Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Presenting the Kustom Kar photography of George Barris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/video-presenting-the-kustom-kar-photography-of-george-barris/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/video-presenting-the-kustom-kar-photography-of-george-barris/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/23/video-presenting-the-kustom-kar-photography-of-george-barris/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

If you look up the name George Barris, you'll find two famous individuals from the same era. One snapped iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe and Dwight Eisenhower, while the other took shots of hot-rodded Chevys and Buicks. While we're sure George Barris the celebrity photographer was great, our attention is, as always, drawn to the car guy with the same name. Barris, as you well know, was one of the pioneers of the multi-billion-dollar custom car industry, and he took as much pride in the pictures he took to show off his work as he did the custom jobs that made him famous. Barris's photos eventually landed in popular magazines like Hot Rod and Rod & Custom. Follow the jump to look at some of the photography that helped make George Barris a household name... at least in the car world.

[Source: YouTube via The Garage Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Presenting the Kustom Kar photography of George Barris

VIDEO: Presenting the Kustom Kar photography of George Barris originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car modsCarModsgeorge barrisGeorgeBarrishot rodHotRodmodified carModifiedCarphotographyphotosrod CustomRodCustomSun, 23 Aug 2009 12:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Double-size gallery of 2010 Jaguar XJ images]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/pics-aplenty-double-size-gallery-of-2010-jaguar-xj-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/pics-aplenty-double-size-gallery-of-2010-jaguar-xj-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/16/pics-aplenty-double-size-gallery-of-2010-jaguar-xj-images/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The 2010 Jaguar XJ -- Click above for larger high-res image gallery

For any of you looking to get an even better look - or perhaps just additional looks - at the 2010 Jaguar XJ, we've added about 40 new photos to our gallery.

If you want to get an early gander at the car in person and you're in London next week, Jag's top cat will be at the Gulf Luxury Fair at the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane. The event caters to the luxury crowd that Jaguar would like to reacquaint itself with, and takes place from July 25-27. For the rest of us, there is the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ


[Source: Jaguar]

Pics Aplenty: Double-size gallery of 2010 Jaguar XJ images originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 jaguar xj2010 xj2010JaguarXj2010Xjjaguarjaguar xjJaguarXjphotossaloonsedanxjThu, 16 Jul 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: More Porsche Panamera pics surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/22/more-porsche-panamera-pics-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/22/more-porsche-panamera-pics-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/22/more-porsche-panamera-pics-surface/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above higih-res image gallery of the Porsche Panamera

Thanks for the heads-up to our friends at Supercars.net, where a forum poster has uploaded more official shots of the Porsche Panamera (apparently lifted from Autoweek.nl) ahead of its official reveal extravaganza scheduled for Monday. The first photo and technical details trickled out last night, and the new batch gives you a better view of the car's controversial rump, which is already polarizing enthusiasts the world over. It's not so much that we think a round booty is a bad thing -- it's just that Porsche has done it better before. Or have you guys already forgotten about the awesomeness that's spelled 9-2-8? Anyway. Have a look at the gallery, and stand by for more on Monday (or whenever the next group of pics gets leaked).

Gallery: Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo


[Source: Supercars.net]

BREAKING: More Porsche Panamera pics surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingpanamerapanamera 4spanamera turboPanamera4sPanameraTurbophotosporscheporsche panameraPorschePanameraSat, 22 Nov 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/11/spy-shots-mazda6-interior-snappe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots


[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6interiormazdamazda 6Mazda6photosshotsspyspy shotsSpyShotsTue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 BMW Z4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/spy-shots-2009-bmw-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/spy-shots-2009-bmw-z4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/09/spy-shots-2009-bmw-z4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

They've got it really well disguised, with extra padding down virtually every inch of the flanks hiding what lies underneath, but there's a new crop of spy shots of the 2009 BMW Z4 from Swedish website Sportbilen. The Svensk site for sports car enthusiasts jumped on three shots from Tommy Kristiansen of a passel of Bimmers in Goth costumes at a fuel stop. Not much is discernible, other than the fact that the long hood/short deck profile remains, and the on-again, off-again cloth top seems to have been replaced by a hard top. Perhaps someone who understands Swedish could shed some light about what the page actually says, too. The resolution of the shots isn't good enough to really make out whether it's a removeable hardtop or a folding unit, and whatever flame surfacing might run down the sides of this car have been hidden under totally faux quarter panels front and rear, and a door with a intentionally confusing bowl in the middle. So - you can make out the general lines, which stay pretty true to the BMW two-seater convention, but we're still waiting on more details.

[Source: Sportbilen.se]

Spy Shots: 2009 BMW Z4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009bmwphotospicturesspyspy shotsSpyShotsz4Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/05/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-interior-pics-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/05/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-interior-pics-leaked/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/05/2008-dodge-challenger-srt8-interior-pics-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the leaked Challenger images so far

Some official photos of the Dodge Challenger's interior have been posted on Allpar's forums, and our spirits have been buoyed. It's always hard to get a read on the real-world look and feel of the interior plastics, but from what we can make out amidst the dither, all is not lost when it comes to the Challenger's front office. In these pictures, the interior looks very presentable, though it seems to be pretty standard LX fare. The SRT8 models get nicely trimmed seats, with contrasting french stitching on the deep bolsters, suede inserts to grip your backside, and a nice splash of orange to set off the SRT logo. Lesser Challengers will obviously not get quite the full boat luxe treatment that the SRT gets, with its MyGig, bespoke gauges, and leather adornments, but just what will get pulled out remains to be seen. The Mustang and Camaro might have more exciting designs, but the ergonomics and controls in the revived Dodge ponycar look well thought out. We've breathed a half-sigh of relief after our last round of interior spy shots, which left some of us certain that the Challenger's interior was going to be bested by what came in the unlamented K-Cars. Thanks for the tip, indymcsc!

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchallengerchallenger srt8ChallengerSrt8chryslerdodgedodge challengerDodgeChallengerinteriorleakphotossrt8Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Volvo XC60 out playin' in the snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/25/spy-shots-volvo-xc60-out-playin-in-the-snow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volvo is working hard to finish development on the production version of its XC60 CUV before it goes on sale later in 2008. We'll see the official unveiling in Geneva most likley, and the concept has certainly whetted our appetite. Aimed at the smaller end of the premium CUV market, the XC60 will take on comers like the BMW X3 and the upcoming Mercedes Freeside, as well as the Land Rover LR2, with which the XC60 shares pieces and corporate parents.

AutoExpress has posted spy shots of an XC60 dressed for modesty cavorting in the snow. Comparing the mule to shots of the concept shows that the major points of the design are headed for the showroom after some tweaking. The changes are pretty minor, the door handles change, the roofline appears to be a little higher, though still with the same profile, so you might actually be able to load things in the production car. It does look like the curvaceous taillights are headed for reality, only slightly changed, too. The pictures don't offer any insight as to whether the trick two-piece hatch from the concept will make it to the public, and we're going to bet that the all-white interior will be ditched for something less cleaning-intensive, too. For the most part, what we saw in the concept is what we'll be able to buy in early 2009.

[Source: Auto Express]

Gallery: Volvo XC60 Concept



Spy Shots: Volvo XC60 out playin' in the snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60auto expressAutoExpresscamoflagecuvgenevamulephotosshotsspyspy shotsSpyShotstestingvolvoxcxc60Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics and Details Aplenty: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/pics-and-details-aplenty-2009-bmw-m3-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/pics-and-details-aplenty-2009-bmw-m3-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/16/pics-and-details-aplenty-2009-bmw-m3-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for 31 high-res images of the BMW M3 Convertible

BMW wasn't planning on releasing the M3 convertible just yet. It had its hands full with the production X6 crossover and those new-fangled turbodiesels the company unveiled at the Detroit show. The M3 drop-top wasn't supposed to debut until March at the Geneva show. But the Bavarian automaker evidently took a decidedly un-German "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude when initial images and details leaked out. Rather than trying to hold the dam together, BMW has decided to join us for a swim and let the floodgates open on its new V8 hard-top convertible.

As exciting and versatile package it is, the real news here is BMW's new M DCT twin-clutch gearbox that stands in for the previous SMG transmission, which had its fair share of haters. The rest we already know from the M3 coupe and the more plebian 3-Series convertible. Unfortunately, the glorious M-tuned V8 is bogged down by an extra 450 lbs. of folding metal and electric motors, but that's the price you pay (on top of what promises to be a heart-attack-inducing sticker price) for the option of taking in the sunshine and that delicious exhaust note without sacrificing the security of a tin top. Swapping cogs at lightning speed, though, should help mitigate the half second the convertible loses on the coupe.

Check out the images in the gallery below and the full press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Continue reading Pics and Details Aplenty: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Pics and Details Aplenty: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdetailsimagesleakedm3photospicspress releasePressReleasereleasedWed, 16 Jan 2008 13:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Baby Rolls nabbed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/spy-shots-baby-rolls-nabbed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/spy-shots-baby-rolls-nabbed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/spy-shots-baby-rolls-nabbed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hours upon hours of lying prone on the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle have paid off for KGP's hardcore spy shooters. An upright test mule has been spotted running around at BMW's facility in the frozen hinterlands. There have been rumors of a smaller Roller swirling about, and these shots seem to support the conjecture. BMW's 7-series will reportedly serve as the basis for the new luxury whip, and the car in the photos appears identical to the surrounding 7's from the A-pillar back. The stiff upper lip has likely been grafted on to facilitate cooling and airflow for the engine room. Plus, you could do worse than an E65 with a better schnoz and an old-world interior. Check out all five spy shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Rolls Royce RR4 - spy shots

Spy Shots: Baby Rolls nabbed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcticbabybaby rollsBabyRollsbmwmulephotosrollsrolls royceRollsRoyceroyceshotssmallspyspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotstest facilityTestFacilityTue, 15 Jan 2008 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2008: The Definitive Desktop Wallpaper Gallery]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-the-definitive-desktop-wallpaper-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-the-definitive-desktop-wallpaper-gallery/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/15/detroit-2008-the-definitive-desktop-wallpaper-gallery/#commentsFiled under:


Click the image above for dozens of wallpaper for your desktop

We've spent the first two days of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show going full throttle - attending press conferences, photographing vehicles, and posting non-stop. The only problem is that thousands of other journalists are doing the same, and it can sometimes be tough to get good, clean photographs of the vehicles without dozens of people crowding the cars. Fortunately, the third press day is more relaxed and offers a better chance to take pictures of the cars. All of the press conferences are over, the vehicles are displayed nicely in their stands, and the crowds of journalists and photographers have lessened. We spent the first half of today photographing our favorite vehicles at the show and have created a gallery of super high resolution images (1920 pixels wide!) just so you can adorn your desktop with the likes of the Audi R8 V12 TDI, Mazda Furai, Land Rover LRX, and more. Feel free to browse through the gallery below and download your favorites.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Desktop Wallpaper Gallery

All photos (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Detroit 2008: The Definitive Desktop Wallpaper Gallery originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingDesktop WallpaperDesktopWallpaperDetroitDetroit 2008Detroit2008photo galleryPhotoGalleryphotospicturesTue, 15 Jan 2008 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Lotus "Eagle"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/spy-shots-lotus-eagle/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/spy-shots-lotus-eagle/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/09/spy-shots-lotus-eagle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, we know it looks like the Esprit. Please don't bombard us with comments about how it looks like the old Esprit. It really is the new GT from Lotus, known for now as the Eagle. It's wearing Esprit body panels, so yes, we know it looks like the old Esprit. Based on a heavily revised Elise structure and powered by a Toyota V6 plunked down in the middle of the chassis and kicking out 300 hp, the coupe will cost about $100,000 (£48,000). Even though Lotus isn't fond of them, the transmission will be a paddle-shift automated manual. Lotus cites market desires for the about-face on the transmission. The Eagle will spawn several different models, including a convertible and a replacement for the reviled Europa. When they're done, the Eagle won't look like the Esprit. Instead, the bodywork will more closely follow the M250. Cramming four seats into a mid-engined chassis takes some cleverness, and who's more clever than Lotus?

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: Lotus "Eagle" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lotuslotus eaglelotus espritlotus europalotus m250LotusEagleLotusEspritLotusEuropaLotusM250photosspyspy photosspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyShotssupercarFri, 09 Nov 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty! Ferrari 430 Scuderia - inside, out and upside down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/pics-galore-ferrari-430-scuderia-inside-and-out-and-upside-dow/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/pics-galore-ferrari-430-scuderia-inside-and-out-and-upside-dow/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/pics-galore-ferrari-430-scuderia-inside-and-out-and-upside-dow/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click on the image above to jump to our 52-image high-resolution gallery

Can't get enough of Ferrari's latest hotness? Neither can we, and the first batch of eight official images to come out of Maranello just weren't enough. So we flew out to Germany and got some more from the 430 Scuderia's unveiling at the Frankfurt auto show. But that still wasn't enough. So we got in touch with Ferrari North America to ask for more, but unfortunately our requests went unheeded.

Thankfully our Italian friends over at Automobilismo.it came to the rescue with a whole F1-calibre convoy full of new press images of the new Scuderia, that stripped-out supercar that laps Ferrari's private Fiorano test track faster than any Ferrari road car in the company's sixty-year history - including the Enzo.

Without confirmation from Ferrari, we can't be 100% sure these are all factory-issued, but until we hear otherwise, we give you this gallery of 52 high-resolution images. Enjoy them, because it can't have been easy for the photographer to get the 430 Scuderia to stay still for long.

[Source: Ferrari via Automobilismo.it]

Gallery: Ferrari F430 Scuderia

Pics Aplenty! Ferrari 430 Scuderia - inside, out and upside down originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>430challengef430factoryferrarigalleryhighimagephotospressresolutionscuderiastradalestudiotrackTue, 09 Oct 2007 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Impreza STI on the road]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/spy-shots-impreza-sti-on-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/spy-shots-impreza-sti-on-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/19/spy-shots-impreza-sti-on-the-road/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Finally, pictures of the new Subaru Impreza STI that have not been generated by a computer. Amateur shots taken on a public road in Japan clearly show the traditional enlarged hood scoop, butcher flared arches and two more exhaust pipes than found on the WRX. Those grey alloys would certainly be a departure from STI norm as well, should they make it to the stand at October's Tokyo Motor Show.

The right-hand-drive car spotted is almost certainly destined for the Japan domestic market and as such should be powered by a 1994cc EJ20 boxer rather than the torquier, but less peaky, 2.5-liter lump that will be fitted to STIs for export.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Impreza STI

Spy Shots: Impreza STI on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>imprezajapanphotosspystiWed, 19 Sep 2007 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[SNAP! Mini convertible caught without disguise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/snap-mini-convertible-caught-without-disguise/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/snap-mini-convertible-caught-without-disguise/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/snap-mini-convertible-caught-without-disguise/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You might not have known from looking at it, but even after the second-generation new MINI came out, the convertible version carried on from the previous incarnation. But the BMW subsidiary has been hard at work on its replacement, set to join the standard hatchback and the upcoming Clubman wagon in the lineup ahead of the crossover version.

Opting for a soft top instead of a folding metal roof, the new MINI cabrio's is fully automatic and features an intriguing half-fold mechanism that allows the driver to open just the top instead of the entire roof to expose just the front two seats to the open air, targa-style. Reports also suggest that the fixed chrome roll-over hoops behind the rear seat headrests on the outgoing model will be ditched in favor of deployable emergency units.

The rear-angle spy shot, meanwhile, shows that with the roof up or halfway open, rearward visibility will be severely compromised, with enormous C-pillars creating large blind spots. Guess that means drivers will just have to keep the top down altogether. Oh well.

[Source: Auto Express]

SNAP! Mini convertible caught without disguise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioconvertibleminiphotosshotsspyWed, 25 Jul 2007 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #71]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/18/autoblog-podcast-71/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We're shooting from the hip this week for Podcast #71. Rather than prepare, we're going with gut reactions. Starting it off, we mull over the loss of the USGP from Indianapolis, and postulate on where else F1 may pop up in the US. An F1 race on the Vegas strip would be the bomb. Staying with motorsports, we marvel at how Team SARD spanked everyone extremely hard at Tokachi with a hybridized Supra GT. We're sure that racing will improve the hybrid breed at a much steeper pace than conventional powerplants. In other racing news, Dale Junior has split from Budweiser, so he'll have new livery to plaster all over his left-turn machine.

Moving on from racing, we ponder the leakage and eventual announcement of the Porsche 911 GT2. It's as unassuming as a Porsche can get, but it packs 530 horsepower and uses the rear wheels to push top speed to the 200 MPH realm, while being a docile everyday car. While Porsches always make us giddy little schoolboys, Subaru's recent model line revisions have us alternating between cheers and jeers. The good: the Legacy SUS, or whatever the heck they call their Outback sedan is kaput. The bad: so is the straight Legacy wagon. We devolve into a styling review of Subaru's new corporate language for a while before surfacing again to discuss the inanity surrounding presidential candidates and hybrid vehicles. Idiocy, 'nuff said.

On a lighter note, we discuss the rumored sequel to Disney/Pixar's "Cars." Not surprising when you consider how lucrative the tie-ins usually are. Off entertainment and on to entertaining cars, we ogle the leaked pictures of the FPV Falcon, and discuss the future plans of that platform here in the US. It does look mean, so thanks to that janitor who picked these renderings out of the trash. Our pithy cavalcade keeps rolling along, and we chew over Bob Lutz's latest comments about the future of diesel powerplants in the US. It's odd that Bob is cool on diesel just as GM is poised to roll out new oil-burners. Wrapping up, we put out the call to action again for the Reader Ride - add your pix to the Flickr pool and include details! The hour duration of Podcast #71 will give you enjoyment to and from work, enjoy!

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Autoblog Podcast #71 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbudweisercandidateclintondale juniorDaleJuniordisneyearnhardtescapefalconfpvgt2hybridindianapolisindylegacymotogpobamaorionoutbackphotospixarpodcastporschepresidentsardsequelspy shotsSpyShotssubarutokachiusgpWed, 18 Jul 2007 15:20:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #71Dan Roth55:11autoblog podcast, podcast, sard, toyota, supra, indy, indianapolis, usgp, motogp, lutz, diesel, gm, falcon, orion, australia, spy shots, subaru, styling, legacy, outback, earnhardt, nascar, budweiser, disney, sequel, pixar, cars, candidate, hybrid, obama<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Fiat Abarth duo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/spy-shots-fiat-abarth-duo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/spy-shots-fiat-abarth-duo/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/12/spy-shots-fiat-abarth-duo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Abarth is returning to the scene with force. The historic Italian tuning house, long a part of the Fiat group, has been hard at work turning Fiat's models into hot hatches worthy of the scorpion badge's revival. At Geneva we saw the production preview of the Grande Punto Abarth, and the Abarth version of the newly-launched 500 retromobile is expected at Tokyo. With their work cut out for them, the Fiat Abarth team is pounding the test track developing the dynamic duo.

Both cars are anticipated to benefit from tightened-up suspensions, beefed-up brakes, revised bodywork, trim and badging, and two high-performance four-cylinder engines: one producing 150 horsepower, and an even more powerful version with output in the neighborhood of 180-200hp. With these kinds of hot hatches looming on the horizon, and a Bravo Abarth expected to follow shortly thereafter, the future is looking good.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: Fiat Abarth duo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500abarthfiatgrandemulephotospuntoshotsspytestThu, 12 Jul 2007 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Zooming in on NASCAR]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/zooming-in-on-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/zooming-in-on-nascar/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/zooming-in-on-nascar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



NASCAR racers move fast. Camera shutters are fast enough to freeze the 200 mph action, but what do you do when you want a shot of the entire field of racers? Wide angle lenses create distortion known as convergence, and if you zoomed out enough to get the entire field, you're only utilizing a portion of your emulsion or imaging chips, resulting in a noisy, fuzzy image. Photographer Rick Graves has created a customized Hasselblad to solve this conundrum and has produced some of the most beautiful images of NASCAR we've seen.

The modified camera has been dubbed DistaCam, and uses a high-speed motor drive and a metal plate with a slit cut in it, sort of like a pinhole camera. There is math involved; the focal distance is calculated, the speed of the motor needs to be correlated to the speed of the cars on the track, and the aperture of the telephoto lens is worked out. Once the numbers are crunched, the camera is aimed at an inches-wide spot on the track and then prayers are offered to Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration in hopes that there'll be some good among the inevitable chaff. It's not often that everything happens just so and the cars come out perfect, instead of squished or stretched. Those perfect bits are stitched in Photoshop after the 66-inch long frames are scanned ten inches at a time and cleaned up. When all's said and done, the prints can be monstrous - as large as hundreds of feet long. Cool. It's like those trick aluminum floorjacks they use in the pits; a total hotrod.

[Source: Wired]

Zooming in on NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motorsportsnascarphotographyphotospicturesracingshotsSat, 07 Jul 2007 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/30/spy-shots-hyundai-sonata/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/30/spy-shots-hyundai-sonata/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/30/spy-shots-hyundai-sonata/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's more of a freshening than a full-out restyle, but that's okay, since the Hyundai Sonata is an enjoyable little number. The meat in the middle of the sandwich remains the same, but the nose and tail have been nipped and tucked. Up front, there's new headlights, a reshaped bumper and more chrome on a new grille. On the poop deck, it appears as if the taillights got some attention, but the rest is pretty heavily disguised. We expect to not be floored once the wraps come off, but Hyundai's gotten its styling together in the last few years and a familial resemblance to the Santa Fe and the Veracruz is not a bad thing.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2007 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaiphotossonataspyspy shotsSpyShotsSat, 30 Jun 2007 08:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/spy-shots-2008-toyota-land-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/spy-shots-2008-toyota-land-cruiser/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/spy-shots-2008-toyota-land-cruiser/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We've all been on the edge of our seats since the Lexus LX 570 dropped its (XXL) wraps at the New York auto show, waiting to see how its lesser cousin, the Land Cruiser has turned out. Well, no, we haven't, but Jalopnik has spilled the beans on the newest Bruiser from Toyota. None of Toyota's trucks are what some might consider "attractive," and this latest Cruiser looks like a Highlander with gigantism.

From what we can see, the interior is sufficiently luxed-up to keep you air conditioned, leather swaddled, and your $5 coffee-style confectionary swilling till your heart's content. This is the interior that should have gone into the Tundra -- all woodgrain, contrasty and dressed up. The LC's have always had a level of offroad prowess, and this latest revision of the breed will likely be able to head into the softwoods with the proper tires, but we doubt most Land Cruiser consumers will exploit its off-road ability. Since these things are going to be used like station wagons, it's what's inside that counts and this'll be just the thing for riding bumpers and making smaller cars wet themselves from intimidation.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>land cruiserLandCruiserphotosspy shotsSpyShotssuvtoyotaThu, 28 Jun 2007 16:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Ferrari F430 CS surfaces again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/02/spy-shots-ferrari-f430-cs-surfaces-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/02/spy-shots-ferrari-f430-cs-surfaces-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/02/spy-shots-ferrari-f430-cs-surfaces-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

UPDATE: image removed at owner's request. Click the Read link to see the pics at The Car Connection.

While Lamborghini prepares its second Superleggera model, Ferrari is hard at work on its own F430 Challenge Stradale. Spy shots have surfaced of a pair of test mules rallying it up on gravel backroads in preparation for the car's market debut.

The new version picks up where the previous 360 CS left off, turning an already finely-tuned instrument of speed into an even sharper one. Whereas Porsche's RS formula calls for reducing unnecessary weight while leaving the engine in tact, Ferrari's prescription is more closely mimicked by its rivals in Sant'Agata by reducing weight while adding power to further optimize the all-important power-to-weight ratio.

Sources indicate that the formula has changed a bit from the 360 to 430 CS versions: safety standards now mean no plastic windows, and the center-bolted racing wheels are reported to have given way to a more conventional five-bolt set-up. Weight is reduced through the use of carbon fiber in the doors and rear grille, lightweight magnesium rims, and what is sure to be a stripped interior with racing buckets, amounting to an estimated 220-lb weight savings. Power is expected to top 520 hp, and the brakes are tipped to get an upgrade over the "standard" F430, while soft-compound Pirelli PZero rubber should help the car stick better than the Bridgestones its conventional counterpart is saddled with.

After a season spent trimming down and toning up, the F430 Challenge Stradale looks ripe to take on its challengers with explosive speed.

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[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: Ferrari F430 CS surfaces again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>430challengecsfferrariimagesphotosshotsspystradaleWed, 02 May 2007 12:32:00 EST