Autoblog

2014 Jeep Cherokee uncovered with bold new look

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:10:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Jeep, Design/Style, Off-Road

Jeep has been shuttling around Alfa Romeo-based test mules and camouflaged prototypes of its replacement for the current Liberty for some time now. Those heavily disguised vehicles may have offered a glimpse of the new Jeep, but a new set of production-line images from Jalopnik tell a much more complete story.

Jalopnik report indicates unequivocally that the Cherokee name will be re-upped in place of Liberty, though it doesn't spell out exactly where that thinking comes from, though a name change has been rumored for some time. Chances are good that the same source that delivered these factory images delivered the name, as well.

The Cherokee absolutely has some Alfa Romeo DNA in its makeup, the final product is far from looking like its Guilietta ancestor. The athletic, high-waisted design is relatively attractive from what we can see here, though the grille and headlight treatment are sure to cause a lot of ruckus when the Cherokee makes its official debut at the New York Auto Show in April. The very narrow, pointed headlamps are pinched in a not particularly Jeep-ish fashion, and the curved, short version of the seven-slot grille is far more rakish than anything that Jeep has produced to date.

The Cherokee name, plus some fairly high wheel arches, hint that the new Jeep may still carry the vaunted "Trail Rated" stamp of approval. Good news for those purists still fearful of Jeep brand dilution. Inside we see a dial for Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive management system, as well.

We expect to have much more information about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, as we draw closer to its expected debut in New York. Until then, make sure to weigh in on our poll, below.

View Poll

2014 Jeep Cherokee uncovered with bold new look originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Motorsports photogs stranded at DFW airport get creative

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

Stuck - Click above to view video after the jump

What do you do when you're stuck on an overnight layover? Sleep? Read the same issue of Automobile four times? Beat Angry Birds? We would, too. For Formula Drift photographers Larry Chen and Joe Ayala, a lengthy layover in the empty Dallas/Fort Worth airport meant an all-night playground.

Armed with $30k worth of camera gear, the two set about creating Stuck, a playful documentary of their time alone with DFW. The two-minute clip has only been out for a few days, but it's already viral and has made YouTube heroes out of the two guerilla documentarians. Check out the full clip after the jump.

Continue reading Motorsports photogs stranded at DFW airport get creative

Motorsports photogs stranded at DFW airport get creative originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Hyundai Accent to "kick Fiesta's butt" says U.S. CEO John Krafcik

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:39:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Hatchback, Hyundai

Given the chance to ask Hyundai's US CEO John Krafcik a question, what would you ask? If you're a Jalopnik reader, you're apparently curious if Hyundai plans to bring over a five-door Accent hatchback. Krafcik took the time to answer the question in the affirmative, and then used the opportunity to proclaim that a five-door Hyundai Accent hatchback "will kick the Fiesta's butt."

Until we see the car in the flesh at the upcoming New York Auto Show and go for a drive, we'll hold off on coming down on one side of the butt-kicking. However, with the recent run of new products flowing from Hyundai there is a strong chance that Krafcik's words will hold true.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Hyundai Accent to "kick Fiesta's butt" says U.S. CEO John Krafcik originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jalopnik readers redesign the Scion Hako

Alex Nunez — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Coupe, Scion

Click above to vote at Jalopnik

The Scion Hako is one of the ugliest concept cars any of us have ever seen. Seriously, in New York, our watches stopped working in its presence. At the vehicle's introduction, Scion called its orange-hued affront to the senses a "sporty version of a box" -- a turn of phrase we're still trying to wrap our brains around. What's next? Record execs selling us the "easy-listening version of Slayer"? But we digress.

Our friends at Jalopnik were equally uninspired by Hako, so they asked their readers to build a better concept using the magic of Photoshop. They have winnowed down the entrants to a group of five finalists -- a mail truck (above), a better coupe (shown at right), a hot rod, a Hako-mino, and a Deora-ish pickup. Follow the jump to see the latter three and then head over to Jalopnik to vote for your favorite. The winning 'chopper will be announced tomorrow. His or her prize? A taste of sweet internet celebrity and some Scion hats. Don't delay, vote today!

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue reading Jalopnik readers redesign the Scion Hako

Jalopnik readers redesign the Scion Hako originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Mar 2008 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

China's BYD Auto takes Jalopnik on Cobo Center joyride

Alex Nunez — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:53:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Sedan, China, Green

BYD's Wang Chanfu and Jalopnik's Matt Hardigree say hi to the ALMS folks

Jalopnik's Matt Hardigree was minding his own business, speaking to representatives of China's BYD Auto following the company's Detroit Auto Show presser yesterday. BYD had just unviled its F6 DM, a dual-mode hybrid sedan. Discussions turned to taking the car on a brief ceremonial "test drive" that involved moving it a few feet with Matt riding shotgun. As company reps sprang into action, the chairman himself got behind the wheel -- and then it got interesting. You see, what was supposed to be a few feet turned into a not-particularly-legal drive through the show floor. The photo you see above shows BYD Auto chairman Wang Chanfu driving Matt through the ALMS press conference that was in progress at the time. A full firsthand account is posted at Jalopnik, and it is hilarious. Read it here.

[Source: Jalopnik]

China's BYD Auto takes Jalopnik on Cobo Center joyride originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Changing of the guard at Jalopnik

John Neff — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

If you're into automotive blogs on the internet, you know that Autoblog and Jalopnik are like Ford and Chevy, Coke and Pepsi, or any other great pair of products that divides our desires. There was a time when Autobloggers and Jalops didn't talk to each other and no link love flowed between the two sites, but things have changed since those dark days, mostly thanks to Mike Spinelli, who announced today that he's stepping down as Editor in Chief of Jalopnik.

Typical of Spin and the type of entertaining posts you'll find at Jalopnik, his announcement is posted from the back hills of rural Italy, features prominently his dog Zoe (and a Renault 5 Turbo), and is as engaging as every post he's published over the past few years.

Spinelli will remain at Jalopnik as Editor at Large, though the mantle of EIC will be handed over to Ray Wert. We owe Spin a lot for not only helping our two sites help themselves, but also for playing a major role in legitimizing this little thing we do called blogging.

We'll miss racing you back to the media center too, Mike. Especially because Ray's legs are longer and he can run faster.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Changing of the guard at Jalopnik originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jalopnik gets fresh duds, gives away VW "micro"-bus

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:43:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen

Jalopnik recently launched a new site design, and realized its new look required a vehicle giveaway to keep them near the head of the class. You won't hear any argument from us. A previous re-do brought speculation of an engineless early 80's El Camino, but unfortunately that never happened.

This time around they wanted something unique and stylish, and decided to break the bank with an audacious fully custom VW Microbus, nicknamed "Samba." Breaking the bank meant the piggy bank on Wert's desk, so what they settled on was a Maisto G-Ridez edition 1:10 scale Volkswagen R/C Van. While the scale is no way indicative of their place in the blogosphere (Number forty-two in your program, number one in your hearts), the van seems a good fit for their demographic, which puts a premium on non-conformity and anti-social behavior. Click through the read link to find out how you can win Samba for yourself.

Jalopnik gets fresh duds, gives away VW "micro"-bus originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Fully-undisguised 2008 Honda Accord

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, Honda

Jalopnik has scored some primo spy shots of the 2008 Honda Accord. Super-shutterbugs Brenda Priddy & Co. captured both the sedan and coupe out in the open as they were being prepared for a photo shoot. As you can see by looking at the coupe (click image at right for full views), it's basically a dead ringer for the concept car Honda trotted out in Detroit, only the production version's got a nicer-looking lower front fascia. Around back, the concept's through-the-bumper exhaust has been replaced by a conventional setup. The sedan also receives the new face and its profile is now graced with a BMW-esque kink in its C-pillar. Head to Jalopnik to see all the pics, then weigh in with your opinions.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: Fully-undisguised 2008 Honda Accord originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Group bans drifting at Altamont Motorsport Park, hypocrisy ensues

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

Yesterday, we got an impassioned plea from AB reader Ray about the upcoming hearing at the Alameda County Administration Building, where efforts to ban both drifting and overnight camping at the historic Altamont Motorsports Park are underway.

We've attended a number of events there, including the monthly Thursday night drifting event, where anyone with a helmet and a vehicle that can pass tech can enjoy all the powersliding mayhem they want in a controlled environment. We've only gone to observe, but have found the group to be a well organized, safety conscious band of enthusiasts.

A couple who moved into a house down the road in 2005 (and promptly built a motocross track on their property, by the way), formed a two-person organization called "Community for a Better Altamont", the goal of which is to reduce the impact of traffic and noise in the neighborhood. Our friends over at Jalopnik have an excellent commentary post on the matter that outlines the players, the facts and the hypocrisy.

[Source: Jalopnik, Community for a Better Altamont, Tracy Press]

Group bans drifting at Altamont Motorsport Park, hypocrisy ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

New York Auto Show: Meet your media professionals at the Jalopnik 2.33 Party

John Neff — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:08:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Etc.

Davey Johnson models the Jalopnik uniform - a Husker Du shirt and full facial hair

We spent a nice night on the town in NYC after the first press day of the 2007 New York Auto Show came to a close on Wednesday. We wined and dined, walked for miles and finally ended up at the Manhattan Car Club where fellow bloggers from Jalopnik were throwing a party to celebrate their blogging birthday of sorts (the site is around two and one third years old). The Jalopnik crew were gracious hosts and offered free drinks and loin burgers to a crowd of automotive journalists that's very accustomed to being fed for free.

If you've ever wondered who the power players are in the world of online automotive journalism, check out this gallery of the event that's been captioned by one Ray Wert, Jalopnik's resident socialite and host with the most.

[Source: Jalopnik]

New York Auto Show: Meet your media professionals at the Jalopnik 2.33 Party originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler PR responds to gag ad pull

John Neff — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:46:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler

The Chrysler Group's PR chief Jason Vines responded yesterday to the company's decision to ask YouTube to yank the two not-ready-for-prime-time gag ads that Jalopnik had posted and featured on its blog this week. Vines explains the two ads were "part of an outtakes reel for the real gag ads." The two profane ads, he goes on to say, were released without permission, which subsequently sent Vines into a profane-peppered rage of his own after learning of the breach when he returned home from the L.A. Auto Show.

We're not entirely certain what the "real gag ads" are and for what reason so much time and effort was spent producing professional quality gag ads that could never be legally aired in the U.S. Regardless, Vines considers the issue dead. Unfortunately, the Jalopnik crew may find it in their hearts to forgive, but they never forget.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Chrysler PR responds to gag ad pull originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Dec 2006 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jalopnik Needs a T-Shirt Slogan

Alex Nunez — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 20:49:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Our friends at Jalopnik are holding an online vote to decide what their T-Shirt slogan should be.

The list is long, distinguished, and Camino-laden. It is also funny, so you should go read through the candidates and vote immediately. I myself voted for "Save the Enzos," which is laying down the smack with extreme prejudice so far. I'd have gone 'Camino but it looks like two of them may still make it into the finals, where they will potentially Ross Perot each other. Clearly, this is more exciting than this past November's election.Other slogan candidates namecheck Chuck Norris and, of course, Jason Vines. Like a jilted Oscar hopeful, GM's Steve Harris is nowhere to be seen on the list of nominees.

Remember, voting is a civic duty.

Jalopnik Needs a T-Shirt Slogan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 20:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments