Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GM to go coastal on dealer improvements]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cadillac dealership

According to a report from The Detroit News citing "sources familiar with the company's plan," General Motors will spend $200 million to revamp dealerships on the East and West Coasts, specifically in California, New York and New Jersey. Many dealerships will be restyled, some will be relocated and some will be closed entirely.

Car buyers in coastal regions of the US, particularly in California, tend to prefer import brands, but GM's market share falls short even when compared to crosstown rivals Ford and Chrysler. Naturally, GM senses a prime opportunity to attract a larger share in these locations and has reportedly seen improvements already in some metropolitan areas in California where it has focused on making inroads.

In addition to restyling its East Coast dealerships, GM will reportedly move some of their service departments to offsite locations to free up space for better facilities.

GM to go coastal on dealer improvements originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiagmgm dealershipsnew jerseynew yorkTue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20567283/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/14/gm-to-go-coastal-on-dealer-improvements/20567283/article-detail.xml 20567283 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-gm-dealership_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/cadillac-gm-dealership.jpg <![CDATA[Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tesla Model S

Tesla Motors is expected to release quarterly earnings figures within the next few days, and the Silicon Valley automaker is thought to have attained profitability for the first time ever. As it turns out, a good bit of that profit will reportedly come from the State of California.

According to an article from the LA Times, Tesla, which is reportedly on pace to sell 20,000 vehicles in 2013, receives as much as $35,000 in environmental credits from California for each Model S it sells. These credits can then be sold to other automakers that do business in the state but don't sell zero-emission vehicles of their own. Some experts believe Tesla could earn up to $250 million from such ZEV credits.

While profits from ZEV credits equals good news for Tesla, some experts and rival automakers aren't very pleased with California's strong-arm tactics when it comes to the sales of electric vehicles. "At the end of the day, other carmakers are subsidizing Tesla," said Thilo Koslowski, an analyst at Gartner Inc.

Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, counters by saying, "We are in the air pollution business, not the car business... There is some jealously of Tesla going on here." Check out the entire article from the LA Times here, it's an interesting look into the inner-workings of the business side of the eco-friendly automotive marketplace.

Tesla to earn $250 million from sales of California environmental credits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacarbelectric carteslatesla model szero emissions vehiclezev creditsMon, 06 May 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20559798/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/06/tesla-to-earn-250-million-from-sales-of-california-environmenta/20559798/article-detail.xml 20559798 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-sunset-628l_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tesla-model-s-sunset-628l.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota unintended acceleration lawsuit settled for $16M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/toyota-unintended-acceleration-lawsuit-settled-for-16m/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/toyota-unintended-acceleration-lawsuit-settled-for-16m/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/toyota-unintended-acceleration-lawsuit-settled-for-16m/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Slowly, the many loose threads still dangling after the unintended acceleration issue Toyota faced a few years ago are being resolved. The Orange County District Attorney's office was believed to be the first DA's office to take Toyota to court, its suit alleging that Toyota knew its cars had defects and continued to sell them. The suit sought to "permanently enjoin Toyota from continued unlawful, unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices as it pertains to both consumers and competitors" and asked for $2,500 "for every violation of the Unfair Business Practices Act," plus costs.

That suit has now been settled, Toyota - without admitting fault or wrongdoing - agreeing to pay $16 million to the county. Half of the money will go to the Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership, another four million dollars to the OC DA's office to investigate economic crime, the remaining four million being used to pay for the case.

Toyota unintended acceleration lawsuit settled for $16M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacourtlawsuitlegalorange countytony rackauckastoyotatoyota unintended acceleratonunintended accelerationMon, 08 Apr 2013 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20533133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/toyota-unintended-acceleration-lawsuit-settled-for-16m/20533133/article-detail.xml 20533133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gyi0059502379opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/gyi0059502379opt.jpg <![CDATA[California HOV access could be extended 10 years for green cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/california-hov-access-could-be-extended-10-years-for-green-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/california-hov-access-could-be-extended-10-years-for-green-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/15/california-hov-access-could-be-extended-10-years-for-green-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chevrolet Volt

A few years ago it was not uncommon to hear a Toyota Prius buyer say, "I got it for the sticker." The yellow sticker they were referring to allowed the driver to use the High Occupancy Vehicle (carpool) lane even when alone in the car which, as every other LA driver knows, led to the frequent sight of a Prius with a sole occupant zooming by at 94 miles per hour along the center barrier.

That dispensation for traditional hybrids ended in 2011, but there are both white and green stickers that remain good for sole-occupant HOV use until 2015. The white stickers can be used for battery electric, natural gas and hydrogen fuel-cell cars, green stickers are for plug-in hybrids and those with range-extending internal combustion engines. A California assemblyman has introduced a bill that would push the expiration date for those kinds of cars back ten years, to January 1, 2025.

The allotment of white stickers isn't capped, but the legislation dictates that no more than 40,000 green stickers can be distributed and so far 9,000 of that tally has been used. It was said that when it came to reselling a used Prius that had a yellow sticker, it was worth $1,500 more than one without - not bad for an investment that cost nothing on the front end.

California HOV access could be extended 10 years for green cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaelectric vehiclehigh occupancy vehiclehovNatural Gasplug-in hybridFri, 15 Feb 2013 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20461555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/15/california-hov-access-could-be-extended-10-years-for-green-cars/20461555/article-detail.xml 20461555 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2011-chevrolet-volt-review-front-628-1345240285_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2011-chevrolet-volt-review-front-628-1345240285.jpg <![CDATA[Update: Corporations are not people in carpool lanes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/update-corporations-are-not-people-in-carpool-lanes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/update-corporations-are-not-people-in-carpool-lanes/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/update-corporations-are-not-people-in-carpool-lanes/#commentsFiled under:

traffic jam

Jonathon Friedman had his day in a San Francisco court, then Jurist Frank Drago had his say, declaring Friedman guilty. The case centered on a sheaf of corporation papers that Friedman used to make a statement about corporate 'personhood.' Driving in a carpool lane in the Bay Area, Friedman was pulled over for not having at least two people in the car. His response was to show the officer his business papers and, citing US Supreme Court decisions that have affirmed that corporations are people, said he indeed did have two people in the car and so was, in fact, carpooling.

The case went before the traffic referee, and the officer who issued the ticket even showed up to defend it. Friedman's attorney, Ford Greene, pointed to the "constitutionally vague" correlation between the California vehicle code that defines a person as "natural persons and corporations" and the carpool lane signs that demands cars in the High Occupancy Vehicle lane be occupied by "two or more persons."

The jurist wasn't interested in all that "novel" malarkey. Drago said, "Common sense says carrying a sheath of papers in the front seat does not relieve traffic congestion," then declared Friedman guilty. Now, we're not constitutional law scholars, but it's been a while since we heard "common sense" used as the sole litmus test for extracting the intention of a law and assigning guilt - and we wonder if that's the same common sense that was used to declare corporations people in the first place.

No matter, Friedman said he expected to lose, and that he'll be appealing the ruling within 30 days.

Update: Corporations are not people in carpool lanes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacarpoolcarpool lanecitizens unitedcorporate personhoodfrank dragofriemanhigh occupancy vehiclehovhov lanejonathan friemansupreme courtSat, 12 Jan 2013 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20425253/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/12/update-corporations-are-not-people-in-carpool-lanes/20425253/article-detail.xml 20425253 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/california-traffic-sunset_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/california-traffic-sunset.jpg <![CDATA[California DMV opens door to reissuing classic license plates]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Like in the UK, California's license plates follow the vehicles they originate on, not the owner, so residents can easily pick out cars that have been in continuous California circulation since way back in the last millennium. A car with yellow tags with black lettering was registered between 1956 and 1962, one with yellow tags with black lettering is from circa 1963 to 1969, and one with blue tags with yellow lettering got them sometime from 1970 to 1982.

State Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill allowing for the return of those plate styles. If the Department of Motor Vehicles receives 7,500 pre-orders between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2015 for the vintage replica plates, it will begin issuing them for any vehicle for a personalized plate fee of $50. If fewer than 7,500 pre-orders are received in that two-year span, those who submitted $50 payments will have their money refunded. According to the Los Angeles Times, if the program goes through, buyers of the plates will also have to spend a further $40 every time they renew their registrations.

Hemmings has a little history on why the color of one's plate is such a big deal in The Golden State. For those who don't need the lesson, you can check out the press release below for more information on the program and how to order.

Despite some classic car enthusiasts who apparently only want original vintage plates and not these new, so-called "legacy license plates," we have a feeling this one is a done deal.

Continue reading California DMV opens door to reissuing classic license plates

California DMV opens door to reissuing classic license plates originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaclassicsdepartment of motor vehiclesdmvlegacy license plateslicenselicense platevintagevintage license platesWed, 02 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412914/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/02/california-dmv-opens-door-to-reissuing-classic-license-plates/20412914/article-detail.xml 20412914 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/california-license-plate-628-1356965629_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/california-license-plate-628-1356965629.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota proposes economic loss settlement worth up to $1.4 billion over unintended acceleration claims]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/toyota-proposes-economic-loss-settlement-worth-up-to-1-4-billio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/toyota-proposes-economic-loss-settlement-worth-up-to-1-4-billio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/26/toyota-proposes-economic-loss-settlement-worth-up-to-1-4-billio/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Toyota announced a proposal today worth over a billion dollars to settle civil claims of economic loss related to alleged cases of sudden unintended acceleration in its vehicles from 2009-2010. Estimates place the cost of the settlement between $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion, which would, according to lawyers for the plaintiffs, make it the largest of its type in US history.

US District Judge James Selna, who is presiding over the case in California, will review Toyota's settlement proposal as early as Friday.

The details of the settlement, as given by Toyota in an official statement and obtained from a press release issued by lawyers for the plaintiffs, are as follows.
  • Toyota will install brake override systems in all 3.25 million vehicles subjected to the floor mat entrapment recall.
  • A fund of $250 million will compensate former Toyota owners who sold their cars from September 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010 for lost value.
  • Another fund of $250 million will compensate current owners whose vehicles are not eligible for the free brake override system.
  • All 16 million current Toyota owners will be eligible for a customer care plan that warrants certain parts allegedly related to unintended acceleration for three to 10 years.
  • Education grants valued at $30 million will be made to independent academic institutions to further study auto safety and enhance driver education.
As mentioned above, the settlement relates only to claims of economic loss, and thus does not cover wrongful death claims, the first trail for which is slated to begin in February 2013.

Also worth noting is that investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and NASA engineers concluded that electronics were not at fault in reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles, leaving only either those faulty floor mats or driver error as likely causes. Feel free to read through the entire press release below.

Continue reading Toyota proposes economic loss settlement worth up to $1.4 billion over unintended acceleration claims

Toyota proposes economic loss settlement worth up to $1.4 billion over unintended acceleration claims originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiahagens bermanjames selnalawsuitsettlementsudden unintended accelerationtoyotatoyota lawsuittoyota settlementunintended accelerationWed, 26 Dec 2012 23:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411739/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/26/toyota-proposes-economic-loss-settlement-worth-up-to-1-4-billio/20411739/article-detail.xml 20411739 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/toyotalawsuit-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/toyotalawsuit-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Why the LA Auto Show matters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/why-the-la-auto-show-matters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/why-the-la-auto-show-matters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/27/why-the-la-auto-show-matters/#commentsFiled under:

Los Angeles Auto Show Logo

If you've spent a moment scratching your head wondering about the relevancy of the LA Auto Show, The Detroit Free Press may be able to enlighten you on why the West Coast auto gathering matters. Despite Rhode Island's best efforts, California is still the most populous state in the Union, and one out of every 10 new vehicles sold in the US has a California registration. What's more, the state soaks up one third of all electric vehicle sales and a quarter of all hybrid sales in the nation.

It's no surprise, then, that analysts predict a total of 43 new vehicles will bow at this year's LA Auto Show with an electric motor on board. Those include the BMW i8 Spyder, Ford C-Max Energi and Fusion Energi among others. All told, the 2012 LA Auto Show will feature 24 world debuts and 25 North American premieres. Stay tuned for our live coverage from the show floor.

Why the LA Auto Show matters originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto showcalifornialala auto showTue, 27 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20388487/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/27/why-the-la-auto-show-matters/20388487/article-detail.xml 20388487 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/la-auto-show-logo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/la-auto-show-logo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Petrolicious Targa California

In terms of classic car rallies, the Targa California is a fairly young event. In it's fourth running, the event is a NASA-sanctioned, non-competitive rally that features classic machinery from 1975 and earlier on a jaunt through some of central California's most beautiful countryside. The three-day event is open to any make and model, right down to vintage pickups, so this is our kind of party. The crew from Petrolicious Productions captured this year's batch of drivers as they wound through the dirt roads and rolling coastline.

The five-minute clip is loaded to the brim with beautiful machinery, from BMW 2002 racers to classic Porsche 911 and 914 models, as well as more than a few Jaguar E-Type and Alfa Romeo participants. From the looks of things, if it's cool, it's in the Targa California. With excellent camerawork and plenty of drool-worthy tin, the video is well worth your time. Check it out below. You can also head over to the Targa California site for more information.

Continue reading Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California

Watch Petrolicious beautifully profile the Targa California originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeobmw 2002californiajaguar e-typenasaporsche 911porsche 914targatarga californiaSun, 07 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20343467/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/07/watch-petrolicious-beautifully-profile-the-targa-california/20343467/article-detail.xml 20343467 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/targa-california-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/targa-california-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW invests $27M into new California R&D center]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/vw-invests-27m-into-new-california-randd-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/vw-invests-27m-into-new-california-randd-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/vw-invests-27m-into-new-california-randd-center/#commentsFiled under: ,

Volkswagen Test Center California in Oxnard

Volkswagen has spent another $27 million of the $4 billion it has earmarked to advance its plans for U.S. market growth. The money went toward a 64,000-square-foot development and emissions lab called the Test Center California in Oxnard, about 45 miles north of Los Angeles. There, 50 permanent engineers and instructors will work on government compliance, powertrain, parts analysis, dealer service and training, and emissions and quality testing.

The building itself isn't energy neutral like the new Lamborghini prototype development center in Emiliana, Italy, but it does its part with 2,500 solar panels on its roof and parking structures and is gunning for LEED certification. Being a group initiative, it will tend to VW, Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and Bugatti.

We're told, in a line straight from the Death Star, that the "facility is expected to be fully operational this fall." Scroll down to the press release below for the rest of the news.

Continue reading VW invests $27M into new California R&D center

VW invests $27M into new California R&D center originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaemissionsengineeringoxnardtcctest center californiavolkswagenvwThu, 23 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306482/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/vw-invests-27m-into-new-california-randd-center/20306482/article-detail.xml 20306482 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/vwtccoxnard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/vwtccoxnard.jpg <![CDATA[Bellwether California market sees share growth for Detroit automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/bellwether-california-market-sees-share-growth-for-detroit-autom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/bellwether-california-market-sees-share-growth-for-detroit-autom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/26/bellwether-california-market-sees-share-growth-for-detroit-autom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ford dealership customers in California

Ask any sales and marketing executive from Chrysler, Ford or General Motors what their company's greatest challenge is and they will unequivocally reply, "California." The Golden State accounts for 12.5 percent of all new car sales in the United States, but even more importantly, it is seen as a bellwether for the nation. As the home of the entertainment and consumer electronics industries, California has an outsized reach into our nation's popular culture - but Californians have historically been among the least receptive to domestic products.

There's some evidence that trend may be changing, as domestic market share has been improving in the recent years, according to Forbes. Ford has seen its Blue Oval brand improve from seven percent in 2008 to over nine percent last year. Chevrolet topped six percent last year after three years of growth. Even Chrysler, which had a market share of less than four percent in 2010, has seen growth - to five percent in 2011 and almost six percent so far this year.

Still, those numbers are a pittance compared to the import brands. According to The Detroit News, domestic automakers have a combined 30.8 percent share in California, well below their 44.3 percent national average. The domestics' recent growth in California - the Japanese and Korean manufacturers' "home turf" - has certainly been helped by supply shortages at Honda and Toyota, companies beset by natural disasters last year.

If domestic automakers are going to continue to take share from foreign competition, they're going to have to have more success stories like the recent surge in Chevrolet Volt sales, a phenomenon spurred by the availability of High Occupancy Vehicle lane stickers for GM's plug-in hybrid. There's also an inevitable demographic shift that could benefit Detroit, as domestic-hating Baby Boomers give way to younger buyers with no memory of Detroit's dark decades in the 1970s and 1980s.

Bellwether California market sees share growth for Detroit automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto salescaliforniacalifornia marketcalifornia market sharecar saleschevroletchevychryslerfordgmhondatoyotaTue, 26 Jun 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20265289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/26/bellwether-california-market-sees-share-growth-for-detroit-autom/20265289/article-detail.xml 20265289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/california-ford-dealer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/california-ford-dealer.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen Ferrari California closer than you might think [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/next-gen-ferrari-california-closer-than-you-might-think-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/next-gen-ferrari-california-closer-than-you-might-think-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/13/next-gen-ferrari-california-closer-than-you-might-think-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Ferrari California has received a few important updates lately, and exotic car tradition would hold that those were intended to keep the "starter Ferrari" fresh for a few years. But according to a report in Car and Driver, the maestros in Maranello have bigger plans for the four-year-old car: the introduction of a completely new one, as soon as next year. Five years is about the lifespan of a fruit fly when it comes to exotics, but Ferrari apparently isn't happy that the California is considered the 'not-really-a-Ferrari' within the range, despite having set out to explicitly create a more accessible car to court new customers.

According to C/D, this means an entirely new body is on the way, designed by the in-house team with the assistance of Pininfarina. It will supposedly return to Ferrari's front-engined GT roots, taking inspiration from the 250 GTO, with a much cleaner line from front to rear, and slimming down the Sir Mix-A-Lot rear end while maintaining a folding metal roof.

The redesign will continue underneath, with the new convertible getting a turbocharged V8 - Car and Driver says that's the "unmistakable sound" we recently heard from the California mule lapping Fiorano recently. The engine is expected to surpass the 500 horsepower mark on its own, but wait, there's more: it will be fitted with "an F1-inspired KERS-like" package that could add another 100 horses and propel the droptop from 0-to-60 in no more than 3.5 seconds.

On paper, this details read like a wishlist for true Ferrari fans, and it is such a move away from the current car that the name could be changed. If the rebooted cabrio puts them together properly, then the next California - or whatever it is called - might finally be invited to join its siblings at the adult table. Scroll down to revisit the spy vid that purports to show off Ferrari's turbocharged future.

Continue reading Next-gen Ferrari California closer than you might think [w/video]

Next-gen Ferrari California closer than you might think [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 ferrari californiacaliforniaferrariferrari californiaferrari turbofioranospy videovideoWed, 13 Jun 2012 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20257457/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/13/next-gen-ferrari-california-closer-than-you-might-think-w-video/20257457/article-detail.xml 20257457 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferraricaliforniamulet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/ferraricaliforniamulet.jpg <![CDATA[This Ferrari California mule sure sounds turbocharged]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/10/ferrari-california-testing-at-fiorano-sure-sounds-turbocharged/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/10/ferrari-california-testing-at-fiorano-sure-sounds-turbocharged/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/10/ferrari-california-testing-at-fiorano-sure-sounds-turbocharged/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ferrari California prototype

It's been a while since Ferrari used turbochargers, but we would think long and hard before dismissing the spools as uncharacteristic of the marque. After all, the iconic and important F40 was turbocharged, as was the 288 GTO that preceeded it. But those were made decades ago. Could Ferrari be going back to forced induction?

If this spy video is anything to go by, we'd say almost definitely so. The footage shot at the company's private Fiorano test track in Maranello shows a California test mule lapping the circuit, but the sound is what gives it away: the prototype is emitting a pronounced turbo whine.

Of course, Ferrari engineers could be using the California to test out the turbocharged engines it is said to be developing for Maserati. Or the automaker could be preparing to use them in its own sports cars as well. The final outcome remains a mystery, but for now you can watch the video clip below and see - or more importantly, listen - for yourselves.

Continue reading This Ferrari California mule sure sounds turbocharged

This Ferrari California mule sure sounds turbocharged originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiaferrariferrari californiafioranospy videoturboturbochargedturbochargervideoSun, 10 Jun 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255297/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/10/ferrari-california-testing-at-fiorano-sure-sounds-turbocharged/20255297/article-detail.xml 20255297 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fercal-turbo-cap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/fercal-turbo-cap.jpg <![CDATA[Audi RS5 Convertible headed to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/audi-rs5-convertible-headed-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/audi-rs5-convertible-headed-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/03/audi-rs5-convertible-headed-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Audi RS5 Cabriolet

It looks as if Audi plans to bring the menacing RS5 Cabriolet to the U.S., according to Car and Driver. The 450-horsepower convertible showed up in an application for certification with the California Air Resources Board. Those filings are necessary to demonstrate that any new model sold in California adheres to the state's emission standards - a must for any vehicle that goes on sale in the States. While it's worth noting that automakers routinely certify models that may never show up on the U.S. market, that the dropehead RS5 is going through the approval process means the high-power convertible is one step closer to showing up in U.S. showrooms.

Audi has already confirmed the RS5 Coupe for the American market. Like the hardtop, the RS5 Cabriolet delivers 450 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque to the pavement via a dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Sounds like a party.

Audi RS5 Convertible headed to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jun 2012 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi rs5audi rs5 coupecaliforniacalifornia air resources boardrs5rs5 cabrioletrs5 coupeSun, 03 Jun 2012 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20250222/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/03/audi-rs5-convertible-headed-to-u-s/20250222/article-detail.xml 20250222 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audi-rs5-cabriolet-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/audi-rs5-cabriolet-628.jpg <![CDATA[Drive for quieter pavement could lead to carpet-like roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quieter pavement

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arizonacaliforniapavementquiet pavementroad constructionroadsvirginiawashingtonSat, 02 Jun 2012 15:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/02/drive-for-quieter-pavement-could-lead-to-carpet-like-roads/20248434/article-detail.xml 20248434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/road-opt-1338476436_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/road-opt-1338476436.jpg <![CDATA[Market for clean air credits grows as Cali's ZEV mandates hit automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/market-for-clean-air-credits-grows-as-calis-zev-mandates-hit-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/market-for-clean-air-credits-grows-as-calis-zev-mandates-hit-au/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/market-for-clean-air-credits-grows-as-calis-zev-mandates-hit-au/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zero Emission Badge on Nissan Leaf

Automakers are buying and selling zero emission vehicle credits ahead of more stringent ZEV mandates in California. The state now requires larger automakers to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles they sell, including electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen models. Manufacturers that manage to exceed their ZEV goals are awarded credits, which they may sell then sell to other automakers. Not surprisingly, Nissan has an abundance of credits on its table thanks to its Leaf EV, though the company has been tight-lipped about whether or not it plans to sell credits to its rivals. According to Automotive News, Tesla has already sold credits to Honda, though neither company is saying how much compensation was involved.

Automakers who fail to sell enough ZEV models or obtain enough credits face a number of penalties, including fines and limits on the number of units they can sell. A total of 11 other states adhere to California's ZEV mandate, and Automotive News reports automakers are expected to sell around 60,000 zero emissions vehicles by 2014. Regulators want that number to be 1.4 million by 2025.

Market for clean air credits grows as Cali's ZEV mandates hit automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiacalifornia zev mandateelectricev credithybridhydrogenplug-in hybridzero emission vehiclezero emissionszev credit saleszev creditszev mandateFri, 01 Jun 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248840/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/market-for-clean-air-credits-grows-as-calis-zev-mandates-hit-au/20248840/article-detail.xml 20248840 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zero-emission-badge-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/zero-emission-badge-628.jpg <![CDATA[California 9/11 license plate funds used to shore up deficit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/california-9-11-license-plate-funds-used-to-shore-up-deficit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/california-9-11-license-plate-funds-used-to-shore-up-deficit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/california-9-11-license-plate-funds-used-to-shore-up-deficit/#commentsFiled under: ,

California 9/11 Memorial License Plate

We've never really understood the logic behind purchasing a specialized license plate to fund some sort of cause. Wouldn't it make more sense to just send your money directly to whatever organization is championing the issue and slap a bumper sticker on your car next to the standard plate?

Indeed, California drivers who paid for a special 9/11 memorial plate might consider this option the next time they get out their checkbook at the DMV. Because according to an Associated Press report, the state has not been making good on its promises to use the money collected through sales of the special plates to fund scholarships for children of 9/11 victims and underwrite anti-terrorism initiatives.

Of the $15 million collected through sales of the plates, $3 million has been used to fill holes in the state budget, paying for programs that have little or nothing to do with terrorism. Further, the state stopped funding the scholarship program seven years ago, while continuing to advertise the plates as a benefit to children of 9/11 victims, according to the report. It has since updated its website to remove references to the scholarship program.

The memorial license plates cost $50 and then $40 to renew each year, and were introduced in 2002. Over 200,000 plates have been purchased or renewed since then, according to the report.

While each of the plates reads "We will never forget," apparently state agencies who have spent the money on routine operations have. "They are not following the spirit and intent of the legislation," Herb Wesson, the former speaker of the California Assembly and author of the license plate bill told the AP.

California 9/11 license plate funds used to shore up deficit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 17:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911911 memorial license platecaliforniadmvlicense platememorial license plateWed, 30 May 2012 17:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20247661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/30/california-9-11-license-plate-funds-used-to-shore-up-deficit/20247661/article-detail.xml 20247661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/california-never-forget-plate_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/california-never-forget-plate.jpg <![CDATA[California Senate votes to bring autonomous cars closer to reality]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/california-senate-votes-to-bring-autonomous-cars-closer-to-reali/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/california-senate-votes-to-bring-autonomous-cars-closer-to-reali/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/california-senate-votes-to-bring-autonomous-cars-closer-to-reali/#commentsFiled under: ,



California is on its way to taking a ride with the autonomous car. By a vote of 37-0, the State Senate approved Senate Bill 1298 (you can read it here) that begins to establish how guidelines on and oversight of self-driving vehicles will be handled.

The bill charges the Department of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles with providing recommendations to the legislature on "the safe operation of autonomous vehicles on California's public roads" with and without a licensed driver present. However, the driverless provision can't come into effect until the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration draws up federal guidelines on autonomous cars without drivers.

The bill is being championed by Senator and MIT graduate Alex Padilla, who envisions "a future that includes self-driving cars" because, "Autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce traffic fatalities and injuries." California is the second state after Nevada to make genuine progress on the road to autonomous vehicles, and four other states are considering legislation. The CA bill goes to the State Assembly next and is expected to pass.

California Senate votes to bring autonomous cars closer to reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex padillaautonomous carbmw autonomouscaliforniadriverlessgoogle autonomous vehiclesself-drivingSenate Bill 1298Wed, 23 May 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242392/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/california-senate-votes-to-bring-autonomous-cars-closer-to-reali/20242392/article-detail.xml 20242392 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmwautonomousvehicle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmwautonomousvehicle.jpg <![CDATA[Hennessey Venom GT Spyder pops in at Cars & Coffee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/hennessey-venom-gt-spyder-pops-in-at-cars-and-coffee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/hennessey-venom-gt-spyder-pops-in-at-cars-and-coffee/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/20/hennessey-venom-gt-spyder-pops-in-at-cars-and-coffee/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Our own lensman Drew Phillips caught sight of this at Cars & Coffee in Irvine, California: the 2013 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder. This is the first time it's been seen on our shores. The targa version of the Venom GT packs the same 1,200 horsepower as the coupe - which also debuted at C&C, one year ago - but adds $150,000 to the price.That means you'll need $1.1 million for that wind-in-your-very-rich-hair feeling.

We still don't have exact specs on the car beyond a very limited build and its "enhanced driving sensations," but the high-res gallery of photos above should fill in enough blanks for now.

Hennessey Venom GT Spyder pops in at Cars & Coffee originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 May 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hennessey venom gt spydercaliforniacars coffeecars and coffeehennesseyhennessey performancehennessey performance engineeringvenom gtvenom gt spyderSun, 20 May 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/20/hennessey-venom-gt-spyder-pops-in-at-cars-and-coffee/20241330/article-detail.xml 20241330 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hennessey-venom-gt-spyder-c_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/hennessey-venom-gt-spyder-c.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Ferrari California [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A Rare Mid-life Updo Comes To The Starter Ferrari



Every time I travel to Maranello for a test drive, the three hours or so prior to turning the red key are driven in a U.S. Interstate-style straight line along Italy's A1 autostrada in my 99-horsepower 2001 Opel Astra station wagon with five-speed manual. It's just about the perfect antithetical setup for the unleashing of the hounds that awaits just over the hills south of Ferrari HQ.

This trip over was for the midlife upgrade of the Ferrari California for our 2013 model year, a car that promises to weigh less, deliver more horsepower and torque, and go quicker.

Continue reading 2013 Ferrari California [w/video]

2013 Ferrari California [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ferrari california2013 ferrari california handling specialecaliforniacalifornia hsferrariferrari californiafirst driveFirstDriveMon, 14 May 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237115/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/2013-ferrari-california-first-drive-review-video/20237115/article-detail.xml 20237115 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2013-ferrari-california-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-2013-ferrari-california-fd-opt.jpg -1 2