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[Ford finally issues recall for 230K minivans over rust problems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/ford-finally-issues-recall-for-230k-minivans-over-rust-problems/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/ford-finally-issues-recall-for-230k-minivans-over-rust-problems/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/10/ford-finally-issues-recall-for-230k-minivans-over-rust-problems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The rust issue in the rear wheel wells of 2004-2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans has finally led to a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began an investigation into the matter in 2011, said investigation being upgraded to an engineering analysis a year later while NHTSA tried to figure out how many model years should be included in the assessment.

Ford has decided to recall all of the 230,000 minivans potentially affected, namely those sold in salt-belt states and countries like Canada. The excess rust in the rear wheel wells was also able to prevent the third-row seats from locking to the floor of the minivan. To repair the problem, owners can take their minivans to dealers, and the dealers will place new panels in the wheel wells, replace the third-row seat mounting brackets and relocate the latches to an area away from any corrosion.

Ford says it will begin notifying owners during the last week of March.

Ford finally issues recall for 230K minivans over rust problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordfreestarmercurymontereyNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationnhtsarecallrustSun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496119/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/10/ford-finally-issues-recall-for-230k-minivans-over-rust-problems/20496119/article-detail.xml 20496119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfreestarrecall_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfreestarrecall.jpg <![CDATA[NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/nhtsa-closes-probes-on-jeep-grand-cherokee-ford-freestar-and-me/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/nhtsa-closes-probes-on-jeep-grand-cherokee-ford-freestar-and-me/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/nhtsa-closes-probes-on-jeep-grand-cherokee-ford-freestar-and-me/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Detroit News reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially closed its investigations into 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey models. The separate probes found no issues that pose safety concerns. NHTSA began investigating certain Grand Cherokee SUVs over complaints that power steering hoses could detach during operation, thereby increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Of the 24 reports of failure, none alleged smoke or fire in the engine bay, and Chrysler has since modified the power steering cooler assembly to reduce the likelihood of the failure.

Meanwhile, certain Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey vehicles garnered a government probe after receiving complaints that the models were equipped with faulty scissor jacks. The agency had received six reports of the jacks failing or causing injuries, including one incident that resulted in a fatality. But NHTSA says the jack failure rate is similar to those found in other vehicles. In those six cases, the government agency found the jacks were being used for something other than changing a tire, and investigators could not determine whether the emergency brake was set or the rear tires were properly chocked.

NHTSA closes probes on Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordfreestargrand cherokeejeepmercurymontereynational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsaWed, 09 Jan 2013 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423499/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/nhtsa-closes-probes-on-jeep-grand-cherokee-ford-freestar-and-me/20423499/article-detail.xml 20423499 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/grand-cherokee-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/grand-cherokee-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shelby Cobras at the 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Alright, these aren't just any old snakes. These are the entrants in this year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and each and every car on track is an original Shelby Cobra. Nor is this your run of the mill hill, either. We shot a quick video at the infamous corkscrew at Laguna Seca for your viewing pleasure. While photos of the event do a smart job of capturing the chaos, there's nothing like seeing and hearing all the cars pour through the downhill chicane in quick succession.

With 289 and 427 beasts barking through side pipes, the pack offers up a V8 cacauphony unlike any batch of modern race cars. As you may recall, that gorgeous Daytona Coupe out front wound up going home with some wrinkled sheetmetal later in the day due to an off. Scroll down below to take in the video for yourself, and be sure to click through the gallery for more goodness.

Continue reading Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill

Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobradaytona coupelaguna secamontereymonterey 2012rolex monterey motorsports reunionshelbyshelby cobravideoWed, 22 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/20306852/article-detail.xml 20306852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-race-monterey_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-race-monterey.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Urus Concept is warmly welcomed at Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/lamborghini-urus-concept-is-warmly-welcomed-at-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/lamborghini-urus-concept-is-warmly-welcomed-at-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/lamborghini-urus-concept-is-warmly-welcomed-at-pebble-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lamborghini Urus concept live at Pebble Beach in 2012

We crawled all over the Lamborghini Urus Concept, and even took the time to open the doors and sit behind the wheel of the utility vehicle at "The Quail: A Motorsport Gathering" during the festivities at Pebble Beach this past weekend. While there has still been no official announcement of whether or not the concept has received a thumbs-up for production, all indications are that the program is moving forward for a launch around 2015.

As we have mentioned previously, this Lamborghini is expected to be built on modified PL73 architecture (underpinning the next-gen Audi Q7, Volkswagen Touareg, Porsche Cayenne and Bentley EXP 9 F Concept). Our bet is that it will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, an engine shared with the new Bentley Continental GT V8, making in excess of 600 horsepower (possibly with the help of hybrid technology). With a targeted curb weight of 4,400 pounds, it will not only be the most powerful SUV on the market but one of the lightest and quickest, too (the BMW X6 M has 555 horsepower and weighs 5,324 pounds).

Rub elbows with the well-to-do on the Monterey Peninsula, and their excitement seems to indicate the market is ready for 3,000-plus copies of a $180,000-plus sport-ute from the Italian exotic sports car maker. The fiery Urus Concept seems to have everything going in its favor. Now, all it needs is a green light.

Lamborghini Urus Concept is warmly welcomed at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lamborghini suvlamborghini urusmontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours delegancethe quailurusurus conceptWed, 22 Aug 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306736/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/lamborghini-urus-concept-is-warmly-welcomed-at-pebble-beach/20306736/article-detail.xml 20306736 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ablamborghini-urus-concept-monterey628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ablamborghini-urus-concept-monterey628.jpg <![CDATA[Special Edition Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse sells for $2.5 million]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/special-edition-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-sells-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/special-edition-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-sells-fo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/special-edition-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-sells-fo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Special Edition Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse

Speculative investors should have held off on purchasing Facebook stock. Instead, they would have been wiser pooling resources for the Special Edition Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. The one-off supercar, with an asking price of $2.5 million, was shown at "The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering" at Pebble Beach over the weekend... and it was sold to an unnamed buyer before the ink on its seven-digit sticker had dried.

While a standard Vitesse will set someone back about $2.2 million, the Special Edition's $300,000 premium bought a host of cosmetic enhancements (the 1,200-horsepower quad-turbo W16 remains untouched) including a paint job specially prepared as a tribute to the 1928 Type 37A. The top half of the aluminum body is painted in Bianco while the lower half is New Light Blue. Inside the two-place cabin is custom-tailored Cognac leather with contrasting New Light Blue stitching, blue accents in the door handles and map pockets. Pictures don't do it justice.

Before you question a cosmetic upgrade costing more than the average new home, there are a few things to take into consideration. First, Bugatti has had no trouble selling more than 300 Veyrons to date, and as far as we can tell there has been zero depreciation on the secondary market for special one-off models. Second, there are less than 80 build slots left before production stops on what will eventually be considered one of the most extraordinary supercars of its era (and the Vitesse is a the top of the model range). Lastly, consider the interesting backstory about this particular white and blue vehicle.

Don't be surprised if it shows up at a future Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auction at several times its selling price. While buying stock is speculative, investing in a vehicle such as this is all but guaranteed - thus explaining its immediate sale.

Special Edition Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse sells for $2.5 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugattibugatti 16.4 grand sport vitessebugatti jay lenomontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours delegancespecial edition bugattithe quail bugatti vitesseveyronveyron grand sport vitesseWed, 22 Aug 2012 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/special-edition-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-sells-fo/20304060/article-detail.xml 20304060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/abvitesse628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/abvitesse628.jpg <![CDATA[We take a closer (live) look at the McLaren X-1 Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/we-take-a-closer-live-look-at-the-mclaren-x-1-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/we-take-a-closer-live-look-at-the-mclaren-x-1-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/21/we-take-a-closer-live-look-at-the-mclaren-x-1-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The McLaren X-1 Concept was easily one of the most talked about vehicles on display at The Quail during Pebble Beach weekend in Monterey. Rather than dismiss it as "one of those charmless, jelly bean-like vaporware eco-cars that the automakers periodically show off at motorshows," as one of our readers so eloquently noted in the comments section on Sunday when we revealed it, we decided to take a closer look.

Climbing onto the McLaren stage, we bumped into Frank Stephenson. The famed automobile designer (credited with the Mini Hatch, BMW E53 X5 and the Ferrari F430, among others) is the Design Director at McLaren Automotive. Stephenson explained that the X-1 program began three years ago - before the very first McLaren MP4-12C had even hit the pavement - when an anonymous customer approached McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to build a very unique supercar. The custom-built vehicle would use the carbon-fiber composite chassis, running gear and cockpit from the upcoming production car, but its body panels would reflect "timeless and classical elegance."

McLaren X-1 Concept engineMcLaren X-1 Concept interior

It is true that pictures don't do the X-1 any justice, but it isn't much better in person. The design is interesting, but its rear clip appears heavy and out of proportion (most of the blame is focused on the trick hinged wheel covers). The lines don't flow, and many seemed forced. It is unquestionably odd, from any angle.

But this is one man's vision - one must look beyond that individual's tastes to find the real beauty. The X-1 is stunning in the details. Every square inch of the concept has been engineered to standards high enough for interplanetary travel. Whether machined from solid aluminum, sculpted in carbon fiber or hand-polished to a mirror-like finish, the craftsmanship on the X-1 is breathtaking. After more than thirty minutes of chin-rubbing scrutiny, we were sold.

McLaren says there is enough tooling to make five more copies, but in similar manner to revealing the name of the person who funded this extraordinary venture, the company is mum on pricing.

We take a closer (live) look at the McLaren X-1 Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclaren conceptmclaren x-1mclaren x-1 conceptmontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours delegancex-1x-1 conceptTue, 21 Aug 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/21/we-take-a-closer-live-look-at-the-mclaren-x-1-concept/20303871/article-detail.xml 20303871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/abmclaren-x1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/abmclaren-x1.jpg <![CDATA[Take a stroll through the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/take-a-stroll-through-the-2012-pebble-beach-concours-delegance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/take-a-stroll-through-the-2012-pebble-beach-concours-delegance/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/take-a-stroll-through-the-2012-pebble-beach-concours-delegance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has officially come to a close. Even though the entrants from 33 states and 15 countries are currently packing up their toys and heading home, you can still take in the sights by clicking through the gallery above.

Cars and owners competed for trophies across 20 standard and seven special categories. While a 1928 Mercedes-Benz 608S Saoutchik Torpedo rolled away with the Best of Show honor, there were plenty of vehicles on hand worth a second look. This year featured an entire class devoted to the bodywork of coach builder Jacques Saoutchik, and while a 1938 Hispano-Suiza Dubonnet Saoutchick "Xenia" Coupe missed out on taking home any hardware, the stream-lined silver machine won us over in a big way.

The concours also featured a class specifically for German motorcycles, as well as classes for both AC models and Shelby Cobra examples. Organizers also set aside a trophy for some very unique machines - the Maharaja and Maharaja Rolls-Royce classes were specifically for vehicles formerly owned by Indian royalty and included some of the most interesting hardware in attendance. Take a look at the gallery above to see what we mean.

Take a stroll through the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hispano-suizamaharajamercedes-benzmontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceMon, 20 Aug 2012 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/take-a-stroll-through-the-2012-pebble-beach-concours-delegance/20304270/article-detail.xml 20304270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pebble-beach-concours-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/pebble-beach-concours-2012.jpg <![CDATA[RM Auctions sees 20 cars sell for $1 million or more in Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RM Monterey Auction 2012 - Ferrari California crosses the block

If there's a recession afoot, no one told the bidders at Saturday's RM Auctions sale. A total of 13 cars went home to new owners for $1 million or more, including a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta TdF at $6.71 million. The '56 was hardly the star of the evening, however, as 1962 Ferrari 250 GT short-wheelbase California Spyder fell under the gavel at $8.58 million. The Italian automaker only built 37 250 GT SWB Spyders with covered headlights, and this particular example has the benefit of being both Ferrari Classiche-certified and a Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance class winner.

A road-going 1967 Ford GT40 Mk I went home to the tune of $2.86 million, while the 2001 Bentley Speed 8 Le Mans Prototype took in $2.53 million. A number of race cars crossed the stage on Saturday, including a '64 Shelby 289 Competition Cobra, which sold for $1.32 million. Check out the full press release below for a complete list of the 13 $1 million-plus sales on Saturday.

The day prior, the auction house moved an additional seven examples for more than $1 million, bumping the total number of vehicles to crest the seven-digit mark to 20. As the auctioneer so poignantly underscored, "It's only money, gentlemen. You can always make more on Monday."

Continue reading RM Auctions sees 20 cars sell for $1 million or more in Monterey

RM Auctions sees 20 cars sell for $1 million or more in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncar auctioncar auctionscobracompetition cobraferrariluxurymontereymonterey 2012rm auctionsMon, 20 Aug 2012 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304266/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/rm-auctions-sees-20-cars-sell-for-1-million-or-more-in-monterey/20304266/article-detail.xml 20304266 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rm-monterey-auction-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rm-monterey-auction-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar XJL Ultimate, XJ AWD show up at Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/jaguar-xjl-ultimate-xj-awd-show-up-at-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/jaguar-xjl-ultimate-xj-awd-show-up-at-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/jaguar-xjl-ultimate-xj-awd-show-up-at-pebble-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Jaguar XJL Ultimate

Jaguar descended on the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance with two of its new models: the XJL Ultimate and the 3.0-liter XJ all-wheel drive. Built for chauffeuring the well-to-do about in style, the XJL Ultimate (above in black) packs a luxury-lined interior complete with reclining and massaging rear seats, a rear business table and a set of champagne flutes that store conveniently under a rear table. Of course, those vessels would be all but useless without a champagne chiller. Fortunately, Jaguar graced the rear cabin with just such an appliance between the rear seats. Both rear passengers get to enjoy an iPad and keyboard as well.

The 2013 XJ in red, meanwhile, showed off its all-new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and all-wheel-drive system. The blown six-cylinder delivers 335 horsepower to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the all-wheel drive can shuttle power to the front and rear tires in a split of up to 50:50. Jaguar says the addition of all-wheel drive hasn't sullied the driving dynamics of the XJ line (or the XF, where it also appears with the same engine), and we're hoping that's true. The drivetrain uses a stop/start system to keep fuel consumption low. Check out the live galleries above and below for a closer look at both machines.

Jaguar XJL Ultimate, XJ AWD show up at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jaguar xf all-wheel drive2013 jaguar xj ultimatejaguar xj ultimatemontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceultimatexf all-wheel drivexf awdxjxj ultimateMon, 20 Aug 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/jaguar-xjl-ultimate-xj-awd-show-up-at-pebble-beach/20304238/article-detail.xml 20304238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2013-jaguar-xj-ultimate-pebble_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/2013-jaguar-xj-ultimate-pebble.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac teases a "glamour" concept to be revealed in 2013]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/cadillac-teases-a-glamour-concept-to-be-revealed-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/cadillac-teases-a-glamour-concept-to-be-revealed-in-2013/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/cadillac-teases-a-glamour-concept-to-be-revealed-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , ,



During an event for media at Pebble Beach, Cadillac design maestro Clay Dean said it was time for the brand to "reflect back not for nostalgia, but what made us great at the time." The visual aids provided with the statement were two teaser images of a concept car that will be revealed at an auto show in 2013.

Looking like it received input from Speed Racer and the Mach 5, the front has lines that could be high exaggerations of the Ciel concept. Dean gave no indication what kind of Cadillac this might be, only that will begin to crystallize the brand's new informal philosophy of "American glamour meets American technology."

Cadillac teases a "glamour" concept to be revealed in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cadillaccadillac conceptclay deanconceptmontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceMon, 20 Aug 2012 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304253/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/cadillac-teases-a-glamour-concept-to-be-revealed-in-2013/20304253/article-detail.xml 20304253 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/cadillacteaseglamour_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/cadillacteaseglamour.jpg <![CDATA[1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo takes 2012 Pebble Beach Best of Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/1928-mercedes-benz-680s-saoutchik-torpedo-takes-2012-pebble-beac/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/1928-mercedes-benz-680s-saoutchik-torpedo-takes-2012-pebble-beac/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/1928-mercedes-benz-680s-saoutchik-torpedo-takes-2012-pebble-beac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo

A 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo has taken the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Best of Show. Owned by Paul & Judy Andrews of White Settlement, Texas, the low-windshield 680S spent 30 years in storage before receiving a total restoration. This particular car bowed under the lights of the New York Auto Show in 1928 and was subsequently sold to Frederick Henry Bedford. A supercharged 6.8-liter engine good for somewhere between 200 and 300 horsepower sits snugged between those arching fenders.

Speaking of fenders, this year's winner boasts bodywork by famed French coach builder Jacques Saoutchik. This year's Concours d'Elegance featured an entire class of Saoutchik creations, including a beautiful Hispano-Suiza H6C Dubonnet Xenia Streamliner.

The 680S Saoutchik Torpedo marks the seventh Mercedes-Benz to take home the Best of Show price. The last Silver Arrow to do the deed did so in 2001.

You can see photos of the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the gallery above.

1928 Mercedes-Benz 680S Saoutchik Torpedo takes 2012 Pebble Beach Best of Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The arrival of the all-new flagship Bentley Mulsanne sedan in 2010 (for the 2011 model year) marked the departure of the range-topping Azure convertible, leaving the Continental GTC range as the automaker's only open-roof models.

Bentley's big convertible program took a huge leap forward this past weekend at Pebble Beach when the automaker allowed a select few to view its Mulsanne Vision Concept, a possible successor to the discontinued Azure. Unfortunately, Bentley refused to allow photography and will not be releasing pictures - only the sketch above, and those in our gallery, are offered for your consumption.



On the positive side, Autoblog did see the four-place convertible in the flesh and we found it every bit as spectacular as the sketches. The Mulsanne-based concept features a steeply raked windshield, a chopped wheelbase (about six inches shorter) and two lengthened doors to bring all the proportions in properly (the inside panels of the doors have two latches on each interior panel, so rear seat passengers may open them from the inside as well). In addition to the sharp hydroformed aluminum panels, there are LED accent lights on the top of the rear decklid. The interior seats four passengers comfortably, with a sea of soft leather, polished stainless steel and signature wood.

Even though Bentley says its designers are "providing a glimpse into the potential future of the marque's flagship family," we say the Vision concept is much closer to production than they would lead us to believe. Its power-operated roof mechanism (seemingly lifted from the Azure) worked flawlessly, as did all switchgear (including the unique interior door handles) and lights. We expect Bentley will reveal its newest star at an auto show in the very near future.

Continue reading Bentley announces Mulsanne Vision Concept, a new flagship droptop

Bentley announces Mulsanne Vision Concept, a new flagship droptop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bentleyconceptconvertiblemontereymonterey 2012mulsannemulsanne visionpebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceSun, 19 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304068/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/19/bentley-announces-mulsanne-vision-concept-a-new-flagship-convertible/20304068/article-detail.xml 20304068 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bentley-new-concept-images-under-embargo-until-20-august-2012-at-0001-gmt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/bentley-new-concept-images-under-embargo-until-20-august-2012-at-0001-gmt-628.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Pebble Beach Concept Car Lawn offers a tutorial in cars to come]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/2012-pebble-beach-concept-car-lawn-offers-a-tutorial-in-cars-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/2012-pebble-beach-concept-car-lawn-offers-a-tutorial-in-cars-to/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/2012-pebble-beach-concept-car-lawn-offers-a-tutorial-in-cars-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

2012 Pebble Beach Concept Car Lawn

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is a showcase for some of the world's most exquisite vintage vehicles, but if newer metal is more your speed, the Concept Car Lawn is the place to be.

This year saw models from Bugatti, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, McLaren and Bentley as well as SRT, Hennessey, Infiniti and Lexus among others. The ultimate sampler platter of exotic and concept vehicles saw the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse mingle with the Lamborghini Urus Concept and the mighty Hennessey Venom GT, though we found ourselves particularly smitten with the BMW Zagato Roadster and the Aston Martin Vanquish.

Not that we could go wrong anywhere we looked. The 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed seemed perfectly content parked on the manicured putting green, as did the McLaren MP4-12C Spider. Get cozy with the full gallery below to see the smattering of metal on the lawn.

2012 Pebble Beach Concept Car Lawn offers a tutorial in cars to come originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aston martinbentleybmwbugatticoncept carconcept car lawnhennesseylamborghinimontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceSun, 19 Aug 2012 19:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304230/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/19/2012-pebble-beach-concept-car-lawn-offers-a-tutorial-in-cars-to/20304230/article-detail.xml 20304230 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/concept-car-lawn-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/concept-car-lawn-628.jpg <![CDATA[Shelby Cobras strut as 2012 Pebble Beach featured marque]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Shelby Cobra CSX2000 at Pebble Beach

Every year, the organizers behind the Monterey weekend choose a specific model to serve as the "featured marque" for events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Revival, Quail Motorsports Gathering and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This year, they honored the Shelby Cobra both as a nod to the machine's 50th anniversary and as a tribute to the recently passed Carroll Shelby.

With examples ranging from the first Cobra ever assembled to the first competition model and the legendary Dragonsnake, we can honestly say there's never been anything quite like this group parked on the green in Monterey.

In any other situation, an original '60s Cobra would be cause for a fit of jubilation. To see a whole nest of race-winning snakes coiled on the grass at Pebble? Mind-blowing. Flick through the gallery for an idea of the craziness.

Shelby Cobras strut as 2012 Pebble Beach featured marque originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobramontereymonterey 2012pebble beachpebble beach 2012pebble beach concours deleganceshelbyshelby cobraSun, 19 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304237/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/19/shelby-cobras-strut-as-2012-pebble-beach-featured-marque/20304237/article-detail.xml 20304237 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-shelby-cobra-pebble-2012-1345408951_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-shelby-cobra-pebble-2012-1345408951.jpg <![CDATA[Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion puts old tin fender to fender]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion-puts-old-tin-fender-to-fender/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion-puts-old-tin-fender-to-fender/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/19/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion-puts-old-tin-fender-to-fender/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion

There are plenty of events that make the Monterey weekend worth visiting, but the vast majority pale in comparison to Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Whereas the Concorso Italiano, Quail Motorsports Gathering and McCall Motorworks Revival are packed with gorgeous machinery lounging on well-kept lawns, the Motorsports Reunion gives some of our favorite vintage race cars a chance to stretch their legs on the world-famous apexes of Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Organizers say nearly every decade of motorsports history makes an appearance at some point, and the cars on hand are chosen based on their authenticity and racing past.

As the featured marque, a total of 45 original Shelby Cobra racers hit the track for the most anticipated race. With 289 and 427 models going tire to tire, including the last Daytona Coupe ever built, onlookers got a chance to take in a rare sight. Even with some competitors' cars pushing past 50 years old, the leaders tore down the front straight at 125 mph. A few cars wound up calling it quits before the checkered flag fell due to mechanical failures, and the Daytona Coupe wound up with some wrinkled sheet metal after an off in turn 3.

Check out the gallery above for a look at some of the competitors on hand, and stay tuned for a brief video of the cars falling through the corkscrew.

Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion puts old tin fender to fender originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Aug 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 rolex monterey motorsports reuniondaytona coupedaytona coupe crashmontereymonterey 2012motorsports reunionrolex monterey motorsports reunionshelby cobraSun, 19 Aug 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304027/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/19/rolex-monterey-motorsports-reunion-puts-old-tin-fender-to-fender/20304027/article-detail.xml 20304027 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/monterey-motorsports-reunion-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/monterey-motorsports-reunion-2012.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Quail Motorsports Gathering is excellent, if you have the means]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/2012-quail-motorsports-gathering-is-excellent-if-you-have-the-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/2012-quail-motorsports-gathering-is-excellent-if-you-have-the-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/2012-quail-motorsports-gathering-is-excellent-if-you-have-the-m/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quail Motorsports Gathering 2012

It would be unfair to call the Quail Motorsports Gathering a car show. Doing so would be like saying Bruce Lee was sufficiently talented in the art of self defense. Every year the Quail Lodge in Carmel, California plays host to both manufacturers and collectors for a day, and this year saw a typically impressive range of featured models. From the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse to the SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition and the wild McLaren X-1 Concept to a passel of Shelby Cobra examples and a smattering of pre-war Alfa Romeo classics, the gathering serves as the chewy center of the Monterey weekend.

Being forced to pick a personal favorite would be unduly cruel, though we found ourselves particularly smitten with a cherry Honda S800 and the carbon fiber Vintech 550 Tribute. Take a gander at the photo gallery above for a hint of the cars on hand.

2012 Quail Motorsports Gathering is excellent, if you have the means originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>montereymonterey 2012quailquail motorsports gatheringSat, 18 Aug 2012 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303830/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/18/2012-quail-motorsports-gathering-is-excellent-if-you-have-the-m/20303830/article-detail.xml 20303830 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/quail-motorsports-gathering-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/quail-motorsports-gathering-2012.jpg <![CDATA[1939 Bugatti Type 64 Coupe is incomplete perfection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/1939-bugatti-type-64-coupe-is-incomplete-perfection/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/1939-bugatti-type-64-coupe-is-incomplete-perfection/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/1939-bugatti-type-64-coupe-is-incomplete-perfection/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bugatti Type 64 Coupe

In 1939, Jean Bugatti was hard at work on the Type 64 Coupe. A total of three examples were started, but only one received completed bodywork before the designer's death during a Type 57 road test. Now the Mullin Automotive Museum is out to finish what Bugatti started all those years ago. Using many of the same coachbuilding techniques employed by the French automaker in the late '30s, the museum has all but finished constructing the body.

Naked of paint and lounging under the California sun, the Type 64 looks as if it has just rolled out of our ancestors' vision for the future. Its papillion doors and dramatic, reaching front fenders are as elegant now as they were when Bugatti first sketched them 73 years ago. Take a closer look for yourself by clicking through the photo gallery.

And if you missed the Quail Motorsports Gathering, don't sweat it. The Mullin Automotive Museum plans to display the car at its Oxnard, California facility starting this fall.

1939 Bugatti Type 64 Coupe is incomplete perfection originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1939 bugatti type 64 coupebugattibugatti type 64 coupecoupemontereymonterey 2012muillin automotive museumtype 64 coupeSat, 18 Aug 2012 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303822/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/18/1939-bugatti-type-64-coupe-is-incomplete-perfection/20303822/article-detail.xml 20303822 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-bugatti-type-64-coupe-quail-1345246436_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/01-bugatti-type-64-coupe-quail-1345246436.jpg <![CDATA[McLaren MP4-12C Spider touches down in North America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-touches-down-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-touches-down-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-touches-down-in-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider

The McLaren MP4-12C Spider has officially landed in North America. On display in Monterey, the convertible version of the British supercar boasts a retractable hardtop that can slip from fully up to completely stowed in around 17 seconds. Even with its roof structure stowed, the MP4-12C Spider remains a formidable performance car. The sprint to 60 mph takes just 3.1 seconds, and it tops out at 207 mph. Like its fixed-roof twin, the Spider makes 616 horsepower from a 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

As one Autoblog staffer commented, the car looks good enough to lick. Twice. Delicious? Yes. Cheap? Most certainly not. The McLaren MP4-12C Spider commands a price tag of $265,750, well north of the $241,800 the company asks for the coupe. You can get a closer look at the drophead McLaren by picking through the gallery above.

McLaren MP4-12C Spider touches down in North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mclarenmclaren mp4-12c spidermontereymonterey 2012mp4-12cmp4-12c spiderspiderSat, 18 Aug 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20303812/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/18/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-touches-down-in-north-america/20303812/article-detail.xml 20303812 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-debut_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mclaren-mp4-12c-spider-debut.jpg <![CDATA[Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is the same Bug with new paint]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-is-the-same-bug-with-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-is-the-same-bug-with-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/18/bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport-vitesse-is-the-same-bug-with-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse

We typically wince any time a manufacturer rolls out a special edition that's little more than a coat of paint, but we'll make an exception in this case. Bugatti parked the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse on the lawn of the Quail Motorsports Gathering, resplendent in its Bianco and Light Blue livery. The paint scheme is a tribute to the 1928 Type 37A. That open-wheel racer took the checkered flag at a number of grand prix events and now finds itself in the loving care of none other than Jay Leno himself.

As with the rest of the Veyron Grand Sport models, the Vitesse can bolt to 62 mph from a dead stop in a physics-obliterating 2.6 seconds. The feat is possible thanks to a range of impressive mechanical systems, though the 1,200 horsepower forced-induction W16 at the heart of it certainly doesn't hurt. Check out the Vitesse in the gallery below and have a peek at the full press release as well.

Continue reading Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is the same Bug with new paint

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is the same Bug with new paint originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vintech 550 Tribute

We caught up with the Vintech team at the Quail Motorsport Gathering to get a closer look at the team's 550 Tribute. As you may recall, the Paris-based company specializes in building concept cars for a number of manufacturers and wanted to show off its talents to the world at large. Under the attractive silver paint, every body panel on the 550 Tribute is carbon composite.

Styling aside, the real stunner is in the engine bay. Vintech tucked an in-house designed and built 3.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine in front of a Porsche gearbox. The block was milled from a solid chunk of aluminum and is fed by two Weber carbs, though the company says it could just as easily use fuel injection for better efficiency.

Despite having multiple offers for purchase, Vintech says the 550 Tribute is not for sale. Furthermore, it won't produce anything similar for mass consumption. And what did Porsche have to say about the one-off? According to Vintech, the German automaker stopped by to have a look at the retro-styled carbon fiber sports car and approved of the design and construction wholeheartedly.

Vintech 550 Tribute is a carbon fiber dream, not for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Aug 2012 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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