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[Spy Shots: Next Nissan Micra spotted?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/spy-shots-next-nissan-micra-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/spy-shots-next-nissan-micra-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/spy-shots-next-nissan-micra-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Images of the next generation Nissan Micra have plopped onto the interwebs, and they have brought with them a revelation we are a little ashamed to have come to so late. First, let us say that we really, really dig the Nissan Micra as it is. Sure, we delight most in its hardcore version, but even the gutless four-door variants have that design going for them: the Micra is wonderfully visually compelling.

The revelation is this: when it comes to Nissan, the phrase "This car is coming to the U.S." looks to actually mean "a bloated kind of melty looking version of this car is coming to the U.S." We saw it first with the Cube, and the same sort of globular travesty has apparently been perpetrated on the Micra. Forget the oh-so-sexy sketch from a month ago. If this is the car we're getting, look for the Micra with its thumb stuck its thumb in its grille and puffed-out cheeks.

When the new Micra bows as a 2011 model, it will reportedly be built in four-door, five-door, and MPV flavors, all of which will supposedly be powered by a three-cylinder engine. What isn't clear, however, is which Micra bodystyles we'll see in America.

[Source: Joke for Blog]

Spy Shots: Next Nissan Micra spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 micra2011 nissan2011 nissan micra2011Micra2011Nissan2011NissanMicrabudgethatchbackmicrampvnissannissan micraNissanMicraWed, 11 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept tries to be a cooler kei]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-suzuki-alto-concept-tries-to-be-a-cooler-kei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-suzuki-alto-concept-tries-to-be-a-cooler-kei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-suzuki-alto-concept-tries-to-be-a-cooler-kei/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Suzuki Alto Concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Suzuki Alto concept is The Kei You Would Never Suspect: unassuming looks belie the fact that this is car Suzuki is going to use to reach a wider audience. The exterior - which, frankly, looks like a ton of other itty bitty already plying on Japan's streets -- has been subtly tweaked to subtly lure in male and female buyers in a wider age group than the current car attracts.

According to the company, the Alto concept "points to the future of the minivehicle by combining newly honed performance with minivehicle economy and user-friendliness," with "styling that appeals to people regardless of age and gender."

Although officially labeled as a concept, the three-cylinder Alto is expected on the roads next year and an all-wheel-drive version is also on the way. Decide on the Alto for yourself with the help of the high-res gallery below and the press release after the break.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept tries to be a cooler kei

Tokyo 2009: Suzuki Alto Concept tries to be a cooler kei originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative energyAlternativeEnergyalto conceptAltoConceptbudgetconcept carConceptCarhatchbacksuzuki altoSuzuki Alto ConceptSuzukiAltoSuzukiAltoConcepttokyotokyo 2009tokyo auto showTokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowThu, 22 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[JDM Retrofuturism: Mitsuoka launches updated New Viewt]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/jdm-retrofuturism-mitsuoka-launches-updated-new-viewt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/jdm-retrofuturism-mitsuoka-launches-updated-new-viewt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/jdm-retrofuturism-mitsuoka-launches-updated-new-viewt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mitsuoka Viewt -- Click above for high-res image gallery

You know that unique thing that Mitsuoka does? If not, see for yourself. And here's another example of it: the new Viewt. Originally introduced in 1993, the Viewt is a Nissan Micra underneath what kind of resembles a Jaguar MkII shell. The latest version of the Viewt underwent some slight changes to ensure compliance with Japanese safety regulations, such as integrating the bumpers into the front end panels.

We consider it a testament to Mitsuoka's designs that a shrunken, ill-proportioned Jaguar clone that sits on a Nissan microcar isn't the strangest thing the company has done. To see more of it, check out the gallery of high-res images below.


Gallery: Mitsuoka New Viewt


[Source: Mitsuoka]

JDM Retrofuturism: Mitsuoka launches updated New Viewt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 mitsuoka2010 mitsuoka viewt2010 viewt2010Mitsuoka2010MitsuokaViewt2010ViewtbudgeteconomyjapanmitsuokaMitsuoka ViewtMitsuokaViewtsedanviewtMon, 19 Oct 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Karting - Part 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/introduction-to-karting-part-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/introduction-to-karting-part-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/16/introduction-to-karting-part-3/#commentsFiled under: ,

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES?

We've been accused of acting as facilitators; as dealers; as dastardly souls encouraging readers to engage in a one-way trip toward an expensive, time-consuming hobby. That's pretty accurate. Yes, we did describe karting as an inexpensive way into a serious motorsport, and that's true, but any racer or would-be should know that few forms of motorsport are truly inexpensive. Karting is no different. You can get going in the sport for cheap, but running costs escalate quickly, leaving the most finely honed budgets full of holes and rusting by the side of the road.

After getting a taste for real karting at the school we attended in Part 2, and after our bruises had faded, we knew we needed more. What we didn't know was whether we could afford it. So we set out creating a budget, then went about buying what we'd need and along the way made a number of... revisions. We're more or less done shopping at this point, meaning you get the benefit of 20-20 hindsight, but of course our priorities may not jive with yours so don't come yelling at us if your numbers come up differently.

First, though, you need to decide what kind of racing we're going to do.

Continue reading Introduction to Karting - Part 3

Introduction to Karting - Part 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbudgetingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesintroduction to kartingintroductiontokartingkart racingkartingKartRacingFri, 16 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-citroen-using-interactive-augmented-reality-tech-to-pit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-citroen-using-interactive-augmented-reality-tech-to-pit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-citroen-using-interactive-augmented-reality-tech-to-pit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Citroën DS3 in augmented reality -- Click above to watch video

Citroën is using the latest in video technology to promote its newest compact, the DS3. First, you go to Citroën's augmented reality website and print out the interactive pages. Then, after you enter the augmented reality area of the site, you hold those interactive pages in front of your webcam, and what you'll get is a DS3 placed in various situations that you can control with the piece of paper in your hands.

Of course, you shouldn't take our word for it - check out the video after the jump and then hop over to Citroën's site to have a go for yourself.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3


[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3

VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcitroencitroen ds3CitroenDs3compactds3hatchhatchbacktechtechnologyvideoMon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/ford-fiesta-u-s-spec-gets-caught-in-mexican-factory/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Fiestas being built in Mexico -- Click above for high-res image gallery

What is reported to be the coming U.S.-spec Ford Fiesta has been photographed during assembly in Mexico, and the minor changes we can glean so far center around the grille. Compared to its European counterpart, the American version gets a much chunkier front end which has pushed the leading edge of the hood back. The Ford emblem is now completely surrounded by the front clip.

Below that, the central opening is larger, ringed with chrome, and the bisecting bar on the Euro version has been moved up and fitted with a U.S. license plate holder. Outside, the single fog light has been reworked into a giant, glass covered alien eye. Make no mistake - it's still hot, and we still can't wait to see it when it's unveiled at the LA Auto Show next month.


Gallery: Dummies Ford Fiesta americano


[Source: Autoblog Spanish (translated)]

Ford Fiesta U.S.-spec gets caught in Mexican factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fiesta2010 ford2010 ford fiesta2010Fiesta2010Ford2010FordFiestabudgetfiestafordford fiestaFordFiestahatchbackla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009manufacturingmexicoplantsspy shotsSpyShotsMon, 12 Oct 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/spy-shots-citroen-c-cactus-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/spy-shots-citroen-c-cactus-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/spy-shots-citroen-c-cactus-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Images assumed to be the final take on the Citroen C-Cactus have found their way online, and there is a whole lotta ugly going on up front. When we heard Citroen was actually going to make a production car based on the concept we wrote "let's just hope they don't keep too much of the melted-candle look." Thankfully, they didn't.

But what they did was squash the front end of the Citroen GT, add some Nissan-esque headlights and enough curvy shut lines to confuse a protractor, then topped it off with some Klingon forehead bulges running from hood to fenders. Then they gave it a tiny body and rested the package on little wheels. If nothing else, it is arresting.

Touted as a city car, the C-Cactus -- about the size of a Sandero -- would offer three powerplants: a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder gas engine with 90 hp; a 1.4-liter diesel hybrid; and an electric car. This car could also be the first in Citroen's Essentielle sub-brand of Eco cars which are, according to latest reports, due to roll out in 2012.

[Source: Auto Internationaal via Euro Car Blog]

Spy Shots: Citroen C-Cactus leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetc-cactuscitroencitroen c-cactuscitroen c-cactus conceptcitroen c-cactus productionCitroenC-cactusCitroenC-cactusConceptCitroenC-cactusProductiondieselelectricessentielleeuropefalsehatchbackhybridThu, 01 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: New Hyundai Sonata gets three commercials for Korean audience]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/video-new-hyundai-sonata-gets-three-commercials-for-korean-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/video-new-hyundai-sonata-gets-three-commercials-for-korean-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/video-new-hyundai-sonata-gets-three-commercials-for-korean-audi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

South Korean Hyundai Sonata commericals -- Click above to view the videos after the jump

Hyundai's South-Korean-market ad agency has been hard at work cooking up commercials for its latest offering: the 2010 Sonata. Apparently there were no current references that could describe this latest sedan, so they went back a few hundred years for help -- Renaissance artists, Italian musical terminology, and three competing complementary philosophies are used to tell the story. The "Art of Technology" is no simple tale, you see. Follow the jump for the video, and check out the high-res gallery of photos below.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Straight Line]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Hyundai Sonata gets three commercials for Korean audience

VIDEO: New Hyundai Sonata gets three commercials for Korean audience originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 hyundai2010 hyundai sonata2010 sonata2010Hyundai2010HyundaiSonata2010Sonatabudgetfalsehyundaihyundai sonataHyundaiSonatasedansonatavideoMon, 21 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai prices 35 mpg Elantra Blue from $14,145*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/hyundai-prices-35-mpg-elantra-blue-from-14-145/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/hyundai-prices-35-mpg-elantra-blue-from-14-145/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/hyundai-prices-35-mpg-elantra-blue-from-14-145/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The 2010 Hyundai Elanta comes in a trim called "Blue" that's all about fuel economy. The little sedan from the Flying H matches or beats the economy numbers from almost all of the competition, losing by just two mpg to the Cobalt XFE manual - but beating them all in price by a couple hundred dollars.

To reach its 35 mpg figure, the Blue gets a smart alternator, lower friction engine parts, different gear ratios, an ECU tweak, and a shift indicator. The rest of the line gets some of the Blue's features, meaning that every new 2010 Elantra ought to save you some money at the pump. The Blue clocks in at $14,145 (*plus $720 for freight), and you can read all about it and the other models in the 2010 line after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue


[Source: Hyundai]




Continue reading Hyundai prices 35 mpg Elantra Blue from $14,145*

Hyundai prices 35 mpg Elantra Blue from $14,145* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 elantra2010 elantra blue2010 hyundai2010 hyundai elantra2010 hyundai elantra blue2010Elantra2010ElantraBlue2010Hyundai2010HyundaiElantra2010HyundaiElantraBluebudgetelantraelantra blueElantraBluefalsehyundaihyundai elantra blueHyundaiElantraBluesedanMon, 21 Sep 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/frankfurt-2009-seat-leon-cupra-r-makes-a-fine-green-goblin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/frankfurt-2009-seat-leon-cupra-r-makes-a-fine-green-goblin/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/frankfurt-2009-seat-leon-cupra-r-makes-a-fine-green-goblin/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Seat Leon Cupra R - Click above for high-res image gallery

What you have here is one of the coolest little 4-door hot hatches that looks like a 2-door hatch. The 2010 SEAT Leon Cupra R gets 265 hp from its VW-battle-tested 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, making it the most powerful SEAT... ever. The front wheels can pull the car to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, and if you're not beating it up you'll get something like 29 mpg (35 mpg imperial).

Outside, along with R badges everywhere, the sizzling Cupra gets 19-inch wheels with low-profile tires, bigger brakes, and special trim for the instrument dials and alcantara-lined interior. Read up on the details in the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Seat Leon Cupra R


Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin

Frankfurt 2009: SEAT Leon Cupra R makes a fine Green Goblin originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 leon2010 leon cupra2010 leon cupra r2010 seat2010 seat leon cupra r2010Leon2010LeonCupra2010LeonCupraR2010Seat2010SeatLeonCupraRbudgetcupra rCupraRfalsefrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowhatchbackleonleon cupraleon cupra rLeonCupraLeonCupraRseatseat leonseat leon cupraseat leon cupra rSeatLeonSeatLeonCupraSeatLeonCupraRSun, 20 Sep 2009 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-kia-ceed-spiffs-up-basic-transportation/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-kia-ceed-spiffs-up-basic-transportation/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-kia-ceed-spiffs-up-basic-transportation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Kia c'eed -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Kia c'eed has come in for a voluminous number of changes, all of which are explained in the massively massive press release after the jump. The short of it is a restyled exterior, new interior elements, new mechanical structures such as a revised subframe for better NVH performance, the addition of hill-assist, a new diesel engine among the 5-engine range... see what we mean? This is not the Kia c'eed you knew...

What you really need to know about the new c'eed is that it takes a rightful place among the lead group of entry-level hatches in Europe. Sometimes you get in a cheap car and it looks cheap and feels cheap. That isn't the Kia c'eed - a little car that gives you a 6-speed manual to make the most of what power it offers. As has been the case with Hyundai and Kia lately, this one's probably going to be another good one.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed


Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation

Frankfurt 2009: Kia c'eed spiffs up basic transportation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ceed2010 kia2010 kia ceed2010Ceed2010Kia2010KiaCeedbudgetceedfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showfrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowhatchhatchbackkiakia ceedKiaCeedWed, 16 Sep 2009 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Drip, Drip, Drip - More 2010 Hyundai Sonata images find their way onto the interwebs <b>[*UPDATED]</b>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/drip-drip-drip-more-2010-hyundai-sonata-images-find-their-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/drip-drip-drip-more-2010-hyundai-sonata-images-find-their-wa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/01/drip-drip-drip-more-2010-hyundai-sonata-images-find-their-wa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Hyundai Sonata -- Click above for image gallery

Hyundai isn't happy about it, but the 2010 Hyundai Sonata has been caught in the Internet's voracious maw eight days before its official launch in South Korea. Hyundai then released designer's sketches of the new car... but the pics of the actual car are better because they're the realness.

Apparently caught during an ad or photo shoot, it's immediately clear that this Sonata is - as with every recent Hyundai - a break from the current competent but safe-as-houses Sonata. That long nose and greenhouse, the hood ridges, the bevels, swoops, and that serious gash down the side of the car are not the Hyundai of old. From what we can tell, it looks quite expressive and it doesn't appear to be a bad looking car, but we'll wait for next week's launch to get definitive.

You can have a look at the pics in the gallery below, but we will leave the dissection of its design to you in the comments section. Hat tip to everybody and their mothers!

*UPDATE: Hyundai has released an official press release (available after the jump) and a pair of renderings available in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Bobaedream (translated) via Carscoop]

Continue reading Drip, Drip, Drip - More 2010 Hyundai Sonata images find their way onto the interwebs [*UPDATED]

Drip, Drip, Drip - More 2010 Hyundai Sonata images find their way onto the interwebs [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 hyundai2010 hyundai sonata2010 sonata2010Hyundai2010HyundaiSonata2010Sonatabudgethyundaihyundai sonataHyundaiSonatasedansonatasouth koreaSouthKoreaTue, 01 Sep 2009 10:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Triple Play: Mercedes reportedly files patent papers for three-seat Smart]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/triple-play-mercedes-reportedly-files-patent-papers-for-three-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/triple-play-mercedes-reportedly-files-patent-papers-for-three-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/triple-play-mercedes-reportedly-files-patent-papers-for-three-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Trying to give buyers more chances to get into a Smart, the company produced a four-seat hatch called the ForFour in 2004. It sold so poorly that the car was axed after just two years. In spite of that, Autocar says that parent Mercedes-Benz has filed patent papers for an embiggened Smart.

This time, it's the Smart ForThree, with a 1+2 seating arrangement a la the McLaren F1. Unlike the F1, though, the Smart's center-positioned driver's seat would be completely forward of the rear seats. That way, it could rotate or be mounted on lateral sliders to make it easier for the driver to get in.

Engines aren't mentioned, but Mercedes does have a line of modular three-cylinder engines as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that are being prepped for small car use. Sources report that the car could be in showrooms by 2014.

[Source: Autocar]

Triple Play: Mercedes reportedly files patent papers for three-seat Smart originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgeteconomyforthreemercedesmercedes-benzMercedesBenzsmartsmart forthreeSmartForthreeMon, 03 Aug 2009 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[California legislature passes budget with a $0.39 per gallon gas "user fee"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/25/california-legislature-passes-buget-with-a-0-39-per-gallon-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/25/california-legislature-passes-buget-with-a-0-39-per-gallon-gas/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/25/california-legislature-passes-buget-with-a-0-39-per-gallon-gas/#commentsFiled under: ,

California hasn't been able to borrow money for months, and according to the state's treasurer, it will run out of money in February or March if it doesn't pass a budget and get some income flowing. The majority Democratic legislature has sent Governor Schwarzenegger a budget that contains a suite of "revenue enhancements" that the Democrats call fees, not taxes. In addition to a jump in the state sales tax and personal income tax, there's also a provision to apply a per gallon gas "fee" of 39 cents.

The biggest problem with the proposed budget is the way in which it was passed, which relies on the definition of the word "tax". Democrats used a simple majority vote to pass the proposed budget, instead of the mandatory 2/3 majority needed to pass new taxes, because they say "it does not technically increase the amount of taxes on Californians." For instance, because the gas "fee" would be set aside for transportation projects only, it isn't a tax, it's a user fee, and so it doesn't require a 2/3 majority vote.

Call it what you want, Californians would be paying more money, so Republicans have vowed not to support what they call increased taxes. Citizen's groups have also promised to sue the state if Schwarzenegger signs the proposed budget as is. The other problem is that Schwarzenegger has already vowed to veto it, but not over the tax vs. fee issue. He said he'll let other people sort that out - what he really wants are bigger cuts in spending before he'll approve anything. The budget discussions resume on Friday as lawmakers work to have something done by year's end. Thanks for the tip, Fed!

[Source: Yahoo!]

California legislature passes budget with a $0.39 per gallon gas "user fee" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbudget deficitBudgetDeficitcaliforniacalifornia legislatureCaliforniaLegislaturefeesgas taxGasTaxschwarzeneggertaxesThu, 25 Dec 2008 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 teams spent over $3 billion, Toyota the most]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/f1-teams-to-spent-over-3-billion-toyota-the-most/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/f1-teams-to-spent-over-3-billion-toyota-the-most/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/22/f1-teams-to-spent-over-3-billion-toyota-the-most/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While we knew Formula 1 racing was an expensive venture, leave it to the 2008/2009 edition of Formula Money to spell-out the jaw-dropping finances for us. According to their latest guide, the supporting cast will shell out over $3 billion this year in team resources -- with Toyota dropping more than $445 million of it alone. McLaren is a close second at $433 million, while Ferrari rounds out the top three with $414 million coming out of pocket. If you take a look at team resources divided by points scored, each point cost Ferrari $1.9 million in 2007 (while each point cost Honda a staggering $57.2 million during the same period!). With the financial markets around the world roiled in turmoil, many are wondering when the F1 budgets are going to feel the pinch... Thanks for the tip, Keith!

[Source: F1 Fanatic]

F1 teams spent over $3 billion, Toyota the most originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetF1F1 GuideF1GuideFerrariFerrari F1FerrariF1financesFormula 1Formula MoneyFormula1FormulaMoneyHonda F1HondaF1Season budgetSeasonBudgetSpendingToyota F1ToyotaF1Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai backing out of Super Bowl ads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/hyundai-backing-out-of-super-bowl-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/hyundai-backing-out-of-super-bowl-ads/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/hyundai-backing-out-of-super-bowl-ads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The economy appears to be swooning, and before we land softly (or crash hard), company's have begun to circle their wagons and reduce unnecessary spending. This often translates directly into reducing advertising budgets. It's tough for an automaker to skimp on engineering and we've all seen what happens when beancounters design an interior. Advertising, however, is low-hanging budgetary fruit. Hyundai's concern over the U.S. economy is a motivating factor in the automaker's move to reconsider its pricey Super Bowl advertising.

Hyundai announced in October that it would be burning $5.4 million dollars for a mere minute of TV air time, committing to two spots during the February 3rd broadcast. Now, Hyundai's Chris Hosford tells Automotive News that they're looking at the strategy and asking themselves if that's the best use of their ad budget for the first quarter. Superbowl spots are usually expensive to produce, too, as the commercials stand a chance of garnering more banter on February 4th than the actual game does if they're interesting. Hugely expensive airtime and humongous charges from their agency all for just a minute of TV? Yeah, we'd be taking a second look, too.

That brings the total number of automakers advertising during the Super Bowl down to three: Chevy, Audi and Toyota. Oh yeah, we'll be watching.

[Source: AutoNews - sub req]

Hyundai backing out of Super Bowl ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbudgetcommercialeconomyhyundaihyundai super bowlHyundaiSuperBowlpullreconsiderspotsuperbowlwithdrawWed, 16 Jan 2008 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 engine ban reduced to 5 years, new formula expected within 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/f1-engine-ban-reduced-to-5-years-new-formula-expected-within-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/f1-engine-ban-reduced-to-5-years-new-formula-expected-within-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/f1-engine-ban-reduced-to-5-years-new-formula-expected-within-2/#commentsFiled under:

The FIA and the teams participating in F1 have agreed to shorten the ban on engine development to five years. The FIA, which forms the rules for Formula One, had previously instituted a freeze on the development of every team's engine program for a staggering ten years in an effort to reduce the rapidly escalating costs involved with running an F1 team.

At a meeting called by the FIA in Paris, the principals of each team agreed that a ten year ban was too long, but begun discussions on how costs could be curbed in the sport. Rather than continue imposing half-measures aimed at reducing costs, most of the teams agreed that the FIA should actually reduce costs by instituting an overall budget cap, as many had suggested... Autoblog included. Although Ferrari remains opposed to a budget cap, its former technical chief and now head honcho at Honda, Ross Brawn, has been a vocal proponent of the idea.

With the freeze now cut down to half, the FIA announced it would begin working on a new engine formula for the series. F1 has gone in the past couple of decades from turbo eights to V12s and then to V10s before arriving at the 2.4-liter V8s currently used. Insiders expect the next formula to be unveiled within two years' time and to be both more environmentally-friendly and more cost effective.

[Source: Autosport]

F1 engine ban reduced to 5 years, new formula expected within 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbudgetcostcutdevelopmentenginef1formula oneFormulaOnefreezereduceshortenSun, 13 Jan 2008 19:18:00 EST<![CDATA[By Jove, they've done it! Honda adds a few more MPGs to Canadian Fit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/by-jove-theyve-done-it-honda-adds-a-few-more-mpgs-to-canadian/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/by-jove-theyve-done-it-honda-adds-a-few-more-mpgs-to-canadian/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/by-jove-theyve-done-it-honda-adds-a-few-more-mpgs-to-canadian/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autoblog regulars will remember the ongoing feud between Honda Canada and the Canadian government. The conflict centers around Ottawa's new budget that contains the ecoAuto program, which offers between $1,000 and $2,500 rebates on certain fuel efficient vehicles and up to a $4,000 penalty on gas guzzlers. The Honda Fit, which is very popular in Canada, missed the cutoff for being eligible for a rebate because it consumes 6.6L of fuel every 100 kilometers, just one tenth of a liter more than the federal criteria for the rebate. The Civic misses the mark, however, by one-third to a half liter every 100 kilometers.

Honda threw a fit at what it saw as a federal endorsement of fuel economy over safety, as well as the unfair advantage it gave to competitors like the Toyota Yaris, which did qualify for the rebate but performed less well in crash tests. Honda even went so far as to offer its own $1,000 rebate on the Fit in protest.

In the meantime, Honda engineers have been going over the Fit to eek out a few more miles per gallon, and they've done it on the Fit equipped with a manual transmission. While confirming that they did not reduce the vehicles weight by deleting safety options to achieve the fuel savings, Honda was mum on exactly how it was achieved except to say "internal tinkering" was involved.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look they'll be able to perform the same miracle with the Fit that's equipped with an automatic, though in Canada the manual Fit sells more anyway. The Civic, which is less fuel-efficient than either Fit, has pretty much no hope of ever meeting the governments criteria for the rebate.

Thanks for the tip, Steve!

[Source: The Star]

By Jove, they've done it! Honda adds a few more MPGs to Canadian Fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetCivicecoAutoFitHondaHonda CivicHonda FitHondaCivicHondaFitOttawarebateTue, 24 Jul 2007 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Motor Show rumors: VW unveiling ultra-cheap ride]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/frankfurt-motor-show-rumors-vw-unveiling-ultra-cheap-ride/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/frankfurt-motor-show-rumors-vw-unveiling-ultra-cheap-ride/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/frankfurt-motor-show-rumors-vw-unveiling-ultra-cheap-ride/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Due to its unique shape and low cost, the VW Beetle is perhaps the most recognizable vehicle ever to grace international roads. Since the original Bug faded away into history, the folks in Wolfsburg seem to have gotten away from budget wheels in favor of high-quality, but pricey, offerings. That's all about to change, however, as Volkswagen plans to unveil their blueprint for a new bargain VW at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The noble idea is to produce a vehicle for under €8,000 while retaining the look and feel that VW customers have come to expect. With the high cost of labor in Europe, the idea may seem like a pipe dream, but VW's plants in China and Mexico should be able to get the job done. We're probably not the only ones that hope V-dub can pull this one off.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

Frankfurt Motor Show rumors: VW unveiling ultra-cheap ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeetleBudgetEconoboxFrankfurtVWMon, 23 Jul 2007 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Kelley Blue Book names coolest cars under $18k]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/kelley-blue-book-names-coolest-cars-under-18k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/kelley-blue-book-names-coolest-cars-under-18k/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/kelley-blue-book-names-coolest-cars-under-18k/#commentsFiled under:

Cool doesn't have to be expensive. At least that's what the folks over at Kelley Blue Book figure. The website of the authoritative car-buying resource has put together a list of what they figure are the ten coolest cars you can buy with less than $18,000.

There are some definite good choices on the list, but some of their choices - and how they arrived at them - leave us scratching our heads and wondering if their cool-meter doesn't need recalibration. Rather than taking the entirely subjective Top Gear "Cool Wall" approach and anointing a car cool or not based purely on image, KBB.com came up with a list of criteria. A cool car, they figure, should have folding seats. Huh? Yeah, versatility was their first criteria, including such features as "clever cubbies and innovative storage solutions" as a prerequisite for classifying a car as cool or not. (That way you've got more places to hide your coolness.) Also taken into consideration were such factors as safety, fuel economy and cabin space, before subjective assessments came into the mix.

The resulting list includes a Chevy pick-up at the top, followed by a Focus, a tiny Honda, an Hyundai, a Jeep, a Mazda3, a Nissan hatch, a Scion, a Suzuki and a VW. Each was included in the sub-$18k list based on Kelley's own proprietary blue-book value; follow the link to find out what made each of these cars cool enough to make the cut.

[Source: Kelley Blue Book]

Kelley Blue Book names coolest cars under $18k originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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