Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gold(finger's) Mercedes C63 spotted in... where else? Dubai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/23/gold-fingers-mercedes-c63-spotted-in-where-else-dubai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/23/gold-fingers-mercedes-c63-spotted-in-where-else-dubai/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/23/gold-fingers-mercedes-c63-spotted-in-where-else-dubai/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the gold C63

This United Arab Emirates-registered gold-mirror-finish Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was caught at the Bling on Wheels Show, otherwise known as the valet area at the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. While we have nothing untoward to say about someone who decks out his/her ride in any manner desired, we are always intrigued when someone looks to have spent the worth of a car - on top of the price of the car itself - on "beautification."

There is some debate as to whether this is a real paint job or a wrap, but parking your gold-wrapped C63 next to a genuinely chrome SLR would be shamefully ludicrous. A C63 AMG goes for about 300,000 AED (about $82,000 USD). Unless gold paint bubbles out of the ground as well, a liquid gold paint job has to cost a good portion of that. And all for a C63? Really? We won't ask whether it looks good... we'll just guide you to the gallery of high-res images below. Hat tip to AB reader Chad.

Gallery: Mercedes C63 in Dubai Gold


[Source: MB World]

Gold(finger's) Mercedes C63 spotted in... where else? Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c63c63 amgC63Amgcustomizationdubaimall of the emiratesMallOfTheEmiratesmercedesmercedes c63 amgMercedesC63Amgmiddle eastMiddleEastpaint jobPaintJobsedanspecialuaeunited arab emiratesUnitedArabEmiratesFri, 23 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Futuremark designs new concept dash for Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/futuremark-designs-new-concept-dash-for-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/futuremark-designs-new-concept-dash-for-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/futuremark-designs-new-concept-dash-for-audi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This is the kind of computerized world we can get behind -- not the kind that drives for you whether you like it or not, but the one that allows you to do your human thing even better. Futuremark has created a concept instrument and dash cluster for Audi that is rendered entirely in 3D graphics. In the Nissan GT-R, you can change the center console screen to show or highlight the gauges you want. With Futuremark's dashboard, you can create any kind of dashboard layout, color scheme, gauge look... you name it... that you want.

Using its Open GL ES engine (that's Open Graphics Library for Embedded Systems) for the API (that's Application Program Interface), Futuremark wants to show what's coming -- or at least, what's possible -- for in-car information and entertainment systems. We're not really worried about the acronyms; as far as we're concerned, we're talking about the tweakability of video games brought to life in hot cars. Amen to that. The system will be on display at the NVISION in San Jose. Follow the jump for the full press release, and a word for Audi: yes.

[Source: Crunchgear]

Continue reading Futuremark designs new concept dash for Audi

Futuremark designs new concept dash for Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicustomizablecustomizationcustomizedashdashboardfuturemarkfuturemark dashboardFuturemarkDashboardnvisionFri, 29 Aug 2008 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford slashing F-150 customization by 90 percent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/ford-slashing-f-150-customization-by-90-percent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Click on the pic above for our high-res 2009 Ford F-150 gallery

As staggering as it may seem, the 2008 Ford F-150 pickup can be ordered in billions of different combinations. That's all going to change for 2009. In an effort to reduce complexity and cut spiraling costs in the process, Ford will be slashing the number of possible F-150 configurations by 90 percent. The automaker isn't leaving the rest of the lineup alone either. The Ford Expedition goes from 250,000 combos down to fewer than 10,000. The 2009 Lincoln MKS debuts with about 300 combinations, and the 2010 Ford Focus will offer only about 150, which is 95 percent fewer than the current model. Are you in the market for a 2009 Ford F-150 and worried that you won't be able to get it exactly the way you want? Don't fret, Ford will still offer more than 9 million combinations for next year's model, including a brown one we presume.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Ford slashing F-150 customization by 90 percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 F-1502009F-150configurationscustomizationF-150FordFord ExpeditionFord FocusFordExpeditionFordFocusLincoln MKSLincolnMksoptionsreduce optionsReduceOptionsMon, 18 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Sticky Fingers: DIY carbon fiber]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/25/sticky-fingers-diy-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/25/sticky-fingers-diy-carbon-fiber/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/25/sticky-fingers-diy-carbon-fiber/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Fake trim is for the birds. Of course, there are cost considerations, and a piece of lower-cost injection-molded plastic is a lot cheaper than actual wood, metal, or laboriously laid carbon fiber. Faux trim can be awfully convincing - the metal-look trims in my S60 T5 are a far nicer touch than the faux wood that came in the lesser models. The north-woods car nuts at Hemmings have gotten the scoop on DIY carbon fiber from Vermont SportsCar, the guys that make Subarus fly. Since the learning curve is rather steep, we suggest starting off with interior trim pieces before going toward something more structural.

The process is similar to fiberglass, though a little trickier. You make a sandwich of cloth and resin and then cure it in a cheap and nasty autoclave. Yes, the word autoclave sounds fancy, but it amounts to little more than a cardboard box and a space heater -- incredibly dangerous if you're not paying attention. We like that. The added risk of torching your entire shop will make the completion of your first very crappy parts that much sweeter. Basic parts aren't that expensive to make - Hemmings reports the materials will knock you back about $100 or less. The Vermonters were even kind enough to include a link to a how-to, so if you get good enough, you can cash in by making body parts for all those clapped out Corollas and Civics.

[Source: Hemmings]

Sticky Fingers: DIY carbon fiber originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Feb 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerodynamicscarbon fiberCarbonFibercustomcustomizationmodificationracingrallyrepairsubarutechvermont sports carvermont sportscarVermontSportsCarSun, 25 Feb 2007 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Buick crashing SEMA with 11 custom Lucernes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/buick-crashing-sema-with-11-custom-lucernes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/buick-crashing-sema-with-11-custom-lucernes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/05/buick-crashing-sema-with-11-custom-lucernes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Like a dad descending the basement steps and asking in on a round of Halo 2 with his son and his buddies, Buick will be showing up at SEMA this year with no less than 11 customized Lucernes. It will be the first time in the event's 43-year history that General Motors' elder-brand will appear on the show floor. Just to give this some perspective, the median age of a Buick buyer is 65, which happens to be a decade shy of the life expectancy for males in this country.

If you're expecting to see 11 Lucernes that look like part of an Xzibit rental fleet with woofers, LCDs and automatic Red Bull dispensers, you'll likely be disappointed. The Lucerne's will reportedly be customized in the "VIP style" that's popular in Japan right now in which vehicles forego the bling for modifications that enhance their luxury and status. We say good luck to Buick in its efforts to be hip and immerse itself in youth culture, because we know how serious those kids take their Halo 2.

[Source: BrandWeek]

Buick crashing SEMA with 11 custom Lucernes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customcustomizationcustomizeSEMAtunerThu, 05 Oct 2006 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford anti-squatting efforts out of control?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/ford-anti-squatting-efforts-out-of-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/ford-anti-squatting-efforts-out-of-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/ford-anti-squatting-efforts-out-of-control/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an effort to better protect the Mustang name, Ford Motor Company has taken to prosecuting companies with names incorporating a Ford trademark, including Mustang and nicknames like Stang and Pony. According to Mustang Monthly, companies that violate the rules are being presented with a letter directing the company to transfer internet domain names containing "Mustang" to Ford, as well as instructions to stop using Mustang in the company name. The letter also reportedly requests that all marketing materials, including brochures, banners, business cards, etc. be turned over to Ford so that they can be destroyed, and also directs the company to cut Ford a check for $5,000 in damages. Companies choosing not to comply could end up in a legal battle with Ford costing in excess of $100,000. Seems a little excessive, but it's within Ford's right and responsibility to protect its trademarks, right?

But what about the collateral damage? What of the companies that will undergo financial harm by halting advertising until the issue is resolved, or those small shops that don't have the marketing budget to reprint all of its materials? And what about Ford's efforts over the years to encourage aftermarket shops to produce product for the Mustang, thereby increasing the Mustang's attractiveness to car buffs looking to customize.

So what's the answer, dear readers? Is Ford going overboard, or is the company rightly protecting its property?

Thanks to Matt for the tip.

[Source: Mustang Monthly]

Ford anti-squatting efforts out of control? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customizationfordmustangpimp my ridePimpMyRidesquattingtrademarkThu, 01 Jun 2006 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass customization craze Optomizes Scion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/mass-customization-craze-optomizes-scion/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/mass-customization-craze-optomizes-scion/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/mass-customization-craze-optomizes-scion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Scion may have forgtten the spellcheck, but its remembered to bring some excellent aftermarket suppliers for its customization program called Optomize. The 150 possible parts (Alpine and H3R Performance among them) can be added by dealers at the time of purchase, and are covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which is a huge benefit over traditional aftermarket bits. Like many youth-oriented brands, drivers drop huge chunks of change on profit-rich Scion add-ons, and Toyota is no doubt trying to perfect its product lineup to keep the cash in the hands of dealers, not third party shops.

[Source: InsideLine]

Mass customization craze Optomizes Scion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcustomizationcustomizehonda civicHondaCivicOptomizepimp my ridePimpMyRidescionSEMAtoyotaWed, 03 May 2006 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Pimp my golf cart?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/25/pimp-my-golf-cart/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/25/pimp-my-golf-cart/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/25/pimp-my-golf-cart/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



If your idea of the golf car (the dealer-correct term) is the white, fragile-looking, cart, you're in for a surprise the next time you hit the fairways.

Customization is part of the game for many golfers, including some in Spokane, Washington. According to the Spokane Journal of Business, golfers are paying top dollar to spruce up their vehicles. Popular custom items include 10 inch tires to replace the standard eight; brushed aluminum or chrome wheels; canvas enclosures for protection from the elements or stray golf balls; and air-conditioning and heater units.

A new option, GPS, are joining the option list. With it, golfers can determine where the next green is located or sand trap.

What next? HID headlamps? Massage chairs? Self-parking golf cars? Xzibit would be pleased.

[Source: Spokane Journal of Business]

Pimp my golf cart? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customizationEscaladegolfgolf carsgolf cartsGolfCarsGPSpimp my ridePimpMyRideXzibitTue, 25 Apr 2006 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda beefs up build-to-order Web-Tuned Roadster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/mazda-beefs-up-build-to-order-web-tuned-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/mazda-beefs-up-build-to-order-web-tuned-roadster/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/19/mazda-beefs-up-build-to-order-web-tuned-roadster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Little known outside of Japan is the fact that you can design a build-to-order Mazda online and see you custom creation through to purchase without ever leaving your chair. Mazda's Web Tune Factory has been up and running since 2001 and the newest addition to the lineup of 22 available vehicles is the Web Tuned Roaster that's based on the MX-5.

Though one can access the Web Tune Factory from anywhere in the world, Mazda adds the caveat that the cars can't be exported. That's just as well since the site is only available in Japanese. We pimped out a new Web Tuned Roadster with every available option we could find, including a ¥54,600 ($463 US) car seat for the little kiddo in your life. Not being able to read the strange eastern hieroglyph, we simply chose whatever was most expensive. After the build you get a snapshot of your one-of-a-kind whip in a decidedly awkward setting (ours looks like it landed in Germany). Still, spending millions of virtual yen is always a fun way to while away the work hours.

[Source: Mazda]

Mazda beefs up build-to-order Web-Tuned Roadster originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketbuild to orderBuildToOrdercustomcustomizationcustomizeMX-5third partyThirdPartyweb tuned roadsterWebTunedRoadsterWed, 19 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST