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[Fiat may enter the microcar ring with a four-seater sub-Panda]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/fiat-may-enter-the-microcar-ring-with-a-four-seater-sub-panda/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/fiat-may-enter-the-microcar-ring-with-a-four-seater-sub-panda/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/03/fiat-may-enter-the-microcar-ring-with-a-four-seater-sub-panda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



This time next week, those of us fortunate enough to go to Frankfurt will likely be passed out after a long day of press conferences, caffeine crashes and schnitzel binges. Two of the more compelling concepts we expect to see in Germany include the Volkswagen City Expert and Toyota's Endo microcar, both of which will likely see production in an effort to provide diminutive, low-cost transport across the globe. Fiat apparently wants in on the action too.

According to Automotive News, Fiat may be developing its own sub-compact runabout, based off the Panda and 500 platform, only with 300mm lopped off. Able to seat four, the concept will be powered by a 65 HP, 900cc two-cylinder engine, but it won't make its debut until sometime next year.

The article also sheds light on both the VW and Toyota vehicles, with the former coming in at about 3,400 mm and the latter stretching a full 3,150 mm. Skoda and Seat, affiliates of Volkswagen, are likely to get their own versions later, both powered by either a two- or three-cylinder engine that lies flat underneath the rear seats. Expect to see variants of the City Expert in both Tokyo and Los Angeles later this year.

Whether or not either of automaker can make a profit on these vehicles is a question that has sparked debate among analysts, but regardless, expect Toyota's Endo to make it to production in 2009 and VW's City Expert around the same time.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Fiat may enter the microcar ring with a four-seater sub-Panda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500city expertCityExpertendofiatpandaseatskodatoyotavolkswagenvwMon, 03 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: "Redneck Rollercoaster" doing epic endos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/video-redneck-rollercoaster-doin-epic-endos/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/video-redneck-rollercoaster-doin-epic-endos/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/video-redneck-rollercoaster-doin-epic-endos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



You simply have to see this contraption to believe it. Dubbed the Redneck Rollercoaster, it's a Chevy Cavalier that has had its seats and controls elevated to a position over the front bumper. As you can probably imagine, this makes the car a bit nose heavy and prone to endos, which is the whole point, actually. As these YouTube videos will show, the name of the game here is fun, or insanity, depending on how you look at it. Get a little speed going and slam on the brakes and see if you can touch the ground when the car lifts its rear wheels and catapults you earthward. The first video is a demonstration run but the second gives a detailed rundown of the engineering behind the RR and a basic blueprint on how to build one of your own if you have a spare Cavalier lying around (Don't we all?). Click through for the clips, you went regret it.

[Source: high t3ch]

Continue reading VIDEO: "Redneck Rollercoaster" doing epic endos

VIDEO: "Redneck Rollercoaster" doing epic endos originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevy CavalierChevyCavalierendoRedneck RollercoasterRedneckRollercoasterTue, 20 Feb 2007 18:07:00 EST