Autoblog

Car thief lands Saturn on Fresno roof

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Videos, Saturn

Residents of a Fresno, California apartment building recently awoke to debris falling from their ceiling after a car thief managed to execute a perfect parking job on the structure's roof. Police say 26-year-old Benjamin Tucker stole the Saturn sedan from a nearby house before striking either a curb or some rocks, vaulting the vehicle into the air and onto the roof. After seeing his predicament, Tucker leapt from the roof and fled the scene. Or at least he tried to. Tucker broke his leg in the fall and only made it around a quarter of a mile from the crash when police picked him up.

No one else was harmed in the stunt.

Tucker had two outstanding warrants for his arrest at the time for a hit-and-run and evading police. A special crane had to be called in to remove the Saturn from the apartment roof and the structure will indeed require repairs. Hit the jump for a news report on the incident.

Continue reading Car thief lands Saturn on Fresno roof

Car thief lands Saturn on Fresno roof originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grand Theft Auto V trailer premieres online

John Neff — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

The original Grand Theft Auto video game debuted for the Playstation in 1997, but it wasn't until the power of the Playstation 2 arrived that we were introduced to the sandbox-style of gameplay that has made the GTA series so iconic. Part of what has made that sandbox style so appealing is the ability to jack any vehicle in the game and go joyriding across its ever expanding locales.

The last full-fledged GTA was the fourth installment that came out in 2008. It's been a long time coming, but next year the game's developers at Rockstar North will debut Grand Theft Auto V, which sets itself in a fictional and stylized version of the Los Angeles and Hollywood areas of California. The story is set around a father who moves to the area to start a new life, but as usual, his old one catches up with him.

Rockstar North debuted the game's first trailer today, and as usual, the selection of vehicles to steal, drive and use as tools for vehicular manslaughter are featured front and center. Check it out for yourself after the jump.

Continue reading Grand Theft Auto V trailer premieres online

Grand Theft Auto V trailer premieres online originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: 2012 GTA Spano makes world debut with 820 horsepower

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe

2011 GTA Spano - Click above for high-res image gallery

GTA Motor has just rolled out its brand-new supercar, the V10-powered, 820-horsepower Spano here at the Geneva Motor Show. The car has a carbon fiber-kevlar composite and aluminum chassis, and will be limited to a run of 99 examples worldwide.

With all that power and very little weight, the Spano makes it to 60 mph in under three seconds, and GTA says it will top out at 217 mph. The car carries massive 380 mm (nearly 15-inch) six-piston caliper AP Racing disc brakes with ABS, and the brakes sap off speed with the help of a ridiculous wide set of Pirelli PZero Rosso 330s (19- and 20-inches wide, respectively).

The car is designed with performance in mind, but it's not a totally stripped-out track-day car, keeping things civilized with a panoramic roof and a carbon fiber luggage compartment complete with fitted bags.

Gallery: 2011 GTA Spano

[Source: GTA Spano]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: 2012 GTA Spano makes world debut with 820 horsepower

Geneva 2011: 2012 GTA Spano makes world debut with 820 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top ten stolen vehicles of 2009

Zach Bowman — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety

It's that time of year again. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has just released its top 10 stolen vehicles from 2009, and once again, the most stolen vehicle in the U.S. continues to be the 1994 Honda Accord. In fact, all but three vehicles retained the same slots on the list as they held last year. Newcomers include the 1994 Chevrolet full-size pickup at number 7, the 2002 Ford Explorer at number 9 and the 2009 Toyota Corolla at number 10. The '02 Explorer moved up one notch from last year, and both the 1999 Ford Taurus and 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee dropped off of the list all together.

The FBI recently released a study finding vehicle theft in the United States was at its lowest point in nearly 20 years, though recovery rates were similarly lower than ever, too. NCIB says that may be due to the fact that the majority of vehicles stolen today are immediately cut up for parts instead of being resold as whole vehicles. Like the FBI, NICB recommends owners use common sense by locking their vehicles, installing a warning or immobilization device and considering a tracking mechanism. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: NICB Most Stolen Vehicles of 2009

[Source: NCIB]

Continue reading Top ten stolen vehicles of 2009

Top ten stolen vehicles of 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FBI reports car thefts at all-time low, but so are recoveries

Zach Bowman — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that car thefts in 2009 were at their lowest level in 20 years. Last year, a total of 794,616 vehicles were stolen from their owners - a 17 percent drop compared to 2008. Without a doubt, those numbers are good news for car owners across the country, but the FBI report isn't all roses and sunshine. The government agency also says that while theft numbers are down, so is the number of vehicles recovered after they're stolen.

Last year, authorities were able to return just 42 percent of all stolen vehicles. That number marks a 25 percent decline compared to 2008. The reason? Law enforcement says that thieves are getting smarter all the time, and that most acts of vehicle theft are perpetrated by professionals who are skilled at their trade. Experts recommend following the usual tricks to make sure you're not a victim, including locking your vehicle, keeping valuables out of sight and parking it well-lit areas to make sure your vehicle doesn't wind up on the short list of those stolen in 2010.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Peter Dazeley/Getty]

FBI reports car thefts at all-time low, but so are recoveries originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo testing GTA versions of 8C, MiTo for centenary launch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 May 2010 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

You didn't think Alfa Romeo was done celebrating its centenary already, did you? The 100-year-old Italian automaker kicked off the festivities by launching the new Giulietta hatchback, then teamed up with three of Italy's hottest coachbuilders - Bertone, Pininfarina and Zagato - for a trio of mouthwatering concepts. But the party's just started, people.

Next up, if these spy shots and emerging reports are anything to go by, is the return of the GTA. Shorthand for Gran Turismo Allegerito (that's lightweight GT to us yanks), the nameplate has adorned some of the fastest Alfas to date, and is about to return on two highly anticipated sports models.

The most enticing is surely the 8C GTA: Based on the sumptuous 8C Competizione, the GTA version is tipped to gain a 50-horsepower boost from its 4.7-liter V8 to bring output up to 500, unburdened by 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of excess weight trimmed by the use of carbon fiber. Reported improvements to the six-speed sequential transmission and suspension upgrades surely won't hurt, either, with an expected 100-example production run. The 8C GTA was rumored way back in 2008, but was recently spied undergoing testing in its native Italy.

Joining its big brother, the baby MiTo GTA was previewed in concept form at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009, but was subsequently put on the back burner. Which was a real shame, considering its 240-horse turbo four and sport-tuned chassis. But if the latest spy shots are any indication, it looks like the program has been put into high gear. 2010 is quickly shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in Alfa's history, and if its return to North American shores comes to fruition as planned, we just might have reason to celebrate, too.

[Source: Unica-Strada]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo testing GTA versions of 8C, MiTo for centenary launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Google Maps great for viewing aerial chases

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Google Earth car chase - Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you can count the number of hours you spent blowing up pixilated cars in the very first Grand Theft Auto by the tens, the video after the jump will probably strike a chord. The genius souls over at Honest Directors have taken it upon themselves to whip up a car chase, complete with images borrowed from Google Earth. There's plenty of carnage, including an explosion or two, and a lot of other awesome special effects.

Feel free to hop the jump to see the action for yourself. If you'll excuse us, we hate to be so short... but you can find us dusting off our old GTA disks out back if you need something that just can't wait.

[Source: How We Drive via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Video: Google Maps great for viewing aerial chases

Video: Google Maps great for viewing aerial chases originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled

Noah Joseph — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following earlier reports that Alfa Romeo had axed plans to produce the MiTo GTA, the Italian automaker has reportedly clarified that the project has not been canceled completely, just postponed.

The MiTo GTA was unveiled in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show. At the time, Alfa said the car would be produced and on the market before the end of the year. Packing a 240hp 1.8-liter turbo four, the GTA was set to revive the company's performance badge with a package priced to undercut the Mini JCW. When harsh economic conditions hit - and Fiat started snapping up assets left and right - the hot hatch program reportedly took a hit. According to sources within the company, though, the automaker is still keen on getting it done... eventually. Certainly, that won't happen before the end of the year.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Alfa MiTo GTA merely postponed, not canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch

Noah Joseph — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Alfa Romeo

Alfa MiTo GTA concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh, Alfa. We had such high hopes for you. The stoic Italian marque, it seemed, had wandered too far from its roots as a performance-oriented automaker anchored by decades of racing dominance. Heart-pumping roadsters gave way to mushy econo-boxes. And then came the 8C Competizione, whose dynamics may not be as inspiring as its looks (how could it?), but it signaled what we hoped was a new dawn for the resurgent automaker, even if it remained entirely out of reach for the common man.

Then Alfa followed up with the MiTo GTA, a positively drool-inducing hot hatch that debuted in concept form a few months ago at the Geneva Motor Show. Packing a 230-hp turbo four in an aggressive carbon fiber shell, the MiTo GTA looked nothing less than menacing. It was just a show car at the time, but Alfa said it would go into production by the end of the year. Well, according to emerging reports, that may not happen any time soon, if ever. Due to the financial crisis, Alfa has reportedly put the MiTo GTA on an indefinite hold. Does that mean it's been killed? Well, not necessarily, but we wouldn't recommend holding your breath. We'd save that for a hot lap behind the wheel... which may never come.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Alfa Romeo MiTo GTA

[Source: iMotor]

REPORT: Alfa Romeo cancels MiTo GTA hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Australian website gets first spin in GTA Spano [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Supercars, Australia

GTA Spano - Click above for a high-res image gallery

We're spoiled, us supercar fans. With so many awesome road-munching beasts on the market, we've grown jaded. Which may go some ways towards explaining the general reaction to the GTA Spano. Here's an accomplished racing team unveiling an 840-horsepower, mid-engined V10 supercar and all anyone could say was "ho-hum, another cookie-cutter supercar from a new upstart."

Admittedly, the apathy was mostly centered on the Spano's styling, for which the initial batch of photos didn't do any favors. But a machine as promising as the GTA Spano at least deserves a second glance, and we're glad the good folks over at CarAdvice.com.au got a chance to give us exactly that. (A little jealous, mind you, but glad nonetheless.)

These real-world photos reveal the unique lines in the Spano's design, especially the arc that swirls around the greenhouse and melds into the rear spoiler, giving the Spano a fluid yet aggressive shape. But don't take our word for it, see for yourself in the high-res gallery below.

As if to compound our jealousy, our friends down under also got to spend some time behind the wheel. But though that's on embargo until September when the production-spec model hits the market, they've given us a little teaser video, which we've included after the jump. Oh, and one more thing: Spano also says they're working on a supercharged version, which promises to boost the Dodge Viper-sourced V10 to stratospheric levels of output. The future's looking bright.

Gallery: GTA Spano by CarAdvice.com.au

Gallery: GTA Spano

[Source: CarAdvice.com.au]

Continue reading Australian website gets first spin in GTA Spano [w/VIDEO]

Australian website gets first spin in GTA Spano [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTA Spano supercar debuts in Valencia

Noah Joseph — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

GTA Spano - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Anything you can do, I can do...also. That seems to be the modus operandi of the Spanish auto industry vis-a-vis the Italians. So while Volkswagen is vying to reshape its Seat subsidiary into an Iberian version of Alfa Romeo, Spanish racing team GTA has been hard at work developing its own supercar to rival the best from Ferrari and Lamborghini. After months of speculation on our part and preparation on theirs, the GTA Spano has finally made its debut in Valencia, the same Mediterranean coastal city that hosts the European Grand Prix. While only limited details were revealed at the Spano's launch, our compadres over at AB Spanish got it covered.

Underneath the rather generic supercar body lies the beating heart of the beast: an 8.3-liter V10, purportedly sourced from the Dodge Viper, and tuned to deliver 780 horsepower. That's said to be good enough to propel the carbon, kevlar and titanium supercar to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a don't-blink-or-you'll-miss-it 2.9 seconds. The engine is mated to a choice of seven-speed paddle-shifter, automatic or gated manual transmission, 19" wheels coated in ultra-low-profile rubber grip the road at all fours, and the engine is even designed to burn straight alcohol if so desired. Production will be limited to 99 examples, each available at a price of around $670,000. Given GTA's racing background, a competition version is also expected to be in the works, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out the images in the gallery below and the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: GTA Spano

[Source: Autoblog Spanish - translated]

Continue reading GTA Spano supercar debuts in Valencia

GTA Spano supercar debuts in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GTA Concept supercar finishing testing, launching next month

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

GTA Concept supercar - Click above for image gallery

Between Ferrari and upcoming new projects from McLaren, there is no shortage of supercars developed by F1 teams. But now, even some Formula 3 teams want to get in on the action, as evidenced by the new GTA Concept. The mid-engined supercar on which we initially reported a little over a year ago is the brainchild of Spanish racing outfit GTA, and while we hadn't heard much out of them for a while now, the car now reportedly finished its testing regimen in preparation for its official launch by the end of this month.

In anticipation, GTA has released some mouthwatering details on the supercar, whose official name will be revealed along with the car itself at an unveiling event in a few weeks. A mid-mounted V10 provides a quoted 780 horsepower and 678 lb-ft of torque, with power rolling through a seven-speed sequential gearbox with optional paddle shifters. All that juice is said to be enough to propel the supercar to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than three seconds, en route to a top speed in excess of 350 km/h (217 mph). Custom wheels measuring 255/35-19 at the front and 335/35-20 at the rear are to be shod shod with Pirelli Pzero tires, beneath which figures to be a set of 380mm carbon-ceramic ventilated discs with six-piston AP Racing calipers and ABS modulation.

GTA says it will only produce 99 examples of the titanium, carbon-fiber and Kevlar supercar, and it says that the advanced design yielded five international patents, including one for the tinting glass roof panel. We'll keep an eye out for the vehicle's debut, so watch this space. In the meantime, we've added a pair of shots of the GTA undergoing testing to the gallery of renderings below, so check 'em out along with the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: GTA Motor supercar concept

[Source: GTA]

Continue reading GTA Concept supercar finishing testing, launching next month

GTA Concept supercar finishing testing, launching next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 6-year-old learns to drive in GTA, takes mom's Taurus to school

Noah Joseph — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

Click above to jump to the video

"How many times have I told you to stop playing those video games and go to school?" For any kid addicted to his xBox or PlayStation 3, that's bound to sound familiar. The clever (or fortunate) ones will manage to keep the fun rolling with a PSP or Nintendo DS, but at least one child has taken things a step further.

When the six-year-old son of David Eugene Dodson and Jacqulyn Deana Waltman of Wicomico Church, Virginia, missed the bus to school in the morning, he grabbed the keys to the family's Ford Taurus and drove himself. Well, almost. The young driver made it surprisingly far, over a bridge and around a few corners, until he crashed the Taurus into an electrical piling...and then proceeded on foot, determined to make it to school.

The child is now in protective custody together with his four-year-old brother while his parents face child endangerment charges. When asked by state troopers how he learned to drive, he freely told the officials that he honed his chops in front of the television, playing video games like Grand Theft Auto and Monster Truck Jam. Who said video games were a waste of time? Follow the jump to view the AP television news report.

[Source: The Seattle Times]

Continue reading VIDEO: 6-year-old learns to drive in GTA, takes mom's Taurus to school

VIDEO: 6-year-old learns to drive in GTA, takes mom's Taurus to school originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details surface on Alfa 8C GTA

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Supercars, Alfa Romeo, Specialty

Click for hi-res gallery of the Alfa 8C Competizione

It'd be hard to ask for more than what the spectacular Alfa 8C Competizione already offers, but Alfa Romeo intends to do just that. So after announcing the initial run of 500 coupes, Alfa will begin production of 500 roadsters. But in case that weren't enough, reports have been circulating of two new 8Cs to follow. On the one hand we have the 8C's successor, which Alfa's PR people hope will be based on the Ferrari California. On the other we have the more focused GTA version of the current coupe.

While earlier reports suggested that the new second-generation Ferrari-based 8C could arrive in time for Alfa Romeo's 100 year anniversary in 2010, sources now suggest that it will be the 8C GTA that will arrive for the big celebration. Applying the magic formula of less weight and more power, the GTA is tipped to shed some 150 kg (330 lbs), while power from the 4.7-liter V8 is anticipated to climb from its current 450hp to a nice round 500. (If you remember writing your SATs, think GTA is to 8C as Scuderia is to F430 and you're a shoe-in for your top choice.) Only 100 examples are reportedly on the table, and you can bet they'll sell out faster than a "waste management consultant" with priors.

Gallery: 2009 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Gallery: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

More details surface on Alfa 8C GTA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Crazy) Rumormill: Spanish GTA to feature Pontiac V10?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Supercars, Pontiac

Click above to view the GTA in our gallery

Back in February we brought you initial news of the supercar being developed by Formula 3 racing team GTA. The exotic was tipped to be powered by a mid-mounted 700hp V10, however, reports circulating around the internet now suggest that the ten-cylinder powerplant for this vaporware supercar will produce closer to 800hp and be sourced from -- wait for it -- Pontiac.

We'll take that one with an overloaded container ship's worth of salt. Last we checked, GM didn't have a V10 in its parts bin, and the mere idea of the General developing a bespoke engine just for this Spanish racing outfit's nonexistent sports car is ridiculous on its face. Now, add in the detail that this mythical powerplant would then wear the Pontiac arrowhead logo -- that's straitjacket-type stuff, people. We know the General is eager to put the excitement back into the Excitement Division, but come on. Let's be rational.

Gallery: GTA Motor supercar concept

[Source: PistonHeads]

(Crazy) Rumormill: Spanish GTA to feature Pontiac V10? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo readies Ferrari-powered RS4, M3 eater

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:23:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Alfa Romeo

A $200,000 supercar, a return to America, and now this: the Alfa Romeo 159 GTA is expected to scrap the planned twin-turbo Holden-built V6 and go straight for the V8 from the F430. With the Ferrari V8, Alfa has a chance at getting an invitation to the C63, M3, and RS4 party. There would be plenty of room to detune the V8 in the GTA and still challenge the M3 and RS4, but the C63 has recently been reported to bow with 500 hp.

Like the M3 and the C63, it will come in sedan and wagon variants. Alfa's have been known for sportiness, but they're new to competing with this kind of muscle. We're sure they can bring the style and the power, and we'll find out around next year's Geneva Motor Show if they can bring the handling as well.

[Source: Drive Australia]

Spy Shots: Alfa Romeo readies Ferrari-powered RS4, M3 eater originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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