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[VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/video-sneak-peak-at-2010-cadillac-srx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/video-sneak-peak-at-2010-cadillac-srx/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/video-sneak-peak-at-2010-cadillac-srx/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch video after the jump

We're technically embargoed from telling you anything about the new 2010 SRX, but that hasn't stopped Cadillac from releasing a teaser video on YouTube of the new wreath and crest CUV sliding around in the snow. Set to replace the current SRX that didn't sell well despite being a perfectly competent machine, the new SRX will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show as the latest model to continue Cadillac's resurgence as a brand that actually matters in the marketplace. The new SRX promises to be much more appealing to the mainstream, especially if you like drifting on frozen lakes, and really, who doesn't? Check out the vid after the jump and let us know if you think the new SRX will do better than Cadillac's first attempt.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX

VIDEO: Sneak Peak at 2010 Cadillac SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 cadillac srx2010CadillacSrxcadillaccadillac srxCadillacSrxdetroitdetroit 2008detroit auto showDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowsrxTue, 23 Dec 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit '09 Preview: Volvo S60 Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/detroit-09-preview-volvo-s60-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/detroit-09-preview-volvo-s60-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/detroit-09-preview-volvo-s60-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Volvo S60 Concept

Next month in Detroit, the Volvo S60 Concept will serve up a teaser for the 2010 production sedan that'll likely debut later in the show season. The S60 Concept demonstrates that Volvo's new sedan will ditch the rather conservative duds it currently wears in favor of a new, much more aggressive visual ensemble. Profile views show off a coupe-ish roofline, while pointed headlights extend back onto the fenders and flank a reshaped, more detailed grille up front. The concept's rear is similarly detailed, with LED taillamps that hide the various signal colors until they are actually illuminated.

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept

Continue reading Detroit '09 Preview: Volvo S60 Concept

Detroit '09 Preview: Volvo S60 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volvo s602010VolvoS60breakingcollision warning with full auto brakeCollisionWarningWithFullAutoBrakedetroit auto showdetroit-2008detroit2008DetroitAutoShownaiasnaias 2008Naias2008s60s60 conceptS60ConceptvolvoTue, 16 Dec 2008 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to reveal "another chapter in the Mustang story" in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ford-to-reveal-another-chapter-in-the-mustang-story-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ford-to-reveal-another-chapter-in-the-mustang-story-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/25/ford-to-reveal-another-chapter-in-the-mustang-story-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang

With most of the attention at the LA Auto Show given to the Mustang, you'd think Ford would ride that wave of publicity as long as it could. However, it appears that Ford will be making more Mustang news before the 2010s even hit the showroom floors. At the live unveiling of the 2010 Ford Mustang last week, we thought we caught Mark Fields hinting at the possibility of more Mustang news coming out of the Detroit Auto Show this January. Sure enough, we watched the unveiling again on Speed TV and listened carefully for any mention of a new Mustang for Detroit. Sure enough, Fields says that Ford "will reveal yet another chapter in the Mustang story" at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

We've thought through what this new Mustang could be, and we're down to two possibilities. The first is the next generation Shelby GT500. Spy photographs have been snapping prototypes running around Detroit since early summer, and if Ford keeps the same powertrain setup as the GT and V6, then it would simply be be a matter of making the cosmetic changes. The second possibility is an all-new variant of the Mustang, most likely a concept that would later hint at a production version. Since we are purely speculating, we're going to go ahead and say what we'd like to see: Boss Mustang, 5.0-liters, 400 hp and a six-speed manual tranny. A Mustang commemorating Parnelli Jones' 1970 Trans-Am win would be perfect except that Saleen already did it two years ago. Mark Field's wording seems to hint at something all new, but the possibility of a new motor could have potential buyers waiting another year to make a purchase. It looks like we'll just have to wait until January to find out.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang Live Unveiling


Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang

Ford to reveal "another chapter in the Mustang story" in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Detroit 2008Detroit2008FordFord MustangFordMustangMustangShelbyShelby GT500ShelbyGt500Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo teases S60 Concept ahead of Detroit Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volvo-teases-s60-concept-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volvo-teases-s60-concept-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/27/volvo-teases-s60-concept-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo sales have been flat-out tanking in the U.S., as Swedish metal moved in September 2008 at a 51% lower rate than it did in the same month of 2007. New product should help Ford's (for now) Swedish unit reverse that precipitous slide, the first sample of which will be seen as an S60 concept to be revealed at the Detroit Auto Show in January. We're a couple months away from seeing Volvo's midsize concept, but the Swedes are showing us a sneak peak at the interior to pique our interest.

Orrefors Crystal is the designer of choice to give Volvo a new take on its trademark waterfall center stack. Designers decided on a real crystal surface that stretches from the navigation screen all the way to the back seats. The look is very high-end and definitely draws the eye, but Volvo states the obvious in saying the heavy and expensive crystal is concept-only. One interesting feature of the S60 concept interior is that its uniquely shaped shifter and center stack buttons detach to become a remote control.

We'd guess that the center stack won't stretch all the way to the back seats in production from, as any back seat in the midsize class needs seating for three in order to survive. Speaking of survival, Volvo really needs a terrific S60 to continue in this brutal automotive market, so the concept reveal in Detroit will be highly anticipated.

Gallery: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo teases S60 Concept ahead of Detroit Auto Show

Volvo teases S60 Concept ahead of Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2008detroit auto showDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowoffetorsvolvo conceptvolvo s60volvo s60 conceptVolvoConceptVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptMon, 27 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year contenders announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/2009-north-american-car-and-truck-of-the-year-contenders-announc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/2009-north-american-car-and-truck-of-the-year-contenders-announc/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/17/2009-north-american-car-and-truck-of-the-year-contenders-announc/#commentsFiled under:

The 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is looming ever closer, which means the process to choose the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year has begun. The organization behind the very prestigious awards has trotted out the list of semi-finalists for both awards, which includes 26 vehicles total with 14 contenders for COTY and 12 for TOTY.

The defining line between each category has been muddled this year by a bunch of crossovers that could be considered either car or truck, though most were placed in the Truck category except for the new Toyota Venza. There are also two diesel-powered models being considered: the VW Jetta TDI and Mercedes-Benz ML320 BlueTec.

The jury that decides the winners is comprised entirely of automotive journalists, two of which are part of the Autoblog family: John McElroy who writes a weekly editorial called Autoline on Autoblog and Gary Witzenburg who writes a weekly editorial called At Witz' End on AutoblogGreen.

While the 2009 TOTY award is likely to go to either the new Dodge Ram or Ford F-150, this year's coveted COTY award will be the most hotly contested one in recent memory. Seriously, which one would you choose? The giant-slaying GT-R? The class-busting Genesis? The Hail Mary pass XF? The techno starship MKS? The Grade-A retro Challenger? You get the idea. Vote for which vehicle you'd like to win in each category below in our straw polls.

View Poll


View Poll



[Source: Inside Line]

2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year contenders announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 north american car of the year2009 north american truck of the year2009NorthAmericanCarOfTheYear2009NorthAmericanTruckOfTheYeardetroitdetroit 2008detroit auto showDetroit2008DetroitAutoShownorth american car of the yearnorth american cotynorth american totynorth american truck of the yearNorthAmericanCarOfTheYearNorthAmericanCotyNorthAmericanTotyNorthAmericanTruckOfTheYearWed, 17 Sep 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: ,

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

BEST KEPT SECRET AT THE DETROIT AUTO SHOW

The Detroit auto show gets unbelievable international coverage from thousands of journalists, and they're all hoping to come out of the show with some kind of scoop. But with everyone attending the same press conferences and interviewing the same executives, that's practically impossible to do. And yet, this year they made it easy for me to get my own scoop, because most of the media ignored what may be the most important design awards in the industry.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008Eyeson DesignEyesonDesignFri, 18 Jan 2008 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis gets new grille just for Detroit, what gives?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/hyundai-genesis-gets-new-grille-just-for-detroit-what-gives/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/hyundai-genesis-gets-new-grille-just-for-detroit-what-gives/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/18/hyundai-genesis-gets-new-grille-just-for-detroit-what-gives/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above to view more high-res images of different Genesis grille

When the production version of the Hyundai Genesis was revealed, debate over its styling was a hot topic. Of particular interest to commenters was the grille, dubbed the "Klingon forehead" by some of you, which has a vertical center spine with three horizontal bars that turn down when they meet from either side. We instantly noticed the absence of Hyundai's logo on the grille and surmised that perhaps the Korean automaker felt that the presence of its logo would somehow divert attention away from the levels of luxury and refinement that people might normally associate with Hyundais.

With that in mind, we were surprised to find this Genesis V6 model with a different grille on the floor of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. When asked what it was doing there, Hyundai responded that the badgeless grille is the only Genesis grille for now, but this version was done up as a kind of market research exercise. We were also told that it had been taken out of Hyundai's display before the Detroit Auto Show opened up to the public.

Well, we've decided to help Hyundai figure out which grille is preferred most by consumers. Vote for your preference below and, who knows, Hyundai might be listening.

Gallery: Hyundai Genesis with Flying H grille


Gallery: 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan



View Poll

Hyundai Genesis gets new grille just for Detroit, what gives? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008genesis grilleGenesisGrillehyundai genesisHyundaiGenesisFri, 18 Jan 2008 12:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: EyesOn Design Awards favor Cadillac]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/detroit-2008-eyeson-design-awards-favor-cadillac/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/detroit-2008-eyeson-design-awards-favor-cadillac/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/17/detroit-2008-eyeson-design-awards-favor-cadillac/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above to view more high-res live shots of the Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

One bit of news we passed over on the way out the door of COBO Hall on Tuesday was the winners of this year's EyesOn Design Awards at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show. There are four awards given away each year, including Best Concept and Production Car and Best Concept and Production Truck. Cadillac sweeped the car side of things with the CTS-V being honored as Best Production Car and the CTS Coupe Concept named as the Best Concept Car. The BMW X6, meanwhile, was named Best Production Truck and the Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept nabbed the Best Concept Truck award.

The EyesOn Design awards are sponsored by the Detroit Institute of Opthamology and judged by a panel of automotive designers including ex-VP of Design for GM Wayne Cherry, Chrysler's Senior VP of Design Trevor Creed, the renowned Henrik Fisker, GM's VP of Global Design Ed Welburn and Mazda's Franz von Holzhausen.

More after the jump.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Sport Concept


Gallery: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V


Gallery: Detroit 2008: Chrysler ecoVoyager concept


Gallery: BMW X6

Continue reading Detroit 2008: EyesOn Design Awards favor Cadillac

Detroit 2008: EyesOn Design Awards favor Cadillac originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cts coupe conceptcts-vCtsCoupeConceptdetroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008ecovoyagereyeson designEyesonDesignx6Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Auto Show: The Final Wrap-Up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/detroit-auto-show-the-final-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/detroit-auto-show-the-final-wrap-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/detroit-auto-show-the-final-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under:

The 2008 North American International Auto Show press preview has drawn to a close, and now it's time for the public to have its turn in Cobo. As they throw open the doors to the masses, we wanted to give you another opportunity to check out all the concepts and production vehicles that debuted over the past three days. Everything we've covered is listed and linked below along with a corresponding gallery, and at the bottom you'll find the most intriguing, strange and (gasp) educational posts from the show. Enjoy.

Business will be back to normal in the next hour, with the comprehensive - okay, obsessive - coverage of the auto industry you've come to expect. And to those of you that have been following the happenings in Detroit for the last few days, all of us at Autoblog extend our heartfelt thanks. You've helped to make this site what it is: one of the leading automotive resources on the web. And we're not forced to subsist off ramen noodles anymore... so that's a plus.


The Definitive Desktop Wallpaper Gallery
Fresh Faces in Detroit - Gallery

Audi R8 V12 TDI - Gallery
Deciphering the Audi V12 TDI - Gallery
Audi TT-S - Gallery
Bentley Factory Artisans Demonstrate Their Craft - Gallery
BMW 1-series convertible - Gallery
BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d - Gallery
BMW production X6 - Gallery
Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept - Gallery
Cadillac CTS-V - Gallery
Cadillac's Provoq - Gallery
ChangFeng - Gallery
Chrysler Concepts - Gallery
Up Close and Personal with the ZR-1 - Gallery
Corvette ZR1 Chassis Display - Gallery
Corvette ZR-1 Engine Cutaway Display - Gallery
2009 Dodge Ram - Gallery - Watch the Rampede here!
Dodge Caravan R/T Concept - Gallery
Ferrari F430 Spider Bio Fuel - Gallery
2009 Ford F150 - Gallery
Ford Glass Roof Mustang - Gallery
Ford Explorer America concept - Gallery
Ford Verve Sedan concept - Gallery
Fisker Karma - Gallery
Geely FC - Gallery
Honda Pilot Prototype - Gallery
Honda i-DTEC clean diesel - Gallery
HUMMER HX concept - Gallery
2009 Hyundai Genesis - Gallery
Lamborghini Ad Personum - Gallery
Land Rover LRX - Gallery
Lexus LF-A Roadster in detail - Gallery
Lincoln MKT Concept - Gallery
Kia Borrego - Gallery
Maserati Quattroporte Collezione Cento - Gallery
Maybach Landaulet - Gallery
Mazda Furai concept - Gallery
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 - Gallery
Mercedes-Benz GLKs - Gallery
Mercedes-Benz SLK - Gallery
MINI Cooper S Clubman - Gallery
Mitsubishi Concept-RA - Gallery
2009 Mitsubishi Ralliart - Gallery
Saab 9-4X BioPower concept - Gallery
Saturn Vue Hybrids - Gallery
2009 Subaru Forester - Gallery
Tang Hau - Gallery
Toyota Venza - Gallery
Volkswagen Passat CC - Gallery

Michelin Challenge Design winners - Gallery
Mitsubishi Brings Retro to D-Town - Gallery

Detroit Auto Show: The Final Wrap-Up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroit 2008detroit auto showdetroit auto show 2008Detroit2008DetroitAutoShowDetroitAutoShow2008naiasnorth american international auto showNorthAmericanInternationalAutoShowWed, 16 Jan 2008 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Michelin Challenge Design winners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-michelin-challenge-design-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-michelin-challenge-design-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-michelin-challenge-design-winners/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click image for high res gallery of the competitors.

Michelin hosts its annual Michelin Challenge Design (design challenge?) to help young designers and their hot designs get some recognition. The emphasis is on innovative thinking, both on the technical and style side. While the challenge doesn't have any direct link to tires, per se, Michelin uses the forum to help push the boundaries throughout the automotive field and get people thinking outside the box. The NAIAS contest focuses on making "smaller vehicles safer particularly in urban environments." One can make the argument that producing smaller, more efficient cars has a direct impact on tire design and tread wear, but we hardly care about Michelin's motivation here and just enjoy looking at futuristic concepts. This year's entries ranged from the practically plausible to way-out-there wild as you'll see in our gallery below.

The full press release and the winners in each of the two categories Michelin recognized are posted after the jump.

[Source: Michelin]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Michelin Challenge Design

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Michelin Challenge Design winners

Detroit 2008: Michelin Challenge Design winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowMichelinMichelin Challenge DesignMichelinChallengeDesignNAIASTue, 15 Jan 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Mercedes SLK looking a bit SLicKer for '09]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-mercedes-slk-looking-a-bit-slicker-for-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-mercedes-slk-looking-a-bit-slicker-for-09/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-mercedes-slk-looking-a-bit-slicker-for-09/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for high res media and live images of the new SLK

Mercedes Benz showed off its newly-restyled-for-'09 SLK350 (closed roof) and SLK55 AMG (open roof) in Detroit this week. While the platform remains the same, the cars feature restyled noses and tails that bring the mini roadster into line with the company's SL and SLR uber roadsters. Whether or not it's an improvement we'll leave up to you to decide. While the non-American markets will get the option of selecting an SLK200 Kompressor or SLK280 model, we will need to be content with the thoroughly revised 3.5L V6 or unchanged 5.5L V8 editions, with 305 or 360HP respectively. No matter which SLK suits your needs, you'll still get that nifty vario-top that goes from wind-in-the-hair convertible to cozy coupe in a blink. You'll also get new "direct-steer" suspension geometry, a new interior, and the company's new "NTG 2.5 generation of audio and telematics componentry." You can read more about that in the press release that follows the jump. For now we'll leave you with our gallery of live and media pics.

[Source: Mercedes Benz]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Mercedes SLK looking a bit SLicKer for '09

Detroit 2008: Mercedes SLK looking a bit SLicKer for '09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowMercedes SLKMercedesBenzMercedesSlkNAIASSLK350SLK55Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit Diversion: The Scion xD toy crane]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-diversion-the-scion-xd-toy-crane/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-diversion-the-scion-xd-toy-crane/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-diversion-the-scion-xd-toy-crane/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image to see the Five Axis Scion xD Toy Crane in action

Those of you who attend your local auto show every year know that the Scion booth is always loaded with free swag for showgoers. This year, in addition to the free goodies at the desk (knit beanies, a DJ mix CD), we noticed a line of hacks behind what looks like an xD tuned by Five Axis. A closer look reveals why people are lining up: that's no regular xD, it's a toy crane! The car is literally filled with plush tC, xD, and xB replicas. Best of all, it's free and the claw is modified so that you have to be profoundly untalented to not come out a winner every time. Check out the gallery below to see how free toys happen over at the Scion booth. The photos run in order, so start with number 1 and click through.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Scion xD Toy Crane

Detroit Diversion: The Scion xD toy crane originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>claw gameClawGameDetroit 08Detroit 2008Detroit08Detroit2008five axisFiveAxisScion xDScionXdxD toy clawxD toy craneXdToyClawXdToyCraneTue, 15 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Hang Ten with Tang Hua]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-hang-ten-with-tang-hua/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-hang-ten-with-tang-hua/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-hang-ten-with-tang-hua/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for mini gallery of high-res hilarity

Sister site AB Green did a post on the Tang Hua clan yesterday, but we had to get in on the fun, too. A trio of bright yellow Dr. Suess-mobiles are being displayed by the Chinese company in the basement of COBO. As you might imagine, Chinese cars don't necessarily get that much respect here in Detroit, but when they look like these three Disneyland rejects, showgoers can't help but smile. Or laugh. And they don't even have the decency to run on dead dino juice, so that just makes them even more comical here in Motor City. Each of these three "neighborhood electric vehicles" has its own charms, but we tend to like the amphibious one above the best. And what better customer to espouse your product than the "Renowned environmentalists - President Bush..."

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Tang Hua Chinese electric vehicles

Detroit 2008: Hang Ten with Tang Hua originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutobloggreenChinachineseDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowelectricNAIASTang HuaTangHuaTue, 15 Jan 2008 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Up close with the Corvette ZR1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-up-close-with-the-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-up-close-with-the-corvette-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-up-close-with-the-corvette-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above for a gallery of gorgeous high-res Corvette ZR1 images

We've had a few looks now at the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. First we were introduced to GM's new supercar at the Michigan Design Center last week, then again at the GM Style event just before the show, and yesterday we observed its innards on the show floor. Most of us hadn't seen the car up close on the showroom floor, and so we paid the GM display a lengthy visit to explore the car up close. A few things caught our eye, including the massive carbon ceramic disc brakes both front and rear, as well as the beautiful carbon fiber front splitter, roof, and side skirts. We are still unsure what we think of the glass window covering the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, but we did enjoy the "Take No Prisoners" skull on the intake inspired by the Bad Boy Vettes C6R livery. We won't go too much into an analysis of the car - a search for the ZR1 on the site will bring up dozens of posts regarding almost every aspect of the vehicle - but we have posted several new photos live from the show floor for you to enjoy.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


photos (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2008: Up close with the Corvette ZR1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20092009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR12009ChevroletCorvetteZr1Chevrolet Corvette ZR1ChevroletCorvetteZr1Corvette ZR1 picturesCorvetteZr1PicturesDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit2008ZR1Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Fresh faces from Motor City]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-fresh-faces-from-motor-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-fresh-faces-from-motor-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-fresh-faces-from-motor-city/#commentsFiled under: ,


click above for a high-res gallery of fresh faces from Detroit

Detroit upheld the tradition of auto shows employing numerous pretty faces to keep the journalists focused on the right product at the right time. It seems the Italian marques are the ones using this tactic most egregiously (Lamborghini also hired a guy in a bull costume for good measure), but almost every manufacturer had at least one model on hand. Like Los Angeles, Detroit also had a few celebrities in attendance to make the press conferences more entertaining. We also saw a few presidential candidates as well, but their faces are anything but fresh. Enough of the talk, you want to see the pictures. Click away to enjoy some of the faces we've seen in Detroit.

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Fresh faces from Motor City

Detroit 2008: Fresh faces from Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit Auto ShowDetroit2008DetroitAutoShowNAIASTue, 15 Jan 2008 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: The Definitive Desktop Wallpaper Gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-the-definitive-desktop-wallpaper-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-the-definitive-desktop-wallpaper-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-the-definitive-desktop-wallpaper-gallery/#commentsFiled under:


Click the image above for dozens of wallpaper for your desktop

We've spent the first two days of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show going full throttle - attending press conferences, photographing vehicles, and posting non-stop. The only problem is that thousands of other journalists are doing the same, and it can sometimes be tough to get good, clean photographs of the vehicles without dozens of people crowding the cars. Fortunately, the third press day is more relaxed and offers a better chance to take pictures of the cars. All of the press conferences are over, the vehicles are displayed nicely in their stands, and the crowds of journalists and photographers have lessened. We spent the first half of today photographing our favorite vehicles at the show and have created a gallery of super high resolution images (1920 pixels wide!) just so you can adorn your desktop with the likes of the Audi R8 V12 TDI, Mazda Furai, Land Rover LRX, and more. Feel free to browse through the gallery below and download your favorites.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Desktop Wallpaper Gallery

All photos (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2008: The Definitive Desktop Wallpaper Gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingDesktop WallpaperDesktopWallpaperDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit2008photo galleryPhotoGalleryphotospicturesTue, 15 Jan 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Geely FC makes an argument for Chinese cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-geely-fc-makes-an-argument-for-chinese-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-geely-fc-makes-an-argument-for-chinese-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-geely-fc-makes-an-argument-for-chinese-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


click above to view more images of the Geely FC

Of all the Chinese automakers in attendance this year at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, Geely is the only one with cars we believe could actually be sold in the U.S. We have no idea if its new FC sedan, which debuted in China just five months ago, would pass strict U.S. safety and emissions standards, but its design, features and build quality seemed just up to snuff for an American consumer shopping for an inexpensive four-door sedan.

The FC was developed in-house by Geely and features a 1.8L four-cylinder with variable valve timing producing 137 horsepower and mated to a five-speed manual. A 13-second trip to 62 mph isn't a world record, but it's just enough to keep up with traffic and return good fuel economy at the same time. There's also an available in-dash navigation system, dual airbags, and ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution. The interior, as well, didn't look or feel like it was made from recycled Tonka toys.

Mind you, we're not saying the FC would set the sales charts on fire in the U.S., but it could be competitive with the bottom dwellers in its class. For a Chinese automaker hoping to sell cars in the world's largest market, that's progress.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Geely FC

Detroit 2008: Geely FC makes an argument for Chinese cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008fcgeelygeely fcGeelyFcTue, 15 Jan 2008 12:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Bentley factory artisans demonstrate their craft]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-bentley-factory-artisans-demonstrate-their-craft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-bentley-factory-artisans-demonstrate-their-craft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-bentley-factory-artisans-demonstrate-their-craft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click above to view more images of Bentley's artisans at work

We love Bentleys because of their exquisite sheetmetal and meticulously crafted interiors, but few understand the incredible amount of work it takes to make a Bentley a world class GT. We were able to spend a few minutes with a couple of Bentley artisans at the Detroit Auto Show, and they explained how the storied automaker creates some of its impressive interior components. Needless to say, we were amazed with what we saw. It takes over three hours just to create one steering wheel, for instance, and the wood interior finishes come straight from our own forests in the USA. You can watch videos of both a steering wheel and some wood veneer being painstakingly crafted after the jump and view some of their handiwork in the gallery below.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Bentley Factory Artisans

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Bentley factory artisans demonstrate their craft

Detroit 2008: Bentley factory artisans demonstrate their craft originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assembly processAssemblyProcessBentleydetroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008steering wheel creationSteeringWheelCreationWood craftsmanWoodCraftsmanTue, 15 Jan 2008 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Chrysler 300C Hollywood limo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-chrysler-300c-hollywood-limo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-chrysler-300c-hollywood-limo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-chrysler-300c-hollywood-limo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for more high-res images of the Chrysler 300C Hollywood limo

Despite no longer being owned by Daimler, Chrysler LLC's display area at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit is still right across the aisle from its former parent company. That means the Chrysler 300C Hollywood limousine comes face to face with the oddly similar Maybach Landaulet with every revolution of its turnstile. Like the Landaulet, the 300C Hollywood also features a partially exposed cabin, but this time over the front seats rather than the rears. The fully-enclosed rear passenger cabin is accessed by two large suicide doors and features plenty of leg room thanks to its chassis stretch. There's also a repository for three bottles of Cristal (or whatever bottled spirits you prefer to imbibe) and two flutes in between the seats. Meanwhile, the driver is left to convene with Mother Nature and her elements up front where the interior luxe is decidedly lesser.

In fact, the 300C Hollywood limo becomes much more interesting when you look at it through a socio-polical lens. It's clear where the Haves and the Have Nots are supposed to sit, with a nice partition in between them to keep the classes separated. OK, perhaps we should just pop open a bottle of Cristal and stop reading into it too much.

There's no press release from Chrysler for this one, just a gallery of high-res pics below to browse.

Gallery: Chrysler 300C Hollywood limo

Detroit 2008: Chrysler 300C Hollywood limo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler 300c hollywoodchrysler 300c hollywood limioChrysler300cHollywoodChrysler300cHollywoodLimiodetroitdetroit 2008Detroit2008hollywood limoHollywoodLimoTue, 15 Jan 2008 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: Getting intimate with the Glass Roof Mustang]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-getting-intimate-with-the-glass-roof-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-getting-intimate-with-the-glass-roof-mustang/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-getting-intimate-with-the-glass-roof-mustang/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for high-res images of the Ford Mustang Glass Top

Probably the last thing the world needs is another Mustang variant, but Ford's got to keep its retro pony mobile relevant. So after offering the coupe, releasing a convertible and then making eleventeen bazillion different versions to suit every conceivable taste, it's fitted the 'Stang with a glass roof that blends the lines of the coupe with a little bit of open air lighting.

Granted, the Glass Roof Mustang is not particularly innovative, but we like the effect both inside and out. There's a clean line of darkness that begins at the top of the windshield and sweeps up and over the roof into the hatch. Inside, it's essentially an over-sized moonroof, but when facing ahead, you can't tell that it terminates right behind your head. If the blaring sun threatens to burn your bald spot, a retractable cloth sunscreen is fitted right over the rear seat passengers that's closed with a quick tug.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Glass Roof Mustang - Live


Gallery: Ford Mustang Glass Roof

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Getting intimate with the Glass Roof Mustang

Detroit 2008: Getting intimate with the Glass Roof Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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