Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Lamborghini Miura SV burns to the ground in London]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/lamborghini-miura-sv-burns-to-the-ground-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/lamborghini-miura-sv-burns-to-the-ground-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/08/lamborghini-miura-sv-burns-to-the-ground-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lamborghini Miura SV classic supercar burns in London

If there's one thing Italian supercars seemingly love more than moving quickly, it's being on fire. That even applies to iconic machinery like the Lamborghini Miura SV, one of our personal favorite exotics of all time. One such Lamborghini owner just witness their machine go all flambé during a photo shoot in London. Details are scarce at the moment, but it looks as if something went awry in the engine bay.

You can watch the disaster in the video below, but just make sure your stomach is well prepared for the nauseating sight. Nothing's worse than watching $700,000-worth of gorgeous collector car go up in smoke.

Continue reading Lamborghini Miura SV burns to the ground in London

Lamborghini Miura SV burns to the ground in London originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic carslamborghinilamborghini firelamborghini miuralondonsupercarsupercar firevideoMon, 08 Apr 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20532984/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/08/lamborghini-miura-sv-burns-to-the-ground-in-london/20532984/article-detail.xml 20532984 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/miura-on-fire-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/miura-on-fire-628.jpg <![CDATA[London firm hiring professional double-parkers to avoid fines]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/#commentsFiled under: ,



Autoblog sister site AOL UK reports that a company in London is hiring young drivers to sit double parked in the businesses vans, in an effort to avoid parking fines. As a traffic officer approaches, the drivers simply start up the van and drive away. Aspect.co.uk (a property management firm, as we understand) pays drivers around $12.15 per hour at current conversion rates to sit with the vehicles to avoid fines of up to $182 for illegally parking. Will Davies, the company's owner, says the ploy is within the bound of the law, saying he has gone so far as to clear the effort with traffic authorities.

While he currently uses the scheme to keep company vehicles from getting tickets while work crews carry out their tasks, Davies says he may eventually expand the model to a stand-alone business for the public.

London firm hiring professional double-parkers to avoid fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car-sittinglondonparkingparking ticketukunited kingdomvan-sittingTue, 02 Apr 2013 08:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523814/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/london-firm-hiring-professional-double-parkers-to-avoid-fines/20523814/article-detail.xml 20523814 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/london-parking-meter-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/london-parking-meter-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch an Ariel Atom receive a pit stop in the middle of London traffic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-an-ariel-atom-receive-a-pit-stop-in-the-middle-of-london-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-an-ariel-atom-receive-a-pit-stop-in-the-middle-of-london-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-an-ariel-atom-receive-a-pit-stop-in-the-middle-of-london-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ariel AtomCup Pit Stop Video

Just how quick can a pit crew from the Ariel AtomCup swap out a set of tires? Quicker than the span of your standard stop light. One crew set out to prove just that by serving up a full changeover at a downtown London intersection. The team not only manages a complete pit stop ( minus fuel, of course), but they do it with plenty of time to spare and under the watchful eye of a transfixed public. From jack up to jack down, the whole affair takes about 30 seconds.

As you may recall, the AtomCup is the only race series built around the now-legendary open-wheel machine. The series takes place at eight tracks in the United Kingdom, with racers campaigning Cup Spec Atom racers. While the car is technically road legal, the series doesn't allow owners to race their own cars in competition. You can find out more about the event here, and be sure to check out the pit stop video below.

Continue reading Watch an Ariel Atom receive a pit stop in the middle of London traffic

Watch an Ariel Atom receive a pit stop in the middle of London traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ariel atomariel atomcupatomatomcuplondonpit crewpit stopukvideoMon, 11 Mar 2013 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496188/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/watch-an-ariel-atom-receive-a-pit-stop-in-the-middle-of-london-t/20496188/article-detail.xml 20496188 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ariel-atomcup-pit-stop-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ariel-atomcup-pit-stop-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[London Black Taxi manufacturer sold to China's Geely]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

London black cabs

Geely, the Chinese company that also owns Volvo, now owns Manganese Bronze Holdings (MBH), makers of London's Black Cab. MBH went into administration late last year, and some had looked to Geely to rescue the company in which it had a 19.7-percent equity stake. Although it's taken three months to strike a deal, and more than half of the workforce was let go, Geely finally agreed to buy MBH for 11.4 million pounds ($17.9M US).

The purchase confers to Geely "the business and principal assets" of MBH, including the intellectual property and trademarks, equipment, properties, unsold stock, "goodwill" and complete ownership of the China-based joint venture in which Geely was producing the Englong SC7-RV. Happily for fans of the iconic product, the deal keeps production in Coventry and Geely has stated its desire to reestablish and grow the firm.

Reasserting authority in the UK taxi market and getting back in the good books of owners will take money and commitment. Manufacturers like Nissan and Mercedes-Benz have been poaching former owners of LTI products, and what current owners have seen as a lack of service and support has turned apathy into ire. Geely will need to put the time and money into new, competitive and reliable models to make a success of its latest purchase. If those new models can retain the Black Cab's aesthetic place in the London streetscape, all the better for it.

London Black Taxi manufacturer sold to China's Geely originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>administrationbankruptcyblack cabgeelylondonlondon taxiLondon Taxis Internationalltimanganesemanganese bronzemanganese bronze holdingsMon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20446955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/20446955/article-detail.xml 20446955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/london-black-cabs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/london-black-cabs.jpg <![CDATA[Eterniti Artemis "super SUV" officially bows, yours for $334K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/eterniti-artemis-super-suv-officially-bows-yours-for-334k/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/eterniti-artemis-super-suv-officially-bows-yours-for-334k/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/eterniti-artemis-super-suv-officially-bows-yours-for-334k/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Eterniti Artemis in London

As of November 9, 2012 Eterniti Motors, makers of the Artemis (nee Hemera), has a home in Park Royal, London. The company produces its "super SUV" at a facility in London and has opened the 10,000-square-foot atelier, design studio and showroom nearby. Revealed on the night was the production version of the Artemis, the Cayenne-based high-rider brawned up with a 4.8-liter V8 making 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.

The Artemis exists to satisfy "a car suitable for chauffeured transport but also for driving pleasure." Hence carbon fiber body panels, 23-inch lightweight wheels on low-pros, the interior of quilted leather, lambswool rugs, reclining and climate-controlled rear seats and a drink chiller with crystal tumblers. We don't know how the driven classes have survived all this time...

The price in all markets but China is the local equivalent of £210,000 ($334K US) plus taxes. A starlight headliner is free, further customization is not. More showrooms are expected to open next year, starting with Hong Kong. The press release below can tell you more.

Continue reading Eterniti Artemis "super SUV" officially bows, yours for $334K

Eterniti Artemis "super SUV" officially bows, yours for $334K originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artemisdealershipeternitieterniti motorshemeralondonshowroomTue, 13 Nov 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376635/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/eterniti-artemis-super-suv-officially-bows-yours-for-334k/20376635/article-detail.xml 20376635 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/eternitishowroom_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/eternitishowroom.jpg <![CDATA[London Black Cab maker struggling for survival]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/london-black-cab-maker-struggling-for-survival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/london-black-cab-maker-struggling-for-survival/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/24/london-black-cab-maker-struggling-for-survival/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The roots of London's Black Cab dig all the way back to the Austin FX3 of 1948, the current overall shape recognized by any modern visitor to London showing up in 1958 on the Austin FX4. Manganese Bronze Holdings Plc has been the company behind the Black Cab since 1984, but failing to invest in the product and increased competition have sent the icon into administration. Manganese has posted losses since 2008, sold a share of itself to Geely (yes, that Geely) in 2010, and had to post a 3.9 million pounds loss this summer due to an accounting error blamed on a new IT system. Unable to secure additional funding from Geely or any other investor, the company's been forced to enter the UK version of bankruptcy.

Manganese is considered the last Coventry-based auto manufacturer. However, manufacturing was moved to China after the Geely deal and the parts are merely assembled in Coventry. That hasn't provided the expected savings, and when the new TX4 cab needed to be recalled earlier this year over a steering fault, the money crunch got tighter. On top of that, Manganese owners have been complaining about service for years, Mercedes has been swiping customers with a Black Cab Vito, Nissan is poised to swipe more with its NV200. Point being, it has a great deal of work to do in order to be a going concern again.

A statement released by the company says, "The Board remains hopeful that the fundamental strengths of the company, the TX4 model and its global reputation will provide the platform for a successful business in the future."

London Black Cab maker struggling for survival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>administrationbankruptcyblack cabgeelylondonmanganeseWed, 24 Oct 2012 15:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20357680/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/24/london-black-cab-maker-struggling-for-survival/20357680/article-detail.xml 20357680 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/london-black-cab-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/london-black-cab-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch the star-studded London rollout of Land Rover's 2013 Range Rover [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/2013-land-rover-range-rover-london-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/2013-land-rover-range-rover-london-reveal/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/2013-land-rover-range-rover-london-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2013 Land Rover Range Rover - live reveal in London - front three-quarter view

The opportunity to succeed an icon doesn't come along all that often for automakers, and when it does, you'd best make a big fuss about it. That marketing message was well received by team Land Rover, who hosted a gala shindig for their 2013 Range Rover reveal in London on Friday night. A brace of the new SUVs rolled out to the assembled throngs at the Royal Ballet School in London's Richmond Park, with the lead Landie wading dramatically through a deep pool of water and onto the main stage as klieg lights swirled and flashbulbs punctured the darkness.

A secondary pair of Rovers subsequently rolled up smaller plinths, where they would be inspected closely by those in attendance - everyone from Land Rover executives to British actors, artists and athletes to Land Rover owners and socialites to... well, us.

Despite having attended a full day's worth of technical seminars on the 2013 Land Rover prior to the evening's festivities, this was our first real chance to clap eyes and hands on the Land Rover for more than a fleeting moment. We told you before in our Deep Dive that the new model has presence (even if we find some of the details finicky) and we stand by that assertion. We also note now that the design will be rather color-sensitive, as darker tones go some way toward muting some of the design features like the faux door vents. More than ever, the 2013 Range Rover will offer personalization options, including two different contrasting color options for the cantilevered roof (Santorini Black and Indus Silver) and even contrasting 'vent' colors. In total, there are 37 paint colors to choose from, although 22 of them are from the Autobiography collection (read: more $$$). Thus, how much one chooses to hide or draw attention to the design will largely be a matter of personal preference.

We managed to pick our way through the masses and into the dinner chair-height throne of the Rover for a bit, and found a lot to like with the simplified interior. The sea of knobs on the center stack has been greatly decluttered, as has the center console, which has fewer buttons and a less obtrusive Terrain Response II controller. What we like best about the interior is its strong rectilinear theme, with large, interrupted panels of leather, wood and metal that all feel as good as they look. We can't report on the functionality of the revised infotainment features, as the static demo vehicles had them turned off. The rear seat was also notably more expansive, and our five-foot, ten-inch frames had plenty of space all 'round, even with the panoramic sunroof.

Check out our gallery of live reveal shots and then scroll down to watch official video of the fourth-generation Land Rover's reveal, as well as a new promo film where you can watch and hear it in action.

Continue reading Watch the star-studded London rollout of Land Rover's 2013 Range Rover [w/video]

Watch the star-studded London rollout of Land Rover's 2013 Range Rover [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 land rover range roverland roverlondonrange roverroyal ballet schoolMon, 10 Sep 2012 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319973/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/2013-land-rover-range-rover-london-reveal/20319973/article-detail.xml 20319973 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-land-rover-range-rover-reveal-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2013-land-rover-range-rover-reveal-628.jpg <![CDATA[Cars of the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremonies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/#commentsFiled under: ,



There may not be an Olympic sport involving automobiles (yet), but cars were featured prominently in the closing ceremonies of the 30th Olympic games in London last night. The event was more of a rock concert than a ceremony, with musical performances by everyone from chart-topping boy band One Direction to pop veteran George Michael to The Who. The stage on which the first batch of artists performed, however, was set with small scale versions of London's architectural landmarks, and to make the mini city look and feel more like the real thing, organizers filled the empty spaces in between with enough cars, lorries and mopeds to recreate one of London's infamous traffic jams.

The vehicles began the show wrapped in what appeared to be newspaper clippings, but when the cameras zoomed in, the paper turned out to be printed with passages from famous English literary figures. As the show went on, the wrappings were ripped off to reveal a motley mix of automobiles including Britain's most iconic machines from Mini, MG, Austin-Healey, Lotus and even a three-wheeled Reliant Robin, as well as Italian and German metal and an even a classic American car or two. The Spice Girls even reunited on the tops of five British black taxis.



Later on, a trio of Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Drophead Coupes drove British pop artists Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Taio Cruz around the Olympic stadium like Mustangs in a parade. More interesting (to us, at least) than the performers in their backseats, these Rollers were each decked out with various trim pieces that commemorate the games in London, including a specially designed badge on their grilles that features the brand's iconic Spirit of Ecstasy flowing into the home country's flag. R-R claims this is the first time its cars have sported a new badge in the company's 108-year history.

Unfortunately, unless you DVR'd the ceremonies, there's no way to rewatch them quite yet until NBC and the International Olympic Committee say it's OK, so we've assembled a gallery of images above that you can peruse to see how cars played a part in the closing ceremonies of the 30th Olympiad.

Cars of the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremonies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin-healeyclosing ceremonyjessie jlondonlotusmgminiolympicsrolls-roycespice girlsMon, 13 Aug 2012 13:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299063/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/20299063/article-detail.xml 20299063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/10-london-2012-closing-ceremonies-cars1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/10-london-2012-closing-ceremonies-cars1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Check out Nissan's NV200 in London black cab livery [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Nissan NV200 London 'black cab'

The little black cab is to London what the yellow Ford Crown Victoria has been up to New York City. With the departure of Ford's Panther platform, Nissan has stepped in with its all-new NV200, which will soon be spreading like kudzu over NYC streets. It seems that London may also share the Big Apple's fate in adopting Nissan's new minivan as its taxi of choice.

The NV200 will scoot around London's tight city streets with the help of a 1.5-liter inline four, making 89 horsepower, but more importantly, returning 53 miles per gallon. That fuel-efficent engine also results in a 50-percent dropoff in CO2 emissions compared to the older cabs. It also meets the requirement of having a turning radius of 25 feet or less.

In terms of the rider's experience, the NV200 looks to be a vast improvement. The sliding doors provide easier access on either side of the vehicle, which has seating for five. The front passenger seat has been removed in favor of extra storage space, and there's a USB charging port located in the passenger cabin.

Nissan says its NV200 complies with all handicap regulations and has been approved by the London Taxi Drivers Association and disability groups, and that it will be priced "significantly below" the London Taxi Company's TX4, the current version of the UK's iconic black cab.

All well and good, but can it be turned into a hotel room? We shall see. Check out Nissan's new cab in the videos available by scrolling down.

Continue reading Check out Nissan's NV200 in London black cab livery [w/video]

Check out Nissan's NV200 in London black cab livery [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black cabliverylondonlondon taxinew taxinissannissan nvnissan nv200nissan vannv200taxivanvideoMon, 06 Aug 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20294001/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/06/check-out-nissans-nv200-in-london-black-cab-livery-w-video/20294001/article-detail.xml 20294001 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lodon-taxi-nv200-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lodon-taxi-nv200-628.jpg <![CDATA[London's special traffic lanes for Olympians branded 'Zil lanes']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ZIL 115 Limousine

The British have a unique sense of humor - think Monty Python and Benny Hill - and there's no reason that the 2012 Olympics shouldn't be cause for celebrating it.

So when we caught wind of this story from the BBC, we had to smile. It seems Londoners fed up with the Olympic intrusion into their daily lives have dubbed the special lanes of traffic used by athletes and IOC officials "ZIL lanes," in reference to the notorious practice of having dedicated lanes of traffic for Communist Party poobahs in the Soviet Union.

ZIL was the manufacturer of the giant black limousines - like the 114 model pictured above - that denoted party power in the old USSR. Despite having little traffic at the time, Moscow had a few of these rezervniye polosy lanes, according to the BBC, one of which is still in operation. While the ZIL limos are now resigned to history, Kutuzovsky Prospekt now sees plenty of high-powered German machinery ferrying Russian officials past the proletariat.

London's special traffic lanes for Olympians branded 'Zil lanes' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>114114 limousinelimousinelondonlondon olympicsolympicsolympics 2012soviet unionussrzilzil laneszil limousineThu, 02 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20290366/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/20290366/article-detail.xml 20290366 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/zil-114-limo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/zil-114-limo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

London taxi hotel

We don't know what kind of person would want to be traveling in London right now. With the Olympics in town, the city has become besieged with tourists, athletes and officials. The price of hotel rooms have skyrocketed, and the presence of Olympic-only bus lanes have locked up everyone else, who must share the road. The length of a cab ride has jumped tremendously.

It must be a maddening experience, but one London taxi driver has found a solution that benefits both he and at least one tourist per night. David Weekes has turned his taxi into a hotel room, and for $75 a night one guest can stay in the back seat of his London Taxi TX4. It comes equipped with mattress, bedding, alarm clock, and a Paddington Bear.

Due to the difficulties of being a taxi driver during the Olympics, many have contemplated leaving town until the games are over. Weekes, on the other hand, offers tourists relief from the high hotel rates.

The taxi remains in his driveway overnight, and if you need to use the restroom, simply knock on his door. It's all part of the unique living experience. So is getting driven to your hotel room, in your hotel room. Scroll down to watch a video from CNN.

Continue reading Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel

Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinhackney carriagehotellondonolympicstaxitx4Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20288839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/20288839/article-detail.xml 20288839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab.jpg <![CDATA[Audi opens first digital showroom in London [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/audi-opens-first-digital-showroom-in-london-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/audi-opens-first-digital-showroom-in-london-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/18/audi-opens-first-digital-showroom-in-london-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Audi opens digital showroom in London

When BMW recently opened a store on Paris' Avenue George V, that was first and foremost a retail play that offers interaction with its cars. Audi has just opened Audi City, a metropolis cyberstore in London, and gone the other way: this is where you go to buy a car as if you were shopping in a Regent Street or Saville Row boutique, with some retail bits thrown in.

Shoppers won't peruse windows, but the digital powerwall with a Microsoft-Kinect-like interface for building the Audi of your choice in 1:1 scale and with every option represented. Audi says it is complementing its dealer network with a corporate-run presence in the city - so-called 'Customer Relationship Managers' can be a shopper's point of contact should they wish to buy a car on the spot.

There will be at least 20 more Audi Cities opening in world hotspots by 2015. Check out the video below to see how it works and have a look at the press release.

Continue reading Audi opens first digital showroom in London [w/video]

Audi opens first digital showroom in London [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi cityauto buyingbrand storecar buyingcyber storedesignlondonluxury retailpiccadily circusretailvideoWed, 18 Jul 2012 11:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/18/audi-opens-first-digital-showroom-in-london-w-video/20279237/article-detail.xml 20279237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/audilondoncyberstore_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/audilondoncyberstore.jpg <![CDATA[London motorists owe about $270M in congestion charges]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/london-motorists-owe-about-270m-in-congestion-charges/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/london-motorists-owe-about-270m-in-congestion-charges/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/10/london-motorists-owe-about-270m-in-congestion-charges/#commentsFiled under: , ,

London congestion

Drivers in the UK owe a staggering $270 million in congestion charge fees, according to Transport for London. Surprisingly enough, that figure comes even as the number of those attempting to avoid paying the fines has declined. In 2010, 52,103 drivers skipped out on paying, while that figure plopped down to 33,684 in 2011. Transport for London says a "significant" amount of the owed money can be chalked up to diplomatic missions that refuse to pay up. Authorities in the UK have begun pursuing offending countries through the International Court of Justice.

Then there are the private individuals who continue to hold out. Transport for London has sent out around 200,000 letters over the past three years warning delinquent drivers of the legal ramifications they could face for refusing to pay. The organization has the power to send bailiffs to collect the funds.

Despite the hefty amount of owed cash, Transport for London says it is satisfied both with the fine system and the protocols for non payment.

London motorists owe about $270M in congestion charges originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>congestion chargelondontransport for londonukTue, 10 Jul 2012 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20273987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/10/london-motorists-owe-about-270m-in-congestion-charges/20273987/article-detail.xml 20273987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/london-congestion_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/london-congestion.jpg <![CDATA[1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Three]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-three/#commentsFiled under: ,



Check out 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One and 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two.

DAY THREE - THE SNOW BEFORE THE SWEET REWARD

So, yeah, on Day Two there were plenty of opportunities to try all chassis setups and I explored them all. So doing, I spotted those couple of things that could use work in the future. But I honestly have to say I was falling ever more under the spell of this car.

Almost immediately out of the night's stay in Annecy, the roads started climbing. This time of year is generally considered by most to be the warm season, but it quickly became cold and, toward the crest of Aravis Pass at near 5,000 feet, it was snowing.

Naturally, this was a text book opportunity for testing the Winter settings of both the Handling and Powertrain knobs on the McLaren console, and they succeeded in sucking the potential drama right out of the slippery proceedings. The eased-up feel of the ProActive chassis control together with the meted out progression of the throttle map soon urged me to carry much more speed through this whole white affair than I had thought possible as I was foolishly driving up into it.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Three

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Three originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Check out 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One



DAY TWO - THE FASTER CURVES OVER HILL AND VALLEY

If the first day was a warm-up just to get us to the good stuff in central France, Day Two of my McLaren MP4-12C odyssey was one type of pure sports car touring pleasure. The sun was everywhere, the roads were pure entertainment, and the five test cars glowed through the daylight hours.

I'm not talking about encountering a wild series of hairpins, mind you, but rather higher speed roads nonetheless filled with satisfying curves and stunning countryside. First, however, right at the start of the day's driving leg, I had a stop at the former grand prix circuit Reims-Gueux.

This more or less 7.8-km long (4.8-mile) circuit was extremely fast and therefore dangerous, given that in its earlier layout before 1951 it was essentially a triangle with three sharp right-handers and three very long straights to get you into trouble quickly should something go wrong. From 1954 through its closure in 1972, the circuit was reconfigured to an even faster 8.3 kms (5.2 mi). The main straight is nowadays actually the busy two-lane highway RN31 and the entire grandstand is still there on one side, the well-kept pit area on the other. Here and there around the pit structure is stenciled a beautiful sentiment: "Memoire des pilotes, respect du site." France is a nation not unknown for its abundant graffiti, but there is none of it to be seen here.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day Two originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 McLaren MP4-12C road trip - two examples on public roads

DAY ONE - UNDER THE ENGLISH CHANNEL INTO FRANCE

Since the very first viewings and tech workshops in early 2010 of the McLaren MP4-12C, I've been working my contacts in Woking, England for a cross-country drive in the innovative supercar. We're still talking about a possible New York to Los Angeles run, but while waiting on that, I was recently offered a 1,000-mile-plus dash from McLaren headquarters outside of London south to Monaco, traversing all of France to experience all types of pavement - and all types of weather, as it turned out - over three days. This would be the first official long distance drive organized by McLaren for the car. Not surprisingly, I accepted.

When first talked about in concrete terms to the outside world in 2009, the McLaren MP4-12C was billed not just as a lightweight, 592-horsepower holy terror performance car, but as a comfortable premium motoring experience more than capable of a London-to-Monaco run. I doubted this right from the start, but then my initial prototype drives got me thinking that maybe the claim was genuine. The macho 12C tears it up at the track as well as any exotic, but perhaps it can be used as a pleasant cross-country cruiser, too.

Continue reading 1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One

1,000 miles in the McLaren MP4-12C: Day One originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12Cfeaturedfrancelondonmclarenmclaren mp4-12cmonacomp4-12Cmp412croad tripwokingTue, 03 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264034/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/03/1-000-miles-in-the-mclaren-mp4-12c-day-one/20264034/article-detail.xml 20264034 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-road-trip-day-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mclaren-mp4-12c-london-to-monaco-road-trip-day-1.jpg <![CDATA[London celebrates Italian design with Pininfarina showcase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/#commentsFiled under: ,

Pininfarina Birdcage model

Most tend to think of Pininfarina as the company that designs Ferraris. And indeed it is. Most every Ferrari to leave the factory in Maranello over the past several decades has been styled by Pininfarina. But that's far from the only thing the famous design house and coachbuilder has done over the years.

Aside from the endless stream of other automakers for which Pininfarina has designed cars, the studio has also styled all manner of other products, from coffee machines and desk chairs to yachts and monorails. The list is virtually endless, and to highlight that point Pininfarina is displaying its wares at the Italian Cultural Institute at London's swanky Belgrave Square during the Olympics.

If you're planning on heading to the British capital for the games and are as enamored of Italian design as many of us here at Autoblog are, it looks like it may be worth checking out. See what we mean in the high-res image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading London celebrates Italian design with Pininfarina showcase

London celebrates Italian design with Pininfarina showcase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgravebelgrave squaredesignlondonolympicspininfarinaThu, 21 Jun 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261472/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/20261472/article-detail.xml 20261472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pininfarina-model_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pininfarina-model.jpg <![CDATA[BMW i3 gets luxury makeover for opening London BMW i Store]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/bmw-i3-gets-luxury-makeover-for-opening-london-bmw-i-store/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/bmw-i3-gets-luxury-makeover-for-opening-london-bmw-i-store/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/bmw-i3-gets-luxury-makeover-for-opening-london-bmw-i-store/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW i3 Concept

BMW has unveiled a new luxury version of the company's i3 Concept as part of the opening celebrations for the manufacturer's first i Store in London. Designers lathered the cabin in premium wood, leather and natural fibers, all with an eye toward sustainability. The wood trim is carved from Eucalyptus trees harvested in Europe, and the leather is tanned using a special olive tree extract instead of harsh chemicals.

The cabin is outfitted with bench seats front and rear, which allows for easy ingress and egress in tight city parking situations. The driver, meanwhile, is treated to three displays for vehicle information, climate control and entertainment options. BMW says the design does away with the need for a center console.

Power still comes from a 170 horsepower electric motor with 170 pound-feet of torque, which is good enough to scoot the concept to 62 mph in under eight seconds, thanks in part to a single-speed transmission. Top speed sits at 93 mph. The concept relies on lithium-ion batteries, which can be charged in around six hours via a standard socket, though a quick charger can reduce that time to around an hour. Expect a range between 80 or 100 miles depending on usage.

BMW i3 gets luxury makeover for opening London BMW i Store originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw i storebmw i3bmw i3 conceptconceptelectrici3 conceptlondonSun, 17 Jun 2012 20:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258732/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/17/bmw-i3-gets-luxury-makeover-for-opening-london-bmw-i-store/20258732/article-detail.xml 20258732 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-bmw-i3-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-bmw-i3-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mini reanimates Rocketman concept for London Olympics, is it reconsidering production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mini Rocketman concept (2012 London Olympics)

Has the Mini Rocketman concept really burned up like a fuse up there alone? Don't count it as grounded just yet, because while the last we heard BMW had canned the idea of producing the miniest of neo-Minis, it has given the original concept car a new lease on life.

As part of its partnership with the 2012 London Olympics, Mini has retrofitted the smaller-than-a-Cooper concept with a theme that celebratres both the games and the country hosting them. The red, white and blue of the Union Jack replaces the cold gray tones of the original, with the flag motif recreated out of the illuminated braces that support the glass roof. Carbon fiber still abounds, with white panels inside bearing the sites and years of previous Olympic games.

All in all, it's a rather stunning reimagination of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show concept, but only raises more questions in our minds as to whether the decision to axe the Rocketman's production possibilities isn't due for a rethink.

Continue reading Mini reanimates Rocketman concept for London Olympics, is it reconsidering production?

Mini reanimates Rocketman concept for London Olympics, is it reconsidering production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 london olympicslondonlondon olympicsminimini olympicsmini rocketmanmini rocketman conceptolympic gamesolympicsrocketmanThu, 14 Jun 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258356/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/20258356/article-detail.xml 20258356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rocketman-london_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rocketman-london.jpg <![CDATA[Jeremy Clarkson professes his love for... bicycles?!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/jeremy-clarkson-professes-his-love-for-bicycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/jeremy-clarkson-professes-his-love-for-bicycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/jeremy-clarkson-professes-his-love-for-bicycles/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jeremy Clarkson

Occasionally, we get the impression Jeremy Clarkson is simply screwing with the rest of the world. Either that, or he has no bodily control over over the way his lips, tongue and vocal chords move.

In the past, the "Top Gear" presenter has been notoriously belligerent toward any form of transportation that doesn't involve the burning of hydrocarbons, bicycles included. After famously railing that bikes and cars have entered into an undeclared war in London, Clarkson has come out in support of Copenhagen's bicycle culture, calling it "fan-bleeding-tastic." If that's not strange enough, he claims he would live in the city in a heartbeat.

Confused? According to Clarkson, the difference is that, while bikes are forced to co-exist with cars in London, Copenhagen cyclists simply have to contend with one another. As a result, there's no weird high-visibility clothing required and significantly less hostility toward your fellow man.

Makes sense to us, though we have a hard time envisioning Clarkson on a bike. The last time the personality took to something with less than four wheels, it didn't go so well.

Jeremy Clarkson professes his love for... bicycles?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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