Autoblog

VIDEO: Borat-class "Rolls-Royce" actually looks good

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:49:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Videos, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Not a Rolls-Royce Phantom - Click above to watch the video

Right, so this isn't really a Rolls-Royce. We know, we know -- you thought it was. And that's understandable. But no, it's a fake, a phony, a fraud, etc. And with the owner spending at least, say, $3,000 to turn an old Mercedes-Benz E-Class into a Roller, we understand why you were duped. We aren't surprised, however, that this car exists in a former Soviet Bloc country (supposedly Kazakhstan).

All joking/sardonic comments aside, we always wonder why people bother with stunts like this. The other day we saw a BMW E39 525i with a M5 badge. Now, the only people that will be impressed by an M5 badge are the exact same people who will notice that the E39 is missing the requisite four tail pipes. So, who exactly are they fooling, besides themselves? This Phantom conversion's one redeeming quality is that the finished product (somehow) looks pretty good. Make the jump to watch the video. A tip of the Kalpak to Pasi for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Borat-class "Rolls-Royce" actually looks good

VIDEO: Borat-class "Rolls-Royce" actually looks good originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 115 Plug-in Toyota Prius test cars fail to crack 50 mpg average in year-long test

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:00 EST

When Consumer Reports tested out the Hymotion L5 plug-in Toyota Prius conversion earlier this year, they weren't overwhelmed with the results. Sure, the mileage they observed was boosted to about 67 mpg over the first 35 miles of the drive, but that didn't match the claims of 100 mpg (or more) that Hymotion and A123 Systems make about their product.

To be fair to Hymotion, their qualifies mileage talk about their plug-in Prius MPG "that can achieve up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles" this way:

Hymotion PHEV fuel economy is based on independent testing performed at Argonne National Labs and Idaho National Labs. Actual mileage will vary based on each individual's driving style, route, traffic, climate conditions, terrain and other factors.

Unfortunately for Hymotion, there are new results of tests done at the Idaho National Laboratory now available and they might make the company a little less eager to promote the work done by INL. The lab drove two groups of Prius test vehicles (one 40-car fleet and another 75-car fleet) from early 2008 until March 2009 for almost 500,000 miles and found that the average fuel economy tallied 46 and 49 mpg, respectively. As you might expect, driving style and the battery mode (charge sustaining vs. charge depeleting) had a big impact on the figures. You can view the result data in these PDFs: 1, 2. Add it all up, and it sounds like PHEV proponents might want to take former Tesla marketing boss Darryl Siry's advice to electric vehicle manufacturers to heart.

What do you think - are plug-in hybrids the next big thing, an overhyped solution, or something in between? Drop us a line in the comments.

[Sources: Idaho National Laboratory; Hydrogen Car Revolution]

REPORT: 115 Plug-in Toyota Prius test cars fail to crack 50 mpg average in year-long test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arabian Update: Mercedes W140 S-Class gets W221 transplant

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Sedan, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

Say you have a Mercedes-Benz W140 S-Class from two generations ago, but you really want is a Mercedes W221, the current generation car. Well, what else is an individualistic plutocrat to do other than give a willing tuner an unknown (and seemingly substantial) quantity of cash to make a few changes?

We can only guess at what amount of time and money was needed to fabricate and swap this new front and rear (which we'd like to think cost a lot less than a used W221 in decent shape), and we can't say we're not startled by the result. But our opinion matters not: the car lives, it's here to stay, and the owner must be happy... and maybe a little odd. Check out pics of the FrankenMerc in the gallery below. Hat tip to reader AMG!

Gallery: Mercedes W140 to W200 Conversion

[Source: Mercedes4Arab]

Arabian Update: Mercedes W140 S-Class gets W221 transplant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas

Noah Joseph — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Auctions, BMW

Click above the view a gallery of this custom convertible BMW 850i

Long before the retro-licious Z8 and the modern 6 Series, BMW's range-topping sport coupe was the 8-Series. Characterized by its distinctive shark nose and available with a choice of eight- or 12-cylinder engines, the 8-Series was sadly never offered as a convertible. But it would have made a smart-looking roadster, as one customer was evidently determined to discover.

Commissioned by Erik Williams, offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys back in their glory days, this one-of-a-kind 1991 BMW 850i convertible is now up for sale by a dealer in New Braunfels, Texas. Craftsmanship of the folding soft-top, as you can see from the images in the gallery below, may not be up to world-class standards, but for a unique V12-powered German cabrio, the $25,900 asking price is at least accessible.

Gallery: Custom 1991 BMW 850Ci

[Source: Automaniacs via CarScoop]

Ex-Cowboys' 1991 BMW 850Ci one-off for sale in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Things that never were nor ever should be, Part II: the Dodge Caravan "CarCamel"

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Dodge, Canada

Click above for gallery of the Car Camel

You need something to carry a car, but you don't want just any old pickup truck or SUV because anybody could do that. And since you do have that vintage Dodge Caravan lying around... why not grab the chainsaw and make something really special?

Allow us to officially introduce the Car Camel. Apparently plying the highways of Ontario, Canada, it's a shortened minivan with a car hauler stuck to its backside. It ain't pretty, and it probably ain't too fast, but we have to admit that it is pretty neat... if you're into that kind of thing. Have a look at the gallery of images below, but if any of you get the idea to make a Car Koala... please, don't. Thanks for the tip, Zak!

UPDATE: Jackpot! Autoblog reader Paul H found the owner's personal blog on which he explains how, and more importantly why, he built the Car Camel. Also check out more pics of the Car Camel, including it actually carrying a car, in the gallery below.

Gallery: Car Camel

[Source: Photobucket]

Things that never were nor ever should be, Part II: the Dodge Caravan "CarCamel" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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And you thought the Cayenne looked fugly stock...

Noah Joseph — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Porsche

Click the image above for a gallery... if you dare.

Like driving skills, the unfortunate reality is that good taste doesn't always accompany wealth. There are just too many people out there looking to make the flashiest splash, and it is now confirmed that one more of those yahoos is living in Moscow, Russia. We don't know much about this frightening conversion of a Porsche Cayenne, and we're not sure we really want to. To paraphrase Fiddler on the Roof, we hope and pray the czar keeps this one far away from us.

Thanks (we think) to Graham for the unfortunate tip. If you're a real glutton for punishment, you can hit the gallery below to see the monstrosity from all angles. Just be careful if the driver's backing up while you're checking out the tail and standing in the enormous blind spot, which shouldn't be too big a hindrance on Moscow's busy streets.

[Source: CarsGuru.ru via English Russia]

Gallery: Unfortunate Porsche Cayenne

And you thought the Cayenne looked fugly stock... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Insurgent-proof party bus

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Etc., Ford

click above image for more pics of the Armored Limo

When you're headed out for a night on the town in one of the world's hot spots -- and by "hot spot" we mean someplace like Kabul, Chechnya, or the Congo -- and you want to guarantee safe passage, you need one of these. It's billed as an H1, but it's actually an armored limo built on a 4x4 Ford F550 using the 6.0-liter Power Stroke V8. Part of a lot built for US diplomatic missions, they are street legal and armored to level A9, which will stop high-powered rifle and sits just below 'tank' on the protection scale. They've also got a 1/4-inch of ballistic steel explosion protection in the floor, seven exits, rear seats that can be folded flat and used as shooting platforms, and room for 22 civilians or 16 combat-equipped soldiers for when you want to roll with your friends from the 1st Marine. It's also got the kind of interior that makes you wonder what diplomats do in their free time, and what limo would be complete without a Ballisticom Outside Intercom System with Siren? They'll paint it a more appealing shade if you wish, but if you're rolling in a 20-foot Brinks truck, making a fashion statement probably isn't high on your list of priorities.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: Armored Limo

eBay Find of the Day: Insurgent-proof party bus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Corvette supercar prototype

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Supercars, Chevrolet

click above image for more pics of the 1992 Marocco II Corvette Prototype Supercar

What you see above is the original 1992 Marocco II Corvette Prototype Supercar. What is that? We're not exactly sure. Even though the eBay seller has plenty of magazine articles pictured, information is thin on the ground for this car. It apparently went for $156,564 in 1992, which is about $123,000 above the purchase price of a Corvette at the time. What you got for your money (and still will) is an optioned up C4 with a Superblock 350 CI engine that puts out 500 hp and 500 ft-lbs. Not only does the seller claim the car does 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, it does the quarter in 11.6 seconds, tops 200 mph, gets 29 mpg on the highway, and has near zero emissions. That's right, near zero -- at least, according to the hydrocarbon test it took in New Jersey in 1993. And then there's the bodywork, which, well, doesn't suit us, but it is original. And it is one of a kind. $250,000 gets you into the action.

Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: 1992 Marocco II Corvette Prototype Supercar

eBay Find of the Day: Corvette supercar prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upgrade from a Dodge to a Mercedes for three bills

Noah Joseph — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Work, Daimler, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz

Some of the world's automotive conglomerates are more guilty of badge engineering than others. With very few exceptions, the acquisition of Chrysler by Daimler-Benz (call it a merger if you like, but we're not fooled) is not among the worst offenders. The Chrysler 300C may look to some like a Benz, and the Crossfire may be built on an old SLK platform, but Mercedes isn't selling rebadged Vipers overseas and Jeep hasn't slapped its own label on a G-wagon. (Yet.) The most notable exception comes from the commercial side of operations, where DCX brings the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van over to the North American market as a Dodge or Freightliner. There was no hiding it, either, as the American "version" kept all the same components, body panels, even the name. Just the badge was changed. But Montana-based OEM Sprinter Parts can switch it back for you if you'd like.

Because DaimlerChrysler didn't change anything beside the badging, the "conversion kits" are relatively straightforward. You can get the Mercedes grille (complete with three-pointed star and optional 316CDI grille badge), wheel hubs, interior fittings...the works, right down to the signature sticker for the windshield. The whole kit costs less than $300 for most models. Now that's the cheapest upgrade from a Dodge to a Mercedes you'll find anywhere.

[Source: OEM Sprinter Parts via Winding Road]

Upgrade from a Dodge to a Mercedes for three bills originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What blindspot? Toyota FJ Cruiser Convertible

John Neff — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, SUV, Toyota

We came across Newport Convertible Engineering at the SEMA show a couple of weeks ago, and the company's FJ Cruiser Convertible immediately caught our eye. Not only does this $10,000 conversion give FJ Cruiser owners a power-operated soft top in place of the standard steel roof, but it also eliminates the FJ's giant C-pillar that creates a huge blindspot for the driver and makes back seat passengers feel claustrophobic. Of course, the sight lines are still pretty bad with the top up on the FJ Cruiser Convertible, but we would hope after spending 10 large on such a conversion that you'd want the top down as often as possible. You're also forced to sacrifice some cargo space, as the soft top's roofline slopes down immediately after the roll cage's cross bar located just behind the rear seats. It almost looks like a four-door coupe.

Newport also has experience shaving the domes off of such cars as the Scion xB (!), Dodge Charger (!!), Cadillac CTS (!!!), Cadillac Escalade (!!!!), HUMMER H3 (!!!!!) and Ford Excursion (!!!!!!).

Follow the jump for plenty more pics of the FJ Cruiser Convertible with top up and down.

Continue reading What blindspot? Toyota FJ Cruiser Convertible

What blindspot? Toyota FJ Cruiser Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Nov 2006 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A 4th-gen Prelude, converted to RWD

Eric Bryant — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Technology, Honda

We've performed a few drivetrain swaps in our time, but nothing quite measures up to Honda-tech.com's "preluderacecar" and his 1993 Honda Prelude. Apparently not satisfied with the stock H22 or its orientation in the vehicle, it was yanked and replaced with the ubiquitous GM LS1 (quickly becoming the go-to choice for engine swaps due to its size, weight, and aftermarket support). It's backed by a T56 six-speed manual, which hides in a custom-fabricated tunnel. He also fabricated an independent rear suspension setup from RX7 components. Up front, the steering rack was relocated in front of the axle centerline and replaced with a Cavalier part, along with some 5th-gen Prelude components.

The sheer volume of fabrication required for this project is awesome, and is even more impressive considering that the guy is only 21 years old. Sure, there will be some folks who will be compelled to pile on the hate, but we're guessing none of them would ever have the guts to attempt a project of similar magnitude.

[Source: Honda-tech.com; a hat tip to Autoblog alumni Dave Ko]

A 4th-gen Prelude, converted to RWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jul 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Miata AMX07 - an Aston Martin for Mini Me

John Neff — Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Etc., Aston Martin, Mazda

Who can afford the actual price of an Aston Martin Vanquish S? Not us, and apparently not Australian fitness instructor Michael Lebedev, who has produced a kit that transforms a garden variety Mazda Miata MX-5 into something resembling a Vanquish left in the dryer too long. Inspired by the Vanquish driven by secret agent James Bond in the film Die Another Day, Lebedev produced what appears to be a front end kit out of fiberglass using headlamps from a SMART car. He has started a company called Custom Automotive Restyling to sell his kit, which retails for AUS $7,500, or about USD $5,650.

We wonder what other cars you could make out of the Miata...
a 427 Cobra?
Lego mania?
Use your imagination (and a little Photoshop)...

Thanks Noah for the tip!

[Source: Inside Line]

The Miata AMX07 - an Aston Martin for Mini Me originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Return of the Slant Nose Porsche

John Neff — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 09:53:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche

A while back we showed you how a Porsche 996 owner could fast forward time and transform his car's "fried egss" headlamps into the proper ovals found on the new 997 models. Auto-expert of Germany has now stepped up to show 996 owners how to rewind time back to an era when the pages of Dupont Registry were filled with Slant Nose Porsches. The Porsche 996 Flat Nose conversion was debuted at the 5th International Porsche Treffen show in Germany amongst 1,642 Porsche owners and their cars. Auto-expert announced these Porsche 996 Flat Nose body parts would be available before the end of the year, though no prices were announced.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Return of the Slant Nose Porsche originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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