Autoblog

The Saab 9-3 that never was finally shows up

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Saab, Design/Style, Read This

Looking back on the life and [slow and painful] death of Saab, it's impossible to not stop and think of what might have been with the quirky Swedish automaker. As it turns out, SaabsUnited has decided to shed some light on what the company's future might have looked like, including some images and information that include full-scale mockups of the 9-3 Phoenix, which you see above.

In its waning years, Saab's lead designer Jason Castriota was working feverishly to deliver new products that built on the heritage of the brand while doing so at a lower cost and in a shorter time period than previous models. In the end, though, it sounds like the earliest that we could have seen any of these plans come to fruition was 2014. In addition to hatchback and convertible 9-3 variants, Castriota also created the Sonnett - a sporty-looking 2+2 that never made it past the design study phase.

Regardless of whether you're a diehard fan of the brand or if you were just pulling for the underdog, you'll want to head on over to SaabsUnited to check out a little more of what the future could have held for Saab.

The Saab 9-3 that never was finally shows up originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Grainy leaked images show stillborn Castriota-designed Saab 9-3

Zach Bowman — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Hatchback, Saab, Design/Style

The Saab faithful are going to be playing the "what if" game for years to come. It's one of the burdens of being a fan of a dead brand. A fresh batch of grainy 9-3 Phoenix images have made their way online, alleged shots of a design proposal penned by none other than Jason Castriota. The five-door looks to feature an honest liftback, though SaabsUnited.com says this particular vehicle was drawn up as part of a business plan in early 2011. As such, Castriota apparently told the site the final product was to look much more athletic than what we see here. While the low-resolution images make it difficult to tell much about the design, we certainly appreciate the familiar roofline, full band taillamps and the contrasting rear spoiler reminiscent of the old Saab 99 and 900 ducktails.

Unfortunately, we know all too well why this creation never saw the light of day. Would-be savior Victor Muller couldn't quite pull Saab out of its nosedive, and the company fell into bankruptcy before the 9-3 Phoenix could get off the ground. There's talk of the Phoenix platform and Saab brand having new life in other markets as EVs and even as gas cars, but the model seen here will likely never see production - let alone North American showrooms.

You can take a closer look at SverigesRadio.se - just make sure to have your translator ready if you don't speak Swedish.

Grainy leaked images show stillborn Castriota-designed Saab 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab's Phoenix platform to get second life with Spyker/Youngman deal?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, SUV, China, Europe, Earnings/Financials, Spyker, Luxury

Who knew that Jay Z was talking about Spyker founder and CEO Victor Muller when he sang, "I'm a hustla, baby, I just want you to know, it ain't where I been but where I'm 'bout to go..." The visionary Dutchman has concluded a deal with with Youngman - a partner since the whirlwind days of Saab - to inject money into Spyker, build cars off the Phoenix platform intended for Saab, and resurrect the D8 Peking to Paris SUV and potentially other SUVs. The deal was conditionally announced a few months ago.

The multipart deal begins with Youngman investing ten million euros into Spyker. Seven million of that will be used to purchase no more than 29.9 percent of Spyker shares, the other three million will be an open-ended loan with options for repayment mechanisms. Youngman has already handed over 2.3 million euros of the amount, the rest is expected by the end of January 2013.

Next up is a joint venture called Spyker P2P, of which Spyker will control 25 percent and Youngman the rest. The Chinese company is throwing another 25 million euros into the JV, Spyker is providing not cash but "the technology it developed for the Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris," the $250,000 SSUV. Spyker P2P wants to launch the perpetually stillborn D8 by the end of 2014 and will then consider other models on its platform, and the continued development of the C8 Aileron is also a factor in future plans.

After that comes the Spyker Phoenix joint venture, in which Spyker has a 20-percent stake and Youngman the rest. Youngman owns the license to the Phoenix platform that was meant to support new Saabs and this JV will build "a full range of premium car models" on it, at higher price points than the planned Saabs, and possibly built in Europe and China.

The final joint venture is Spyker Trademark Company, Youngman again a majority owner with a 75 percent share and Spyker the remainder. This JV gives all of the other JVs the rights to use the Spyker trademark.

Assuming the due diligence passes muster and the legal authorities consent, Youngman will possess the authority to nominate a third of both Spyker's management and supervisory boards, and Spyker and Youngman will be putting all their technology and resources into each others' hands. There's a press release below with all the finance-heavy details.

Continue reading Saab's Phoenix platform to get second life with Spyker/Youngman deal?

Saab's Phoenix platform to get second life with Spyker/Youngman deal? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AZ Nissan Leaf owners reporting abnormal battery capacity losses [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:13:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

Apparently, some Nissan Leaf owners are finding the crispy weather in Phoenix, Arizona a bit too severe for the batteries in their electric cars.

The CBS affiliate in Phoenix reports that a growing number of the area's Leaf owners have lost large chunks of battery capacity, and the forums at MyNissanLeaf.com indicate that similar complaints have been recorded in other parts of Arizona, Texas and California. A table of battery capacity losses is being kept online here. We contacted Nissan regarding the issue of reduced capacity in hot climes and received this response from spokesman John Schilling:

"We are aware of the handful of customers that are concerned; we are studying their individual situations and experiences."

Nissan North America Director of Product Planning Mark Perry said in a recent video, "Heat is definitely not a friend of batteries. But I'm talking about severe 130-, 140-degree Fahrenheit kind of heat... Don't park your Nissan Leaf - or any electric vehicle - where it's going to be more than 120 or 130 degrees."

In the same video, which you can find embedded below, Perry says, "In just normal conditions, you don't have to worry about it." Thing is, "normal conditions" mean different things to different people, including those who live in Phoenix, Arizona, where daily high temperatures average over 100 degrees several months of the year.

According to CBS5, Nissan "does not consider the issue a problem" but is "investigating five complaints about the rapid loss of battery capacity... all of them in Arizona."

It's interesting to note that the issue of the Nissan Leaf battery's lack of an active thermal management solution was brought up way back in January of 2010. At the time, Nissan's Perry said, "We don't need thermal management in the U.S. ... We've gone on record saying that the pack has a 70 to 80 percent capacity after 10 years."

As you'll see in the video below, however, Nissan's warranty only covers the output of the Leaf's battery pack, not its capacity. Where that leaves heat-drenched Leaf owners remains to be seen. Scroll down for videos from both Nissan and CBS5.

Continue reading AZ Nissan Leaf owners reporting abnormal battery capacity losses [w/video]

AZ Nissan Leaf owners reporting abnormal battery capacity losses [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kurt Busch lands ride with Phoenix Racing for 2012

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Chevrolet, Celebrities, Specialty, Racing

Kurt Busch has landed with Phoenix Racing after parting ways with Penske following a particularly rough season, even by Busch family standards. Busch drew the ire of fans, teammates and team leaders alike this year after cursing at an ESPN reporter and making a habit of demeaning his crew over the radio during races. Busch's long-time crew chief Steve Addington left the Penske team after the end of the season, reportedly thanks in part to Busch's toxic attitude. While Addington is headed to a new position with series champion Tony Stewart, Busch has joined forces with Phoenix Racing.

According to USA Today, Busch will helm the number 51 Chevrolet for Phoenix. The 33-year-old racer has previously campaigned under both the Dodge and Ford banner at various points in his career, and Busch says he's excited to get back to "old-school" racing. While Phoenix Racing team owner James Finch has been critical of Busch in the past, he likes the racer's track record. Busch has had 24 victories in 400 Sprint Cup starts. A.J. Allmendinger, meanwhile, will take Busch's spot with Penske.

Kurt Busch lands ride with Phoenix Racing for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab won't make it to Frankfurt

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Saab, Earnings/Financials

According to the sleuths at Autoblog.nl, Saab will not be in attendance at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. As anyone paying an ounce of attention would know, this news is anything but surprising.

Naturally, it costs money to host a display at a major auto show... and money is something Saab has been had in extremely short supply over the last several months. We have a feeling that, if Saab had a bank account flush enough to travel to Frankfurt and put on a good show, that money would be much better spent paying off suppliers and employees.

With all of this in mind, we thought it would be a nice gesture to remind you of Saab's last concept car. Have a look at the Phoenix Concept in our attached gallery, and read all about it right here.

Saab won't make it to Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: Saab PhoeniX Concept previews a new Swedish shape

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Saab, Design/Style

Saab PhoeniX Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been about one year since Saab and General Motors parted ways, and the automaker is hellbent on showing the world what it's capable of creating on its own means. In addition to an Independence Edition of the 9-3 Convertible, Saab is showing off a major concept for the brand at this year's Geneva show - a design that will preview the future face of the automaker, penned by famed designer Jason Castriota. In case you haven't been paying attention, Castriota has created such pretty creations as the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina and Bertone Mantide.

Castriota's latest creation, the Saab PhoeniX, is a sleek hatchback concept that uses the automaker's new 'aeromotional' design language. Saab describes this as "a visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles and passion for innovation that inspired the creators of Saab's first car, the iconic Ursaab." Long story short - absolute gorgeousness. The concept uses butterfly doors that reveal a two-plus-two seating arrangement, and the modern interpretation of the Saab teardrop shape is seriously attractive.

Under the shapely metal is Saab's 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four mated to the automaker's XWD all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the PhoeniX uses the new Saab IQon infotainment platform that uses the Google Android operating system. The car itself may be totally conceptual, but we'll see IQon make its way into Saab products in the coming years (stay tuned for more details).

Follow the jump for Saab's full press release, and see the sleek new PhoeniX concept in high-res glory in the image galleries below.

Gallery: Saab PhoeniX Concept: Geneva 2011

Gallery: Saab Phoenix Concept

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Saab]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Saab PhoeniX Concept previews a new Swedish shape

Geneva 2011: Saab PhoeniX Concept previews a new Swedish shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celebrity classics on the docket at RM Auctions in Arizona

Noah Joseph — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:06:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Lincoln

Rita Hayworth's '41 Lincoln Continental Coupe - Click above for high-res image

This year's RM Auctions event in Phoenix will feature several classics with serious celebrity provenance. First and foremost is a rare 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder that was alternately owned by Reggie Jackson and Evel Knievel. By itself, the Daytona Spyder is expected to fetch around a million bucks, but that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Also on the roster is a 1929 Duesenberg Model J Dual Cowl Phaeton used by Elvis Presley in the movie Spinout (also estimated at a million +/-), a 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe (pictured above) given by Orson Welles to Rita Hayworth (~$175k) and a 1949 Cadillac Series 75 Woodie Limousine with custom bodywork by Schwartz commissioned by MGM studios (~$300k). With nearly three months to go before the auction, you can bet there'll be plenty more interesting vehicles on their way to Arizona for the event. Hit the jump to read about what's been consigned so far. UPDATE: Additional high-resolution images added to the gallery below.

Gallery: RM Auctions Automobiles of Arizona 2010

[Source: RM Auctions | Images: Darin Schnabel, Shooterz.biz/RM Auctions]

Continue reading Celebrity classics on the docket at RM Auctions in Arizona

Celebrity classics on the docket at RM Auctions in Arizona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arizona's freeway speed cameras snap their last speeders

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal

In span of about two-and-a-half years, Arizona's highway speed camera program, run by Australian company Redflex, mailed 1,105,935 tickets, or close to 1,125 tickets every day. In 2009, a group called CameraFraud went to work to get the cameras taken down, and after a year of effort they've been successful: Redflex shut the 78 fixed and mobile cameras down at midnight, July 16.

The group convinced Arizona's new governer, Jan Brewer, that the cameras were all about money. Brewer's predecessor, Janet Napolitano, had cited the fact that the cameras would bring in $120 million every year for the state. But since tickets needed to be delivered by process servers to those caught speeding in order to be legally binding, 66% of the violations were never paid. Instead of reaping $120 million annually, only $78 million was collected over the entire 2.5 years.

There remain some Arizona municipalities with speed-detecting cameras still in use, and CameraFraud is now taking aim at them. Also, the shutdown doesn't affect the red light cameras, a program run by American Traffic Solutions, which are still in operation.

[Source: The Newspaper]

Arizona's freeway speed cameras snap their last speeders originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two wheels to the front: Arizona to legalize lane splitting. Maybe.

Devon Brozek — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:43:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Motorcycle

Picture this: It's ten minutes after five o'clock, you're heading north on the 405 freeway, leaving Los Angeles. You won't appreciate your favorite two-wheeled conveyance much more than at this moment. If you spend time traveling through California, you know the practice of lane-splitting can shave hours off of an otherwise grueling commute. The act of passing slowed or stopped cars between lanes, however, appeared to be limited to to the Golden State, with slim hopes of spreading east. Until now, that is.

Under House Bill 2475, Arizona lawmakers would allow lane-splitting during aone-year "trial period.". This would only encompass Maricopa County, home to the Phoenix metro area and its surrounding suburbs.

Local news reports indicate differing opinions over the plan's safety. That said, riders who lane-split in California (not to mention the millions who regularly do so every single day in Europe and Asia) will tell you the practice can indeed be performed safely. What's more, lane-splitting reduces fuel consumption, travel times and roadway congestion.

As traffic grows more intense each year, it's hard to view attempts to reduce congestion as anything but positive. If Arizonans need another excuse to enjoy their year-round riding conditions, it could soon come with the passing of Bill 2475.

[Source: ABC15.com | Image: akeg via CC-SA 2.0]

Two wheels to the front: Arizona to legalize lane splitting. Maybe. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dealer still pitching cars from the afterlife?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hummer, Humor

On April 8, 50-year-old Charles P. Dimmick died doing what he loved to do: watching his favorite driver, Jeff Gordon, run in the Phoenix round of NASCAR. Dimmick was also the marketing manager at Lund Cadillac Hummer Saab in Phoenix, and if you believe the person who wrote his obituary, he also loved to sell cars.

In the notice itself (after the details of his death and before the details of the wake), was this line: "We are sure he would still want all to know that 0.9% financing is still available on all New 2008 Hummer H2's." It isn't clear who wrote the obituary, but tasking someone with selling H2 inventory even after they die sounds a bit like something Dante might be involved in.

[Source: Yahoo!]

Dealer still pitching cars from the afterlife? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Worst Pontiacs Of All Time

Chris Shunk — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Pontiac

Yesterday we showed you the Top 10 Greatest Pontiacs Of All Time. Coming up with 10 great Pontiacs was both fun and easy, as the brand is responsible for some of the best muscle cars ever made. During its heyday, Pontiac was so good that the entire brand won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award three times. Unfortunately, the oil embargo ruined Pontiac's fun, and "Driving Excitement" was converted into a ragtag collection of badge-engineered mediocrity.

While we're still nostalgic about the dying Pontiac brand, we decided to augment our original list with the Top 10 Worst Pontiacs Of All Time. There were plenty of models from which to choose, and we managed to remember the least loved Pontiac of all time: the Aztek. Click below to check out our list (in no particular order), and make sure to add your least favorite Pontiac in the comments.

Top 10 Worst Pontiacs Of All Time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler's future does not come with a Hemi powertrain

Merritt Johnson — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

It looks like the Hemi engine, an icon for the Chrysler Corporation, won't be included in forthcoming applications due to changing fuel economy standards. Rising gas prices have already hurt sales of vehicles featuring these engines, causing Chrysler to cut back production. Now co-president Jim Press has declared, "The Hemi is not the powertrain of the future." Similar to the direction taken by GM, Chrysler is banking on newly developed V6 powerplants to take the reigns from current V8 options. These Phoenix engines are scheduled to hit production in 2009.

The Hemi engine's downfall is its inability to adapt to features proven to increase efficiency. The large combustion chamber design and dual valve structure leads to blow-by of unburned fuel, thus producing large levels of undesired emissions. The use of dual spark plugs has improved burn in the hemispherical combustion chamber, however, it's a solution that increased cost and complexity. More modern and efficient chamber structures, unlike the Hemi, can fit four valves and utilize dual overhead camshafts. Chrysler plans to implement these features into their future V6 engines, along with cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Chrysler's future does not come with a Hemi powertrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler to build engine plant south of the border

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 07:13:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Chrysler

Come 2009, Chrysler's "Phoenix" V6 will begin to be built in Derramadero, Mexico, as the automaker seeks to increase the availability of more fuel-efficient engines. The plant, located near the automaker's Dodge Ram factory, will employ 485 workers, churn out 440,000 units each year and will cost $570 million to build.

Since Chrysler intends to outfit 20 new models with the aluminum block V6 in the next three years, the new plant in Mexico will work alongside the new Trenton plant, which the automaker broke ground on last month.

[Source: Detroit News]

Chrysler to build engine plant south of the border originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford may drop Fiesta name for Genesis, Isis, Phoenix or Cuga?

John Neff — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Ford

The Fiesta badge has been worn by small Fords the world over for more than 30 years, but it may not survive the arrival of the next-generation car according to reports. Apparently people inside Ford believe the new model is such a radical departure from the current model (shown above) that dropping the long-running moniker would be appropriate.

Just-auto.com reports that Ford has investigated three new names and registered a fourth. Genesis, Isis and Phoenix are already being checked for any prior claims by other companies. We suspect Hyundai might have something to say about who owns the "Genesis" badge. The name Cuga, meanwhile, has actually been registered by Ford, though we're not sure if it reserves the name for the new Fiesta or just to prevent other companies from using it and detracting from the Cougar name, which is also a revered name owned by Ford.

There are some inside Ford who believe the Fiesta name should be not so carelessly tossed aside. They make a good case, as the Fiesta name has earned a lot of credibility and cachet since it was first introduced in 1976. At the same time, the next-generation Fiesta will be the most global version of the car ever produced. The name Fiesta means very little to consumers in the U.S., and in fact, may remind some of the Festiva, which would be a bad thing. Either way, the next-gen Fiesta will be sold in the U.S. when it arrives in late 2009. Call it whatever you want, we just want to drive it.

[Source: just-auto.com, sub. req'd]

Ford may drop Fiesta name for Genesis, Isis, Phoenix or Cuga? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera gets on track

Noah Joseph — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:07:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Videos, Supercars, Lamborghini

Less is more when it comes to exotic sportscars. Less weight, that is. Enthusiasts know that taking extra weight out of a sportscar makes it go faster. No wonder, then, that the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera that was unveiled last month at the Geneva show was such a hit.

Although Lamborghinis are decidedly built for the road, the results of the Gallardo's high-perfomance diet can best be seen (and heard) on the race track. This video comes courtesy of the Swedish Auto Motor & Sport, who took the new Superleggera out for a spin at the Phoenix International Raceway in Arizona. Follow the jump and turn up your speakers, 'cause this is one raging bull with a sweet sound.

Continue reading VIDEO: Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera gets on track

VIDEO: Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera gets on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 3 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghosts

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Rolls-Royce

1911 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghost ROI Des Belges

The history of Lot 264 can be traced its build date of March 3, 1911, when it was shipped to N. Gatti in London on April 24th. From there the 1911 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, Chassis No. 1574 was sold several times, including to Millard Newman in Florida, who had it meticulously restored and added to his collection. After Newman's death, the car's new owner put it through another extensive restoration, won several Concours awards, then brought it to Arizona where it was auctioned for $725,000, Friday. It was by far the best-preserved and most beautiful of three super rare Silver Ghosts auctioned at RM.

Make the jump to check out the two other Rollers that left the auction block.

Gallery: 2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 3 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghosts

Continue reading 2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 3 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghosts

2007 RM Auction, Scottsdale: 3 Rolls-Royce 40/50HP Silver Ghosts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Jan 2007 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miami declared tops in rude driving

Chris Paukert — Wed, 17 May 2006 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Safety

Perhaps its the fact that there are thousands of doddering septuagenarians plying area roads, but Miami, Florida has just been dubbed America's least courteous drivers. Or to put a finer point on it, they've got some road rage and rude driving issues. A new AutoVantage survey of 2,000 adult commuters in 20 major cities has concluded that Miami has the worst road etiquette. The Norwalk, Connecticut company's phone survey also found a lot of negative feelings in:

Phoenix, Arizona
New York, New York
Los Angeles, California
Boston, Massachusetts

And there must be something to the whole 'Minnesota Nice' thing, as Minneapolis topped the list of friendliest commuter cities. Other top finishers included:

Nashville, Tennessee
St. Louis, Missouri
Seattle, Washington
Atlanta, Georgia

AutoVantage questioned participants on everything from obvious displays of motoring anger (middle fingers, cutting off other cars, tailgating, etc.), turn signal use, talking on the phone, and 'driving too fast.'

[Source: The Associated Press via CNN.com]

(Top Tip, Evan!)

Miami declared tops in rude driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 May 2006 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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