Autoblog

Oh, Snap! Watch what happens when this bus slides through toll barrier

Zach Bowman — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST

It's common knowledge that buses fight dirty. Enter into fisticuffs with public transportation and you're likely to find yourself on the raw end of a well-aimed 2x4 plank. Just ask the pedestrian in the video after the jump. We're short on context with this one, but from the looks of things, the bus attempts to come to a stop for a traffic checkpoint or tollbooth, only to slide on black ice and bowl straight through the traffic control arm.

It all sounds innocuous enough, but click past the break to check out the unintended result for yourself.

Continue reading Oh, Snap! Watch what happens when this bus slides through toll barrier

Oh, Snap! Watch what happens when this bus slides through toll barrier originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man steals Greyhound bus to meet friend for Christmas

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Humor

Because there's no way to top this lede, we'll just have to quote the whole thing, from lohud.com:

PEEKSKILL - A 39-year-old city man faces felony charges upstate after apparently not heeding Greyhound's slogan of "Leave the driving to us."

Yep, that's right, the guy stole a bus. On Christmas. (Allegedly.)

But never fear, Andrew Hickey of New York had a commercial driver's license, and apparently he knew what he was doing. After swiping the running bus from a transport center at 4:30am, he managed to drive it about 60 miles before Greyhound officials remotely disabled the bus, using a system that apparently all of the company's buses are equipped with. A spokesman for the transit company tells lohud.com that stolen buses are "very rare."

The report says the Greyhound in question was worth half a million dollars, but it doesn't seem like the alleged thief was much interested in the bus for its value. He told police that he just needed some wheels to get to a friend's house.

Man steals Greyhound bus to meet friend for Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DOT to push for new bus driver sleep regulations?

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

How safe are busses? It's a good question, and one that the United States Department of Transportation is mulling over after revising work hour regulations for truckers and airline pilots earlier this month. Bus drivers are next on the list, as the USDOT is seeking public comment on allowable on-duty time, according to Bloomberg.

The effort would amend rules that are several decades old, just as bus travel has taken off. Buses represent the fastest-growing transportation segment, with departures up 7.1 percent this year, according to a study cited by Bloomberg. This year, eight bus crashes have resulted in 28 deaths, according to the report.

DOT to push for new bus driver sleep regulations? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit police impound Booty Lounge strip club on wheels

Chris Shunk — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Videos, Work

Tailgating is an important part of going to see a sports event in person, and in the city of Detroit, that pastime also includes something called the Booty Lounge. The Booty Lounge is a low-rent strip-club on wheels, and it has been a somewhat shady part of the game-day experience in Detroit since 2005.

Owners of the mobile strip club were likely hoping for a big payday thanks to a Lions appearance on the NFL's Monday Night Football, but instead, the bus was impounded by Detroit Police. Detroit's NBC affiliate reports that the bus was towed way because it was parked illegally, the driver didn't have a commercial license and the vehicle wasn't inspected by the Michigan Department of Transportation. The fuzz reportedly weren't targeting the rolling tribute, but the bus recently came under fire after a local TV station uncovered the goings-on inside the bus.

The Booty Lounge will reportedly be cleared to exit the impound once it provides proof of inspection, but we're getting the feeling that this tailgater is going to be sitting out a quite few more games. Click past the jump to watch Sports Time Out's coverage of the Booty Lounge.

Continue reading Detroit police impound Booty Lounge strip club on wheels

Detroit police impound Booty Lounge strip club on wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego to release VW Westfalia camper van model this fall

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Budget, Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Lego will pay tribute to the Volkswagen Westfalia camper with a new kit that goes on sale in October. The model is based on a 1962 Volkswagen Bus with the sought-after pop-top camper option. The interior even features a sink and dinette, along with the all important bench seat-cum-double bed.

Lego's hippie hooptie features the classic tri-color V paint scheme up front, a lava lamp inside, and a "Make LEGO models not war" T-shirt hanging in the window. In back, there's even a replica of the the van's flat four engine wedged between the rear axle and the floor.

According to the model's designer, the hardest thing was translating the VW's curves to brick form, but it looks like they got as close as possible, given the medium. Hop the jump to check out a video of Lego's assembly-required homage to the Volkswagen Bus. Brick builders can pick it up for $99.99 when it hits U.S. toy shelves.

Continue reading Lego to release VW Westfalia camper van model this fall

Lego to release VW Westfalia camper van model this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss

Chris Shunk — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, GM

General Motors built the Futurliner to promote a traveling show called the "GM Parade of Progress" in the 1940s and '50s. The slippery-lined bus, which was penned by the legendary Harley Earl, is one of 12 that traveled the U.S. to show Americans the future of motoring and technology.

GM Futurliner #10, which was fully restored in 2007, recently made a trip out to the Pontiac Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio. The 30-ton, 33-foot-long bus was on display at the event, but that didn't mean that the massive antique wasn't allowed to also take a whack at the quarter mile. The 70-year-old sign of progress didn't exactly light up the tarmac, but it can hold its head up high for even finishing the run. The final time? 48 seconds at 28 mph.

Follow the jump to watch the Futurliner in (slow) motion. And no, your YouTube connection isn't running poorly... the Futurliner is powered a four-cylinder diesel engine (30 tons!) and only has a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

Continue reading GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss

GM Futurliner runs quarter mile like a Boss originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hairy t-bone crash leads to a most unlikely escape

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

It appears to be pretty simple: the classic t-bone incident at an intersection, only this one involves buses. But that's not the spectacular part. What's most eye-popping is what happens after the crash. We won't spoil the surprise tucked into the video after the jump, but just watch for the bolt of green that pops through the wreckage as if nothing happened.

Continue reading Hairy t-bone crash leads to a most unlikely escape

Hairy t-bone crash leads to a most unlikely escape originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Venezuela issues its first-ever driver's license suspension

Domenick Yoney — Sun, 22 May 2011 18:31:00 EST

Venezuela might be seen as something of a hooner's paradise. Gas is ~~free~~ 12 cents per gallon, drivers' rights reign supreme, and traffic law enforcement is practically nonexistent. Maybe that's all changing, though. This week, Venezuela's national police chief, Luis Fernandez, held a press conference to announce the first-ever suspension of driving privileges for one of its citizens.

41-year-old Ramon Parra was found to be operating his bus in excess of posted limits. It also had too many passengers. Oh, and one of the rear wheels was in the aisle with the passengers instead of on its axle, where one normally might expect to find it. As for Parra, it'll be a year before he gets to climb behind the wheel again.

Venezuela issues its first-ever driver's license suspension originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 May 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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London's new double-decker bus unveiled [w/video]

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: UK, Design/Style

London's new double-decker bus - Click above for high-res image gallery

Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, was on hand at the London Transport Museum today to unveil his city's future of public transportation. A full-size mock-up of the bus was on display and the design is clearly a nod to the past. Modeled after the original Routemaster, this updated double-decker brings the style into the 21st century while keeping touches of the old bus' charm. The new bus, which is being manufactured by Wrightbus, features an open platform in the rear, which marks the return of the traditional hop-on-hop-off service.

Quickly moving from rendering and video to this mock-up, the first Wrightbus prototype is scheduled to be delivered next year. After that, five production buses will enter service in 2012, just in time for the Olypmics. Check it out in the gallery below or watch the video after the jump.

Gallery: London's New Double-Decker Bus

[Source: BBC News]

Continue reading London's new double-decker bus unveiled [w/video]

London's new double-decker bus unveiled [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Redneck Visionary bus jump something you don't see every day

Zach Bowman — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Work, Humor

Yep. That's a bus in mid-air - Click above to watch video after the jump

For all of the wonders that the internet has unleashed, it has also desensitized an entire generation. Once upon a time, we'd have been shocked to watch someone shove a nine iron into a blender, but thanks to the proliferation of online videos, gratuitous and rampant destruction barely elicits a yawn nowadays. Perhaps that's why we're so taken with this video.

We don't know why somebody decided to see what happens when a full-sized charter bus hits a motocross jump at speed. We're just happy that they did (and that they brought a camera along). Hats off to the crew that orchestrated this mayhem, which you can watch for yourselves after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: ~~Redneck~~ Visionary bus jump something you don't see every day

Video: ~~Redneck~~ Visionary bus jump something you don't see every day originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sweden's Acme Advertising creates arresting green motorcoach marketing

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Work

50 Cars or 1 Coach ad campaign in Sweden - Click above to watch video

Sweden's Flygbussarna Airport Coaches asked Acne Advertising to make the case for travelers to take a coach to the airport instead of a car. Instead of leading with price, comfort, or ease, Acne went for hot air and green - as in CO2 and the environment.

To vividly illustrate that one Flyggbussarna coach can hold about 50 people - as opposed to the typical Swedish passenger car, which averages 1.2 occupants - while emitting the pollution of just four passenger cars, Acne built a coach out of fifty crushed cars - primarily expired Volvos and Saabs.

The installation was placed next to the road to Sweden's largest airport, and what ensued was lots of public awareness. And traffic jams. Which would have increased CO2, ironically. Follow the jump for a video on the campaign. Even if the resultant congestion made the earth a bit warmer, it's still very cool.

[Source: Acne Advertising]

Continue reading Video: Sweden's Acme Advertising creates arresting green motorcoach marketing

Video: Sweden's Acme Advertising creates arresting green motorcoach marketing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Bentley, Specialty

Luke, a London Routemaster bus retrofitted by Bentley for St Luke's hospice - Click above for high-res image gallery

We haven't met anyone who works in the Bentley factory. (At least, this writer hasn't.) But we like them already. Because while workers at other assembly plants go on strike or to Eminem concerts when they've got no more work, the crew from Crewe puts their energy and considerable talents into charitable endeavors. A couple of weeks ago we brought you a collection of artwork created by Bentley craftsmen, scheduled to be auctioned off to benefit cancer research. Now they've completed work on a bus for a hospice.

The decommissioned London Routemaster double-decker city bus affectionately named Luke was acquired by St Luke's hospice - a care facility for the terminally ill in Winsford, Cheshire - earlier this year. The goal was to use it as a sort of "community charity bus" to be used for fundraising, public awareness and as a "traveling shop" for college campuses. We don't know exactly what that entails, but the results, billed as the world's most luxurious charity bus, are impressive.

Very different in nature from rival Aston Martin's bus project, 59 Bentley workers from the woodshop, tool-room and maintenance departments volunteered some 2,000 man-hours to transform Luke from a mode of public transportation into what looks like an impeccably well-crafted vehicle for charitable work. See for yourself in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Luke the bus outfitted by Bentley

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity

Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

In 1974, this 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (a.k.a. 'Bus') was stolen from Washington State. Fast-forward to October 19 of this year and custom agents at the Port of Los Angeles open up a container bound for Europe only to rediscover said van. Somehow, the Bus's VIN was still in the LAPD's stolen vehicle database. Guess which 1965 Type 2 is no longer headed for Europe?

Here's where it gets a little bit foggy, a little bit weird. According to the Los Angeles Times, the cops and the feds can't find the original owner. And the gentleman that restored the thirteen-window Bus to such pristine condition and who was planning on shipping said Bus back to the fatherland is also a victim of the theft - meaning he's off the hook, but out of money. Because way back in 1974, Allstate ("You're in good hands") Insurance paid the then owner $2,500 for the stolen Volkswagen. Which means that Allstate is winding up with the Bus.

Update: The original owner has been located! Her name is Michelle Squires and yes, she would like her Bus back. The reason that she couldn't be located at first is because her last name used to be Carlson. Says Squires, "I don't know if I could afford it because the restored bus is supposed to be around $25,000 now, but I would like the opportunity to talk to Allstate to see if I could get it back." While we think it would be a stellar PR coup for Allstate, Squires should probably prepare to stay separated from her van.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Department of Homeland Security]

VW Bus stolen 35 years ago returned in mint condition... to Allstate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen, Specialty

Volkswagen Caravelle and Transporter - click above image for high-res gallery

Some of us enthusiast types are still upset that Volkswagen never released the retro-futuristic new Bus first seen back in 2001. Looking backwards with 20-20 vision, perhaps the conceptual Bus was a little too slavish to the Type II's (a.k.a. Transporter, a.k.a. Station Wagon, a.k.a. Bus) design aesthetic and not concerned enough with its zeitgeist - affordable, practical family fun.

Meet the new VW Caravelle (passenger van), Transporter (cargo van) and California (camper van - not shown). These Golf-nosed successors to not only the Transporter, but the Vanagon and Eurovan, will be making their refreshed debuts in a few short weeks at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Beyond receiving a new shnoz, other tweaks include a range of common rail TDI engines, new rear-light clusters, more aerodynamic side mirrors, touchscreen navigation, USB connectivity, updated ESP and a hill-start assist feature. Plus, you can get either van with a manual gearbox.

While both these cars are Euro-only (Volkswagen hasn't sold a Eurovan in the U.S. since 2003), it is good to see a modern version of a Westphalia-style camper van. And you know, maybe Volkswagen should think about ditching the Routan and bringing these new vans here... especially the pop-top California? Just a thought. Either way, we'll know more come Frankfurt. High-res shots below, full press releases after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Caravelle and Transporter

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt

VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Tight Fit: Japanese bus company makes the most of its parking lot

Chris Shunk — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Work

Click above to watch video after the jump

Here in the States, unless you live in a city like New York, Chicago or Boston, chances are that on any given day, parking isn't one of your bigger challenges. In smaller, more densely populated countries like Germany or the U.K., finding a spot can be a big issue, and the solution often costs a lot of money.

One motor coach company in Japan is skipping the big cash solution, and instead, it is just driving its buses over the edge. Well, at least a significant portion of them. The company has installed special rear-view cameras in their vehicles so drivers can get a terrifying inch-by-inch update on their progress as they back up to the edge of their parking lot's precipice. A small metal ridge embedded in the asphalt is the last line of defense keeping the tour buses from falling down a very steep embankment. Talk about your nerves of steel parking jobs. Hit the jump to view the video of these massive motor coaches coming inches from taking the Nestea plunge. Hat tip to Musouka!

Source: Japan Probe]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tight Fit: Japanese bus company makes the most of its parking lot

VIDEO: Tight Fit: Japanese bus company makes the most of its parking lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sail the (calm) seas in the Amphicoach Amphibious Tourist Bus

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Amphicoach Amphibious Touring Bus - Click above for a gallery

Amphibious touring vehicles have been around for a while (the Bay Quackers in San Francisco comes to mind), offering vacationers a unique way to explore both the city and the waterways surrounding it. Amphicoach is taking it to the next luxurious level, with a 50-seat bus that combines all the amenities you'd find in a high-end touring coach with the amphibious capabilities required to tackle the seas.

After six years of development and testing, Amphicoach is ready to launch its first model, which complies with all relevant E.U. legislation for passenger vehicles and can handle extended periods submerged in either salt- or fresh-water.

The Amphicoach is equipped with a choice of two diesel engines along with two- or four-wheel drive, is built from marine grade aluminum for light weight and superior strength, features a jet drive unit built specifically for the bus and a one-off wheel retraction system that allows the coach to travel up to eight knots. Inside, it's typical party-bus fare, with LCD screens, DVD players and PA systems, along with all the required safety gear.

Pricing and availability is currently on a need-to-know basis, but for cities trying to stoke tourism, the Amphicoach could be worth the cost of entry... assuming it won't leave pensioners stranded off the shore of Alcatraz.

Gallery: Amphicoach Amphibious Tourist Bus

[Source: Amphicoach via 4wheelnews]

Sail the (calm) seas in the Amphicoach Amphibious Tourist Bus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler opens office in Baghdad, Iraq

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

As a small step that could be considered a healthy vote of confidence in Iraq's return to stability, Mercedes has established a corporate representative office in Baghdad. Daimler set up shop in Erbil, Iraq last February, opening a training center that would get mechanics ready for coming Mercedes products. By installing a corporate representative, the company will have someone on the ground to figure out how best to introduce new Mercedes products to the country. The rep will focus on examining and developing the market for trucks and buses, which Daimler should have all to itself for a while.

[Source: Daimler]

Daimler opens office in Baghdad, Iraq originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Winners for 21st Century London bus contest include... Aston Martin?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Contests, Etc., Green, Aston Martin, UK

Click above to enlarge the winning designs for a 21st Century Routemaster bus

The New Bus for London competition has come to an end. Two proposals were chosen from the large group of entrants by a series of judges, and the winners have just been announced by London Mayor Boris Johnson. The Freight*Bus concept we took a look is nowhere to be found, but that's just fine. The two winners are excellent, and one of them comes from a familiar but unexpected source: Aston Martin. The mind reels with the infinite possibilities of an Aston Martin-designed London double-decker bus. With an all-glass roof complete with solar panels, the enviro-cred is present and accounted for, and the wooden floors and hop-on, hop-off accessibility add flair and practicality in equal doses.

The other winner comes via Capoco Design from Salisbury, UK. It's a more traditional design that keeps many of the old Routemaster's best bits but adds an eco-friendly drivetrain package. Both designs will now be submitted to bus manufacturers for review.

[Source: Transport for London]

Winners for 21st Century London bus contest include... Aston Martin? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget Gran Turismo, Bus Driver is greatest next-gen driving sim

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Toys/Games, Lifestyle

Click above for more screen shots of Bus Driver

When I was in Kindergarten, I rode Bus 11. It was an oil-burning 32-passenger GMC that was ready for retirement by 1982. It was driven by Sarge. I'm not sure why she was called Sarge, but her demeanor definitely lived up to the moniker. Frequent exhortations to"SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP" kept us all in line. Nobody ever laughed when she ground the 2-3 upshift. Think you'd enjoy ruling passengers with an iron fist? You could go get the endorsement on your license and then hit the job market, or if that takes too much effort, just buy Bus Driver, the video game.

Hey, at least it's still a driving game, but it's the staid, responsible version of gaming. Rather than speed around a track or create mayhem, your mission is to follow routes in your school bus, city bus or tour bus while picking up and dropping off fares. What fun, the replays must be enthralling. It could be worse, though - it's still a wheeled conveyance you're controlling rather than some Wiimote-powered silliness. We do wish that Meridian4, the game's publisher, had included the DeLorean bus that never got off the ground.

Gallery: Bus Driver: The Video Game

[Source: Winding Road]

Forget Gran Turismo, Bus Driver is greatest next-gen driving sim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spirit of the VW Camper van goes Element-al

Dan Roth — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Honda, Lifestyle

click above for more pics of the Ursa Minor ECamper

The family vacation just hasn't been the same since the ubiquity of the Westfalia Camper and the VW Type2 as a family vehicle, both of which have been toppled by the rise of the minivan. There have been Westys since VW went mostly conventional with the Eurovan, but they're not much of a common sight on US Highways anymore.

Ursa Minor Vehicles understands that all those former kids who took trips to the Grand Canyon in a Westfalia have a soft spot for the poptop. Thus, the Ursa Minor ECamper kit for the Honda Element has been born. For those willing to part with an additional 4,000 bones, they will regain the ability to tilt up the roof again and contort themselves into an upper bunk area. The ECamper does require that the donor Element have a sunroof, which is the access hatch to the 85" x 50" sleeping area under the carbon fiber lid. Options such as color matched paint and roof racks are also available, and Ursa Minor will even sell you a fully outfitted Element if you don't want to tackle the kit. $4,300 is about what it'd cost in parts and labor to fix the head gaskets in your Wasserboxer, again, isn't it?

[Source: Winding Road]

Gallery: Ursa Minor ECamper

Spirit of the VW Camper van goes Element-al originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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