifying fourth last time out in Spain, but it was refreshing to see both Ferraris in the front three rows for a change. Would KERS help Kimi grab the lead going into turn one? Would Brawn show any chinks in its previously impervious armor? Would Vettel somehow get through to bring Red Bull its second victory of the season? Follow the jump to find out.


Gallery: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap

Spoiler Alert: 2009 Monaco Grand Prix recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 May 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbrawnbrawn gpBrawnGpfeaturedferrariforce indiaForceIndiaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneforumla 1Forumla1mclarenmclaren-mercedesmonacomonaco gpmonaco grand prixMonacoGpMonacoGrandPrixmonte carloMonteCarlored bullRedBullrenaulttoro rossoToroRossotoyotawilliamsTue, 26 May 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s. The recall affects various Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models equipped with normally aspirated versions of GM's much-utilized 3800 3.8-liter V6.

Apparently, some of these engines can drop oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil dribbles below the heat shield, it can start a small fire. The flames can then engulf the plastic spark plug wire channel, potentially resulting in a full-on engine compartment fire.

The fix? Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Models Affected:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May. Official NHTSA Release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuickBuick RegalBuickRegalChevroletChevrolet ImpalaChevrolet LuminaChevroletImpalaChevroletLuminaChevyengine fireEngineFireGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGrand PrixGrandPrixImpalaIntrigueLuminaMonte CarloMonteCarloNHTSAOldsOldsmobileOldsmobile IntrigueOldsmobileIntriguePontiacPontiac Grand PrixPontiacGrandPrixrecallRegalMon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Monaco Grand Prix: No-traction action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/2008-monaco-grand-prix-no-traction-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/2008-monaco-grand-prix-no-traction-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/27/2008-monaco-grand-prix-no-traction-action/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix

Short of a divine calling or some sort of athletic/outdoorsy obsession, let's be honest here... who wants to get up before 8 AM on a Sunday? Racing fans who did rise with the songbirds yesterday, however, were rewarded with one hell of a spectacle. In fact, this past Race Sunday was loaded with wheel-to-wheel action in all manner of motorsports, between the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, Nurburgring 24 and, of course, the Monaco Grand Prix. We're talking about the latter here, and if you've yet to cue up the TiVo, we suggest you go no further. For those looking for a recap of the day's events on the narrow, winding streets of Monte Carlo, click below to read on.

Gallery: 2008 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading 2008 Monaco Grand Prix: No-traction action

2008 Monaco Grand Prix: No-traction action originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1f1 monacof1 monte carloF1MonacoF1MonteCarloformula 1formula one monacoformula one monte carloFormula1FormulaOneMonacoFormulaOneMonteCarlomonacomonaco gpmonaco grand prixMonacoGpMonacoGrandPrixmonte carloMonteCarlotraction controlTractionControlTue, 27 May 2008 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Monte Carlo rally cancelled for 2009, and that's not all...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/monte-carlo-rally-cancelled-for-2009-and-thats-not-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/monte-carlo-rally-cancelled-for-2009-and-thats-not-all/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/monte-carlo-rally-cancelled-for-2009-and-thats-not-all/#commentsFiled under:

Monte Carlo is to the World Rally Championship what the Monaco Grand Prix is to Formula One. Aside from being held in the same tiny European principality, it's probably the most iconic, most well-known rally stage in the world. They couldn't cancel it. They wouldn't. They have. Sort of.

Headlines around the motorsport world have been shouting that the Monte Carlo stage will be absent from the 2009 WRC calendar for only the third time since the series' inception. But that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Starting in two years' time, every stage on the race calendar will alternate years, in a bid to include as many locations as possible in the series each year without overcrowding the calendar and putting additional stress on the teams. (And the motoring press, for that matter, thank you very much.) Whereas this year saw no less than 16 rally stages in the WRC, next year will be reduced to 15, and the 2009 and 2010 calendars will be burdened by only 12 rounds each. Yet over the course of the '09 and '10, 24 countries will have hosted WRC stages. So in point of fact, while the Monte Carlo stage is cancelled for the 2009 schedule, it returns in 2010 and will apparently alternate every year thereafter.

Follow the jump to view the full calendars for the 2009 and 2010 seasons of the FIA World Rally Championship.

[Source: Autosport]

Continue reading Monte Carlo rally cancelled for 2009, and that's not all...

Monte Carlo rally cancelled for 2009, and that's not all... originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calendarcarlofiamontemonte carlomonte carlo cancelledMonteCarloMonteCarloCancelledrallyroundstagewrcwrc scheduleWrcScheduleMon, 10 Dec 2007 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[RIP: Chevy kills off Monte Carlo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/rip-chevy-kills-off-monte-carlo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/rip-chevy-kills-off-monte-carlo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/28/rip-chevy-kills-off-monte-carlo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A member of the GM Inside News forum posted today that he received an email from General Motors announcing the end of the Monte Carlo. We rang up the General for confirmation and received word that the Monte Carlo is indeed being offed. May 4th will reportedly be the last day you can order a Monte Carlo and production of the car at GM's Oshawa plant in Canada will cease on June 20th. Apparently production of the Monte Carlo is being cancelled to make room for all those extra Malibu orders the automaker is expecting when the new 2008 model sedan begins production in October. This is the sixth generation Monte Carlo, and when asked if we'd see the name return on a new model in the near future, we got the canned answer from GM, "We do not comment on future product." Sigh. Monte Carlo sales were off 64.2% in January of 2007 with only 1,639 units being sold. In 2006, 34,113 units were sold, a slight improvement over 2005.

[Source: GM, GM Inside News]

RIP: Chevy kills off Monte Carlo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Feb 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledkilledmonte carloMonteCarloripWed, 28 Feb 2007 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1976 Custom Cloud]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/ebay-find-of-the-day-1976-custom-cloud/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/ebay-find-of-the-day-1976-custom-cloud/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/19/ebay-find-of-the-day-1976-custom-cloud/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For those of you who thought that Chinese automakers invented the cheap knock off, this Rolls Monte Carlo is for you. Back in 1976, a company called Custom Cloud built 200 Rolls Royce look-alike kits for, of all vehicles, a 1976 Monte Carlo coupe. Rolls Royce rightfully got a cease-and-desist court order to stop production and destroy the remaining kits, which makes this cheesy and bizarre looking thing certifiably rare. The exterior shape was achieved with the use of fiberglass, which has retained its shape and sheen. The interior is a design statement of its own, with a maroon-carpeted dash and seating surfaces. The Monte Carlo is said to have 67,000 miles on it and the Chevy 350 V8 runs well.

It's not worth telling you where the bidding is at since the price has changed three times while writing the post, so you'll have to check here. While we can't say anybody would ever mistake this beauty as a Rolls Royce, we can say that you'll probably get quite a few stares.

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 1976 Custom Cloud originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevyGMmonte carloMonte carlosMonteCarloMonteCarlosRolls RoyceRollsRoyceMon, 19 Feb 2007 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[RR of the Day: 1977 Lancia Scorpion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/rr-of-the-day-1977-lancia-scorpion/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/rr-of-the-day-1977-lancia-scorpion/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/12/rr-of-the-day-1977-lancia-scorpion/#commentsFiled under:



Iconic Italian design comes in many forms and one of those is the Lancia Monte Carlo. Sold abroad from 1975 through 1979, the Monte Carlo was based off the X1/9, and came equipped with a mid-mounted, 1995cc engine that produced upwards of 120 HP. It was the elder statesman to its platform sibling, yet when the Monte Carlo made its way to the U.S., more than the name was lost in translation.

Since Chevrolet used the Monte Carlo name, the Pininfarina designed coupe was rebadged the Scorpion, and then it had its stinger unceremoniously removed. The 2-liter unit originally found behind the driver was swapped out for a 1756 cc inline-four that made an anemic 80 HP, yet met the emissions standards of the day. Additionally, the sizes of the springs were increased, while new, (yes, we'll say it) uglier bumpers were fitted.

In total, 1801 examples were sold in the U.S. between 1976 and 1977, and today, Flickr member monkeyboy70 is the proud owner of #1601. He's admittedly spent entirely too much time and money bringing back his Scorpion from the brink after it sat dormant for over nine years, upgrading the engine with a 2-liter EFI setup (good for 107 HP and 130 lb.-ft. of torque), suspension, interior and paint to restore it to its former machismo laden glory. He seems to like it and so do we, so it will kick off this week's Reader Ride of the Day.

Follow the jump for a couple more pics, some details from the man, err, monkey boy himself and directions on how to submit your own ride to our Flickr pool.

Continue reading RR of the Day: 1977 Lancia Scorpion

RR of the Day: 1977 Lancia Scorpion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lanciamonte carloMonteCarloscorpioscorpionMon, 12 Feb 2007 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Dale Jr. smacks loaner into Talladega wall]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/01/dale-jr-smacks-loaner-into-talladega-wall/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/01/dale-jr-smacks-loaner-into-talladega-wall/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/01/dale-jr-smacks-loaner-into-talladega-wall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's common for a car dealer to let someone take a new car out for a ride around the block, but this 2006 Monte Carlo went for a ride around an oval shaped 2.66 mile high-banked block with no posted speed limit.

When it finally come back, it was thoroughly customized. In fact, it looked strangely like the street version of a NASCAR Nextel Cup car after a race at the nearby Talledega Superspeedway. The car was covered with dirt and bugs, had a smashed right-side mirror and a scrape along the right rear fender, not to mention a couple hundred miles on the odometer.

"When I found out what happened, I called the guy I loaned it to," said Philip Alderman, the owner of Colonial Chevrolet-Buick in Talladega.

That call confirmed what he had heard. Rick Humphries, general manager of the Talladega Superspeedway, had borrowed the car for the day. Before becoming aligned with Ford, it was not uncommon for Colonial Chevrolet to routinely lend cars to track officials. When Dale Earnhardt Jr realized that he might have to drive a Ford around the track as a part of the ride and drive to show the new track surface, he wasn't enthused and went looking for a Chevy. The Monte Carlo was the obvious choice. Earnhardt grabbed they keys and promptly began taking folks around the track, often reaching speeds of over 130 miles per hour. All was going well until Jr. got a little high and "scraped" the wall, turning the brand new Monte Carlo into an instant collector's item.

For his part, Alderman doesn't seem particularly unhappy about the incident. In fact, the Dale Jr.-enhanced Monte is now the star of his showroom.

"We didn't even wash it," Alderman said. "We're willing to sell it, as is. Rick had Dale sign the dashboard and the sticker, and we laminated all the articles and pictures of the trips Dale took in the car around the speedway.

Loaning the Monte Carlo to track official: $0

Making repairs to the Monte Carlo upon return: $125

Having Dale Earnhardt Jr scrape the wall at Talladega with the Monte Carlo at 130 mph, autograph the sticker and the dahboard, generate untold dollars in media coverage for the dealership and NOT repair it: Priceless.

[Source: The Birmingham News]

Dale Jr. smacks loaner into Talladega wall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dale Earnhardt Jr.DaleEarnhardtJr.Monte CarloMonteCarloride and driveRideAndDriveTalladega SuperspeedwayTalladegaSuperspeedwayFri, 01 Dec 2006 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[TTAC hands out TWAT awards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/08/ttac-hands-out-twat-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/08/ttac-hands-out-twat-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/08/ttac-hands-out-twat-awards/#commentsFiled under: ,



The votes are in, the judges have, uh, judged and it's official: Democrats control the House.

No, wait. Wrong election. The Truth About Cars readers and staff have chosen the 2006 winners (losers?) of The Worst Automobile Today award.

For those with stomachs too queasy or hearts too weak to read criticism of the domestic auto industry, we recommend you find something else to read. Those TTAC folks get kinda brutal.

Just to keep you in suspense, the list of TWAT winners, with excerpts of TTAC's witty criticism, is after the jump.

Continue reading TTAC hands out TWAT awards

TTAC hands out TWAT awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Buick RendezvousBuickRendezvousChevroletChevrolet AveoChevrolet UplanderChevroletAveoChevroletUplanderChrysler AspenChryslerAspenHummer H2HummerH2Jeep CompassJeepCompassLincoln Mark LtLincolnMarkLtMonte CarloMonteCarloRendezvousSaab 9-7XSaab9-7xSubaru B9 TribecaSubaruB9TribecaThe Truth About CarsThe Worst Automobile TodayTheTruthAboutCarsTheWorstAutomobileTodayTTACTWATUplanderWed, 08 Nov 2006 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/vote-for-ttacs-worst-auto-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/vote-for-ttacs-worst-auto-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/29/vote-for-ttacs-worst-auto-today/#commentsFiled under:



Voting is open for The Truth About Cars' first ever Ten Worst Automobiles Today (or TWAT) award that we told you about earlier in the month. The initial list of more than 120 reader nominations contained predictable TWAT-eligible autos like GM's ancient minivans, uh, sorry, Crossover Sport Van, a couple of Saturns, several DaimlerChryslers, and a few Korean models. Some vehicles that were nominated but didn't make the list included highly-respected vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Pontiac Solstice, Ford Focus and Honda Fit.

Using a highly refined proprietary system, TTAC staffers trimmed the candidates to 20. Voting for the Ten Worst Automobiles Today is now open until Wednesday. See the 20 TWAT candidates after the jump.

Continue reading Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today

Vote for TTAC's Ten Worst Autos Today originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AspenAveoBuick RendezvousBuickRendezvousCobaltCrossfireDaimlerChryslerEscaladeFord RangerFordRangerHummerHummer H2HummerH2ImpalaInfinitiInfiniti QX56InfinitiQx56Jaguar X-typeJaguarX-typejeepJeep Commanderjeep compassJeepCommanderJeepCompassLincoln Mark LTLincoln NavigatorLincolnMarkLtLincolnNavigatorMazda B-SeriesMazdaB-seriesMonte CarloMonteCarloSaab 9-7xSaab9-7xSubaru B9 TribecaSubaru Bajasubaru TribecaSubaruB9TribecaSubaruBajaSubaruTribecaTen Worst Automobiles TodayTenWorstAutomobilesTodayThe Truth About CarsThe Truth About Cars TWATTheTruthAboutCarsTheTruthAboutCarsTwatTTACTWATUplanderSun, 29 Oct 2006 14:06:00 EST<![CDATA[A Foose and your money... Die-cast collectibles from the king of custom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/a-foose-and-your-money/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/a-foose-and-your-money/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/27/a-foose-and-your-money/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Once upon a time filling a garage with Chip Foose dream cars involved either a check with lots of zeros or help from Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie. Now anyone with a "minimum deposit required" from their bank can park Foose's creations next to their daily driver. Yes, of course we're talking about scale models. Foose Design is currently accepting $28 checks for each of five 9-inch-long models. There's the '67 Mustang "Fastback," the '70 Monte Carlo, the '71 Chevelle, the Impression and the '06 Stallion (shown). The 1/20th scale cars have opening hoods, trunks and doors, chrome wheels shod with real rubber and are pretty close to the actual Foose visions. Note that the '36 Ford "Impression" Roadster does not come with an equally diminutive version of the Detroit Autorama's Ridler award.

Check out the rest of the available models after the jump.

[Source: Foose Design]

Continue reading A Foose and your money... Die-cast collectibles from the king of custom

A Foose and your money... Die-cast collectibles from the king of custom originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Oct 2006 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevelleChip FooseChipFoosedieacast carsDieacastCarsFoose DesignFooseDesignimpressionmonte carloMonteCarlomustangscale modelsscale modlesScaleModelsFri, 27 Oct 2006 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Impala chosen for NASCAR Cup races, Monte Carlo snubbed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/impala-chosen-for-nascar-cup-races-monte-carlo-snubbed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/impala-chosen-for-nascar-cup-races-monte-carlo-snubbed/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/impala-chosen-for-nascar-cup-races-monte-carlo-snubbed/#commentsFiled under: , ,



NASCAR may be saying goodbye to the Monte Carlo. Although it has been the most successful car in Nextel Cup racing history, GM has apparently gotten approval from NASCAR to replace it. According to a report in the Charlotte Observer, NASCAR has given General Motors permission to drop the Monte Carlo SS, and replace it with the Impala SS. This despite the fact that the Monte Carlo has the most Cup wins of any model in history with 400. Sources told the Observer a Hendrick Motorsports built Impala SS by will be unveiled at the official announcement Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The Impala actually won the Cup way back in 1960 and 1961, but the Monte Carlo took over the NASCAR duties for Chevy after its debut in 1969. The Monte didn't actually race until 1971, but it captured the pole for its first race at the 1971 World 600 at what is now Lowe's Motor Speedway. The new Impala SS will run in 16 Nextel Cup races next year, according to the Observer. It will be used as Chevrolet's version of NASCAR's "car of tomorrow." In races where they aren't using the "car of tomorrow," Chevy teams will still use the Monte Carlo.

[Source: ESPN via GM Inside News]

Impala chosen for NASCAR Cup races, Monte Carlo snubbed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car of tomorrowCarOfTomorrowHendrick MotorsportsHendrickMotorsportsImpalaMonte CarloMonteCarloNASCARTue, 24 Oct 2006 16:51:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Cruisin' Monte Carlo with Jay-Z, Dale jr. and Danica]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/video-cruisin-monte-carlo-with-jay-z-dale-jr-and-danica/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/video-cruisin-monte-carlo-with-jay-z-dale-jr-and-danica/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/18/video-cruisin-monte-carlo-with-jay-z-dale-jr-and-danica/#commentsFiled under:

It's not often that we post video footage from BET, but Jay-Z's latest music video for "Show Me What You Got" makes us wonder if we haven't been missing something.

The video puts some hip-hop flava' on the James Bond theme, set in Monaco with Jay-Z cruisin' the streets of Monte Carlo, ridin' the Mediterranean waves in a speed boat, layin' down some cards and cash at the casino and kickin' it at a seaside party.

The best part is right up front in the first minute, with Jay-Z riding shotgun in a Ferrari F430 Spider with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. at the wheel, racing Danica Patrick in a Pagani Zonda Roadster down Monaco's unrestricted countryside roads. Whether you like rap music or not, this video's not to be missed.

[Source: Jalopnik]

VIDEO: Cruisin' Monte Carlo with Jay-Z, Dale jr. and Danica originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betdaledanicaearnhardthip-hopjay-zmonacomonte carloMonteCarlomtvmusicpatrickrapshow me what you gotShowMeWhatYouGotvideoWed, 18 Oct 2006 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Spied: 2007 Holden Commodore!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/spied-2007-holden-commodore/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/spied-2007-holden-commodore/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/spied-2007-holden-commodore/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Holden's next-generation Commodore has been caught testing in Australia. The vehicle seen here is pivotal for General Motors' large car futures worldwide, not just Down Under. Said to be based on the upcoming Zeta platform, the underpinnings of this vehicle could see duty in everything from the next Chevrolet Impala, Buick Velite and Pontiac G8, and is expected to form the basis for the next GTO and Camaro (provided they are green-lighted).

The 'VE' Commodore seen here is said to be a line-built vehicle, with for-the-showroom units to come on line by the third quarter of this year. 'Big Daddy' versions of the Commodore will feature a new GM 6.0-liter L76 eight-cylinder engine, which may receive variable valve timing and Displacement on Demand. A six-speed automatic is expected. Lesser versions will see GM's global V6, with CarsGuide.news.com.au reporting that force-fed versions of the drivetrain could be employed in an upcoming Alfa Romeo or Saab.

[Source: CarsGuide.news.com.au]

Spied: 2007 Holden Commodore! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CamaroCommodoreG8General MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGTOHoldenHolden VE CommodoreHoldenVeCommodoreImpalaMonte CarloMonteCarloVeliteThu, 04 May 2006 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[GM slapped with gasket class-action lawsuit in Canada, claims could hit $1.2 billion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/gm-slapped-with-gasket-class-action-lawsuit-in-canada-claims-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/gm-slapped-with-gasket-class-action-lawsuit-in-canada-claims-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/26/gm-slapped-with-gasket-class-action-lawsuit-in-canada-claims-co/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Earlier this month, Autoblog informed you about General Motors electing to handle a widespread intake manifold gasket defect on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis. But if Toronto-based law firm Stevensons LLP has any say in the matter, the automaker won't have the option to be choosy with some 400,000 Canadian vehicles.

The firm announced Tuesday that it is filing a class-action lawsuit against General Motors of Canada Ltd., as well as parent company General Motors Corp. The suit is predicated on the premature failure of intake manifold gaskets used in a wide range of the company's vehicles from 1995-2003. Given the 400,000 vehicle estimate by Stevensons and an average claim of $3,000 per vehicle, the class-action tab could balloon to $1.2 billion dollars.

A similar lawsuit in the U.S. was granted class-action status in January.

Click on the link to see further details, including a list of affected vehicles.

[Sources: The Canadian Press via Canada.com; Canadianally.com]

GM slapped with gasket class-action lawsuit in Canada, claims could hit $1.2 billion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AleroAztekBonnevilleBuickBuick Park AvenueBuick RegalBuickParkAvenueBuickRegalChevroletChevyClass ActionClassActiongasketGeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMGrand PrixGrandPrixintake manifoldintake manifold gasketIntakeManifoldIntakeManifoldGasketLawsuitLeSabreLuminaMonte CarloMonteCarloOldsmobilePontiacRendezvousRivieraStephenson LLCStephensonLlcToronto LawTorontoLawWed, 26 Apr 2006 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Praying for a race car takes a whole new meaning]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/praying-for-a-race-car-takes-a-whole-new-meaning/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/praying-for-a-race-car-takes-a-whole-new-meaning/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/17/praying-for-a-race-car-takes-a-whole-new-meaning/#commentsFiled under: ,

Parishoners of the non-denominational Bayside Community church were greeted yesterday by an interesting proposition:  a chance to be photographed next to the late Dale Earnhardt's No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo NASCAR racer. Church officials, however, informed their flock that those interested in getting a snap with the great one's ride would require sitting through a sermon first and then sit through another one next week to pick up the photo. The pastor stated that use of the race car in such a manner was one of the church's "fresh ways to communicate the ageless gospel." Wonder what Junior thinks about it?

[Source: Herald Tribune]

Praying for a race car takes a whole new meaning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Apr 2006 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletDale EarnhardtDaleEarnhardtMonte CarloMonteCarloNASCARNo. 3No.3Mon, 17 Apr 2006 19:57:00 EST