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Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos]

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW, Honda, Mini, Subaru, Volvo, Humor

Happy April, everyone. And we all know what this first day of the month means: April Fools' Day. Today is a national holiday for pranksters with the Internet acting as a serious enabler, and it's always fun to see what kind of vivid imaginations exist out there in the automotive world. The abundance of fake news gets a little old as the day rolls on, but we did manage to get in a few chuckles thanks to a handful of major automakers and automotive news outlets that got into the pranking spirit this year

Some of our favorites this year includes Subaru showing what happens when you combine a bunch of rumors, a Corvette some may have already thought was a joke or Honda providing some in-car innovation circa the late 1980s. Honestly, we're still waiting for official confirmation from Mitsubishi that the recently introduced 2014 Mirage is an elaborate April Fools' joke using a failed design intended for the 1995 Geo Metro. We dug up as much "official" OEM foolishness we could find, as well as some of our other favorites, and posted them all below.

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Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc., Technology, BMW, Chevrolet, Honda, Mini, Subaru, Humor

It's that time of year again. April Fools' came and went over the weekend, and a handful of the world's automakers joined in on a little Spring time fun. From intelligent anti-theft devices and TSA-inspired driver aids to automated NASCAR racers and high-performance hybrids, this year's raft of pranks were as good as any we've seen in past years. With April 1 falling on a Sunday, we saw fewer wise-cracking creations than before, but that didn't spoil the fun, so we thought we'd recap them for your enjoyment.

Mini took the cake this year with the company's Cowley Caravan and Swindon Roof Top Tent. The automaker went through the trouble of working up a full press release, complete with 20 photos and translations into a wide range of languages. We'll admit to being a little disappointed when we discovered the add-ons were a clever rouse. We'll just have to scrap our plans for a Mini safari. For now.

Hit the jump to see more April foolishness.

Continue reading Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video]

Automotive April Fools' joke roundup [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belated April Fools? Audi A5 leans into corners like a motorcycle [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Audi

This Audi A5 thinks it's a motorcycle - Click above to watch video after the jump

We recently tried to find all the April Fools-related automotive items that the Internet served up for 2011. We thought we had 'em all... but we may have just found one more to add to the list, courtesy of Spanish-language site Cochesafondo.com.

It reports that Audi is working on a suspension system that allows a car to lean into a turn. It's installed the setup into an A5, prompting a pair of engineers to bring a very stable cup of coffee along for a test ride. Of course, one bump and your lap would be pain soup regardless of the suspension being tested.

Click past the jump to watch the clip. Then sound off in the Comments and let us know if you think this is real or not.

[Source: Youtube via Cocheafondo.com]

Continue reading Belated April Fools? Audi A5 leans into corners like a motorcycle [w/video]

Belated April Fools? Audi A5 leans into corners like a motorcycle [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Accord Crosstour Cabriolet coming to take on Nissan's topless Murano

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Honda, Design/Style

Honda Accord Crosstour Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image

Are unconventional droptops becoming the darling of the automotive industry? Honda is evidently paying close attention to the new Murano CrossCabriolet from Nissan, and apparently it likes what it sees. Historically averse to convertibles (small-volume jobs like the S2000 excluded), the Japanese automaker now plans to offer a soft-top CUV of its own, and the unlikely choice for a roofectomy is the slow-selling Honda Accord Crosstour.

Unimaginatively dubbed the Accord Crosstour Cabriolet, this convertible features a two-plus-two interior seating arrangement and unlimited headroom. Under the hood sits the familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine, which produces 271 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. Like the fixed-roof Crosstour, the Cabriolet will be offered with front- and all-wheel drive, giving it more configurablility than the AWD-only Murano. Like the Nissan, the cabrio conversion has resulted in two fewer doors and the merciful exclusion of a basket-handle structural support. Oddly, to our eyes, the Crosstour Cabriolet almost looks more attractive than the hunchbacked hardtop - at least with the top down.

When it goes on sale this summer, the Honda Accord Crosstour Cabriolet will sit atop the Crosstour's pricing structure. The fully-loaded Crosstour we reviewed in 2010 had a sticker price of $36,930, so expect the convertible to come in right at a stitch over the $40K mark. That's a bit less than the $47,190 Nissan wants for its Murano CrossCab.

Continue reading Honda Accord Crosstour Cabriolet coming to take on Nissan's topless Murano

Honda Accord Crosstour Cabriolet coming to take on Nissan's topless Murano originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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April Fools' Day: The celebration of getting duped, auto style

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

Feeling Foolish? Click any image to enlarge

Yeah, you know what day it is. Ever since Chaucer's Canterbury Tales in 1392, the world has considered April 1st to be the day the gullible are tricked. Not surprisingly, even the normally staid suits at automakers take time out from their busy schedules to have some fun on April Fools' day. We've gathered together a list of some of the best prank press releases we've seen today and compiled them here for your viewing enjoyment.

Two of our favorites come from Bavaria. Both BMW and Mini got in on the fun today, with BMW releasing its new Political Roundel Attachment Tag (PRAT), "a highly stylised limited edition accessory of the BMW product portfolio and comes available in the colours of all major UK parties." These tags showed up "after boffins at BMW offered other award winning innovations such as Canine Repellant Alloy Protection that stopped dogs relieving themselves on customers' wheels, Magnetic Tow Technology, the ultimate in tailgating tech, and BMW Instant Messaging which let owners know what they really thought of other road users."

Mini, for its part, has just announced an innovative new MINIMagic paint system that allows "owners to change the exterior color of their vehicle as often as they change their mood." Professor Lirpa Loof, Head of Exterior Aesthetics and Paint Finishes at MINI USA, added: "MINIMagic will bring a whole new meaning to the concept of car cleaning and restoration. As easily carried out as a wash and a wipe, our owners can have a 'new' MINI Clubman that is capable of matching any atmosphere or any occasion."

But wait, there's more. Suzuki has announced its intent to enter stock car racing with its Kizashi Sport driven by none other than The King, Richard Petty and powered by an IntimiGixxer V8 engine made from two Hayabusa engines; Ron Dennis branded the $2 million Bugatti Veyron a "piece of junk" and Goodwood announced an "udderly electrifying" plan to power the Festival of Speed with cow methane (farts). How 'bout a replica of Wonder Woman's Invisible Jet from Hot Wheels?

Not to be outdone, Infiniti has announced its new Gastronomi technology (see above), which "will not only alert the driver of the need to stop for food but will also navigate the car to the nearest restaurant that suit's the driver's taste and pocket." The system detects "the sounds of borborygmi -tummy rumbles. If a pre-determined volume of rumbling is heard, a knife and fork symbol flashes up on the Connectiviti information screen and the driver is asked whether they wish to divert for a pit-stop."

More? Sure. PickupTrucks.com reports that the Ford Ranger has been granted an indefinite production run while also gaining a Harley-Davidson edition (look to the right). Auto windscreens will allow you to shed your glasses with its prescription windshields. The British AA plans to launch new patrols equipped with jet packs. Subaru offers to teach your dogs how to drive and the ALMS has added DeLorean to its racing series, powered by Mr. Fusion, of course.

Oh, and finally: Obama To Bailout USF1 Formula One Team, GM To Fund Team Until 2015. Click past the break for a bevy of foolishly funny press releases.

Gallery: April Fools' Day 2010

Continue reading April Fools' Day: The celebration of getting duped, auto style

April Fools' Day: The celebration of getting duped, auto style originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR ponders life without support of Detroit automakers [w/poll!]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Earnings/Financials

Car and Driver's April Fools' Day joke about President Obama ordering the Detroit 3 automakers out of stock car racing has apparently got NASCAR officials pondering the ramifications of such a mass exodus. Suffice it to say, they are not laughing. Jeff Burton, driver of a Chevrolet-badged racecar for Richard Childress Racing, said, "I think the climate that we're in today, it would be poor business to not look at the worst-case scenarios." Of course, he's right.

So, what would happen if one or more of the American automakers were to pull their official support from NASCAR? According to NASCAR itself, "the results would be far from debilitating." While none of the teams or tracks want to see funding from General Motors or Chrysler go away, it's not the only source of income to be tapped. Plus, Ford and Toyota are in no immediate danger of going belly up, and they haven't given any indications that they are planning to withdraw from NASCAR. Of course, if GM and/or Chrysler's revenue stream for the series dries up, we could see the remaining parties balking at sponsorship costs...

Be sure to cast your vote on whether you expect to see one or more automakers exit NASCAR this season in the poll below.

View Poll

[Source: NASCAR.COM | Photo: Wayne Whaley]

NASCAR ponders life without support of Detroit automakers [w/poll!] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oldsmobile Redux: The rest of the story...

Alex Nunez — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., GM

Earlier this week, in an example of cross-magazine synergy, both Automobile and Car and Driver ran April Fool's gags trumpeting the return of a rejuvenated, Toyota-owned Oldsmobile. The pubs even shared the same images, which depicted Oldsmofied versions of the Toyota Sequoia (Oldsmobile Super 88) and 4Runner (Oldsmobile Intrigue). It was goofy fun, and we all had a laugh and moved on. It would appear that not everyone caught the joke, however, and this is where things get substantially more amusing.

Continue reading Oldsmobile Redux: The rest of the story...

Oldsmobile Redux: The rest of the story... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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April Foolery: Toyota resurrects Oldsmobile in its own image

John Neff — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toyota

We've been trying to keep a straight face today as we report all these April Fools jokes, but this one from Car and Driver is so ridiculous that we must forego all the winks and nods and state plainly that it is not real. C&D concocted an alternate universe in which General Motors forgot to renew its copyright on the Oldsmobile name, a gaff that Toyota exploits by purchasing the rights to the dead brand's storied name. The Japanese juggernaut plans to place Olds between Toyota and Lexus in much the same way it played the middle child between Chevy and Cadillac when it was under domestic control. Toyota also knows that there's no better way to build an Oldsmobile than to rebadge a cheaper vehicle and charge a higher price, but this time it will be a brand comprised entirely of SUVs sporting revered Oldsmobile nameplates from the '80s and '90s like Intrigue and Bravada. The flagship model of the new Olds will be the Super 88, a rebadged version of the Toyota Sequoia with the iForce V8 and 8-speed automatic transmission from the Lexus LS.

Sigh... Oldsmobile just can't get a break, even in the afterlife for automotive brands. Thanks for the tip, Brad!

[Source: Car and Driver]

April Foolery: Toyota resurrects Oldsmobile in its own image originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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April Foolery: Kia introduces the KEE_wii sans steering wheel

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Kia, Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Click the image above for a host of high-res images of the Kia Kee.

When we initially laid our eyes on the Kia KEE concept last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, we were a bit underwhelmed, referring to the sporty coupe as "a Korean-sized speed bump at an otherwise awe-inspiring show." We would not say such things if Kia were to reintroduce the concept as the KEE_wii, which is rumored to be as powerful as two Gamecubes duct-taped together. Be sure to read the press release, pasted after the break, which not only informs us that Kia demands driving entitlement for children as young as eight, but it also introduces us to a few future driving technologies, such as Dynamic On-Road Kinetics (DORK), Full Orthopedic Operating Logic (FOOL) and, of course, Independent Driver Input Operating Technique (IDIOT).

According to Franz Josef-Hicks, head of the Advanced Propulsion Research Institute and Laboratory (APRIL) in New Zealand, the radical new technology allows the ability to drive the vehicle from either side of the car as well as the back seat using a hand-held controller sourced from the Nintendo Wii, hence the car's name. Citing the fact that many people don't pay attention when they are driving anyway, Hicks suggests that the lack of visibility from the back seat should not be a problem. With logic like that, how could we disagree? Kia expects that the first production application of this new technology should be ready on April 1, 2009. We can hardly wait.

Gallery: April Fools: KIA KEE_wii

Gallery: Kia Kee Coupe Concept

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading April Foolery: Kia introduces the KEE_wii sans steering wheel

April Foolery: Kia introduces the KEE_wii sans steering wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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