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[Lexus LFA to be sold in Europe through one dealership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/lexus-lfa-to-be-sold-in-europe-through-one-dealership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/lexus-lfa-to-be-sold-in-europe-through-one-dealership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/lexus-lfa-to-be-sold-in-europe-through-one-dealership/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Lexus LFA at Lexus Park Lane - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not the vindictive types here at Autoblog, but we can appreciate some measure of poetic justice. After all, how many lustworthy European supercars were made available over the decades to any European buyer with enough cash on hand, but those same cars were scarcely available on this side of the Pond? The Old Continent practically had the market cornered. But what goes around comes around, and in this case rather quickly, as Lexus has announced that its new groundbreaking LFA will be available in Europe, but only from one dealership. And that one location isn't even on the continent. It's in England.

London's Lexus Park Lane has been appointed as the sole sales location for the LFA in all of Europe. So any buyer from Monte Carlo to Oslo looking to get his or her hands on one is going to have to head here. A demonstration car has already arrived at the Park Lane showroom, and the dealership has appointed a dedicated "personal liaison manager" to handle all LFA sales.

The one part where potential European customers have us beat is that, unlike North American clients who'll have to lease their LFA, across the Atlantic customers can actually buy their example outright. Prospective customers can begin registering their interest now, orders will begin in the spring and deliveries will commence in 2011 and continue through 2013 until all 500 examples have been sold. Follow the jump for the full press release and check out the images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Lexus LFA at Lexus Park Lane


[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Lexus LFA to be sold in Europe through one dealership

Lexus LFA to be sold in Europe through one dealership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 lexus2011 Lexus LFA2011Lexus2011LexusLfa2012 Lexus2012 Lexus LFA2012Lexus2012LexusLfaenglandlexuslexus europelexus great britainlexus lfalexus park laneLexusEuropeLexusGreatBritainLexusLfaLexusParkLaneLF-ALFAlondonlondon lexusLondonLexuspark laneParkLaneFri, 04 Dec 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/bentley-does-a-double-decker-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/bentley-does-a-double-decker-for-charity/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/bentley-does-a-double-decker-for-charity/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Luke, a London Routemaster bus retrofitted by Bentley for St Luke's hospice - Click above for high-res image gallery

We haven't met anyone who works in the Bentley factory. (At least, this writer hasn't.) But we like them already. Because while workers at other assembly plants go on strike or to Eminem concerts when they've got no more work, the crew from Crewe puts their energy and considerable talents into charitable endeavors. A couple of weeks ago we brought you a collection of artwork created by Bentley craftsmen, scheduled to be auctioned off to benefit cancer research. Now they've completed work on a bus for a hospice.

The decommissioned London Routemaster double-decker city bus affectionately named Luke was acquired by St Luke's hospice - a care facility for the terminally ill in Winsford, Cheshire - earlier this year. The goal was to use it as a sort of "community charity bus" to be used for fundraising, public awareness and as a "traveling shop" for college campuses. We don't know exactly what that entails, but the results, billed as the world's most luxurious charity bus, are impressive.

Very different in nature from rival Aston Martin's bus project, 59 Bentley workers from the woodshop, tool-room and maintenance departments volunteered some 2,000 man-hours to transform Luke from a mode of public transportation into what looks like an impeccably well-crafted vehicle for charitable work. See for yourself in the gallery below, and follow the jump for the full press release.


Gallery: Luke the bus outfitted by Bentley


[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity

Bentley does a double-decker bus for charity originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleybentley charityBentleyCharitybuscharitydouble-deckerhospicelondonlondon buslondon routemasterLondonBusLondonRoutemasterlukeroutemasterst lukesStLukesMon, 30 Nov 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Parts Imitating Life: Sculptor uses car parts to make cars... and animals]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/parts-imitating-life-sculptor-uses-car-parts-to-make-cars-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/parts-imitating-life-sculptor-uses-car-parts-to-make-cars-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/parts-imitating-life-sculptor-uses-car-parts-to-make-cars-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

James Corbett's car parts art - Click above for image gallery

One man's junk is... well, you know. Watching the shiny metal grommets roll through his auto recycling plant in Brisbane, Australia, James Corbett doesn't appear to know the word "junk" when it comes to cars. He takes all of those leftover bits and makes superbly detailed sculptures of mostly vintage racers and, of all things, animals. None of the parts are bent or altered to help make the pieces, either. Corbett even built a full-size car out of parts and stuck a flathead V8 in it, and he still takes it racing.

Corbett has an exhibit coming up in London this month and then takes his show to Palm Desert, CA next year. If you don't get a chance to see the real things, we suggest you have a well-worth-it look at the images in our gallery below.


Gallery: James Corbett's Car Parts Art


[Source: James Corbett via Pistonheads]

Parts Imitating Life: Sculptor uses car parts to make cars... and animals originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artaustraliaautomotive sculptureAutomotiveSculptureeuropeexhbitionjames corbettJamesCorbettlondonsculpturesculpturesukFri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/video-vauxhall-trying-to-bring-back-roller-skating-groovy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Vauxhall skate party -- Click above to watch video

Vauxhall is rolling out the retro cool by holding an invitation-only roller skating event in North London on July 29. As part of the festivities, the General Motors division has reportedly commissioned bespoke sets of Vauxhall Corsa roller boots (seriously), and the event will even feature a "pit-stop themed hair salone with free styling from a 'huge name' in celebrity hairdressing." The secret party doesn't look to have a name, but it's got the kind of vibe that doesn't need one: "'70s disco meets Knight Rider on roller skates." If only the Knight Rider show had thought of that, perhaps it would still be on the air.

You can check out the details at www.tiny.cc/vauxhallskate, and you can get into the groove with video of a young lady doing her thing wearing Vauxhall Corsa skates after the jump. Hat tip to Clarence.

[Source: Event magazine]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy.

VIDEO: Vauxhall trying to bring back roller skating? Groovy. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corsaeventslifestylelondonpartyroller skatesRollerSkatesukvauxhallvauxhall corsaVauxhallCorsavideoThu, 09 Jul 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Stunning GTbyCITROËN concept car runs Gran Turismo London city streets course in real life!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/stunning-gtbycitro-n-concept-car-checks-out-londons-street-scen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/stunning-gtbycitro-n-concept-car-checks-out-londons-street-scen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/stunning-gtbycitro-n-concept-car-checks-out-londons-street-scen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GTbyCITROËN concept in London - Click above for high-res image gallery

The almost impossibly long and low GTbyCITROËN, which started life as a concept car for the wildly popular Gran Turismo gaming franchise (part of Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony's Playstation empire), has made its first real-life foray through London in a recreation of the video game's street circuit.

Though originally designed as nothing more than a model to drum up interest in the quirky French automaker and the oft-delayed next installment of Gran Turismo, there has reportedly been so much interest in the GT that there is actually a very real chance that Citroen will put the supercar into limited production, possibly powered by a rumbling V8 engine from Detroit.

While this thinly-disguised photo opportunity passage through Piccadilly surely took place at a snail's pace, we can only hope the French supercar aqcuits itself well as it storms up the upcoming 1.16-mile Goodwood Hill as part of the Sunday Times Supercar Run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which starts on July 3. Click past the break for the press release and below for a high-res gallery.


Gallery: GTbyCitroen in London


[Source: Citroen]

Continue reading Stunning GTbyCITROËN concept car runs Gran Turismo London city streets course in real life!

Stunning GTbyCITROËN concept car runs Gran Turismo London city streets course in real life! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroencitroen gtcitroen londonCitroenGtCitroenLondonGran TurismoGran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5GT5gtbycitroengtbycitroen londonGtbycitroenLondonlondonplaystationplaystation3polyphony digitalPolyphonyDigitalTue, 23 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/video-sir-stirlings-house-in-london-complete-with-carbon-fibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/video-sir-stirlings-house-in-london-complete-with-carbon-fibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/video-sir-stirlings-house-in-london-complete-with-carbon-fibe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Sir Stirling Moss' carbon fiber elevator - Click above to watch video after the jump

F1 drivers tend to accumulate a great deal of money over the course of their careers, and few have had careers quite as distinguished as Sir Stirling Moss. Over the course of only ten years in professional racing, he competed in about 500 races and won some 200 of them. So what did Sir Stirling do after he retired? He built himself a house that would make James Bond drop his martini.

Situated in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in London, the Moss residence includes such gizmos as a giant tray that lowers from the ceiling to bring him his dinner in front of the television, a remote-controlled jacuzzi tub, an automated inbox/outbox for his office, and - the piece de resistence - a carbon fiber elevator made especially for him by the Williams F1 team. But in case that's not enough, Moss is in the process of building himself a new high-tech, environmentally-friendly residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida. (Where else? The man's over 80 years old, for crying out loud.) Check out the video footage of Moss Manor in Mayfair after the jump.

[Source: The Independent and Sunday Times via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator

VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibercarbon fiber elevatorcarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFiberElevatorCarbonFibredeerfield beachDeerfieldBeachelevatorfloridalondonmayfairsir stirling mossSirStirlingMossstirling mossStirlingMossMon, 08 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: London mayor nearly killed on cycle while doing recon for new city bike routes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/video-london-mayor-nearly-killed-on-cycle-while-doing-recon-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/video-london-mayor-nearly-killed-on-cycle-while-doing-recon-for/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/video-london-mayor-nearly-killed-on-cycle-while-doing-recon-for/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to view the video after the jump

On AutoblogGreen, we regularly promote the idea of parking your car and using an alternative form of transportation whenever it's practical. For those living in urban environments, cycling is a common and often faster approach compared to driving, and congested cities the world over have been working to make pedaling more viable in recent years. One of those cities is London, England, which has been battling intense traffic through such means as a particularly contentious congestion charge.

Unfortunately for those that opt for pedal power, a great many cars and trucks will remain on most roads for the foreseeable future. That means cycling may be more environmentally friendly, but it's also very risky. London mayor Boris Johnson learned this the hard way this week while ironically scoping out locations for new bike lanes in the British capital. A truck that looks like it might have been going too fast down a narrow street very nearly triggered a fatal accident with the mayor and the British transport minister. You can check out the entire incident as recorded by one of the thousands of closed-circuit video cameras that line London's streets after the jump. Hat tip to John R.

[Source: The Guardian]

Continue reading VIDEO: London mayor nearly killed on cycle while doing recon for new city bike routes

VIDEO: London mayor nearly killed on cycle while doing recon for new city bike routes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclebike lanebike lanesBikeLaneBikeLanesboris JohnsonBorisJohnsoncyclingcycling accidentCyclingAccidentLondonlondon mayorlondon mayor boris johnsonLondonMayorLondonMayorBorisJohnsonMon, 25 May 2009 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Veritas RS III to officially debut at London Salon Privé]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/veritas-rs-iii-to-officially-debut-at-london-salon-prive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/veritas-rs-iii-to-officially-debut-at-london-salon-prive/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/14/veritas-rs-iii-to-officially-debut-at-london-salon-prive/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Veritas RS III - Click above for a high-res image gallery

You remember the Veritas RS III? The open-cockpit supercar is a revival of the 40's-era BMW racing team, spearheaded by a crew of enthusiasts dedicated to making the most visceral, back-to-basics driving machine known to man. With a choice of two BMW M-sourced powertrains - 480hp V8 or 600hp V10 - the Veritas hits 60 mph from a standstill in the three-second range en route to a top speed over 200 mph with either engine and no electronic aids. With a list price starting around $375,000, only 50 examples will be produced, and the first one has finally arrived. After initially spotting a prototype at the Nürburgring, followed by details a year ago and more details last summer, the blitzschnell supercar is finally ready for its close-up and it's set to take place in London this July.

Alongside several UK debuts, the Veritas RS III will be headlining this year's London Salon Privé, an exclusive supercar show at the Hurlingham country club. Other noteworthy dream cars on the docket include the Morgan Aero Super Sport and Aston Martin One-77, two British supercars making their UK debuts. Aston will also roll out its V12 Vantage and DBS Volante for the home crowd, while the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S and Maybach Zeppelin will be on hand for the first time in the UK as well. The show takes place from July 22-24, with tickets starting at a staggering £125 for a one-day entrance pass. Think that's a little steep? Then check out the updated image gallery below for a closer look. It's free.


Gallery: Veritas RS III



[Source: Auto Express]

Veritas RS III to officially debut at London Salon Privé originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 May 2009 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowhurlinghamlondonlondon showLondonShowsalon priveSalonPriveveritasveritas rs iiiveritas rs3veritas rsiiiVeritasRs3VeritasRsIiiThu, 14 May 2009 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[From London to Timbuktu... via Parajet SkyCar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/from-london-to-timbuktu-via-parajet-skycar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/from-london-to-timbuktu-via-parajet-skycar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/16/from-london-to-timbuktu-via-parajet-skycar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to see video of the Parajet Skycar in action after the jump
You know that saying, "From here to Timbuktu?" Apparently the people at Parajet do, and the 'here' in this case will be London. You see, the British flying car maker decided to use that phrase quite literally to show the world that their paragliding dune buggy can actually, well, fly. They've launched an expedition that will take them from London to Timbuktu, driving where they have roads available, and flying wherever they don't.

We first told you about the Parajet Skycar journey in November but now the adventure has officially launched. A Parajet Skycar took off from London, and the plan is to fly over France, Spain, Morocco and the Sahara, then - God-willing - arrive in the Malian capital of Timbuktu sometime in February. When we saw the Parajet Skycar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last summer, we learned that it makes use of a biofuel-powered Yamaha motorcycle engine to power either the rear wheels when ground-bound, or an airboat-type caged propeller when taking flight.

It needs just 200 meters of runway and has a cruising speed of (just) 68 miles-per-hour at 3,000 feet, but the Skycar can reportedly reach altitudes of 15,000 feet. Thankfully, parachutes are included. When driving, the car has a top speed of 108 mph and a range of 240 miles. We'll try to keep you posted about their progress, but check out the iMOTORTV clip we found of the Parajet Skycar in action, after the jump.

[Source: The Telegraph]

Continue reading From London to Timbuktu... via Parajet SkyCar?

From London to Timbuktu... via Parajet SkyCar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Londonskycarskycar expeditionskycar parajetSkycarExpeditionSkycarParajetTimbuktuFri, 16 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[London to consider scrapping congestion charge for economy's sake]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/london-to-consider-scrapping-congestion-charge-for-economys-sak/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/london-to-consider-scrapping-congestion-charge-for-economys-sak/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/london-to-consider-scrapping-congestion-charge-for-economys-sak/#commentsFiled under: , ,



London Mayor Boris Johnson is considering scrapping the city's oft-maligned Congestion Charge. The pay-to-drive strategy was instituted back in 2003 as a way of reducing traffic in the busy British capital, but it has met with fierce opposition from motorists and some politicians. Shortly after taking office, Johnson got rid of the latest extension which instituted the C-Charge in western parts of the city, but the Congestion Charge Zone is still alive and well in Central London. While it may be effective in reducing traffic (though that's often debated as well), the charge of £8 to enter the CCZ, along with fines of between £60 and £180 for non-payment seems to be enough to keep shoppers out of London during the holiday season, so it has been temporarily suspended. To help boost the city's ailing economy, Johnson is extending the downtime through January 1.

When asked if he would consider ridding the city of the C-Charge completely, Johnson didn't immediately discount the idea, saying that he'd "brood on it" for a while. While it's obvious that London has a serious congestion problem, in these troubled economic times, financial problems might take priority. Stay tuned.

[Source: PistonHeads]

London to consider scrapping congestion charge for economy's sake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boris johnsonBorisJohnsonc-chargecongestion chargeCongestionChargelondonlondon congestionlondon congestion chargelondon congestion charge zoneLondonCongestionLondonCongestionChargeLondonCongestionChargeZoneFri, 19 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[London congestion charge has failed to solve congestion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/#commentsFiled under: ,

London Congestion Charge: FAIL. According to the most recent reports, traffic in London is exactly as bad today as it was before the C-Charge was ever initiated. London motorists have made their opinion about the system clear in recently voting out ex-Mayor Ken Livingstone, a man who championed the charges and had plans to increase their dollar amount and expand their coverage. The new mayor, Boris "Fast Lane" Johnson, says, "I have always thought that the Congestion Charge is a blunt instrument." Blunt and ineffective, it would seem. While the number of cars within the city limits have gone down, other factors have crept up like an increase in bike and pedestrian traffic that keeps motorists crawling.

There is one thing that the London Congestion Charge was good at: making money. Last year alone, the C-Charges racked up some £268 million (a whopping $536 million) in charges. While it may be hard to see that income go away, the fact is that it still takes Londoners an average of 2.3 minutes per kilometer to drive through the city, so expect to see some major modifications to the system in the coming months.

[Source: Reuters via Motor Authority]

London congestion charge has failed to solve congestion originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boris johnsonBorisJohnsonc-chargeken livingstoneKenLivingstonelondonlondon congestionlondon congestion chargelondon trafficLondonCongestionLondonCongestionChargeLondonTrafficFri, 08 Aug 2008 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[London Motor Show Mega Post]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-motor-show-mega-post/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-motor-show-mega-post/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-motor-show-mega-post/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click any image above for a high-res gallery.

The British International Motor Show wrapped up earlier this week and although we weren't able to attend in person, we've assembled a sizeable gallery of live shots from the show floor. Unlike past shows in London, this year's event actually hosted some serious debuts, including the Lotus Evora, Honda OSM concept, Ford Focus RS, IFR Aspid, Renaultsport Megane R26.R, Lightning GT, a trio of Imprezas and the Opel Insignia. Some will make it Stateside, while others we'll adore from afar, but our gallery below is proof that London has come into its own. We're looking forward to next year's festivities and hopefully we can scrounge up enough scratch to make the trip across the pond.

Gallery: London Motor Show 2008

London Motor Show Mega Post originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bimsbritish international auto showBritishInternationalAutoShowlondonlondon motor showLondonMotorShowFri, 25 Jul 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Lexus shows the LF-A's heart in London]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/video-lexus-shows-the-lf-as-heart-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/video-lexus-shows-the-lf-as-heart-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/video-lexus-shows-the-lf-as-heart-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A concept.

The Lexus LF-A has taken the crown from the Chevy Camaro as the perpetual show queen that we're tired of seeing in concept form. Granted, it's already run the Nurburging 24 Hour enduro and has been spied enough times that we've almost stopped caring, but aside from an astronomical price, details are still scarce on Lexus' first attempt at joining the hyper car fray.

Thankfully, the automaker brought sometime else to the London Motor Show to compliment the two LF-A concepts on stage. Enclosed in a Plexiglas case is the 5.0-liter V10 that's slated to power the coupe, and although there's no accompanying spec sheet to give exact horsepower and torque figures (expect around 500 hp and 400 lb.-ft.), CAR shot a brief video showing some beautifully crafted exhaust manifolds and a gorgeous set of ITB trumpets. It's not much, but its small size is telling, providing further proof that the bent-ten will be mounted close to the firewall for a front-midship placement.

Check the video below the fold.

Gallery: Lexus LF-A Concept


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Roadster


Gallery: Lexus LF-A Racecar - Exterior and Interior


[Source: CAR]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus shows the LF-A's heart in London

VIDEO: Lexus shows the LF-A's heart in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexuslexus lf-aLexusLf-alf-alondonlondon motor showLondonMotorShowFri, 25 Jul 2008 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-renaultsport-megane-r26-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-renaultsport-megane-r26-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-renaultsport-megane-r26-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While most of our recent hot hatch affection has been aimed at the Ford Focus RS, Renault brought its own racy three-door to the London Motor Show party, and now we're torn. Admittedly, the Focus RS is easily the more suitable day-to-day driver - it's got a full interior and air conditioning -- but the Renaultsport Megane R26.R has all the kit for a serious track-day assault. Hell, it even has two Rs in its name.

With the new Megane slated to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, Renault wanted to give the current model a fitting send off. To that end, it took the existing Megane F1 Team R26, left the engine, gearbox and limited slip differential intact, modified the suspension and hacked off 271 pounds from its curb weight. The diet included the removal of the rear seats, passenger side airbag, climate control, fog lamps, headlight washers, rear windscreen wiper and the majority of the soundproofing material. In exchange, the R26.R received a carbon fiber hood, polycarbonate quarter and rear windows and a titanium exhaust.

Inside, the Renaultsport hatch makes the RS look positively pedestrian, with a set of carbon fiber Sabelt seats, six-point harnesses, leather and suede swathed steering wheel and gear knob, and an optional four-point roll cage. While output remains the same, at 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, the stripped R26.R lapped the Nurburgring in 8:17 - a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.

Only 450 examples will be made available when sales begin in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain this October. And unlike the Chevy Camaro, Renault released a video of the R.26R doing it's thing around the 'Ring... three seconds faster. Check it, along with the press release, below the fold.

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Continue reading London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>londonlondon motor showLondonMotorShowmeganer26.rrenaulltrenaultsportRenaultsport Megane R26.RRenaultsportMeganeR26.rTue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[More Kia Soul images revealed in London]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/more-kia-soul-images-revealed-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/more-kia-soul-images-revealed-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/16/more-kia-soul-images-revealed-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Kia Soul

While the production Kia Soul won't be revealed until later this year at the Paris Motor Show, the opening of the London show brings the release of more official images from the automaker. One thing's certain: it'll be hip to be square in 2009, when both the Soul and the Nissan Cube arrive to give the Scion xB some company. Kia also officially announced that the car will be offered exclusively in a front-engine/front drive layout and that it's 4,105 mm (161 in) long, 1,785 mm (70 in) wide, 1,610 mm (63 in) tall, and has a 2,550 mm (100 in) wheelbase. In case you were wondering, compared to the xB, it's got a shorter wheelbase and overall length, but is a hair wider and taller. The engine selection in Europe will consist of 1.6L gasoline and diesel four-cylinders. As you can see, the photos show a neat package that'll probably have plenty of folks embracing their inner geeks when it arrives in U.S. showrooms next April.

Gallery: 2009 Kia Soul


[Sources: Kia]

More Kia Soul images revealed in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia soulkia soul photosKiaSoulKiaSoulPhotoslondonlondon motor showLondonMotorShowparisparis motor showParisMotorShowsoulWed, 16 Jul 2008 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/porsche-claims-victory-in-london-congestion-charge-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/porsche-claims-victory-in-london-congestion-charge-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/porsche-claims-victory-in-london-congestion-charge-case/#commentsFiled under: , ,



London motorists can rejoice after a planned £25 daily congestion charge was lifted by a signature of consent order by an administrative court in London. Porsche was a major voice against the charge, and the German automaker went full-tilt in the courts to throw out former mayor Ken Livingstone's hefty tax. The proposed tax likely didn't do much good for Livingsone's re-election campaign, which he lost to Boris Johnson in May, who campaigned against the charge.

As the victor in the case, Porsche will receive a six-figure lump sum to pay its legal bills, but the German automaker isn't interested in the money. The money will be donated to UK-based Skidz, which teaches at-risk kids to be automotive mechanics. Mayor Johnson will now work to introduce a 'fairer and more effective' congestion charge. Hit the jump for a bit of Porsche gloating in press release form.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Continue reading Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case

Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congestion chargeCongestionChargelondonPorscheUKTue, 08 Jul 2008 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/honda-to-reveal-osm-open-top-concept-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/honda-to-reveal-osm-open-top-concept-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/honda-to-reveal-osm-open-top-concept-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The London Motor Show opens up on July 22nd and with it, comes a new concept from Honda, the Open Study Model or OSM. The lightweight, two-seater, open-air sports car is another design study by Honda that attempts to blend performance and sustainable motoring into a comprehensive package. Designed by Honda's R&D center in Offenbach, Germany, the OSM is a vehicle in the same environmentally friendly vein as the CR-Z concept unveiled in Tokyo last year, considered to be a low emissions alternative to the traditional sports coupe.

The CR-Z is still slated to be released sometime next year, but Honda insists that the OSM is strictly a design study and is not confirmed for production. However, as OSM (read: awesome) as it may be, it's not the next S2000, according to Honda spokesperson Steve Kirk.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakinghondahonda open study modelhonda osmHondaOpenStudyModelHondaOsmlondonlondon motor showLondonMotorShowopen study modelOpenStudyModelosmTue, 08 Jul 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[London Mayor: "No More Congestion Charges"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/london-mayor-no-more-congestion-charges/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/london-mayor-no-more-congestion-charges/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/london-mayor-no-more-congestion-charges/#commentsFiled under: ,

Motorists in London had high hopes when they elected Boris Johnson as their mayor. The former Conservative party leader is a well-known gearhead, and even moonlights as an automotive journalist. And those hopes may just yet be vindicated, as Mayor Johnson begins rolling back the Congestion Charges instituted by his reviled predecessor "Red" Ken Livingstone.

For starters, Boris has stated publicly and on the record, "I am not going to be having any more congestion charges." Although he has not yet dismantled the entire system, the Mayor has indicated that he is considering canceling its most recent extension into the Kensington and Chelsea neighborhoods, narrowing down the zone to the downtown core between Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. At the same time, Johnson is launching a half-million-pound public consultation into the entire C-Zone network, while campaigning for a "modal shift towards bicycling and walking, not just in inner London but also in outer London." We hope to hear good things soon.

[Source: PistonHeads]

London Mayor: "No More Congestion Charges" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boris johnsonBorisJohnsonc chargec zoneCChargecongestion chargecongestion zoneCongestionChargeCongestionZoneCZonelondonlondon congestionlondon englandLondonCongestionLondonEnglandmayor boris johnsonmayor londonmayor of londonMayorBorisJohnsonMayorLondonMayorOfLondonWed, 02 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EST<![CDATA[New low-emissions London Black Cab to be based on Mercedes-Benz Vito Traveliner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/new-low-emissions-london-black-cab-to-be-based-on-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/new-low-emissions-london-black-cab-to-be-based-on-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/new-low-emissions-london-black-cab-to-be-based-on-mercedes-benz/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Londoners could be swapping out black cabs for black vans pretty soon. EcoCity vehicles, through its subsidiary KPM-UK, has worked with LTI, the maker of the famous black cab, for almost 20 years. Now EcoCity has signed an agreement with Mercedes-Benz to produce cabs out of Vito Traveliner vans, which produce lower emissions than the LTI offering.

With 93-percent of the London taxi market owned by black cabs, we wouldn't expect to see Traveliners dominating The City any time soon. For EcoCity, it was more about offering a more environmental choice for drivers and customers. Former mayor Ken Livingstone was a big proponent of that, if you'll remember. And for the city of London, it could mean less of the brown stuff in the air. The Traveliner taxi will be launched next week, and go on sale shortly after.

[Source: The Telegraph via Carscoop]

New low-emissions London Black Cab to be based on Mercedes-Benz Vito Traveliner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black cabBlackCabecocitylondonltilti taxiltitaxitaxistravelinervitovito travelinerVitoTravelinerThu, 19 Jun 2008 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kia debuting all-new product at British Motor Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/kia-debuting-all-new-product-at-british-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/kia-debuting-all-new-product-at-british-motor-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/20/kia-debuting-all-new-product-at-british-motor-show/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Koup concept.

The PR talking points at the Kia both in New York focused on the automaker's plan to appeal to a younger demographic in the U.S. and abroad. Kia aims to be the youthful yin to Hyundai's more staid yang, with the introduction of the Koup concept in NY and the imminent arrival of the SOUL CUV (never mind that Hyundai was doing burnouts on the third floor of the Jacob Javits center while Kia took the wraps off its redesigned Optima).

Regardless, at this year's British International Motor Show (formerly known as the London Motor Show) Kia will be showing off five of the concepts that have graced the automaker's show stands over the last year, along with an announcement about a future Kia product. The automaker isn't releasing any details on what said vehicle will be, only saying that "this new and exciting car will give the clearest indication yet of the design future of the brand." The show gets under way July 23rd and Kia has announced that the mystery model will go on sale in the UK in 2009. What we're assuming is a Euro-only Kia will join 13 new or revised products in 2009 and 2010, all of which center around Kia's new slogan, "The Power to Surprise!" The exclamation point is theirs, not ours.

Hit the jump for Kia's press release.

[Source: Kia via CarScoop]

Continue reading Kia debuting all-new product at British Motor Show

Kia debuting all-new product at British Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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