Autoblog

Canadian campaign bus livery causes pointed controversy

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Celebrities, Canada, Humor

Our neighbors to the north do scandal a little differently. According to The National Post and The Globe and Mail, political candidate Danielle Smith and her tour bus has aroused some controversy thanks to a pair of ill-placed wheels on her campaign wheels. Smith is campaigning in the Alberta election as a member of the right-wing, liberterian Wildrose Party, and while her staffers initially approved the bus design, they didn't notice any issue with the portrait's placement early on. Then Twitter jumped in. It wasn't long before the image of the bus was bouncing around the internet and collecting laughs.

Early this week, the campaign announced it would, in fact, change the design to reduce distraction as much as possible. The change likely won't come cheap, however. A full-size wrap like the one on Smith's tour bus can cost more than $10,000.

While Wildrose party leaders have hinted the dust up wouldn't have occurred if the candidate had been male, independent evaluators have found the election to be gender-neutral so far.

Canadian campaign bus livery causes pointed controversy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Swedish skier specs out his Lamborghini for the slopes

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Lamborghini

We saw lots of intriguing mod jobs at SEMA this year. But among them we didn't see one Lamborghini with a ski rack. Not one! Leave it to the Swedish, then, to show us the way.

Where others might opt for an SUV or an all-wheel-drive station wagon, professional skier Jon Olsson likes driving from one ski hill to another in a Lamborghini. He had a Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce fitted with a ski rack, and even forded a river in the beast for the Gumball rally. He's apparently dead-set on doing the same (the ski rack part, not necessarily the automotive bi-athalon bit) with the new Aventador, but since there's a bit of a waiting list, he's gone with a Gallardo in the meantime.

Olsson had a custom ski box made, capable of handling the wind at speeds up to 159 miles per hour, turned to DMC (the aftermarket tuner, not the DeLorean producer) for a race-style body kit and had the whole thing - car and box - wrapped in some sort of angular take on winter camouflage. Not exactly our cup of tea, but it sure beats hitting the slopes in a Subaru Outback.

Swedish skier specs out his Lamborghini for the slopes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Sonic graphics configurator lets you go crazy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Design/Style

Buying a new car can be a bit of a daunting experience for many, but it can also be a lot of fun. Especially when you get to configure your car just the way you want it. For Chevrolet, that often includes ordering special graphics packages. But while you'd expect to find stripes running up the hood and down the flanks of a Camaro, the Bowtie brand's graphics packages are also available for the Cruze econo-sedan, the Volt plug-in hybrid and yes, even the Sonic hatchback.

The options range from a simple racing stripe to a full vinyl wrap, and can - with options like the one pictured above - run as much as $2,860 on the options list, or as little as $208. We've had some fun with the online configurator and you can do the same by following the link, or check out some of the most outlandish examples compiled in our image gallery.

2012 Chevrolet Sonic graphics configurator lets you go crazy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TinTek offers the full chrome treatment in a vinyl wrap

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 May 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

TinTek's chrome-wrapped Camaro and Audi TT - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Generally speaking, we're more into the vinyl wraps than the chrome treatment. That's because most vinyl wraps give a car a nice matte finish that contrasts nicely with the glossiness of your standard factory offering, while your average full-body chrome treatment is - more often than not - little more than an eyesore. This latest innovation from the Czech Republic, however, combines the two.

As you can see from the video after the jump, TinTek has developed a chrome-finish vinyl wrap for the full "Dubai'd out" approach, applied for demonstration to an Audi TT and a Chevrolet Camaro. While a vinyl wrap has its own costs and intricate application process, it's surely far more cost-effective than chrome-dipping individual body panels. And while it may not be our proverbial cup of tea, who are we to stand in the way of progress, however questionable the result.

Continue reading TinTek offers the full chrome treatment in a vinyl wrap

TinTek offers the full chrome treatment in a vinyl wrap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crazy Porsche Cayman wraps will win someone a free eduction

Zach Bowman — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Design/Style

Porsche Italy has jumped into the art car scene with both feet by inviting young designers from the world over to come up with a vinyl wrap for the Cayman. The entries have already been pared down to 30 semi finalists, and registered users at DesignBoom.com can submit up to 10 votes for their favorite. The wraps vary from playful to the outright trippy, and to be honest, we'd have a hard time picking one look over the others. After voting wraps up on January 31st, the top four designs will enter into a final round of voting.

Porsche will go through the pains of creating Cayman images faithful to the artists' intent. From there, a final round of voting will choose the contest's ultimate winner. One lucky designer will receive a full paid scholarship for a master's degree at the Scoula Politecnica di Design in Milan, Italy. The winner must satisfy all of the guidelines associated with applying for the school, and the program starts this October. Head over to DesignBoom.com to check out all of the designs and choose your favorites.

[Source: DesignBoom]

Crazy Porsche Cayman wraps will win someone a free eduction originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Focus gets wrapped up in tattoos

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style

2012 Ford Focus showing off its tattoos - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford really wants owners to personalize their vehicles, and over the past year the automaker has launched custom graphics for the Mustang, Taurus, Fiesta and F-150. Now another car is getting in on the vinyl wrap fun - the 2012 Ford Focus. Through the website FordCustomGraphics.com, 2012 Focus owners can apply vinyl 'tattoos' to their cars.

The Blue Oval team did some research and found that nearly four in 10 Millennials have at least one tattoo. It's not a stretch, then, to figure they might want to throw one on their car. People already put graphics on cell phones, laptops and whatever else is around, so allowing an outlet for automotive creativity makes sense. These automotive tattoos won't be in short supply, either - Ford is offering over 200 different designs for the all-new Focus.

The graphics range in price from $120 up to $470 and they've all been produced by Original Wraps. Of course, each wrap is easily removable should you get bored with the look - something that can't be said for an actual tattoo. Follow the jump for Ford's official press release.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus shows off its tattoos

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus gets wrapped up in tattoos

2012 Ford Focus gets wrapped up in tattoos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Dec 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hello Kitty wraps available for the Smart ForTwo

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Smart

The Smart ForTwo gets its Hello Kitty on - Click above to enlarge

The Smart ForTwo and Hello Kitty... who thought it would've taken this long for those two to get together? Someone's prayers have been answered with this, the two-seater wrapped in a vinyl flag of Sanrio's 35-year-old Kitty that never stops being cute. This is just another addition to the 22 wraps already available via Smart's Expressions program, and if it gets your attention, it comes in three flavors of its own. It's certainly not for everyone, but if it's for you, then follow the jump for all the info.

Gallery: Smart fortwo and Hello Kitty

[Source: Sanrio]

Continue reading Hello Kitty wraps available for the Smart ForTwo

Hello Kitty wraps available for the Smart ForTwo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Nissan, Design/Style

Nissan Graphics Custom Vinyl Wraps - Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan is teaming up with Original Wraps Inc. to join Ford by jumping on the custom vinyl bandwagon. The Cube is the first Nissan to receive the vinyl wrap treatment and you can customize your own designs at NissanGraphics.com.

As the Cube customization hits the web it will quickly be followed by the Juke before Nissan moves on to the Frontier, with more products being added to the line over time. The graphics are installed by a professional, but can be removed at anytime and leave no residue. Manufacturing, warranties and shipping of the vinyl units are all handled by Original Wraps and each piece is designed to last up to three years. Hit the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Nissan Graphics Custom Wraps

[Source: Original Wraps]

Continue reading Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket

Nissan gets in on the custom graphics racket originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dartz snakes its way into a Bentley Continental GT

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Bentley, Russia, Luxury

Bentley Continental GT "SS" by Dartz - Click above for high-res image gallery

Snakeskin? What snakeskin, you ask? Look closer, because while it may not be as in-your-face as the treatment on those cowboy boots you spotted while on vacation in the Southwest (or the tights on those girls from Jersey), this Bentley is literally covered in the stuff.

The snakeskin texture on the Continental GT you see above is carried out by Dartz, the same Russian firm behind the Prombron SUV. Fortunately, having apparently learned from the whole whale-foreskin debacle, the snakeskin treatment is applied as a pattern to a white vinyl wrap that gives the Bentley a unique texture. Along with it, Dartz has also applied white alloys, blacked-out brightwork and smoked tail-lamp lenses for a decidedly shine-proof look.

The same treatment carries on to the interior, and Dartz calls the finished product the Continental GT "SS" - a presumable reference to the snakeskin theme, while nodding to the similarly-shaded Continental Supersports. And while it may not be everyone's proverbial cup of tea, in this case we can say at least it's not whale penis.

Gallery: Bentley Continental GT "SS" by Dartz

[Source: Dartz via CarScoop]

Dartz snakes its way into a Bentley Continental GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, UK, Design/Style

Ferrari F430 Spider goes under the knife - Click above to watch the video

It can't really be that simple, can it? Well, it seldom is. But experts in any given field tend to have a knack for making complex procedures look deceptively simple. Take this video, for example, from Creative FX. The British firm specializes in vinyl wraps, and they make it look all too easy.

Wraps are growing into a popular choice for exotic car owners looking to give their rides a new look. Rather than repainting the entire car, specialist shops like Creative FX apply what essentially amounts to giant decals. That's how most of the matte-finish cars we see - including this particular Ferrari F430 Spider - end up that way. You have to figure it'd be a very tricky operation. Follow the jump to watch the video and judge for yourself.

[Source: Creative FX]

Continue reading VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Popular Mechanics tests vehicle wrap claim of improved MPG

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Green

Fastskinz MPG-Plus vehicle wrap - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Earlier this year, we wondered out loud if it was really possible to achieve drastically improved fuel economy figures through the use of a dimpled vinyl automotive wrap. The premise is pretty simple: just as golf balls and recent high-tech sporting outerwear feature an uneven surface to cut down on wind resistance, a similar pattern could be applied to the outer skin of an automobile to achieve greater aerodynamic efficiency - at least theoretically.

In fact, a company called Fastskinz has stepped up to the plate, saying it can increase overall vehicle fuel mileage by up to 20% with its decidedly simple vinyl wrap. Naturally, Popular Mechanics decided that bold claim was worth investigating.

To properly test the Fastskinz wrap, PM obtained two identically-prepared 2009 Ford Flex test vehicles. Both examples had about 8,000 miles on the odometer, featured the same powertrain combination and had similar levels of equipment. One vehicle was wrapped by Fastskinz with its MPG-Plus coating and the other was left just as ~~Henry~~ Bill Ford himself intended. The results? Click here to read the whole story.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Popular Mechanics tests vehicle wrap claim of improved MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of ABT's line of wraps

Last month, Autoblog's long-term fleet (AKA our daily drivers) grew by one when we picked up a thoroughly reworked, late-model German sedan. It's a masterpiece of modern engineering, complete with the amenities ~~our spouses have~~ we've grown accustomed to (heated seats) and over $20,000 in modifications to the engine (new turbo, Inconel manifold), suspension (Ohlins) and brakes (Alcons, anyone?).

But there was a problem. It's coated in our least favorite color: Brilliant Red. Thankfully, ABT Sportsline has an option that doesn't involve a full re-spray.

The German tuning firm has partnered with the Kempten Company to create a "foil" for the A4, A7 and R8, which coats the Audis in a high-tech synthetic material that matches the weave of carbon fiber. Judging by the images ABT offered, the application of the "foil" is seamless, matching every crease and curve to the T.

While the idea of a faux-carbon fiber wrap for our rides reeks of poseur, we're seriously considering a matte black treatment for our new purchase. If anyone knows of a firm based in the Bay Area to do the work, drop us a line in the comments. And if you know of anyone in Ohio, maybe we can persuade John to get his Alero coated in olive and black camouflage.

Gallery: ABT Sportsline Carbon Fiber-look Foil

Continue reading ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next

ABT wraps Audi R8 and Q7 in carbon fiber-look vinyl, Alero is next originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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