Autoblog

This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings

Zach Bowman — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Citroen has taken a unique stab at commemorating Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena's nine World Rally Championship wins. Rather than work up yet another tired video of the champions expounding on the virtues, trials and and tribulations that come with being the very best for nearly a decade straight, the company whipped up a diorama atop Citroen DS3. The scale model covers nine separate rally terrains, including bits from Rally Finland and the Acropolis Rally. Each one of the nine sections features a 1:43 scale version of the duo's rally car from each year of victorious competition.

The model took Kieron Barter of Funky Lemon Design and his team some two months to complete. Initially displayed at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the diorama is set to start a tour of various dealers beginning today. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings

This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are you the next BMW X5?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

Who knew that diecast model makers could be such a good source of leaks? Less than a month after a diecast model 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA in China, someone overseas at Diecast Empire or Jadi Modelcraft could get a bath in boiling oil for leaking uncamouflaged images of the next-generation BMW X5.

Naturally, that assumes that this image from a brochure from a Jadi brochure is indeed the F15 BMW X5 - it was posted to Diecast Empire's Facebook page. In its favor, the lines all add up if we compare it to the most revealing spy shots we have of the coming crossover - the headlight corners, the metal trim separating the kidney grille from the opening just above the license plate, the cut of the swage line, and the fact that the model picture reveals all of the most important character pieces that BMW has kept covered.

There's something written on the door of the model image that isn't in the spy shots, but that could be an xDrive badge. We will see the genuine article soon enough and we'll know for sure. For now, we might have already seen its facsimile in miniature.

Are you the next BMW X5? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Belgian official tells Brussels Motor Show to nix racy spokesmodels [w/poll]

Michael Harley — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Visitors to the upcoming Brussels Motor Show - which starts January 11, and is expected to draw some 350,000 visitors - will have to focus all of their attention on the vehicles this year, as event organizers have asked the automakers to keep the eye-candy "appropriately dressed" on the show's floor and exhibits.

Apparently, there were reports of lewd behavior (by male visitors, not the models) at last year's event. This prompted Joelle Milquet, Belgium's equal opportunities minister, to fire off a letter to Belgian car federation Febiac, the company behind the event. "A motor show is a place where you go with your family, we have to question the stereotypes we are passing on to children and young adults," Milquet wrote.

It seems that the spokesmodel's attire is coming under attack quite a bit these days. As you may recall, the Belgian minister's actions come on the heels of Chinese authorities chastising the Beijing Motor Show over its scantily clad models at its most recent event. Does this mean SEMA will eventually become a family-friendly event too?

What do you think - Should automakers stop bringing so-called booth professionals to auto shows?

View Poll

Belgian official tells Brussels Motor Show to nix racy spokesmodels [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super tiny supercharged V8 engine enters production [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:16:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

If you've ever found yourself thinking the world needs more miniature supercharged V8 engines, think no more. Conley Precision Engines has put the finishing touches on its Stinger 609; a 6.09 cubic inch, fully-functional V8 engine. The little mill has its own supercharger, dual carburetors and a functional serpentine belt and turns out a full nine horsepower. The machine revs to a lofty 10,000 rpm and sounds like the offspring of a dentist's drill and a lumpy-cam small block. In other words, it's perfect. The Stinger 609 is 14 inches long from tip to tailshaft, just under half as wide and sits 10 inches tall. It tips the scales at 11.25 pounds.

Think this is the world's greatest paperweight? We'd be inclined to agree if the machine didn't carry such an eye-widening price tag. Conley Precision Engines will politely ask for $7,000 before handing you your own scale blown V8. We're just happy to live in a world where something like this exists. Check out a quick clip of the engine in action below.

Continue reading Super tiny supercharged V8 engine enters production [w/video]

Super tiny supercharged V8 engine enters production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1:1 scale model parts tree of Aston Martin's 1959 Le Mans winner is stunning

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Toys/Games, Design/Style

Every once in a while, we come across an automotive tchotchke that makes us go, "Oh. Wow." This is one of them. A work of art produced by Evanta Motor Company - the same that produces the arrestingly gorgeous DB4GT rebody. It's a model of the Aston Martin DBR1/2 that Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori drove to a Le Mans win in 1959. The awesomeness: it is a 1:1 scale model on a parts tree. Yes, as in a life-sized, 20.8-feet long and 11.3-feet high, weighing between 1,100 and 1,320 pounds.

Totally handmade in the style of an AirFix kit, the entire DBR1 bodyshell is included, as well as bits such as accurately upholstered seats, four 16-inch wire wheels with Aston Martin knock-offs, a Mota Lita steering wheel and a cap signed by Shelby and Salvadori. Each part is labeled and has an AirFix-like guide number attached as if you were were really going to pore over the instruction sheet for assembly.

There is only one of them and it is headed to auction during Goodwood Revival weekend at the Goodwood circuit in the UK. While we think almost any price would be acceptable, the auction guide price is $20,000-£30,000 ($31,286-$46,929 U.S.). That's got us wondering how much of our own junk we can sell to satisfy a desire bordering on can't-live-without. Read more about it in the press release below and check out the beauty in the gallery of Richard Pardon high-res photos.

Continue reading 1:1 scale model parts tree of Aston Martin's 1959 Le Mans winner is stunning

1:1 scale model parts tree of Aston Martin's 1959 Le Mans winner is stunning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese man makes the best Transformers model we've ever seen

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Videos, Toys/Games

Michael Bay's Transformers were true enough (for a Bay production, at least) to the original articles in their car and robot states, but their transforming sequences were epilepsy-inducing explosions of cranks and gears that made no sense at all. Admittedly, it didn't stop us from enjoying the first movie.

But the work of a Japanese modeler is what we've been looking for: his Transformer takes us all the way back to the original eightes series when Bumblebee was a Volkswagen Beetle. This is version eight, fitted with 22 servo motors - it even throws punches and does a jig - and we're told that version nine is on the way. We'd like to humbly request that all research on flying cars stops, and every resource be poured into a production version of this right now. Scroll down to check out the video.

Continue reading Japanese man makes the best Transformers model we've ever seen

Japanese man makes the best Transformers model we've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canadian lingerie model Maryeve Dufault jumps to NASCAR [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

There are rules in racing. Like not passing under the safety car. You can't intentionally hit another driver to take him out of the race. And if you're going to make it as a female driver, you'd better be hot. Smoking hot.

There aren't a lot of women in motorsports, typically male-dominated as it is, but the few we've seen have mostly been pretty, well... pretty. The first example to come to mind, of course, is Danica Patrick, who moonlights as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. Jodie Kidd, meanwhile, is a model who moonlights as a racing driver. Natacha Gachnang and Susie Stoddart aren't hard on the eyes, either. Noticing a trend here? Now put it to rest, because the next up-and-coming talent in motor racing is a certified knock-out.

Her name is Maryeve Dufault, and she's making her NASCAR debut this weekend in Montreal in the Nationwide Series for the NAPA Auto Parts 200 on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, not far from her hometown of Sorel, Quebec. Until now, she's been working her way up in the ARCA feeder series. But before that, she made it as a model, showing up on the New York Euphoria team in the Lingerie Bowl and on The Price is Right, and even did some stunt driving on a b-movie called Fast Girl that might as well have been about her.

We'll be watching to see how Maryeve does on her NASCAR debut this weekend, and maybe enjoying perusing the photos just a little bit more for it. But for now, you're invited to view some interview footage of her after the jump.

Continue reading Canadian lingerie model Maryeve Dufault jumps to NASCAR [w/video]

Canadian lingerie model Maryeve Dufault jumps to NASCAR [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Hyundai shaves $1,800 off price of 2010 Elantra Touring

Michael Harley — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Wagon, Hatchback, Hyundai

2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

If the Hyundai Elantra Touring is singing your song, the music just got quite a bit better. The Korean automaker has announced a price reduction on the 2010 base model to the tune of $1,800. The 2009 Elantra Touring, a compact five-door hatchback, sat in showrooms with a base price of $18,520 (all prices include the $720 shipping charge) while the 2010 model rolls in wearing a much more pleasing $16,715 sticker this fall.

The 2010 model will also be available in three trim levels: GLS with a 5-speed manual ($16,715), GLS with a 4-speed automatic ($17,915), and SE with a 5-speed manual ($19,715). All models hum along with the same 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder engine (rated at 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque) sending power to the front wheels. The base GLS models are fitted with standard stability control and a 172-watt sound system with Satellite Radio and iPod/USB jacks. For its extra C-notes, the SE model turns up the music with a standard sunroof, heated front seats, B&M Racing short-throw shifter, and 17-inch alloy wheels with more aggressive tires.

We've reviewed a 2009 Elantra Touring with the automatic and found it way too soft to be a fun daily commuter. Hyundai then loaned us a model with the 5-speed manual, 17-inch wheels and short-throw shifter, which you'll soon be able to read about in an updated review. Short story: If you care about how your car drives, go for the SE with the larger wheels.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Hyundai shaves $1,800 off price of 2010 Elantra Touring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spec out your own Maserati - in 1/43 scale

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Maserati, Lifestyle

If you're looking for a Maserati that's easier on your wallet, or a treat for a Maserati lover, then you should check out the Maserati model configurator. Three base models in 1/43 scale are available: Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, and Granturismo S. From there you can choose from among seven exterior and two interior colors, four or five different brake caliper colors, two or three different kinds of rims, and select a sunroof which is made of glass. No, it doesn't open.

You can even select a personalized license plate written in one of four fonts. Naturally, once you're finished, you can buy it. The models are €230 ($320 US), which includes shipping, and are sent within 30 days. If your Maserati doesn't match your expectations, you can return it (good luck doing that with a real car). If you don't want to go all the way then you can just display your modeling prowess in the virtual showroom. Everybody wins.

[Source: Maserati]

Spec out your own Maserati - in 1/43 scale originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Childhood Redeemed: Lego artist creates jaw-dropping four-wheeled creations

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 May 2009 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Firas Abu-Jaber's Lego cars - click above for a high-res gallery

This is how you tell the master from the journeyman: Give them a common task, place the same tools in each of their hands, and while journeyman's results will be acceptable, the master's results will be amazing. Firas Abu-Jaber has a way with Legos that certainly qualifies him as a master in the medium when it comes to building cars.

By his own admission, having played with Legos since he started eating cereal, he is now proficient enough with the regular blocks - not the specialized sets - to create all manner of realistic vehicles and interiors. His work speaks for itself, so have a look at the gallery below to see what passion can do with a set of Legos.

Gallery: Abu-Jaber Lego Cars

[Source: MOC Pages (via Jalopnik)]

Childhood Redeemed: Lego artist creates jaw-dropping four-wheeled creations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton

Noah Joseph — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

click above image to view more pics of the Passat CC in high-res

Remember when Volkswagen launched the Phaeton, and everyone was like, What the heck are they thinking? Yeah, that was awesome. But it left a huge gaping hole in Volkswagen's product line-up between the Passat and the Phaeton. Wolfsburg tried to bridge the gap a little with the previous-generation Passat W8 4Motion, but that didn't do so well and was quickly taken off the market. The Passat CC unveiled earlier this week in Detroit helps fill the void, and the next Phaeton is expected to go down-market, but the gap is still so wide between the sedans that Volkswagen is reportedly considering making another one to slot into the line-up. Since the Phaeton isn't sold in the U.S. anymore, we assume this gap-bridging car is destined for the European market only.

This isn't mere rumor, speculation or conjecture. It comes straight from the mouth of Volkswagen's design chief, Klaus Bischoff, who revealed at the Passat CC's unveiling "We are planning another model between the Passat CC and Phaeton." Well, there you have it.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via The German Car Blog]

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Passat CC

Mind the Gap: VW planning another sedan to slot in between Passat CC and Phaeton originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citroen set to unveil C-something Wednesday morning

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Citroën

Citroen has put up a timer on their website foretelling the imminent launch of a new model, but guesses are all over the place as to what that new model could be.

The French automaker's range has expanded in recent years to include everything from small hatchbacks to SUVs, with just about everything in between. Progressing up the range, among the possibilities considered are a "Streetlounge" version of the C3 supermini, a pseudo-Allroad/Outback version of the C4 hatch, a C5-based convertible previewed by the C-Airscape concept, and a new C8 minivan. While sometimes automakers give us a little teaser in the form of a veiled silhouette, all PSA is giving us here is a box with wheels. Our money is on some sort of automobile, possibly starting with the letter C.

We'll have to wait until the counter runs down to zero at 9 am on Wednesday (Paris time - 3 am in New York) to see what the Chevron marque has in store for our overseas compatriots.

[Source: Citroen via World Car Fans and Le Blog Auto]

Citroen set to unveil C-something Wednesday morning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The real reason for traffic jams: us!

Dan Roth — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, First Drives

Finally, there's an explanation for those wasted hours we spent on the MassPike today asking no one in particular "what the (dirty word) is this (dirty word)?" A team of mathemeticians from the Universities of Exeter, Bristol and Budapest developed a mathematical model revealing that traffic jams are caused by idiots. Okay, not exactly. The real explanation is that unexpected events, such as being cut off, require slowing below a threshold speed for smooth traffic flow. As we've all observed, when the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you need to brake even harder to compensate for your reaction time; this creates a wave that radiates back through traffic. That "backward-traveling-wave" means that because of one driver's inattention, we all pay for it miles behind.

The results of the study really point up the need to drive smoothly. Roads with heavy traffic volume seem to be more prone to traffic jams, too, but that's not necessarily the case. Heavy volume can proceed smoothly if drivers anticipate and avoid sudden actions. In the end, it appears that the main way to fix traffic jams is driver diligence. The low-tech solution is to pay attention when you're behind the wheel, but we've also now got radar-based cruise control that does this for you, so you can continue blithely on your way. It boils down to common sense; be a smooth driver, expect that everyone around you is a moron, and hopefully you won't be slamming on your brakes, causing a domino reaction.

[Source: physorg.com via Motive Mag, Photo: Ed Edahl/FEMA]

The real reason for traffic jams: us! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Project Edsel part 2 - Paint, round one

Dan Roth — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Classics, Etc., Ford, Toys/Games

Yeah, so that didn't work out so well. At least I'll get more practice painting. Project Edsel's time for primer had come, so I thinned some Tamiya X21 into the reservoir and fired up the compressor. It took a while to figure out the proper flow and pressure setting (a pressure gauge would be helpful to adjust the compressor's regulator), but once everything was connected up and filled, I was ready to shoot some paint.

Gallery: Autoblog Project Edsel Part 2

Continue reading Autoblog Project Edsel part 2 - Paint, round one

Autoblog Project Edsel part 2 - Paint, round one originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Project Edsel: Paint and Body

Dan Roth — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Toys/Games

It's been an exciting start, mainly because I get to dig out all my old model building tools and skills. That's also why it's been a little slow since the initial post went up, because I've had to find all those model building tools. The last model I built was a '67 Belvidere GTX over ten years ago and 100 miles from here. I haven't been able to find my X-Acto knife set, but I've made do so far with my home-improvement scarred Stanley 99E razor knife.

I've had an airbrush for years, my uncle generously got it as a gift way back when I was seriously into fine arts. I haven't actually taken the opportunity to use the setup, but it was always comforting knowing that I had it at the ready should I want to become one of those guys in malls doing terrible recreations of scenes from Scarface on t-shirts. The time has come for me to learn how to use it, so I've been doing a bit of research, and finally stopped at a hobby store the other day and picked up some paints and other goodies.

Gallery: Autoblog Project Edsel part 1

Continue reading Autoblog Project Edsel: Paint and Body

Autoblog Project Edsel: Paint and Body originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A project car on a blogging budget: Autoblog Project Edsel

Dan Roth — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Classics, Etc., Ford, Toys/Games

The recreational car show season is about two-thirds of the way done for 2007, at least here in New England. There will be good cruise days sprinkled in until about Halloween, but as the summer winds down, so does the practice of four-wheeled gatherings. Every year as I stroll past rows of shiny fenders, my thoughts wander to what fun there is to be had with that vehicle that doesn't participate in workaday drudgery.

For project cars, it's a veritable prerequisite to have a garage. Note the shot of my driveway, and its distinct lack of a garage. Lacking a place to store all the accoutrements of the vehicular addiction hobby, let alone provide a proper roof over the heads of my vehicles makes upkeep of even our regular rides that much more difficult, never mind keeping the shine on anything special.

Continue reading A project car on a blogging budget: Autoblog Project Edsel

A project car on a blogging budget: Autoblog Project Edsel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008

Noah Joseph — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

Click on the image above to view our high-resolution image gallery.

It's had a lot of challengers, and to stay at the top, Land Rover has been rolling out consistent updates to its flagship Range Rover model. Last year it was the upgraded engines: the 305-hp 4.4-liter V8 and the supercharged 400-hp 4.2-liter V8. For this year, the Range Rover gets upgrades to the interior and to its traction systems.

Inside, the Range Rover's luxurious cabin has been updated with a new instrument panel, air-con unit, new airbags and new trim, switchgear and storage compartments. The front seats have been outfitted with new head restraints designed to minimize whiplash, as well as an in-seat air-cooling system (optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged models). Underneath, the Land Rover's Terrain Response system has been fitted as standard equipment, as well as an electronic rear differential (which, like the seat cooling system, is optional on HSE and standard on Supercharged models) to supplement the center e-diff. There's also a new electronic parking brake that automatically disengages when you start driving.

The new changes might not amount to much, as Land Rover draws up plans for the Range Rover's all-aluminum replacement, but with heavy competition from Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Land Rover can't afford to rest on its name alone.

Press release after the jump, and high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2007 Land Rover Range Rover

Continue reading Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008

Small changes for big Range Rover in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Serpent F180: possibly the coolest scale model car ever

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.

The Serpent F180 is the kind of car we could spend a lot of time with. A 1/8-scale replica of a formula racer, it has all-round independent double-wishbone push-rod-activated suspension, self-bleeding shocks, rear diff, 4-wheel disc brakes, a lay down engine with pushbutton starter, and a polished exhaust. In addition to the rear geometry, track width and suspension settings, you can adjust the brake balance and front anti-roll bar stiffness. Each car also comes with a carrying case and a keychain that features the car's unique serial number. Even if we could be trusted to build it properly -- it come with two manuals -- there's no way we could be trusted to get any work done once it was finished.

Thanks for the tip, KP!

[Source: Serpent Model Racing]

The Serpent F180: possibly the coolest scale model car ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Model street unveiled, goal to limit crashes

Dan Roth — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Safety

"Accidents happen." It's the oft-quoted mantra of anyone who spends time behind the wheel. Sooner or later, you'll witness or partake in a vehicular mishap. The Japan Automobile Research Institute aims to take a less stoic attitude about accidents and have set up a model street to evaluate accident prevention systems and practices.

The model street, which is larger than three football fields, includes straight and curved sections and will offer Institute researchers better insight into the conditions that cause accidents. We can't speak for what causes fender benders in Japan, but in the US, the number one cause has got to be drivers with absolutely no training paying limited attention to the task at hand. Who can blame them? The allure of text messaging is so much more enticing than piloting a 3500-pound projectile rendered in metal, composite and glass. Familiarize yourself with good car-brandishing skills and then observe the idiots that surround you. There's no institute needed to discern that inattention and ineptitude often play roles, but there are often plenty of other factors. That's what the model street has been developed to study. Here's to safer travels for drivers and pedestrians alike -- and let's hope they export the stuff that actually works at reducing incidents.

[Source: MSN - Mainichi]

Model street unveiled, goal to limit crashes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Motor Show: Girls of Shanghai Gallery

John Neff — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Misc. Auto Shows

click above image to view more model pics from the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show

Whether it's the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, or the Shanghai Motor Show in China, one thing remains constant: models standing next to cars. We've had a lot of discussions lately about why models are still used at auto shows in this enlightened age, and our best answer is that automakers want the public to feel like they would look this good standing next to a Buick, BMW or Geely automobile. Clearly, this strategy is not lost on the many Chinese automakers at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. Our colleague from Autoblog Chinese kept his camera snapping a couple extra frames at each display so he could assemble this Girls of Shanghai Gallery for us, so we hope you enjoy. It's interesting to note the mix of western and Asian models hired for this show, as well.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese]

Gallery: Girls of Shanghai

Shanghai Motor Show: Girls of Shanghai Gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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