Autoblog

Detroit Auto Show sees strongest opening weekend in years

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST

The 2012 Detroit Auto Show is off to a galloping start. Organizers estimate more than 750,000 people are expected to show up to take in the newest hardware from the world's automakers. Sunday saw 102,918 people attend the exhibition, which is an increase of more than 3,800 people from last year. Likewise, Saturday turned out to be the largest opening day for the Detroit Auto Show in five years. All told, 195,024 people strolled through Cobo hall to take in the sights. This year, the show features more than 500 vehicles, so there's plenty to see.

And it's not just wild exotics and far-flung concepts, either. With key new reveals like the Dodge Dart, Ford Fusion and Cadillac ATS, visitors can take in models they can expect to see on the sho room floor within a few short months. Be sure to check out the roundup of our show coverage as well as our top five editor's picks if you missed them.

Detroit Auto Show sees strongest opening weekend in years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Neil calls out D.C. drivers as the world's worst

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

Dan Neil on DC drivers - Click above to watch video

Dan Neil isn't exactly known for being Mr. Sensitive. In fact, Neil has built an entire career around ruffling people's feathers and not saying sorry. In a clip from SPEED's upcoming The Car Show, Neil calls out drivers in Washington, D.C. as the worst, not in America, but in the world. Harsh.

That said, we can't say we disagree. As far as we're concerned, thumb screws are preferable to an afternoon spent trying to traverse the D.C. Beltway. Click the image above to check out the video at The Car Show's Facebook page.

Dan Neil calls out D.C. drivers as the world's worst originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxgen shows Neora EV concept

Aaron Richardson — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, Shanghai Motor Show, Electric

Luxgen Neora EV Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Luxgen is making a splash at the Shanghai Motor Show with the world debut of its Neora EV sedan shown here. Sporting a 48 kW induction motor, Luxgen says the car's electric powertrain will push the four-door to 60 miles per hour in an impressive 6.5 seconds. That may not be lightning quick, but it's plenty rapid enough - even by internal combustion standards. To make matters more intriguing, Luxgen says the Neora should be able to go around 250 miles on a single charge. When the juice runs out, the company claims you can have the Neora's battery back to 80 percent within an hour, meaning you shouldn't have to worry too much about longer journeys.

Inside, there's a full-length glass roof to let in natural light and an LED-screen rear-seat entertainment system. Up front, Luxgen has installed a head-up display to keep the driver's eyes on the road while he keeps tabs on the infotainment system.

There's no telling how much of the Neora's shape will make production, but Luxgen says the car will set the design language for its upcoming offerings. Though the Neora is carrying around a raft of forward-looking tech wizardry, the car's overall shape looks like it could be a production sedan with just a few tweaks.

Even so, the Taiwanese automaker is noticeably quiet about a production schedule and doesn't give any indication when its future offerings might surface.

Gallery: Luxgen Neora EV Concept

[Source: Luxgen]

Continue reading Luxgen shows Neora EV concept

Luxgen shows Neora EV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Next-gen Ford Police Interceptor will debut this Friday in Las Vegas

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Government/Legal, Work, Ford, Specialty

Hold on to your sap gloves and night sticks - it's that time of the decade! An Autoblog source reveals that Ford is about to release a brand spankin' new Police Interceptor. Not only is this humongous news for our pals in the law enforcement community, but this is 120-point headline font for taxi companies around the country, as they typically buy old Police Interceptors with 90,000 miles on 'em and repurpose them as the cabs we all know and love passing out in. Why? Because Police Interceptors are the toughest passenger cars money can buy.

Few of us have the need to drive over curbs at 50+ mph, but if that need arises, you're going to want to do so in an Interceptor. Aside from the "severe duty" shocks, you get a beefed up frame and body mounts. Yes, that is correct. The Crown Victoria-based Police Interceptor is body-on-frame. Listen, when you're PIT maneuvering a perp during a high speed chase, the last thing you want to worry about is bending the chassis. Plus you got them heavy duty brakes, suspension components and oil coolers. A sweet package, no doubt.

Here's the thing though. If this new Police Interceptor is more than a package, what platform will it ride on? Ford has stated publicly that it's ending the geriatric Panther Platform Crown Victoria's life in 2011. We'll go ahead and interpret that to mean that this new Police Interceptor won't be Crown Victoria-based. Do we know that for sure? No, but it's a logical bit of speculation. Could the new Interceptor be Taurus-based, maybe something with a SHO motor and stouter brakes? Again, yes, but for all we know the upcoming car's a Fiesta with the Mustang GT's new 5.0-liter V8 crammed in the rear seat. Or one of them apocryphal Australia-only rear-drive Falcons. All we know for sure is that Ford's introducing a new Police Interceptor to a select group of folks in Las Vegas this Friday. Production? Concept? We're not entirely sure yet. More details when we get them.

[Image: davidsonscott15 | CC2.0]

Source: Next-gen Ford Police Interceptor will debut this Friday in Las Vegas originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Suzuki Kizashi concepts in the round and on the road

Dan Roth — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, New York Auto Show, Sedan, Videos, Crossover, Suzuki, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click above to view videos

Suzuki is said to be unveiling the Kizashi 3 at next week's New York Auto Show, so we thought we'd refresh our memories about the Manga-styled Kizashi 1 and 2 concepts we saw at the Frankfurt Motor Show and Tokyo Motor Show. There's still no information about what powertrain (we've heard talk of a V8) or platform any car derived from the Kizashi concepts would ride upon, but we like where Suzuki's going with the idea. We expect that the Kizashi 3 may be nearly production-feasible, from what Suzuki has to say. Does this mean there's a sports sedan in the offing for Suzuki? Possibly. Or not. For a taste of what it might be like to see one of these cars actually out in the wild, we've turned up some videos of the concepts riding around in a digital world, posted after the jump.

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi Concept

Gallery: Suzuki Kizashi 2 Concept

Continue reading VIDEO: Suzuki Kizashi concepts in the round and on the road

VIDEO: Suzuki Kizashi concepts in the round and on the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sith Pickup: Toyota Tundra Warrior

Dan Roth — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:03:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Truck, Toyota

Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we can all admit that this Toyota Tundra "Warrior" prototype has a sinister presence in its shiniest, blackest finery. That silly fake intake is still there in the grille surround, but the rest of the look is successful. It's too bad Toyota didn't pay attention to the TRD Off Road concept's schnoz; thankfully that 2007 show-goer was free of faux scoopery. The Warrior appeared at the Chicago Auto Show to gauge public reaction to the SR5-based upgrade package. We like it. In fact, we think it's the best looking Tundra we've seen. The "none more black" exterior is complemented by various touches of brushed metal on the side mirrors, door handles, and fuel door, the latter of which you'll be seeing a lot of if Toyota builds a 5.7-liter 4x4 version. There's also tinted taillight lenses and handsomely contrasting 17-inch TRD wheels, and can we get a "hell yeah" for the revised lower fascia out front?

We haven't seen any interior shots, but it reportedly banishes some of the Gladware feel of the cabin we experienced when the Tundra visted the Autoblog garage. Mirroring the outside's carbonite treatment, the interior is also decked out in inky hues with brushed metal brightwork. If and when the Warrior hits showrooms, it could be available as an upgrade on 4x2 and 4x4 models with the 4.7- and 5.7-liter V8s, so no V6 Warrior for you.

[Source: PickupTruck.com, photo: PickupTruck.com]

Sith Pickup: Toyota Tundra Warrior originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two Challengers seen hanging out at ROUSH

Dan Roth — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Tuners, Coupe, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge

We're not drawing any conclusions, but it looks pretty definite that Roush is branching out beyond tuning Fords exclusively. We just saw their ace work on Chevrolet's Silverado, and now a pair of Challengers have been spotted in the Roush parking lot. It could mean nothing, but let's dream for a minute. How does a Hemi with a ROUSHCharger cramming atmosphere past the intake valves sound? Yeah, we like the sound of that, too. Whether it's nothing, research, or evidence of a future offering from Roush, it's also nice to see a couple of different colors on the Challenger sheetmetal. We'll take the sinister dark one, thanks.

UPDATE: While it's exciting to dream, it turns out that the Roush facility in the picture is Roush Industries, not Roush performance. Roush Industries does contract work for automakers (a good move, as the performance tuner business is fickle, at best), so these Challengers parked outside aren't a surprising development. Thanks to the commenters who set us straight.

[Source: Carscoop]

Two Challengers seen hanging out at ROUSH originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Volkswagen Routan vannin' around

Dan Roth — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Minivan/Van, Volkswagen

Priddy and Company stumbled across a dolled up VW Routan and managed to capture a shot. Earth shattering revelation here: it looks like a Grand Caravan. It'd be natural to assume some similarities, there's only so much you can do to the basic body shell when badge engineering, but when the spy photogs almost pass it right by, that says something. The boys in the camoflage department deserve a little something extra in their envelope this week, because there aren't too many clues as to what the undisguised version will look like (besides, say, a Chrysler minivan.)

The most noticeable element that we can discern are taillights that are subtly reshaped and have different lenses. It might just be the angle, but it's possible that the rear quarter windows and back hatch are reshaped, as well. It almost looks like there's a little more rake in the aft pillars and you can be sure that the bumper and back hatch have been redone. Ever since a '74 Kombi stole my heart, I've been waiting for a new Microbus, especially with Volkswagen's penchant for the retro. We'll wait until Chicago to pass final judgement, and give props to Chrysler for finding someone to take some of their production volume and keep the lines rolling.

[Source: Jalopnik, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Spy Shots: Volkswagen Routan vannin' around originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #86

Dan Roth — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Hummer, Suzuki

Episode #86 of the Autoblog Podcast is well-caffeineated. We spend a good bit of time talking about the excitement that's filled the Autoblog garage lately. Damon used a handily available Audi R8 as a chase car when we went to drive the Tesla Roadster, and Alex has been sampling the Subaru Tribeca and STI, as well as a rogue Volvo S80. John has been having a blissful month rocking the 1999 Oldsmobile Alero Coupe, too.

There's lots of good car talk, and we take a detour into cupholder minutiae before getting to actual news. A few embargoes fell in front of the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Car and Driver's blatant cover poll opened the door for Challenger images. Subterfuge aside, the Challenger's a knockout, despite its interior that's granted refugee status to the Sebring's trappings. Trucks will make some news at the Chicago show, and Truck Trend showed us the Hummer H3T and Suzuki Equator, and compact pickups are where we leave it. Until next time, thanks for listening!

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Autoblog Podcast #86 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crash Landing: 2009 Honda Pilot design deemed boring

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:22:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Crossover, Honda

click above to view more high-res pics of the Honda Pilot Prototype

We were there when Honda trotted out its Pilot Prototype in Detroit, and our snoozy first impression is apparently what the public at large is feeling, too. Sales of the current Pilot have dropped off by nearly 25 percent, so Honda's feeling the pressure with this redesign. It doesn't bode well, then, that the Pilot's new duds leave the buying public unmoved. CNW Research polled several hundred drivers from LA, Chicago and Detroit, and many respondents found the 2009 Pilot a yawn to behold. Nothing about the newly-squared off exterior struck a chord, which is unusual for a new design. Usually, something distinctive garners attention, but the exterior design only earned a 7.5 point score on CNW's 12-point scale, off at least a point and a half from what most new vehicles do. We found the Pilot's freshening a little boring, but mainly the headlights leave us very unnerved, like trying to stare down a bird of prey.

[Source: Inside Line]

Gallery: 2008 Detroit: Honda Pilot Prototype

Crash Landing: 2009 Honda Pilot design deemed boring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AutoWeek picks Best of Show and honors others from Detroit

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Supercars, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford

Here's a way to create content long after an auto show has ended, dream up a list of editorial favorite picks. Well, what the hell, we might as well be meta and report on the anti-news. Here we go blithely. AutoWeek handed out its Editors' Choice awards for the North American International Auto Show at its Design Forum on Wednesday. We can debate the relevance, but we'd rather just talk about the cars. The four vehicles that AutoWeek thought were the bee's knees are as follows:

Most Fun: Audi R8 V12 TDI
Best Concept: Cadillac CTS Coupe
Most Significant: 2009 Ford F150
Best of Show: 2009 Corvette ZR1

As Linda Richman would say: discuss.

[Source: AutoWeek]

AutoWeek picks Best of Show and honors others from Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brussels 2008: Invicta unveils revised S1 600 GT 2+2

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:17:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, UK

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

While our crew in Detroit was busy bringing you all the latest from the 2008 North American International Auto Show, across the pond the Belgians were holding the European Motor Show. And with all the major automakers putting on the ritz in Detroit, smaller manufacturers took center stage in Brussels.

One of the vehicles making its debut in Belgium was the Ivicta S1, a British-made GT that recently underwent some revisions. Whereas the previous version was strictly a two-seater, the revised interior on the new S1 now includes rear seats. A range of Ford-sourced V8s are available, with the top-of-the-line version producing 600 horsepower and capable of propelling the S1 600 to 60 mph in under four seconds. Invicta's engineers have moved the engine rearwards in the bay and sandwiched the fuel tank under the rear seats to improve the S1's balance, as well. The car's body is made from carbon-fiber, bonded to a tubular steel spaceframe chassis that optimizes rigidity and crashworthiness while keeping the car's weight down to 1,380kg.

Invicta originally began making cars in 1925 but closed in 1933, before the original S1 resurrected the name in 2002 at the Birmingham auto show. The company only makes one product, and only builds one per month.

[Source: Invicta via Motor Authority]

Gallery: Invicta S1

Brussels 2008: Invicta unveils revised S1 600 GT 2+2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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4-door Ferrari Pinin to headline RM Auction at Maranello

Noah Joseph — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Auctions, Ferrari

click above to view more images of the 1980 Ferrari Pinin show car

Ferrari won't be building a four-door model now - that's what the Maserati Quattroporte, developed under Ferrari's tutelage, is for. But there was a time when Enzo himself considered the prospect. What spurred his interest was what you see above: the Ferrari Pinin show car, unveiled by Pininfarina on its 50th anniversary at the 1980 Turin auto show.

In the end, the rumored discussions between Enzo Ferrari and Sergio Pininfarina didn't yield a small production run of four-door Pinins, and only this one prototype was ever built. It's been sitting in the private collection of noted Ferrari collector and racer Jacques Swaters, who is putting it up for sale at the upcoming second annual "Leggenda e Passione" event run by Canadian auctioneers RM Auctions. The Ferrari and Maserati auction is scheduled to take place on May 18 at the Fiorano race track in Maranello.

Only a one-off as unique as the Pinin could manage to relegate this pair to "also ran" status: not one, but two Ferrari 250 California Spyders will also be up for auction, each estimated to fetch in the neighborhood of $5 million (give or take a mil). S/N 0923GT, a red 1958 long-wheelbase version (like the one Ferris Bueller crashed), was once owned by Hollywood actor James Coburn, and s/n 2377GT is a black 1961 short-wheelbase model. Only 100 examples of the 250 California Spyder were made, making them one of the most sought-after Ferraris out there.

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog and RM Auctions via Italiaspeed]

Gallery: 1980 Ferrari Pinin

4-door Ferrari Pinin to headline RM Auction at Maranello originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Maserati unveils special Quattroporte "Collezione Cento"

Noah Joseph — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Maserati

click images to view in high-res

The Maserati Quattroporte is without a doubt one of our favorite sports sedans, exuding the kind of exotic Italian craftsmanship usually reserved for supercars and two-door GTs. But with a facelift around the corner, the Trident marque has been keeping the sensuous sedan fresh with ever more desirable editions.

The latest is the Quattroporte Collezione Cento, unveiled here at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. If you have a grasp of any romance language, you'll have guessed that the Collezione Cento is limited to a 100 examples, each individually numbered. It features a special ivory tint with a beautiful quilted Cuoio dark tan leather interior, and comes equipped with the company's multimedia entertainment system, a keyboard built in to the rear center armrest, iPod and USB connectivity, web access and DVDs displayed on twin 10.4" touch-screens mounted in the front seatbacks.

We have a selection of live shots from the show floor as well as the press shots in the gallery below, and the official press release can be read after the jump.

[Source: Maserati]

Gallery: Maserati Quattroporte "Collezione Cento"

Continue reading Detroit 2008: Maserati unveils special Quattroporte "Collezione Cento"

Detroit 2008: Maserati unveils special Quattroporte "Collezione Cento" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #84

Dan Roth — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Audi, Cadillac, GM, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Mazda, Saab

We're back from the holidays with Autoblog Podcast episode #84. Kicking things off, we review what's been in John, Damon, and Alex's parking spots in the Autoblog Garage. After a Mazda CX7/CX9-Honda Fit-Audi S5-lovefest, we're on to real happenings. Things are ratcheting up as we head into the North American International Auto Show next week, and we'll have coverage from the show starting this weekend. Ahead of the actual show in Detroit, we've been watching as embargoes fall. GM has had all of its secrets revealed with the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, Hummer HX, and Saab 9-4X hitting the internets prior to their official unveilings. Also uncovered, the Hyundai Genesis, which clearly has the Germans in its sights, not to mention Lexus and Infiniti. We're not sure if we're excited or skeptical, but it's hard to argue with the value that the car will likely offer. And Hyundai's not fooling around, so we'll be adding our names to the list when they finally become available for sampling. Thanks for your 51 minutes, let's do this again soon, okay?

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Autoblog Podcast #84 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe

Click on the image to view in high-resolution

In advance of its public unveiling at the Geneva show in March, and after releasing a teaser photo, Volkswagen's Czech subsidiary Skoda has additional photos and details on its upcoming new flagship.

The aptly-named Superb is based on the Volkswagen Passat platform, though stretched out to offer more space. Its range of features includes direction-changing headlights, a new electronic climate control system, and automatic parking assist. Compared with the model it replaces, the new Superb grows another 35mm longer and 18mm wider, but hunkers down 8mm lower and shrinks in wheelbase by 42mm, actually increasing the overhangs contrary to industry trends.

The Superb also wears its own unique bodywork and badging, but like all top-of-the-line Czech models, the best view is around back where the Skoda features a useful hatchback setup. Motivation comes from a range of six engine options - three gasoline and three diesels - topping out with a 260-hp 3.2-liter V6. A five- or six-speed manual will come standard depending on which engine is chosen, but the Superb will also have an available DSG twin-clutch transmission option.

Although the new Superb doesn't come across as the most exciting thing goin' down in Switzerland this coming March, it appears Skoda put together a surprisingly good package.

[Source: Skoda]

Gallery: 2008 Skoda Superb

Continue reading Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb

Geneva Preview: 2008 Skoda Superb originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea

Dan Roth — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Etc., Kia

We've already seen some undisguised pictures of Kia's handsome new midsize SUV, but the vehicle just launched officially in Korea as the Mohave. Official launch means official pictures, and that's what we have here, a ton of really beautiful images of what we'll soon know as the Borrego. Not that Borrego, this one sports a full frame, seating places for seven, and the choice of Kia's strong-like-bull V6 or their first V8. The wisdom of introducing a new body-on-frame SUV at this point, especially in light of the coming new CAFE rules, might be questionable, but the vehicle itself is handsome and it's hard to deny the inherent value that Kia bakes into its cars. We'll check the Borrego out in person when it makes it's US debut at the Detroit Auto Show. In the meantime, Carscoop unearthed a lot of great pictures to tide us over.

[Source: Kia via Carscoop]

Gallery: Kia Borrego offical shots

Pics Aplenty: Kia Mohave/Borrego launches in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Field of Dreams: Exotics to gather in Florida for Supercar Weekend

Noah Joseph — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Misc. Auto Shows

If you live in South Florida, or can manage to get there, you may want to mark off the last weekend in January on your calendar. West Palm Beach is hosting what's being billed as the largest supercar show in the world, taking place along the waterfront from January 24-27, 2008.

The fouth annual Supercar Weekend invites collectors to showcase their own modern sportscars and classics along with a very Floridian array of mega-yachts docked along Flagler Drive in West Palm.

In previous years, the show included Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches and Aston Martins by the dozen. Organizers expect this year's to be highlighted by a Bugatti Veyron, Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, a 1971 Lamborghini Miura and a 1967 Ford GT40 J6 racer, along with such personalities as well-known collector Jim Glickenhaus (father of the Pininfarina P4/5) and designer Henrik Fisker. Given the exotic wheels you can see running down South Florida's boulevards and highways on any ordinary day, the Palm Beach Supercar Weekend ought to be a real Woodstock for gearheads.

Follow the jump for the press release and a promotional video of the event.

[Source: Supercar Weekend]

Continue reading Field of Dreams: Exotics to gather in Florida for Supercar Weekend

Field of Dreams: Exotics to gather in Florida for Supercar Weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Golden Oldie: 18-karat Vee-Dub in Bucharest

Noah Joseph — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Europe, Volkswagen

This isn't exactly what the recording industry had in mind when The Beatles went gold for the first time. But then, who would have predicted back then that the Iron Curtain would fall and that Eastern Europe would grow into one of the world's largest markets for tasteless luxury items.

This 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, unveiled at this year's Luxury Show in Bucharest, Romania, is covered in tiles made of glass and 18-karat gold. We'd say if you have to ask, you can't afford it, but it strikes us that the whole point of building or buying something this perversely ostentatious is to flaunt to the world just how much it's worth. In this case, the figure is actually just $88,000.

If you're thinking that eighty-eight grand will buy you a well-equipped Porsche 911, we're not far behind you. But then, whoever would even consider buying something this ridiculous probably has a couple of "ordinary" Porsches lying around the grounds already.

[Source: Luxurylaunches.com]

Golden Oldie: 18-karat Vee-Dub in Bucharest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special

Noah Joseph — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Mercedes-Benz

Click on the image above to view in high-resolution

The SLR wasn't the only attention-grabbing roadster Daimler-Benz had on display at this year's LA show. Sitting front and center in between all the latest machinery from Mercedes was this unique classic, the 290 Special Roadster.

On loan from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center USA, the bright orange convertible was a one-off drophead version of the 290-series flagship sedan that debuted in February 1933 at the Berlin Motor Show. Taking the place in Benz's 30's line-up where the S-Class sits today, the 290 came in short- and long-wheelbase versions (for personal or chauffeured use) and adopted the company's then-new swing axle technology.

This convertible is one-of-a-kind, built in 1936. It packs a 68hp 2.8-liter straight six driving through a 3-speed transmission and wrapped in some truly classic sheetmetal that gives you an idea for where the guys at Wiesmann may have drawn their inspiration. Check out the gallery below for all the elegant curves and details.

Gallery: LA 2007: Mercedes 290 Special Roadster

LA 2007: 1936 Mercedes-Benz 290 Roadster Special originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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