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[<i>Car and Driver</i> drawing flak over Photoshopped BMW X6 M drag racing pic?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/i-car-and-driver-i-drawing-flack-over-photoshopped-bmw-x6-m-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/i-car-and-driver-i-drawing-flack-over-photoshopped-bmw-x6-m-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/i-car-and-driver-i-drawing-flack-over-photoshopped-bmw-x6-m-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Hardcore drag racers take their expensive hobby very seriously. Some drag owners cut into their 401k just to knock a couple tenths off of their quarter mile times, while others spend every possible spare moment of their lives holed up in a garage, perfecting their hot rod for just a few chances to take that magical run down the track. Keep that in mind, if you will, as we explain to you why the owner of an altered wheelbase 1963 Chevy II is angry over an apparently Photoshopped photo of its run against Car and Driver magazine's BMW X6 M.

Car and Driver took the 550 hp X6 M to Milan Dragway in Milan, MI as part of an article which featured the beastly Bimmer on the track, off-road, and at the dragway. One of the runs the X6 M took was against said Chevy, which reportedly runs the quarter mile in the high 9's, reaching a scorching 135 mph in the process. The X6 M is no pushover either, as it can hit a sports car like 12.8 seconds at 110 mph. At no time did C/D claim that they bested the heavily modded Chevy (nor did they mention the hot rod at all), but what they did do was publish a photo of the Bimmer and the Bow Tie'd bandit battling nose to nose down the dragway. Actually, judging purely by the C/D photo, it appears that the X6 M may even have a bit of an edge in the high horsepower battle.

After seeing the photo, the owner of the Chevy II is apparently hopping mad. "Rotten Johnny" on the H.A.M.B forums claims to be the owner of the dragster in question, and he was less than thrilled with what he called a Photoshopped pic that deceives the public.
"Alls I can say is the mag,editors and writers are LAIRS,CHEATERS and WANNA BE SCAMMERS. Bring that ol BMW out, title fer title and write an article bout that.I'll be driven around in a little red suv. No wonder the only time i see that mag is in the doctors office, makes me sick."
We can definitely see where Rotten Johnny would be upset over the photo (he says he was actually doing a burnout in the altered pic), but we can also see where it was necessary to bust out Photoshop to get both vehicles into a tight frame. After all, who wants to read a feature of the X6 M with a lead photo of a 1963 Chevy II with a spec of a BMW SUV off in the distance? Then again, was the image really necessary to support the story to begin with?

In any case, C/D has issued a reply that includes a heaping helping of the sort of snark made famous by the mysterious "Ed." in the magazine's monthly reader mail section. To wit:
"John Phillips became so attached to the BMW X6M that it - appropriately enough - triggered many irrational responses. One of these was his insistence that we photoshop the BMW beating the clearly superior Chevy Nova. Any attempt to dissuade him - by telling him, for instance, that only an idiot would believe a BMW SUV could beat a purpose-built drag car - just resulted in heated calls to the suicide hotline and even more foaming at the mouth than usual."
Let us know what your thoughts on the matter are in 'Comments.' Hat tip to Justin E!

[Sources: Jalopy Journal; Car and Driver]

Car and Driver drawing flak over Photoshopped BMW X6 M drag racing pic? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1963 chevy II1963ChevyIi2010 bmw x6 m2010BmwX6Mcar and driverCarAndDriverCDmilan dragwayMilanDragwayphotochoppedphotoshopMon, 05 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Tuner's Delight: Photochopping the Hyundai Genesis Coupe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/23/tuners-delight-photochopping-the-hyundai-genesis-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/23/tuners-delight-photochopping-the-hyundai-genesis-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/23/tuners-delight-photochopping-the-hyundai-genesis-coupe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The buzz surrounding the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe doesn't seem to be waning. We gave you video B-roll, a paper cut-out, and New York Auto Show coverage. Now, we are bringing you unofficial "photochopped" coverage as enthusiasts take the press images and have some fun customizing them.

Take a look at the four nicely done images in the gallery (flat black with light window tint really looks stealth!), and see if you can come up with your own version to add to the mix (we'll upload the stand-outs to our gallery). Realizing the 2.0-liter turbocharged four is begging for mods, what else are you planning to do to your Genesis? Engine tuning, suspension, electronics? We're betting the aftermarket is gearing up already for this all-new rear-wheel-drive coupe. Thanks for the tip, Dave!

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis Photochopped


[Source: 4G63HP]

Tuner's Delight: Photochopping the Hyundai Genesis Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundai genesishyundai genesis conc...hyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisHyundaiGenesisConc...HyundaiGenesisCoupePhotochoppedphotoshopphotoshoppedSun, 23 Mar 2008 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Paint your pre-production Dodge Challenger now]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/paint-your-pre-production-dodge-challenger-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/paint-your-pre-production-dodge-challenger-now/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/paint-your-pre-production-dodge-challenger-now/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bored? Have an unhealthy Dodge Challenger fetish? The same Photoshop fiend that brought us a colored guide to the 2009 Chevy Camaro also created a very cool Challenger paint customizer web tool. Our guy Mike (Rampant on the CamaroZ28 forums) developed the Flash program with options for base color, two-tone, and stripes. There are 13 rich base color choices and millions of resultant combinations from which to choose. You can even change the background from blue skies to a white or black backdrop.

There are expectedly signs of a chop, yet the finished results are much better than even the aforementioned Camaro pics. We took a stab at the tool ourselves, and found it a lot of fun to mess around and create the ugliest Challenger we possibly could. Try it out and let us know what you think after the jump.

Gallery: Challenger-Paint

Paint your pre-production Dodge Challenger now originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy CamaroChevyCamaroChryslerDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerPaint CustomizerPaintCustomizerPhotochop ChallengerPhotochopChallengerPhotoshopTue, 08 Jan 2008 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the 2008 Chrysler 300 Cerberus Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/18/meet-the-2008-chrysler-300-cerberus-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/18/meet-the-2008-chrysler-300-cerberus-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/18/meet-the-2008-chrysler-300-cerberus-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click here for high-res version

It's already been made known that Cerberus Capital Management CEO Stephen Feinberg has already made public that he regrets naming his private equity firm after the mythological three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades. We say, why? Embrace your name and figure out how to use it to your advantage. One Autoblog reader agrees with us, and has created this photoshopped homage to Chrysler Corp.'s new owner called the 300 Cerberus Edition.

The Chrysler 300 has already earned an itimidating reputation, being used as transportation for the Mafia and Secret Service alike in the movies and on television. What could make Chrysler's baby Bentley more terrifying than a proper Cerberus hood ornament in shiny chrome? We think it suits the car and would demand the horn's single pitch be replaced with dog barking sounds.

Meet the 2008 Chrysler 300 Cerberus Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 Cerberus Edition300CerberusEditionbreakingCerberusChrysler 300 Cerberus EditionChrysler Corp.Chrysler300CerberusEditionChryslerCorp.photoshopFri, 18 May 2007 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Lexus GS-F]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/16/rendered-speculation-lexus-gs-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/16/rendered-speculation-lexus-gs-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/16/rendered-speculation-lexus-gs-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,

F, now there's a letter that says high performance, don't it? Lexus must have figured that all the good ones were taken, so why not just go with the first letter of FAST. No doubt, the GS-F will be a rocket. It better be, if it wants to try kicking sand in the face of the M5. The artist's rendering gives a credible estimation of what kind of styling *ahem* enhancements might accompany the increased athleticism in the GS's chassis, and the increased power under the hood. We guess that the GS-F will need to call some attention to itself to help build street cred, but if the actual car looks anything like the rendering, there'll be no stealth bombing for you.

[Source: Paultan.org]

Rendered Speculation: Lexus GS-F originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2007 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series5Seriesbmwfgsgs-flexusm5performancephotochophotoshoprenderingWed, 16 May 2007 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Fool us once: Most recent '08 Impreza shots are photoshops]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/fool-us-once-most-recent-08-impreza-shots-are-photoshops/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/fool-us-once-most-recent-08-impreza-shots-are-photoshops/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/fool-us-once-most-recent-08-impreza-shots-are-photoshops/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've now received our May issue of Motor Trend in the mail and can verify that the 2008 Subaru Impreza does appear on the cover and inside the mag. We can't show you those pictures of the car since they were taken by one of Motor Trend's photographers and are owned by the magazine (though you can view them here). The cover car is a blue model in the new four-door hatchback body style. Yesterday we reported about new pics surfacing over at Inside Line featuring a version of the car in red. While the IL article did provide us with some solid details about the car, the pics that were shown on the site and labeled "Original photo source unknown" have been exposed as photoshopped versions of the images taken by Motor Trend. Go ahead and grab your issue and compare. It's clear that the magazine was scanned, the car selected out, given a new color and pasted on a new background. Looking closely at the IL pics, we're a bit disappointed in ourselves that we didn't catch it sooner.

We're actually pleased at this little turn of events, because it means that there does not yet exist official pics of the 2008 Subaru Impreza in the wild. We've harshed on the styling of the new Impreza a lot here, but are still willing to give it a chance. Perhaps the forgiving eye of Subaru's own in-house photographer can convince us it's not that bad. We'll find out when we arrive in New York next week and pick up our press kit, as well as take our own shots of the new car in person.

Thanks for the tip, Chris!

Fool us once: Most recent '08 Impreza shots are photoshops originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 impreza2008Imprezaphotoshopsubaru imprezaSubaruImprezaThu, 29 Mar 2007 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog's CARS Photochop gallery is complete]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/11/autoblogs-cars-photochop-gallery-is-complete/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/11/autoblogs-cars-photochop-gallery-is-complete/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/11/autoblogs-cars-photochop-gallery-is-complete/#commentsFiled under:


click on image above to view the high-resolution gallery with 61 pics

What started off as a suggestion turned into something much bigger when we politely prodded our readers to submit their own Pixar creations to us using the CARS Photochop guide we posted on January 2nd. In less than 10 days we've received 61 submissions, which is incredible. We were doing well at updating the gallery with your submissions in real time, though that exercise took a back seat this week to our Detroit Auto Show coverage. Today, however, we finally got around to uploading the last batch of pics to complete the gallery.

The quality of submissions is incredible and it looks like everyone had fun anthropomorphizing their daily drivers. What amazed us, however, were the submissions that actually seemed to express the personality of the subject car. The little white Honda S2000 on the track with a giddy grin, the HUMMER H1 with a snorting sneer, and the Gemballa Mirage GT that looks frighteningly overconfident and cocky. In truth, they were all really good, and a special shoutout goes to Mike Warren who submitted four quality designs - the Hugger, C. Exef, General HUMMER and Mater II.

Autoblog's CARS Photochop gallery is complete originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARSgalleryPhotochopPhotoshopPixarThu, 11 Jan 2007 20:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep 'em coming: Pixar CARS Photochop photo gallery grows]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/04/keep-em-coming-pixar-cars-photochop-photo-gallery-grows/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/04/keep-em-coming-pixar-cars-photochop-photo-gallery-grows/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/04/keep-em-coming-pixar-cars-photochop-photo-gallery-grows/#commentsFiled under:


How sweet is that?!?!?! His name's Hugger, created by Michael W.

We love our readers, especially when they send us things that make us happy like the Pixar Cars photochops we've been receiving. For those of you who may have missed it, John posted about to a NASIOC forum thread that laid out the steps necessary to turn a photo of your car 9or any car, for that matter) into a character right out of this past Summer's animated blockbuster, Cars.

John's "Ernie Intercepter" and "Ned Nassau" kicked things off, but it's you guys who've carried the torch from there. We love the creations you're sending, so please send more, and we'll add them to the gallery for the whole world to see. For instructions on how to make your own personal Lightning McQueen, check out the original post here.

Now go have fun and show us what you've got! Email the fruits of your labors to abresearch at gmail dot com to get added to the gallery.

UPDATE: Tons more have been added.

Keep 'em coming: Pixar CARS Photochop photo gallery grows originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>photochopphotoshoppixar carsPixarCarsThu, 04 Jan 2007 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[HOW TO: Photoshop your car into Lightning McQueen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/how-to-photoshop-your-car-into-lightning-mcqueen/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/how-to-photoshop-your-car-into-lightning-mcqueen/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/02/how-to-photoshop-your-car-into-lightning-mcqueen/#commentsFiled under:


click on image above for gallery of high-res images

Every car has a personality, and most of us take that next step and christen our cars with names like Roger, the Powder Blue Thunder Wagon, the Scalded Chicken, and the Jetta Knight (all names of past cars I've owned). After watching Pixar's computer animated opus to the automobile, CARS, we know have demonstrable proof that cars can smile, wink and express all the emotions on their front fascias that their owners do. But until now, coaxing the personality out of your car in a visible way hasn't really been an option. Thanks to psychochild on the North American Subaru Imrpeza Owners Club forum, we now can all infuse our daily drivers with the personality of Lightning McQueen and Sally Carrera. The only tools you'll need are Photoshop and the courage to use it. psychochild's instructions are straightforward and can be followed by even the newest of noobs. Even we could do it, as is evident by Ernie Intercepter and Ned Nassau (check the gallery).

If you take the challenge to Pixar your own car, send the results to abresearch at gmail dot com and we'll publish them in our gallery.

[Source: NASIOC.com]

Continue reading HOW TO: Photoshop your car into Lightning McQueen

HOW TO: Photoshop your car into Lightning McQueen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARSphotoshoppixarTue, 02 Jan 2007 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Introducing the 2008 Cadillac CTS... courtesy of Photoshop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/27/introducing-the-2008-cadillac-cts-courtesy-of-photoshop/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/27/introducing-the-2008-cadillac-cts-courtesy-of-photoshop/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/27/introducing-the-2008-cadillac-cts-courtesy-of-photoshop/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click on image to enlarge

Autoblog reader Michael C. swears that someone besides himself must've come up with this bright idea before, but we can say as a matter of fact this is the first one we've seen. Michael took the teaser image General Motors released this month of Bob Lutz and Ed Welburn pulling the covers back every so slightly on the yet-to-be-released 2008 Cadillac CTS. Lutz yanked the sheet back just enough, however, to give us all a clear view of half of the car's front end. Since vehicles are generally symmetrical, Michael had the bright idea of squaring up the shot and flipping the one side over to reveal the full face of the 2008 Cadillac CTS in all its glory, and without breaking any embargoes. Well done, Michael.

Introducing the 2008 Cadillac CTS... courtesy of Photoshop originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008cadillacCTSphotoshopWed, 27 Dec 2006 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Photochop Fun: Mercury saved by Mondeo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/friday-photochop-fun-mercury-saved-by-mondeo/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/friday-photochop-fun-mercury-saved-by-mondeo/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/08/friday-photochop-fun-mercury-saved-by-mondeo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click on image to enlarge

This nicely done Photochop of a Mercury-badged Ford Mondeo was sent in to us by Autoblog reader Galvin, which is funny because it's the second Photochop of a Mercury-badged Ford Mondeo we've received from readers this week. The quality of Galvin's pixel painting got us thinking about amending our comments in the past about what Ford should do with Mercury, which you can read here. Seeing this makes you wonder whether such a vehicle could actually do anything to not just stop Mercury's slide, but bring back the brand we'd all like to succeed but just don't expect to. It's a nice thought, and frankly we'd entertain a lot of crazy notions that would result in Ford's new Mondeo being sold in the U.S., but then reality kicks in and we remember the Mercury Milan, which shares its platform and a lot of other stuff with the Ford Fusion and Lincoln Zephyr. The Mondeo would likely never become a rebadged Mercury because the Fusion triplets are actually selling well as a whole. Also, such a vehicle would likely cannibalize sales from the Fusion and MKZ were all three to be sold in the same market.

Nevertheless, something has to be done about Mercury and its overreliance on poorly-rebadged Ford products. With General Motors officially announcing the Saturn Astra yesterday and completing that brand's transformation into an almost all-Opel lineup, we wonder whether or not the same thing couldn't be done with Mercury, at least in the case of the Mondeo. Bringing over your best cars from Europe to save that slipping brand in the homeland seems to be working for GM, perhaps Ford should follow suit.

Friday Photochop Fun: Mercury saved by Mondeo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Dec 2006 19:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mercurymondeophotochopphotoshopFri, 08 Dec 2006 19:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Revitalization in Action posts dream Saab lineup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/revitalization-in-action-posts-dream-saab-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/revitalization-in-action-posts-dream-saab-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/06/revitalization-in-action-posts-dream-saab-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


click on image to enlarge

The GM Inside News forum members who conjured up a dream Buick lineup for their project titled Revitalization in Action have come back again with a turnaround plan for Saab. GMI member ChevroletRevived collaborated with fellow forum member fbodyrules, who supplied the Photoshop skills, to dream up a new line of Saabs on which the quirky Swedish brand should, in their opinion, adopt if it hopes to save itself from being sold or axed altogether.

The lineup includes a 9-1 small luxury vehicle along the lines of the Volvo C30 and Audi A3; a refreshened 9-3 with cues from the Aero X that allow the brand's volume seller to carry on another four years before an Epsilon II-based model is ready; a 9-4X small CUV that will compete with the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Audi's upcoming Q5; a new 9-5 based on the Epsilon II platform (shown above); another version of the Lambda platform for the 9-7X replacement called the 9-6x; and finally a true luxury brand flagship in the new 9-9x sedan.

In true Saab form, the GMI guys have placed various turbo powerplants in all the models, ranging from the 1.8t in the 9-1 to the 480-hp, turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 in the 9-9x Aero. They also aim to keep Saab on the cutting edge by having GM offer its two-mode hybrid system in various models with the brand's BioPower motor that can run on gas or ethanol. Clearly a common design theme has been executed across this entire fictitious lineup that draws heavily from the Aero X concept, as well. Their designs are fetching, their product planning is thorough, and the end result is the most mainstream and attractive Saab lineup ever dreamed up. The question now is, will it remain a dream?

Follow the Read link to peruse the supposed future of Saab and let us know if you think these guys are on the right flight path or have totally veered off course.

[Source: GM Inside News]

Revitalization in Action posts dream Saab lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9-19-39-4x9-59-6x9-9dream linupDreamLinupphotoshoprevitalization in actionRevitalizationInActionRIAMon, 06 Nov 2006 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Digimods: One photochopper's labor of love]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/20/digimods-one-photochoppers-labor-of-love/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/20/digimods-one-photochoppers-labor-of-love/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/20/digimods-one-photochoppers-labor-of-love/#commentsFiled under:



Peter Smith is a 20-year-old Brit who happens to be a big-time car enthusiast and an avid photochopper. His website, Digimods, is an online showcase of his work. Currently, he has 211 finished projects on display, including the sweet Lexus IS coupe shown above.

Everything is fair game. As such, you'll find disparate creations like a Vauxhall panel van converted into a lowrider ice cream truck, a 1980s-era Nissan March reimagined as a widebodied rear-driver, an Audi A6 Avant that's been slammed and turned into a 3-door, and many more. Smith lets his imagination run wild, and more often than not, the results are a lot of fun to behold.

Aspiring 'choppers can learn from Smith as well, by having a gander at his online Photoshopper's Bible, which is loaded with invaluable tutorials for virtual modders. It's an outstanding resource from an equally outstanding and entertaining website. We can't wait to see what Peter dreams up next.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Digimods: One photochopper's labor of love originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Aug 2006 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digimodspeter smithPeterSmithphotochopphotochopperphotoshopphotoshopperphotoshopper's biblePhotoshopper'sBiblevirtual carsVirtualCarsSun, 20 Aug 2006 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[First official shots of Mercedes-Benz C-Class?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/31/first-official-shots-of-mercedes-benz-c-class-probably-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/31/first-official-shots-of-mercedes-benz-c-class-probably-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/31/first-official-shots-of-mercedes-benz-c-class-probably-not/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Car Connection's TCC Confidential blog claims to have received in its email box this morning some pics of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class that expose what the car will look like when it's officially unveiled at next year's Geneva Motor Show. Hmm... we're going to go out on a limb here and say that it's a bit early for official shots to find their way onto the web and that we're probably looking at some nicely done Photochops. Time will certainly tell which is the case, but the lack of badging on the rear and the CLS-sourced five-spoke wheels suggest these pics aren't the real deal. Regardless, what we do see is a beefier C-Class with those large five-spoke wheels, a wide lower air intake running the length of the front and CLS-inspired headlamps. We actually see a bit of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage in the taillights (rear shot after the jump), but we've been known to see things that aren't actually there and are currently taking medication for that.

[Source: TCC Confidential]

Continue reading First official shots of Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

First official shots of Mercedes-Benz C-Class? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C-ClassMercedesphotoshopMon, 31 Jul 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari chooses gamer-designed concept for Test Drive Unlimited]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/atari-chooses-gamer-designed-concept-for-test-drive-unlimited/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/atari-chooses-gamer-designed-concept-for-test-drive-unlimited/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/24/atari-chooses-gamer-designed-concept-for-test-drive-unlimited/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Atari's newest title, Test Drive Unlimited, will allow gamers to choose from some of the most sought after rides of the last decade. Included in the 90 licensed cars and bikes available for virtual flogging will be David Sichtermann's four-wheeled, mighty-morphin' one-seater. Judging by the above illustration, the prototype will have the ability to change its wheel placement depending on the desired driving style, moving further out for back-road bombin and tucking for high-speed cruising.

Over 100 designs were submitted to the Atari website and voted on over the course of a month and a half. To reward Mr. Sichtermann's creativity and fortitude he will be receiving a $2,500 cash prize, which he intends on putting towards his art school tuition.

Check out the stellar runner-ups after the jump, any one of which would look right at home on your XBox 360.

[Source: Atari]

Continue reading Atari chooses gamer-designed concept for Test Drive Unlimited

Atari chooses gamer-designed concept for Test Drive Unlimited originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jul 2006 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricar designerCarDesignerillustrationphotoshopprototypeTest Drive UnlimitedTestDriveUnlimitedvideo gameVideoGameXBox 360Xbox360Mon, 24 Jul 2006 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Fans design dream lineups for GM brands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/fans-design-dream-lineups-for-gm-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/fans-design-dream-lineups-for-gm-brands/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/06/fans-design-dream-lineups-for-gm-brands/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The dedicated General Motors supporters at GMInsideNews are tired of waiting for GM to come up with the compelling model lineups that will propel its brands back to market leadership, so they've taken matters into their own hands, with a minisite called Revitalization in Action.

The first marque to receive the group's revitalization efforts is Buick, once tagged by Bob Lutz as one of GM's "damaged brands." The GMI group's product ideas are based on an encyclopedic knowledge of GM drivetrain and chassis architectures, as well as finely tuned Photoshop skills, and include the Buick Roadmaster Coupe shown above - theoretically based on GM's new Zeta RWD platform and proposed for a 2009 rollout as a next generation Lucerne. (We have to admit, the storied Roadmaster name carries much more weight than Lucerne...)

Read about the rest of the Buick dream lineup here, and stay tuned for the group's efforts for GM's other brands.

[Source: GMInsideNews]

Fans design dream lineups for GM brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jul 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm inside newsGmInsideNewsLucernePhotochopPhotoshopRoadmasterThu, 06 Jul 2006 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Is a four-door Pontiac G5 in the works for the U.S.?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/is-a-four-door-pontiac-g5-in-the-works-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/is-a-four-door-pontiac-g5-in-the-works-for-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/is-a-four-door-pontiac-g5-in-the-works-for-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We at Autoblog love our eagle-eyed readers. From pointing out any spelling/grammar gaffes in our posts, to sending in cameraphone spyshots unsolicited, our site wouldn't be as good a product as it is without your help. But sometimes, your attention to detail and command of minutia can even scare surprise a jaded bunch like us.

So it is with tipster Neal M, who clearly has way too much free time lives and breathes cars as much as we do. How else to explain the fact that he's pointed out a possible snafu and/or future product teaser in General Motors' new Pontiac G5 microsite on the basis of an extra couple of switches?

Scan the photo above. See anything unusual? Neither did we, at least upon first glance. But as Neal M correctly points out, there's a set of rear window toggles- odd, considering the G5 is only slated to be available as a coupe when it arrives this August.

So what gives? Did GM's people just Photoshop a Pontiac badge on a Chevrolet Cobalt sedan's interior photograph? Or (more likely), did they just use a stock shot of the Canadian-market G5 Pursuit, where the re-schnozzed Cobalt can be had in two or four door configuration? Either way, should anything be divined from this apparent slip-up?

Okay... so it's probably nothing. But we're suckers for a good conspiracy theory.

Click on the photo above for a higher-resolution image, or check out the company's site to see for yourself by following the link below.

[Source: Pontiac]

(Tip-top, Neal M!)

 

Is a four-door Pontiac G5 in the works for the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>badge engineeringBadgeEngineeringChevrolet CobaltChevroletCobaltChevy CobaltChevyCobaltG5photoshopPontiacPursuitThu, 01 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[More fun with Photoshop at MonsterMonster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/more-fun-with-photoshop-at-monstermonster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/more-fun-with-photoshop-at-monstermonster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/more-fun-with-photoshop-at-monstermonster/#commentsFiled under: ,



Judging from your positive comments on our post highlighting the digital designs of André Schaefer at CWW Designs, we thought we'd bring to your attention another site along the same lines. MonsterMonster is a monthly e-zine (remember those?) that features reader submitted Photoshop renderings of cars in various states of tune. Many of the photochop jobs even exhibit the original source picture as a comparison, like the Corvette Z06 shown above. We particularly enjoyed the "Competitions" section in which amateur artists throw their hats in the ring each month for nothing more than pride and the respect of their peers.

[Source: MonsterMonster via GermanCarBlog]

More fun with Photoshop at MonsterMonster originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 May 2006 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptconcept carConceptCarmonstermonsterphotoshoprenderingsport compactsport tuneSportCompactSportTunetuneSun, 21 May 2006 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Looking for something in a Chevrolet Caprice Estate? CWW Designs is happy to oblige]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/looking-for-something-in-a-chevrolet-caprice-estate-cww-designs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/looking-for-something-in-a-chevrolet-caprice-estate-cww-designs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/looking-for-something-in-a-chevrolet-caprice-estate-cww-designs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The advent of photo manipulation programs like Adobe Photoshop have ushered in an era where its quite often hard to distinguish between fact and fiction-- sheet metal and pixelated musings of digital airbrush artists. For some publications, it's even an opportunity to fudge spy shots into convincing 'artist's renderings' purporting to represent future models. But for others like André Schaefer of CWW Designs, it's an automotive art that allows one's creative juices to flow, if only to create a virtual dream garage.

The Chevrolet Caprice Estate seen above is but one example of Schaefer's work. The Koln, Germany based artist has a whole library of virtual vehicles based on production models, 'blue sky' future concepts and vintage classics.

As Schaefer has been on the photo manipulation scene for quite some time now, Autoblog readers may have already seen some of his handiwork, but as he's constantly adding new designs, the CWW website is absolutely worth a second look.

Click through to the jump for more of Schaefer's work, along with a link to his website.

[Source: CWW Designs]

Continue reading Looking for something in a Chevrolet Caprice Estate? CWW Designs is happy to oblige

Looking for something in a Chevrolet Caprice Estate? CWW Designs is happy to oblige originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andre SchaeferAndreSchaeferCapriceCaprice EstateCapriceEstateChevroletChevyCitroenCWW DesignsCwwDesignsFerrariFiskerM6MustangPhotoshopPlymouthPlymouth FuryPlymouthFuryThu, 18 May 2006 11:56:00 EST