Autoblog

On Veterans Day, a word of thanks

Alex Nunez — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST

We'd like to take a brief pause from the normal frivolity around here to acknowledge and salute America's veterans. Thanks to all the men and women who have served our country, for the innumerable efforts and sacrifices you have made in the past and continue to make today. It is because of you that we have the great freedoms we take for granted. For that, we are humbled, and we are very grateful.

Thank you.

[Image: Flickr - dklimke via CC 2.0]

On Veterans Day, a word of thanks originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Work, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Military, Specialty

7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo - Click above for our huge image gallery

This past Sunday was the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California, and after our experience there last year, we just had to go back for more. As you might guess from the title, this is more than just another hot rod gathering. Attendees get a chance to see mega horsepower air transport as well as earthbound movers and shakers. Even better, folks can actually get up close and personal with military vehicles, airplanes, jets and helicopters too. It's like an open house for the military, with a few hundred muscle cars thrown in for good measure. Hot rodders (and bikers) tend to be a fairly patriotic bunch, so the combination is a perfect match. Make the jump for our report from the ground.

Gallery: 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors Expo

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Autoblog at the 7th Annual Wings, Wheels and Rotors show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Archival footage reveals Preston Tucker's novel military Combat Car

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Videos, Military

Tucker Combat Car - Click above to watch video after the jump

Preston Tucker was nothing if not an innovator. While best known for the failed automaker that bore his name and the 51 iconoclastic Tucker Torpedo sedans his venture managed to push out before shutting its doors for good in 1948, that company was not the entrepreneur's first foray into the transportation sector. Way back in the mid 1930s, Tucker and famed engine builder Harry Miller began designing race cars for the Indianapolis 500 before Miller's death in 1943.

Upon returning back home to Michigan, Preston Tucker commenced designing an armored Combat Car for the U.S. military. Though the design was ultimately rejected, the vehicle featured a number of innovations and eventually led to the successful manufacturing contract to produce Tucker Turrets for the U.S. Navy.

Hit the jump for some awesome archival footage of Tucker's Combat Car in action along with such innovations as same-size swappable bulletproof windows, separately adjustable headlights (not unlike those slated for the Torpedo), a bulletproof and multi-chambered radiator, individually-braked wheels and the ability to traverse rough terrain with a top speed of 115 mph.

[Source: YouTube | Photo: US Army via Warwheels.net]

Continue reading VIDEO: Archival footage reveals Preston Tucker's novel military Combat Car

VIDEO: Archival footage reveals Preston Tucker's novel military Combat Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Truck

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Knight KV Armored Vehicle

The first word that came to mind when we saw the Knight XV was this: warthog. Sure, there are other words you could use, but consider this: it's not attractive, it's ridiculously tough, it's called in to deal with nasty situations and it kills things, all of which tend to be the traits of vehicles that earn the moniker "warthog." Based on the Gurkha military vehicle, the 10,000-pound, Ford F-350 Super Duty-based Knight XV is armored to an unspecified degree, but looks like it will stop more than a pea-shooter. It's got a 6.8-liter V10 that packs 400 hp and 500 lb-ft to keep you moving, and inboard ABS brakes to get you stopped. Those tires are 40-inchers wrapped around 20-inch aircraft-grade wheels. Oh, and it also runs on E85, which means it's more environmentally friendly than any other warthog. Except the hairy one. Check out the specs after the jump, and the gallery of high-res photos below featuring details shots and images of the interior, as well.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: Knight XV Armored Vehicle

Continue reading SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you

SEMA 2008: Knight XV armored SUV lets you take your undergound lair with you originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Production Jeep J8 debuts in Germany

Alex Nunez — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Jeep, Military

Click above for a photo gallery of the Jeep J8

Unless you're a foreign military, government, or humanitarian organization, you're not getting your hands on the Jeep J8, a vehicle we think a number of Jeepers would be all over in about two seconds if it were to be offered in neighborhood dealerships. Available as a two-door pickup (above) or a four-door (like the civilian Wrangler Unlimited), the J8 goes on sale this month and was officially revealed at Euro Camp Jeep '08 in Germany.

Power comes from a 150-horse turbodiesel with 295 lb-ft of torque, with that juice going to all four wheels via a five-speed auto and Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD. The J8's built to be a workhorse, with a Dana 60 rear, leaf springs in back, upgraded brakes, and a revamped intake that lets it ford 30 inches of water and handle a sandstorm lasting up to five hours. Its max payload is 2,750 pounds, and it has a towing capacity of over 7,700 pounds. Because the J8's duties will vary depending upon who's placing the order, a variety of cargo and seating configurations are offered, as is left- or right-hand-drive. All this, and no, you can't order one. Yes, that sucks.

Gallery: Jeep J8

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Production Jeep J8 debuts in Germany

Production Jeep J8 debuts in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM launches Military Discount program

Merritt Johnson — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, GM

Members of the United States Armed Forces in need of a new vehicle just got bigger lift from General Motors. GM has revised its military discount program, allowing for increased savings over previous program iterations. Detailed information is available online at GMMilitaryDiscount.com for active and reserve members. The price reductions range from $1,500 for a Buick Enclave to $4,200 for a GMC Sierra. On top of that, other GM offered incentives may also be combined with the military program.

In order to promote the updated savings plan, the GM Military Discount Tour will be making stops at several different bases. The traveling show will feature a showroom complete with product specialists and a full lineup of GM's hottest products, making it even easier for time-constrained military personnel to get a feel for GM's most dynamic offerings.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM launches Military Discount program

GM launches Military Discount program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Contender for next-gen HUMVEE looks battle-tested in Baja

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Military

Now that the Hummer -- the original Hummer H1 -- is distinctly out of flavor, the U.S. armed services are busy looking for its replacement. Having put out a request for proposals, one of the supposed leading candidates is this: a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle developed by Navistar and BAE Systems, Inc, a British defense industry firm. The two together already provide the H1's temporary replacement, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle.

The Mad Max monstrosity has the same track as the H1, but that's about all they have in common. Built of many off-the-shelf components from Navistar's parts bin, the truck's modular build configuration makes an easier job of modifying it for different missions and repairing. It's shaped to disperse charges from roadside bombs, the armor is an inch thick, it has a flat floor to allow exit from either side of the vehicle, and it can escape a battle without a wheel and without engine cooling. Not bad. Follow the link to get the full specs on the military's potential new charge. But if they want something even more brutish, they could always go for this.

You may also remember that the producer of the original H1, AM General, is also working on its own candidate for the next Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, which we've yet to see.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Contender for next-gen HUMVEE looks battle-tested in Baja originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swiss Army Porsche? Matte olive-green 911 (video)

Noah Joseph — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Trends, Tuners, Performance, Supercars, Porsche

Looking at this custom Porsche, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the Swiss army had ordered up a fleet of military-spec 911s. Then you'd quickly realize that while it may be a versatile sports car, the 911 would not be the Porsche most utile for military applications, compared with, say, the Cayenne.

In reality what you're looking at is a "civilian" 911 tuned by aftermarket specialist, Sportec. Never mind the 800-horsepower engine this brat is packin', the real highlight is the original paint job. This 911 Sportec SPR1 is decked out in matte green, with dark wheels and a Swiss flag painted on the roof. The paramilitary hue might make it even harder to spot as it sprints to sixty in three seconds flat, that is assuming the Swiss machine can shift out of neutral.

Follow the jump to watch the video of the Porsche 911 Sportec SPR1 undergoing high-speed testing at Nardo.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

Continue reading Swiss Army Porsche? Matte olive-green 911 (video)

Swiss Army Porsche? Matte olive-green 911 (video) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Sideshow: Camo and military themes abound

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:34:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Etc.

Click for high-res gallery of camo and military-themed cars from SEMA

Considering that the majority of vehicles at SEMA tend to be rolling showcases for aftermarket companies, most of them are designed to attract as much attention as possible. After all, how better to make your car stand out from a sea of thousands than to give it an eye-popping paint job or use models or some other attention-getter (like 30-inch rims, maybe) to bring people into closer range to find out more about your products and services? It seems kind of ironic, then, that some have chosen to go the invisible route with their choice in exterior adornment -- as in camouflage. And then it struck us - that is precisely the point. Just like the new Malibu ads, invisible can be effective.

Follow the jump for more of the story and additional photos from SEMA.

Gallery: SEMA camo and military themes

Continue reading SEMA Sideshow: Camo and military themes abound

SEMA Sideshow: Camo and military themes abound originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: AM General Humvee prototype caught!

John Neff — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:52:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Truck, Work

click above image for more views of the AM General Humvee Prototype

Though normally hiding in bushes and waiting for the next-gen Mustang or Corvette Blue Devil to pass by, Brenda Priddy and pals sometimes spy things not meant for public consumption. They recently photographed a new AM General HUMVEE prototype that will be competing for the military's Future Tactical Truck System (FTTS) contract, which will produce the replacement for the current Humvee, of which some 140,000 are still in active service. Though prototypes from Lockheed Martin and other military contractors will also be submitted, this is AM General's bid to keep the Humvee in the game.

Follow the jump for more details and Priddy's own analysis of the vehicle that's aided by her consult with some military experts, and check out the high-res pics in our gallery below.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: AM General Humvee Prototype - spy shots

Continue reading Spy Shots: AM General Humvee prototype caught!

Spy Shots: AM General Humvee prototype caught! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michelin lands $1.7b Pentagon contract

Noah Joseph — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

The French military may not be fighting in Iraq, but their tires are: Michelin just landed an exclusive $1.7 billion contract with the US Department of Defense to supply the American military behemoth with tires. For the next ten years (at least), every vehicle in the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps deployed around the world will be shod in Michelin rubber.

This isn't the first Pentagon contract Michelin has won, either. The French tire company previously won a contract worth $700 million to supply the tires for all US warplanes. In order to meet the enormous supply demands of the US military, Michelin has invested a reported $16 million. For the sake of our brave boys and girls serving overseas, let's hope the French tires don't throw up their arms and surrender at the first time of trouble. (No whitewalls, please.)

[Source: F1i.com]

Michelin lands $1.7b Pentagon contract originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automatic for the People: Maserati delivers first 70 Quattroporte Automatics

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Europe, Maserati

Not unlike other exotic Italian marques, Maserati has a tendency to dramatize the offering of any slight variation of its cars just a bit. It's somewhat excusable when you consider that, aside from the MC12 supercar, their line-up consists essentially of two models. But while it'd be all too easy to overlook and dismiss the launch of the Quattroporte Automatic, for Maserati this is more than just a new transmission - the newest offering from the Trident marque represents Maserati's venture into the mainstream. It's a bit sad in a way, that even under the wing of the all-conquering Fiat conglomerate, a brand like Maserati can't remain a niche marque. But in the "real world" even the fabled Trident brand needs to turn a profit to stay afloat, so they saddle that screaming Italian V8 with a torque converter for smoother shifting in the hope of attracting customers who'd otherwise buy a Jaguar or a BMW.

Maserati delivered the first seventy Quattroporte sedans equipped with the ZF-sourced transmission to European dealers just two short weeks after its official unveiling at the Detroit auto show. The ceremony took place in the picturesque courtyard at the military academy in Modena, near the Maserati factory. While we can't quite get our heads around the idea of Cadillac, for example, presenting their latest sedan at West Point, the Italians (with good reason) take real pride in their automobiles - plus it made for a beautiful photo-op, and we've got the shots for you in the gallery (and the release after the jump).

[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Automatic for the People: Maserati delivers first 70 Quattroporte Automatics

Automatic for the People: Maserati delivers first 70 Quattroporte Automatics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is that a cannon in your Vespa or are you just happy to see me?

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 17:53:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc.

This scooter looks terribly exciting, till you learn that it needs Viagra. Sure, this Vespa Acma packs a badass barrel, but it was designed for transporting the cannons, not blasting other motorists. We wonder what the little 145cc engine would do when faced with the recoil, as well.

We'll admit that our French isn't what it once was, but the gist we took away from some research was that ACMA was a licensed assembler of Vespas in France and it was used by French Paratroopers in the late 1950s. The intimidation factor of puttering around on an "armed" Vespa would be fun. We're not sure how these looked on the battlefield though. We can't imagine that it'd be intimidating to see the troops roll in with olive drab Vespas. Even if they had a mortar barrel and shells on it, we think you'd surrender to laughter first. Apparently, though, these things were like the all-purpose little scooter that could. They even dropped them out of planes with parachutes. Still, it all smacks of something out of Monty Python to us, no matter how lethal. We also wonder if the riding posture is um, erect.

[Source: Hemmings]

Is that a cannon in your Vespa or are you just happy to see me? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 17:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MXT-MVA: HUMMER evolution squared?

Joel Arellano — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer

Could this be a future HUMMER? That's what a friend of Mobile Magazine's Dave White is hoping. The International MXT-MVA (Military Vehicle - Armored) is a variant of the MXT 4X4 pickup. While heavily armored, the all-terrain vehicle is more than powerful enough to quickly move five "sumo-sized" occupants with its V-8 diesel engine which produces 300 horsepower and over 500 lb-ft of torque. The bed and body of the MXT-MVA can easily be configured to hold soldiers and their gear, heavy weaponry, communication and navigation systems.

The military plans to use the vehicle for a variety of duties that include, but certainly aren't limited to an ambulance detail, a field shelter, and convoy protection. Unfortunately for White's friend, there are currently no plans to build the MXT-MVA for civilian use.

Related:
Armored personnel carrier puts Germantown in state of readiness
Don't try this at home: SUV with remote-operated shotguns
When a Hummer just won't cut it, think Force Protection

[Source: Mobile Magazine via Gizmag]

MXT-MVA: HUMMER evolution squared? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't try this at home: SUV with remote-operated shotguns

Erin Mays — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc.

If you think vehicle-mounted weapons are cool in video games, wait until you check them out in real life. Observe the HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System for Robotic and Manned Vehicles, which is available for use in both manned and unmanned (remote-controlled) ground vehicles as well as unmanned air combat vehicles. The company says the system, which is comprised of two 12-gauge shotguns mounted on a turret system, is ready for applications such as peacekeeping (oh, the irony), urban warfare and law enforcement right out of the box.

Check out this video of the twin shotguns mounted atop an SUV making short work of some potted plants -- pretty cool/scary stuff depending on your sensibilities. There are certainly some benefits to having firepower on tap you can control accurately yet remotely while safely ensconced inside an armored SUV.

Don't try this at home: SUV with remote-operated shotguns originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HMUV military-grade 4x4 being developed by JCB

John Neff — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Europe

You might remember JCB as the construction equipment manufacturer attempting to set the diesel land speed world with its oil-burning Dieselmax H1, which just happened to make its first run last weekend. Its other project is this Hummer-dwarfing off-roader called the HMUV, for High Mobility Utility Vehicle. JCB has recruited a team of professionals to design and sell the 6.7-liter HMUV, including former Land Rover managing director Mathew Taylor who will head up sales and marketing for the HMUV. While not originally intended as a roadgoing vehicle, the HMUV could reportedly be sold to private owners using a commercial version of the 4.4-liter diesel engine being tested in the Dieselmax H1. For military use, however, the HMUV can be ordered either as a pickup or fully-enclosed people carrier.

[Source: AutoExpress]

HMUV military-grade 4x4 being developed by JCB originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jul 2006 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The US military may get its own hybrid bruiser

Eric Bryant — Mon, 15 May 2006 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Work

The primary job of the US military's ground forces isn't to haul fuel, but you wouldn't know that by looking at the mix of cargo that it lugs around the battlefield. Approximately 70% of military vehicle cargo is fuel, which is no surprise considering that a large off-road truck may only get 2-4 MPG. Add everything up, and cost of getting that fuel to the front lines can top $600/gallon.

Oshkosh has a solution, however - the Heavy Expanded Mobility Technical Truck, or HEMTT, fitted with the company's ProPulse hybrid drive system. The system uses a diesel motor to spin a generator in a series hybrid configuration, where no mechanical connection exists between the IC engine and the drive axles. Ultracapacitors are used instead of batteries to store energy. The ProPulse system packs 300 kilowatts (just over 400 HP) of electrical power - enough to lug 13 tons of cargo around, over, or through just about any terrain. Used as a stationary generator, the HEMTT can power several houses in event of a power outage.

The packaging of the hybrid drivetrain leads to better operator comfort, vastly improved serviceability, and a center of gravity that's lowered by over a foot when compared to a conventional drivetrain.

The system is currently in the prototype phase, and there is no definitive date for the system to enter active duty. The cost of the system is also unknown at this time. We just want to know when we can pick one up at a surplus auction.

[Source: AP via Yahoo!]

The US military may get its own hybrid bruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 May 2006 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hummer H1 retires from duty next month

John Neff — Sat, 13 May 2006 00:05:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Hummer

General Motors announced yesterday that the Hummer H1 will be discontinued sometime next month. About 12,000 have been sold to the public since the civilian version first went on sale in 1992.

Back then the Hummer was sold by AM General, the original developer and producer of the military version called the Humvee. To this day AM General produces both the military and civilian versions of the Hummer in its Mishawaka, Indiana plant, though it sold the marketing rights for the civilian version to GM in 1999. Since then it's also been contracted to produce the smaller Hummer H2 for General Motors.

AM General will not dismiss any of its workforce because of GM's decision to cancel the H1, but will most likely switch those workers over to production of the military version. The market for the military version seems to be pretty bullish right now, anyway.

[Source: USA Today]

Hummer H1 retires from duty next month originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 May 2006 00:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hummer H1 could be headed towards retirement

John Neff — Mon, 01 May 2006 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Hummer

When people think of Hummer these days they're more likely to conjure an image of the H2 than the original H1. A commemorated war veteran, the H1's sales have fallen to fewer than 400 last year, though each Hummer dealer is still required to accept at least one unit per year. A $140,000 price tag and fuel mileage that barely breaks into double digits mean the H1's days might be numbered.

The H3, Hummer's smallest model, has quickly risen to become the brand's most popular model, which indicates Hummer could be headed further down market with another smaller, more fuel efficient model. Martin Walsh, Hummer's new general manager, reassures the Detroit News that the brand will not resort to car-based crossovers like Jeep has done. Was that a diss? We think it was.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Hummer H1 could be headed towards retirement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 May 2006 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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