Autoblog

Lincoln to adopt Mini-like personalization strategy?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Marketing/Advertising, Lincoln, Design/Style, Luxury

There's no single silver bullet that will cure all that ails the Lincoln brand, and Ford knows that just as surely as we do. Coming out with exciting new models like the well-received MKC crossover counts as several steps in the right direction, assuming of course that the production version is as appealing as the concept just shown at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, but more is needed. According to Jim Farley, executive vice president of Lincoln, one more trick may be "mass customization."

Put another way, Lincoln is considering ways to allow buyers to customize their new vehicles right off the showroom floor, similar to how things are done at Mini, and, to a lesser extent, Scion, where Farley previously served as corporate manager. Imagine, for instance, ordering a new MKC with a large Lincoln insignia embossed into the leather seatbacks, according to Automotive News.

While we're not so sure anybody is all that interested in paying extra for more Lincoln logos, it's a strategy that has proven rather fruitful at Mini. Only time will tell if Ford's erstwhile luxury division will once again be seen as something truly worth reaching for, and if customers are willing to pay a further premium for customization.

Lincoln to adopt Mini-like personalization strategy? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie puts customization program on display

John Neff — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Fiat

Customization programs are nothing new in the auto industry. For a fee, they offer a chance to work directly with the manufacturer to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle for the customer. These programs, however, are usually offered by makers of the most exotic, expensive and exclusive vehicles, like Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and Porsche. It's not often that a manufacturer of, shall we say, a more humble stature, offers this type of vehicle personalization. Nevertheless, that's exactly what Fiat is doing with its "Fuori Serie" program.

The Italian automaker's new personalization program is being offered only for Abarth models, and is represented at the Paris Motor Show by the Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie, a stunning reinterpretation of the Fiat Abarth 131 Mirafiori "Olio Fiat" livery that debuted at the 1976 Monte Carlo Rally. The matte yellow-and-blue colors of the livery are the most striking aspect of the car, but walking around it reveals other details like a hood that features a NACA duct on one side and louvered vent on the other, the highly polished wheels with yellow center caps that match the painted Brembo brake calipers, and lastly, the special "Fuori Serie" and "695" badging. Along with colors and finishes, Fuori Serie vehicles also get a special 180-horsepower tune of Abarth's 1.4-liter turbo that normally leaves the factory with 160 hp.

The 500 Abarth Fuori Serie is just one example of what a customer can create using Fiat's new program, which starts by choosing one of two customization collections: Heritage or New Wave. The car you see here came from the Heritage collection, which draws its colors, materials and finishes from Fiat's motorsports exploits. The New Wave collection, meanwhile, draws inspiration from the "modern world." We're not quite sure what that means, but hopefully Fiat will show up at the next international auto show with another Fuori Serie car to explain.

Continue reading 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie puts customization program on display

2013 Fiat 500 Abarth Fuori Serie puts customization program on display originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari increases customization options with new Tailor-Made program

Noah Joseph — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari, Design/Style

Good things come to those who wait. Or so the saying goes, at least. And while that may not seem like something you'd associate with performance automobiles like Ferraris, maybe it should. Because while some will pay a premium to get a Ferrari - any Ferrari - right away, others are willing to wait to get theirs just the way they want it. And when we say 'just the way they want it', we mean just the way they want it.

To meet the demands of customers willing to shell out a little extra to specify every last detail of their new sports car, companies like Ferrari have been gradually upping their customization portfolio. Maranello's latest is called, appropriately enough, Ferrari Tailor-Made, and encompasses a wide array of customization options.

Ferrari breaks them down into three categories: Scuderia (which encompasses motorsport-derived materials like carbon fiber and Alcantara), Classica (with pastel colors from the company's back catalog, cashmere and velvet trim) and Inedita (with avant-garde materials like denim and matte paint jobs).

The limited-edition 599 GTB 60F1 grew out of the Tailor-Made program, and Ferrari has put together three unique one-offs to demonstrate the extent of the possibilities: a 458 Spider with NART stripes, chamois leather upholstery, quilted fabric and high-tech woven aluminum/fiberglass dashboard trim; an FF in Grigio Ingrid with pinstripe cloth, cashmere headliner and teak-trimmed cargo area; and a California decked out to Lapo Elkann's specifications in denim with matte Blu Scozia finish.

Of course, with such an array of options, each example coming out of the studio will be completely unique, guided by a personal designer at the Ferrari Styling Centre, and assuredly fetching a hefty premium over the already considerable list price. Follow the jump for full details and check out the images in the gallery for a closer look.

Continue reading Ferrari increases customization options with new Tailor-Made program

Ferrari increases customization options with new Tailor-Made program originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McLaren lets you have it your way with Special Operations division [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:01:00 EST

McLaren Special Operations may sound like a new unit of special forces in the British military, but is, in fact, actually the new client customization division of the supercar manufacturer behind the MP4-12C. We first got wind of the new service at Pebble Beach where it was presented, one year after the North American debut of the car itself, but now McLaren has unleashed more details and a full batch of photos.

Through the Special Operations division, McLaren is offering its elite clientele a range of customization options for their new exotic. The show car displayed at Pebble Beach, for example, included such special touches as satin matte Volcano Orange paintwork, a gloss black roof, diamond-cut wheels with gloss black inserts, carbon door sills and steering wheel, and extra vents on the front fenders, engine cover and rear deck.

We have a feeling this will only be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to customizing new McLarens. After all, as the division's new director puts it, "We never say no, we just say how much and let the customer decide." Yes, quite. But for now you can check out the video footage and press release after the jump, as well as the full gallery of images - including shots of Jay Leno and the former Governator checking out an MP4-12C decked out in the same chrome finish as McLaren's Formula One racers - for a closer look.

Continue reading McLaren lets you have it your way with Special Operations division [w/video]

McLaren lets you have it your way with Special Operations division [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Test Drive Unlimited welcomes virtual characters

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Test Drive Unlimited 2 features character customization - Click above to watch video after the jump

Can you think of something missing from the current crop of automotive video games? If you said cosmetic surgery then you must work for Atari. The upcoming Test Drive Unlimited 2 is going to let you customize more than you car. Your on-screen avatar can appear exactly how you want it to thanks to numerous facial and clothing options. Click past the jump to see what we're talking about.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Test Drive Unlimited welcomes virtual characters

Video: Test Drive Unlimited welcomes virtual characters originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan Graphics Custom Vinyl Wraps - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is teaming up with Original Wraps Inc. to join Ford by jumping on the custom vinyl bandwagon. The Cube is the first Nissan to receive the vinyl wrap treatment and you can customize your own designs at NissanGraphics.com.

As the Cube customization hits the web it will quickly be followed by the Juke before Nissan moves on to the Frontier, with more products being added to the line over time. The graphics are installed by a professional, but can be removed at anytime and leave no residue. Manufacturing, warranties and shipping of the vinyl units are all handled by Original Wraps and each piece is designed to last up to three years. Hit the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Nissan Graphics Custom Wraps

[Source: Original Wraps]

Continue reading Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Rolls-Royce, Design/Style, Luxury

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Picnic Set - Click above for high-res image gallery

Rolls-Royce has announced the availability of - wait for it - a new picnic set! What, not excited? Did we mention that it's made from polished aluminum, leather and wood veneers? Well that's just fine. We'll enjoy our champagne and caviar on the green without you. But that's not even the point - the popularity of customizing a new Rolls-Royce motorcar is.

On the Phantom family alone - discounting the popularity of the new Ghost - custom orders from Rolls-Royce have skyrocketed in the past few years in markets around the world. In the Middle East, for example, about 90 percent of Phantoms ordered last year had something off the usual options list ordered. That's up from 75 percent in 2005, the level at which all of Rolls-Royce markets worldwide are holding at in terms of customization, up from 50 percent in 2005.

Rolls-Royce's Bespoke design and engineering department can fulfill a variety of special orders, from the customer's name on the sill plates and special veneers to custom luggage and picnic sets like this one. Details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Rolls-Royce Bespoke Picnic Set

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders

Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program

Noah Joseph — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

MercedesSport E-Class - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Sporty" is a relative term. Some might consider a base Mercedes-Benz "sporty" enough. AMG drivers would undoubtedly beg to differ. But there's a big gap between the two, one that Benz is keen to bridge. The German automaker has already done that in part with various AMG appearance packages, but now it's taking things a step further with the new MercedesSport accessory line.

Offered initially on the new E-Class - in all its iterations, including sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible - the MercedesSport package upgrades with a ground-effects aero kit, spoilers, and 18-inch alloys in glossy black or chrome. Upgraded brakes and suspension are also available, along with interior trim upgrades.

Packages are in the works as well for other models in the Mercedes range, but you can read about this one in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below ahead of the program's debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: MercedesSport E-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program

Geneva Preview: MercedesSport individualization program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gold(finger's) Mercedes C63 spotted in... where else? Dubai

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty

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.

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Futuremark designs new concept dash for Audi

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Audi

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.

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Ford slashing F-150 customization by 90 percent

Michael Harley — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Work, Hatchback, Ford, Lincoln

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.

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Sticky Fingers: DIY carbon fiber

Dan Roth — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Technology

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.

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Buick crashing SEMA with 11 custom Lucernes

John Neff — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Sedan, Buick

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.

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Ford anti-squatting efforts out of control?

Erin Mays — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Ford

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.

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Mass customization craze Optomizes Scion

Erin Mays — Wed, 03 May 2006 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Car Buying, Tuners, Scion

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.

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Pimp my golf cart?

Joel Arellano — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Trends, Etc., I.C.E., Cadillac

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.

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Mazda beefs up build-to-order Web-Tuned Roadster

John Neff — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Mazda

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.

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