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[REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-renault-to-relaunch-gordini-performance-brand-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-renault-to-relaunch-gordini-performance-brand-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-renault-to-relaunch-gordini-performance-brand-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While it may seem like an inopportune time to exhume a performance marque, that's just what Renault is up to, says Car. According to the U.K. glossy, Renault will relaunch the Gordini brand in Europe next year with a new Twingo variant. You may recall that it was recently revealed that the French automaker's plans to bring back its storied Alpine product line has been axed, but the decades-dormant Gordini is apparently a different matter altogether.

The new lineup of hot hatches will slot in above current Renaultsport offerings, with the aforementioned Twingo reportedly being followed by Clio and Megane Coupe models. Like the Gordini-tuned cars of yore, the new models are tipped to wear blue paint and white stripes along with various performance upgrades that will make them a likely foil to Fiat's reborn Abarth lineup.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbarthAlpinecar magazineCarMagazinecliofiatGordinihot hatchHotHatchmegane coupeMeganeCoupeRenaultrenault alpineRenaultAlpineRenaultsportTwingoFri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Renault's Alpine revival is D.O.A.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/renault-alpine-revivial-is-doa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/renault-alpine-revivial-is-doa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/26/renault-alpine-revivial-is-doa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Just like that, it's over. Renault had been working on bringing back the Alpine nameplate with a sports car being co-developed as the Nissan 200SX. But according to Autocar, economic strain has led to the vaporization of both programs, even though development was quite far along. Rumors have been swirling for a long time about the revival of the Alpine offshoot, with a mid-mounted engine driving the rear wheels, or even sharing Nissan's 370Z platform. There seems to be no return to the planning for now, so we'll just keep gazing dreamily at past Alpines until something new pops up.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Renault's Alpine revival is D.O.A. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinerenaultrenault alpinerenault alpine cancelledrenault alpine conceptrenault cancelledRenaultAlpineRenaultAlpineCancelledRenaultAlpineConceptRenaultCancelledThu, 26 Feb 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Brazilian student dreams up new Renault Alpine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/rendered-speculation-brazilian-student-dreams-up-new-renault-al/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/rendered-speculation-brazilian-student-dreams-up-new-renault-al/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/rendered-speculation-brazilian-student-dreams-up-new-renault-al/#comments
Click above for a high-res gallery of Marcello Felipe Maggioni's Renault New Alpine

Between the GT-R and the Z-car, Nissan has a rich history of fine sportscars. However, its French sister company is another story. Since discontinuing the Alpine in 1996, Renault's sporting spirit has had to subside on hot hatches and in its F1 program. Remarkable as they are, the French automaker has been working on bringing back the Alpine sportscar line, with a new model anticipated to debut sometime next year. That's a long way off, if you ask Brazilian design student Marcello Felipe Maggioni. So he's come up with a design of his own for the new Alpine.

The concept is characterized by a chopped-down greenhouse and low-slung headlamps, creating a wedge shape similar in style to the Lexus LF-A. Maggioni based the design around a mid-engine layout, with a homologated street-legal version of the high-revving 2.4-liter V8 from the Renault F1 car. Of course this is well beyond what Renault might actually produce to revive the Alpine nameplate, but if you're going to dream, why not dream big?

Gallery: Renault New Alpine concept by Marcello Felipe


[Source: Serious Wheels]

Rendered Speculation: Brazilian student dreams up new Renault Alpine originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinealpine conceptAlpineConceptmarcello felipe maggionimarcello maggioniMarcelloFelipeMaggioniMarcelloMaggionirenaultrenault alpinerenault alpine conceptRenaultAlpineRenaultAlpineConceptFri, 16 Jan 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-alpine-keeps-in-touch-with-ipod-users/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-alpine-keeps-in-touch-with-ipod-users/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/ces-2009-alpine-keeps-in-touch-with-ipod-users/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Alpine has had iPod compatibility for years, but the user interface has been decidedly un-Apple. Alpine hopes to rectify matter with its new touch-screen iXA-W404 unit works, which boasts a new interface, new features and all the connected goodies audiophiles on the move require.

iPod and iPhone owners will notice that the Alpine's 4.3-inch, touch-screen face displays album art of the current song, and the names of the next two and most recent songs played. Song selection can be made from an alphabetical list just as on the iPod Touch and iPhone or by flipping through the album art in an animation similar to Apple's Cover Flow. Alpine's newest unit also supports video playback from an iPhone or any 30-pin iPod. W404 owners can choose to display three of five "widgets" included with the unit, which include a clock, calendar and photo viewer. The unit can be upgraded by adding components from Alpine's lineup, ranging from GPS, HD Radio, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The W404 head unit can even control video display on rear-seat monitors.

The 2DIN iXA-W404 will be available in April for a suggested retail of $550. Alpine's HD radio tuner is a $230 add-on, the rear-view camera system is $220, the Bluetooth module is $180, navigation capability is $350 and a dual seven-inch headrest monitor package is $750.

Gallery: CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users

Continue reading CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users

CES 2009: Alpine keeps in touch with iPod users originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinealpine cover flowalpine iphonealpine ipodalpine touch screenAlpineCoverFlowAlpineIphoneAlpineIpodAlpineTouchScreencesces 2009Ces2009ixa-404touch screen alpinetouch screen audioTouchScreenAlpineTouchScreenAudioTue, 13 Jan 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Renault Alpine could be based off Nissan 370Z]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/rumormill-renault-alpine-could-be-based-off-nissan-370z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/rumormill-renault-alpine-could-be-based-off-nissan-370z/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/26/rumormill-renault-alpine-could-be-based-off-nissan-370z/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that Nissan might be tapped to provide a platform and drivetrain.

The director of Renaultsport supposedly sat down with CarTribe to discuss the future of the automaker's high-performance offerings and when asked if a new Alpine model could be based off the Nissan GT-R, he denied it, instead hinting at the use of Nissan's FM platform that underpins the G37 coupe, G35 sedan and upcoming Nissan 370Z. The new model could be more geared towards track duty, with a serious diet and some tweaks to the drivetrain.

While the revival of Alpine is primarily a way for Renault to capitalize on its participation in F1, a Nissan-based model would all but negate such an effort. Then again, with 60 new models expected to come from Renault and Nissan in the next four years, the automaker will use any platform it can get its hands on to expand its lineup.

[Source: CarTribe]

Rumormill: Renault Alpine could be based off Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>370zalpinenissanrenaultSat, 26 Jul 2008 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Scarlet Slopes: Ferrari ski equipment by Dynastar-Lange]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/25/scarlet-slopes-ferrari-ski-equipment-by-dynastar-lange/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/25/scarlet-slopes-ferrari-ski-equipment-by-dynastar-lange/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/25/scarlet-slopes-ferrari-ski-equipment-by-dynastar-lange/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're looking to inject some octane into your winter-time outdoor activities and the Saab/Salomon Aero X skis are just too Scandinavian for your tastes, there's good news from the front. The latest in the war on "ordinary" products from the central command in Maranello: Ferrari skis from winter-sport equipment manufacturer Dynastar-Lange.

While some of Ferrari's branding exercises have amounted to little more than a coat of red paint, Dynastar's special downhill planks offer a little more in the way of street cred. They're designed by Pininfarina, the same Italian styling house that pens the Ferrari road cars. They're also made of carbon fiber and employ Dynastar's Autodrive Fluid ski and binding system. (And they're painted red.)

Because image-conscious skiers know the shame of their boots not matching their skis, Dynastar-Lange offers Ferrari boots to boot. No word on pricing, but the limited edition Race Carve GS skis they effectively replace sold for a hair under three grand. The Dynastars come with carbon fiber ski poles and a special ski bag to let everyone know how special your skis are on your way to the slopes.

[Source: Dynastar-Lange and Sybarites]

Scarlet Slopes: Ferrari ski equipment by Dynastar-Lange originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinedownhilldynastarferrarilangeskiTue, 25 Dec 2007 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Saab and Salomon take the Aero X concept to the slopes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/saab-and-salomon-take-the-aero-x-concept-to-the-slopes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/saab-and-salomon-take-the-aero-x-concept-to-the-slopes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/saab-and-salomon-take-the-aero-x-concept-to-the-slopes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It could be their unmistakably Nordic appeal, but if you head to any respectable ski resort, you're likely to see a fair few Saabs with roof-racks in the parking lots, next to Volvo wagons (but very few Koenigseggs). In partnership with winter-sport equipment giant Salomon, Saab has been sponsoring a number of snow-capped alpine events since 2001. Now the two Scandinavian companies have launched a special set of downhill skis in celebration of both their 60th anniversaries, Saab and Salomon having each been founded in 1947.

The fiberglass and graphite skis pay homage to the Saab Aero X concept car unveiled at the 2006 Geneva show. They feature an innovative "hybrid axle" system that put the power down at the rear and optimize turning control at the front. The Salomon Aero X skis sell for $1000 a pair, and the two companies hope to cooperate further in the future, but somehow we don't see a 9-3 wagon running on skis instead of wheels seeing production anytime soon.

[Source: Inside Line]

Saab and Salomon take the Aero X concept to the slopes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aero xAeroXalpinedownhillsaabsalomonskissportswinterFri, 21 Dec 2007 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault Alpine coming in 2010 with midship turbo-power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/renault-alpine-coming-in-2010-with-midship-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/renault-alpine-coming-in-2010-with-midship-turbo-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/29/renault-alpine-coming-in-2010-with-midship-turbo-power/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Renault hasn't done much to tap into its Formula One successes, nor has it provided credible competition to the RX-8s and 350Zs of the world. That's all going to change come 2010. Renault is expected to revive the much-loved Alpine name and slap it on the back of two-door coupe powered by a turbocharged engine mounted amidships. AutoExpress has it on good authority that designers are wrapping up the exterior and that a Megane-bodied mule caught testing on the Nurburgring is actually the new Alpine being put through its paces. Renault is confident that the new coupe won't go the way of the Sport Spider that was dropped in 1997 after it was maligned for offering little refinement and even less practicality. We're hoping to see the Alpine make its concept debut in Paris next year.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Renault Alpine coming in 2010 with midship turbo-power originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpineparisparis motor showParisMotorShowrenaultrenault alpineRenaultAlpineThu, 29 Nov 2007 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault to revive Alpine name for "radical" new sports car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/08/renault-to-revive-alpine-name-for-radical-new-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/08/renault-to-revive-alpine-name-for-radical-new-sports-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/08/renault-to-revive-alpine-name-for-radical-new-sports-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault is working on not one, but a whole line of new sportscars to add to its current line-up of hatchbacks and minivans. Our European brethren aren't likely to see anything within the next three years - despite earlier rumors that a small roadster would be coming in 2009 - as Renault has a couple dozen new models making their debut before the end of the decade. But when they do come, the French automaker promises the line will include a "radical sports car" - their words, not ours.

The presence of sportier models in the Renault line-up would give the French automaker a better opportunity to capitalize on its Formula One prowess, having won two back-to-back world championships with Fernando Alonso and trying desperately to get back to the winner's circle again. While other front-running F1 teams like Ferrari and McLaren put their F1 tech into supercars like the 430 Scuderia and SLR respectively, Renault's titles get translated to the road through considerably more modest hatchbacks.

Rather than coming up with a new name for its "radical sports car", Renault will reportedly jump on the retro-nameplate bandwagon and revive the classic Alpine brand for its new sportier models.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Renault to revive Alpine name for "radical" new sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinecarrenaultsportsMon, 08 Oct 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2007: Alpine debuts the Mercedes RLS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/ces-2007-alpine-debuts-the-mercedes-rls/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/ces-2007-alpine-debuts-the-mercedes-rls/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/08/ces-2007-alpine-debuts-the-mercedes-rls/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UPDATE: Click here for Alpine's unveiling of the RLS

Click the image above for a full gallery.

Alpine is well known for their great-sounding home and car electronics. They're also known for their, um, shockingly overdone show cars. You might remember last year's Sinister Six. This year Alpine started with a Mercedes R350 on which to build a showcase their new gadgets. Gary Bell looked to the CLS's roofline as inspiration for the beginnings of Alpine's RLS. From there he borrowed from Bentley and other classic marques for design cues trying to keep this year's car as classy as possible. "We started out saying we wouldn't do anything on this car we wouldn't do on a Bentley," a proud Gary said immediately after the unveiling. The radically altered R class rides on 30" wheels wrapped with Pirelli rubber.

Make the jump for the rest of the story.

Be sure to check out the gallery for 50 images of the RLS.

Continue reading CES 2007: Alpine debuts the Mercedes RLS

CES 2007: Alpine debuts the Mercedes RLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlpineAlpine cesAlpine mercedes rlsalpine show caralpine show car cesAlpineCesAlpineMercedesRlsAlpineShowCarAlpineShowCarCesmercedes rlsMercedesRlsrlsrls cesRlsCesMon, 08 Jan 2007 16:03:00 EST<![CDATA[New small Rover packs big audio punch: Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 debuts on LR2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/24/new-small-rover-packs-big-audio-punch-dolby-pro-logic-ii-7-1-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/24/new-small-rover-packs-big-audio-punch-dolby-pro-logic-ii-7-1-de/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/24/new-small-rover-packs-big-audio-punch-dolby-pro-logic-ii-7-1-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Land Rover, Land Rover, send surround sound over! Land Rover's all-new Freelander, to be dubbed LR2 Stateside, will be the first-ever vehicle to use Dolby(R) Pro Logic II(R) 7.1 surround sound. Sure, almost all vehicles have a rudimentary version of surround sound with speakers taking residence in dashboards, rear decks and door panels, but this is the real deal. With 14 speakers including a center channel, rear surrounds and a subwoofer, it promises home theater-like audio presentations.

Alpine developed the system with 440 watts of power, fiber optic connectors and an iPod jack to keep everyone happy. The new LR2, built on the global Ford EUCD platform, with its new transverse straight-six, better off-road capabilities, and this killer sound system should make the all-new baby Rover a pretty attractive package starting around $33,000 when it goes on sale in the Spring.

(Full press release with additional component pics after the jump.)

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading New small Rover packs big audio punch: Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 debuts on LR2

New small Rover packs big audio punch: Dolby Pro Logic II 7.1 debuts on LR2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Aug 2006 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlpineaudiodolbyLR2RoversurroundThu, 24 Aug 2006 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Aftermarket auto parts now a $34B business in the US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/aftermarket-auto-parts-now-a-34b-business-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/aftermarket-auto-parts-now-a-34b-business-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/aftermarket-auto-parts-now-a-34b-business-in-the-us/#commentsFiled under: ,

Showing yet another year of strong growth, the specialty-equipment aftermarket parts business grew by 9 percent in 2005 to end up at $34.3B. That's nearly double the size of the market ten years ago, and in each of those years, the auto aftermarket has grown at a faster rate than the US Gross Domestic Product.

As SEMA points out, the automotive aftermarket in the US now rivals book sales, the pet-care industry, and the coffee business, and is even larger than the global athletic-shoe market. Yeah, sure, everyone needs Starbucks and comfy shoes, but apparently there's just as much demand for mobile audio, nitrous systems, and big wheels.

[Source: SEMA]

Aftermarket auto parts now a $34B business in the US originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpineclariondaytondubsedelbrockholleynitrous expressnitrous oxideNitrousOxidenosNXrockford fosgateFri, 09 Jun 2006 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Wards names industry's top interiors, features]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/08/wards-names-industrys-top-interiors-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/08/wards-names-industrys-top-interiors-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/08/wards-names-industrys-top-interiors-features/#commentsFiled under:

Wards Auto World magazine has come through with its 'Best Interior and Interior Features' awards for the seventh time, which lauds vehicles, manufacturers and suppliers for creating compelling interiors and individual features (e.g. navigation and sound systems, seats, and the all important cup holder).

The big winners?  In Ward's dozen overall interior categories, General Motors took home four awards, Ford's portfolio chimed in with three, and Audi collected a pair.

In terms of killer apps, DaimlerChrysler grabbed six, Ford chipped in with five, and General Motors brought home four. Audi and Honda grabbed a trio, and Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota grabbed one each.

The winners were determined by a pool of 69 car scribes and 991 industry authorities.

A complete list of the categories and winners follows at the jump, along with a link to the official press release.

[Sources: Auto Interiors Show via PRNewswire; DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading Wards names industry's top interiors, features

Wards names industry's top interiors, features originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlpineThu, 08 Jun 2006 12:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Alpine Electronics launches XM Radio Navtraffic receiver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/11/alpine-electronics-launches-xm-radio-navtraffic-receiver/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/11/alpine-electronics-launches-xm-radio-navtraffic-receiver/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/11/alpine-electronics-launches-xm-radio-navtraffic-receiver/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've all been there - you've just zipped past the last exit for a couple of miles on your morning commute, you sail over a rise and find... brake lights, as far as the eye can see. If only you'd known the jam was there, you could have taken that exit. If only... Well, here's a gadget that can help!

Alpine Electronics launched this week a new XM Satellite Radio XM Navtraffic data receiver module, the HCE-100XM. Connected to the equally evocatively-named NVE-N872A Alpine nav system (pictured), the new unit provides continuously updated traffic information on top of the nav system's turn-by-turn directions.

Traffic coverage is currently available in 31 major U.S. metro areas (by subscription). Traffic alerts include:
  • color-coded traffic congestion levels along major highways
  • incident icons along the route, for congestion-causing traffic accidents or road construction
  • re-routing options for faster, more efficient routes.

Go to alpine-usa.com for more info.

[via CNet]

Alpine Electronics launches XM Radio Navtraffic receiver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 May 2006 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpinealpine electronicsalpine nav systemnav systemnavigation systemtraffic dataxm radioxm satelliteThu, 11 May 2006 15:32:00 EST