Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/video-australian-yaris-ad-gets-banned-for-being-raunchy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/video-australian-yaris-ad-gets-banned-for-being-raunchy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/video-australian-yaris-ad-gets-banned-for-being-raunchy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


"Clean Getaways" - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Controversy's rearing its tawdry head Down Under as a Toyota film contest has got some laughing, others crying foul play. The Clever Film Competition solicited contestants to come up with 30-second commercial clips for the Toyota Yaris, awarding $7000 (well, Australian dollars anyway) to the winning entry. And while the rules stated that the entries cannot be "immoral" or "contain any obscene language," one contestant evidently felt the boundaries ought to be pushed a little. And the judges evidently agreed.

The winning entry - entitled "Clean Getaways" - portrays a young Yaris driver picking up his date and encountering her father at the door. The exchange between them is packed with more innuendo than a porn star's Lamborghini, and though Toyota's local spokesman says they're not distancing themselves from the clip, public outcry has resulted in it being pulled from the contest website. Fortunately, we've got it posted after the jump for your enjoyment... just don't watch it with the boss hovering around. Or the wife, for that matter. On second thought, better watch it when no one's around. But watch it just the same. Cheers to Mark and Oleg for the tips!

[Sources: news.com.au; Toyota via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy

VIDEO: Australian Yaris ad gets banned for being raunchy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Toyota Yaris2009ToyotaYaris2010 Toyota Yaris2010ToyotaYarisaustraliaclean getawaysCleanGetawaysclever film compclever film competitionCleverFilmCompCleverFilmCompetitiontoyotaToyota AUtoyota Australiatoyota yaristoyota yaris adtoyota yaris clean getawaystoyota yaris clever film comptoyota yaris clever film competitiontoyota yaris commercialtoyota yaris contestToyotaAuToyotaAustraliaToyotaYarisToyotaYarisAdToyotaYarisCleanGetawaysToyotaYarisCleverFilmCompToyotaYarisCleverFilmCompetitionToyotaYarisCommercialToyotaYarisContestviralviral videoViralVideoyarisMon, 14 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Australian Transport Accident Commission celebrates 20 years of disturbing commercials]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-australian-transport-accident-commission-celebrates-20-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-australian-transport-accident-commission-celebrates-20-ye/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/11/video-australian-transport-accident-commission-celebrates-20-ye/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Don't drink and drive - Click above to view the video after the jump

Years ago when we were in drivers ed watching either Blood on the Highway or Red Asphalt -- the two gore-filled negative education films from the early 1970s that tried to scare us stright -- the cheerleader seated in front of us cold passed out. Just flopped right on the floor. It had to have been the scene where the camera arrives on the scene of a motorcycle wreck and, well, let's just say the poor rider needed an new knee. But as blood and guts infused as those films were, they can't even hold an emergency room candle to the carnage taking place on Australian television.

This film is a "best of" from 20 years of Transport Accident Commission films. And man... Notice how we didn't pass out during drivers ed? We have an iron stomach. That said, this video gets to be a little much. There's just so much non-stop carnage... The video almost makes us care less about drinking and driving than it does the perils of watching blood-infused video clips. Almost.

Here's what our Aussie tipster Casey had to say about the video, "Celebrating' 20 years of TAC TV advertisements, this once-only three-minute clip was shown on all free-to-air TV networks once on December 10 2009. It's a collage of their work over the 20 years and the graphic scenes put to air. It's an excellent (and chilling) viewing." Agreed, you're going see high production values and even higher casualty rates. Watch the video - if you have the stomach for it - after the jump.

[Source: Colorbus]

Continue reading VIDEO: Australian Transport Accident Commission celebrates 20 years of disturbing commercials

VIDEO: Australian Transport Accident Commission celebrates 20 years of disturbing commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaAustralian Transport Accident CommisionAustralianTransportAccidentCommisionCrashesDrinking and DrivingDrinkingAndDrivingHighway SafetyHighwaySafetySafetyTransport Accident CommisionTransportAccidentCommisionVehicle SafetyVehicleSafetyFri, 11 Dec 2009 19:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Parts Imitating Life: Sculptor uses car parts to make cars... and animals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/parts-imitating-life-sculptor-uses-car-parts-to-make-cars-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/parts-imitating-life-sculptor-uses-car-parts-to-make-cars-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/parts-imitating-life-sculptor-uses-car-parts-to-make-cars-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

James Corbett's car parts art - Click above for image gallery

One man's junk is... well, you know. Watching the shiny metal grommets roll through his auto recycling plant in Brisbane, Australia, James Corbett doesn't appear to know the word "junk" when it comes to cars. He takes all of those leftover bits and makes superbly detailed sculptures of mostly vintage racers and, of all things, animals. None of the parts are bent or altered to help make the pieces, either. Corbett even built a full-size car out of parts and stuck a flathead V8 in it, and he still takes it racing.

Corbett has an exhibit coming up in London this month and then takes his show to Palm Desert, CA next year. If you don't get a chance to see the real things, we suggest you have a well-worth-it look at the images in our gallery below.


Gallery: James Corbett's Car Parts Art


[Source: James Corbett via Pistonheads]

Parts Imitating Life: Sculptor uses car parts to make cars... and animals originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artaustraliaautomotive sculptureAutomotiveSculptureeuropeexhbitionjames corbettJamesCorbettlondonsculpturesculpturesukFri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Naked Australians reportedly arrested at car wash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/naked-australians-reportedly-arrested-at-car-wash/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/naked-australians-reportedly-arrested-at-car-wash/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/naked-australians-reportedly-arrested-at-car-wash/#commentsFiled under: ,



Nudity? Car wash? Sounds pretty hot, right? That's what we thought too, until we read the full story.

According to reports from Down Under, a group of four men (two aged 19 and two aged 23) and their girlfriends pulled up on Sunday at the Smart Wash car wash in Biloela, Queensland, Australia. They paid for the service, left their cars outside, took off their clothes and soaped up in the station while their special lady friends snapped photos.

Police were called to the scene halfway through the "happening" and charged the men with indecent exposure and public nuisance - two charges which we just assumed didn't apply to Australians, whether at home or abroad. The four dudes are scheduled to explain themselves before the magistrate next month, but when you consider all that could've gone wrong with all those brushes and pressure washers in proximity to certain dangly bits, we'd think that would've been the least of their worries.

[Source: KCRA Sacramento | Image: Heather Faulkner/AFP/Getty]

Naked Australians reportedly arrested at car wash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacar washCarWashindecent exposureIndecentExposurenuditypublic nuissancePublicNuissancequeenslandQueensland AustraliaQueenslandAustraliasmart waterSmartWaterFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Australia to wage crushing war on 'monkey bikes']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-australia-to-wage-crushing-war-on-monkey-bikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-australia-to-wage-crushing-war-on-monkey-bikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/report-australia-to-wage-crushing-war-on-monkey-bikes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Attention Australian mini bike riders: law enforcement is going all "iron fist" on your preferred method of transportation. The mini bikes, often referred to locally as "monkey bikes" are a big problem in South Australia, reportedly causing several deaths and numerous injuries. The bikes, which can reach speeds of 70 km/h (42 mph), are already outlawed, but now Drive is reporting that Attorney-General Michael Atkinson is amending the law to give law enforcement the authority to crush the bikes and charge fines of up to $5,000 AUD. That's a lot of coin to ride a bike that makes you look like a total dork.

Atkinson says the bikes look harmless, but "they are actually dangerous for riders, pedestrians, other vehicles on the road and other people using parks and open spaces." The primate bikes, which we don't believe are actually driven by monkeys (koalas, perhaps?), do not comply with Australian vehicle safety standards or design rules.

We've actually tried these mini bikes before, and while they're a lot of fun, we can see why they are dangerous. They're hard for other motorists to see, and we've noticed that a lot of parents letting their 10-15 year-old children ride them around the suburbs. Probably not a good idea.

[Source: Drive | Image: Monkeybike UK]

REPORT: Australia to wage crushing war on 'monkey bikes' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiamini bikmini bikeMiniBikMiniBikemonkey bikeMonkeyBikemotorcycleThu, 12 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Mad Max emerges from Thunderdome on Fury Road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-mad-max-emerges-from-thunderdome-on-fury-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-mad-max-emerges-from-thunderdome-on-fury-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/report-mad-max-emerges-from-thunderdome-on-fury-road/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It costs too much money to make all those original Hollywood flops that no one pays to see, so new movie news these days is mostly a succession of "We're rebooting/remaking/doing a sequel for [insert any movie made before this year]." So even though Paranormal was shot for $10,000 and made $22 million last weekend, the big news is Mad Max is going the Rocky route, coming in for episode four: Mad Max: Fury Road.

For all of us who do want another hero and do want to know the way home, Mad Max probably won't be him or show us this time around. The project doesn't have studio backing yet, just the franchise's producer, $100 million, and a tentative production date of next year. Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation) and Charlize Theron (really?) are rumored to be tied to the project. Mad Max with a big budget and big stars sounds like a mad mess, but at least it will give us an overdue reason to shout "You can run... but you can't hide!" Hat tip to Richard.

[Source: Auto Focus | Image: Warner Bros.]

REPORT: Mad Max emerges from Thunderdome on Fury Road originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacharlize theronCharlizeTheronfury roadFuryRoadmad maxMadMaxmel gibsonMelGibsonmoviesremakesam worthingtonSamWorthingtonsequelthunderdomeWed, 28 Oct 2009 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Australian racing fans limited to just 24 beers per day]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/report-australian-racing-fans-limited-to-just-24-beers-per-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/report-australian-racing-fans-limited-to-just-24-beers-per-day/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/report-australian-racing-fans-limited-to-just-24-beers-per-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bathurst 1000 fan enjoying a coldie during The Great Race

You know what's not aces? When you're just trying to drink a little amber fluid and watch the Bathurst 1000 and the man treats you like a total bogan. What business is it of his how many coldies you drink when it's time to hit the turps? This makes us so mad we could eat a trough lolly! No doubt a pommy bastard thunk this 'un up...

And that marks the end of our silly attempt to sound Australian. However, it does not end our amusement over the fact that Australian officials have set a 24-beer per day limit on fans attending the Bathurst 1000. As in, you are allowed to drink 24 beers, but not 25. Cause you know, there's a huge difference. Why are they enacting this draconian alcohol policy? To cut down on booze-related crime of course.

If you don't know, the Bathurst 1000 is known in the Land Down Under as "The Great Race." Only V8 Supercars are allowed to compete. These days in Australia V8 Supercars consist of either the Holden Commodore or the Ford Falcon. That's it. Thousands of blokes and sheilas turn up in the town of Bathurst to watch the cars run, and turns out they like drinking.

Says police assistant commissioner Alan Clarke, "This is one of the greatest motorsport events in Australia and for some it is a pilgrimage that they make every year... Every year thousands of race fans attend and enjoy the event and Police will not allow their safety to be compromised by a drunken few." So there you have it. Drink your 24 beers, keep your nose clean and you shouldn't have any trouble. Oh, if you drink low- or medium-strength beer, the cops will let you have up to 36. Sweet! Hat tip to Bumbeck.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty]

REPORT: Australian racing fans limited to just 24 beers per day originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliabathurstBathurst 1000Bathurst1000BeerdrinkingFord FalconFordFalconHolden CommodoreHoldenCommodorepublic intoxicationPublicIntoxicationV8 SupercarsV8SupercarsWed, 07 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Toyota trucks - Nothing soft gets in]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-toyota-trucks-nothing-soft-gets-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-toyota-trucks-nothing-soft-gets-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/video-toyota-trucks-nothing-soft-gets-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view the video after the jump

Toyota made plenty of noise with the beefy commercials that launched the latest Tundra, but since then, it's been relatively quiet from the "Oh, what a feeling!" guys and gals.

Thankfully, there's Australia. For the AU market, Toyota's agency has whipped up a witty campaign that depicts our kind of land, and our kind of trucks. This "Nothing Soft Gets In" spot shows a particularly strict bunch of border patrol guards that dispose of poodles and disallow the tying of a sweater around one's neck. Awesome. Watching a bunch of Oz-market Toyota Prados being used for more than mall duty is equally entertaining, too. Check it out for yourself, after the jump.

[Source: Toyota via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota trucks - Nothing soft gets in

VIDEO: Toyota trucks - Nothing soft gets in originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafalsepradotacomatoyotatoyota australiatoyota pradotoyota trucktoyota truck commercialtoyota trucksToyotaAustraliaToyotaPradoToyotaTruckToyotaTruckCommercialToyotaTruckstundraFri, 25 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[They Come From a Land Down Under: Australian V8 Supercars join in on the Forza 3 action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/they-come-from-a-land-down-under-australian-v8-supercars-join-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/they-come-from-a-land-down-under-australian-v8-supercars-join-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/02/they-come-from-a-land-down-under-australian-v8-supercars-join-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Forza Motorsport 3 Australian V8 Supercars screen shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whatever kind of cars you're into, Forza 3 looks like it'll have you covered. The XBox 360 driving game from Turn 10 Studios is quickly emerging to be the best simulator yet, packed with four hundred cars from fifty automakers on a hundred different tracks.

We've recently brought you screen shots and gameplay video footage of some of the most tantalizing machinery under the sun on Forza's virtual circuits - from American muscle cars and sport-utes to Bugattis and Japanese Super GTs - and now Turn 10 has announced a partnership with race organizers Down Under to include Australian V8 Supercars into the game as well. The additional car selection boils down to Holden Commodore VEs and Ford Falcons in a variety of actual liveries, so if you can't make it half way around the world to see the Aussie touring cars go wheel to wheel, you'll soon be able to drive them (virtually) at home. Check out the fresh batch of screen shots in the gallery below.


Gallery: Forza 3 Australian V8 Supercars screen shots

wm_normal_fm3_330wm_normal_fm3_349wm_normal_fm3_348wm_normal_fm3_347wm_normal_fm3_346

[Source: Forzacentral]

They Come From a Land Down Under: Australian V8 Supercars join in on the Forza 3 action originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaaustralian v8 supercarsAustralianV8Supercarsforzaforza 3forza 3 screen shotsforza motorsport 3Forza3Forza3ScreenShotsForzaMotorsport3turn 10Turn10v8 supercarsV8Supercarsxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Preproduction Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles spotted at plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/spy-shots-preproduction-chevrolet-camaro-convertibles-spotted-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/spy-shots-preproduction-chevrolet-camaro-convertibles-spotted-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/spy-shots-preproduction-chevrolet-camaro-convertibles-spotted-a/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevy Camaro Convertible -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Camaro5 forum member isszy caught shots of eight freshly minted Camaro convertibles in Australia. Spotted outside the Holden factory in Fisherman's bend, Melbourne, the poster said they all appeared to be left-hand-drive.

The tan-and-silver color combination isn't one we would have thought of - the black-roofed guy at the end is much more like it - but the roofline itself looks very good. The last we were informed by GM, the car should arrive next year as a 2011 model. Hat tip to Tim!


Gallery: Camaro Convertibles at the Melbourne Factory


[Source: GM Inside News]

Spy Shots: Preproduction Chevrolet Camaro Convertibles spotted at plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 camaro convertible2011 chevrolet camaro2011 chevrolet camaro convertible2011CamaroConvertible2011ChevroletCamaro2011ChevroletCamaroConvertibleaustraliacamarocamaro convertibleCamaroConvertiblechevrolet camaro convertibleChevroletCamaroConvertibleconvertiblefishermens bendFishermensBendspy shotsSpyShotsWed, 26 Aug 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[The Ultimate Crossover: Samoa's plan to switch to left-hand traffic sparks motorist unrest [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/the-ultimate-crossover-samoas-plan-to-switch-to-left-hand-traf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/the-ultimate-crossover-samoas-plan-to-switch-to-left-hand-traf/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/the-ultimate-crossover-samoas-plan-to-switch-to-left-hand-traf/#commentsFiled under: ,


Samoan traffic switches sides -- Click above to view the video after the jump

Samoa's prime minister has decided to do something for his constituents who want to buy cheap cars: swap driving from the right-hand side to the left-hand side. The reasoning behind the move is that Australia and New Zealand are Samoa's biggest trading partners, and driving in the same manner they do -- like the English -- will let Samoans buy cheaper cars from the antipodes. Intriguingly, the prime minister also said the switch will help Samoans avoid tsunamis.

It's not exactly a shock to find that more than a few Samoans aren't happy about it. A local attorney has formed a group called People Against Switching Sides, and he was able to get 30,000 petition signatures in a country with just 200,000 people. Samoa's roads are already dangerous, and his reasoning is that this will only mean more injured and killed citizenry, not to mention a huge bill.

The government wants to hear none of it, sticking to its September 7th changeover date and saying it will be a national holiday. If footage a bus full of people traveling the wrong way down a training road is any indication, though, our advice would be to stick to walking. You can watch a video on the reversing maneuver after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Reed!

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading The Ultimate Crossover: Samoa's plan to switch to left-hand traffic sparks motorist unrest [w/VIDEO]

The Ultimate Crossover: Samoa's plan to switch to left-hand traffic sparks motorist unrest [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaetcnew zealandNewZealandoceanasamoatrafficTue, 25 Aug 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[It Ain't Easy Bein' Green: traffic din could be ruining the sex lives of frogs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/it-aint-easy-bein-green-traffic-din-could-be-ruining-the-sex/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/it-aint-easy-bein-green-traffic-din-could-be-ruining-the-sex/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/it-aint-easy-bein-green-traffic-din-could-be-ruining-the-sex/#commentsFiled under: ,



While the automobile's total impact on the environment remains up for discussion, it's apparently pretty clear that cars and frogs don't really mix. Well, not if you're a male frog trying to get your croak on, at least. Scientists in Melbourne have found that due to traffic and machinery, a male frog's call can't be heard at great distances by female frogs. That's cutting down on the amount of frog sex to be had, and that, in turn, is cutting down on the number of frogs.

In the worst case cited, the popplebonk frog can normally be heard more than a half a mile away when there's no noise. But around busy roads you can't hear the popplebonk more than 46 feet away. Scientists said that animals are adapting to the noise of traffic, such as British birds that sing at night instead of the day. Don't ever doubt what Kermit said: it ain't easy being green.

[Source: Google | Image: moffoys | Image License: CC 2.0]

It Ain't Easy Bein' Green: traffic din could be ruining the sex lives of frogs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabiologyenvironmentetcfrognaturesciencetrafficSun, 23 Aug 2009 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/2010-holden-commodore-gets-smaller-engines-better-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/2010-holden-commodore-gets-smaller-engines-better-fuel-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/2010-holden-commodore-gets-smaller-engines-better-fuel-economy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Holden Commodore SIDI lineup - click above image for high-res gallery

Everywhere else but under its skin, the 2010 Holden Commodore differs from its current version only in badging: it will wear the acronym SIDI on its flanks, which stands for Spark Ignition Direct Injection. Pop the hood, though, and you'll find that the long-running Aussie sedan gets one of the smallest engines it has had in donkey's years: a 3.0-liter V6 with 190 kW (270 horsepower) and 290 Nm of torque (213 pound-feet).

That SIDI-equipped engine will power Omega and Berlina sedans, and they are also slated to get a long awaited six-speed transmission to replace their four-speed units. Calais and SV6 trim levels, on the other hand, will get the 3.6-liter SIDI engine that pumps out out 210 kW (281 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft). The primary reason for the smaller six is added fuel economy, which Holden says its customers have repeatedly requested, and which might help it retain its 13-year-old title of the best selling car in Oz.

Holden says that the 3.0-liter gets up to 13% better gas mileage (Omega Sportwagon), returning 9.3 l/km (25.3 mpg), with the help of standard equipment low rolling resistance tires. The GM marque also says that the Commodore can go from Sydney to Melbourne on one tank - according to Google Maps, that's 546 miles - with 7.5 l/km (31.36 mpg) during one real-world driving stint. If you're looking for even more from the Commodore, you'll get it at the end of 2010 when the car's four-year-old exterior is redesigned. High-res gallery below, official press release after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Len.


Gallery: 2010 Holden Commodore SIDI


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading 2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny

2010 Holden Commodore gets smaller engines, better fuel economy, six-speed tranny originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 commodore2010 holden commodore2010Commodore2010HoldenCommodoreaustraliacommodoreholdenholden commodoreHoldenCommodoresedanThu, 06 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aussie gets second car yanked under anti-hoon laws after posting antics on Facebook ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/aussie-gets-second-car-yanked-under-anti-hoon-laws-after-posting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/aussie-gets-second-car-yanked-under-anti-hoon-laws-after-posting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/aussie-gets-second-car-yanked-under-anti-hoon-laws-after-posting/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to The Herald Sun, since Victoria, Australia introduced anti-hoon legislation on July 1, 2006, more than ten cars a day have been confiscated from their owners. That's over 8,000 cars in three years, more than 5,000 of which the police still have. Despite those big numbers, Victorian Peter Black has the distinct honor of being the first Aussie to surrender two different cars in two years for hooning.

While our instincts generally tend to sympathy any time a car is taken away, we can't feel sorry for Black because he's guilty of criminal vanity: he broke the law and then posted the video of it online. That led to someone alerting the police as to the video's existence, and in turn, to the authorities alerting Black that he could hand over the keys to his Ford Falcon ute. How many times do we have to say it? Drive safely. If you don't, please keep it to yourself.

Black's case goes in a similar file to Aussie Joshua Shelton's - the 19-year-old had his arm amputated after a high speed crash, then had his license taken away after he was busted two months later doing donuts, and then he got busted this week twice in an hour for two different "hoon-related activities" while he was a passenger. These kids today...

[Source: Herald Sun]

Aussie gets second car yanked under anti-hoon laws after posting antics on Facebook originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti hoonAntiHoonaustraliahoonhoon lawhooningHoonLawvictoriavictoria australiaVictoriaAustraliaThu, 09 Jul 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Stig scam gets you around for free]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/video-stig-scam-gets-you-around-for-free/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/video-stig-scam-gets-you-around-for-free/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/video-stig-scam-gets-you-around-for-free/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Chaser's War on Everything fake Stig sketch -- Click above to watch video

Here's a fantastic challenge that the Top Gear team didn't think up: if you walked around London dressed as the Stig, how many strangers would let you drive their cars? Aussie comedy show The Chaser's War on Everything went to London to find out, in an attempt to find a cheaper way to travel. What ensued was a guy in a bad Stig getup poaching transport from a few Brits -- and it only got better from there. Follow the jump to see the vid. Hat tip: Scott

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Stig scam gets you around for free

VIDEO: Stig scam gets you around for free originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiachasers war on everythingChasersWarOnEverythingentertainmenthumorstigthe stigTheStigtop gearTopGearukvideoFri, 26 Jun 2009 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Australia's Joss supercar on its way with dreams of Le Mans in its eyes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-australias-joss-supercar-on-its-way-with-dreams-of-le-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-australias-joss-supercar-on-its-way-with-dreams-of-le-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/report-australias-joss-supercar-on-its-way-with-dreams-of-le-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In 67 days, the Joss supercar will be revealed. The brainchild of Matt Thomas, an aerodynamicist with the short-lived Stewart F1 team, the car has been wholly designed and engineered in Australia. The details revealed so far might not make one immediately think "super" status applies since the car has "only" 469 hp and 479 lb-ft. of twist.

But the carbon fiber, mid-engined car with a home-grown 6.8-liter V8 weighs just 2,068 pounds, which means its acceleration runs should be enough to leave the driver singing "Let's Do the Time Warp Again." However, The Motor Report says that the supercar's 0-100 kmh (62 mph) stat is listed at 3.7 seconds. That's only a shade faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo, which weighs 1,400 pounds more and has about the same power numbers. Elsewhere, it's been mentioned that it will do the run in 2.5 and 2.98 seconds, which seems much more likely if all else comes to pass.

As you've doubtlessly already noted, the rear deck is bereft of a spoiler. TMR says that's because a rear venturi will create enough downforce not to need one (and the vortex-generating doors don't hurt), a trait the car shares with the McLaren F1. It also makes room for the top-exiting twin exhaust. And also like the McLaren, Joss is planning to run a version of the car at Le Mans sometime in the future. In two months, we'll begin to see how its chances rate.

[Source: The Motor Report]

REPORT: Australia's Joss supercar on its way with dreams of Le Mans in its eyes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacoupegtjossjoss supercarJossSupercarsportssupercarWed, 17 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vintage Racing: Neil Ashmead GTS shiraz has a spot in our <strike>garage</strike> wine rack anytime]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/vintage-racing-neil-ashmead-gts-shiraz-has-a-spot-in-our-strik/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/vintage-racing-neil-ashmead-gts-shiraz-has-a-spot-in-our-strik/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/27/vintage-racing-neil-ashmead-gts-shiraz-has-a-spot-in-our-strik/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Elderton GTS Shiraz - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fiat recently released a selection of branded wines for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, now it's the Aussies' turn. But whereas the Fiat wines were about marketing, the Elderton 2008 Grand Tourer Shiraz is a tribute to Neil Ashmead, Elderton wineries' late owner. The wife and sons of the vintner, who passed away 12 years ago, commissioned Fuller to create a label to celebrate the man, his winery, and his passion for the Holden Monaro GTS.

As described in a wine auction brochure, the GTS shiraz is "The inaugural release from a biodynamically grown
block of old shiraz vines on the Elderton Estate, paying tribute to one of the co-founders of Elderton. This will be the only imperial of this wine to ever be released from the winery." A one-of-a-kind vintage to celebrate a man who loved wine and cars? Indeed, we'll drink to that.


Gallery: Elderton GTS Shiraz


[Source: Fuller via The Die Line]

Vintage Racing: Neil Ashmead GTS shiraz has a spot in our garage wine rack anytime originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaetclifestylemarketingwineWed, 27 May 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: One-make Lotus Elise racing is crowded, thrilling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/video-spec-elise-racing-is-crowded-exciting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/video-spec-elise-racing-is-crowded-exciting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/22/video-spec-elise-racing-is-crowded-exciting/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to see the video of Dean Evans going from 16th to 1st in one lap

It is the lap every driving simulator player dreams of putting together - except this one was real. It actually happened way back in 2005 (but has just come to our attention now and was too good to pass up), when Sydney motoring journalist Dean Evans drove in one of the Lotus Trophy Races that supported the Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar race in Australia. We hope the other drivers were taking notes, because Evans doled out some serious learnin.'

Starting in 16th, Evans has said that the track was greasy from rain, his car wasn't even the most powerful one in the race, and his right mirror was folded back because of some tight racing off the line, but not a single panel on the car was bent. He won the race by 14 seconds. With apologies for the video quality, follow the jump to see Evans put on a clinic.

[Source: Car Domain]

Continue reading VIDEO: One-make Lotus Elise racing is crowded, thrilling

VIDEO: One-make Lotus Elise racing is crowded, thrilling originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiabathurstlotuslotus eliseLotusElisemotorsportsracingvideoFri, 22 May 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Holden to lose $1 billion annually if GM shutters Pontiac]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/report-holden-to-lose-1-billion-annually-if-gm-shutters-pontia/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/report-holden-to-lose-1-billion-annually-if-gm-shutters-pontia/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/27/report-holden-to-lose-1-billion-annually-if-gm-shutters-pontia/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Pontiac G8 GXP: Click above to view the gallery

The G8 may be the best Pontiac in decades, but the stellar RWD sedan doesn't stand a chance if the arrow head is forever retired. The loss of the G8 is difficult for enthusiasts, but it'll be even tougher for Holden. GM's Australian arm will lose $1 billion ($716 million US) in revenue every year with the loss of the Commodore clone. Holden has been counting on 30,000 annual exports to the US and 70,000 worldwide exports. GM spent $77 million to upgrade the Port Elizabeth plant to build left-hand drive vehicles, and the plant received $6.9 million in loans from the Australian government to make the project happen

Even though the G8 has generally been considered an excellent vehicle by the press and enthusiasts alike, it hasn't sold well in the US. About half of the 25,000 G8s shipped Stateside have yet to leave the dealer lot. The collapse of auto sales in the US have a lot to do with that, but we'd add that marketing efforts of the G8 have been less than stellar as well. It's hard to buy a G8 when you don't know it exists. March was a bright spot for the G8, though, as nearly 3,000 models were sold; the vehicle's best month ever.

One possibility for the G8 that could save Holden a lot of money while saving an excellent RWD sedan from extinction would be to convert it into a Chevy. The Commodore already dons the Chevy bow-tie in some markets, and we're sure US dealers would welcome a RWD sedan into its showrooms.

[Source: News AU]

REPORT: Holden to lose $1 billion annually if GM shutters Pontiac originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaholden commodoreHoldenCommodorepontiac g8PontiacG8Mon, 27 Apr 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry analyst says Australian car industry is doomed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/aussie-car-industry-analyst-says-australian-car-industry-is-doom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of Australia's Dog & Lemon Guide, says there's no way around a central fact of Australian automobile production: "Australia's car factories are losing money on every vehicle they make." Because of that, he believes that there is no future for the domestic car industry Down Under, no matter how much money the government provides to keep factories open.

Matthew-Wilson further believes that General Motors' Holden division will be the first brand thrown into the abyss, trailed closely by Ford. The economics of Australian auto manufacturing, as far as he's concerned, simply don't make sense and GM and Ford's cash drain will force them to shut down their operations there.

''Globally, there's a glut of new cars at bargain prices," he says, "yet Australia, which produces a small number of high cost cars, is trying to compete with countries like China.... The Australian car industry can re-focus on small cars, green cars, blue cars or red cars. None of this will make the slightest difference."

For its part, Holden recently cut production nearly by half, and rumblings are that it, like Saab and Opel and HUMMER, it may soon be looking for a buyer.

[Source: Sydney Morning Herald via Carscoop]

Industry analyst says Australian car industry is doomed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacommodoreearningsfalconfinancialsfordford australiaFordAustraliagmholdenmanufacturingplantsTue, 14 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST