Autoblog

VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton wishes you a Merry Christmas with his F1 car

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:18:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Merry Christmas from Lewis Hamilton -- Click above to watch video

McLaren Formula One engineers use their laptops to find out what their MP4-series F1 cars are doing. Put one of the teams many computers in front of Lewis Hamilton, and he uses it to make the car do things - in this case, make a little music and dance a little jig. It's just his, and Vodafone's, way of saying Merry Christmas, folks. Follow the jump to see the vid.

[Source: Vodafone UK]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton wishes you a Merry Christmas with his F1 car

VIDEO: Lewis Hamilton wishes you a Merry Christmas with his F1 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Merry Christmas from Autoblog!

Alex Nunez — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Custom Lego 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible by Lino M. Click here to see additional shots.

All of us here at Autoblog would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. We hope that Santa treated everybody well, and that you all have a great day catching up with family and friends. Have fun and drive safe.

If you're bored during your travels, we highly recommend you fire up your smartphones and check out additional shots of the latest masterpiece from Lego mastermind Lino M. - the '66 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible shown above. As you can see, Santa and his Russian mail-order bride, Natasha, roll in style. (We wonder what Mrs. Claus thinks.) Check out the full set of photos of this killer custom Lego build at Lino M.'s Flickr stream.

[Image: Lino M./Flickr]

Merry Christmas from Autoblog! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electric Holidays: UK man tows 50' Christmas tree with G-Wiz

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., UK, Humor, Electric

Giant fullsize pickup trucks that are practically capable of pulling an entire city block off its foundations are a uniquely American invention. In most other parts of the world, people somehow find a way to move oversize and overweight objects without the use of 500-plus lb-ft of torque and a bowling-pin size trailer hitch.

That said, the sight of an itsy-bitsy G-Wiz electric car towing a double-axle trailer with a 50-foot Christmas tree lashed atop is sure to cause double takes wherever it goes. Such is the case with Greig Howe of Bournemouth, Dorset in the U.K. Howe picked up the massive tree and hauled it 15 miles to his home, making sure that his route took him past his aged grandmother's home with the tree fully done-up with appropriate decorations.

For his next trick, Howe cut the tree into thirds and placed them in such a way that it appears as if the fir is bursting through the windows and roof of his six-bedroom home. Which, of course, it sort of is. Nicely done! Thanks for the tip, Robin!

[Source: Mail Online]

Electric Holidays: UK man tows 50' Christmas tree with G-Wiz originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hugo Chavez gives ultimatum to automakers: Share tech or get out of Venezuela

Alex Nunez — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Toyota, Fiat, South America

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez - notable Fidel Castro wannabe, loudmouthed buffoon of the first order and apparent Cadillac aficionado - has given an ultimatum to General Motors, Fiat (i.e. Chrysler), Toyota and Ford: Share your technology with us or get out of the country. (In Toyota's case, it sounds as if Chavez wants them to hit some arbitrary quotas, as well.) The affected parties, all of which maintain production facilities in the country, kept mum in response to Chavez's demand, according to the Associated Press, which reported the story on Wednesday.

If the automakers don't comply, Chavez basically stated that he will eject them from his socialist utopia in favor of automakers from countries he's more friendly with. AP quotes him as saying, "I invite you to pack up your belongings and leave. I'll bring in the Russians, the Belorusians, the Chinese."

At least he didn't openly threaten to nationalize them (yet), as he's wont to do with pretty much any other private enterprise he thinks he could run better. Yeah, this'll definitely end well. Thanks to Roy for the tip.

[Source: AP via Yahoo! News | Image: AFP/Getty]

Hugo Chavez gives ultimatum to automakers: Share tech or get out of Venezuela originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lilli Bertone takes the reigns of family design house

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Bertone Mantide - Click above for high-res image gallery

The design arm of Bertone, which is now known as Bertone Centro Srl, is finally and completely back in family hands. Last year the entire company, its design and production divisions, went into bankruptcy. Fiat bought the production side, while control of the design side was held jointly by the court and the Bertone family. Lilli Bertone, the widow of Nuccio, the last scion to run the company, closed the deal on the remaining stake that was held by the courts.

Last year it was reported that the courts would maintain their share of control for at least three years, but it appears Lilli found a way to end that stewardship early. Bertone Centro, lately famous for the Bertone Mantide, will begin offering design and engineering contract work to the automotive and rail industries.

Gallery: Bertone Mantide

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Lilli Bertone takes the reigns of family design house originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not digging Top Gear this season? Read this.

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities, Humor

Season 14 of Top Gear is nearly finished, and some fans are singing "The Thrill is Gone" where before the tune had been "You Are the Sunshine of My Life." The creators have heard the complaints and producer Andy Wilman doesn't disagree that something is different this time around.

While Wilman's not in league with Internet whiners lamenting about how the show feels overly scripted, he does acknowledge the complaints while stating unequivocally "it doesn't necessarily mean we're going to do anything about them." The overly-scripted feel isn't on-purpose, says Wilman, and while he does acknowledge that things have changed, there have been flashes of the simple formula that's gotten TG to its current stature of greatness. The refusal to submit to any Internet pressure isn't arrogance, says Wilman, "we're not wedding DJs taking requests."

If you don't like everything, Wilman posits, then the creators of what many call the best car show ever haven't stopped trying. It may not all work all the time, but they're not going to give up trying things, right up to the end. When does it end? It's been rumored that this is the final season. Of course, it was rumored that Season 13 was the end, too. "This incarnation of Top Gear is nearer the end than the beginning," says the producer, but clearly the team isn't ready to hang it up just yet.

[Source: TopGear.com]

Not digging Top Gear this season? Read this. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes

Dan Roth — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Lexus

Click above to view the video after the jump

Let's all agree that the Lexus LF-A is an uncommonly passionate manifestation of Lexus's relentless pursuit. The buzz that's been generated just by show coverage and reviews have made advertising largely unnecessary, but Lexus has gone and created a spot for its supercar anyway. The music for the commercial is apparently by O.N.O, but it doesn't matter, all you'll be digging on is the shriek of that V10 and a few snow-laden powerslides. Hit the jump to see for yourself.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes

VIDEO: JDM Lexus LFA commercial hits the tubes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jonny Greaves jumps 301 feet to claim 2WD truck record

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

A little over a year ago a stunt driver named Chris Morena took a Dodge pickup off a dealer lot, installed a roll cage, racing seat and metal bracing for the bed, then used it to jump over a slew of cars and through two fireballs. He was only trying to go 134 feet. Instead, he went 193 feet and set a jumping distance record in a pickup.

Until a few days ago. That's when race driver Jonny Greaves took his closed-course 2WD racing truck and jumped 301 feet and happily remained alive to talk about it. Employing a bit of Back to the Future precision, calculations had worked out that his truck had to be the end of the jump ramp going 105.5 mph and, managing to hit that, he went exactly 301 feet. It isn't car launching, but it's now the mark to beat for 2WD trucks.

Just as impressive, Greaves had been doing practice runs that went as far as 200 feet before the record-setting attempt, and he nailed those as well. Perhaps Travis Pastrana, who's had slightly less luck on the run-up to his 270-foot New Year's Eve stunt, might want to give Greaves a ring.

[Source: Race Dezert]

Jonny Greaves jumps 301 feet to claim 2WD truck record originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automobile announces 2010 All-Stars

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, UK

When Automobile magazine put together a list of potential all-star cars, 39 new models made the initial cut from the Audi A3 and (Euro-edition) Honda Civic to the Ferrari 599GTB Fiorano and Tesla Roadster. From that selection, only ten cars ascended to the winner's circle.

Each of the 39 finalists makes a solid case for being included, although a few did raise an eyebrow -- we really enjoy the Malibu and love the G-Class, for instance, but didn't expect to see them here. The ten that took honors are all worthy to a wheel, but again, an eyebrow or two did take note -- neither the aforementioned Ferrari nor the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG made it, but the Camaro and BMW Z4 did.

Don't let that take anything away though; these things are subjective, and every winner deserved it. Even the Dodge Ram 1500. Click here for the full list of winners and reasons.

[Source: Automobile]

Automobile announces 2010 All-Stars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar and Land Rover design sleighs for Santa part of Car's annual design entries

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:46:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Jaguar, Land Rover, Design/Style

Concept sleighs for Santa by Jaguar and Land Rover -- Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past couple of years, Car magazine has gathered renderings from designers envisioning Kris Kringle's sleigh. Last year it was Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ford, and Nissan. This year, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Audi, Land Rover, and Jaguar submitted their Santa-ships, and the results are predictably outrageous.

The Jag and Land Rover cruisers might make you think they got their sexy back. Jag's design features the unlikely addition of twin, rear-mounted propellers (which might make rooftop landings a little difficult -- and noisy) and a painted mascot on its forward flanks that is definitely not Mrs. Claus. The Land Rover snowspeeder-thingy has particle accelerators, and those are always sexy, and we dig Santa's pose with that cigar, looking straight out of a Hugh Hefner photo shoot. We have a feeling that Hef, however, wouldn't have a reindeer in that front seat...

Speaking of which, we'd be interested in finding out why some car designers think Santa wants to tackle his annual delivery route with one single reindeer riding shotgun. You can have a look at the JLR sleighs below, and click here to check out the rest at Car.

Gallery: Concept sleighs for Santa by Jaguar and Land Rover

[Source: CAR]

Jaguar and Land Rover design sleighs for Santa part of Car's annual design entries originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pat Schiavone, Ford Flex and F150 designer, resigns

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:11:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Patrick Schiavone, Ford's design director for trucks and crossovers, is leaving The Blue Oval. In his 21 years with the company, Schiavone has penned and helped develop Fords both naughty and nice: the last two F-150s; the Flex; Expedition; Cougar; Focus; Lincoln Navigator and Blackwood; the Mighty F-350 TONKA and Ford F-150 Lightning Rod concept trucks; and the Contour show car.

His inkwell is likewise responsible for the 1994 Ford Mustang, the car that did the phoenix routine on the pony car line. It's an impressive resume, and is probably why he "received a great job opportunity outside the auto industry." His last day at the office will be sometime early next year.

[Source: Inside Line]

Pat Schiavone, Ford Flex and F150 designer, resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

Dan Roth — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

Car Launching - Click above to watch the video

As the proliferation of LeMons events has proven, there's a fat vein of crap-box motorsports yet to be mined. Northwestern Wisconsin has its own unique brand of vehicular mayhem called Car Launching. The premise is simple: Jump something fetid and ridiculous off an earthen ramp, headed for certain destruction.

It's best to tow something that enhances the punchline. Like a dumpster. It's a much shorter lap than LeMons, but we suppose you could counter that by dragging more than one vehicle with you. Check out the video posted after the jump for the full impact. (We highly recommend clicking the "View Fullscreen" option.)

[Source: Notes from the Technology Underground]

Continue reading VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Performance, Etc., Crossover, Hatchback, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Rumormill, Luxury, Off-Road

GMC Granite will share a platform with the 2011 Chevrolet Orlando shown above

It seems as though it's just about impossible to keep an embargo in place these days. A Canadian outlet just spilled the beans on a couple of GM reveals set for Detroit next month. They say they were invited to a sneak preview Wednesday evening and although they couldn't take pics, they felt free to tell us about the whole array of models. Some have been loosely-guarded secrets, but a couple are unknowns, so we'll quote CanadianDriver on those until we get confirmation from GM.

Apparently, The General will have a slew of new model introductions in the D next month, including the much-anticipated Camaro Convertible, the new, upsized Aveo, a substantially-revised Malibu, production versions of the Spark and Orlando, and two models we hadn't heard about until now: A GMC version of the Orlando dubbed the Granite, and a "sport version of the Buick Regal" that should get "many of its performance parts from the 325-hp Opel Insignia OPC." Hot dog, the Regal GS is apparently more than a wet dream. Bring on the Stage 1 and GNX.

The Regal was just introduced in Los Angeles a couple of weeks ago, so the announcement of a performance model so soon thereafter seems a little strange -- not that we're complaining, mind you. The Granite is described as an "urban utility vehicle" and will be the smallest model in GMC's history. A Denali edition can only be around the corner. We'll get you more details as they are released and we'll be sure to have the whole field covered when the Big Top opens at Cobo in January.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevrolet Orlando Concept

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

[Source: CandianDriver]

REPORT: GM to show Chevy Orlando-based GMC Granite and hi-po Buick Regal in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Santa gets new super sleigh thanks to GE

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Santa's high tech sleigh by GE -- Click above to check out the specs

General Motors gave Santa a sleigh with OnStar and a reindeer monitor. General Electric must have seen that video and said, "Hold on a second," because they created a sleigh for the big red man with icephobic coatings, self-powered OLED lighting, ceramic matrix composite blades, GE sodium batteries, Trip Optimizer, and a 500GB holographic disc that holds 200 DVDs worth of information.

Santa's suit gets in on the Iron Man act, too, with a wearable RFID sensor hidden in the fringed getup as well as a wireless medical sensor, because Mr. Kringle's Body Mass Index is out of control. And since elves are notorious worriers, they get Asset Intelligence Tracking Tech to keep Santa on the radar and out of Vegas.

But for all that, GE didn't include a blue button so the kiddies could keep track of him...

[Source: GE via Carbon Fiber Gear]

Continue reading Santa gets new super sleigh thanks to GE

Santa gets new super sleigh thanks to GE originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Christmas List 2010: Rattner's book to debut in time for next Christmas

Dan Roth — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM, Earnings/Financials

Planning for the future is perhaps an alien concept to big business - even automakers, with their protracted product development cycles. Take a cue of what not to do from them, then, and start planning now for next Christmas. May we suggest that your 2010 wishlist starts with what's destined to be a hotly-anticipated tome: Steven Rattner's memoir of his spearheading the bailout of General Motors and Chrysler. Tentatively titled "Overhaul," the cloyingly-named book will tell the story of the quick-rinse bankruptcies Rattner presided over.

A fascinating piece that Rattner wrote for Fortune Magazine back in October gave us a glimpse of how riveting such a seemingly-dry subject can be. The book is on track for a debut in the fall of 2010, and might be even more interesting in a year depending on how Rattner's deals work out. The hardest part is going to be behaving well enough for an entire year so this thing gets stuffed in our stocking.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty]

Christmas List 2010: Rattner's book to debut in time for next Christmas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Humor

Vprache BMW six-cylinder turbo Yugo in hoon mode - Click above to watch video

In the beginning, there was a yellow Yugo GV. And when the folks at Vprache Racing cast their eyes over it, they thought it was missing something. So they gave it an 3.5-liter BMW inline six-cylinder transplant and added a turbo besides. And an intercooler mounted on the grille. And a high-rise lift job. Then they took it hooning. And that was the end of the first day.

When that wasn't enough, they added another turbo and fashioned arches to cover the exposed rubber. And then they took it drag racing. And that was the end of the second day. You can check out videos of the car in both iterations after the jump. It's fast. And in a yellow Yugo, you'd want to be.

[Sources: Tampa Sports Car Examiner; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

The roadside siren -- Click above to watch video

The prospect of getting a ticket can make you do a lot of things you wouldn't normally do -- beg, plead, be charming, anything goes, really, when it comes to fending off points and higher insurance premiums. Well, not anything, unless you're this woman, who went nuts at the idea of being ticketed. Like, crazy nuts.

We don't know who she is or what she did or what ungodly nightmare she was trying to avoid, but we do know she's got a set of pipes. If anyone can tell us what she's saying, please let us know in the comments. Follow the jump for the video, and keep your hand on the volume knob for this one.

[Source: Live Leak via Ryan O'Keefe]

Continue reading VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop

VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Valet vigilante vandalism visualizes very vunerable vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Valets burning all kinds of rubber -- Click above to watch video

We suppose we should thank some of the less savvy lunkheads out there for their egos - if they didn't post videos of their antics, they might not be caught. A few valets in the employ of Atlanta-based AAA Valet, working at the St. Louis Hyatt hotel, used patrons cars for serious burnout sessions in an underground garage. Nothing was spared - Civics, SUVs, Porsches, Acuras; it appears that if it could be driven, they would find a way to eat up its tires.

The clincher: the digital displays of drifting doom ended up on YouTube under the profile of "Valet Underground". Someone blew the whistle, and now AAA valet doesn't service the Hyatt hotel anymore. Not surprisingly, the videos are gone - we just hope their licenses have met the same fate. Follow the jump to check out the action. Hat tip to Luke!

[Source: Fox2 Now]

Continue reading VIDEO: Valet vigilante vandalism visualizes very vunerable vehicles

VIDEO: Valet vigilante vandalism visualizes very vunerable vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GMC reveals gussied-up Acadia Denali for 2011

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Crossover, GMC, Luxury, Off-Road

2011 GMC Acadia Denali - Click above for high-res image gallery

A little ahead of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month, GMC has revealed its new 2011 GMC Acadia Denali. Although the Denali tag has been used across the GMC lineup to signify their top-of-the-range trim level, this is the first crossover from the brand to get the tag. We first heard about this Acadia Denali on Twitter, thanks to loose-lipped Buick GMC Communications Group Manager Dayna Hart. From where we sit, the Denali makeover makes perfect sense for the Acadia, as it should help retain those affluent customers who are ditching SUVs in favor of CUVs.

The 2011 Acadia Denali will hit showroom floors late next year and will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive in seven- or eight-passenger form. The package will include a brace of signature Denali design cues: monotone paint, honeycomb grille, unique front and rear fascias, along with HID headlamps, chrome accents and exhaust tips, and the usual badges. The Acadia Denali will also get special six-spoke 20-inch wheels like the polished jobbies seen above. The model will be available in Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat or White Diamond Tricoat.

Inside the Acadia Denali, you'll find all of GMC's top-level bells and whistles: Premium audio systems with XM, perforated leather, heated and cooled seats, mahogany accents, a heads-up display, the Dual SkyScape sunroof system, plus tri-zone automatic climate control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, OnStar, rear-seat DVD, a rearview camera and even remote starting (in case you find yourself living near either Denali or Acadia!). No pricing has been announced, yet but hopefully we'll get more details at the Detroit Auto Show next month. For now, there's a full press release after the jump and a small gallery of high-res pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 GMC Acadia Denali

[Source: GMC]

Continue reading GMC reveals gussied-up Acadia Denali for 2011

GMC reveals gussied-up Acadia Denali for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 Forward-Thinking Vehicles of the Decade

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Trend-setting. Far-reaching. Record-setting. In a word: Important. Use whatever descriptors you'd like, what we're looking at today are some of the most forward-thinking cars of the last decade.

Some of our choices are hugely successful in terms of sales while not being all that interesting or important to the advancement of the automobile. That's fine, we need those kinds of vehicles, and many of us drive them on a daily basis. There are other cars, though, that are so advanced, radical or just plain significant in their segment that other automakers sat up and took notice. These are the models we'll look back at in another ten years and remember as vehicular landmarks. To qualify for consideration, a car had to either be introduced between the year 2000 and 2009 or at least receive a major redesign during that time period.

Interestingly, this list was extremely difficult for us to agree upon. Some of our team members pushed very hard for models that ultimately didn't make the list while others argued vehemently that some of our choices didn't belong at all. Ultimately, we compiled a diverse list of vehicles for you to consider, and we think it's well worth taking the time to peruse.

Click either image (or here) to begin this journey through the decade that's just about to conclude. Have fun, and be sure to nominate your own choices in the comments section.

[Source Image: piterart | CC2.0]

Top 10 Forward-Thinking Vehicles of the Decade originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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