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Report: California to amend 'Cool Cars' legislation over... criminal activity?

Is CARB backing down on its so-called "cool cars" regulation? On May 7, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will have to turn in its final draft of the controversial regulations, which calls for automakers to build cars and trucks with windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014 and 60% by 2016. Vehicle manufacturers have argued that it will be expensive to meet the requirements, and other groups are complaining for their own reasons. Heck, there was initially concern that off-roaders might lose their ... Read more →

Washington D.C. joins California and Michigan as initial launch markets for 2011 Chevrolet Volt Michael Harley

In advance of the 2010 Washington Auto Show, Chevrolet has announced that the greater Washington D.C. area will join California and Michigan as initial launch markets for its upcoming plug-in ...

VIDEO: Ferrari California + Audi R8 + hot girls + bear suits = best rental car video ever Jonny Lieberman

When we saw Henry Rollins speak a few ten years ago, he told a story about a fan who wrote to him with a peculiar problem. Seems the guy is a paramedic and one night they come upon a car crash ...

Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California Noah Joseph

It's been a little over a year since Ferrari released the California. It was Maranello's first front-engined V8, bearing its first dual-clutch transmission, its first folding hard-top, and its ...

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout Noah Joseph

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there's no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla – the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging ...

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VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia 4 months ago on Autoblog

Last week, we all watched in collective awe as a $1.8 million Bugatti Veyron drove into a pond. While the driver claimed that he was attacked by a pelican, close examination of the video would appear to reveal... no pelican whatsoever. Instead, there's just a supercar inexplicably jumping into a ...

REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal 4 months ago on Autoblog

Remember California's "Cool Cars" regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It's the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden ...

Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA 5 months ago on Autoblog

Besides the potential feeling of environmental superiority, one of the great benefits to having a hybrid in California has been the availability of a magic little sticker set for a vehicle's rear bumper and fender. The "Access OK" tags have allowed its possessors to cruise in the carpool lanes ...

Toyota seeks $2 million from California for training NUMMI workers 5 months ago on Autoblog

Back in February, New United Motor Manufacturing Co. (NUMMI), the now defunct joint agreement between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, CA, entered an agreement with California's Employment Training Panel that would provide training to 1,400 workers. Since the time of the agreement, GM has ...

Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections 6 months ago on Autoblog

Like their ever-tuning counterparts Edo Competition, Hamann Motorsport have got their hands on a 2010 Ferrari California and are working on an aftermarket program for the folding hardtop sportscar. Among the performance parts on the way are new exhaust system and a revised engine management ...

VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt 7 months ago on Autoblog

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 ...

FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO] 9 months ago on Autoblog

We hate the sight of a destroyed exotic, especially one so rare and exceptional as the McLaren F1. So we're glad to bring you this follow-up report from Santa Rosa, California, where one such supercar went up in smoke last week. And though it hasn't been fixed yet, journos on the scene report that ...

Ken Okuyama Design takes over at former Mercedes Advanced Design studio in Irvine 9 months ago on Autoblog

Anybody can start sketching cars in their basement and call themselves a design studio. Of course it helps if you've got the clout and experience that comes with having steered an established coachbuilder like Pininfarina. But if you're going to make a dent in the increasingly troubled ...

Devil's in the Details: McLaren F1 meets maker in California 9 months ago on Autoblog

It's the little things in life that make all the difference. Flames shooting out the exhaust of a supercar? Awesome. Flames billowing out of the entire engine bay? Uh-oh. So seeing a McLaren F1 – in the United States, no less – going up in smoke is a real tear-jerker. We have to admit ...

REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012 9 months ago on Autoblog

Even though President Obama's new national CAFE standards will lean on the stricter California standards for support and there was broad agreement that a national standard of this type is the way to move forward, the devilish details could still cause a disagreement or two. Problem One is that the ...

California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards? 10 months ago on Autoblog

California's lead in setting stricter mileage standards for automobiles helped President Obama's administration formulate the new 35.5 mpg requirement for 2016. Since California's voice is so strong in the debate, we can see what might possibly be coming to the whole country in the later half of ...

REPORT: Obama to announce new CAFE standards tomorrow, require 34 mpg standard 10 months ago on Autoblog

According to reports from both the New York Times and Politico, the Obama Administration plans to announce new CAFE regulations tomorrow that will finally reconcile both federal and state standards. The plan is expected to combine California's strict emission rules with the federal rule, raising ...

California town giving away $500 gift cards to buy cars 10 months ago on Autoblog

If we knew of a place where you can get a car cheaper than anywhere else, you'd want us to tell you, right? Well, the small town of Tracy, CA is that place. The municipality is giving away 800 $500 gift certificates to any one of the city's car dealerships and the dealers apparently love the ...

Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards 11 months ago on Autoblog

When the next step in the road to 35 mpg by 2020 CAFE standards was announced recently, those in the know made it clear that the Obama administration's upcoming goal of 27.3 mpg by 2011 would not be hard for automakers to meet. In fact, the 2007 average was already 31.3, so the 2011 goal would not ...

California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses 11 months ago on Autoblog

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a very good idea. An under-inflated radial can increase wear while also decreasing performance and fuel economy. But if the state of California can help it, under-inflated tires may soon be a thing of the past. California has passed a new law requiring most ...

Greenwashing? Governator looks to have gotten himself a new Dodge Challenger SRT8 11 months ago on Autoblog

It is well known that California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has had a very public change of heart when it comes to seeking out a greener lifestyle. Heck, he's gone from owning the very first civilian AM General HMMWV to talking up green environmental initiatives and start-ups like Tesla. He's ...

FOLLOW UP: CARB says "Just kidding about banning black paint..." 11 months ago on Autoblog

To be completely fair, the California Air Resources Board never intended to ban black paint -- or any color of paint, for that matter. When devising ways to implement the Cool Cars Initiative, CARB couldn't find any dark paints that passed the 20% solar reflectivity test, which others took to mean ...

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy 1 year ago on Autoblog

Big Problems with California's CO2 Standard Earlier this week President Obama instructed the EPA to determine whether it should grant California a waiver to set its own CO2 standards for cars. It's a hugely controversial issue, and one that's fraught with major problems for the auto industry. First ...

Obama faces immediate challenges with Detroit 1 year ago on Autoblog

To be fair, the new president faces a lot of immediate challenges. But when it comes to the auto industry, the biggest four challenges could be the bridge loans, fuel economy mandates, the EPA vs The California 14, and the board of czars that will oversee the fortunes of GM and Chrysler. The ...

Ironic legislation: CARB ruling to kill aftermarket plug-in hybrids? 1 year ago on Autoblog

The uncertain future of the alternative-powered and alternative-fueled vehicle is being decided by a confluence of old and new technology, big business and start-ups, marketing, vested interests, and public perception. It is no surprise, then, that when it comes to government regulation, we are ...

California legislature passes budget with a $0.39 per gallon gas "user fee" 1 year ago on Autoblog

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 ...

Ferrari California priced at �143,000 abroad 1 year ago on Autoblog

As you read this, journalists in Europe are getting their first taste of the Ferrari California, flogging the new coupe/convertible through the rolling hills of Italy, and periodically stopping to snack on shaved white truffles and sip Brunello di Montalcino. Jealous? We are. But rest assured ...

Pics Aplenty: New Ferrari California shots show off car's good side 1 year ago on Autoblog

Yesterday we told you that the Ferrari California was officially sold out through 2010. Some of you seemed to think that this was a ploy. Others thought it fitting. Still others thought it ridiculous because of the car's lack of aesthetic appeal. Well, for all but the last group, here is the ...

Governator vetos ban on lap-dogs while driving 1 year ago on Autoblog

California recently banned talking on cellphones, and then followed up by making texting illegal, while driving. For a moment there, it was looking like all you were going to be able to do behind the wheel in California was, you know, drive. But thanks to the dedication of Governor Schwarzenegger, ...

California gives its lawmakers unlimited gas cards 1 year ago on Autoblog

What's up with California's lawmakers? First, they pass legislation that makes it illegal to use cell phones while driving, yet texting while behind the wheel is still legal (thankfully rectified earlier this week). Now they get caught with unchecked, taxpayer-reimbursed, unlimited-use gas ...

California outlaws texting while driving... finally 1 year ago on Autoblog

After wiping the egg off his face for approving legislation earlier this year that banned cell phone use yet still allowed texting behind the wheel, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger hurriedly signed legislation today banning drivers from sending, writing, or reading messages on electronic ...

Hollywood, meet California: First example of new Ferrari fetches $520k in charity auction 1 year ago on Autoblog

"We're not building a cheap Ferrari". That was the oft-repeated party line from Maranello as the Prancing Horse marque was plainly working on the new California. Well no kidding, not at these prices. The first example of the Ferrari California was sold during its American unveiling in Santa ...

Watch the Ferrari California official world premiere at 4:00PM EST 1 year ago on Autoblog

We've seen the photos and read the press release, but still haven't managed to catch a glimpse of the Ferrari California in person. Even though everyone knows what the car looks like, Ferrari has been pretty strict about who gets to actually see the car in person. We're hoping that will all change ...

Toyota sees more struggles in 2009, blue skies next decade 1 year ago on Autoblog

The US auto industry has hit a serious slump in 2008, with overall sales estimated drop by two million vehicles compared to 2007. Even the mighty Toyota has seen sales slip by 7.8%, which is better than the industry average, but a far cry from annual increases of 10%. And times may not improve in ...

VIDEO: Ferrari California is easy to drive... you know, for the ladies 1 year ago on Autoblog

Click above to watch the video So far the only video footage we've seen of the new Ferrari California has been either computer animated or sitting still with a giant chin talking. But the fellas over at Autocar magazine in the UK made their way down to Maranello with video cameras in tow for an ...

Ferrari to offer California with manual, HGTC handling pack 1 year ago on Autoblog

Click above for high-res gallery of the Ferrari California Some of the more hard-core tifosi have been whining that Ferrari has gone soft with the new California. It's pretty hard to justify that a car able to hit 60 mph in the three-second range is soft, but so be it. The nay-sayers point to the ...

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Autoblog Podcast #170: The Hooniverse Visits

Jeff Glucker and Tim ODell join Chris, Sam, and Dan on this episode of the Autoblog Podcast. They share what's in their garage (much cooler) and we mull some of the week's news.