Autoblog

China chastizes Beijing Motor Show over scantily clad models

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Beijing Motor Show, Design/Style

Our post on China's "Tiger mom" phenomenon was illustrated with that above picture; it's the Jeep Wrangler Dragon Design Concept at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, accompanied by a booth professional. The model - her, not the Jeep - made a fair few friends in the Autoblog Comments section, but it turns out she and her kind attracted the ire of the Chinese authorities.

The Capital Ethics Development Office gave the Beijing show organizers a caning because the "scantily clad" models had "a negative social impact," and the show was warned not to let "such vulgar publicity" occur again. There's a lot of room between that leather bustier and a burqa, however, so all's not lost for next year's show in Shanghai.

Scroll down to watch the Bloomberg video on the matter.

Continue reading China chastizes Beijing Motor Show over scantily clad models

China chastizes Beijing Motor Show over scantily clad models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3D auto puzzles of American muscle are actually motorized

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

GreenLight Toys has unveiled a series of foam-paper car puzles for 2012, five American muscle cars and one muscle truck. The MotoBuildz aren't exactly models, they're more like those 500-piece landscape puzzles you find at educational toy stores, only with fewer pieces and less frustration.

They're also powered, thanks to a friction motor that provides plenty of juice when given a hearty push. Follow the jump for a video on how the whole thing comes together.

Continue reading 3D auto puzzles of American muscle are actually motorized

3D auto puzzles of American muscle are actually motorized originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Nissan trains its "Miss Fairlady" show stand models

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows

Maybe you've seen My Fair Lady - the musical story of an ordinary girl turned into someone altogether more elegant. Now meet Miss Fairlady.

Borrowing the name from the original JDM version of the Nissan Z, Miss Fairlady is the Japanese automaker's program for training its show-stand attendants. As might be expected, the program follows traditional Japanese values like the importance of appearance, manners and pride in one's employment.

Perhaps most importantly - and counter to most car show models we've encountered at other automakers' show stands - a Miss Fairlady is well-versed in everything about the company, from its senior executives to the products they're there to promote, so they're prepared to answer your questions instead of tilting their head in confusion. Follow the jump to watch and see these beautiful spokesmodels get schooled.

Continue reading How Nissan trains its "Miss Fairlady" show stand models

How Nissan trains its "Miss Fairlady" show stand models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a 1/4-scale R/C big rig sleigh

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

That there's a Santa Claus and an "elf" riding some sort of contraption behind a miniature big rig is intriguing enough. In reality, the downsized big rig is the story. Built by model maker Luca Bordin, the 1/4-scale Peterbilt 359 isn't a kit, it's made from scratch.

As best we can tell from Google Translate, Bordin found detailed plans of the 359, then fabricated the body out of fiberglass, including the cabin, and attached it via springs to a twin-rail frame made of iron. The differential steering mechanism was lifted from go-karts, the diesel tanks are plumbing pipe, a nightclub smoke machine blows white clouds from chrome stacks, a 12v compressor powers two truck-sounding horns, and the engine is from an electric jack "with lots of torque."

What's more: when Santa's not riding out back, Bordin fabricated a fiberglass trailer to go with the tractor. It's impressive, and we're hoping Santa drives it straight under our tree. There's video of it after the jump.

Continue reading Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a 1/4-scale R/C big rig sleigh

Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a 1/4-scale R/C big rig sleigh originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diecast Warfare: Tomica reportedly returning to U.S. to take on Hot Wheels, Matchbox

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Finally, something from our youth returns in a good way, not another Incredible Hulk reboot or power balled Cure cover. Tomica (or Tomy), which left the U.S. in the Eighties after some financial troubles, is coming back next month - and almost just like it was before. A line of miniature diecast cars will be sliding into an as-yet-unnamed retailer next month on their little plastic wheels. They'll be sold alongside playset combinations like the Hypercity Gas Station, pictured, so your child can learn to spend his or her money just like you did.

There will be models such as the Daihatsu Mira and Mitsubishi i-MiEV from which to choose, as well as the eternally popular Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Queen bus. They'll be paired with a mat that has roads and buildings drawn onto it. Step up to the floor-hogging world of the Hypercity, Super Big Set and Mega Station, though, and you'll find more familiar models like the Subaru Legacy sedan, Mazda's Axela/Mazda3, and Toyota's Harrier/Lexus RX. Non-Japanese models may come in the future, but come September, it'll be JDM-only dreamtime, at $4.99 and up. Here's hoping they bring over the Mitsuoka Orochi (right).

[Source: Hemmings | Image: Sir09 via CC 2.0]

Diecast Warfare: Tomica reportedly returning to U.S. to take on Hot Wheels, Matchbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Tesla Roadster to be completely built in-house

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been poring over Tesla's IPO filing with the SEC and hidden within the indecipherable legalese is a little gem for those of us more interested in product then federal oversight.

As reported previously, the Roadster's reign is set to end in December of 2011, although Tesla will continue to take orders for the current Roadster into 2012 if its supply of "gliders" - the rolling chassis provided by Lotus and built on the same platform as the Elise/Exige - isn't exhausted.

Tesla has contracted Lotus for a total of 2,400 gliders and if the price is right, it could extend that contract to meet demand.

More importantly, Tesla confirms that the next Roadster won't arrive until production of the Model S begins in 2012, so a revised Roadster isn't in the cards until 2013 - at the earliest. Interestingly, the upstart EV automaker says that it intends to build the "next generation Tesla Roadster entirely in our own facilities." Which leads us to believe that an all-new platform could underpin the next generation model, possibly based on the Model S' architecture and shared by a range of new products. How much of the current Roadster carries over remains to be seen, but if Tesla wants to continue to assert its independence, it's fair to assume that it won't be sourcing its next chassis from another automaker.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: SEC]

2013 Tesla Roadster to be completely built in-house originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali

Chris Paukert — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:38:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Model S sedan - click above for high-res image gallery

California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has apparently let slip ahead of a scheduled 5pm Pacific announcement that Tesla Motors will be teaming up with Toyota to build electric cars.

While some might speculate that the agreement could result in the re-opening of Fremont's idle New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant (NUMMI), SFGate says that this is somewhat unlikely. Any production agreement will likely involve the forthcoming Model S sedan, and NUMMI's facilities are significantly larger than what the model will require, as it was originally scaled to accommodate the joint venture between Toyota and General Motors which required much greater capacity. The smart money is on a new factory location, probably in Downey, CA (in Los Angeles County).

It is not yet clear what Toyota will bring to the table or what, if any money or stock is changing hands with this rumored agreement. Also, no word yet on how Mercedes-Benz feels about all this - the German automaker already has a 10 percent stake in the company after opening its coffers to the struggling EV manufacturer back in May of 2009.

More information as it becomes available...

Gallery: Tesla Model S

[Source: SFGate]

BREAKING: Governator says Tesla teaming up with Toyota in Cali originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tesla Model S factory plan timeline unrealistic?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Model S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Autopia has brought a healthy dose of skepticism to the claims that Tesla will be delivering the Model S sedan to customers by 2012. Wired's automotive wing unearthed a report by the Downey Patriot that says that if the electric car manufacturer wants to use the property it has been eying in Downey, California, it will need to get on the ball in a hurry.

The report claims that in order for Tesla to renovate the structures located on the 51-acre tract of land to suit its needs, the company will need to have construction crews work 20-hours a day, five-days a week. Even at that pace, it will take close to 18 months to get everything ready in time.

That's just a year and a half to work out kinks like prepping buildings, installing tooling and firing up an assembly line. A spokesperson from Tesla says the 20-hour a day work schedule is a worst-case scenario, and that the company believes its goals are more than obtainable.

Right now, however, the company has yet to make a formal decision on where exactly it will build its manufacturing facility, and time is ticking. And even after that, Tesla still needs to prove it can sell its all-electric sedan at a profit.

Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion

[Source: Wired's Autopia]

Tesla Model S factory plan timeline unrealistic? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Women of the Windy City

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Etc.

Spokesmodels of the Chicago Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's 2010 Chicago Auto Show is just about over, at least for us media types, and while a couple of significant vehicles were unveiled here, it's basically a repeat of Detroit - the industry has definitely scaled back. Although Chicago hasn't always been one of the pre-eminent events on the calendar, we usually get a lot out of our trip to the Windy City, and while that's generally new car debuts, there's plenty else to occupy our time here.

Thankfully one area where automakers seemingly didn't skimp again is booth professionals. Lots of models are positioned by the vehicles, quick with a smile or an answer to any question we had. As the auto show season marches along, the gals just seem to get prettier and friendlier at every event.

And as we pointed out in our booth babe post from Detroit, we're not being sexist, but rather consumers of a valuable service according to Sirens of Chrome, an entire book celebrating the culture of car models and their history on the auto show circuit. Check out the gallery below to keep the economy going.

Gallery: Women of the Windy City at Chicago Auto Show

Chicago 2010: Women of the Windy City originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Dodge, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Pontiac, Saab, Misc. Auto Shows, Peugeot, Canada, Skoda

The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed

This week's bag of news is all about cars, cars and cars. Was anyone else aware that the Canadians know a thing or two about tuning Lamborghinis? That's a new one on us. Peugeot and Dodge have new logos, and the Pugs have a new, Ratatouille-esque commercial that involves a blender, a bicycle and a three-wheeled car. The as-yet-unveiled Nissan Patrol Safari gets caught with its doors open, and a bespoke Ferrari, the P450 Superfast Aperta, gets introduced in Florida. It's a little odd. And when some Mercedes engineers get a prototype SL Coupe stuck in the snow and it takes two other Mercedes' to rescue it, let's just say a good time was had by all. Except the Mercedes engineers. Finally, back to those Canadians, while those first lads will get crazy money for their wares, another Canuck wants crazy money for a 1975 Pontiac. Must be the weather. Follow the jump for the feast.

Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition

The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sickest model car lighting kits ever

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Modell-Lichtsystem die-cast model lighting kits - Click above to watch video

That's not a real Audi R8 pictured above. That's a 1:18-scale Kyosho die-cast model, fitted with a Modell-Lichtsystem (ML) illumination kit. The ML light packages can turn a model car with photo-realistic detail into something that's almost a smaller version of the real thing. On the BMW M3's lighting, for instance, the cornering lights illuminate when the model car's wheels are turned, and if you stomp on the tiny brake pedal, the taillamps light up.

We can't tell much from the company's website, which is strangely devoid of useful information, but there are more examples on Modell's YouTube channel. If you're looking for the ultimate in verisimilitude for your die-cast endeavors, this is surely it. Follow the jump to see a brace of impressive lighting jobs in 1:18 scale, including the R8, a pair of BMW models (M3 and M5) and a Lamborghini Murciélago. Hat tip to David!

[Source: Modell-Lichtsystem]

Continue reading Video: Sickest model car lighting kits ever

Video: Sickest model car lighting kits ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals are anything but stock

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Etc.

Lisa Angeline, aka Catwoman - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's SEMA show in Las Vegas didn't have quite the gravitas of years past, as the state of the economy and the automotive industry in particular seemed to be a wet blanket over the whole proceedings. Thank goodness there were plenty of friendly faces throughout the halls to keep our spirits up.

One smiling face especially caught our eye, although we weren't sure why. The eyes and smile were familiar but we couldn't quite put our finger on where we had seen them before. And then it hit us, it was our beloved Catwoman (a.k.a. Lisa Angeline) from last year's BatSmart gallery! We hardly recognized her stripped of her catsuit. We saw her in the Vertical Doors booth. We know this with great certainty because the name of the company was written in very strategic locations - like on the banner above her head and (*ahem*) elsewhere. Smart folks behind that BatSmart. But to be honest, we weren't really paying too much attention to the cars there, so perhaps this strategy is flawed.

This happened quite a bit during the week. We'd go down to shoot a certain car, and an hour later, we'd be scratching our heads wondering what we had come down for in the first place. Take a look at the gallery and you'll probably agree - down year or no, the distractions were quite spectacular.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals

SEMA 2009: Booth Professionals are anything but stock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Makuhari Messe no Jyosei ha Bijin desu*

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show

The beautiful women of Tokyo 2009 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As far as cars went, the Frankfurt Motor Show was the proverbial glut of riches, and the Tokyo Motor Show proved that you can't live life at the top all the time. Tokyo did, however, still provide plenty of aesthetic beauty, much of which had nothing to do with the automobiles. We won't call it a consolation prize, but it's certainly not something we're upset about.

Have a look at what arguably might have been the finest aspects of the Tokyo Motor Show in the gallery below - and the woman with the stuffed car on her head (it is still Tokyo, after all...). (*Translation: "The beautiful women of Makuhari Messe").

Gallery: The beautiful women of Tokyo 2009

Tokyo 2009: Makuhari Messe no Jyosei ha Bijin desu* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Lexus LFA may cost $375k, but the paper one is free

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Lexus, Toys/Games

Many people are into model cars. And... origami. Tangrams, too - which are sort of a two-dimensional, reusable form of origami. What are we on about here, why are we discussing folding paper and models? Funny you should ask. See, the all new Lexus LFA went ahead and got revealed the other day and initial reaction (at least around the Autoblog virtual office) has been pretty negative - negative towards a certain dude name Damon Lavrinc who gets to jet off to Miami and drive the latest Japanese ubercar and it's 560-hp, 4.8-liter V10 that has to propel just 3,263 pounds. Jerk.

But fear not, because even if we don't get to drive the mightiest ever Lexus (and Lord knows at $375,000 we'll never be able to afford one), we can still have one, in a sense. As it turns out, an incredibly loose sense. But yes, if you click this here link, you will find a website that lets you print out a LFA pattern, and with a coupe quick folds you too can have your very own (paper) Lexus LFA. The question then becomes, how good is your printer? OK, we've got to go now, our planet needs us. Thanks to Will for the tip!

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: Lexus LFA Wiki]

The Lexus LFA may cost $375k, but the paper one is free originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Daimler sells 4% of Tesla to Middle East investment fund just two months after acquiring it

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Middle East

Tesla Roadster - Click above image for high-res gallery

Just two months after buying 9% of Tesla Motors, Daimler has reportedly sold nearly half of that stake. According to Reuters, 4% percent of the electric car startup is now owned by Aabar Investments, an Abu Dhabi-based investment fund. In a way, the stake is still in the family, since Aabar already bought 9.1 percent of Daimler's stock earlier this year. At the time of its original investment, Daimler and the fund indicated an intention to pursue joint projects in low emissions transportation.

Aabar has indicated it would be interested in pursuing some kind of joint venture with Tesla. The fund is controlled by the Abu Dhabi government and managed by the International Petroleum Investment Company with the intent of diversifying beyond oil.

Gallery: Jason Calacanis' Tesla Roadster

REPORT: Daimler sells 4% of Tesla to Middle East investment fund just two months after acquiring it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elon Musk: "Golden handcuffs" require I stay through Model S launch

Sebastian Blanco — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Green

For a guy who allegedly wants a lot of the credit for creating Tesla Motors, Elon Musk certainly doesn't seem to like the job of being its CEO. As part of Daimler's investment deal with Tesla, Musk needed to commit to staying on as Tesla's CEO at least until the Model S launches in 2011. Musk told Reuters:

I didn't really have a choice. This was a requirement of Daimler that I remain CEO of Tesla through the Model S launch and then continue to be part of Tesla in a chairman role beyond that. It's flattering, but at the same time it's golden handcuffs.

Well, that sure makes it sound like fun, doesn't it? It's clear that Musk has always been interested in projects other than Tesla (e.g.: electric planes and SpaceX), but does he have to make running one of the hippest electric car companies around sound like a drag?

Another nugget from the article: One of the reasons the price on the Roadster was raised was to help qualify Tesla Motors for the DOE loan it later received. Musk said, "We did the minimum we needed to do to make the business work."

Gallery: Tesla Model S

[Source: Reuters]

Elon Musk: "Golden handcuffs" require I stay through Model S launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, Nissan, Tesla all big winners in DoE advanced technology loans

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Green, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Ford, Nissan

Ford Focus EV Mule - Click above for high-res gallery

The U.S. Department of Energy has finally announced the first recipient of low interest loans under its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Incentive Program. The first recipient is Ford, and analysts believe the DoE will award sums to Nissan and Tesla Motors, as well. Ford applied for up to $11 billion in loans, but instead it was awarded $5.9 billion in financing. The Dearborn-based automaker will use the money to fund its electric vehicle program that will launch a battery-powered version of the Transit Connect in 2010, and it will also likely use the capital to help pay for the $550 million renovation of its Wayne, MI sport-utility plant to build the next-generation Focus in both internal combustion and electric flavors.

For its part, Nissan wants to add production of its upcoming electric car and lithium ion batteries at its assembly complex in Smyrna, Tennessee, and it will receive $1.6 billion.

Despite receiving the smallest sum of the three automakers, Tesla is arguably the biggest winner this round, as the $465 million it may receive will allow the fledgeling EV maker to proceed with completing development and production of its Model S sedan. Recent investment in the company by Daimler was probably a big help in getting the loan approved, as companies had to demonstrate viability. And since the ATVM program favors re-tooling of older existing plants, Tesla will probably look at acquiring a closed factory from another company. Recent rumors had the company possibly getting a former McDonnell-Douglas factory in Long Beach, although there are plenty of other properties available.

The current Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings at General Motors and Chrysler made those companies ineligible in the current round. It's not known if any announcements will be made about loans for battery makers like A123 or EnerDel.

Gallery: ABG Quick Drive: Ford Focus EV mule

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Ford, Nissan, Tesla all big winners in DoE advanced technology loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:29:00 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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VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green

2011 Tesla Model S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The crew from On Cars had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition. In the first of three videos (the other two haven't been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you've been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn't been built or acquired yet, but we digress.

Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.

Gallery: Tesla Model S

Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL

[Source: On Cars]

Continue reading VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S

VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 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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