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[Elon Musk offering more of his own money to help widen LA's 405 freeway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/#commentsFiled under: , ,



While Henrik Fisker was in Washington, D.C. being grilled by Congress over government loans received by his former company, Fisker Automotive, Tesla co-founder Elon Musk was offering to give the California government money to help widen the 405 freeway.

With delays and cost overruns plaguing the expansion of one of the busiest stretches of road in the US, Musk has already kicked in $50,000 to move the project along and is apparently willing to spend even more to get the job done.

According to the LA Times, the widening of the 405 is already at least a year behind schedule and about $100 million over budget, and Musk was quoted as saying that he'd be willing to contribute more to hire new workers to help end the "horrendous" traffic. The estimated completion date is now set for fall of 2014, which likely doesn't factor in any more problems that, according to the article, have included structural failure to miles of sound walls and legal battles over some ramp placements.

Elon Musk offering more of his own money to help widen LA's 405 freeway originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>405 freewayelon muskla trafficlos angelesThu, 25 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20549217/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/25/teslas-musk-offers-money-to-widen-las-405-freeway/20549217/article-detail.xml 20549217 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/la-405-freeway-construction_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/la-405-freeway-construction.jpg <![CDATA[BMW brings burlesque, Warhol, M1 and 6 Series Gran Coupe to Paris Photo LA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/bmw-brings-burlesque-warhol-m1-and-6-series-grand-coupe-to-par/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/bmw-brings-burlesque-warhol-m1-and-6-series-grand-coupe-to-par/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/bmw-brings-burlesque-warhol-m1-and-6-series-grand-coupe-to-par/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



BMW has worked with Paris Photo for ten years. This year, the photography exposition lands in Paramount Studios in Los Angeles for the first time, and BMW is not only coming with it, the Bavarians are bringing the most famous Art Car of all: the 1979 M1 painted by Andy Warhol. For those attending the show, there will also be making-of video of Warhol working on the car - but if you remember the mini lecture that EVO magazine's Henry Catchpole gave on the Art Cars, you'll remember that Warhol finished the car so quickly that the cameraman barely had time to get the film rolling.

With that will also be a series of photos of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe dropped into noir scenes accompanied by burlesque models, all taken by photographer Uwe Düttmann. It's the first time they'll be exhibited at Paris Photo. You can check out a few of them in the high-res gallery above, and there's a press release below with more info.

Continue reading BMW brings burlesque, Warhol, M1 and 6 Series Gran Coupe to Paris Photo LA

BMW brings burlesque, Warhol, M1 and 6 Series Gran Coupe to Paris Photo LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy warholart carbmwbmw 6 series grand coupebmw m1los angelesm1paramount studiosparis photoMon, 22 Apr 2013 06:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20545539/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/bmw-brings-burlesque-warhol-m1-and-6-series-grand-coupe-to-par/20545539/article-detail.xml 20545539 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmw-6-series-gran-coupe-burlesque_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/bmw-6-series-gran-coupe-burlesque.jpg <![CDATA[LA traffic lights get in sync to ease congestion [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/la-traffic-lights-get-in-sync-to-ease-congestion-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/la-traffic-lights-get-in-sync-to-ease-congestion-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/la-traffic-lights-get-in-sync-to-ease-congestion-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

LA Synced Traffic Signals

Los Angeles is moving forward with a plan to ease traffic congestion by synchronizing all of the city's 4,398 stoplights. While smaller municipalities have followed similar plans in the past, LA is the first major city to take a stab at getting all of its lights to play nice together. If it works, the new system could increase average traffic speeds by 16 percent and reduce travel times by 12 percent. We imaging reducing the amount of time cars spend idling at a stop light should help reduce fuel consumption by a decent margin as well.

LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has said the move will reduce the city's carbon emissions by one metric ton while saving drivers one day of waiting in traffic at the same time. The system can also be utilized by emergency responders to reduce response times for ambulances and fire trucks. You can watch a local news report on the switchover below.

Continue reading LA traffic lights get in sync to ease congestion [w/video]

LA traffic lights get in sync to ease congestion [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lalos angelesstop lightstop lightssynchronized traffic lightstraffic lighttraffic lightsvideoTue, 26 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20473376/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/la-traffic-lights-get-in-sync-to-ease-congestion-w-video/20473376/article-detail.xml 20473376 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/la-sync-signals-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/la-sync-signals-628.jpg <![CDATA[Petersen Automotive Museum open its vault to public for first time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/#commentsFiled under: ,



Two years ago we went to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles to meet one of the original Black Beauty Chrysler Imperials from The Green Hornet television show. When the work was done, we were asked if we wanted a tour of the underground vault, to which we of course consented. We were instructed, however, "You can't mention this to anyone." And we didn't.

Now it's a secret that won't need to be kept if you're in LA from December 15 to January 6. The Petersen is opening its vault to the public for the holidays, offering guided tours of the roughly 250 cars in the stash to groups of 10 or fewer. You'll need an additional $25 ticket on top of the $12 museum ticket, but the metal in the photo above will immediately prove its worth. If you haven't seen the "Round Door" Rolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe, that is worth the price of entry by itself.

Each tour will last for more than an hour, so you won't worry about being rushed. You won't be able to take photos, however, and those under 12 will not be allowed. The press release below will tell you how to get into the automotive safe, and the high-res pics above will help you figure out where you want you want to focus your eyeballs when you get there.

Continue reading Petersen Automotive Museum open its vault to public for first time

Petersen Automotive Museum open its vault to public for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicslos angelesmuseumpetersen automotive museumvintageSat, 15 Dec 2012 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20402816/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/15/petersen-automotive-museum-open-its-vault-to-public-for-first-ti/20402816/article-detail.xml 20402816 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petersenvault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/petersenvault.jpg <![CDATA[Honda debuts "honed" 2013 Civic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/honda-debuts-honed-2013-civic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/honda-debuts-honed-2013-civic/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/12/honda-debuts-honed-2013-civic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Honda Civic - front three-quarter view

Here it is, folks - the highly anticipated "emergency refresh" of the decidedly disappointing ninth-generation Honda Civic. You know, the model that made the entire automotive media wear a collective frown. And the car that was dropped from the Consumer Reports 'Recommended' list. Critically speaking at least, it's been a bad year, Civic.

The vast majority of updates for the 2013 model are skin-deep, and Honda says the Civic has been "honed to make the segment's best-selling car even better." Up front, there's a new lower front fascia with a prominent chrome accent bar and a black honeycomb grille, along with new headlamps. The whole schnoz features more sculpted, shapely lines that flow up into the more curvaceous hood. At the back, Honda has redesigned the bumper and diffuser, and the chrome accent up front is mimicked at taillamp level. In fact, those rear lights themselves have been redesigned and now carry over onto the trunk lid. A host of new alloy wheels will also be offered.

Honda has not yet divulged any other details regarding the "safety, feature, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements" that will round-out this 2013 Civic, but it's clear the changes are an attempt to whittle the Civic's way back into critics' good graces. We definitely hope that some work has been done to the mechanical components you can't see, as our biggest complaint regarding the ninth-generation model was that it lost the great-to-drive dynamic that has historically been one of our favorite things about the Civic. Interior materials and overall fit-and-finish will hopefully receive a healthy once-over, as well.

Either way, it's impressive that Honda has reacted this quickly, pulling ahead a planned mid-cycle redo after the current generation had just one year on the market. It's an unprecedented showing - we can't recall the last time a mainstream car received such substantial year-over-year changes. What makes it even more unusual is that all of the hand-wringing among pundits doesn't seem to have affected sales - through October, Honda has cleared its decks of 276,196 Civics in the US - a 38.8-percent increase over last year.

Scroll down for Honda's brief press release detailing the styling tweaks to the 2013 Civic. The full smattering of details will hit the Interwebs as part of the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show festivities, with the car officially going on sale on November 29, the same day it gets its auto show reveal. Stay tuned.

Continue reading Honda debuts "honed" 2013 Civic

Honda debuts "honed" 2013 Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 honda civiccivichondala 2012la auto showlos angelesMon, 12 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20376744/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/12/honda-debuts-honed-2013-civic/20376744/article-detail.xml 20376744 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-honda-civic628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-honda-civic628opt.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/2014-subaru-forester-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/2014-subaru-forester-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/2014-subaru-forester-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Subaru Forester

Subaru has released two pictures and some preliminary details of the all-new 2014 Forester that will make its public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The new Forester arrives with either a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque or a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will make 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The exterior adds some more refinement and the turbo model loses its iconic hood scoop - something some of us are glad to see go. Instead, the turbocharged Forester receives a unique front fascia, seen here in the image above. Subaru says that the Forester's fuel economy will improve, but final numbers have not been released. The Forester will debut a new six-speed manual transmission and a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. (The CVT includes either six- or eight-speed manual modes so you can swap through the 'gears'.)

The fourth-generation Forester also features a new suspension and 8.7-inches of ground clearance for any tough off-road obstacles.

We'll have all the official details (as well as driving impressions) in about one month's time. For now, scroll down to read Subaru's official press release and stay tuned for the new crossover's live unveiling in Los Angeles.

Continue reading 2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut

2014 Subaru Forester revealed ahead of LA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 subaru foresterforesterla 2012la auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showsubaruWed, 31 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366945/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/2014-subaru-forester-revealed-ahead-of-la-debut/20366945/article-detail.xml 20366945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-subaru-forester-turbo-1351712114_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2014-subaru-forester-turbo-1351712114.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a time-lapse video of the Space Shuttle Endeavour's final voyage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/18/watch-a-time-lapse-video-of-the-space-shuttle-endeavours-final/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/18/watch-a-time-lapse-video-of-the-space-shuttle-endeavours-final/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/18/watch-a-time-lapse-video-of-the-space-shuttle-endeavours-final/#commentsFiled under:

Space Shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles

Moving the Space Shuttle Endeavour from its temporary home at the Los Angeles International Airport to its final resting place at the California Science Center was anything but a simple task. Though the distance was but a mere 12 miles, the shuttle's 78-foot wingspan, 122-foot length and 57-foot height cause major clearance issues.

Plus, including its support mechanism, the Endeavour package weight in at 292,000 pounds, which meant almost 2,700 steel plates had to be affixed to the road surface to support the payload. And through one portion of its travel over the 405 Freeway, the shuttle was towed by a Toyota Tundra pickup truck.

All of these challenges made moving Endeavour a logistical nightmare, and it arrived several hours later than planned. But arrive it did, in one piece with no damage, and we're lucky that its move was followed by so many camera-wielding spectators that the Los Angeles Times was able to piece together an awe-inspiring time-lapse video. See for yourself below.

Continue reading Watch a time-lapse video of the Space Shuttle Endeavour's final voyage

Watch a time-lapse video of the Space Shuttle Endeavour's final voyage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>california science centercalifornia space instituteendeavourlalos angelesspace shuttlespace shuttle endeavourThu, 18 Oct 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20354351/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/18/watch-a-time-lapse-video-of-the-space-shuttle-endeavours-final/20354351/article-detail.xml 20354351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/space-shuttle-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/space-shuttle-la.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Acura RLX to debut at LA Auto Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/2014-acura-rlx-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/2014-acura-rlx-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/2014-acura-rlx-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



During a mid-year speech being delivered in Japan, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. President and CEO Takanobu Ito stated that the production 2014 Acura RLX sedan will be revealed at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November. The RLX Concept (pictured) first debuted at the New York Auto Show this past April.

The most significant part about the RLX package will be its use of Honda's new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD, which is essentially a through-the-road electric all-wheel-drive system. This new technology uses three individual motors, and combined output is said to be somewhere around 370 horsepower, the bulk of which comes from a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. When the RLX Concept debuted, there was talk of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, but we'll see if that actually flows through to production.

A less-powerful, 310-horsepower, front-wheel-drive version of the RLX is also said to be in the cards. Acura initially stated that the RLX would be capable of achieving at least 30 miles per gallon in both the city and highway driving cycles.

We'll have more details about the 2014 RLX closer to its debut. The LA Auto Show festivities kick off on November 28. Scroll down to read Acura's press release, containing the full notes from Ito's speech.

Continue reading 2014 Acura RLX to debut at LA Auto Show

2014 Acura RLX to debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 acura rlxacuralala 2012la auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showrlxFri, 21 Sep 2012 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329876/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/2014-acura-rlx-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/20329876/article-detail.xml 20329876 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/rlxconceptfront2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/rlxconceptfront2.jpg <![CDATA[Ford's Farley addresses 'the burden of being Lincoln']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/fords-farley-addresses-the-burden-of-being-lincoln/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/fords-farley-addresses-the-burden-of-being-lincoln/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/11/fords-farley-addresses-the-burden-of-being-lincoln/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Lincoln MKZ on show stand - front three-quarter view

For at least two years, the plot lines concerning Lincoln have been "How much longer until Ford kills it?" and then "How much longer until Ford turns it around?" We were told that the 2013 MKZ would begin the resurrection of a brand that many felt nostalgia for, but not love (not unlike Cadillac of not so long ago). But Lincoln knows it can't get back in the good books with just one new model; Ford's global marketing chief, Jim Farley, clued Automotive News into the lengths Lincoln will go to get customers' attentions again.

Calling it "the burden of being Lincoln," Farley said that the company's duty is to "remove any barrier that would prevent people from considering a Lincoln, taking a test drive and deciding to buy." That means a "massive" and experiential marketing campaign called, in the interim, "Reimagined," that not only wants to make the case for the brand and its cars but give consumers plenty of ways to get into those cars and drive them. Perhaps most importantly, the campaign aims to do this with younger consumers: 65 is the average age of the Lincoln owner, Farley would like to get that particular demographic way down to the 35-50 bracket.

In attempt to make the most of every interaction, Farley said Lincoln will inaugurate at 24/7 "concierge service" that offers live sales reps to help customers build and price an MKZ. It will also rebrand itself Lincoln Motor Company, which is a bit of a head-scratcher, but apparently they've determined that that's what will resonate better with the "cultural progressive magicians" and "agile visionaries" in the 35-50 age group they're after. The push will commence with a music performance on November 26, around the time of the Los Angeles Auto Show. We don't have details on the event yet, but it will be live-streamed on the website that's home for the campaign.

Ford's Farley addresses 'the burden of being Lincoln' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lincoln mkzadvertisingfordjim farleylincolnlincoln motor companylos angelesmarketingmkzreimaginedTue, 11 Sep 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20320319/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/11/fords-farley-addresses-the-burden-of-being-lincoln/20320319/article-detail.xml 20320319 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mkzcampaignfarley_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mkzcampaignfarley.jpg <![CDATA[Highway patrol car of the future picked as this year's LA Auto Show Design Challenge theme]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/highway-patrol-car-of-the-future-picked-as-this-years-la-auto-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/highway-patrol-car-of-the-future-picked-as-this-years-la-auto-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/05/highway-patrol-car-of-the-future-picked-as-this-years-la-auto-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Subaru Horizon design sketch

For the last nine years, the Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge has been part of the LA Auto Show, pitting design studios from around the world against each other in a forward-thinking competition.

In the past, there have been a variety of challenge themes, including last year's "movie cars" challenge. This year the competition is turning to the likes of the California Highway Patrol, attempting to portend what law enforcement vehicles may hold for us in 2025. While previous competitions have set the future date as far as 2050, this date is a more tangible one, meaning that each entrant may be more closely rooted in the realities of cities throughout the world in the next decade and beyond.

According to Chuck Pelly, director of Design Los Angeles, "Adding the element of law enforcement to this year's competition creates another layer of importance that makes a challenge equal to the level of our participants."

Thus far, Bentley, BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, Honda, and Subaru have put their design studios to the task and accepted the challenge. The winner will be announced at an event during the LA Auto Show on November 29. See below for the complete press release.

Continue reading Highway patrol car of the future picked as this year's LA Auto Show Design Challenge theme

Highway patrol car of the future picked as this year's LA Auto Show Design Challenge theme originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>california highway patrolchpdesignla auto showla design challengelos angeleslos angeles auto showpoliceWed, 05 Sep 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20316765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/highway-patrol-car-of-the-future-picked-as-this-years-la-auto-s/20316765/article-detail.xml 20316765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/0002-subaru-horizon-la-design-challenge-opt_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/0002-subaru-horizon-la-design-challenge-opt.jpeg <![CDATA[Jaguar XFR-S hits the 'Ring in stealth mode]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/jaguar-xfr-s-hits-the-ring-in-stealth-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/jaguar-xfr-s-hits-the-ring-in-stealth-mode/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/jaguar-xfr-s-hits-the-ring-in-stealth-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jaguar XFR-S

Last time we saw the Jaguar XFR-S out testing, it didn't look any different from the already-slick XFR that's on sale right now. But as we get closer to the production car's debut - reportedly scheduled for the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show - the even-hotter XF's design is coming into focus. And might we say, she's a beaut'.

The XFR's aggressive appearance has been enhanced at the front with larger air intakes that look downright fierce, and lower skirts have been added to the sides. Out back, new bodywork has been added to the quarter panels and a larger lip spoiler adorns the trunk. The whole package looks awesome, and we can't wait to see what this bruiser looks like when all of the swirly paper has been removed.

Under the hood, expect to find Jaguar's delicious 5.0-liter supercharged V8, tuned to the same 550 horsepower as the XKR-S. That's a 40-horsepower increase over the standard XFR, and Jaguar will likely implement some exhaust tuning to make its Top Cat snarl with even greater volume.

Scroll through the above gallery to see the blacked-out prototype running 'round the Nürburgring.

Jaguar XFR-S hits the 'Ring in stealth mode originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto showjaguarlala 2012la auto showlos angelesspy photosspy picsspy shotsxfr-sMon, 20 Aug 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304877/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/jaguar-xfr-s-hits-the-ring-in-stealth-mode/20304877/article-detail.xml 20304877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-jaguar-xfr-s-spy-shots628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-jaguar-xfr-s-spy-shots628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Next Porsche Cayman earmarked for Los Angeles debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/next-porsche-cayman-earmarked-for-los-angeles-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/next-porsche-cayman-earmarked-for-los-angeles-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/20/next-porsche-cayman-earmarked-for-los-angeles-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ever since the 2013 Porsche Boxster debuted earlier this year, we've been wondering when its hardtop sister, the Cayman, would show up. According to Automotive News, we'll be waiting for many more months, as Porsche is reportedly set to hold off on debuting the Cayman until the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Much like the Boxster, the big changes for the new Cayman will be a reduction in weight and a focus on better fuel economy while not sacrificing performance. We fully expect both of the Boxster's flat-six engines to carry over largely unchanged, likely putting out 265 horsepower in its base configuration and 315 hp in the Cayman S.

We ought to have the official details ahead of the car's official unveiling, but until then, buckle in - it's still a long way 'til November.

Next Porsche Cayman earmarked for Los Angeles debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 porsche caymancaymanla auto showlos angelesporscheWed, 20 Jun 2012 09:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20261717/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/20/next-porsche-cayman-earmarked-for-los-angeles-debut/20261717/article-detail.xml 20261717 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-porsche-cayman-spy-shots_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-porsche-cayman-spy-shots.jpg <![CDATA[Will.i.am gets his unplated "Delorean" impounded]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/will-i-am-gets-his-unplated-delorean-impounded/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/will-i-am-gets-his-unplated-delorean-impounded/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/will-i-am-gets-his-unplated-delorean-impounded/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Will.i.am's custom car - white - front three-quarter view

Police in Los Angeles have impounded rapper Will.i.am's custom car. The recording artist was reportedly driving the gullwing coupe around the city with no license plate. When officers stopped the Black Eyed Peas frontman and checked the registration, they found an issue and sent the car to lockup. Will.i.am was cited for both the registration issue and failing to display a license plate, but was otherwise cooperative. A friend drove him from the scene. Police say the vehicle will be held until the proper paperwork can be organized.

As you may recall, the car, shown above, is the first from Will.I.am's new company, IAMAUTO. The prototype creation is understood to use pieces borrowed a donor Delorean and a Dodge Challenger and was built by the team at West Coast Customs. Will.i.am hopes to start serial production of the car near where he grew up in Los Angeles as a way to give jobs back to his hard luck community.

Will.i.am gets his unplated "Delorean" impounded originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black eyed peasedeloreaniamautoimpoundimpoundedlos angelespoliceregistrationwill i amwill i amwill i am impoundedwilliamMon, 18 Jun 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20260986/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/18/will-i-am-gets-his-unplated-delorean-impounded/20260986/article-detail.xml 20260986 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/iamauto_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/iamauto.jpg <![CDATA[Did LA's Carmageddon scare trigger a baby boom?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/#commentsFiled under: ,

carmageddon sign

If you ask us, the whole "anything-ageddon" craze that has permeated the news networks is getting a bit old. Take last year's "Carmageddon," which turned a 10-mile Los Angeles freeway closure into a two month-long, End of Days-style scare-fest. By the time the dreaded weekend arrived, the entire ordeal turned out to be a whole lot of nothing.

But while traffic around the 405 wasn't bad, it appears that couples might have been bumper-to-bumper back home. CBS This Morning reports that births appear to be up significantly the past couple weeks, which is noteworthy considering that Carmageddon happened a full nine months ago. We're guessing you can do the math on that one.

Since the month isn't even over yet, it's difficult to get definitive proof of this phenomenon. But the CBS show managed to find a few parents who confessed to avoiding the traffic and staying home for a little private time that weekend. One couple was going to name their new baby Chevy, but when they found out it was a girl, the name idea turned to Prius. What, Prius isn't a manly name? Hit the jump to watch the CBS report.

Continue reading Did LA's Carmageddon scare trigger a baby boom?

Did LA's Carmageddon scare trigger a baby boom? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>405405 freewaybabiescarmageddoncbs newsfreeway closurelalos angelesWed, 25 Apr 2012 13:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/25/did-las-carmageddon-scare-trigger-a-baby-boom/20223465/article-detail.xml 20223465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/baby-boom-carmageddon_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/baby-boom-carmageddon.jpg <![CDATA[Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Side car video on Mulholland Drive

From what we've been told, riding a motorcycle with a sidecar is a unique experience requiring massive amounts of upper body effort. With three wheels instead of two, riders can't use the textbook press-and-lean method to negotiate turns. This rider apparently missed that memo. While tackling the infamous Mulholland Drive just outside of Los Angeles, this sidecar rider employed a unique method for kicking around the road's multiple switchbacks. By shoving the sidecar into the air, the bike regains its ability to yaw far to the left. Very impressive, but what happens when the same technique is applied for a quick right-hander?

We're guessing tragedy. Likewise, we can imagine throwing a passenger into the sidecar mix would make for an additional challenge. Hit the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome

Sidecar acrobatics up Mulholland are the definition of insane, awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>los angelesmotorcyclemulhollandmulholland drivemulholland sidecar videosidecarsidecar videovideoMon, 19 Mar 2012 14:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/sidecar-acrobatics-up-mulholland-are-the-definition-of-insane-a/20196116/article-detail.xml 20196116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/crazy-side-car-video-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/crazy-side-car-video-628.jpg <![CDATA[One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Being agriculturally inclined to build barns in the country, we don't expect barn finds to turn up in the middle of a high-turnover metropolis. Yet that's been happening more regularly of late, and writer Michael Mraz has found another example in South Central, Los Angeles: a one-of-one Mercedes-Benz 1935 Caracciola 500K built especially for Silver Arrows race driver Rudolph Caraccioloa. It is pictured above in better days, after having been restored and displayed on the lawn at the Pebble Beach concours in the late 1970s.

What's amazing about the Caracciola 500K, and tragic for car lovers, is that it has a good deal of company: in a piece called "Wheels of Fortune" in the February issue of Town & Country magazine, Mraz found scaffolds full of vintage metal in awful condition, rusting outside in a parts yard called Porche Foreign Auto. They include:

...a pair of one-off prewar Maybachs; one of two Iso Grifo Spyders (designed and engineered by Giotto Bizzarrini, who also has the Ferrari 250 GTO on his résumé); one of 29 alloy-bodied Mercedes Gullwings...; a couple of BMW 502s and 507s; a half-dozen or so Lamborghini Miuras, with their mighty V12 engines; and the last surviving example of the seven Horch 855 Spezial Roadsters ever built, a specimen once owned by Eva Braun that was for a time on loan to the Audi Museum in Germany. (Audi was founded by August Horch.) Parked one on top of the other are dozens upon dozens of Porsche Carrera carcasses....

Porche Foreign Auto was started in 1967 by a German butcher named Rudi Klein, who bought the Caracciola 500K after it was shown at Pebble in 1978. He took it to a Mercedes show in Newport Beach in 1980, and when it wouldn't start he loaded it on a trailer and took it home. It hasn't been seen since, outside of the parts yard.

Klein passed away, and his salvage yard is overseen by his sons, who won't let any gawkers into to view the cars. Even Mraz was denied entry. But he spoke to folks who have seen the collection, and one said that there are vehicles people have sought for decades and thought had been destroyed. The head of the Mercedes Classic Center in Irvine believes the Caracciola 500K could be worth more than the 1937 540K Spezial Roadster that was auctioned for nearly $10 million at last year's RM Auctions at Pebble. But we might never know.

Town & Country doesn't have a proper website, so pick up the magazine to read the piece and see what the automotive world is missing. There's a sample of it in the attached gallery, but be warned, it's not pleasant to see.

One-off Mercedes 500K barn find discovered in South Central, LA salvage yard originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1935 mercedes-benz 500kbarn findcaracciola 500 klos angelesmercedes-benz 500 kmike mrazporche foreign autorudolph caracciolatown and countrySun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20153928/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/one-off-mercedes-550k-barn-find-discovered-in-south-central-la/20153928/article-detail.xml 20153928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/mrazcaracciola500k.jpg <![CDATA[Chevrolet takes the Guinness record for the world's largest claw game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sonic claw game

The Chevrolet Sonic marketing shenanigans continue under the rubric of "Let's Do This," this time with a five-story 3D projection of a claw game on the side of The Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. In fact, a couple of Sunset Boulevard's lanes had to be shut down to accommodate the controls, which were a waist-high gearshift and an acclerator pedal.

So big was the PR stunt that it earned Chevrolet a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the mightiest claw game on Earth. Follow the jump to see it in action and to watch someone win a non-projected, very real, Chevy Sonic.

Continue reading Chevrolet takes the Guinness record for the world's largest claw game

Chevrolet takes the Guinness record for the world's largest claw game originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet sonicclaw gameguinness book of world recordslets do thislos angelessonicyoutubeSun, 22 Jan 2012 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20152976/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/22/chevrolet-takes-the-guinness-record-for-the-worlds-largest-claw/20152976/article-detail.xml 20152976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevyclawgamesonic_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/chevyclawgamesonic.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai reveals details about new U.S. headquarters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai U.S. headquarters rendering

While Rhys Millen's been having smoking-rubber fun at Hyundai's old headquarters, plans continue apace on the new building that will replace it. The $150-million cost is the largest Hyundai has ever spent on an office building in the U.S., and for that money, the LEED-certified, Gensler-designed structure will be 419,000 square feet, featuring four stories of glass above a two-story pedestal entrance. A show of Hyundai models will be visible from the freeway, a feature you see rather often in Europe.

Follow the jump for a press release with more details on the command center that Hyundai says "represents Hyundai's vision for the future and reflects the innovation and creativity that our brand has come to represent."

Continue reading Hyundai reveals details about new U.S. headquarters

Hyundai reveals details about new U.S. headquarters originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturecaliforniafountain valleygenslerhyundai headquartershyundai hqleed certifiedlos angelesorange countyThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20139894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/hyundai-reveals-details-about-new-u-s-headquarters/20139894/article-detail.xml 20139894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/newhmusahq_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/newhmusahq.jpg <![CDATA[San Pedro, CA suffers massive slide, takes road with it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/#commentsFiled under: ,



City officials in San Pedro, California, have long had their eye on a section of bluff-top road in the area. Constant erosion had threatened to walk away with the asphalt altogether, and that's exactly what happened during a storm on Sunday, November 20. A massive section of the Paseo del Mar roadway vanished down the bluff, leaving road crews to ponder on how to go about repairing problem. The city first discovered cracks in the road surface last spring, though the extent of the storm's damage was something of a surprise.

For now, the city is urging residents to stay away from the road until a solution can be found. The Los Angeles Police department has stepped up patrols in the area to keep would-be sight-seers away from the unstable road. Some area activists have accused rampant bluff-top development for accelerated erosion, though the slide could simply be nature at work.

San Pedro, CA suffers massive slide, takes road with it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lalandslidelos angelesmudslideroad slidesan pedro landslidesan pedro road slideWed, 23 Nov 2011 18:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20113130/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/23/san-pedro-ca-suffers-massive-slide-takes-road-with-it/20113130/article-detail.xml 20113130 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lalandslide.e6f15a017642404083a8b5102d804884_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/lalandslide.e6f15a017642404083a8b5102d804884.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Infiniti JX crosses over into the big leagues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Infiniti JX

Few automakers make crossovers quite like Nissan does. And that extends to its luxury division Infiniti, as well. Infiniti crossovers tend to be, well... rather small. The FX combined a sportscar with a crossover long before BMW thought of the X6, and the EX is barely bigger than most hatchbacks. Want something bigger from Infiniti? That'd be the QX, but it's a proper truck-based SUV, and that behemoth just isn't for everyone. Enter the JX.

A new safety system warns the driver and even stops the JX if something scurries across its path while backing up.

Previewed in concept form at Pebble Beach back in August, the JX35 is now set to make its production debut at the upcoming LA Auto Show. Its design incorporates themes laid down by the Essence show car, but in a much larger form that encompasses three rows of seating for seven coddled souls. The JX is also jam-packed with luxury features and the latest technology you'd expect from a Japanese luxury automobile. That includes the usual suspects: adaptive cruise control, cameras all around, lane-departure warning and a Bose sound system. There's also a new industry-first safety system that warns the driver and even stops the vehicle if something scurries across its path while backing up.

All that tech and cabin space is handled by Nissan's 3.5-liter DOHC V6 driving 265 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque through a CVT to either the front wheels or all four. An independent front suspension handles the load up front, with a multi-link set-up in the back. Vented disc brakes larger than 12 inches in diameter at all four corners work with a host of electronic nannies to keep everything in check and are packed inside 18- or available 20-inch alloys.

Prospective buyers will begin taking delivery of 2013 models next spring, with prices starting at $40,450 - before taxes and delivery - for the front-wheel-drive model. Extra features are bundled into five packages, and together with all-wheel drive, can quickly push the price into the high-$50K range.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti JX crosses over into the big leagues

2013 Infiniti JX crosses over into the big leagues originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 la auto show2011 los angeles auto show2013 infiniti jxinfinitijx35jx350lala 2011la auto showlos angeleslos angeles auto showWed, 16 Nov 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105116/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/16/2013-infiniti-jx-la-2011/20105116/article-detail.xml 20105116 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-infiniti-jx-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2013-infiniti-jx-la.jpg -1 2