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: Tokyo Mater - Pixar's Cars stars head to Japan for some drifting fury]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/video-tokyo-mater-pixars-cars-stars-head-to-japan-for-some-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/video-tokyo-mater-pixars-cars-stars-head-to-japan-for-some-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/video-tokyo-mater-pixars-cars-stars-head-to-japan-for-some-d/#commentsFiled under:


Click above to watch video after the jump

Disney's Pixar are currently working on Cars 2, set to debut in the summer of 2011, but to hold us over until then, they have created a series of animated shorts called "Mater's Tall Tales" that air on the Toon Disney network. Each video features the lovable tow truck Mater, voiced by Larry the Cable Guy, recalling amazing stories from his past - his time on a rescue squad, when he was a famous daredevil, and his stint as a matador in Spain.

The latest tall tale is a hysterical parody of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, in which Mater declares that he "used to be an import." He recounts the story to Lightning McQueen, telling him of how he gets modified and challenged to a drift race in which the loser "will be stripped of all modifications and become...STOCK!" The video had us laughing almost the entire time, and it's definitely worth it to watch. Just follow the jump! Thanks for the tip, Keye!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tokyo Mater - Pixar's Cars stars head to Japan for some drifting fury

VIDEO: Tokyo Mater - Pixar's Cars stars head to Japan for some drifting fury originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarsCars 2Cars MovieCars2CarsMovieDisneyLarry the Cable GuyLarryTheCableGuyMaters Tall TalesMatersTallTalesPixarPixar CarsPixarCarsTokyo MaterTokyoMaterTow MaterTowMaterVideoThu, 14 May 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Euro Disney Grand Prix plans shelved]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/euro-disney-grand-prix-plans-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/euro-disney-grand-prix-plans-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/21/euro-disney-grand-prix-plans-shelved/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're not sure what has more clout: Mickey Mouse, Alain Prost or 60 million euros, but the combination of the three was still not enough to get the French Grand Prix back on track. The race, previously held at the Magny Cours circuit in rural France, was removed from the 2009 calendar after organizers couldn't cough up the cash, and almost immediately other parties began filing queue to acquire the rights. The leading tender was spearheaded by Prost, the French former world champion, and backed by promoters Lagadere Sports and Euro Disney. Lagadere would provide the 60 million needed to finance the project, while Disneyland Paris would provide the land for the new circuit to be constructed. The theme park is just a 30-minute drive from metropolitan Paris, and already has plenty of hotel accommodations on site. However, the plan has now fallen apart due to lack of funding and following protests over the prospect of noise and environmental pollution by local residents who intend instead to go back to force-feeding geese and chain-smoking Gauloises.

The Euro Disney proposal was seen as the only viable option for getting the French GP back on for 2010, and its collapse means that Formula One will in all likelihood will not return to France until 2011 at the earliest. Still, the idea has merit, and makes us wonder if the US Grand Prix couldn't do well in Orlando or Anaheim.

[Source: F1-Live]

Euro Disney Grand Prix plans shelved originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneydisney grand prixDisneyGrandPrixdisneyland parisDisneylandPariseuro disneyEuroDisneyformula one franceFormulaOneFrancefrench grand prixFrenchGrandPrixFri, 21 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Cars 2 coming a year early in summer 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/cars-2-coming-a-year-early-in-summer-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/cars-2-coming-a-year-early-in-summer-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/25/cars-2-coming-a-year-early-in-summer-2011/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of Cars photoshops done by readers

The Disney/Pixar movie Cars didn't have the box office appeal of movies like Wall·e and Toy Story, but on toy store shelves, the autos-only flick was a grand slam. Merchandising and the recent boon for sequels are two great reasons for film executives to make Cars 2. Disney and Pixar are so excited about an encore for Lightning McQueen and his buddy Mater that the 3D sequel has been moved up from 2012 to the summer of 2011. The highly anticipated (at least by us) Cars 2 will reportedly feature both carry-over and all-new characters, but we're assuming Lightning McQueen and Mater will be central to the plot. Hopefully Paul Newman will be well enough to come back for a second helping of Hudson Hornet.

Antz and Ratatoulie director Brad Lewis will take the reigns for Cars 2, and a big part of his job is to wow us with 3D race scenes and super high-def imagery while keeping all-ages storyline that made Cars such a good flick. To keep a new generation of adolescents interested five years after the original hit the silver screen, Pixar will release a series of shorts before the movie comes out, starting with Mater's Tall Tales. The movie is still three years away, and we'll spend that time hoping some automaker doesn't hijack the movie and make it a 90-minute marketing exercise.

Gallery: Pixar CARS Photochops


[Source: Reuters]

Cars 2 coming a year early in summer 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationCars 2Cars2DisneyLightning McQueenLightningMcqueenMaterPixarThu, 25 Sep 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend Entertainment: "Susie the Little Blue Coupe"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/30/weekend-entertainment-susie-the-little-blue-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/30/weekend-entertainment-susie-the-little-blue-coupe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/30/weekend-entertainment-susie-the-little-blue-coupe/#commentsFiled under: ,


Follow the jump to watch the short

Thanks to frequent commenter and tipster "catgirlshyla" for sending in a link to Walt Disney's Susie the Little Blue Coupe, an animated short that originally debuted theatrically in 1952. As you can plainly see, the Disney/Pixar gang used Susie as the inspiration for how to give life to the rides in 2006's Cars -- eyes in the windshield; grilles and bumpers forming mouths. It's just as effective and charming (perhaps even more so) in decades-old hand-drawn animation as it is in 21st-century CGI. The story's very straightforward -- it chronicles Susie's life cycle from new car to used car to junk heap. Don't worry, there's still a happy ending -- it's vintage Disney, remember. Anyway, this is good stuff. Follow the jump and enjoy.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Weekend Entertainment: "Susie the Little Blue Coupe"

Weekend Entertainment: "Susie the Little Blue Coupe" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 15:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1952animationclassicdisneysusiesusie the little blue coupeSusieTheLittleBlueCoupevintageSat, 30 Aug 2008 15:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Kachow! Lightning McQueen 13th in first race, just ahead of Mach 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/kachow-lightning-mcqueen-13th-in-first-race-just-ahead-of-mach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/kachow-lightning-mcqueen-13th-in-first-race-just-ahead-of-mach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/17/kachow-lightning-mcqueen-13th-in-first-race-just-ahead-of-mach/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lightning McQueen came home 13th in his first race in the Japanese Super GT-300 Championship, one place ahead of new rival, Speed Racer Mach Go Go Go.

The rookie, who looks suspiciously like last year's Team Toy Story APR Toyota MR-S, has apparently been lured away from The Piston Cup by a company that makes products under license of Pixar and Disney. No matter, my three-year-old was beside himself with joy when he saw number 95 hit the track, and I suspect he was not alone.

14th pace finisher, the Mach Go VEMAC 320R (below), is far from new to Super GT's 300hp class, but may get a little more attention internationally once Speed Racer is released Stateside.

Kachow! Lightning McQueen 13th in first race, just ahead of Mach 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CarsDisneyLightning McQueenLightningMcqueenMach 5Mach FiveMach5MachFivePixarSuper GTSuperGtMon, 17 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #71]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're shooting from the hip this week for Podcast #71. Rather than prepare, we're going with gut reactions. Starting it off, we mull over the loss of the USGP from Indianapolis, and postulate on where else F1 may pop up in the US. An F1 race on the Vegas strip would be the bomb. Staying with motorsports, we marvel at how Team SARD spanked everyone extremely hard at Tokachi with a hybridized Supra GT. We're sure that racing will improve the hybrid breed at a much steeper pace than conventional powerplants. In other racing news, Dale Junior has split from Budweiser, so he'll have new livery to plaster all over his left-turn machine.

Moving on from racing, we ponder the leakage and eventual announcement of the Porsche 911 GT2. It's as unassuming as a Porsche can get, but it packs 530 horsepower and uses the rear wheels to push top speed to the 200 MPH realm, while being a docile everyday car. While Porsches always make us giddy little schoolboys, Subaru's recent model line revisions have us alternating between cheers and jeers. The good: the Legacy SUS, or whatever the heck they call their Outback sedan is kaput. The bad: so is the straight Legacy wagon. We devolve into a styling review of Subaru's new corporate language for a while before surfacing again to discuss the inanity surrounding presidential candidates and hybrid vehicles. Idiocy, 'nuff said.

On a lighter note, we discuss the rumored sequel to Disney/Pixar's "Cars." Not surprising when you consider how lucrative the tie-ins usually are. Off entertainment and on to entertaining cars, we ogle the leaked pictures of the FPV Falcon, and discuss the future plans of that platform here in the US. It does look mean, so thanks to that janitor who picked these renderings out of the trash. Our pithy cavalcade keeps rolling along, and we chew over Bob Lutz's latest comments about the future of diesel powerplants in the US. It's odd that Bob is cool on diesel just as GM is poised to roll out new oil-burners. Wrapping up, we put out the call to action again for the Reader Ride - add your pix to the Flickr pool and include details! The hour duration of Podcast #71 will give you enjoyment to and from work, enjoy!

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Autoblog Podcast #71 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbudweisercandidateclintondale juniorDaleJuniordisneyearnhardtescapefalconfpvgt2hybridindianapolisindylegacymotogpobamaorionoutbackphotospixarpodcastporschepresidentsardsequelspy shotsSpyShotssubarutokachiusgpWed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #71Dan Roth55:11autoblog podcast, podcast, sard, toyota, supra, indy, indianapolis, usgp, motogp, lutz, diesel, gm, falcon, orion, australia, spy shots, subaru, styling, legacy, outback, earnhardt, nascar, budweiser, disney, sequel, pixar, cars, candidate, hybrid, obama<![CDATA[Rumormill: Disney/Pixar planning second lap for <i>Cars</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/rumormill-disney-pixar-planning-second-lap-for-i-cars-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/rumormill-disney-pixar-planning-second-lap-for-i-cars-i/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/rumormill-disney-pixar-planning-second-lap-for-i-cars-i/#commentsFiled under:



Our sister site Cinematical reports that a sequel to Disney/Pixar's Cars is apparently in the works, and could arrive as early as Summer 2009. If that's the case, we should expect to see a trailer for Cars 2 attached to next summer's Pixar entry, Wall-E. The rumor really built up steam when Paul Newman made comments to reporters about a possible sequel at the Indy 500. Our friends at Cinematical seem to be disappointed that Lightning McQueen and friends appear to be getting a sequel, as it's not one of their fave Pixar flicks. They also wonder why Cars could get another go-round when its box-office grosses were low compared to the great Pixar successes. We think it's merchandising, where Cars appears to be quite the juggernaut, what with the toys, video games, bed sheets, etc. that continue to appear in stores everywhere. Anyway, you won't hear a peep of complaining from us. Cars was one of our favorites last summer, as the talking rides were very cool, and there were plenty of subtle and not-so-subtle references in there to make any pistonhead a happy camper. Seriously, any movie where Richard Petty voices an animated Plymouth Superbird sporting the #43 that's named "The King" is A-OK in our book. Sequel? Bring it on.

[Source: Cinematical]

Rumormill: Disney/Pixar planning second lap for Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscars 2cars sequelCars2CarsSequeldisneydisney / pixarDisney/PixarpixarFri, 13 Jul 2007 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Man builds Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica "dream car" for wife]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/09/man-builds-chitty-chitty-bangbang-replica-dream-car-for-wife/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/09/man-builds-chitty-chitty-bangbang-replica-dream-car-for-wife/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/09/man-builds-chitty-chitty-bangbang-replica-dream-car-for-wife/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's nice to see romance flourishing in this increasingly jaundiced world. Nick Pointing's wife, Carolyn, fell in love with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the tender age of three. She'd already accumulated quite the collection of Chitty memorabilia when Nick and Carolyn struck upon the idea to build a Chitty of their own one lazy Sunday morning. Presumably, that was the last time the couple took the opportunity to laze around. Fashioning bespoke bodywork is a decidedly deliberate process for even expert metalsmiths. The Pointings were not experts. Nick taught himself to weld and found a 1973 Series III Land Rover to donate its frame and running gear. Using stills from the Disney film and a Corgi scale model of the car, the Pointing's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang came to life in a less magical, more deliberate birthing process than Dick Van Dyke pulled off. Parts were sourced from all over the place. There's wood from a boatyard, bits of Mitsubishi Galant, headlamps from a retail store's housewares department, even pieces from a Singer sewing machine.

Mrs. Pointing's teenage daughter has told her mum to get out more. In pursuit of that interest, Nick and Carolyn will be taking a 12,000 mile journey to Australia, raising money for the Earl Mountbatten hospice, Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the World Wildlife Fund along the way. The replica has passed the MoT, and the Solihull undercarriage should ensure a safe arrival at the end of the expected four-months the journey will take. Now, what children's movie had a magical Porsche 912? Maybe we can argue that it's mostly like Herbie, but better. Doubtful.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Man builds Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica "dream car" for wife originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chitty chitty bang bangChittyChittyBangBangcreationdick van dykeDickVanDykedisneymoviere creationrecreationreplicaMon, 09 Apr 2007 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo embarking on new treasure hunt adventure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/volvo-embarking-on-new-treasure-hunt-adventure/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/volvo-embarking-on-new-treasure-hunt-adventure/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/20/volvo-embarking-on-new-treasure-hunt-adventure/#commentsFiled under: ,


map from last year's treasure hunt

Just like it did last year, Volvo appears to be launching another treasure hunt wherein one lucky buccaneer will escape with the ultimate automotive treasure - a new car! The online clue board is located here, and with a new installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise set to debut May 25th, the Disney website is a part of the hunt, as well. At World's End isn't just the name of the new Pirates movie, it just might also be the location of this year's dig as well.

This bit from the current contest entry leads us to wonder what will be at the end of your shovel when you finally strike gold: "The treasure this year will shock even the toughest swashbucklers out there." Could it be one of the SEMA C30s? All of them? We can only hope and pray, though last year's XC90 was hardly a bad prize in its own right. As we said in our post on last year's contest (one of the most commented on Autoblog posts of all time with 1,271 comments), tying into a hit movie franchise, giving away a vehicle or two and doing it in such a fun and different way is a refreshing change for Volvo. Now, all for one and... that's it, go get your car.

[Source: Volvo via GTChannel.com]

Volvo embarking on new treasure hunt adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>At World's EndAtWorld'sEndcontestDisneygiveawayPirates of the caribbeanPiratesOfTheCaribbeansweepstakestreasure huntTreasureHuntVolvoXC90Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pixar's "Cars": Ahhh, that new DVD smell]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/pixars-cars-ahhh-that-new-dvd-smell/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/pixars-cars-ahhh-that-new-dvd-smell/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/pixars-cars-ahhh-that-new-dvd-smell/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sure, "Bullitt" had a few nice cars in it. So did "Gone in 60 Seconds". But in Pixar's, "Cars", nothing but sweet, sweet animated automobilia. November 7 is the day you can park a copy right in the middle of all your other DVD tributes to transportation. Unless they're alphabetized, of course. Then "Cars" would be more toward one side or the other. But we digress.

One Amazon reviewer says the "Cars" DVD is somewhat slim on the extras we've come to expect from Pixar releases, but buyers at least get a new short, a behind-the-scenes, some deleted footage, and at least one Easter egg bonus. Australians got their copies on Oct. 25, and if you don't mind spoilers, here's a complete review of the disc and all its extras.

"Cars" on DVD should be in U.S. stores Nov. 7, several online retailers are taking pre-orders now.

Pixar's "Cars": Ahhh, that new DVD smell originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscars dvdCarsDvddisneydisney carsDisneyCarspixarpixar carspixar dvdpixar's carspixar's cars on dvdPixar'sCarsPixar'sCarsOnDvdPixarCarsPixarDvdsteve jobsSteveJobsSun, 05 Nov 2006 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[RR of the Day: What's up, Doc?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/rr-of-the-day-what-s-up-doc/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/rr-of-the-day-what-s-up-doc/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/rr-of-the-day-what-s-up-doc/#commentsFiled under:



Though I and my generation weren't raised during Hudson's heyday, we can thank Pixar and Disney for picking up and dusting off the automaker's most famous model - the Hornet. The Hudson Hornet is experiencing a revival right now thanks to the animated film CARS that featured a Hornet named Doc who has all the answers.

A man who wears his affection for Hornets on his sleeve owns this gorgeous 1951 model; he goes by the Flickr handle Proud Hornet Owner. The car has been in his family since 1968, ever since his father bought the green machine from the original owner for $500. As a matter of fact, Proud Hornet Owner's first car ride ever was a trip home from the hospital on a cold winter's day in his father's Hornet. Nowadays, the Hornet only sees sunny weather. Proud Hornet Owner also tells us that the car is quite a celebrity now thanks to CARS, as little kids want to get their picture taken with the one and only Doc.

If you'd like to see your own ride featured here, simply upload photos of your ride into our Flickr group. We select one image to highlight each week day, and on the weekend let you vote for the RR of the Week. Detailed instructions can be found after the jump.

Continue reading RR of the Day: What's up, Doc?

RR of the Day: What's up, Doc? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carsdisneyhornethudsonpixarWed, 20 Sep 2006 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Opels brought to life by Pixar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/opels-brought-to-life-by-pixar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/opels-brought-to-life-by-pixar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/21/opels-brought-to-life-by-pixar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

r Opel Astra

Think you've seen a lot of tie-ins involving Disney/Pixar's Cars this summer? Well, here's one more, in which the stars of the Opel lineup get a Pixar-style rfacelift.

Click here and you'll be brought to an Opel/Cars minisite that shows the characters from Pixar's latest tour de force interacting with the Opel Astra (above), Opel Meriva, and Opel Zafira. In addition to the intro movie that plays automatically when you enter the site, you can click on a link to watch a Euro-market TV commercial that shows the three GM cars auditioning for the part of Mater.

The spot is well done, and it's pretty neat seeing how the Pixar folks gave life to the Opels. Each car has it's own personality: Astra is very sporty and aggressive, Zafira is slick and stylish, and Meriva ... well Meriva's a little more shy. If you saw Cars and liked it, you'll get a kick out of it.

Desktop wallpapers, a screensaver, behind-the-scenes podcasts, and a PDF coloring book are also available for download.

Addendum: Thanks to reader/commenter Scott K for finding the direct link to the minisite!

(Additional images after the jump)

[Source: Opel]

Continue reading Opels brought to life by Pixar

Opels brought to life by Pixar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jul 2006 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscars movieCarsMoviedisneydisney carsdisney/pixardisney/pixar carsDisney/pixarCarsDisneyCarsopelopel astraopel merivaopel pixaropel zafiraOpelAstraOpelMerivaOpelPixarOpelZafirapixarpixar carspixar opelPixarCarsPixarOpelFri, 21 Jul 2006 07:05:00 EST<![CDATA[First review of CARS says film has a flat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/first-review-of-cars-says-film-has-a-flat/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/first-review-of-cars-says-film-has-a-flat/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/09/first-review-of-cars-says-film-has-a-flat/#commentsFiled under:



We here at Autoblog have been unabashedly eager to see the upcoming animated feature from Pixar Studios called CARS in which hot rod racer Lightning McQueen rolls into a sleepy hollow and make friends with the colorful characters of Carburetor County. So it is with much chagrin that we report to you this first review of Director John Lasseter's magnum opus. CARS has received an unflattering grade of 2 out of 5 stars from Sarah Lindner of the Austin American-Statesman.

On the film's plot Ms. Lindner comments, "For a huge stretch of the film, there's not what you would call a story going on. There are just cars hanging out." Uh, is that a bad thing? That's how we plan to spend our retirement - hanging out with cars. It seems the great effort on Mr. Lasseter's part to infuse CARS with enough auto-related minutia to please even the most diehard enthusiast has been lost on this reviewer. For instance, how cool is it that the numbers on the license plate of Luigi, a Fiat 500 in the film, represent the latitude and longitude of the Ferrari factory in Maranello. That's worth at least one star alone in our book.

Look for an official Autoblog review of CARS when we finally get a chance to see it after today's nationwide release.

[Source: Austin360]         

First review of CARS says film has a flat originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARSdisneyfilmlightning mcqueenLightningMcqueenmoviepixarpixar studiosPixarStudiosFri, 09 Jun 2006 15:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Network truck stop showdown at the Flying J]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/network-truck-stop-showdown-at-the-flying-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/network-truck-stop-showdown-at-the-flying-j/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/network-truck-stop-showdown-at-the-flying-j/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A consortium of networks including ABC, CBS, Fox, Turner Entertainment and Disney have banded together to file a federal lawsuit against the Flying J truck stop chain.

Apparently, the chain of 178 travel plazas and fuel stops has taken to substituting outside commercials for their own spots in every location that has a trucker's lounge playing a service called Plaza TV. Basically, this is made possible by a little box called the segOne 2000 LS, which detects commercials in normal broadcasts, them replaces them with new ones. In this case, trucker-specific ads for Flying J, which itself turns around and charges other companies $31,250 per month for a 30-second spot on Plaza TV.

The suit alleges copyright infringement and "unfair competition."

[Sources: eTrucker.com; Flying-J]

Network truck stop showdown at the Flying J originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ABCCBSDisneyFlying JFlyingJFOX entertainmentFoxEntertainmentsegOneTed TurnerTedTurnerTravel PlazaTravelPlazaTruck StopTruckerTruckingTruckStopTurner EntertainmentTurnerEntertainmentThu, 01 Jun 2006 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[CARS inches ever closer to the silver screen!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/cars-is-coming-to-the-silver-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/cars-is-coming-to-the-silver-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/31/cars-is-coming-to-the-silver-screen/#commentsFiled under:



Automobiles, racing and Pixar -- what's not to love? We're totally geeked about CARS, the upcoming movie release that will be brought to us courtesy of Disney and Pixar next Friday. We've got a smorgasbord of media coverage laid out below all nice and convenient-like, so surf to your little gearhead heart's content.

BusinessWeek has one of it's famous slide shows dedicated to the movie, complete with character and actor bios as well as photographs of the cars upon which the characters are based.

AutoWeek, which evidently has some kind of partnership going on with the movie promoters, dedicated most of last week's issue to the movie's launch. Inside, you'll find a very cool feature on the crew at Pixar and their fearless leader, John Lasseter, a closer look at the movie's characters, and even an interview with Lightning McQueen himself!

Autochannel (and other outlets that pick up PRNewswire feeds) has a preview of the movie and information about the movie's premiere at Lowe's Motor Speedway, which happens to be all sold-out. Anybody who is able to score some tickets this late in the game are encouraged to donate them to your friends here at Autoblog.

Don't forget the official sites over at Pixar and Disney, where they've got trailers and other fun stuff.

CARS inches ever closer to the silver screen! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 May 2006 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARSDisneyPixarWed, 31 May 2006 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kelley Blue Book values CARS star at $1.5 million]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/24/kelley-blue-book-values-cars-star-at-1-5-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/24/kelley-blue-book-values-cars-star-at-1-5-million/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/24/kelley-blue-book-values-cars-star-at-1-5-million/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In a bit of creative (if liberally stretched) cross-brand marketing, Kelley Blue Book, the folks responsible for helping consumers evaluate the value of all things four-wheeled, have teamed up with Walt Disney and Pixar to offer assessments of how much the animated stars in CARS are worth.

The upcoming film, slated to hit theatres June 9 will star Lightning McQueen, a 200-mph racer KBB believes is worth $1.5 million, the most expensive valuation in the guide's history. KBB executive editorial director and market analyst Jack R. Nerad also reports that this marks the first time that his company has attached a value to a tow truck: "'Tow-Mater, as this specific tow truck likes to be called, was difficult to place a value on without a pink slip or any appropriate badging, but its value has been enhanced due to its low-volume, hard-to-find model status.'" Uh-huh.

Check out the press release at the link.

[Source: Auto Racing Daily; Pixar Animation Studios]

 

Kelley Blue Book values CARS star at $1.5 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 May 2006 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>$1.5MAnimated MovieAnimatedMovieCarsDisneyKBBKelley Blue BookKelleyBlueBookLightning McQueenLightningMcqueenPixarTow MaterTowMaterWalt DisneyWaltDisneyWed, 24 May 2006 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford and AutoWeek drive "Cars" in Detroit to fight diabetes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/ford-and-auto-week-drive-cars-in-detroit-to-fight-diabetes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/ford-and-auto-week-drive-cars-in-detroit-to-fight-diabetes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/21/ford-and-auto-week-drive-cars-in-detroit-to-fight-diabetes/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford Motor Company and news source AutoWeek are sponsoring an advanced screening of the upcoming Disney and Pixar movie, Cars. The charity event, which will be held in Detroit, Michigan on June 4, will consist of two private viewings before the movie's public release on June 9. Tickets are $150 each with the proceeds donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Says J Mays, Ford vice president of design, "It's only fitting that Ford helps bring this movie classic home to the community that helped put the world on wheels."

Information on how to purchase the tickets can be found at the link.

Related: CARS character comes alive
Getting excited for Pixar's 'Cars'

[Source: Ford via Auto Spectator]

Ford and AutoWeek drive "Cars" in Detroit to fight diabetes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 May 2006 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animatedAnimated movieAnimatedMovieBlue OvalBlueOvalCarsDisneyFord Motor CompanyFordMotorCompanyJ MaysJMaysPixarSun, 21 May 2006 16:49:00 EST<![CDATA[CARS premiering at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26th]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/cars-premiering-at-lowe-s-motor-speedway-on-may-26th/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/cars-premiering-at-lowe-s-motor-speedway-on-may-26th/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/05/cars-premiering-at-lowe-s-motor-speedway-on-may-26th/#commentsFiled under:

The public won't be privy to Pixar's next masterpiece until June 9th, but celebrities and lucky members of the press will be able to see the film at its world premiere, which will be held at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC. We've followed the progress of CARS over the last few months and are trying to score press passes as we speak. It looks like director and huge car buff John Lasseter has created a film that will appeal to you, your spouse and your kids, because you know none of them will go see The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift with you.

Related posts:
Detroit's involvement in CARS
CARS character comes alive
Getting excited for Pixar's CARS

CARS premiering at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 26th originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 May 2006 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CARSdebutDisneyfilmmoviePixarpremierFri, 05 May 2006 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit's involvement in CARS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/detroit-s-involvement-in-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/detroit-s-involvement-in-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/18/detroit-s-involvement-in-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As anyone who reads Autoblog is aware by now, we're pretty jazzed about Pixar's upcoming June 9th release of CARS, which is shaping up to be a celebration of the auto on celluloid. A pair of recent Detroit News articles reveals just how large a part the domestic duo of Ford and GM has played in the movie's making, in addition to our already reported on involvement of Porsche.

The film's director, John Lasseter, has been a good friend of Ford's design diva J Mays since 2000. The pair visited SEMA and attended the Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance together. Mays even visited Pixar's studios in Emeryville, CA on more than one occasion to check on the film's progress. The most prominent Ford in CARS ended up being a 1949 Mercury Police Cruiser - the town's sheriff (pictured above).

Lasseter also visited General Motors and spent time with some of the General's designers. The director was one of the very first people to view the redesigned C6 Corvette, in fact. CARS features a few cars from GM including a '59 Impala lowrider named Ramone, a '75 Cadillac Coupe de Ville named Tex and an unnamed green HUMMER.

J Mays and the Blue Oval's current head of things that go fast, Hau Thai-Tang, were among a group of 700 who viewed an early screening of the movie at Pixar's studios last weekend.

[Source: Detroit News]

Detroit's involvement in CARS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Apr 2006 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C6 CorvetteC6CorvetteCARScartoonsDisneyfilmsJ MaysJMaysLightning McQueenLightningMcqueenmoviesPixarSally CarreraSallyCarreraTue, 18 Apr 2006 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Getting excited for Pixar's 'Cars']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/getting-excited-for-pixars-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/getting-excited-for-pixars-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/17/getting-excited-for-pixars-cars/#commentsFiled under:



About the only company in the world having a better decade than Toyota is Pixar, the computer animation studio responsible for Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug's Life, Monster's Inc., Finding Nemo and The Incredibles. Steve Jobs' side project was recently bought by Disney and the first picture to be officially released under the ownership of the Mouse is Cars, which features the voices of Paul Newman, Owen Wilson and Richard Petty.

Many have wondered out loud whether even Pixar has the creative talent to write an interesting story about talking cars, and after watching the newest trailer for Cars we can say we're genuinely excited to see this flick. The trailer actually reveals some clever product placement for Porsche in the film, as the lead character's love interest is a pale blue Porsche 911.

Check out the new trailer here and let us know what you think in the comments.

Getting excited for Pixar's 'Cars' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Mar 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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