Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/race-spec-jaguar-xf-touring-car-debuts-at-kyalami-superstars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car - Click above for image gallery

We can thank the Italians for some of the most enticing race machinery ever to grace tarmac. But in this case, the Italians have taken a British saloon and transformed it for track duty.

This racing version of the Jaguar XF made its debut this past weekend at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, where the Superstars Series held its season finale. The Italian touring car series pits all manner of specially-prepared machinery - ranging from Chevrolet Luminas and Chrysler 300s to Audi RS4s and the Maserati Quattroporte we reported on earlier - against each other at circuits around Italy, with one round this season held abroad. While you may not recognize any names from the current roster of drivers, the handicapped former CART Champion and F1 driver Alex Zanardi is set to race for BMW in the Italian series.

Few details are available on the new Jag touring car's specifications, but it was prepared by Italian racing garage Ferlito Motors to replace an aging machine based on the old S-Type. For its race debut, the new XF racer finished 12th - dead last of the cars that finished the race, but at least it finished. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the (unfortunately low-res) images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Ferlito Motors Jaguar XF Superstars touring car


[Source: Superstars Series]

Continue reading Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars

Race-spec Jaguar XF touring car debuts at Kyalami Superstars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ferlitoferlito jaguar xf superstars touring carferlito motorsFerlitoJaguarXfSuperstarsTouringCarFerlitoMotorsitalyjaguarjaguar xfjaguar xf touring carJaguarXfJaguarXfTouringCarkyalamisuperstarssuperstars seriesSuperstarsSeriestouringtouring cartouring carsTouringCarTouringCarsxfMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Outraged Italian police set to crush fake Ferrari]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/outraged-italian-police-set-to-crush-fake-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/outraged-italian-police-set-to-crush-fake-ferrari/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/outraged-italian-police-set-to-crush-fake-ferrari/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Right up front, we must state that there is a very high likelihood that the following is not entirely true. With that said, here's the skinny on what we think we know: Thanks to local copyright laws, cops in Ostuni, Italy have reportedly confiscated a Toyota MR2 cut to look an awful lot like a Ferrari 355 Berlinetta. And they intend to crush it.

So much so that the British-made phony Italian was being touted as the real thing -- an obvious scam. As to why the authorities intend to destroy the car, let's listen to what one of the cops involved had to say: "It was a good fake but just a fake, Ferrari is one of Italy's crown jewels. We can't allow cheap copies."
Yes, well, we guess that makes sense. But are the cops allowed to crush the car out of some odd sense of damaged Italian pride? Looks like it. We here at Autoblog feel it's our duty to go ahead and give you a surefire tip on how to keep your faker from meeting the same fate - nobody suspects a Fiero-bodied Ferrari 308. Hint, hint. Thanks to Cosmin for bringing this to our attention!

[Source: Austrian Times]

Outraged Italian police set to crush fake Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>355 Berlinetta355BerlinettaFerrariFerrari 355Ferrari 355 BerlinettaFerrari355Ferrari355BerlinettaItalian PoliceItalianPoliceItalyMR2PoliceToyotaToyota MR2ToyotaMr2Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Show Must Go On: Italy's Bologna salon forges ahead without automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/the-show-must-go-on-italys-bologna-salon-forges-ahead-without/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/the-show-must-go-on-italys-bologna-salon-forges-ahead-without/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/the-show-must-go-on-italys-bologna-salon-forges-ahead-without/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Local auto shows overseas like the one in Bologna don't really make a blip on our radar screens. Manufacturers might, upon occasion, use the venues to unveil a new product variant of generally limited consequence, but aside from the big shows in the United States, the significant foreign debuts for the U.S. market take place at the major shows like Geneva, Frankfurt, Paris and Tokyo. But if you thought the big shows were hit hard by a cost-conscious industry in remission, that's nothing compared to what Bologna's local show organizers are facing.

When we say "local shows," we're not talking about small towns, either: we're talking about the biggest shows in some of the biggest markets. After many major automakers withdrew, the organizers of the British Motor Show had to cancel the event for 2010. Barcelona's show has gone ahead, but only after significant government incentives. Now organizers of the Bologna Motor Show, the largest in Italy, have announced that the show must go on... despite the withdrawal of every major automaker that was expected to display there.

Last year's show in Bologna drew nearly a million spectators, keen to see what the industry had to offer under one roof. But the Fiat group - which comprises the vast majority of the country's carmakers - informed the organizers it wouldn't be participating. An offer was made to provide the space free of charge, but the remaining costs proved too high (vehicle transport, erecting a display, staffing, etc.), and shortly after, the rest of the industry followed suit, leaving the show with nothing to show. That hasn't deterred the organizers, however, who have shortened the run time from nine days to five and loaded it with motorsport displays in the adjacent stadium. Thus, the diehards will have something to flock to, but nobody's expecting the show to come anywhere near previous attendance numbers.

[Source: Bologna Motor Show]

The Show Must Go On: Italy's Bologna salon forges ahead without automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbolognaBologna Motor showBolognaMotorShowitalian auto showItalianAutoShowitalyitaly auto showItalyAutoShowmotor showMotorShowsalonTue, 13 Oct 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-fiat-to-close-bertone-purchase-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



On Thursday, Fiat is expected to put its John Hancock on a preliminary agreement to close its purchase of Carrozzeria Bertone, the coachbuilding arm of the Bertone company. In August Fiat won the right to acquire the builder, and it will throw €150 million at its operations over the next three years to return it to glory... or at the least allow it to begin producing new models.

Specific vehicles haven't been mentioned, but when (if) the Bertone factory reopens in late 2011, it's expected the production center will make the car that replaces the Euro-spec 300C. As a side note, that could be interesting because the European 300C is currently built by Magna, in Austria, and if Fiat brings production in-house that would mean more contract work taken from Opel's new papa. Jeep knockdown kits could also be shipped over and built for European consumption.

The purchase gives Fiat no stake in Stile Bertone, the now independent design firm that brought out the Mantide, so don't get your hopes up about wildly styled Chrysler supercars being built in northern Italy. Yet.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Fiat to close Bertone purchase this week originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsbertonechryslerfiatitalymanufacturingplantsWed, 30 Sep 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Trunk Zoo: Italian police reportedly find 1,700 animals stuffed in car's boot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/trunk-zoo-italian-police-reportedly-find-1-700-animals-stuffed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/trunk-zoo-italian-police-reportedly-find-1-700-animals-stuffed/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/trunk-zoo-italian-police-reportedly-find-1-700-animals-stuffed/#commentsFiled under: ,



A driver in Bari, Italy was stopped for a routine inspection of his car. When police got to the trunk, they found it filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. We have no idea how he got them all in there or, better yet, what kind of car he was driving, but authorities reportedly found the following hiding out in the boot: 216 parakeets, 300 white mice, 150 hamsters, 30 Japanese squirrels, six chameleons and over 1,000 terrapins.

The police say the man was going to sell the terrapins for €20 apiece ($29 U.S.), and although they didn't say it, we imagine he was going to sell the other animals as well. Instead, the animals have gone to local zoos while the police investigate and the man will get to sell cigarettes and phone privileges in the local hoosegow.

[Source: MyABC50 | Image: marfis75 via CC2.0]

Trunk Zoo: Italian police reportedly find 1,700 animals stuffed in car's boot originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalsanimals trunkAnimalsTrunkbarietceuropeitalypoliceMon, 28 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: All That and More at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/spoiler-alert-all-that-and-more-at-the-2009-italian-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/spoiler-alert-all-that-and-more-at-the-2009-italian-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/13/spoiler-alert-all-that-and-more-at-the-2009-italian-grand-prix/#commentsFiled under:


2009 Italian Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the midst of a Formula One season that's been anything but ordinary, how would you envision an ideal race to unfold? Ferrari and McLaren back on top? The two teams are responsible for most of the championships over the course of the past couple of decades, after all. The title-leading Brawn GP team taking another dominant victory? They've won over half the races so far this season. A new underdog to pull a surprise performance out of its hat? Nothing would surprise us at this point. Maybe some exciting wheel-to-wheel action and surprise spin-outs to shake up the order at the last minute?

How about all of the above? Because that and more is this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza had in store for race fans in one of the most exciting, surprising and pivotal races so far this season. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.


Gallery: 2009 Italian Grand Prix


Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: All That and More at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: All That and More at the 2009 Italian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Sep 2009 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 formula one world championship2009FormulaOneWorldChampionshipf1featuredfia formula one world championshipFiaFormulaOneWorldChampionshipformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegrand prixGrandPrixitalian grand prixItalianGrandPrixitalymonzaSun, 13 Sep 2009 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[What would a modern Fiat pickup look like? One designer has a theory...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/what-would-a-modern-fiat-pickup-look-like-one-designer-has-a-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/what-would-a-modern-fiat-pickup-look-like-one-designer-has-a-th/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/what-would-a-modern-fiat-pickup-look-like-one-designer-has-a-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fiat Sentiero pickup concept - click image above for high-res gallery

Picture it: you're on holiday in Ericeira, Portugal and wouldn't you know it, the Vespas you rented to take to Sintra won't fit in the back of the Peugeot. You bang on your Brit ex-pat neighbor's door to see if you can borrow his Ford Transit, but he's not home and the suspiciously young Hungarian lady backpackers he's letting crash are too stoned to remember where he went. This could happen to you, but not if design student Dragos Prodan has anything to say about it. Behold -- the Fiat Sentiero.

Feeling that Fiat needed a pickup truck specifically tailored to the European market, Mr. Prodan spent his last year in school coming up with a vehicle that is practical, functional and innovative. The truck also had to draw upon Fiat's design heritage as well as Italian design in general. We think the results are rather sharp looking. And the various cubby holes to stash stuff are always welcome.

The proposed 3.0-liter diesel V6 sounds like a smart engine, especially as the Sentiero has a payload capacity of 1,800 pounds and can tow nearly 5,300 pounds. In fact, forget Europe - bring this little darling Stateside. That is, if Fiat decides to build it.


Gallery: Fiat Sentiero

fiattruck10fiattruck20fiattruck30fiattruck70fiattruck40

[Source: Diseno Art via Pickuptrucks.com]

What would a modern Fiat pickup look like? One designer has a theory... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dragos ProdanDragosProdanFiatFiat SentieroFiat Sentiero Pick-UpFiat TruckFiatSentieroFiatSentieroPick-upFiatTruckItalyThu, 20 Aug 2009 19:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fiat to assemble 500 in Mexico, build engines in Michigan?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/fiat-to-assemble-500-in-mexico-build-engines-in-michigan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/fiat-to-assemble-500-in-mexico-build-engines-in-michigan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/fiat-to-assemble-500-in-mexico-build-engines-in-michigan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fiat 500 Abarth - click above image for high-res gallery

For the last couple of decades, there has been a genuine dearth of affordable Italians autos for us Americans. Sure, you could buy a lightly used Alfa Romeo Milano or a derelict Fiat Strada, but then you'd be a braver person than us. Or maybe you could get your hands on a severely fire-damaged Ferrari 308, but that's a entirely different level of sadomasochism. One that we're not comfortable with. But in reality, the cheapest piece of Italian four-wheeled machinery available to us Yanks has come with a trident badge. In other words, a $100,000 Maserati.

But hey, there's some good news for working class Italophiles -- the Fiat 500 is coming! Finally, Italian design and craftsmanship in an affordable package. Only thing is, the Cinquecento is going to be Italian design and Mexican craftsmanship. Er, make that Italian design and Mexican/American craftsmanship. According to an Associated Press report, Chrysler Group LLC is planning on building U.S.-bound 500s at their Toluca, Mexico assembly plant where they build the PT Cruiser. Not only that, but the engines that power the little-bitty Fiats might be built in Trenton, Michigan. Hmmm. Not really so Italian after all, is it?

Chrysler is reportedly also planning on building another very small car along with the 500. No official word on any of the other Fiat or Alfa Romeo products that might be heading our way - yet.


Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth


[Source: Detroit News]

Fiat to assemble 500 in Mexico, build engines in Michigan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500Alfa RomeoAlfaRomeoChryslerCinquecentoFiatFiat 500Fiat500ItalyMexicoMon, 17 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Mini Miglia - Slot car version of classic race to benefit Alzheimer's research]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/mini-miglia-slot-car-version-of-classic-race-to-benefit-alzhei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/mini-miglia-slot-car-version-of-classic-race-to-benefit-alzhei/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/05/mini-miglia-slot-car-version-of-classic-race-to-benefit-alzhei/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Mini Mille Miglia -- Click above for image gallery

This weekend saw the running of the first Mini Mille Miglia. No affiliation to the famous touring event, the Mini Mille is a greatly scaled down version of the race. How scaled down? Well, it's run on a digital Scalextric track for 1/32-scale slot cars in Umbria, Italy. Put on to benefit Alzheimer's research, the Mini Mille was a full 3-day program of public activities, including 14 different races throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Event founder Graham Lane built a 30-meter track tucked amid an Italian countryside: 20 meters of it is a central circuit, sightseers can dip off into a 10-meter loop into a forest-lined valley and over an aqueduct. Participants could either go with their cars to Umbria to race in person, or could send their cars and have them driven -- and photographed and videotaped -- just for the experience.

While it's too late to enter this year's race, it's not too late to start prepping your miniature runner for next year's Mini Mille Miglia. Nor is it too late to have a gander at the gallery of images below.


Gallery: Scalextric Mini Mille Miglia


[Source: Mini Mille Miglia via Pistonheads | Photo credit: Jaak Beentjes]

Mini Miglia - Slot car version of classic race to benefit Alzheimer's research originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etceuropeeventsitalymille migliaMilleMigliamini mille migliaMiniMilleMigliascalextricSun, 05 Jul 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Lamborghini sees no recovery until 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/report-lamborghini-sees-no-recovery-until-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/report-lamborghini-sees-no-recovery-until-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/report-lamborghini-sees-no-recovery-until-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce - Click above for high-res image gallery

After several years of record growth, Lamborghini, like most automakers, is struggling in a tough economy. Sales are down 30% so far in 2009, and the Raging Bull even laid off factory workers for seven weeks in an effort to keep down inventories. Chief Executive Stephan Winkelmann told Reuters that he expects the sales slump to continue through 2010, saying that the "crisis is very deep."

Winkelmann points out that sales are down over 40% in the US (Lamborghini's top market), and the company's waiting list has dropped from one year to six months. Lamborghini's struggles closely mirror problems with the economy at large; areas that have been hit by investment banking and real estate woes aren't in the market for Italian supercars.

Regardless of the dim forecast for the next 18 months, Winkelmann is still bullish when it comes to profits. The company cleared 60 million euros in 2008 ($84 million in US funds) and the Italian automaker expects to remain in the black even if sales take a 40% plunge. And the world renown luxury exotic automaker will have to stay solvent while vastly improving its carbon footprint. Lamborghini plans to reduce CO2 emissions coming from its vehicles by 35% in six years.


Gallery: Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce


[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Lamborghini sees no recovery until 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economyitalylamborghiniwinkelmannWed, 10 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/video-audi-drives-r8-straight-into-the-heart-of-ferrari-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/video-audi-drives-r8-straight-into-the-heart-of-ferrari-country/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/12/video-audi-drives-r8-straight-into-the-heart-of-ferrari-country/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch the commercial of an R8 V10 cruising through Maranello

The residents of Maranello used to the sight of rakish red two-door sheetmetal roaring under the impulse of several hundred horsepower - and they still do. Except when that metal hides a ten-cylinder engine and wears four rings on its hood. In this Audi commercial depicting an R8 V10 on a slow cruise through Ferrari country, the locals are shown to have a decidedly different reaction upon realizing that the German barbarians are no longer content to hang out at the town gates.

If you want to see some excited Latins, follow the jump to watch the commercial. Hat tip to Kobla!

[Source: Audi.tv via Quattro Videos]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country

VIDEO: Audi drives R8 straight into the heart of Ferrari country originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingaudiaudi r8audi r8 v10audi r8 v10 fsiAudiR8AudiR8V10AudiR8V10Fsicommercialcoupeferrariitalymaranellor8r8 v10R8V10supercarvideoTue, 12 May 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Power to the Papal: Fiat provides Vatican with specially-equipped Ducato van]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/power-to-the-papal-fiat-provides-vatican-with-specially-equippe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/power-to-the-papal-fiat-provides-vatican-with-specially-equippe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/power-to-the-papal-fiat-provides-vatican-with-specially-equippe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Pope Benedict XVI's Fiat Ducato Panorama - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Pope may be the Pope but he still needs to get around, which is why there have been so many additions to the Vatican motor pool for us to report on. His predecessor John Paul II may have received a Ferrari Enzo, but after selling his Volkswagen Golf, Benedict XVI has added a Volvo XC90, a BMW X5, a Volkswagen Phaeton W12, and a custom Mercedes G-Class to his serene stable. And now he can add one more, as Fiat has provided the Holy Father with a specially-equipped Ducato Panorama van for his tour of the earthquake-stricken region of Abruzzo in Italy, which also happens to be where the Ducato is made in a joint venture with PSA-Peugeot-Citroen.

The van is painted plain white with the livery of the Italian Civil Defence administration, which is managing the disaster relief, while inside the papal transport has been fitted with white leather sofas for His Holiness and his entourage. The Pope will be riding around Abruzzo to tour the tent camps housing the refugees, a local bassilica damaged by the disaster, and the coordinating headquarters for the relief efforts. Follow the jump for more detials in Fiat's press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the holy roller in high resolution.


Gallery: The Pope's Disaster Relief Fiat Ducato Panorama


[Source: Fiat]

Continue reading Power to the Papal: Fiat provides Vatican with specially-equipped Ducato van

Power to the Papal: Fiat provides Vatican with specially-equipped Ducato van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abruzzofiatfiat ducatofiat ducato panoramaFiatDucatoFiatDucatoPanoramaitalyjoseph ratzingerJosephRatzingerpopepope bendict xvipope benedictpope fiatPopeBendictXviPopeBenedictPopeFiatvaticanTue, 05 May 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Atlantic to headline Villa d'Este]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/ralph-laurens-bugatti-atlantic-to-headline-villa-deste/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/ralph-laurens-bugatti-atlantic-to-headline-villa-deste/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/ralph-laurens-bugatti-atlantic-to-headline-villa-deste/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic from the Ralph Lauren Collection - Click for a hi-res gallery

Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic will headline the classic cars assembling for the annual Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este. The ultra-rare coupe, even rarer than the Type 57 Atalante recently unearthed from a garage in England, is one of only three ever built, and will be coming back to Europe for the first time in 18 years. The special appearance of special Bugatti will help the marque celebrate its 100th anniversary this year, and the show its 80th.

While the famous fashion designer's classic Bugatti is sure to garner its fair share of attention among the classic motors on the shores of Lake Como later this month, Bertone, Zagato and Morgan are anticipated to arrive with brand new designs of their own, promising to make this year's Villa d'Este assembly an especially memorable event.


Gallery: Speed, Style and Beauty: The Ralph Lauren Car Collection



[Source: Luxist]

Ralph Lauren's Bugatti Atlantic to headline Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticbugattibugatti atlanticbugatti type 57bugatti type 57scbugatti type 57sc atlanticBugattiAtlanticBugattiType57BugattiType57scBugattiType57scAtlanticitalylake comoLakeComoralph laurenralph lauren collectionRalphLaurenRalphLaurenCollectionvilla desteVillaDesteFri, 10 Apr 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Italian traffic cameras investigated for red-light rigging that may have cost motorists $1.7M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/italian-traffic-cameras-investigated-for-red-light-rigging-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/italian-traffic-cameras-investigated-for-red-light-rigging-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/03/italian-traffic-cameras-investigated-for-red-light-rigging-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Red may be their national racing color, but there's little Italians hate more than red lights. And with good reason, it turns out: Stefano Arrighetti, creator of the T-Redspeed "smart" traffic system implemented across Italy, is under investigation for fraud on suspicion that he illegally forged transport ministry certification for his system. In place in over 300 municipalities, the system reportedly cuts the yellow-light time by half to ensnare motorists and charge them with running red lights. According to reports, some camera locations jumped from issuing 15 fines per day to more than 1,000. The net-net? The scheme may have fleeced motorists for more than $1.68 million dollars.

Arrighetti isn't the only one under investigation. Along with him are 63 chiefs of police and 39 local government officials. Local police are charged with rubber-stamping the automated tickets and sending them out without proper review. If the T-Redspeed system is indeed fraudulently issuing moving violations, it would be the local authorities reaping the benefit from the extra charges incurred.

[Sources: BBC News; Motor Authority]

Italian traffic cameras investigated for red-light rigging that may have cost motorists $1.7M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>italyitaly traffic camerasItalyTrafficCamerasred light camerasRedLightCamerast redspeedt-redspeedtraffic camerasTrafficCamerasTRedspeedTue, 03 Feb 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/30/first-drive-2009-porsche-boxster-s-with-pdk/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Italian countryside passes by in a blur. At an indicated 265 km/h (164 mph), we have hit the invisible wall. The accelerator pedal has been jammed into the carpet for the last ten seconds, yet the sleek Porsche cannot push the molecules of air away any faster. Thanks to a stiff headwind, simple aerodynamic drag has overcome the 310 horsepower engine and arrested our acceleration a bit shy of Porsche's quoted maximum speed. Regardless of the blustery gusts, the direct-injected flat-six buried in the middle of the chassis continues to wail as it sustains the fight. An approaching curve on the horizon convinces us to reluctantly lift off the gas.

We're in Sicily testing the new second-generation 2009 Porsche Boxster S. Significantly updated for the new model year, the drop-top coupe continues to impress us. How has Porsche improved its 12-year-old platform? Are the new powerplants significantly different from their predecessors? How does the Boxster compare to the Cayman? Follow the jump to find out and take a tour of Italy with the Porsche Boxster in our high-res gallery of images below.


Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S PDK


All photos Copyright (C) 2009 Michael C. Harley, Weblogs, Inc./ Porsche Cars North America

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK

First Drive: 2009 Porsche Boxster S with PDK originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Porsche2009 Porsche Boxster2009Porsche2009PorscheBoxsterAutostradaBoxserBoxsterboxster sboxster s porsche design edition 2BoxsterSBoxsterSPorscheDesignEdition2dual-clutchfeaturedFirst DriveFirstDriveItalyPDKporscheporsche boxsterPorscheBoxsterSicilyTest DriveTestDriveTop SpeedTopSpeedFri, 30 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes tries to burst Shuanghuan's tiny Bubble, gives up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/mercedes-tries-to-burst-shuanghuans-tiny-bubble-gives-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/mercedes-tries-to-burst-shuanghuans-tiny-bubble-gives-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/mercedes-tries-to-burst-shuanghuans-tiny-bubble-gives-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Mercedes decided to sue Shuanghuan Automotive for copyright infringement for its Bubble microcar (called the Noble in China), claiming it was a copy of the smart fortwo. BMW then decided to bring its own case against Shuanghuan, citing the Shuanghuan CEO as a blatant facsimile of the BMW X5 (that's the CEO on the wall in the above picture). Mercedes got the Bubble banned from display at a couple of auto shows, BMW won its copyright infringement lawsuit in Munich, and Mercedes sued the Bubble's importer, Martin Motors of Italy, to block sales of the car.

It was all looking good... until BMW lost its case in courts in Munich and in China. The Italian court ruled that "consumers could not get confused" when similar vehicles are offered "with a significant price difference." With BMW cold knocked out in the Copyright Cage Match, Mercedes has been left alone in the octagon with Shuanghuan bearing down on it. It also hasn't helped that Italian commentators have already said they don't think the two cars will be confused.

Now Mercedes is looking for an exit. Martin Motors countersued Mercedes for €100,000,000 - around $134.2 million USD - citing potential lost Bubble sales (that's a lotta Bubbles), and Mercedes doesn't want to lose its case and have to fork over colossal damages. Both sides expect the case to be resolved in a couple of weeks, and Bubbles are expected to go on sale this summer.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Mercedes tries to burst Shuanghuan's tiny Bubble, gives up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwchinacopyrightcourtfortwoitalylegalshuanghuanshuanghuan bubbleshuanghuan nobleShuanghuanBubbleShuanghuanNoblesmartsmart fortwoSmartFortwoTue, 06 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Second crash at Bond filming proves MI6 hates Alfas too]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/second-crash-at-bond-filming-proves-mi6-hates-alfas-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/second-crash-at-bond-filming-proves-mi6-hates-alfas-too/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/second-crash-at-bond-filming-proves-mi6-hates-alfas-too/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Filming of the latest Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, has been put on hiatus after two stunt drivers were injured during filming. The crash apparently took place while performing a chase sequence where one driver in an Alfa Romeo crashed into a wall while chasing Bond's Aston Martin DBS along the Gardesana, a curvy road that lines Lake Garda. The man behind the wheel of the Alfa was flown to the hospital in a helicopter and is in serious condition, while his passenger sustained only minor injuries.

This news comes within days of the previous crash that put one of the DBSs used for filming into the same lake, and despite the fact that filming was about to be wrapped today, the set remains closed until an investigation takes place. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Sources: CNN, MI6.co.uk]

Second crash at Bond filming proves MI6 hates Alfas too originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoAlfaRomeoaston martinAstonMartincrashitalyjames bondjames bond crashJamesBondJamesBondCrashquantum of solaceQuantumOfSolaceThu, 24 Apr 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[The Uragano handbuilt Italian supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/the-uragano-handbuilt-italian-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/the-uragano-handbuilt-italian-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/21/the-uragano-handbuilt-italian-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of the Uragano handbuilt supercar

Who doesn't dream of building his or her own supercar? It took four years for him to do it, but Filandri Moreno from Italy has inspirational neighbors such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani. Moreno possibly thought of famed supercar blowhards like Enzo and Ferrucio when naming his car the Uragano, which means 'Hurricane' in Italian, but blowing through 48 months is easy when you've got to design and fabricate a body and frame then populate it with the proper automotive subsystems. Rather than figure out how to set up a backyard foundry, Moreno borrowed an 4.2 liter bent eight from an Audi A8 for motivation and hung a large turbocharger off the rear for good measure. It's tough to say anything critical when someone's realized a goal that most of us will never achieve, but we're honestly underwhelmed by the look and quality of the Uragano's body fabrication. Not that we'd do much better than a lumpy C5 Corvette-looking thing that appears rendered in papier mache. Thanks for the tip, Trent!

Gallery: Uragano


[Source: PopSci]

The Uragano handbuilt Italian supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>handmade carhandmade supercarHandmadeCarHandmadeSupercarhomebrew carhomebrew supercarHomebrewCarHomebrewSupercarhomebuilthomemade carhomemade supercarHomemadeCarHomemadeSupercaritalian caritalian supercarItalianCarItalianSupercaritalyuraganoMon, 21 Apr 2008 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Counterfeit Ferrari ring busted in Rome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/counterfeit-ferrari-ring-busted-in-rome/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/counterfeit-ferrari-ring-busted-in-rome/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/counterfeit-ferrari-ring-busted-in-rome/#commentsFiled under: , ,


More than twenty years ago, Pontiac dealers sold their two-seat Fiero with a special "option" called the MERA. Essentially a complete re-body over the Fiero's then-advanced space frame, brand-new cars rolled out of the showroom looking much like a Ferrari 308. Over the next two years, 247 Fiero MERA models were built before Ferrari dropped a legal hatchet on the operation, and Corporate Concepts was forced to end production of their "kit."

We had put this blasphemy out of our minds until this week, when police in Rome uncovered a counterfeit car operation once again making fake Ferraris. In the Italian case, real customers (the police called them "car fanatics on a budget") were found to be paying upwards of $30,000 for each of these pseudo-Ferraris. The police report mentions that "donor cars" were involved, but they don't name names.

Photos released by the Italian police quickly confirmed our fears. In one image, a dusty red crackle-finish intake manifold proudly bears the Ferrari name. We recognize it as the 2.8-liter, 140-hp V6 that powered the Pontiac Fiero GT in 1988. The interior bares more irreverence as a knock-off Ferrari steering wheel tries to hide 80's-era GM switchgear. It is painfully obvious that the "Polizia" have stumbled upon an illegal reincarnation of the Fiero MERA, but this time on sacred Italian soil and offering more than one model. It is hard to imagine a criminal ring going this far to make a buck, but we are more stupefied by the knuckle-heads who actually paid them for these cars.

Thanks for the tip Mike!

Gallery: Counterfeit Ferraris

[Source: Reuters]

Counterfeit Ferrari ring busted in Rome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Corporate ConceptsCorporateConceptsCounterfeitFakeFerrariFieroItalyMERAFri, 29 Feb 2008 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone's emergency plan expected today]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/12/bertones-emergency-plan-expected-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/12/bertones-emergency-plan-expected-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/12/bertones-emergency-plan-expected-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bertone has landed in some very hot water and is facing Italian bankruptcy court within a week. The courts in Turin seem to think that the best thing for the company's 1,300 employees would be for it to shut down and go into bankruptcy protection. But before it draws its last breath, the famous Italian carrozzeria has one last trick up its sleeve, which is expected to be revealed later today.

The coachbuilder has long since evolved from being the small design house it once was into a major manufacturing facility, with capacity to produce 70,000 cars each year. But in order to break even, it needs to build at least 30,000 per year. It was building a special-edition MINI, but that ended over a year ago, and production of the Astra convertible ended two years ago. Over the last three years, according to reports, Bertone has lost €37.3 million ($55.4 million).

Industry insiders are speculating as to what Bertone's plan of action might entail, fueled by a release from chairman, CEO and owner Lili Bertone, which stated that the company received "a letter of intent from an industrial group with a strong track record in the automotive field." That hardly narrows it down, but speculation points towards former Fiat and Telecom Italia exec Gianmario Rossignolo, who is tipped to be preparing to produce a new SUV in Italy. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subscription required]

Bertone's emergency plan expected today originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybertoneemergencyitalyplanrescueturinWed, 12 Dec 2007 10:29:00 EST