Autoblog

Petrolicious revisits our favorite kind of hybrid, the Iso Grifo

Zach Bowman — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet

The '60s were a great time for exotic cars. Italian coach builders were busily handcrafting beautiful sheetmetal and plopping whatever throaty drivetrain they could find behind the headlights. For Iso Grifo, that meant marrying lusty European lines with a tried and true Chevrolet small block. In our humble opinion, it's one of the best hybrid creations out there. It would seem the crew from Petrolicious agrees. They recently trained their lenses on the pride and joy of Hirman Bond's collection. A social worker by day, Bond has spent years restoring and selling vintage station wagons and running a detail business on the side.

His efforts eventually landed him his very own Iso Grifo, but unlike most collectors, Bond doesn't have his ultra-rare Italian sealed away in a museum somewhere. No, he drives the car just about every week, thereby subjecting the machine to the slings and arrows of life on public streets. It's always refreshing to see a regular guy bring home his dream car, and it's even more special when the gentleman in question actually puts the machine to good use. Check out the video below for a closer look.

Continue reading Petrolicious revisits our favorite kind of hybrid, the Iso Grifo

Petrolicious revisits our favorite kind of hybrid, the Iso Grifo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Marchionne uses racial epithet to describe what must power future Alfa Romeo models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Europe, Chrysler, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Sergio Marchionne and his Fiat empire have a lot riding on the US return of the Alfa Romeo brand. The endeavor has been in progress for what feels like a lifetime - certainly for as long as Fiat has had the Chrysler brand under its Italian wing.

It's not surprising that Fiat CEO Marchionne needs a perfect first Alfa to mark a return to America. And here's where things get dicey. Nobody would argue with Marchionne's insistence that Alfa Romeo's be powered by Italian engines - as Marchionne himself is quoted to have said at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, "There are some things that are well done in Italy."

If not what he said, then, it's how he said it that has eyebrows raised. "I cannot come up with a schlock product, I just won't. I won't put an American engine into that car. With all due respect to my American friends, it needs to be a wop engine." Wait, what's that?

As it turns out, the term "wop" is a racial slur referring to Italians that is either an acronym for "with out papers" or a play on the word "guappo," meaning thug or bully in Italian. Perhaps, considering that Marchionne carries both Canadian and Italian citizenship, his use of the word is playful. Either way, it's a somewhat surprising choice.

In somewhat related news, Marchionne also touched on the sales success of the Jeep brand and how it's caused hardship within company ranks. "I didn't sell all the Grand Cherokees I could have sold, I didn't sell all of the Wranglers that I could have sold because I couldn't make them. There was a natural limitation to my ability to compete."

That natural limitation lies with suppliers. Jeep set a global sales record last year of 701,626 units, led by strong demand for the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler models, which are built in the United States. Marchionne estimates that Jeep could have sold 70,000 more units had suppliers been able to keep up with demand.

Marchionne uses racial epithet to describe what must power future Alfa Romeo models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Meet the 701-hp Mazzanti Evantra

George Kennedy — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe

If you've heard of upstart boutique supercar maker Mazzanti, we salute you. About a year ago, we brought you news of this small Italian firm, which then was under the name Faralli & Mazzanti. The creation was the Evantra, and as the name of the company has changed, so has the car. The Mazzanti Evantra has been updated, and the previous turbocharged flat-six has been replaced with a 7.0-liter V8. The six-cylinder had two versions, capable of 403 or 603 horsepower. That is kid's stuff compared to the V8, which can put out an astounding 701 horsepower and 624 pound-feet or toque. That power allows it to get from zero to 62 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds.

Other updates include a rear spoiler, reworked styling, and 20-inch OZ wheels wrapped in Continental tires. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a paddle-shift-operated direct shift gearbox, developed specifically for the Evantra by transmission producer Sila. The lightweight supercar (curb weight not given for Evantra V8, but original was 2645 pounds, so we don't suspect its much more than that.) will be brought to a stop by Brembo brakes that are six-piston in the front and four-piston in the rear.

Other kit includes a racing-style instrument closer, Bosch infotainment system and an "infinite" number of cabin material selections. While the swatches may be infinite, the number of Evantra V8's being produced is very small - only five will be made per year. No pricing has been given, though we suspect the old cliche "if you have to ask, you can't afford it," applies.

Meet the 701-hp Mazzanti Evantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Motor Trend pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, Motorcycle

Ferrari 458 Italia vs Ducati 1198S - Click above to watch video after the jump

Italy produces machines that look good rolling slow or screaming towards the ever evasive horizon, so it's no surprise that Motor Trend decided to pit two of the boot country's finest against each other: the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Ducati 1198S. Both are exotic machines with a laser-focus purpose crafted into each example built: Be. Fast.

The buff book boys were kind enough to have their cameras rolling as the 458 and 1198S faced off in two competitions. First up is a head-to-head race followed by a lap around the Streets of Willow. The result? While the Ferrari is an amazing machine, the Duc's power-to-weight simply laughs in the face of the V8-powered Prancing Horse. See for yourself by watching the video after the jump, then check out the accompanying article in the link below. Grazie per la punta, Steve!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Video: Motor Trend pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S

Video: Motor Trend pits Ferrari 458 Italia against Ducati 1198S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

MotoGP 2010: Don't call it a comeback at Misano... just yet [SPOILER]

Devon Brozek — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Racing

When Dani Pedrosa left Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week, there's little doubt he was the envy of his fellow MotoGP contenders. The Spaniard clinched victory, proving that he possessed not only the speed, but also the fortitude to truly challenge Jorge Lorenzo. The question on everyone's mind was this: Could Pedrosa and Repsol Honda really mount a solid comeback? Make the jump to find out.

[Source: MotoGP.com | Image: Mirco Lazzari GP/Getty Images]

Continue reading MotoGP 2010: Don't call it a comeback at Misano... just yet [SPOILER]

MotoGP 2010: Don't call it a comeback at Misano... just yet [SPOILER] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Ferrari, Fiat

Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition by Pogea Racing - Click above for high-res image gallery

Soon enough, we Americans will be able to feast upon the Forbidden Fruit that is the Fiat 500. Will we get the hotted-up Abarth models? That remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure, we're super duper jealous of the hotter hatch that the folks at Pogea Racing have created - the 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition which boasts more power (a lot more power, actually) all wrapped in a too-cute (but still somehow menacing) package.

The Pogea team starts with a 500 Abarth, which in standard form produces 160 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque. From there, a new turbocharger, exhaust system, downpipe and catalytic converter have been added, meaning that the tiny Fiat now cranks out a whopping 264 hp and 243 lb-ft. Staggering numbers for a car that's smaller than a Mini Cooper. To tame all of that extra grunt, larger brakes have been added that reduce braking distance by about six feet, though the new stoppers are identical in weight to the standard Abarth setup.

Yes, we want one. In fact, we'll take two. Scroll through the gallery below to see dozens of high-resolution photos, and follow the jump to read Pogea Racing's (translated) press release.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition by Pogea Racing

[Source: Pogea Racing]

Continue reading Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP

Slick Little Number: Pogea Racing develops Fiat 500 Ferrari Dealers Edition with 264 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut

Devon Brozek — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Motorcycle

The Ducati Multistrada 1200 isn't afraid to leave the tarmac - Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you're a MotoGP fan and hail from the home-country of Multistradas, you got to see the official "Strada" commercial aired during the breaks of the first rounds of Grand Prix action last weekend. Ducati kicked off its television advertising campaign by showing off its hawk-billed adventure tourer tackling everything from urban assault missions to gravel paths and everything in between.

Although we have been studying our Italian language tapes thoroughly, the only thing we are qualified to tell you about the spot is that it highlights the versatility of the dirty Duc's four programmable riding modes, which include urban, enduro, sport and touring settings.

If you have ever wondered what lengths a manufacture will go to for that perfect backdrop, we have confirmed from a reliable source that the perfect Multisrada playground was provided, in this case, courtesy of the Canary Islands. Although we expect to see the commercial in our native tongue of English soon enough in the U.S., feel free to click past the break to get the first view. After all, everything sounds more beautiful when it's in Italian!

[Source: Two Wheels Blog]

Continue reading Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut

Video: Ducati Multistrada 1200 makes TV debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Celebrating 60 years with the women of Vespa

Devon Brozek — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Motorcycle

"Hello, would you like cake with your Vespa?"- Click above to watch the video after the jump

When you hear the term biker babes, the images that fill your mind may include bleach blond hair and the scant use of finely crafted leather bikinis. So you probably haven't stopped to consider the sexier side of the scooter industry, right? Don't feel bad - we needed a little encouragement too.

Usually when talking Vespa, we may be covering a new model release, maybe explaining how practical the "wasps" could be for your urban commute or that Sunday trip to the beach. Who knew beyond their cool, iconic exterior that Vespa has had so many run-ins with the fairer sex over the years? When we stumbled across this video history of the women of Vespa, it seemed the right thing to do was pass it along. Sexy, cool classic - Vespa knows just how to get our attention. Click past the break to see for yourself.

[Source: SoloMotoTreinta via Twowheelsblog]

Continue reading Video: Celebrating 60 years with the women of Vespa

Video: Celebrating 60 years with the women of Vespa originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle

Michael Harley — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Europe, Government/Legal, Crossover, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Smart

Take a close look at the image. A court in Italy has just ruled that the crossover pictured above, the five-seat CEO built by Shuanghuan Automobile of Shijiazhuang, China, is not a clone of the BMW X5. Um... yeah. The legal battles began when Shuanghuan introduced their "Noble" last year, a near-clone of the Smart fortwo. Mercedes-Benz wasn't impressed, and threatened a lawsuit. Shortly thereafter, BMW started losing sleep over the Chinese CEO, an obvious facsimile of their previous-generation X5 (E53). The Bavarian automaker took Shuanghuan to court in Munich this past summer and won their case, and when Martin Motors (the distributor of Shuanghuan Automobiles in Italy and central Europe) started selling the CEO in early 2007, BMW again took legal action, this time in the Italian judicial system.

Last week, the Germans met their defeat when the Italian courts rejected their claims. To date, Martin Motors has sold about 200 copies of the CEO and expects to sell about 1200 this year in their European markets. "We are convinced the CEO wasn't a clone of the X5. We are happy to see our view supported by a court ruling," said an obviously pleased spokesperson from Martin Motors. We have to wonder how quickly the Italians would change their tune if Shuanghuan began to knock-off the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

BMW loses Clonewars Italian court battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

For Sale: Zagato Caddy

Dan Roth — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Auctions, Etc., Europe, Cadillac, Ferrari

Say "Italian-styled Cadillac" and any car person will shoot back "Allante." It does appear, though, that Zagato executed coachwork on top of a fourth-generation Eldorado before Cadillac ever thought of shipping its wares to and from Pininfarina. This Eldo looks a lot like a Ferrari, and there's a reason for that, according to the seller. The bodywork on this car was reportedly designed by Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari racer and the first Ferrari agent in the United States. Chinetti went on to found the North American Racing Team, also an official Ferrari venture, and that might explain why this car has NART prominently displayed on its nose.

The NART badging is the only thing this custom Caddy shares with the Ferraris under Mr. Chinetti's umbrella, though. The success of his Prancing Horse franchise is likely why this prototype, which was displayed at the Turin and New York auto shows in 1971, never went anywhere. Currently, the car is in Brussels Belgium, and potential buyers are invited to make offers. If the provenance holds up, we doubt it'll be a small selling price. At least you'll get 1970's Italian style with the inexpensive upkeep of 1970's American running gear.

Gallery: Zagato Eldorado

[Source: Hemmings]

For Sale: Zagato Caddy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Bertone sold to Gruppo Prototipo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

Only days before heading to bankruptcy court, Italian engineering firm and carrozzeria Bertone revealed that it was about to pull a last-minute trick out of its sleeve in an announcement later that day. But when the announcement didn't come, the industry was left wondering if, after 95 years in business, Bertone was about to slip away.

The company's chairwoman and family scion Lili Bertone, however, announced last night that her company would be sold to Gruppo Prototipo chief Domenico Reviglio. Likewise based in Turin, Gruppo Prototipo focuses on testing pre-production vehicle prototypes. It owns the famous Nardo high-speed test facility, and since the late '90s has been the sub-contractor for most of the Fiat Group's testing requirements.

The announcement came as a surprise to the Italian business community, which widely believed negotiations with business mogul Gianmario Rossignolo were near conclusion. Previous negotiations with Fiat had fallen through, and Bertone has a workforce of 1,300 to support despite the lack of contracts to sustain the company. The Italian government, meanwhile, has opted to extend the two-year financial protection it had granted Bertone for an additional two months.

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Bertone sold to Gruppo Prototipo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Italian Craftsmanship: Salvatore Ferragamo packs the Maserati GranTurismo

Noah Joseph — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Maserati

For those customers who appreciate fine craftsmanship, opening the trunk of their new six-figure Italian GT can provide nearly as much excitement as the car itself. Okay, maybe not that much, but the custom fitted luggage found in the boot of The Boot's most exquisite touring cars has an appeal all its own. Ferrari has been at it for years with Schedoni leathercrafters, but with Maserati coming into its own, the Trident marque needed to offer its customers something special to put in the trunk. So they hitched up with one of the biggest names in the Italian fashion industry: Salvatore Ferragamo, a company best known for providing Hollywood with their red-carpet footwear.

The partnership was initially announced with the launch of the GranTurismo at the Geneva auto show - you'll forgive us if we missed it, we were a little preoccupied with the car itself. In any event, the joint venture between the two stoic Italian crafthouses just launched a new website highlighting the range of custom fitted leather luggage.

Follow the link for more information or the jump for the press release.

[Source: Salvatore Ferragamo via Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Italian Craftsmanship: Salvatore Ferragamo packs the Maserati GranTurismo

Italian Craftsmanship: Salvatore Ferragamo packs the Maserati GranTurismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

GM buys stake in Italian diesel firm

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, China, Europe, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, GM

In an effort to further GM's plan of becoming one of the dominant automakers offering diesel-powered vehicles, the company announced plans to purchase a 50-percent stake in VM Motori S.p.A., an Italian diesel engine manufacturer owned by Penske.

The deal comes hot on the heels of Bob Lutz's comments last week about the expansion of GM's diesel lineup, allowing the company to grow its oil-burning offerings in expanding markets in China and India, while gaining a stronger foothold on the diesel market in Europe.

Look for the ink to dry sometime later this year.

GM's press release is posted after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM buys stake in Italian diesel firm

GM buys stake in Italian diesel firm originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Shark Attack: Spada Codatronca details emerge

Noah Joseph — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

Did you think the Castagna Aznom was an odd little duckling? Then you've clearly forgotten about the Codatronca, the likewise Corvette-based Italian coachbuilt limited-edition supercar, initial details of which we brought you several months ago. SpadaConcept, the Italian design studio that cooked up the concept, has now released more details on the distinctive tailfinned sportscar.

For all you technophiles out there, we've got all the dimensions and specifications. Based on the Corvette C6, the Spada Codatronca places the engine in a front-mid layout, driving through the rear wheels. Starting with the aluminum LS7 7-liter OHV V8, Spada fits twin Rotrex superchargers, dual intercoolers, an eight-quart dry-sump lubrication system, titanium valves and connecting rods, sequential fuel injection and a boosted compression ratio of 11:1. All that nets an impressive 600 hp at 6,300 rpm and 790 Nm of torque at 4,600. The power is channeled through the rear wheels via a short-throw 6-speed manual.

(Details continue to astonish after the jump.)

Gallery: SpadaConcept Codatronca

[Source: Italiaspeed]

Continue reading Shark Attack: Spada Codatronca details emerge

Shark Attack: Spada Codatronca details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It's no record, but 13 Paganis is still epicly cool

Dan Roth — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:23:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Supercars

Ferrari's newly-minted record isn't in jeopardy, but we bet the driver of the lone Ferrari was kicking pebbles while hanging out with the dude who brought the SLR. Okay, probably not. Pagani's frontal assault on the supercar world, powered by an AMG V12 must have made for some sweet sounds and beautiful sights as 13 of them rolled from Milan through Como Lake to Monte Carlo for the Third International Pagani Gathering. The three-day tour just wrapped up on June 10th, so some owners are likely still en route home.

We're going to put a Zonda on the Autoblog budget request for next year and see if it'll come through for us. Supercar culture is valuable research, so maybe it'd even be tax deductible, since we'd be using it for work. Some of the most exclusive Italian exotics on the market, Paganis are mesmerizing when there's just one. Thirteen in a row must have been cause to stand and stare for as long as you could, before they disappeared at the horizon's convergence point. The website Swiss Car Sightings has put together a gallery of 100-plus pieces of eye candy, so without further ado, Andiamo!

It's no record, but 13 Paganis is still epicly cool originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Italy gives Lamborghini stamp of approval

Erin Mays — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Supercars, Lamborghini

The Italian Post Office is honoring one of the country's most well-known brands, Lamborghini, by offering a commemorative stamp in its honor.

The 85-euro-cent stamp will hit post offices first in Lamborghini's hometown, Sant'Agata Bolognese, before it is offered at offices throughout the country. The campaign is part of Italy's recent efforts to pay homage to the country's greatest moments and products.

The stamp features Lamborghini's golden bull against a black shield background, which looks very similar to the badge affixed to the much-celebrated Lamborghini Miura, built between 1966 and 1973. Any tribute to that masterpiece would surely find a spot in our stamp collection -- if we had one.

[Source: Italy magazine via German Car Blog]

Italy gives Lamborghini stamp of approval originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota engineers convicted of stealing secrets from Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Ferrari

In most countries, acts like murder, treason, or plotting to overthrow the government rank among the most heinous crimes a person can commit. In Italy, stealing secrets from Ferrari ranks right up near the top of the list, too.

Following a long, drawn out process, two former Scuderia Ferrari engineers, who stood accused of stealing secrets from Maranello and giving them to rivals at Toyota F1, have been convicted. Pending appeal, Angelo Santini was sentenced to nine months and Mauro Iacconi to 16 behind bars on charges of industrial espionage.

Back at the start of the 2003 season, Toyota built a wind-tunnel down the road from Ferrari in Sant'Agata Bolognese, near the Lamborghini factory. Naturally the project recruited the talents of many former Ferrari engineers, but when the season kicked off, Toyota's car looked suspiciously like Ferrari's. Complaints were filed in Italy and in Germany, and the case against Santini and Iacconi went to court a year ago. Toyota's former team principal, chief designer and chief aerodynamicist were all charged in Germany, where the case against them is pending prosecution.

It seems that Toyota will stop at nothing to catch up to Ferrari, and when hiring a Schumacher didn't work, less legal means were employed.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Toyota engineers convicted of stealing secrets from Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

LA Auto Show: Live shots of the Giugiaro Mustang

John Neff — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Ford

Ford's presence at the L.A. Auto Show can be summed up in one word: Giugiaro. Unfortunately, the new Escape, the product Ford will actually be selling, has been drowned out by the buzz surrounding the Giugiaro Mustang. Our man Frank Filipponio calls it a Spaghetti Western on wheels, which sounds right to us considering the genuine horse hides covering the seats. Apparently Giugiaro's Italian designers took the Mustang name very literally.

Though we had seen the press shots a few nights ago and checked the car out in person at a media event last night, Ford still went through the motions this morning and "debuted" the Giugiaro Mustang at the L.A. Auto Show by pulling back the shroud. Despite the overexposure, the G-Stang still manages to engage us every time we walk by it. Perhaps that's because we're split over whether or not we like it. The back end has been praised by most of the Autoblog team, especially the rear fenders, though the taillights are polarizing. The scissor doors have been laughed at and the full glass roof is just too out there to take seriously. The front end, however, is where the real debate's happening, since many believe this Mustang is wearing design cues we'll see in the next Blue Oval pony car. Is it too Camaro-like? Again, we're split. The fact remains this concept is garnering an inordinate amount of attention for Ford considering the only other vehicle it bothered to bring was a new SUV.

Check out a big gallery of live shots from today's press conference as well as the media event at which Ford debuted the Giugiaro Mustang last night.

Continue reading LA Auto Show: Live shots of the Giugiaro Mustang

LA Auto Show: Live shots of the Giugiaro Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Il Commendatore: Mario Andretti honored by Italy

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Government/Legal

Accomplished race driver, living legend and patriarch of a veritable racing dynasty Mario Andretti is being honored by the Italian government with the title of Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana. The prestigious award will be presented on October 23 by Consul-General Antonio Bandini at the New York Columbus Citizens Foundation.

To say Mario is an accomplished driver is like saying the Pope is Catholic. Andretti has won the Formula 1 driver's world title, the Indy Car championship (four times), the USAC national dirt track championship, the Indy 500, the Daytona 500 and the 12 Hours of Sebring (three times), to name a few. To top that he's been named Driver of the Year spanning three decades, not to mention Driver of the Century.

His son Michael, head of Andretti-Green Racing, and grandson ~~Michael~~ Marco, IRL rookie of the year, will be there for the ceremony as well.

Word has it the Commendatore can't refuse a favor on this, the day of his decoration, so better get in line. Just kidding... felicitazioni, Mario!

[Source: Sports Car Market]

Il Commendatore: Mario Andretti honored by Italy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Oct 2006 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: the dramatic Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:36:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, Paris Motor Show

The production version of Alfa Romeo's sensuous 8C Competizione coupe made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. While our excitement continues to grow for Alfa's planned re-emergence into the North American market, the celebrated Italian marque has graced us with yet another video of its unspeakably beautiful sports car.

This two-minute video is even more dramatic than the last one, and features artistic shots of the 8C and Alfas past that inspired its lines. See the 8C from every angle, inside and out, each minute detail a work of art unto itself. As if we needed to fall in love with the 8C any more than we already have. Bellisimo!

VIDEO: the dramatic Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments