Autoblog

LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Audi, Electric

Audi e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We weren't exactly electrified by Audi's e-tron concept when it debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in blazing red paint this past September, but we did like the color. So, when the e-tron reappeared at the LA Auto Show this week wearing orange... bummer.

As a refresh, the e-tron concept uses four electric motors with a combined output of 313 horsepower (and a mind-boggling 3,319 lb-ft of torque) to move its 3,527-pound mass to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. More impressive is its rolling acceleration from 37-75 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited to 124 mph. According to Audi, we'll see a production version in 2012.

Gallery: LA 2009: Orange Audi e-tron

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted

LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Specialty, Design/Style

Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle - Click above for image gallery

Designer Liam Ferguson's vision of how to fight fires almost makes us wish we were firemen - as long as we could have the keys to one of these. The Amatoya is a site recon and light tanker vehicle designed with a philosophy much more military than civilian. The seating position is like that of a AH-1 Cobra gunship, with the co-pilot up and behind the driver. The Amatoya is built on a monococque steel body, like armed forces MRAPs, insulated with NASA's aerogel, and painted with "military grade sacrificial thermo ceramic intumescent paints."

The Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit (ROSCO) can has a 2,200-liter (581 gallons) total water capacity, all the better for the fact that the crew members don't need to leave the vehicle to employ it. Nor should they have much problem getting to the fire, with absurd clearances all around, directional spotlights, and a thermal imaging camera. The only weak point would appear to be the rubber tires, which would melt long before the Space-Shuttle-worthy body would.

Still, we'd take one in a second. Take a peek at it yourself in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle

[Source: Yanko Design]

The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept really is badass

Alex Nunez — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept - See more images at Car and Driver

Car and Driver is the first outlet to post real live photos of the SEMA-bound Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept. By taking the looks of the '70 Trans Am and adapting them to the new Chevrolet Camaro, Lingenfelter has created something that will have you playing "What if.." scenarios regarding Pontiac over and over again in your heads. Imagine a world in which you could walk into a General Motors dealer and pick between this and the G8 GXP...

Anyway, snap out of it, because that ain't happenin'. We think what's likely to happen, if people go as batsh*t crazy over this creation at SEMA as we think they will, is that Lingenfelter will probably offer the package to customers. That's probably good, anyway, as we can't see GM spending the bucks to offer the 455 T/A's upgraded interior (yeah, it's premium vinyl, baby) and monstrously-upgraded engine. See, that 455 nomenclature's no joke. According to C/D, the 455 CID/7.5-liter V8 rocks an 11.5:1 compression ratio, ported and polished LS7 heads, a new intake and a forged crankshaft. The exhaust is by Corsa, the honeycomb wheels are custom jobs, and most importantly, the engine comes correct with 655 horses and 610 lb-ft. of torque. We'll have plenty more on this bad mofo next week from SEMA. In the meantime, head over to CarandDriver.com for more images.

[Source: Car and Driver via Camaro5 | Image: Patrick M. Hoey]

The Lingenfelter 455 T/A Concept really is badass originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has put its plug-in hybrid Concept PX-MiEV crossover concept on a pedestal here at the Tokyo Motor Show, touting the CUV's "environmental and on-road performance," as well as its serial and parallel modes and wireless charging capabilities.

The crossover's design language represents another refinement for Mitsubishi, and although it's markedly less provocative than the newly re-shnozzed 2010 Outlander, it presents a pleasing collection of shapes and could point the way for a future iteration of the softroader. Inside is typical concept car fare for "linking man and car interactively" - which means it's far too cool for us to actually get on the road - but hey, where else are you going to find a cocochi interior with a yoke-style steering wheel?

The real story here is arguably the drivetrain, where Mitsu has combined a 1.6-liter gas engine and a hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries.

In any case, you can check out the PR info after the jump, and visuals in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face

Tokyo 2009: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV shows its more conventional face originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota FT-86 Concept gets shot in the studio

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 Concept - Click above for image gallery

We're eagerly awaiting our first live encounter with the Toyota FT-86 Concept next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. But before we endure the long flight over the Pacific, the crew at the freshly hosted FT-86 Club has scrounged up a bevy of live shots of Toyota's new coupe in the studio.

The more we see, the more we like. And these detail images give us a clearer view of the subtle design elements that make the reborn Hachiroku so damn appealing. We're particularly partial to the straked vents aft of the front wheels that tie in with the rest of the coupe's triangular elements, and plenty of carbon fiber detailing on the door handles, side mirrors, wheels and rear diffuser doesn't hurt, either. The interior remains show-car wacky (the zippered slot for the DVD player is pure silliness, but we're digging it), but the overall aesthetic strikes us as eerily production ready -- save our favorite feature, the A-pillars bisected by a piece of glass to aid visibility while sliding sideways (similar to Volvo's 2001 SCC concept). Here's hoping the FT-86 makes it from the show stand to the sales floor unscathed and delivers the driving dynamics to finally bring Toyota back from the brink.

Gallery: Toyota FT-86 Concept in the Studio

[Source: FT-86Club]

Toyota FT-86 Concept gets shot in the studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Wagon, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Subaru

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Subaru has just released a bunch of new images of its Hybrid Tourer concept that is slated to debut next week at the Tokyo Motor Show. The gullwing wagon/hatch/thingy is Subaru's first major cut at a hybrid and the first from anyone using a boxer four-cylinder engine. A pair of electric motors provide regenerative braking, pure electric drive and blended electric boost, with a lithium ion battery pack as the energy storage medium.

Subaru has been working with their partners at Toyota to produce this new hybrid architecture, and it will likely appear in production vehicles in the next few years. Besides the hybrid system, the concept also includes a new direct injected version of its 2.0-liter turbo boxer engine that will also probably appear in production vehicles before long.

Gallery: Subaru Hybrid Tourer concept

[Source: Subaru]

Subaru releases more pics of Hybrid Tourer Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Russia, Design/Style

Iso Rivolta Marella design study - Click above for high-res image gallery

Front-engine rear-drive aluminum chassis, 640-horsepower supercharged V8 engine, high bang:buck ratio... Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 has got it all. No wonder it's proving to be such a compelling choice for coachbuilders. Reviving the time-honored tradition in re-cloaking Vettes with Italian sheetmetal, the resurgent Stile Bertone used the ZR1 as the basis for the Mantide. And now, a Russian design student has teamed up with rival design house Zagato for another coachbuilt supercar concept based on the ZR1.

The Marella design study revives the Iso Rivolta nameplate, as imagined by one Fedor Stetskevich of the Moscow State University of Industrial and Applied Arts. Commonly known as the Stroganov (yes, you sophisticate, like the beef dish) the university was founded in 1825 and stands as one of Russia's oldest design schools. As you can see, Steskevich collaborated directly with Zagato on the project - which currently exists only as a model - and you can see a lot of resemblance to the Perana Z-One. Beyond that, we'll let the work speak for itself, so have a look in the extensive high-resolution image gallery below and you can leave your thoughts in the Comments below that.

Gallery: Iso Rivolta Marella design study by Fedor Stetskevich & Zagato

[Source: CarDesign.ru via CarScoop]

Russian designer works with Zagato on ZR1-based Iso Rivolta Marella concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Crossover, Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi is previewing its next generation CUV in the Land of the Rising Sun next month, and like nearly every other concept bound for the Tokyo Motor Show, the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV is packing a number of hybrid technologies to maximize fuel efficiency, decrease emissions and keep performance on par. Plus, the PX-MiEV comes with an added helping of "cocochi" - Japanese for "cozy."

PX is Mitsubishi shorthand for "plug-in hybrid crossover," so a 1.6-liter inline-four powers the front wheels, along with a generator, and a new plug-in system allows users to tap into the grid with either a 100 or 200-volt outlet. The PX-MiEV boasts an EV mode with a 30-mile range which can toggle between front- and all-wheel drive, a series hybrid mode when the juice dries up and a parallel hybrid system when under full load. Mitsu's E-4WD system shuffles power to the rear wheels when needed, using the same S-AWC and E-AYC systems as the Evolution X. The PX-MiEV can send torque left-to-right depending on the conditions, and a new center differential motor (unlike the mutli-plate clutch setup on the Evo) actively tweaks torque output to the rear wheels to increase grip.

Inside, the PX-MiEV sports a spartan interior with a number of technologies to keep occupants happy and healthy, including heat reflective glass and paint, along with individual air conditioners. Active safety systems - ranging from a "Multi-Around Monitor" to a front-facing camera that detects fatigue, then alerts the driver through a series of visual, audio and "vibrational" warnings - are sure to find their way into future Mitsubishi models. All the details are yours for the taking the in press release below the fold.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

Continue reading Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi

Tokyo Preview: Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV comes with a plug, extra cocochi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Lexus LF-Ch shows its face

Alex Nunez — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus

Lexus LF-Ch Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lexus has apparently released this new front-end shot of the Frankfurt Motor Show-bound LF-Ch hybrid concept car, now making the rounds on the Internet. The hatchback is quite a looker, especially coming from Lexus, whose present lineup is relatively staid in appearance. Unfortunately, the body style is likely to be a Europe-only thing, where the eventual production version will cross swords with the likes of premium-compact rivals like the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. It sure wouldn't hurt if Lexus decided to migrate that more assertive face to some of its U.S.-market cars, though. As it stands, this has a lot more visual appeal than the Lexus HS250h we get in these here parts. Stay tuned for a lot more on this car as it makes its formal debut in Frankfurt later this month. We'll be there, as always, to bring you all the details.

Gallery: Lexus LF-Ch Concept

[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Frankfurt Preview: Lexus LF-Ch shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mini to debut Speedster and Countryman online this week ahead of Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Crossover, Hatchback, Mini

Mini Crossover Concept from Paris 2008 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The gurus of everything Mini at MotoringFile report BMW is planning more new vehicle debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with two new concepts set to debut online this week in advance of the bash in Germany.

The big debut will be the Mini Speedster, the anticipated sportier alternative to the existing four-seat convertible. But even before the Speedster hits the web, Mini could opt to unveil the Countryman crossover later this week. Both will be strict concept cars, like the Traveler from Detroit 2006 and the Crossover concept from last year's show in Paris, but will point the way towards potential production models to come.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

[Source: MotoringFile]

Mini to debut Speedster and Countryman online this week ahead of Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Seeing Red: VW unveils GTI and Polo Wörthersee '09 concepts

Alex Nunez — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the VW GTI Wörthersee '09 concept

Audi's not alone in bringing a customized production ride to the 2009 Wörthersee meet. Volkswagon's one-upping the interlocking rings by bringing two production-based concept cars: special Wörthersee '09 versions of the new VW GTI and Polo. The GTI's bodywork is finished in a dark Firespark Red color, offset with black wheels and exterior accents. The red is also used for the GTI's grille trim and to dress up the rims on its black 19-spoke alloys. Nappa leather trims the seats, with red contrast panels and white piping adding some more visual pop.

The VW Polo Wörthersee '09 concept (shown at right) looks like the GTI concept's kid brother, and likely hints at the next-gen Polo GTI's appearance. Finished in Flash Red paint with black rally stripes, the Polo concept sports black 18-inch wheels with polished spokes sit at the corners, while inside, you'll find more Nappa leather appointments. Black surfaces are accented with white contrast panels and red accent stitching.

Both cars get sport exhaust systems and the obligatory commemorative doorsill plates, natch. Will the crush of fanboys rolling into the Wörthersee Tour approve of the two show cars? We'd place our bets on "yes."

Gallery: Volkswagen GTI Worthersee '09 Concept

Gallery: Volkswagen Polo Worthersee '09 Concept

Continue reading Seeing Red: VW unveils GTI and Polo Wörthersee '09 concepts

Seeing Red: VW unveils GTI and Polo Wörthersee '09 concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember your Roots: Lamborghini Toro tractor concept

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:33:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Work, Lamborghini, Rendered Speculation

Lamborghini Toro concept - Click above for a gallery

Most automakers try desperately to hold on to their roots. Just look at all the anniversaries we've been celebrating lately and you'll know what we mean. Lamborghini, on the other hand, seems keen to leave them behind. That's probably because Lamborghini's roots are actually in agriculture. As any sportscar aficionado worth his salt will tell you, Ferruccio Lamborghini started out building tractors and only got into the sportscar business to piss off Enzo Ferrari. The gap between its tractors and sportscars was bridged only by the LM002 sport-ute, known as the Rambo Lambo. But one aspiring designer is keen to resoil Lamborghini's past and present into one vehicle, and you're looking at it right here.

Called the Lamborghini Toro, it's the brainchild of aspiring Canadian designer Jason Battersby. Taking cues from Lambo's own agricultural equipment and its supercars, the Toro cuts a mean profile to envision what an integrated product would look like. Of course it's just a series of conceptual renderings, which you can view in the gallery below. But a small town farm boy can dream, can't he?

Gallery: Lamborghini Toro tractor concept

[Source: JBDesign via eGMCarTech]

Remember your Roots: Lamborghini Toro tractor concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heavy Breathing: SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra reportedly gets the go-ahead

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hatchback, SEAT

Seat Bocanegra Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

A production version of the Seat Bocanegra has reportedly been cleared for landing. The black-mouthed concept was an Ibiza Cupra with futuristic lights, a super-black grille treatment front and rear, and a concept car interior, so you can probably expect the production version to keep the special front end and perhaps an interior touch like diamond stitching. Potentially sold as a style pack to go on the Ibiza Cupra options list, Autocar is reporting that Bocanegra will get the same 178 horsepower 1.4-liter engine and appear some time after July of this year.

Gallery: SEAT SportCoupé Bocanegra

[Source: Autocar]

Heavy Breathing: SEAT Ibiza Bocanegra reportedly gets the go-ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Crossover, Acura

Acrua ZDX Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After a series of spy shots and a handful of teasers, Acura has finally given a name to its BMW X6-fighting crossover: the ZDX. Due to arrive in concept form at next week's New York Auto Show, the all-new ZDX is described by Acura as a luxury four-door sports coupe "with the added benefit of a commanding presence and flexible utility." Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, says the "ZDX prototype is unlike anything you have ever seen from Acura." From Acura, yes. From BMW...

The Acura ZDX evolve from a lightly-veiled "concept" into a production model slated to go on sale this fall. Powertrains haven't been revealed yet, but we'd suspect either a naturally aspirated or turbocharged V6 to be available at launch. Acura's press release is posted below the fold.

Gallery: New York 2009: Acura Crossover Teaser

Continue reading Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX

Acura X6-fighter officially named ZDX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul

John Neff — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, South Korea

Hyundai BLUE-WILL Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai has just released info on its plug-in hybrid concept for the upcoming Seoul Motor Show. Called the BLUE-WILL, the concept features a direct-inject 1.6-liter gas engine mated to a CVT transmission and 100kw electric motor. The car features a state of the art lithium ion polymer batter pack that's packaged with the fuel tank below the rear seats, as well as a trick panoramic roof that integrates solar cells while still being able to see through. The BLUE-WILL also features eco-friendly plastics, with some components, like the headlamp bezels, made out of recycled plastic bottles and other plastics derived from plant extracts. We're not sure where the plug goes, but Hyundai claims the parallel hybrid can be tethered to a wall socket for extra amps.

The concept's five-door hatchback body style is striking with criss-crossing character lines on the body sides and a high rear deck lid. The thick C-pillars also turn into the center of the roof, leaving a window above each pair of doors. The BLUE-WILL's face has an angry look with its forward canted fascia that bends around on each side to blue-tinted headlights sweeping back up the fender. Koreans will get their first look at the BLUE-WILL when the Seoul Motor Show opens on April 2nd, and Hyundai will begin selling its first hybrid, the Elantra LPI Hybrid, in July in South Korea.

Gallery: Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul

Hyundai BLUE-WILL concept headed for Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melbourne 2009: FPV F6 E Concept tests the waters

Alex Nunez — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia, FPV

Click above for a gallery of the FPV F6 E concept

The Blue Oval's FPV F6 is relentlessly awesome. Loud colors. Alice Cooper eye makeup. Blistering, turbocharged inline-six power. It drops the full musclecar ethos onto a completely modern Australian performance sedan. We love it, but it may not necessarily be for everybody. Ford Performance Vehicles knows this, and the F6's V8-powered evil twin, the FPV GT, gets an additional, more subdued "E" trim level. Darker colors. No decals. No "eye black.". It's a more conservative Aussie muscle machine.

When the Melbourne Motor Show opens its doors in a few days, the FPV stand will be home to a very production-ready-looking F6 E "concept." Don't let its rather sedate appearance fool you. Underhood, you'll still find the 415-horsepower, 416 lb-ft , 4.0-liter turbo-six. Ford's performance mavens say they're using the F6 E concept car to determine whether there's demand for a production version. We think that decision's obviously been made already. After all, why else would the PR mention things like the color selection and theoretical starting price? Face it, you lucky SOBs Down Under are getting yet another tasty entree added to your street missile buffet. Official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 FPV F6 E Concept

[Source: FPV]

Continue reading Melbourne 2009: FPV F6 E Concept tests the waters

Melbourne 2009: FPV F6 E Concept tests the waters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2009: GM finally rolls out Corvette Stingray Concept [w/VIDEO]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Performance, Etc., Supercars, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the Corvette Stingray Concept

General Motors used the Chicago Auto Show to introduce the world to its latest concept vehicle, the Corvette Stingray, which will be featured in the upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie on June 26th. According to GM, the vehicle is nothing more than a styling buck that was influenced by the original 1959 Stingray racer when it was spotted by director Michael Bay while he was touring GM's operations looking for inspiration for the first Transformers movie. Don't expect this concept to spawn any sort of production vehicle, which, needless to say, is a shame.

In robot mode, the Corvette Stingray Concept will take the form of Sideswipe, who will reportedly be a skater with wheels for feet. The General doesn't have anything in the way of new product to show off here in Chicago, so it's using the blockbuster movie to drum up interest instead. It's working... sorta.

Hit the jump for a video of Ed Welburn discussing the design of the Corvette Centennial Concept, along with GM's press release.

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Corvette Stingray Concept LIVE

Gallery: Chicago 2009: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept

Continue reading Chicago 2009: GM finally rolls out Corvette Stingray Concept [w/VIDEO]

Chicago 2009: GM finally rolls out Corvette Stingray Concept [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show

Chris Paukert — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

This morning's Today Show on NBC featured General Motors' design chief Ed Welburn talking with host Matt Lauer live from General Motors' Warren Tech Center. Welburn previewing the Detroit Auto Show's coming attractions, including the new Buick LaCrosse and the Chevrolet Camaro. Most newsworthy, however, was the designer's willingness to pull back the sheet - albeit partially - on what looks to be a production-bound version of 2007's Chevrolet Beat concept. Welburn promised that the car would be unveiled at the show in Cobo, leading us to speculate that the Beat may come to the States after all. Check out the Beat concept's high-res gallery below, and video footage from the show after the jump.

Gallery: New York Auto Show: 2007 Chevy Beat Concept

[Source: MSNBC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show

VIDEO: Welburn teases NAIAS-bound production Chevy Beat on Today Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classified Follies: Reader spots Dodge concept in Avenger ad

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

Click above for high-res image gallery of the ACTUAL 2003 Dodge Avenger Concept

There's nothing unusual about seeing a product in an advertisement that doesn't look anything like the real thing. Have you ever gotten a Big Mac that looks like the one in commercials? Classified ads for cars are no exception and are usually assembled by low paid copy editors using stock photos.

One of our readers spotted this ad for WestBorn Chrysler in the Detroit Auto Mart. The ad for a 2008 Dodge Avenger features at least two major flaws. The pictured vehicle is a Dodge Avenger of sorts, but is actually the concept version that was unveiled at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show (as seen on the right). The copy editor obviously just took the Chrysler press photo, removed the background and mirrored it without checking whether it was even a production car. Chrysler has also never built an Avenger that gets 36 miles per gallon! If they did, perhaps more customers would willing to overlook its interior. Thanks to Jed for the tip!

Gallery: 2003 Dodge Avenger Concept

Classified Follies: Reader spots Dodge concept in Avenger ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO)

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:19:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Truck, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Ford Ranger Max Concept

At the Thailand Motor Expo this week, Ford's rolling out a show truck based on the locally-produced Ford Ranger. Dubbed the Ranger Max, it's a styling exercise designed to infuse the compact pickup with some visual muscle and toughness. According to Ford, power tools were among the inspirations for the project, hence the blend of matte accents and this OSHA-friendly orange paint job. Anyway, it's pretty cool, what with the embossed "RANGER" logos on the grille and tailgate; vented, domed hood; chunky wheel/tire package; flared fenders and integrated step rails. If Ford were to (finally) replace the U.S.-market Ranger with something incorporating the main cues from this (especially the overall grille/front-end treatment), you wouldn't hear a peep of complaint from us -- we'd be too busy listening to "One Night in Bangkok" on the stereo while we cruised down that street from the Ford Flex ads. PR from Ford Asia-Pacific follows the jump.

UPDATE: Video added after the jump. (Thanks, Mike.)

Gallery: Ford Ranger Max Concept

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO)

Ford Ranger Max concept debuts at Thailand Motor Show (w/VIDEO) originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 21:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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