Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[AZ Nissan Leaf owners reporting abnormal battery capacity losses [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/az-nissan-leaf-owners-reporting-abnormal-battery-capacity-losses/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/az-nissan-leaf-owners-reporting-abnormal-battery-capacity-losses/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/az-nissan-leaf-owners-reporting-abnormal-battery-capacity-losses/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan Leaf Arizona

Apparently, some Nissan Leaf owners are finding the crispy weather in Phoenix, Arizona a bit too severe for the batteries in their electric cars.

The CBS affiliate in Phoenix reports that a growing number of the area's Leaf owners have lost large chunks of battery capacity, and the forums at MyNissanLeaf.com indicate that similar complaints have been recorded in other parts of Arizona, Texas and California. A table of battery capacity losses is being kept online here. We contacted Nissan regarding the issue of reduced capacity in hot climes and received this response from spokesman John Schilling:

"We are aware of the handful of customers that are concerned; we are studying their individual situations and experiences."

Nissan North America Director of Product Planning Mark Perry said in a recent video, "Heat is definitely not a friend of batteries. But I'm talking about severe 130-, 140-degree Fahrenheit kind of heat... Don't park your Nissan Leaf - or any electric vehicle - where it's going to be more than 120 or 130 degrees."

In the same video, which you can find embedded below, Perry says, "In just normal conditions, you don't have to worry about it." Thing is, "normal conditions" mean different things to different people, including those who live in Phoenix, Arizona, where daily high temperatures average over 100 degrees several months of the year.

According to CBS5, Nissan "does not consider the issue a problem" but is "investigating five complaints about the rapid loss of battery capacity... all of them in Arizona."

It's interesting to note that the issue of the Nissan Leaf battery's lack of an active thermal management solution was brought up way back in January of 2010. At the time, Nissan's Perry said, "We don't need thermal management in the U.S. ... We've gone on record saying that the pack has a 70 to 80 percent capacity after 10 years."

As you'll see in the video below, however, Nissan's warranty only covers the output of the Leaf's battery pack, not its capacity. Where that leaves heat-drenched Leaf owners remains to be seen. Scroll down for videos from both Nissan and CBS5.

Continue reading AZ Nissan Leaf owners reporting abnormal battery capacity losses [w/video]

AZ Nissan Leaf owners reporting abnormal battery capacity losses [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 nissan leaf2012 nissan leafarizonaleafleaf batteryleaf battery heatnissannissan leaf batterynissan leaf battery capacityphoenixWed, 18 Jul 2012 19:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20281119/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/az-nissan-leaf-owners-reporting-abnormal-battery-capacity-losses/20281119/article-detail.xml 20281119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/nissan-leaf-yucca_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/nissan-leaf-yucca.jpg <![CDATA[Nude carjacking spree in AZ leaves seven injured]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/nude-carjacking-spree-in-az-leaves-seven-injured/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/nude-carjacking-spree-in-az-leaves-seven-injured/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/02/nude-carjacking-spree-in-az-leaves-seven-injured/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Naked Man Rampage

Police say a man in Scottsdale, Arizona went on a carjacking spree that left a trail of destruction behind him. John Brigham was reportedly in an accident with another motorist at around 1:30 PM Saturday. Rather than exchange insurance information, Brigham allegedly stripped naked and jumped onto the roof of a Honda CR-V. The man then carjacked a woman driving a Toyota Prius before causing a five-car incident just down the road. Brigham allegedly hit a pregnant woman driving a Lexus before swerving to collide with a Chevrolet pickup truck head-on. He was ejected from the Toyota as a result of the second collision.

Reports say Brigham then began attempting to gain access to other vehicles on the road when police arrived. He was taken into custody without incident, but was transported to a local hospital for injuries sustained during the ordeal. Once released, he could potentially face charges for carjacking, robbery and leaving the scene of an accident. All told, a total of seven individuals were hospitalized by Brigham's rampage. Check out the local news report below.

Continue reading Nude carjacking spree in AZ leaves seven injured

Nude carjacking spree in AZ leaves seven injured originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacarjackcarjackingnaked carjackingvideovideosMon, 02 Jul 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20269953/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/02/nude-carjacking-spree-in-az-leaves-seven-injured/20269953/article-detail.xml 20269953 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/naked-man-rampage-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/naked-man-rampage-628.jpg <![CDATA[Drive for quieter pavement could lead to carpet-like roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quieter pavement

Road construction isn't usually something to get excited about, but what if those resurfacing projects were also making roads quieter? While increased traffic has turned some roads into aural nuisances, engineers are working to reduce tire noise by changing the design of pavement surfaces.

According to The Wall Street Journal, new pavement surfaces have the potential to cut tire noise by three to five decibels, which is enough to make roads noticeably quieter. Among the techniques used are giving the pavement a texture and mixing different substances, like rubber, into the concrete. The problem with these approaches, however, is that over time their effects are mitigated by wear and tear. Dirt clogs the textured pavement, and the quiet roads can wear out more prematurely than standard surfaces, according to the report.

Experiments continue, however, with test roads deployed in Arizona, California, Virginia and Washington state. In Europe, legislation has even been passed to require cities to use quieter pavement to reduce noise, according to the report.

Drive for quieter pavement could lead to carpet-like roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacaliforniapavementquiet pavementroad constructionroadsvirginiawashingtonSat, 02 Jun 2012 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/20248434/article-detail.xml 20248434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/road-opt-1338476436_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/road-opt-1338476436.jpg <![CDATA[Arizona police upset over viral video of high-speed Bugatti]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/arizona-police-upset-over-viral-video-of-high-speed-bugatti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/arizona-police-upset-over-viral-video-of-high-speed-bugatti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/arizona-police-upset-over-viral-video-of-high-speed-bugatti/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A video surfaced on YouTube last week that purported to show a Bugatti Veyron being driven at near top speed on public roads. Mind you, "near top speed" for a Veyron still means well above 200 miles per hour. The YouTube account owner who uploaded the video claims that the car made seven runs and reached speeds in the range of 215-225 mph. That's well short of 253 mph, the Bug's terminal velocity in Top Speed mode, but the Veyron was reportedly left in Handling Mode to accommodate the public road's uneven surface.

The video has attracted over 1,200,000 views after just one week on YouTube, and at least one of those views was the authorities in Arizona. Despite text in the video claiming that the high speed runs were shot "south of the border," police in Arizona were still none too thrilled with what Arizona Department of Public Spokesman Bart Graves called "a criminal act." The act in question is said to have occurred in late 2009, and since the driver's identity is never fully revealed, there's not much the authorities are likely going to do about it now. There's also no know way to know for certain where the video was shot, though Arizona police say the driver would be thrown in jail if he were caught trying to repeat the act in their jurisdiction.

The ironic thing is that the police did apparently have an opportunity to bust the driver, though they didn't know it at the time. The end of the video shows the Veyron pulled over on the side of the road by the Arizona Highway Patrol, but the video's description claims the driver wasn't cited because he was only going 80 mph at the time and the "officer stopped the car to take a look at it."

Follow the jump to get a look at the Bugatti going all out on public roads for yourself.

Continue reading Arizona police upset over viral video of high-speed Bugatti

Arizona police upset over viral video of high-speed Bugatti originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonabugattimexicosouth of the borderveyronyoutubeMon, 13 Feb 2012 17:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170825/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/arizona-police-upset-over-viral-video-of-high-speed-bugatti/20170825/article-detail.xml 20170825 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bugatti-veyron-top-speed-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bugatti-veyron-top-speed-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Devon GTX up for auction at Barrett-Jackson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/devon-gtx-up-for-auction-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/devon-gtx-up-for-auction-at-barrett-jackson/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/20/devon-gtx-up-for-auction-at-barrett-jackson/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Devon GTX

The demise of the Dodge Viper in 2010 was sad enough on its own. But as if to twist the knife in the wound, the end of the Viper also meant the end of the Devon GTX.

A project of independent entrepreneur Scott Devon, the GTX gave the Viper a decidedly more upscale fit-and-finish worthy of its superlative performance. It got an entirely fresh body - complete with exotic upwards-swiveling doors and two-tone chrome/matte finish - and a more polished cabin. It was also treated to a boost in output, the Viper's 8.4-liter V10 producing 650 horsepower in Devon GTX trim. The result didn't just look sleeker, it also went faster, posting lap records at Willow Springs and Laguna Seca.

Unfortunately the demise of the Viper - not to mention the half-million-dollar asking price - meant that the GTX never really got off the ground. In the end only two examples were made, and now one of them is up for auction by Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week.

Still titled as a 2008 Dodge Viper, serial #1 - in black and chrome - is being offered without reserve, and would certainly take a place of pride in any collection of rare supercars.

Devon GTX up for auction at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonabarrett-jacksondevondevon gtxdevon motorworksgtxscottsdaleFri, 20 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150477/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/20/devon-gtx-up-for-auction-at-barrett-jackson/20150477/article-detail.xml 20150477 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/devon-gtx-auctionweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/devon-gtx-auctionweb.jpg <![CDATA[Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/lee-iacoccas-own-ferrari-f40-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/lee-iacoccas-own-ferrari-f40-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/lee-iacoccas-own-ferrari-f40-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lee Iacocca's 1991 Ferrari F40

Supercars play a volatile and ever-changing game of one-upmanship. With each new generation outperforming the last, it takes something truly special to endure the test of time. The Ferrari F40 is such an icon.

Built to celebrate Ferrari's fortieth anniversary, the F40 was the most extreme Ferrari ever produced to date, and the last to be ushered into production under the watchful eye of its founder Enzo Ferrari. Popular demand saw its original intended production run of 400 expand to over 1,300, but just 213 were made for the American market. This one is noteworthy.

This particular F40, you see, was built for Lee Iacocca during his tenure as chief executive at Chrysler. When the CEO of a major automaker orders a vehicle from another automaker, it says a lot. Even more so in this instance, because when this Ferrari was built, Iacocca's Chrysler also owned Lamborghini - Ferrari's longtime rival.

With fewer than 300 miles on the odometer and three owners in its twenty-one year history, this F40 is set to cross the auction block in one week at RM Auctions' event in Arizona. Follow the jump for the full listing, and check out the extensive image gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction

Lee Iacocca's Ferrari F40 up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonaauctionf40ferrari f40iacoccalee iacoccarmrm auctionsscottsdaleSun, 15 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147679/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/15/lee-iacoccas-own-ferrari-f40-up-for-auction/20147679/article-detail.xml 20147679 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-iacocca-f40_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-iacocca-f40.jpg <![CDATA[2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept up for grabs at RM Auctions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/2001-ford-f-150-lightning-rod-concept-up-for-grabs-at-rm-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/2001-ford-f-150-lightning-rod-concept-up-for-grabs-at-rm-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/2001-ford-f-150-lightning-rod-concept-up-for-grabs-at-rm-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept

We can't tell you how many times we've each been asked about concept cars, "Why can't I buy one of those?" Well you can. Not often, mind you, and not cheaply. But every once in a while, one of those glitzy concepts you see on a show stand comes up for sale. And now, it's time to grab your checkbooks.

The show car (or truck, to be precise) you see here was the centerpiece of the Ford display at the 2001 Chicago Auto Show. Dubbed the F-150 Lightning Rod, it takes the formula employed by the SVT Lightning to a more stylized extent, with a chopped roofline and raked windshield, flush-fitted neon head- and tail-lights, and a minimalist interior. The whole package is finished in metallic red with a tribal tattoo motif. A 5.4-liter SOHC V8 sat under the hood, mated to a four-speed automatic. The 21-inch aluminum wheels wear tires whose tread is cut to match the tattoo pattern.

This unique concept truck is expected to fetch around $50,000 when it crosses the block at the RM Auctions event in Arizona next week, but while it's in proper running condition, it isn't certified to drive on public streets. Check it out the listing after the jump and browse the attached photo gallery.

Continue reading 2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept up for grabs at RM Auctions

2001 Ford F-150 Lightning Rod Concept up for grabs at RM Auctions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2001 chicago auto show2001 ford f-150 lightning rod conceptarizonachicagochicago auto showfordford f-150ford f-150 lightningford f-150 lightning rodford f-150 lightning rod conceptrmrm auctionsscottsdaleSun, 15 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147728/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/15/2001-ford-f-150-lightning-rod-concept-up-for-grabs-at-rm-auction/20147728/article-detail.xml 20147728 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-f150-lightning-rod_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-f150-lightning-rod.jpg <![CDATA[1938 Cadillac V16 convertible parades from White House to auction house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/1938-cadillac-v16-convertible-parades-from-white-house-to-auctio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/1938-cadillac-v16-convertible-parades-from-white-house-to-auctio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/15/1938-cadillac-v16-convertible-parades-from-white-house-to-auctio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

1938 Cadillac V-16 President Convertible Parade Limousine

The unfortunate reality of a post-JFK, post-9/11 America means that our president needs to be hidden away from public view, and the details of his high-security transportation are just as hidden. But there was a time when the leader of the free world was paraded around for all to see, and for three presidents of these United States, this was the car in which they met their constituents.

Nicknamed the Queen Mary, this 1938 Cadillac V-16 President Convertible Parade Limousine was one of only two specially made for the White House (the other dubbed Queen Elizabeth), and was used by FDR, Truman and Eisenhower during their presidencies. Delivered on special order shortly after the introduction of Cadillac's second-generation sixteen-cylinder engine (which was smaller and lighter than its predecessor but delivered the same output), the Presidential Limousine's 165-inch wheelbase made it eleven inches longer than the already gargantuan production model.

After the end of WWII, as part of its routine maintenance, Cadillac replaced the sixteen-cylinder engines with V8s that were both more economical and easier to maintain. The cars were last used by President Eisenhower during his re-election campaign, after which longtime Cadillac dealer Jack Tallman, who witnessed the pair being rebuilt several times while visiting the factory, was offered the chance to purchase both cars. Tallman selected the Queen Mary for his collection, where it stayed for four decades. In 1999, the car was sold to one Al Wiseman, who showed it at Amelia Island in 2002 where it was awarded as the best original, unrestored vehicle.

It is now being offered for auction by the estate of John O'Quinn, its last owner, at the upcoming RM Auctions event in Arizona next week, where it is expected to fetch between $300,000 and $400,000. Have a closer look in the high-res image gallery and the detailed listing after the jump.

Continue reading 1938 Cadillac V16 convertible parades from White House to auction house

1938 Cadillac V16 convertible parades from White House to auction house originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1938 cadillac v-161938 cadillac v-16 presidential convertible parade limousine1938 cadillac v16arizonacadillaceisenhowerfdrparade carpotuspresidentpresidentialrmrm auctionsrooseveltscottsdaletrumanwhite houseSun, 15 Jan 2012 11:09:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20147642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/15/1938-cadillac-v16-convertible-parades-from-white-house-to-auctio/20147642/article-detail.xml 20147642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-cadillac-v16-presidential_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-cadillac-v16-presidential.jpg <![CDATA[Super-rare Jaguar XJ220S heading to Arizona auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/super-rare-jaguar-xj220s-heading-to-arizona-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/super-rare-jaguar-xj220s-heading-to-arizona-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/14/super-rare-jaguar-xj220s-heading-to-arizona-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jaguar XJ220S

With only 350 cars built, the Jaguar XJ220 is a collector's item, but some examples are rarer than others.

Having relied heavily on Tom Walkinshaw Racing for the development of the XJ220 in the first place, Jaguar turned to the outfit when it came time to assess the possibility of a competition version. Three XJ220C race cars were born as a result, but in order to homologate them for competition, Jaguar and TWR built six roadgoing examples dubbed XJ220S. One of them is now going up for auction.

To create the XJ220S, TWR removed all the aluminum bodywork (except the doors) and replaced it with carbon fiber, adding a front splitter, rear wing and wider side sills in the process. That helped drive weight down to just over 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), while the twin-turbo V6 was retuned to deliver 680 horsepower.

This particular car's owner recently had TWR install a titanium exhaust and recalibrate the engine output to nice round 700 hp. He also had it repainted the same shade of grey as the Lamborghini Reventon, fitted more modern headlights, and refurbished the magnesium wheels. As a result, RM Auctions expects it to fetch between $225,000 and $300,000 when it crosses the block in Arizona next month. Full details in the auction listing after the jump.

Continue reading Super-rare Jaguar XJ220S heading to Arizona auction

Super-rare Jaguar XJ220S heading to Arizona auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonajaguarjaguar xj220jaguar xj220srmrm auctionsscottsdaletom walkinshawtom walkinshaw racingtwrxj220xj220sSat, 14 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20146859/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/14/super-rare-jaguar-xj220s-heading-to-arizona-auction/20146859/article-detail.xml 20146859 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-xj220s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web01-xj220s.jpg <![CDATA[Red-light camera company exec put on leave after internet misrepresentation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/red-light-camera-company-exec-put-on-leave-after-internet-misrep/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/red-light-camera-company-exec-put-on-leave-after-internet-misrep/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/23/red-light-camera-company-exec-put-on-leave-after-internet-misrep/#commentsFiled under: ,

red light camera

Bill Kroske, vice president of American Traffic Solutions, Inc., has been suspended after misrepresenting himself on two newspaper websites in western Washington. Kroske claimed to be a citizen in comments he made on both the Everett, Wash. Herald and the Spokane, Wash. Spokesman-Review.

In those comments, Kroske promoted American Traffic Solutions' red light camera systems, which bust impatient travelers even when cops aren't available. A reporter at the Herald found Kroske out after tracing comments he made back to Scottsdale, Arizona, where the company is based. That wasn't the only clue, however.

It seems that Kroske used his work email address and real name to set up commenting accounts on both websites. He then proceeded to extol the benefits of red light camera systems on both newspapers' sites. Evidently Kroske was ignorant of the fact that comments are moderated, and administrators can track their origins. For all the gory details on Koske's online bumbling, head over to the Spokesman-Review's website.

Red-light camera company exec put on leave after internet misrepresentation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american traffic solutionsarizonabill kroskeeverettred light cameraspokanewashingtonMon, 23 May 2011 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19946826/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/23/red-light-camera-company-exec-put-on-leave-after-internet-misrep/19946826/article-detail.xml 19946826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/red-light-camera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/red-light-camera.jpg <![CDATA[21-year-old driver survives 200-foot plunge into Grand Canyon]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/report-21-year-old-driver-survives-200-foot-plunge-into-grand-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/report-21-year-old-driver-survives-200-foot-plunge-into-grand-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/report-21-year-old-driver-survives-200-foot-plunge-into-grand-c/#commentsFiled under:

grand canyon

Veering off the road is a scary event. Veering off the road that runs around the rim of the Grand Canyon is downright terrifying. Typically, a scenario that involves the terms "Grand Canyon," "automobile" and "plunge" usually end with the phrase "the fat lady has sung." For one particular 21-year-old man, that luckily doesn't seem to be the case.

Stating that he "accidentally drove over the rim," the driver and his vehicle dropped 200 feet before winding up snagged in some trees. The man climbed back to the top of the canyon's rim, flagged down help and was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. This leads us to believe the vehicle in question was either a Canyonero or the driver's bones are made up of a mixture of horseshoes and rabbit's feet. In any case, we're glad he made it out alive.

[Source: AZ Daily Sun | Image: kasyhap_hc/Flickr CC 2.0]

21-year-old driver survives 200-foot plunge into Grand Canyon originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacanyonerocar crashgrand canyongrand canyon accidentgrand canyon surviverplungeWed, 27 Apr 2011 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19925220/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/27/report-21-year-old-driver-survives-200-foot-plunge-into-grand-c/19925220/article-detail.xml 19925220 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/grand-canyon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/grand-canyon.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 84-year-old survives five days in AZ desert by drinking wiper fluid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/17/video-84-year-old-survives-five-days-in-az-desert-by-drinking-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/17/video-84-year-old-survives-five-days-in-az-desert-by-drinking-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/17/video-84-year-old-survives-five-days-in-az-desert-by-drinking-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

henry morello arizona desert
Click above to watch the video after the jump
There are a few different ways to earn membership into the badass old man club. Anyone who survived a World War is automatically on the list, and if you've wrestled a bear or a silverback gorilla you're definitely club-worthy. Oh, and if you are 84 and you survive in the Arizona desert for five days by drinking wiper fluid, you are absolutely in the club.

The New York Daily News reports that Henry Morello took a wrong turn while driving in the Arizona desert, and his mistake became five days in the desert after his SUV got stuck. The senior citizen used his smarts, some floor mats and some strained wiper fluid to stay alive. Mr. Morello, welcome to the club. Hit the jump to view the AP report.

[Source: Associated Press via New York Daily News]

Continue reading Video: 84-year-old survives five days in AZ desert by drinking wiper fluid

Video: 84-year-old survives five days in AZ desert by drinking wiper fluid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 days in the desert84-year-old+survives+on+wiper+fluid84-year-oldsurvivesonwiperfluidarizonaarizona desertaz desertfive days in the deserthenry morellolost in desertmorellowiper fluidThu, 17 Feb 2011 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19847281/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/17/video-84-year-old-survives-five-days-in-az-desert-by-drinking-w/19847281/article-detail.xml 19847281 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/morello-arizona-desert_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/morello-arizona-desert.jpg <![CDATA[Leading the Charger: '64 Dodge Hemi concept up for auction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/12/leading-the-charger-64-dodge-hemi-concept-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/12/leading-the-charger-64-dodge-hemi-concept-up-for-auction/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/12/leading-the-charger-64-dodge-hemi-concept-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1964 Dodge Hemi Charger concept
1964 Dodge Hemi Charger concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nameplates like Charger and Hemi might be commonly associated with the Dodge brand, but like any household name, it had to start somewhere. And that somewhere was with the concept you see here.

Made to showcase the then-new 7.0-liter Hemi V8, the 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger concept car is one of the most coveted pieces from Dodge's history. It packs one of the 15 original race Hemis built, mated to a three-speed automatic. The fully restored, extreme bodywork puts it on the map, but the reported output of over 600 horsepower (kept in check by hydraulic drum brakes) promises to rip it right up.

The last time this vehicle changed hands in 2007 it went for a reported $1.1 million. Now it's destined for the gavel once again as RM Auctions takes it to the Arizona Biltmore on January 20. Thanks for the tip, Arthur!


Gallery: 1964 Dodge Hemi Charger concept


[Source: RM Auctions via Top Things Stuff]

Leading the Charger: '64 Dodge Hemi concept up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1964 dodge hemi charger1964 dodge hemi charger concept cararizonaarizona biltmorechargerdodgedodge chargerdodge hemi chargerdodge hemi charger conceptdodge hemi charger concept carhemirm auctionsWed, 12 Jan 2011 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19796233/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/12/leading-the-charger-64-dodge-hemi-concept-up-for-auction/19796233/article-detail.xml 19796233 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/web630-01-hemicharger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/web630-01-hemicharger.jpg <![CDATA[Celebrity classics on the docket at RM Auctions in Arizona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/31/celebrity-classics-on-the-docket-at-rm-auctions-in-arizona/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/31/celebrity-classics-on-the-docket-at-rm-auctions-in-arizona/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/31/celebrity-classics-on-the-docket-at-rm-auctions-in-arizona/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Rita Hayworth's '41 Lincoln Continental Coupe - Click above for high-res image

This year's RM Auctions event in Phoenix will feature several classics with serious celebrity provenance. First and foremost is a rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder that was alternately owned by Reggie Jackson and Evel Knievel. By itself, the Daytona Spyder is expected to fetch around a million bucks, but that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Also on the roster is a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton used by Elvis Presley in the movie Spinout (also estimated at a million +/-), a 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe (pictured above) given by Orson Welles to Rita Hayworth (~$175k) and a 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine with custom bodywork by Schwartz commissioned by MGM studios (~$300k). With nearly three months to go before the auction, you can bet there'll be plenty more interesting vehicles on their way to Arizona for the event. Hit the jump to read about what's been consigned so far. UPDATE: Additional high-resolution images added to the gallery below.


Gallery: RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona 2010


[Source: RM Auctions | Images: Darin Schnabel, Shooterz.biz/RM Auctions]

Continue reading Celebrity classics on the docket at RM Auctions in Arizona

Celebrity classics on the docket at RM Auctions in Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine by Schwartz1973 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Daytona Spyderarizonaautomobiles of arizonaelviselvis presleyevel knievelmgm studiosphoenixreggie jacksonrita hayworthrmrm auctionsspinoutSun, 31 Oct 2010 13:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19690137/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/31/celebrity-classics-on-the-docket-at-rm-auctions-in-arizona/19690137/article-detail.xml 19690137 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/1941lincolncontinentalcoupeweb630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/1941lincolncontinentalcoupeweb630.jpg <![CDATA[Arizona's freeway speed cameras snap their last speeders]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/arizonas-freeway-speed-cameras-snap-their-last-speeders/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/arizonas-freeway-speed-cameras-snap-their-last-speeders/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/arizonas-freeway-speed-cameras-snap-their-last-speeders/#commentsFiled under:



In span of about two-and-a-half years, Arizona's highway speed camera program, run by Australian company Redflex, mailed 1,105,935 tickets, or close to 1,125 tickets every day. In 2009, a group called CameraFraud went to work to get the cameras taken down, and after a year of effort they've been successful: Redflex shut the 78 fixed and mobile cameras down at midnight, July 16.

The group convinced Arizona's new governer, Jan Brewer, that the cameras were all about money. Brewer's predecessor, Janet Napolitano, had cited the fact that the cameras would bring in $120 million every year for the state. But since tickets needed to be delivered by process servers to those caught speeding in order to be legally binding, 66% of the violations were never paid. Instead of reaping $120 million annually, only $78 million was collected over the entire 2.5 years.

There remain some Arizona municipalities with speed-detecting cameras still in use, and CameraFraud is now taking aim at them. Also, the shutdown doesn't affect the red light cameras, a program run by American Traffic Solutions, which are still in operation.

[Source: The Newspaper]

Arizona's freeway speed cameras snap their last speeders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonajan brewerJanBrewerJanet NapolitanoJanetNapolitanophoenixredflexspeed cameraSpeedCameraTue, 20 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19558453/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/20/arizonas-freeway-speed-cameras-snap-their-last-speeders/19558453/article-detail.xml 19558453 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/58805-content-image-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/58805-content-image-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Report: AZ residents revolting against speed cameras, only 38% pay tickets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/25/report-az-residents-revolting-against-speed-cameras-only-38-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/25/report-az-residents-revolting-against-speed-cameras-only-38-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/25/report-az-residents-revolting-against-speed-cameras-only-38-p/#commentsFiled under:



Arizona is the first state in the U.S. to utilize photo enforcement of traffic laws on state highways. The cameras are paired to radar detectors that snap an image of offending vehicles traveling at 11 mph over the speed limit, and the ticket is then mailed to the home of the registered auto. And not just any old fine, either. We're talking $181.50, so we're sure you can see why Arizona residents aren't too excited about the state's fledgling revenue stream.

After nearly two years with photo enforcement, motorists have begun covering the cameras with Post-it notes, boxes and even silly string. One man reportedly gave a camera a beat-down with a pick ax. A report by the Los Angeles Times claims that only 38 percent of fines have been paid thus far, and the revenue generated from big brother law enforcement is closer to $20 milllion rather than the expected $80 million per year. The report shows that an overwhelming number of ticketed drivers are looking to fight their fines in court, and in some cases the courts are reportedly booked up through 2011. A local judge has even sided with speed camera haters. John Keegan, a judge for the Arrowhead Justice Court, has thrown out all 7,000 violations that he has presided over, saying that the cameras were a violation to constitutional rights.

So after all the trouble these cameras have caused, why haven't they been removed from the road? Arizona law enforcement apparently like the cameras, for one. Lt. Jeff King of the Arizona Department of Public Safety reportedly told the Times that traffic fatalities are down to the lowest point in 15 years as a result of the cameras and tougher drinking and driving laws. All the pressure coming from citizens to get rid of the speed traps could be weighing on politicians, though, as some lawmakers are looking into the possibility of altering the current photo radar system. Governor Jan Brewer is even encouraging legislators to put the speed cameras to a vote in November.

We're guessing if the speed cameras make their way to the ballot, the cameras could well be the biggest reason voters hit the polls this November.

[Source: Los Angeles Times]

Report: AZ residents revolting against speed cameras, only 38% pay tickets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonala timesLaTimesspeed cameraspeed trapSpeedCameraSpeedTrapThu, 25 Feb 2010 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19372065/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/25/report-az-residents-revolting-against-speed-cameras-only-38-p/19372065/article-detail.xml 19372065 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/58805-content-image-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/58805-content-image-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A getaway car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/dillingers-1930-ford-model-a-getaway-car-up-for-auction-at-barr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/dillingers-1930-ford-model-a-getaway-car-up-for-auction-at-barr/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/dillingers-1930-ford-model-a-getaway-car-up-for-auction-at-barr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


John Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you saw Michael Mann's Public Enemies, the car above may look familiar. It isn't just the same model that the notorious John Dillinger used to escape The Law in one of the most daring shootouts in American history - it's the actual car. And the same one used in the movie.

After robbing banks across the country, Dillinger and his gang took refuge in the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, on April 22, 1934. When the proprietors alerted law enforcement to their presence, the FBI - led by the legendary Melvin Purvis - arrived on the scene and shot the place up. Dillinger, along with two of his cronies, escaped out the windows into the woods nearby before stumbling upon Robert Johnson driving the Ford Model A coupe you see here. They commandeered the car and the driver along with it, and escaped to Minnesota as Dillinger smashed the rear window and opened fire with his tommy-gun at pursuing law enforcement.

The bullet-ridden car remained in the possession of the Dillinger family for decades until it was carefully and faithfully restored by the producers of Public Enenies for use in the scene depicting the historic chase. Now the coupe will be up for auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, by Barrett-Jackson. Follow the jump for the full story in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below.


Gallery: John Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A


[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

Continue reading Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A getaway car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson

Dillinger's 1930 Ford Model A getaway car up for auction at Barrett-Jackson originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1930 ford model a1930FordModelAarizonaauctionbarrett-jacksondillingerfordford model aFordModelAjohn dillingerJohnDillingerpublic enemiesPublicEnemiesscottsdaleMon, 18 Jan 2010 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19319917/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/18/dillingers-1930-ford-model-a-getaway-car-up-for-auction-at-barr/19319917/article-detail.xml 19319917 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/web630-82583front3-4web_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/web630-82583front3-4web.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Controversial AZ dealer with busty mannequins, crazy ads closes [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/10/report-controversial-az-dealer-with-busty-mannequins-crazy-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/10/report-controversial-az-dealer-with-busty-mannequins-crazy-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/10/report-controversial-az-dealer-with-busty-mannequins-crazy-ads/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Crazy" Tracy's AutoMart Superstore commercials - Click above to watch video

Chandler, Arizona used car salesman "Crazy" Tracy Tingue has been put out of business at his current location, and that means his busty mannequins have gone with him. That's right, his busty mannequins. To the chagrin of Chandler's code enforcement officials, the AutoMart Superstore used mannequins immense of bosom to advertise its wares to passing motorists. Somewhere in Chandler's sign laws, those kind of shenanigans are outlawed.

According to the East Valley Tribune, the dealership's closure didn't come at the hands of the city, though, but those of his landlord. Tingue and the property owner had a dispute, and the AutoMart was evicted. Tingue told one of his suppliers that he still has his inventory and he's looking for another location, so you can probably expect those mannequins to return. Just maybe not in Chandler.

Be sure to follow the jump to check out some of Crazy Tracy's commercials, which are just as schlocky but more humorous than we ever expected.

[Source: East Valley Tribune, YouTube]


Continue reading Report: Controversial AZ dealer with busty mannequins, crazy ads closes [w/video]

Report: Controversial AZ dealer with busty mannequins, crazy ads closes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonaautomart superstoreAutomartSuperstorechandra wilsonChandraWilsoncrazy tracyCrazyTracydealershiptracy tingueTracyTingueSun, 10 Jan 2010 19:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19310888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/10/report-controversial-az-dealer-with-busty-mannequins-crazy-ads/19310888/article-detail.xml 19310888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/az_automart_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/az_automart.jpg <![CDATA[Arizona to abandon 'groundbreaking' speed camera program?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/arizona-to-abandon-groundbreaking-speed-camera-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/arizona-to-abandon-groundbreaking-speed-camera-program/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/arizona-to-abandon-groundbreaking-speed-camera-program/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Speed cameras are at best a dubious safety enhancement sold on the premise of slowing traffic, while the more important proposition is often the promise of the revenue they can generate. Arizona residents have mostly cut through the bovine feculence around the state's big camera deployment program, one that's been described as groundbreaking. The state installed 76 one-eyed bandits, but profits are lower than projected, and some citizens want the cameras gone.

Further sabotaging the camera initiative are citizens who have taken to ignoring the automated citations in large numbers. A loophole surrounding mailed tickets is allowing many drivers to motor on with impunity, while an anti-camera group is trying to get a ballot measure to ban the cameras underway. The 700,000 tickets that have been issued since September 2008 should have meant $127 million into the coffers, but only $36 million has been collected. At that level, it's not even clear if Redflex, the public scourge firm that runs the cameras, is able to break even.

[Source: New York Times | Photo: Redflex]

Arizona to abandon 'groundbreaking' speed camera program? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariona ticketArionaTicketarizonaarizona ban cameraarizona red light camerasarizona traffic enforcementarizona traffic ticketArizonaBanCameraArizonaRedLightCamerasArizonaTrafficEnforcementArizonaTrafficTicketban camerasban redlight camerasBanCamerasBanRedlightCamerasRed LightRed Light CameraRed light camerasredflexRedLightRedLightCameraRedLightCamerasRedLightstraffic enforcementtraffic tickettraffic ticketsTrafficEnforcementTrafficTicketTrafficTicketsFri, 08 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19306311/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/08/arizona-to-abandon-groundbreaking-speed-camera-program/19306311/article-detail.xml 19306311 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/redflex_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/redflex.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Infiniti QX getting the FX treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/spy-shots-infiniti-qx-getting-the-fx-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/spy-shots-infiniti-qx-getting-the-fx-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/spy-shots-infiniti-qx-getting-the-fx-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Next-gen Infiniti Qx - Click above for high-res image gallery of spy shots

Based on the gargantuan Nissan Armada, the Infiniti QX56 is one big beast of an SUV. Especially next to the svelte FX, and even more so now that the EX has joined the line-up. Keeping such a goliath of a truck looking fresh is a challenge unto itself, but Nissan's luxury division is apparently working on it.

The biggest thing to hit Tempe since Super Bowl XXX, this QX test mule was spied by one of our intrepid readers while apparently undergoing hot weather testing around the Phoenix suburb. The vehicle in question, as you can see, is wearing heavy camo, but appears to carry the same pronounced grille as the current model, albeit with more angular headlights to mimic its little brothers. The rear end appears to be undergoing a restyling as well, while the C-pillar-mounted rear door handle - a hallmark of Nissan sport-utes in the Pathfinder family - have apparently moved to the more conventional position. That's about all we can surmise about the behemoth hiding underneath that Michelin Man suit, but you can have a look for yourself in the exclusive gallery of spy shots below. Thanks for sending these in, Justin!


Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Infiniti QX

Spy Shots: Infiniti QX getting the FX treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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