Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Magna Touchskin technology takes a swipe at switchgear in cars [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/magna-touchskin-technology-takes-a-swipe-at-switchgear-in-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/magna-touchskin-technology-takes-a-swipe-at-switchgear-in-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/magna-touchskin-technology-takes-a-swipe-at-switchgear-in-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

Magna Touchskin

The Touchskin interface has beeen on display since last October; now it's at a stage where Magna is shopping it to automakers. Although Magna is the marquee name, the various components that comprise Touchskin are produced by nine companies: Plastic Electronics, Engel Mould Technologies, Schöfer, Magna Exteriors and Interiors, Hueck, Niebling, Votteler, Hennecke Polyurethane and formquadrat.

It is exactly what it sounds like: instead of buttons and knobs populating the center tunnel space around the gearshift, there is a a perfectly smooth Clearmelt panel whose glossy surface heals itself of scratches and nicks. On either side of the shifter in the concept is the IDMP area, where your mobile phone rests. Without needing to be docked, the phone can connect with the car through Qi transmitters (common to phones as of this year) and be charged. The IDMP area and near-field Qi system is one of Magna's contributions and the company says it can't be hacked like Bluetooth or Internet protocols.

To the rear of the concept panel is the haptic interface, a protuberance that responds to numerous fingertip gestures to provide control of the car's various systems. It is made possible by the Touchskin film, produced in reel-to-reel fashion at a rate of 80 meters per minute, that can be molded to any shape and is wedded to the Clearmelt with copper foil.

There's a video just below to take you through the production process and how Touchskin works. It's unlikely the entire panel would make it into a new car, but we can certainly see it creeping, piece by glossy piece, into our Minority Report futures.

Continue reading Magna Touchskin technology takes a swipe at switchgear in cars [w/video]

Magna Touchskin technology takes a swipe at switchgear in cars [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hapticinterfaceinterface designinteriorinterior designmagnatechnologytouchskinThu, 17 May 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20238004/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/17/magna-touchskin-technology-takes-a-swipe-at-switchgear-in-cars/20238004/article-detail.xml 20238004 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/magnatouchskinvid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/magnatouchskinvid.jpg <![CDATA[Why your next car may not come with a CD player]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Michael Arbaugh, chief designer of Ford interiors, describes center console space as "oceanfront property" - already fully populated, with more tenants trying to move in every year. Speaking to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit, Arbaugh said one tenant he'd like to evict is the CD player because it's dead weight for audio Luddites.

Ok, so he didn't say that exactly. But Arbaugh believes they're out of fashion with people under 30, and that growing lack of interest means they occupy space that could be better employed. CD players also add weight that has to be countered somewhere else in the march to meet CAFE regulations, an endeavor with nearly aerospace tolerances anymore.

The CD-less car is just talk at the moment, but there's no doubt it's coming. More and more computers are being sold without optical drives, and as it goes in the tech world so it shall go in the car-tech world. If we could just get carmakers to properly integrate connections for other PMPs that can play lossless codecs and don't mutilate the music, we wouldn't mind at all.

Why your next car may not come with a CD player originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cd playerfordinteriorinterior designtechnologyTue, 15 May 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236131/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/why-your-next-car-may-not-come-with-a-cd-player/20236131/article-detail.xml 20236131 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nocdplayer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/nocdplayer.jpg <![CDATA[How Hyundai is making better interiors by using volcanic rock]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/how-hyundai-is-making-better-interiors-by-using-volcanic-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/how-hyundai-is-making-better-interiors-by-using-volcanic-rock/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/29/how-hyundai-is-making-better-interiors-by-using-volcanic-rock/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra

Cloth, leather, Alcantara and that weird netting on the dashboards of some Chevrolet Cruze sedans are all examples of the varied materials employed to build the interior spaces of modern automobiles. Hyundai is exploring new ways to bring the passenger cabin together, and the newest item at the Korean automaker's disposal is volcanic rock.

Hyundai wanted to add a bit more luxury to the passenger space of its newest models. The Elantra and Accent both needed fabric-wrapped A-pillars to up the class quotient inside, but that would have raised the customer's purchase price. Alternatives were sought and engineers concocted a blend of plastic resin, fibrous material and volcanic rock. The end result is a plastic material that provides the look and feel of being wrapped in cloth, with the apparent cost savings that come from stuff belched forth from the Earth's underground.

How Hyundai is making better interiors by using volcanic rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 hyundai elantra2012 hyundai accentaccentelantrahyundaiinteriorvolcanic rockFri, 29 Jul 2011 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20003628/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/29/how-hyundai-is-making-better-interiors-by-using-volcanic-rock/20003628/article-detail.xml 20003628 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/20-2011-hyundai-elantra-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/20-2011-hyundai-elantra-fd.jpg <![CDATA[Video: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max shows off its magic middle seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/09/video-2012-ford-grand-c-max-shows-off-its-magic-middle-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/09/video-2012-ford-grand-c-max-shows-off-its-magic-middle-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/09/video-2012-ford-grand-c-max-shows-off-its-magic-middle-seat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Ford Grand C-Max; Disappearing middle seat
2012 Ford Grand C-Max: Disappearing middle seat - Click above to watch video after the jump

We recently spent some time with the 2012 Ford Grand C-Max and came away with mixed feelings about it. It's an excellent compact minivan, but that's a low-volume segment and we're unsure of how well the Grand C-Max will sell here. One particular feature we do know people will be impressed by is the disappearing middle seat found in the second row.

Ford engineers designed the Grand C-Max so that the second-row middle seat folds out of sight into a compartment under the adjacent seat cushion. Doing so opens up a clear passageway to the third row seating. Also, both rear seating rows fold flat to accommodate sizable cargo loads. To see it all in action, check out the video after the jump.


Gallery: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max: First Drive


Photos copyright (C)2010 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Ford via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max shows off its magic middle seat

Video: 2012 Ford Grand C-Max shows off its magic middle seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford grand c-maxc-maxcompact minivanfolding seatsFord Grand C-Maxgrand c-maxInteriorinterior designminivansecond rowthird rowSat, 09 Oct 2010 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19667651/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/09/video-2012-ford-grand-c-max-shows-off-its-magic-middle-seat/19667651/article-detail.xml 19667651 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/c-max-sg-1286646339_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/c-max-sg-1286646339.jpg <![CDATA[First Look: 2011 Dodge Durango interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/2011-dodge-durango-interior-first-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/2011-dodge-durango-interior-first-look/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/07/2011-dodge-durango-interior-first-look/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Dodge Durango interior
2011 Dodge Durango interior - Click above to expand

Chrysler has been slowly releasing the full details about the 2011 Dodge Durango, and while we've already seen the exterior from many angles, the interior has only been revealed in teaser images... until now. What you see here is the first shot of the all-new Durango's interior, and if its Jeep Grand Cherokee sister is anything to base judgments on, things should be pretty cozy inside the full-size Dodge.

Unlike its Jeep kin, the Durango appears to use a center stack that's completely housed within the dashboard, leaving room for a larger storage compartment in front of the gear shifter. We like the two-tone color combination (seen here on the Citadel trim level), and extra touches like upholder lighting and small amounts of aluminum and chrome accents make this cabin look more luxurious than before. We still need to get some butt-in-seat time before we can truly give it a thumbs-up, but so far, we definitely like what we see.


Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

2011 Dodge Durango2011 Dodge Durango2011 Dodge Durango2011 Dodge Durango2011 Dodge Durango

[Source: Chrysler]

First Look: 2011 Dodge Durango interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 dodge durango2011 durangochryslerdodgedodge durangodurangodurango interiorInteriorThu, 07 Oct 2010 11:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19664866/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/07/2011-dodge-durango-interior-first-look/19664866/article-detail.xml 19664866 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/citadel630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/citadel630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/korean-spec-hyundai-avante-interior-gives-sneak-peek-inside-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/korean-spec-hyundai-avante-interior-gives-sneak-peek-inside-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/20/korean-spec-hyundai-avante-interior-gives-sneak-peek-inside-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Hyundai Avante (Elantra) interior - Click above for high-res image

Even though we have yet to see official images of the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra, we have a pretty good idea of what will be heading our way in the coming months. Hyundai debuted the new Avante sedan (the Elantra's Korean market equivalent) at the Busan Motor Show this past April, and now the first interior snapshot of the Avante has been leaked out.

If you've been in the new 2011 Sonata, you know that the family sedan's cabin is a giant leap forward in the right direction. The center stack is awash with curves and angles that pay homage to the automaker's new "fluidic sculpture" exterior design. And styling aside, we're willing to bet that Hyundai hasn't skimped out on high-quality materials for the less-expensive Elantra's innards, either.

This more attractive, better-tailored interior will do well when matched with the swoopier lines of the new Elantra's exterior. That - combined with Hyundai's new 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder - will mean that other new cars in the budget sedan segment (this means you, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze) will need to watch their backs. If the new Elantra is being positioned as a baby Sonata, the competition should indeed be stiff. Top tip, Monkaroo!


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante


[Source: Hyundai Blog]

Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 elantra2011 hyundai avante2011 hyundai elantra2011Elantra2011HyundaiAvante2011HyundaiElantraavanteavante interiorAvanteInteriorElantraelantra interiorElantraInteriorhyundaiHyundai Accenthyundai Avantehyundai elantrahyundai elantra interiorHyundaiAccentHyundaiAvanteHyundaiElantraHyundaiElantraInteriorInteriorTue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19561512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/20/korean-spec-hyundai-avante-interior-gives-sneak-peek-inside-2011/19561512/article-detail.xml 19561512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/183303opt630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/183303opt630.jpg <![CDATA[Ward's releases 2010 Auto Interior Award winners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/wards-releases-2010-auto-interior-award-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/wards-releases-2010-auto-interior-award-winners/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/12/wards-releases-2010-auto-interior-award-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Camaro interior - Click above for high-res image gallery of interior award winners from Ward's Auto

Do you own a Lamborghini Miura? If not, we're going to presume that you spend way more time looking at the interior of your car than the exterior. If you do happen to have a Miura parked in your garage, we suggest you stop reading immediately and go gaze upon its sensuous exterior lines for a few hours.

Still here? Great, that means you don't own a Miura and the interior of your car is an extremely important consideration. Which begs the question: What car has the best interior in any given class? Attempting to answer that query is none other than Wards Auto, which has just released its annual Auto Interior of the Year Awards for 2010 after analyzing the innards of 40 vehicles that are either brand new for 2010 or at least significantly updated.

Somewhat surprisingly, the only automaker to take home more than one trophy was Chevrolet. The new Equinox won for popular-priced truck under $39,999 and the Camaro took top honors in the sportscar category. Other winners include the Subaru Outback in the popular-priced car under $29,999 category and the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo for "Design Versatility."

Want to see the rest? Check out our high-res image gallery below for a visual listing of all the winners and click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: 2010 Ward's Interior of the Year Winners


[Source: Wards Auto]

Continue reading Ward's releases 2010 Auto Interior Award winners

Ward's releases 2010 Auto Interior Award winners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto interiorauto interior of the yearAutoInteriorAutoInteriorOfTheYearbest auto interiorbest auto interiorsbest car interiorbest car interiorsbest interiorbest interiorsBestAutoInteriorBestAutoInteriorsBestCarInteriorBestCarInteriorsBestInteriorBestInteriorsbreakingbreaking newsbreakingnewscar interiorCarInteriorinteriorinterior of the yearInteriorOfTheYearwardswards autoWards AutomotiveWardsAutoWardsAutomotiveMon, 12 Apr 2010 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19436571/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/12/wards-releases-2010-auto-interior-award-winners/19436571/article-detail.xml 19436571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010camaross_025_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/10/2010camaross_025_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Most everyone is familiar with the Ward's Auto 10 Best Engines award where BMW, Audi and Ford took several honors for 2010, but a less prominent, though perhaps more eye-catching, award given by the magazine is the Ward's Interior of the Year awards.

The award recipients are chosen through a process that examines all new vehicles for the given model year. For 2010, Ward's had 40 vehicles, considered finalists meeting the requirements. Vehicles are placed in several different classes and judged based upon interior ergonomics, quality and feel of materials, comfort, fit and finish and overall value.

The winners in each class will be announced in mid-April, but you can continue after the jump to view the list of competitors in each class. It could be argued that many of the vehicles are deserving, but only one per class will be selected. The Buick Regal interior pictured above caught our eye, but tell us your own in the comments below.

[Source: Ward's Auto - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award

Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awardawardsawards interiorAwardsInteriorbest interiorbest interior designBestInteriorcar interiorCarInteriorInteriorinterior designInteriorDesignvehicle interiorVehicleInteriorwards autoWards Automotivewards interiorwards ten best enginesWardsAutoWardsAutomotiveWardsInteriorWardsTenBestEnginesTue, 30 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19416869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/30/wards-auto-selects-40-finalists-for-interior-of-the-year-award/19416869/article-detail.xml 19416869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/buick-regal-gs-press-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/buick-regal-gs-press-630.jpg <![CDATA[BMW names Marc Girard head of interior design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The field of car design has been about as stable as an active volcano lately, with several major automakers replacing their design chiefs in quick succession. Over the past couple of weeks, Volvo's styling guru Steve Mattin quit, and he was replaced by Ford designer Peter Horbury, whose post in turn was taken up by Moray Callum. Before that, Volkswagen designer Derek Jenkins defected to Mazda, while Mazda's chief designer Laurens van der Acker was replaced by Ikuo Maeda. But in advance of all that, Chris Bangle sent shockwaves through the industry (in typical Bangle style) by leaving BMW. Adrian van Hooydonk was promoted to take his place, but after Munich's interior designer Michael Ninic died suddenly last year, Hooydonk was stretched a little thin.

The latest appointment, however, should help alleviate some of the pressure, as Marc Girard has been named head of BMW's interior design department. The French designer, educated at the Art Center College of Design, has been with the BMW Group for some 15 years now, and has been responsible for the cabins on several Bimmer and MINI models of late. It's a logical move for the Bavarian automaker, and a well-deserved step up for the talented cabinsmith.

[Source: Car Design News]

BMW names Marc Girard head of interior design originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw marc girardBmwMarcGirarddesigndesign chiefDesignChiefdesignerhead of designHeadOfDesigninteriorinterior designinterior designerInteriorDesignInteriorDesignermarc girardMarcGirardThu, 02 Apr 2009 17:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1505878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/1505878/article-detail.xml 1505878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/marc-girard_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/marc-girard.jpg <![CDATA[Porsche Panamera key looks like... Porsche Panamera]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



What you're looking at is a Porsche Panamera key. Arguably, it's better looking than the Panamera prototypes currently racking up more frequent flier miles than the Travelocity gnome. But we think it will take up all kinds of awkward space in your pocket and won't play nice with other keys. Perhaps Porsche should offer a man bag with every Panamera purchase.

However, we are in love with the Panamera interior. In. Love. Click here to check out new pics of it over at TeamSpeed. Yes, there are a lot of buttons, but that shouldn't surprise anyone who's been in a Porsche lately. And the buttons are caliente. We'd also prefer a gate instead of the shifter on a moonball, which reminds us of a Volvo, but so what? That's the kind of interior we've been waiting for in a Porsche since the 993. So Porsche, you can put us on the list for a Panamera, because we don't have to see the outside from the inside. We'll just need to get pants with bigger pockets. Thanks for the tip, DJ.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera - spy shots


[Source: TeamSpeed]

Porsche Panamera key looks like... Porsche Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interiorpanamara interiorPanamaraInteriorpanamerapanamera keypanamera spy shotsPanameraKeyPanameraSpyShotsporscheporsche panameraPorschePanamerasedanssports carsSportsCarsspy shotsSpyShotsThu, 30 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1357516/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/30/porsche-panamera-key-looks-like-porsche-panamera/1357516/article-detail.xml 1357516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/pana_ky_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/pana_ky.jpg <![CDATA[The one thing your Ford GT is missing...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-one-thing-your-ford-gt-is-missing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-one-thing-your-ford-gt-is-missing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/03/the-one-thing-your-ford-gt-is-missing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On the long road from concept to production, some details inevitably fall off of show cars. We always hope the details that make a a concept a show-stopper carry over after the suits give the green light, and when we're talking about a six-figure halo supercar, we're usually not terribly disappointed. Case in point is the Ford GT, which managed the transition from concept to reality without losing much along the way at all.

In one (relatively minor) concession to reality, however, those deliciously retro little aluminum rings that adorned the bucket seats were axed (see right). Authenticity-fetishists who happen to own a Ford GT can rejoice as Canadian aftermarket firm ExotiCARe has come out with a simple solution. Their easy-to-install kit includes 50 anodized aluminum seat rings to give your Ford GT that fresh-off-the-show-stand retro look. You can order a set for $265 off their website, just follow the link. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: ExotiCARe]

The one thing your Ford GT is missing... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford gtford gt aluminum ringsFordGtFordGtAluminumRingshot buttonsHotButtonsinteriorinterior detailInteriorDetailSun, 03 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1274284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/08/03/the-one-thing-your-ford-gt-is-missing/1274284/article-detail.xml 1274284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fordgt-hotbuttons_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/fordgt-hotbuttons.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/spy-shots-chevy-cruze-shows-off-its-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/spy-shots-chevy-cruze-shows-off-its-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/spy-shots-chevy-cruze-shows-off-its-interior/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to enlarge

We've got a bit of a wait ahead of us in the United States, but if this interior photo does indeed show the Chevy Cruze's passenger compartment, then maybe it'll be worth it. TheCaranatic.com doesn't tell the source of the image, the Daewoo logo on the wheel indicates that it was probably snapped in South Korea, where the car will be produced for the European and Asian markets. As for the interior itself? Well, based on the photo it looks top-notch, blending a lot of Opel Insignia with dashes of Chevy Malibu to create a very pleasant driver's environment. This is promising.

[Source: theCarfanatic via Autoblog Spanish]

Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

The first official look at the Opel Insignia's interior leaves us with the impression that Opel / Vauxhall's new sedan is going to be a nice place in which to log some miles. Put simply, the cockpit is identical to the one first shown in the slick-looking Opel GTC concept that debuted last year. Simple, attractive gauges are joined by amber lighting and a nice blend of plastics, brightwork, and other trim to create a driver-focused cockpit meant to be as usable as it is attractive. One of the little elements that's kind of cool is how the gauge lighting shifts from white to red when the car is put into sport mode. Expect even more info on the Insignia and plenty of closer looks at the cabin when the car debuts in London next month at the British International Motor Show. If you can't make it to London, just exercise a little patience, cross those fingers, and wait. This car will likely come Stateside as the next Saturn Aura at some point in the future. GM's official PR is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia


[Source: GM]

Continue reading First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BIMSbritish motor showBritishMotorShowinsigniainsignia interiorInsigniaInteriorinteriorlondon motor showLondonMotorShowopelopel insigniaOpelInsigniavauxhallWed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1214883/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/06/04/first-official-shots-of-opel-insignia-interior-released/1214883/article-detail.xml 1214883 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/vauxhallinsig_hi_03_450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/06/vauxhallinsig_hi_03_450.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots


[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6interiormazdamazda 6Mazda6photosshotsspyspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1136773/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/1136773/article-detail.xml 1136773 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/mazda6.sw.500_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/03/mazda6.sw.500_opt.jpg <![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/05/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-interior-pics-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/05/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-interior-pics-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/05/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-interior-pics-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the leaked Challenger images so far

Some official photos of the Dodge Challenger's interior have been posted on Allpar's forums, and our spirits have been buoyed. It's always hard to get a read on the real-world look and feel of the interior plastics, but from what we can make out amidst the dither, all is not lost when it comes to the Challenger's front office. In these pictures, the interior looks very presentable, though it seems to be pretty standard LX fare. The SRT8 models get nicely trimmed seats, with contrasting french stitching on the deep bolsters, suede inserts to grip your backside, and a nice splash of orange to set off the SRT logo. Lesser Challengers will obviously not get quite the full boat luxe treatment that the SRT gets, with its MyGig, bespoke gauges, and leather adornments, but just what will get pulled out remains to be seen. The Mustang and Camaro might have more exciting designs, but the ergonomics and controls in the revived Dodge ponycar look well thought out. We've breathed a half-sigh of relief after our last round of interior spy shots, which left some of us certain that the Challenger's interior was going to be bested by what came in the unlamented K-Cars. Thanks for the tip, indymcsc!

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interior design is one area where GM is lagging behind its European and Japanese rivals, but there's hope just beyond the horizon. Fully aware of its shortcomings, GM has put a new, more focused emphasis on improving the style and quality of its vehicles' interiors and a handful of official computer-generated concept renderings reveal that there's some very innovative thinking going down in Detroit.

The soon-to-be released Cadillac CTS is one such car that has shown what can be done. Its new interior shows a level of craftsmanship and style that not so long ago was limited to the domain of significantly more expensive imports. If all goes to plan, you won't have to shell out big bucks to enjoy a car with a nice cabin, either. These new concept sketches show several interior design elements, one specific to the Chevy and Pontiac brands as well as designs for GM's SUV and trucks.

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Gallery: GM's future interior design concepts

Continue reading GALLERY: GM's future interior designs

GALLERY: GM's future interior designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptsdesignsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgm interiorGmInteriorinstrument clusterInstrumentClusterinteriorWed, 29 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/976702/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/08/29/apple-meets-auto-gms-future-interior-designs/976702/article-detail.xml 976702 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/cadillac_instruments_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/cadillac_instruments.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior from the inside]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/spy-shots-2008-honda-accord-interior-from-the-inside/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/spy-shots-2008-honda-accord-interior-from-the-inside/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/17/spy-shots-2008-honda-accord-interior-from-the-inside/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image above to see the high-resolution image

The 2008 Accord represents the biggest launch Honda has undertaken since the Civic in 2006, and everything from quality to design has to be just right for the Accord to maintain its lofty position in the midsize sedans pecking order. We've been looking forward to a production-ready view of the Accord's interior, and now we've found it. The scribes over at The Mags Report have a few pics from inside the Accord's cabin, and since the 2003 Accord has a great interior, Honda didn't have to start fresh. Instead, the designers came up with a different interpretation of what already works. The center console is now wider, and buttons appear to be a little larger. Vehicle information has been moved from above the navigation screen to below it, which should make external temperature and HVAC info easier to read. Center vents are also moved below the navigation screen, which helps make the Accord interior look less vertical. Honda also included some tasteful bright work, which further contrasts the two-tone interior.

While the exterior spy shots we've seen from the Accord look a bit dull, Honda appears to have taken a less conservative approach on the inside. Quality materials and well-placed controls never look bad together, but the 2003 interior may look a little classier than what we'll be getting shortly. Let us know what you think after the jump. To see more pics of the Accord from the inside, click the read link below.

[Source: The Mags Report]

Gallery: 2008 Accord Interior

Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior from the inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A keen Autoblog reader has spotted the 2008 Honda Accord in an empty parking lot in Columbus, Ohio, and was kind enough to send us the pic he snapped of the car's interior. As the new Accord's official debut looms closer, more and more undisguised cars have been turning up, but this is really the first time we've gotten a good look at the new car's interior.

The model in this image was said to have been an EX four-cylinder and from what we can gather, the new Accord's interior isn't a marked leap over the model it replaces. The cabin features an identical curved edge running along the bottom of the dash, while the center console and layout of the air-conditioning ports are almost the same as the outgoing '07 model.

According to spy photographers who have seen the car, the 2008 model is slightly larger than the current car, so hopefully that translates into more room in the cabin, but we'll have to wait until its official reveal later this year to find out.

A big thank you to Nima for sending in the pic.

You can check out more spy shots of the new Accord here.

Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AccordinteriorFri, 03 Aug 2007 12:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/955875/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/08/03/spy-shots-2008-honda-accord-interior/955875/article-detail.xml 955875 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/accord_interior_image001_small_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/08/accord_interior_image001_small.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Hyundai Genesis interior]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/27/spy-shots-hyundai-genesis-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/27/spy-shots-hyundai-genesis-interior/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/27/spy-shots-hyundai-genesis-interior/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Hyundai Genesis is one of many highly anticipated vehicles for calendar year 2008, with high-end features like RWD and powerful V6 and V8 engines at a Hyundai price. One area of intrigue for the Genesis is the production interior, and the folks over at KGP snapped some very clear shots that leave little to the imagination. The most interesting item in the picture looks like the Audi MMI control with navigation buttons around a joy stick. The interface actually looks a bit classier than that of the much pricier German luxury car, and we're hoping it works much more like the Audi interface than iDrive.

The center console looks very Infiniti M45-like, with a chunky appearance and a sloping line with a protruding lip that separates the navigation screen from the rest of the controls. The shift lever has a manual mode, which is almost a forgotten technology in the age of the paddle shifter. The steering wheel is adorned in both leather and a wood-like substance, and it appears to have very simple redundant controls, plus a button for hands-free calling.

The interior wars are heating up much like the wonderful battle for powertrain supremacy, and customers again are the winners. While the Genesis interior may not look as nice as that of the 2008 CTS, try to remember that we're talking about a Hyundai. The folks from South Korea have come a long way in a very short period of time.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Genesis interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisHyundaiInteriorRWDFri, 27 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/950834/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/07/27/spy-shots-hyundai-genesis-interior/950834/article-detail.xml 950834 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/genesis-int_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/07/genesis-int.jpg <![CDATA[Would you like beans with that? 2008 Mustang to use soy-based seat foam]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/14/would-you-like-beans-with-that-2008-mustang-to-use-soy-based-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/14/would-you-like-beans-with-that-2008-mustang-to-use-soy-based-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/14/would-you-like-beans-with-that-2008-mustang-to-use-soy-based-se/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The 2008 Mustang that appears in August will be full o' beans. Soybeans. Ford has teamed with automotive supplier Lear Corporation on the creation of soy-based seat foam. Car seats currently contain roughly petroleum-based foam, and the new soy-based variety will substitute nearly a quarter of that mass with renewable content, as well as lower the amount of C0&sup2; emitted during the creation of the foam. Ford's been playing around with soy ever since with Model T, which contained 60 pounds of beans in its paint and molded plastic parts. This is the kind of environmental tech we can get behind -- and sit on -- without reservation. We do wonder, however, what it will do to that new car smell. This isn't the only "green" material Ford's using with regard to seating accommodations in '08 models, either. The new Escape's seat upholstery is made of eco-friendly recycled materials. For Ford's full press release on the new soy foam seats, click the image above or the "Read" link below to see it at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Would you like beans with that? 2008 Mustang to use soy-based seat foam originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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