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[Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are now 1.1 million examples of the new Fiat 500 cruising the roads of 83 countries, one million of them made at the Fiat's Tychy plant in Poland, the rest in the Fiat plant in Toluca, Mexico. It's taken 69 months since the car's 2007 launch to reach the milestone, the capstone hatchback being an Abarth 500.

Where does that fit into the historical context? We'll never know, since you can't really compare. But if we played with the numbers, according to Automania, Fiat built 3,893,294 of the original 500 (and variants) from its inception in 1957 to the last model being sent off in 1975. If we average the output over time, and assume an even 18-year production run, the total production divided by 216 months is about 18,025 cars per month, which would make for 1,243,725 cars in 69 months.

On the other hand, the first two generations of the early 500 didn't equate to a million units in eight years, so congratulations Fiat. There's a brief press release below with a few more details on the achievement.

Continue reading Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original

Fiat builds 1 millionth 500, still a ways to go before passing original originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abarthfiatfiat 500fiat 500 abarthmanufacturingpolandproductiontychyMon, 22 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546365/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/fiat-builds-1-millionth-500-still-a-ways-to-go-before-passing-o/20546365/article-detail.xml 20546365 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/million-fiat-500.jpg <![CDATA[Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW transporter conflagration - video screencap

Watching a small fire that no one can stop from becoming a big fire is like watching a train wreck in Super Slo-Mo. That is the spectacle we get from a rural two-lane road in Poland when a transporter truck hauling seven Volkswagen Passat wagons catches flame.

The cause appears to be some sort of tire or axle failure on the trailer that starts a small fire under one of the cars. For unknown reasons, no one among the bystanders has a fire extinguisher, so they try to put the flames out with snow. That doesn't work, and then when it takes 12 minutes for the volunteer fire department to arrive in their vintage Mercedes-Benz pump and get the first stream of water shooting - almost five minutes before the state fire department - the conflagration is big enough to cook cattle and s'mores for Zeus.

The transporter inferno is on the long side at 23 minutes, but you'll find it all in the video below.

Continue reading Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens

Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefire departmentlive leakpassatpassat wagonpolandtransportervideovideosvolkswagenFri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/20416796/article-detail.xml 20416796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vwtransporterfire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vwtransporterfire.jpg <![CDATA[Watch what may be the world's best save during a Polish rally race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rally Race save

Caution: Slippery when wet.

Generally speaking, such signs are placed where pedestrians may be crossing on hard-surface flooring, perhaps right after it was washed. But the same is sometimes true on asphalt, and the four tires of the Mitsubishi Evo seen after the break are just as susceptible to slipping and sliding as the bottom of your shoes.

Slipping on a floor usually sends you toppling over in an embarrassing heap. Sliding off the side of a grimy road during a rally race can have much, much more serious consequences. Scroll down below for a trio of videos from both inside and outside the car to see how one driver dealt with his car's lack of grip in a most impressive way.

Continue reading Watch what may be the world's best save during a Polish rally race

Watch what may be the world's best save during a Polish rally race originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash saveevolancer evolutionmitsubishipolandpolish rallyrallyrally savesaveTue, 14 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20300935/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/20300935/article-detail.xml 20300935 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rally-race-save_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rally-race-save.jpg <![CDATA[Arrinera reveals first Hussarya images, details [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/arrinera-reveals-first-hussarya-images-details-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/arrinera-reveals-first-hussarya-images-details-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/06/arrinera-reveals-first-hussarya-images-details-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Over the past four years, weve been updated semi-regularly on the progress of Poland's Arrinera supercar which, up to now, has been a shiny black chunk of origami. We're surprised to discover that four years into the project, Arrinera has held on to its drawing board, and the company went back to it to turn the A.H.1 prototype into the Hussarya.

First, the name: it's taken from the 12th-century Polish cavalry, the Hussars. The new design that name is applied to has been worked up over the past 14 months, and maintains the same dimensions as the prototype but has more ground clearance, active spoilers that deploy during braking, and doors that open traditionally onto a redisigned, more spacious cockpit. To our eyes, it's a good looking car (in rendering form, anyway).

Yes, it does still remind us of a couple of supercars from Sant'Agata Bolognese. The Hussarya's dimensions fall between the Lamborghini Gallardo and Aventador, but are closer to that smaller coupe: the Hussarya is four inches longer than the Gallardo, six inches wider and one inch taller, but has a 106.1-inch wheelbase that is almost dead on with the Aventador's 106.3-inch wheeblase even though the Aventador is 13 inches longer than the Arrinera. The Hussarya is an inch wider than the Aventador and has a wider track both front and rear.

Located behind that cockpit will be the 6.2-liter, 650-horsepower V8 we've been told about, said to be good for getting the 2,860-pound car - 446 pounds lighter than the 3,306-pound, all-wheel-drive Gallardo LP560-4 - from standstill to 62 miles per hour in 3.2 seconds, down the quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat and on to a 210-mph top speed. Looks good on paper, at least.

We're told it will go into production next year, assembled in Poland by a division of Germany's MAN Ferrostaal. Before that, it will undergo comprehensive testing at in Spain at Applus IDIADA. Still no word on price, but you can have a look at the new car in the high-res gallery, and find out all about its development in the videos and press release below.

Continue reading Arrinera reveals first Hussarya images, details [w/video]

Arrinera reveals first Hussarya images, details [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrineraarrinera hussaryahussaryapolandsupercarMon, 06 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293423/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/06/arrinera-reveals-first-hussarya-images-details-w-video/20293423/article-detail.xml 20293423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/arrinerahussarya_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/arrinerahussarya.jpg <![CDATA[Arrinera supercar born out of Polish Lamborghini replica? [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/arrinera-supercar-born-out-of-polish-lamborghini-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/arrinera-supercar-born-out-of-polish-lamborghini-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/arrinera-supercar-born-out-of-polish-lamborghini-replica/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Arrinera

If you thought it seemed a little odd that Poland - a country without much of a history of producing exportable cars - would suddenly come out with a high-performance supercar, well... we're afraid you may be right. Because the latest reports out of the Eastern European country suggest that the Arrinera project is nothing more than a reclothed replicar.

Arrinera, as you may recall, is a project to build a supercar in Poland. Specifications recently hit the interwebs, indicating a $160,000 list price and a 6.2-liter V8 with 650 horsepower driving the rear wheels through a Graziano gearbox for a 3.2-second sprint to 62 and a 211 mph top end.

Now reports coming out of Poland - citing a certain Jacek Balkan who seems to be the Slavic version of Jeremy Clarkson - are calling the whole project into question. According to the word on the Warsaw boulevard, the people at Arrinera took a Lamborghini replica made by another Polish outfit called Bojar Tuning and gave it a new skin. Interior components were reportedly borrowed from the Opel Corsa and late-90s Audi A6, all in an effort to raise funds on the stock market.

The question we're left with is, if the project started as a replica but now has its own design and identity, should its humbler beginnings matter? If the specs are right and legendary chassis tuner Lee Noble is involved, the Arrinera could still emerge as a winner. Of course, we'd have to drive it in order to tell for sure, but we've got some openings in our calendar coming up...

UPDATE: Arrinera has hit back with a itemized denial of Jacek Balkan's reported allegations. It insists that its product is not, in fact, based on the Lamborghini replica made by Bojar, and that it does not borrow any more components from production vehicles than you'd expect to find in other supercars made by small companies like Pagani, Wiessmann, Noble, Artega or Gumpert. For a translated version of the full legal document, click here.

Arrinera supercar born out of Polish Lamborghini replica? [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrineralamborghinipolandreplicareplicarWed, 23 May 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/arrinera-supercar-born-out-of-polish-lamborghini-replica/20243060/article-detail.xml 20243060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/arrinera-09-1337723209_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/arrinera-09-1337723209.jpg <![CDATA[Drifting returns to its mountain roots... in Poland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/drifting-returns-to-its-mountain-roots-in-poland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/drifting-returns-to-its-mountain-roots-in-poland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/17/drifting-returns-to-its-mountain-roots-in-poland/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We'll be honest: We miss drifting. Not the polished, sponsor-laden, energy-drink soaked Formula D. We miss the seedy internet shaky-hand cam videos of Japanese drivers slinging their hand-built machines up the mountain side in the middle of the night. Poland, of all places, has sought to marry the worlds of professional, sanctioned drifting with the thrill of taking on a public road. The pairing of a hill climb with drifting may seem odd, but trust us when we say it works. With fans lining the course and drivers all new to improvised track, anything can happen.

Disrespect the mountain, and you'll wind up on your roof. That didn't stop drivers from giving it all they had, however. Fortunately for those of us who aren't within a train ride of Eastern Europe, camera crews documented all the action for the world to see. Hit the jump to check out the high-definition video antics for yourself.

Continue reading Drifting returns to its mountain roots... in Poland

Drifting returns to its mountain roots... in Poland originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driftdriftingdrifting in polandpolandpoland drift videovideoFri, 17 Feb 2012 15:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20174074/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/17/drifting-returns-to-its-mountain-roots-in-poland/20174074/article-detail.xml 20174074 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/poland-drifting-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/poland-drifting-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM to build Cruze and other Chevy models in Europe?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/gm-to-build-cruze-and-other-chevy-models-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/gm-to-build-cruze-and-other-chevy-models-in-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/13/gm-to-build-cruze-and-other-chevy-models-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Automotive News reports General Motors may begin manufacturing the Chevrolet Cruze in Europe. The vehicle would likely be produced at an Opel plant in Poland, while a handful of other Chevrolet models may see their production move elsewhere in Europe. The move is said to be the first step toward moving GM European operations toward profitability. The automaker would pull some production out of South Korea, which would then free up the company to proceed with cost-cutting measures at Opel. Automotive News reports Opel has lost approximately $13 billion since 1999.

Under the plan, Cruze production would find a home in Gliwice, Poland. Meanwhile, GM would spread the vehicles currently built at the facility across other Opel plants in the EU. Additionally, GM is considering moving the Orlando crossover to the Opel facility in Bochum, Germany. That plant currently builds the Zafira minivan, and has been rumored to face a closing in the future.

Last year, GM exported around 250,000 vehicles to Europe from South Korea.

GM to build Cruze and other Chevy models in Europe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet cruzechevrolet cruze productionchevrolet orlandocruzecruze productioneuropeopelorlandopolandFri, 13 Jan 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20148473/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/13/gm-to-build-cruze-and-other-chevy-models-in-europe/20148473/article-detail.xml 20148473 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cruzefd---03_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cruzefd---03.jpg <![CDATA[Mustang Club of Poland returns with musical number]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mustang-club-of-poland-returns-with-musical-number/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mustang-club-of-poland-returns-with-musical-number/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/12/mustang-club-of-poland-returns-with-musical-number/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Mustang Club of Poland

A little less than a year ago, the Mustang Club of Poland shocked us with an amazing fan-made video documenting some of the organization's headier hardware. Now the club is back with a different sort of video. The director has managed to direct the entire crowd to craft a Stomp-style musical sound collage made up of the various clicks, chimes, slams, squeaks, roars and honks of a crowd of very stylish ponies. We'd rather watch the cars prowling around the cramped streets and open countryside of Europe, but we still commend the group for what must have been a very challenging video to shoot and edit.

The group says we can expect to see a making-of clip to come along soon as well. In the mean time, hit the jump to check out the new video, and be sure to click back for a little refresher on the club's first cinematic endeavor as well. You'll be glad you did.

Continue reading Mustang Club of Poland returns with musical number

Mustang Club of Poland returns with musical number originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fan videofordford mustangford mustang videomustangmustang clubmustang club of polandpolandsound collagevideoMon, 12 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20125956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/12/mustang-club-of-poland-returns-with-musical-number/20125956/article-detail.xml 20125956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mustang-club-of-poland-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/mustang-club-of-poland-628.jpg <![CDATA[Poland's Arrinera supercar rolls onto unsuspecting streets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/07/polands-arrinera-supercar-rolls-on-to-unsuspecting-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/07/polands-arrinera-supercar-rolls-on-to-unsuspecting-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/07/polands-arrinera-supercar-rolls-on-to-unsuspecting-streets/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Arrinera supercar in Poland

At the end of May we got renderings of a hi-po, scissor-doored coupe out of Poland, produced by Arrinera. Now we have video of the car on the streets. Its front end and side profile are very Lambo-reminiscent, but the wild rear end is new, different, and cool. Unfortunately, we don't get a quality sound-check from the 638-horsepower GM engine stuffed behind the cabin, but at the very least the car is real, and that's a good start. Follow the jump to watch the Arrinera supercar bring out the gawkers as it hits the pavement.

Continue reading Poland's Arrinera supercar rolls onto unsuspecting streets

Poland's Arrinera supercar rolls onto unsuspecting streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrineraarrinera automotivepolandSun, 07 Aug 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20011425/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/07/polands-arrinera-supercar-rolls-on-to-unsuspecting-streets/20011425/article-detail.xml 20011425 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/arrineraonroad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/arrineraonroad.jpg <![CDATA[Poland's Arrinera Automotive readies supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/polands-arrinera-automotive-readies-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/polands-arrinera-automotive-readies-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/27/polands-arrinera-automotive-readies-supercar/#commentsFiled under: ,

arrinera automotive
Arrinera Automotive supercar renderings - Click above for high-res image gallery

Arrinera Automotive, based in Poland, is getting ready to reveal a new supercar to the world. So far, we only have renderings of what the carbon-kevlar-bodied beast will look like. Power will be provided by a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, which will be mounted amidships. Arrinera expects output to rated at 638-horsepower and 604 pound-feet of torque. Carbon ceramic brakes will bring speeds back down to legal levels with a sense of urgency.

Poland has clearly chosen to invade Italian style, with the exterior lines plucked from Ferrari and Lamborghini supercars. Inside the cabin, however, the Arrinera two-door is available swathed in Maybach-grade leather, aluminum and carbon fiber.

World Car Fans reports that the Arrinera supercar will be officially unveiled in June. Sometime after that, Arrinera says it will bring a convertible version to market.

Poland's Arrinera Automotive readies supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrineraarrinera automotivepolandpolish supercarsupercarFri, 27 May 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19951157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/27/polands-arrinera-automotive-readies-supercar/19951157/article-detail.xml 19951157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/001arrinera-1306435034_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/001arrinera-1306435034.jpg <![CDATA[Video: <i>Top Gear Poland</i> takes women to mall for night of shopping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/video-top-gear-poland-takes-women-to-mall-for-night-of-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/video-top-gear-poland-takes-women-to-mall-for-night-of-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/video-top-gear-poland-takes-women-to-mall-for-night-of-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

Top Gear Poland
Top Gear Poland - Click above to watch for video after the jump

Of the many criticisms leveled at the U.S. interpretation of Top Gear, perhaps the most stinging is that the show relies on re-baked ideas lifted wholesale from the grand-pappy of all motoring shows, Top Gear UK. That may be true, but it's also a trick that the producers of the show's various ethnicities have been employing for years. What's more, it doesn't look like it will stop any time soon.

A video of Top Gear Poland's latest antics has leaked to the interwebs, and fans of the OG TG will likely recognize the premise.

The show's presenters have been unleashed on an unsuspecting shopping mall in the middle of the night, and the video shows a Peugeot 107, a Chevrolet Spark, a Smart ForTwo and a Toyota iQ zooming around with a Jaguar XKR. One of these things is most certainly not like the other ones.

We're not entirely sure what the premise behind the clip is, considering that the video lacks any of the tire-squealing glory of the infamous Chevrolet Corvette vs. Ford Fiesta battle helmed by Jeremy Clarkson. Still, we've always wanted to wheel around in the display vehicles in the mall, so the clip at least lets us live out that fantasy. Hit the jump to check it for yourself.

[Source: MotoFilm]

Continue reading Video: Top Gear Poland takes women to mall for night of shopping

Video: Top Gear Poland takes women to mall for night of shopping originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>polandshopping malltop geartop gear polandvideoWed, 09 Mar 2011 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19874125/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/09/video-top-gear-poland-takes-women-to-mall-for-night-of-s/19874125/article-detail.xml 19874125 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/top-gear-poland_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/top-gear-poland.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat Powertrain Technologies to buy General Motors stake in Polish engine plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/03/fiat-powertrain-technologies-to-buy-general-motors-stake-in-poli/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/03/fiat-powertrain-technologies-to-buy-general-motors-stake-in-poli/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/03/fiat-powertrain-technologies-to-buy-general-motors-stake-in-poli/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the last vestiges of the aborted partnership between Fiat and General Motors is coming to a close. An engine plant in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, has been jointly owned by GM and Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT). FPT has reached an agreement with GM to buy out the American company's stake.

The plant builds the 1.3-liter Multijet diesel four cylinder that is used in an array of vehicles from both companies including the Opel Corsa and Astra and Fiat 500 and Punto.

The plant will continue building the same engine under Fiat management and GM will continue using the engine. No purchase price has been revealed for GM's stake. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Fiat Powertrain Technologies to buy General Motors stake in Polish engine plant

Fiat Powertrain Technologies to buy General Motors stake in Polish engine plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bielsko-Bialadiesel engine plantDieselEnginePlantfiatFiat Powertrain TechnologiesFiatPowertrainTechnologiesgeneral motorsGeneral Motors EuropeGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsEuropepolandWed, 03 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19334978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/03/fiat-powertrain-technologies-to-buy-general-motors-stake-in-poli/19334978/article-detail.xml 19334978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/multijet-13_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/multijet-13.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

STR8 Cologne TV commercial
STR8 Challenger cologne TV commercial -- Click above to watch the video

According to one of the YouTube commenters for the STR8 Challenger cologne commercial embedded after the jump, it was made for Polish television. Which , of course, makes perfect sense, since the whole thing's in English. Regardless, the ad features Captain Generic Macho driving a Chevy Camaro, which gradually transforms into a giant robot tsunami of cologne that deposits him into the arms of Random Desert Babe. Frankly, "STR8 Challenger" sounds a lot more more like a certain Mopar than some quasi pheromone for European dudes. Check out the video after the jump to see how you too can have it "STR8 My Way." Or, at least, smell like you do. Or something. Hat tip to our man in Poland, Rafal!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks

VIDEO: STR8 Weird: Euro cologne TV spot sounds like Mopar, looks like Chevy, but mostly stinks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingcamarocolognecommercialpolandvideoyoutubeSat, 05 Dec 2009 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19266506/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/05/video-str8-weird-european-cologne-commercial-sounds-like-mopar/19266506/article-detail.xml 19266506 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/str8_challenger_vid_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/str8_challenger_vid.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Mock VW ad from Jeremy Clarkson draws criticism]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/video-mock-vw-ad-from-jeremy-clarkson-draws-criticism/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/video-mock-vw-ad-from-jeremy-clarkson-draws-criticism/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/06/video-mock-vw-ad-from-jeremy-clarkson-draws-criticism/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Jeremy Clarkson's humor tends to either amuse or horrify. Some contend the dead-pan Brit occasionally goes too far with his comedic stylings, but overall, we prefer Clarkson just the way he is and don't mind his occasional pot-shots. After all, Top Gear is an entertainment show, and while he might have stepped over the line when he called Prime Minister Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot," or said the people manning the Hyundai booth at the Birmingham Motor Show had all eaten dog and the designer had a spaniel for lunch, or the time he suggested that the Mini's indicators should move up and down in a one-handed Nazi salute, or when he got into tussles with environmental groups, gay rights advocates, a brain injury charity and a prostitute welfare group (full list here), it's all in good fun, right? For some, it isn't.

Clarkson's recent VW Scirocco ad spoof caused complaints to file into the BBC, as the faux spot takes a shot at Poland and may have hit a bit too close to home. Here's the gist of the ad. People are running and cameras are shaking. There is a shot of an empty school room with fresh chocolate milk still dripping off the table. Then comes a voice-over of a woman saying that a state of emergency in Poland, followed by several shots that look more like an LA Lakers championship after-party than any commercial for a hot new Scirocco. Finally, we see a shot of the Scirocco, and the text below says... well, if you haven't seen the episode already, you'll have to hit the jump.

[Source: YouTube ABC News]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mock VW ad from Jeremy Clarkson draws criticism

VIDEO: Mock VW ad from Jeremy Clarkson draws criticism originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeremy clarksonJeremyClarksonpolandvideovolkswagen sciroccoVolkswagenSciroccowarsawwwIIThu, 06 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19120604/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/06/video-mock-vw-ad-from-jeremy-clarkson-draws-criticism/19120604/article-detail.xml 19120604 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/scirocco-tg-faux_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/scirocco-tg-faux.jpg <![CDATA[Now you know: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can fit 32 people]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/now-you-know-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-can-fit-32-people/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/now-you-know-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-can-fit-32-people/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/now-you-know-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-can-fit-32-people/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Now that the newly-designed Wrangler has gained an optional extra set of doors, those wanting a little extra passenger-carrying capability with their off-road ready rough-and-tumble ride have been able to get it in the Unlimited model. Of course, there has been an important unanswered question looming ever since: how many people can fit inside comfortably? Sure, the standard answer might be four, with five being the limit in an absolute pinch, but some enterprising people in Poland had a bit more ambitious ideas in mind. In fact, a total of thirty-two intrepid souls upped the ante by cramming themselves inside a green Jeepie Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, setting some sort of offbeat Polish record in the process. While thirty-two people in any vehicle is impressive, it pales in comparison to what's been done in the lowly Beetle, not that we recommend trying to replicate any of these stunts yourself.

Gallery: Polish Record: 32 people in a Wrangler


[Source: Inside Line]

Now you know: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can fit 32 people originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32jeepjeep wranglerjeep wrangler unlimitedjeep-wranglerjeep-wrangler-unlimitedJeepWranglerJeepWranglerUnlimitedpolandthirty twothirty-twoThirtyTwoTue, 13 May 2008 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1192490/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/13/now-you-know-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-can-fit-32-people/1192490/article-detail.xml 1192490 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/polandjeeprecord2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/polandjeeprecord2.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Polish dual-steering fun in a Fiat 126p]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/26/video-fun-with-steering-racks-in-poland/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/26/video-fun-with-steering-racks-in-poland/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/26/video-fun-with-steering-racks-in-poland/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Sometimes, when guys get bored, they get inventive. When they get inventive, hilarity often ensues, such as when they add dual steering to a Fiat 126p, reverse the bodywork, and then head out to play in traffic. You know what? Cars that can drive "backwards" and on an angle like defective shopping carts are cool. Extra laughs arrive at around the midway point, when a buddy joins the driver to physically man the second steering wheel, the sight of which is ridiculous. For the most part, however, the yellow-shirted driver is soloing with one hand on each wheel. It is as insane as it is hilarious. We have a feeling this might be the answer to that new Renault Twingo that set the J-turn world record. See the wackiness for yourselves after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Polish dual-steering fun in a Fiat 126p

VIDEO: Polish dual-steering fun in a Fiat 126p originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>126pbackwards carBackwardsCardriving backwardsDrivingBackwardsdual steeringDualSteeringfiat 126Fiat126polandsteering rackSteeringRackSat, 26 Jan 2008 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1097332/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/01/26/video-fun-with-steering-racks-in-poland/1097332/article-detail.xml 1097332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/polish_doublesteering_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/polish_doublesteering.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz Poland serves up some Chablis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/mercedes-benz-poland-serves-up-some-chablis/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/mercedes-benz-poland-serves-up-some-chablis/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/05/mercedes-benz-poland-serves-up-some-chablis/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click for photo gallery

We'd seen this kicking around a couple of foreign-language sites last week, but we've only just received English-language press materials from the folks at Mercedes. MB Poland is selling a special-edition E-Class Chablis. It's a market-exclusive paint & trim package that's limited to just 30 cars.

Poland-only E-Class ChablisOutside, the E is covered in Chablis designo metallic paint. Open the door and you'll see that the interior gets a luxe two-tone leather treatment (black with tan highlights), alacantara headliner, and dark maple trim inlays. The leather selection process is said to take around a month for each car. Motivation comes from Mercedes' 224-horse 3.0L diesel that's hooked up to a 7-speed automatic.

Follow the jump for the full press release and check out the interior and a side/rear view in our gallery.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz Poland]

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Chablis (Polish market only)

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Poland serves up some Chablis

Mercedes-Benz Poland serves up some Chablis originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.0 diesel3.0Dieselchablisdesignoe-classe-class chablisE-classChablismercedes-benz polandMercedes-benzPolandpolandpolish marketPolishMarketMon, 05 Feb 2007 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/748538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/02/05/mercedes-benz-poland-serves-up-some-chablis/748538/article-detail.xml 748538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/eclass_chablis_lo_02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/02/eclass_chablis_lo_02.jpg <![CDATA[Pole Position: yet another new F1 track?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/pole-position-yet-another-new-f1-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/pole-position-yet-another-new-f1-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/20/pole-position-yet-another-new-f1-track/#commentsFiled under: ,

Saying "Polish Grand Prix" sounds like the start of a joke, but unlike the halfhearted efforts underway in Bulgaria, the Poles might be serious. F1 fever appears to be sweeping the Eastern European country as their first F1 driver Robert Kubica has been shining as a rising star.

The target location is the Baltic seaside port city of Gdansk, a regional capital with a population of around one million and ever-increasing transcontinental accessibility. The track would be built on a 450-acre site six miles outside the city, formerly known as Danzig. The mayor is proposing a $200 million investment to build the track and its accompanying facilities, which should be more than enough to construct a thoroughly modern and comprehensive potential host site for a grand prix.

The sport's recent shift away from the predominance of European races could hurt Poland's chances, but the prospect of opening up the former Soviet bloc to F1 could be enough to make the Pole position a compelling case.

Related posts:

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Pole Position: yet another new F1 track? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>danzigf1gdanskgrand prixGrandPrixkubicapolandWed, 20 Sep 2006 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/671722/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/09/20/pole-position-yet-another-new-f1-track/671722/article-detail.xml 671722 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/116_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/09/116.jpg -1 2