Autoblog

Be an excellent driver and buy the 1949 Buick Roadmaster from Rain Man

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Auctions, Buick

Heritage Auctions has gotten its hands on an interesting piece of automotive cinema history. Bidders can now vie for the 1949 Buick Roadmaster Convertible from the 1988 film Rain Man featuring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. The straight-eight powered convertible is one of two used in filming and features an upgraded rear suspension to cope with the weight of a cameraman and camera equipment. The seller has included several bits of documentation showing where the big Buick was rented by MGM for filming, including insurance receipts and loan agreements.

As it sits, the Roadmaster has an opening bid of $40,000 and is located in Sacramento, California, though we suspect the seller may have a much higher reserve. The auction won't reveal that figure until December 7. You can find out more and see additional photography by heading over to the Heritage Auctions site.

Be an excellent driver and buy the 1949 Buick Roadmaster from Rain Man originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Tom Cruise Jack Reacher trailer features Chevelle SS

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chevrolet, Celebrities

Lee Child's novels about the fictional former military MP Jack Reacher are ready to hit the odeon, and they'll be coming with Tom Cruise as the title character. We should know by now better than to compare movies to their source books, and this looks like another reason not to: the literary Reacher is six-foot, five-inch, 210-250 pounds, the 50-year-old Cruise... isn't. Reacher likes silence, Cruise likes the pithy line; Reacher isn't a good runner, Cruise will undoubtedly showcase his sprinting skills.

One difference that might work out for us, though, is that whereas Jack Reacher doesn't have a driver's license and isn't a very good driver in the books - he hitchhikes or takes a bus to the action, mostly - Cruise's take drives a sweetly red Chevrolet Chevelle SS, and judging by this just-released trailer, he does so through anything and anyone. Scroll down to watch Cruise and the prominently featured Chevy muscle car.

Continue reading New Tom Cruise Jack Reacher trailer features Chevelle SS

New Tom Cruise Jack Reacher trailer features Chevelle SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW i8 breaks out of Mission: Impossible and into the real world

Chris Paukert — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Technology, BMW, Design/Style, Electric, Diesel, Luxury

If you went to the movies over the holiday, chances are pretty good you saw the latest box-office-topping Tom Cruise vehicle. We're not talking about the globetrotting explosion-fest it came wrapped up in, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol; we're speaking of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car that featured heavily in the movie (along with seemingly every other model in Munich's arsenal).

But the Vision EfficientDynamics coupe isn't just a flight of fancy for the world's auto show circuit or for Cruise's Ethan Hunt character - it's set for production sooner than you think, albeit carrying the i8 moniker. Snapped undergoing testing through a fence, the extended-range plug-in supercar looks ready for the street, if only we could peel away the Van Gogh camouflage. This BMW 2+2 is widely expected to deliver a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and we're expecting the lightweight flyer to lose the unique lower glass door panels of the 2009 show car (a design change hinted at by this prototype's swirly coverup).

Speaking of the doors, they also look to be more conventional in size and possibly operation - the concept car featured elongated butterfly doors that afforded accesses to both the front and rear seats. The prototype seen here would appear to have more conventionally sized apertures. We're guessing that mundane real-world considerations like crash-worthiness and ease of operation had something to do with the transition. Another likely concession to the realities of production auto-making appear to be a pair of rather ungainly bumper-level nacelles in the rear fascia that weren't present on the show car. We're not sure if these are merely reflectors, actual taillights or if they're simply clever camouflage, but we're hoping for the latter.

While the concept was powered by both an electric drivetrain and a small diesel generator, our spies suggest that the production car may switch over to a more conventional turbocharged four-cylinder range-extender. Whether it burns gas or oil, however, the i8 is sure to be one of the most radical cars on the road... and it's likely to carry an exotic price tag to match.

BMW i8 breaks out of Mission: Impossible and into the real world originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom Cruise pilots David Coulthard's Red Bull F1 racer around Willow Springs

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Celebrities, Racing

Earlier in the week, we got word that Tom Cruise spent time chatting with David Coulthard and getting comfortable with a Red Bull F1 car. Now, Red Bull has release video of Mr. Cruise's somewhat less than impossible mission at California's Willow Springs raceway. We'd be lying if we said we weren't impressed with the actor's ability to push the car around the track, since we know Formula 1 cars aren't the easiest machines to pilot.

Want to know what's equally impressive? When the Red Bull crew lets Tom take the helm of their helicopter for some stunt flying. Want to see how Cruise handled either vehicle? Click past the jump for the clip.

Continue reading Tom Cruise pilots David Coulthard's Red Bull F1 racer around Willow Springs

Tom Cruise pilots David Coulthard's Red Bull F1 racer around Willow Springs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom Cruise test drives F1 car at Willow Springs

Noah Joseph — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities

"I'm not a doctor, but I play one on television." If that line sounds familiar from old television commercials featuring soap opera stars in white coats, bear in mind that the theme extends far beyond the annals of fake medicine. People get mixed up between actors and the characters they play all the time.

Tom Cruise, for example, has driven all sorts of vehicles on the silver screen, from cars to motorbikes to speed boats, often pulling off scarcely believable stunts and feats in the process. But how much of that comes down to camera trickery and special effects, and how much can be chalked up to actual driving talent?

We got a pretty good answer when Cole Trickle himself set the lap record (however short-lived) on Britain's Top Gear, but Cruise wasn't about to stop there. So while David Coulthard and the Red Bull demonstration team were Stateside for a show in Texas, they met the Hollywood mega-star out in Southern California to let him try his hand at driving an Formula One car.

The seven-hour test at Willow Springs started in a road car, where Coulthard and Cruise drove the 2.5-mile track to get a feeling for the layout before the Mission: Impossible star climbed into the F1 car for 24 laps. At the end of the day, Cruise managed a top speed of 181 miles per hour - just four mph off of DC's trap speed - while scrubbing 11 seconds off his first lap - a marked improvement that left Coulthard impressed at Tom's skills.

Stay tuned for video footage when it's released and check out the official snapshots in the gallery for a closer look.

Tom Cruise test drives F1 car at Willow Springs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol trailer shows glimpses of BMW i8, 6 Series

Zach Bowman — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and the BMW i8 - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's been a long time since we heard from globe-trotting international man of mystery Ethan Hunt, but it looks like he's set to take the screen again with Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol. The first trailer for the latest installment of Tom Cruise's action-packed espionage adventure has hit the interwebs, and while it features a host of hand-to-hand combat, gun fights, beautiful ladies and exotic locals, it also boasts a few unique rides from the BMW stable. If you watch closely, you just might catch a glimpse of the upcoming BMW i8, and there's even a gut-wrenching scene with a BMW 6 Series convertible.

Don't say we didn't warn you.

Judging by the quick clip, we'll be sure to catch this one when it lands in theaters. We're particularly stoked to see Simon Pegg play a part in Hunt's quest to redeem his organization's name. Click past the jump to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading First Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol trailer shows glimpses of BMW i8, 6 Series

First Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol trailer shows glimpses of BMW i8, 6 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Vision EfficientDynamics spotted on the set of Mission: Impossible 4

Aaron Richardson — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:35:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, BMW, India, Diesel

2011 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mission: Impossible 4 was filming in Mumbai, India with a rolling example of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics/i8 concept on hand and ready for its closeup. The VED was accompanied by a 2011 BMW 6 Series during a scene in which the cars negotiate Mumbai's traffic-clogged streets.

Though there's still little indication of when the proposed 328-horsepower, three-cylinder diesel hybrid sports car will show up, this version looks mighty similar to the one caught lapping in Abu Dhabi last year. BMW's plans for the car are still generally under wraps, but it's likely the production version will break cover wearing the i8 badge. Thanks for the tip, Zohaib!

Gallery: 2011 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: TeamBHP Images: TeamBHP]

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics spotted on the set of Mission: Impossible 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear

Chris Shunk — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Kia, UK, Celebrities

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz on Top Gear - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz have been all over the world pushing their not-so-blockbuster movie Knight and Day, and while moviegoers haven't exactly filled local theaters, enthusiasts should most definitely witness the Hollywood A-listers on the latest episode of Top Gear. The two stars appeared on our favorite BBC show to compete against other celebrities in "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car," and their performance far outshines their recent box office receipts.

Hit the jump to watch as the two push hard around the Top Gear track in a KIA Cee'd. We won't ruin the results for you, but we will reveal that Diaz shows that she can swear like a trucker while looking good with a helmet on, and Cruise proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a very competitive guy. Seriously, the man literally finishes the race on two wheels, nearly giving Clarkson a heart attack in the process. Who got the better part of their co-star? You'll have to watch to find out.

[Source: Top Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear

Video: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz channel their inner Stig on Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz to be the stars in Top Gear's Reasonably Price Car

Zach Bowman — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Kia, UK, Celebrities

According to The Sun, Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz will take to the infamous Top Gear track in an attempt to topple the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car leader board. Evidently, Cruise contacted the show about a stint behind the wheel of the infamous Kia c'eed while in the UK. Both he and Diaz were in country for the debut of their new film "Knight and Day."

So far, we don't know how either of the two stars did on track, but we're betting Cruise managed to hold his own. It's no secret that the guy has a penchant for sports cars of just about every flavor. Besides, he starred in Days of Thunder.

The crew at Top Gear hasn't said exactly when we can expect to see the two go around the track, but we're betting it won't be too long before the segments air, possibly this Sunday.

[Source: The Sun]

Report: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz to be the stars in Top Gear's Reasonably Price Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati North America seeks new CEO

Devon Brozek — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Earnings/Financials, Motorcycle, Rumormill, Luxury

Amidst recent rumors, Ducati has officially announced that its CEO of North American operations, Michael Lock, will step down at the end of July to pursue other opportunities.

Since Lock took the reins in North America in late 2003, Ducati has bridged the gap from something of a novelty brand to what is perhaps the most feared and admired European motorcycle brand. Ducati owners may still crave an exclusive, somewhat eccentric image, but the brand has become very mainstream in the U.S. and Canada, competing at the top of several segments and boasting a robust dealer network. With waiting lists for new models and a full apparel collection to further pad the bottom line, we don't see the momentum slowing much in years to come. In the interim, Ducati N.A. will be run by VP of Sales for Ducati Holdings, Christiano Silei. As far as a long-term plan, expect to see a new CEO appointed soon.

And what of Michael Lock? Why would the successful executive leave when he's at the top of his game? Well, we suspect "other opportunities" to involve plenty of cash and a new challenge for the former Ducati captain. Who knows, maybe Triumph hired him back? Hit the break to view the official press release.

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati North America seeks new CEO

Ducati North America seeks new CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz introduce the "Faux-cati" in Knight and Day *Update

Devon Brozek — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Celebrities, Specialty

Let's just say even we don't know how to get our hands on one of these. Click above for high-res image gallery

When we first caught sight of Roy Miller on his shiny new Ducati, sporting that great hair, some solid leather heals and a denim shirt rolled up just enough to let the world now that he means business, we're not going to lie, a little bit of jealously came out of nowhere and smacked us in the face. Hey, he even has June Havens clinging tight for safety... its enough to make any man rush out and buy a new Hypermotard, right? Ducati certainly hopes so!

Much more than a brief glance at this Hyper will reveal that, unless your name is Tom Cruise, the chances of getting your hands on one like the bike from the movie may be only slightly better than Stanley McCrystal's hopes to spend fourth of July with the Obamas. What we have here folks is a genuine Faux-cati.

So just what the heck is this creation, and more importantly, why? A close look at the two-sided swing-arm, the single front brake rotor and silver forks would immediately tip us off to the bikes real identity... its an Aprilia SXV. Well fine, it was all of that stuff, and the fact that it says Aprilia on the side of the motor. Certainly, a heck of a lot of time and effort went into making this Aprilia look like a Ducati. Why though would such an elaborate transformation take place?

We can only assume that girth was the number one factor. The extra hundred-plus pounds of the real Ducati must have been too much - even for a super cool action star with great hair - to pull off. No doubt the longer travel suspension of the Aprilia made theatrical stunts much easier to perform as well. Who knows, maybe Tom just couldn't choose which one he liked more so he said "give me both." Whatever the reason, keep your eyes peeled during the movie, see if you can spot the elusive Faux-cati for yourself. Now where can we get some of those great boots?

*UPDATE: Apparently, this bike was created for an ESPN promotion of some sort. Ducati reports that all the bikes used in the actual movie were in fact full-fledged Hypermotards. Of course, that doesn't change that the bike pictured above indeed an Aprilia wearing Ducati bodywork.

Gallery: Faux-cati

[Source: Hell for Leather]

Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz introduce the "Faux-cati" in Knight and Day *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2010: Volo shines the light on some famous movie cars

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Motorsports, Police/Emergency, Celebrities, Specialty

Volo Auto Museum collection at Chicago Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the most fun parts of the Chicago Auto Show every year is that Illinois is also host to the Volo Auto Museum. Volo is one of those museum/used car dealerships that always has some of the most entertaining and outrageous cars in its inventory. One of the things they are best known for is their collection of rolling Hollywood memorabilia, and at this year's show, they have rolled out about a dozen vehicles that show off their range of Tinseltown metal.

First up is the Mellow Yellow NASCAR racer that Tom Cruise piloted in Days of Thunder. They even have a monitor running movie clips featuring Cole Trickle beside the very seat he sat in for the filming - and no, it wasn't a booster seat. Next to that is Speed Racer's Mach 5, signed by Kustom Kar King George Barris. That sits alongside one of the General Lee Dodge Chargers from the Dukes of Hazzard movie and a really odd Buick Grand National. The GN is one of the cars that Vin Diesel drove in Fast and Furious 4. It is totally gutted inside and has a wild rear steering system that made us do a double-take.

Across from that is the villain car from The Great Race and the awesomely wacky Turtle Mobile from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie. Our favorite star car, though - and the one that looks most at home here in Chicago - is the Blues Mobile, driven by one Joliet Jake and one Elwood Blues, a.k.a. "The Blues Brothers." It even has the comically oversized loudspeaker still strapped to the roof. All-in, the Volo display is fun attraction here in Chicago and an example of why this show is always so popular with the public.

Gallery: Volo Museum Hollywood cars at Chicago Auto Show

Chicago 2010: Volo shines the light on some famous movie cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: future Lexus from Minority Report

Chris Tutor — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Auctions, Lexus

So far this year we've seen several famous movie cars up for sale. There was the Ghostbusters Ecto 1, and Kinight Rider's KITT also changed hands. Now for something completely different.

In 2002, Lexus was commissioned to build several futuristic cars for use in the Philip K. Dick-inspired Minority Report. If you watched that movie and said to yourself, "When oh when will I be able to drive a wild car like Tom Cruise?" then there's an eBay auction you need to check out. Up for sale is one of (supposedly) three 2054-model year Lexuses. Bidding on the private auction begins at $88,000 and is likely to get closer to the estimated $125,000 it cost Lexus to build it.

Unlike Ecto 1 or that smart-mouthed KITT, this movie car isn't built on an existing chassis. Instead, the auction description claims, it was built from scratch by Lexus. Oddly enough, it's powered by a Chevrolet V6, which leads us to believe the car may have initially been a non-running background car used in the film as a prop. It was probably later transformed into the semi-street legal (check local laws, the auction advises) exotic you see for sale. Shots of the super-spartan interior reinforce that suspicion. Luckily, the owner says a custom interior will be installed for the auction winner.

Despite its current source of propulsion, this would be one helluva car to go to your 2054 class reunion in. That would be my, um, 65th class reunion. Hmmm. Perhaps the Munsters' hearse would be more appropriate for most of us.

[Sources: eBay, rarecars.org]

eBay Find of the Day: future Lexus from Minority Report originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scientology enters the ranks of NASCAR sponsors

Erin Mays — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

It's a concept that has endless potential for comic relief, if the recent antics of Tom Cruise and the media scrutiny thereof is any indication. Scientology is presumably making an effort to broaden its appeal by getting involved in NASCAR and sponsoring the Ignite Your Potential racing team. The team's Ford Taurus, driven by Kenton Gray, indicates that the late L. Ron Hubbard himself is the inspiration behind this effort -- the Dianetics logo and replica of the book's cover will adorn the vehicle.

What's next? A team based out of Salt Lake City that encourages multiple drivers for its car? Or maybe a station wagon with a little ichthus on the back... the possibilities are endless.

[Source: InsideLine]

Scientology enters the ranks of NASCAR sponsors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mission Impossible 3 premiere turns into Lamborghini Cruise-in

Chris Paukert — Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

Alright, so we've probably pegged our Tom Cruise quota for the month. That said, who can pass up on a star-laden train of 10 Lamborghinis?

The Italian supercar is set to make a prominent appearance in Mission Impossible 3, what is likely to be one of this summer's highest-profile (and highest grossing) films. And to kick off the film's world premiere at the Adriano Cinema in Rome, Cruise and company rolled up a brace of the angular beauties.

Not exactly a wallflower, Cruise was seen leaping onto one of the Lamborghini's roofs in order to greet the assembled masses.

[Source: CarPages UK]

Mission Impossible 3 premiere turns into Lamborghini Cruise-in originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Apr 2006 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Product placement war heating up

Erin Mays — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 17:36:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Ford, GM, Land Rover

Product placement is a time-honored trend. We're quite sure that Ford is pining for a Bullitt remake, for example, but the war seems to be heating up.

Exhibit A is Mission Impossible:III, where the Detroit News reports that General Motors and Ford had it out over whether Tom Cruise's spymobile would emerge from a plant belonging to the Blue Oval or the General. Ford ultimately won the battle with the Land Rover LR3, but it wasn't why you'd think. Tom Cruise himself was the one calling the shots, and after a meeting with Bill Ford, evidently he found a kindred spirit... and a common interest in Land Rovers.

On TV, product placement has become huge, from the Chevy Tahoe on The Apprentice to the Mercury Milan finding its way onto the set of The Real World. As TiVo continues to make traditional commercial advertising less value, expect this war to start blazing.

[Source: The Detroit News, photo credit Steven Vaughn]

Product placement war heating up originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hollywood's top-grossing automotive starlets of 2005? Glad you asked...

Chris Paukert — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Cadillac, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz

Forbes' automotive listmeister Nate Chapnick has been at it again. This time, he's chronicled the top 10 vehicles in 2005's highest-grossing movies. Automobiles enjoyed a good year in Hollywood, from buxom Jessica Simpson's cavorting around in a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in the Dukes Of Hazzard redux; to the his-and-hers Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz C320 Wagon featured in Mr. and Mrs. Smith. But it wasn't all about more spirited iron... ~~Katie Holmes~~ Tom Cruise helped save the earth with a little help from a workaday Plymouth Voyager in War of the Worlds, and Steve Carell's 40 Year Old Virgin had audiences doubled-over with that drunken PT Cruiser-driving barfly.

Chapnick and Co. must've popped more than a few bowls of popcorn, as in order to compile the list, it was deemed necessary to screen the 25 top-grossing U.S. films of last year to see which "most effectively integrated the vehicles into the storyline."

[Sources: Forbes and Warner Bros.]

Hollywood's top-grossing automotive starlets of 2005? Glad you asked... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Mar 2006 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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