Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition is darkened hotness]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/mazda-mx-5-matte-and-black-special-edition-is-darkened-hotness/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/mazda-mx-5-matte-and-black-special-edition-is-darkened-hotness/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/mazda-mx-5-matte-and-black-special-edition-is-darkened-hotness/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

We make no effort to hide the fact that we love the Mazda Miata just the way it is. In fact, it's always been just about perfect in our eyes, as evidenced by our most recent road test of the sporty little Japanese runabout. But if bright schoolbus yellow just isn't your bag, baby, may we suggest something a little more subtle?

Mazda has just rolled out the MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition at the 21st annual Salon du Cabriolet, Coupé & SUV in Paris. Ostensibly to celebrate the Miata's 20th birthday in France, we kinda think Mazda just wanted to prove that its sportscar looks pretty darn good in the automotive equivalent of the little black dress. And boy, does it ever.

There's nothing special underhood, so the 2.0-liter four still puts out an adequate 167 horsepower. We can't say that we see them in the photos ourselves (fortunately), but design label LK by Laure Kczekotowska Paris has reportedly decked the MX-5 out in rhinestones, gems, and crystals. Ah well, nothing can be perfect. See for yourself in the image gallery below.


Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition


[Source: Mazda via Le Blog Auto]

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition is darkened hotness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mattematte and black miatamatte and black mx-5matte blackmatte miatamatte paintMatteAndBlackMiataMatteAndBlackMx-5MatteBlackMatteMiataMattePaintmazdamazda miataMazda MX-5mazda mx-5 matte and blackMazdaMiataMazdaMx-5MazdaMx-5MatteAndBlackMiatamiata retractable hardtopMiata RHTCMiataRetractableHardtopMiataRhtcMX-5Mx-l15mx5 Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST <![CDATA[NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/ntea-2010-2011-gmc-sierra-denali-hd-puts-the-heavy-in-heavy-dut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/ntea-2010-2011-gmc-sierra-denali-hd-puts-the-heavy-in-heavy-dut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/ntea-2010-2011-gmc-sierra-denali-hd-puts-the-heavy-in-heavy-dut/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the first time in its history - and considering that the company has been around for over 100 years, that's significant - GMC decided to make an official appearance at the National Truck Equipment Association show in St. Louis. And the Professional Grade brand brought along the heavies... specifically, the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD.

When the truck hits the market later this year, it will be the first time that GMC has offered a Denali version of its Heavy Duty truck platform. After giving the truck a thorough once (and even twice) over, we have to say that the Denali, even with all of its drilled-out chrome highlights, looks rather subdued and classy in all-black paint. And, though we certainly appreciate the in-your-face attitude of General Motors' two main competitors in the pickup wars, we'd say that understated appearance is a good thing.

Inside, you'll find the expected luxury trimmings, including heated and cooled leather seats and a matching wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, along with some nice details like Denali-specific door sill plates. All that is well and good, but the big news resides under the truck's big black hood: a revised 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine, which is mated up to a stout Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.

For those who like to keep track of these thing, which is to say every single person who's actually interested in purchasing one of these earth-moving behemoths, GM's latest Duramax beats out the 2011 Ford Super Duty in the all-important horsepower and torque wars with 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet. Wanna pull a ten-ton load? No problem. That powerplant is also more fuel efficient (by 11 percent) and cleaner than the unit it replaces.

Interestingly, GM representatives tell us that they had a bit of a back-and-forth with the Feds regarding how best to handle the required refilling of the diesel exhaust fluid tank, which won't run dry for about 5,000 miles between fill-ups. It seems that when the truck gets dangerously low on the exhaust treatment, its speed will be capped at 55 miles per hour. If you run out, the computer nannies will keep you to just a four mph crawl so that you'll never be stranded completely. Want more? Check out our gallery of high-res images below and click here for the rest of the details.


Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD


Gallery: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD

NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 gmc sierra2011 gmc sierra denali hd2011GmcSierra2011GmcSierraDenaliHddenali hddenali heavy dutyDenaliHdDenaliHeavyDutyGMCgmc hdGMC Sierragmc sierra denali hd heavy dutygmc sierra hdgmc sierra hd denaligmc sierra heavy dutyGmcHdGmcSierraGmcSierraDenaliHdHeavyDutyGmcSierraHdGmcSierraHdDenaliGmcSierraHeavyDutynteasierrasierra denalisierra HDSierraDenaliSierraHd Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST <![CDATA[NTEA 2010: Nissan pulls the covers off NV commercial van]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/nissan-nv-commercial-van-ntea-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/nissan-nv-commercial-van-ntea-2010/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/nissan-nv-commercial-van-ntea-2010/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Nissan NV2500 HD - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're here in St. Louis attending the National Truck Equipment Association show, and we just watched Nissan officially pull the covers off its NV commercial van for the first time in front of a live audience. Our initial impression: They aren't kidding when they say there's an optional High Roof... at 105.5 inches (76.5 of which is usable inside), we have to wonder whether that sucker will fit inside your run-of-the-mill suburban garage.

Of course, that High Roof is optional, and the space it affords inside will allow most 80-percentile human beings to stand straight up for cargo loading purposes - up to 300 cubic feet of it. For those who don't need such a cavernous cargo area, the standard height measures 83.9 inches from the ground, and 55.4 of those inches are ready for stowage inside.

We were able to grab some live photos from the show floor, but sadly Nissan isn't quite ready to let us inside to see the interior details. In any case, check out our high-res gallery below and click here for the rest of the details.


Gallery: 2011 Nissan NV2500 HD


Gallery: 2011 Nissan NV

NTEA 2010: Nissan pulls the covers off NV commercial van originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20112011 nissan nv2011NissanNvnissannissan nvnissan nv1500Nissan NV200 vannissan nv2500nissan nv2500 hdnissan nv3500 hdNissanNvNissanNv1500NissanNv200VanNissanNv2500NissanNv2500HdNissanNv3500Hdnv1500nv2500nv2500 hdNv2500Hdnv3500 hdNv3500Hdnvidia tegraNvidiaTegra Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:56:00 EST <![CDATA[Nissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavors]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/nissan-unveils-nv-commercial-van-available-in-three-different-f/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/nissan-unveils-nv-commercial-van-available-in-three-different-f/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/nissan-unveils-nv-commercial-van-available-in-three-different-f/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Nissan NV commercial vans - Click above for high-res image gallery

Historically, America's commercial vehicle marketplace has been dominated by domestic automakers. Besides a small percentage of Sprinter sales from Dodge while under Daimler ownership, the fullsize van market has really only been occupied by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler. Nissan is ready to change all that, and its opening salvo in the commercial vehicle marketplace is its NV series of vans.

Nissan's NV series - "NV" rather unimaginatively stands for Nissan Van, for what it's worth - relies on three different designations, NV1500, 2500 HD and 3500 HD, and two different roof heights (the High Roof is only available on the NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD models) to provide a platform for every conceivable need. Opting for the tall version will provide enough room for most people to stand up inside with no need to duck.

Interestingly, Nissan's research indicates that commercial van owners are the least satisfied of any vehicle segment, and as such, the automaker says that the NV design is that of an armored car a 'clean-sheet' approach resulting from one of the most researched projects Nissan has ever undertaken. That research has yielded a vehicle that utilizes a fully boxed steel ladder frame and rear-wheel drive with either a 4.0-liter V6 or an optional 5.6-liter V8. Both engines are mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission.

No matter which engine or roof style is chosen, the NV will come with a user-definable interior layout that can accept standard-size drywall or plywood or any number of aftermarket cargo solutions. Up front, there are a number of storage pockets and compartments to hold whatever is needed, while High Roof models offer an overhead console for additional storage options.

Pricing is not yet available, but Nissan promises the NV series will hit authorized commercial U.S. dealerships before the end of the year. Want to know more? Be sure to check out our gallery of high-res images below and click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: 2011 Nissan NV


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavors

Nissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nissan commercialNissan commercial vanNissan NVNissanCommercialNissanCommercialVanNissanNvNV 1500NV 2500NV 2500 HDNV 2500HDNV 3500 HDNV HDNV VanNV1500Nv2500Nv2500HdNv3500HdNvHdNvVan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:15:00 EST <![CDATA[Report: Morgan to debut 2+2 concept at Pebble Beach]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/05/report-morgan-to-debut-2-2-concept-at-pebble-beach/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/05/report-morgan-to-debut-2-2-concept-at-pebble-beach/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/05/report-morgan-to-debut-2-2-concept-at-pebble-beach/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Morgan Aero SuperSports - Click above for high-res image gallery

As if we didn't have enough reasons to look forward to the Pebble Beach Concours this August - beautiful weather, beautiful machinery and beautiful scenery, to name but a few - news comes by way of Autocar in the U.K. that Morgan plans to debut a new 2+2 concept at the famed event on the California coast.

Details on the new model are, as you might expect at this early stage in the game, rather hard to come by. Apparently, though, the new car is meant to preview a production model that Morgan hopes to put into production in 2012 or 2013. No word on on the drivetrain, though we'd expect some sort of modern BMW powerplant, but we're told it will slot somewhere below the brand's range-topping Aero.


Gallery: Morgan Aero Super Sports


Gallery: Monterey 2009: Morgan Aero SuperSports


[Source: Autocar]

Report: Morgan to debut 2+2 concept at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> monterey 2010Monterey2010morganmorgan conceptmorgan concept carMorganConceptMorganConceptCarpebble beachpebble beach 2010Pebble Beach Concours dElegancePebbleBeachPebbleBeach2010PebbleBeachConcoursDelegance Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:56:00 EST <![CDATA[Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque *UPDATE]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/super-car-sunday-celebrates-ferrari/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/super-car-sunday-celebrates-ferrari/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/super-car-sunday-celebrates-ferrari/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Maddox parks Enzo number three at Super Car Sunday in Woodland Hills - Click above for high-res gallery

Now that they've found a new home for Super Car Sunday at the Westfield Promenade in Woodland Hills, CA, the guys and gals behind the show have made a few changes - all for the better. The show is more official now, with local Ferrari dealer The Auto Gallery actually covering rent for the event, which is held in the mall parking lot every Sunday from 7-10 am. There are also signs all around that list the rules so there is no confusion when someone gets kicked out for bad behavior. Another big change is that they are now honoring a different marque on the last Sunday of each month.

For February the marquee marque was Ferrari. Drawing owners from as much as 100 miles away, the Ferrari corral featured well over 100 examples of Enzo's handiwork. While just about every other make and model was represented in the main part of the lot, the Ferrari selection was rather eclectic as well. Anyone who might have thought that Ferraris only came in red were treated to quite a surprise as there were samples of Maranello's finest in white, silver, gray, blue, yellow and even flat black, among others. One of the gray cars was the very same 512 BB we featured parked in its award-winning garage with the bridge driveway that might have to come down.

There's a huge gallery below with photos of just a small sampling of the Prancing Horses that made it out to the show, with a Dino, Daytona, Drago-bodied GT and a couple others representing the old guard and two-and-a-half Enzos (above), an F40, 16Ms, Californias, Scuderias, F430s, Challenge Stradales, 599s, and a spiffy two-tone 612 kickin' it new school. In between there were enough 308, 328, 348, 355, 360, 456, 550/575 and Testarossa/512 models to keep the carparazzi busy for hours.

It wasn't all Ferraris though. A rare red Porsche Carrera GT, Rust Rocket rat rod, Grand Sport Corvette replica and Ultima showed the diversity, while a few cars caught our eyes for all the wrong reasons. All in all a very cool show and a great turnout for Ferrari fans. Hopefully we'll be able to make this a regular Sunday stop from now on.

*UPDATE: Video from our friends at SpeedAndMotion.com pasted after the jump.


Gallery: Super Car Sunday celebrates Ferrari


Photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque *UPDATE

Super Car Sunday features Ferrari as honored marque *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Ferrariferrari 599 gtbferrari californiaferrari enzoferrari f430Ferrari599GtbFerrariCaliforniaFerrariEnzoFerrariF430Super Car SundaysupercarSupercar SundaySupercarSunday Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:31:00 EST <![CDATA[BMW confirms 5 Series Touring reveal for Leipzig]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/22/bmw-confirms-5-series-touring-reveal-for-leipzig/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/22/bmw-confirms-5-series-touring-reveal-for-leipzig/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/22/bmw-confirms-5-series-touring-reveal-for-leipzig/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Current-generation BMW 5 Series Touring

BMW has announced the debut of the company's latest generation 5 Series Touring, so rumors of the Touring's demise may have been exaggerated. To be fair, the BMW 5 Series Touring was never going to go away altogether - not when it sells in big numbers in European markets. That said, BMW foresees its new double-hinged hatchback 5 Series Gran Turismo as cannibalizing the wagon's already tiny sales in the U.S., so we don't expect to see the new Touring model in American showrooms. The rest of the world can look forward to a new wagon that is lower, lighter and more of a looker than the hunchback on the other side of the showroom.

The world premiere of the new 5 Touring will take place at the 2010 Auto Mobil International (AMI) in Leipzig. Although no photos or details have been released, this fourth generation 5 Series station wagon will share a lot in common with the recently introduced F10 2011 5 Series sedan that we sampled in Spain last month. That means new engines, gearboxes, suspension architecture, rear-wheel steering, user-selectable adaptive drive settings, brake energy regeneration and another generation of iDrive, for better or for worse. We'll get you more details and photos as they become available, in the meantime, make the jump for the official press release.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i


Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW confirms 5 Series Touring reveal for Leipzig

BMW confirms 5 Series Touring reveal for Leipzig originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 5 series5 series gt5 series touring5Series5SeriesGt5SeriesTouringAMIauto mobil internationalAuto Mobil International LeipzigAutoMobilInternationalAutoMobilInternationalLeipzigbmwBMW 5 seriesbmw 5 series gran turismobmw 5 series gtBMW 5 Series TouringBmw5SeriesBmw5SeriesGranTurismoBmw5SeriesGtBmw5SeriesTouringleipzigstation wagonStationWagonwagon Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shot: Hennessey Venom GT to debut at Goodwood, U.S. debut in Monterey]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/hennessey-venom-gt-to-debut-at-goodwood-u-s-debut-in-monterey/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/hennessey-venom-gt-to-debut-at-goodwood-u-s-debut-in-monterey/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/18/hennessey-venom-gt-to-debut-at-goodwood-u-s-debut-in-monterey/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for image gallery

We've just gotten word from Hennessey Performance that the Venom GT won't be making the trip to Switzerland to debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Instead, the Lotus Elise-based supercar will make its official entrance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July and make its first U.S. appearance in Monterey this August.

Testing of the 2,400-pound twin-turbocharged V8 coupe is underway, and according to our source, the reason for the delay was a lack of exhibition space in Switzerland. You can get the full details in our previous posts and expect more information to be forthcoming in the next few weeks.


Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

Spy Shot: Hennessey Venom GT to debut at Goodwood, U.S. debut in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gthennesseyhennessey performancehennessey performance venom gtHennesseyPerformanceHennesseyPerformanceVenomGtvenomvenom gtVenomGt Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Upgraded North American Mazda2 interior revealed in Toronto, car to launch late summer]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/upgraded-north-american-mazda2-interior-revealed-in-toronto-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/upgraded-north-american-mazda2-interior-revealed-in-toronto-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/upgraded-north-american-mazda2-interior-revealed-in-toronto-car/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Mazda2 North American interior - click above for high-res gallery

The biggest event in the automotive world this week may be the Chicago Auto Show, but that isn't stopping Mazda from once again going north to reveal product at the Canadian International Auto Show. The Japanese automaker has a significantly larger portion of the Canadian market pie than it does in the U.S., so it makes sense that it would show off an upgraded Mazda2 interior in Toronto instead of in The Windy City.

The 2011 Mazda2, which is earmarked to go on sale in North America beginning in late Summer, will benefit from higher quality seat fabric (with piping) along with a better audio system and more robust HVAC controls, among other changes. It is not immediately clear if the changes for the NA car will matriculate back into European market models, but the alterations should help give the Mazda2 a fighting chance against competitors like its platform-mate, the Ford Fiesta, as well as the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo and models already on sale like the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. Check out both the interior and exterior in our high-res galleries below.


Gallery: 2011 Mazda2 North American Interior


Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Mazda2


[Source: Mazda]


Continue reading Upgraded North American Mazda2 interior revealed in Toronto, car to launch late summer

Upgraded North American Mazda2 interior revealed in Toronto, car to launch late summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Mazda22011Mazda2canadian international auto showCanadianInternationalAutoShowChicago Auto ShowChicagoAutoShowCIAS 2010Cias2010Mazda 2Mazda2mazda2 interiorMazda2Interiortoronto auto showToronto auto show 2010TorontoAutoShowTorontoAutoShow2010 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Questionable Timing: Goodwood to host a motor show?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/03/questionable-timing-goodwood-to-host-a-motor-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/03/questionable-timing-goodwood-to-host-a-motor-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/03/questionable-timing-goodwood-to-host-a-motor-show/#comments Filed under: ,


Automotive sculptures on the Goodwood grounds - Click above for high-res image gallery

With manufacturer attendance dwindling at expos worldwide, now might seem to be just about the worst time to launch a new motor show. But that's exactly what the Earl of March and his team at Goodwood are planning. That is, if the latest reports from England prove accurate.

According to the report, the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed - a longstanding fixture of the automotive calendar - could be preceded by a car show featuring displays from manufacturers and even a 3.5-mile track on which prospective buyers would be able to take the new cars for test drives.

Word has it that Alfa Romeo - this year's "featured marque" in commemoration of the Italian automaker's centenary - will use the event to debut the new Giulietta. And with the future of the official British International Motor Show still up in the air, Goodwood could step in to fill in.


Gallery: Goodwood Festival of Speed Art Sculptures


[Source: PistonHeads]

Questionable Timing: Goodwood to host a motor show? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto showAutoShowgoodwoodgoodwood auto showgoodwood festival of speedgoodwood motor showGoodwoodAutoShowGoodwoodFestivalOfSpeedGoodwoodMotorShowmotor showMotorShow Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:32:00 EST <![CDATA[The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/the-autoblog-weekender-motley-fools-edition/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Autoblog Weekender - Click above to find out what you missed

This week's bag of news is all about cars, cars and cars. Was anyone else aware that the Canadians know a thing or two about tuning Lamborghinis? That's a new one on us. Peugeot and Dodge have new logos, and the Pugs have a new, Ratatouille-esque commercial that involves a blender, a bicycle and a three-wheeled car. The as-yet-unveiled Nissan Patrol Safari gets caught with its doors open, and a bespoke Ferrari, the P450 Superfast Aperta, gets introduced in Florida. It's a little odd. And when some Mercedes engineers get a prototype SL Coupe stuck in the snow and it takes two other Mercedes' to rescue it, let's just say a good time was had by all. Except the Mercedes engineers. Finally, back to those Canadians, while those first lads will get crazy money for their wares, another Canuck wants crazy money for a 1975 Pontiac. Must be the weather. Follow the jump for the feast.

Continue reading The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition

The Autoblog Weekender: Motley Fools edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> mlmodelsoldsmobilep450 superfast apertaP450SuperfastApertaplymouths-class coupeS-classCoupesuperfast apertaSuperfastApertaweekender Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline going LIVE at 12:30PM EST from Washington Auto Show, now accepting questions]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/autoline-going-live-at-12-30pm-est-from-washington-auto-show-no/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/autoline-going-live-at-12-30pm-est-from-washington-auto-show-no/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/autoline-going-live-at-12-30pm-est-from-washington-auto-show-no/#comments Filed under: , ,


Click above to watch the webcast live at 12:30 PM EST

Today at 12:30PM EST, our friends at Autoline will be hosting a live webcast from the 2010 Washington Auto Show. Special guests include Ford CEO Alan Mulally, President of Audi America Johan de Nysschen and President of BMW North America Jim O'Donnell, among others.

In anticipation of the show, you can submit questions for any of the guests by visiting this link. Then follow the jump to watch John McElroy and his team do their thing from D.C. at 12:30PM EST.

Continue reading Autoline going LIVE at 12:30PM EST from Washington Auto Show, now accepting questions

Autoline going LIVE at 12:30PM EST from Washington Auto Show, now accepting questions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autolineAutolineDetroitjohn mcelroyJohnMcelroywashington auto showWashingtonAutoShow Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:53:00 EST <![CDATA[Washington D.C. joins California and Michigan as initial launch markets for 2011 Chevrolet Volt]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/washington-d-c-joins-california-and-michigan-as-initial-launch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/washington-d-c-joins-california-and-michigan-as-initial-launch/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/washington-d-c-joins-california-and-michigan-as-initial-launch/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

In advance of the 2010 Washington Auto Show, Chevrolet has announced that the greater Washington D.C. area will join California and Michigan as initial launch markets for its upcoming plug-in hybrid electric Chevrolet Volt. The automaker has also announced cooperative programs with Pepco and Dominion, two D.C.-area utilities, to help establish vehicle charging programs and further introduce customers to electric vehicles.
"Concentrating Volt sales in these three key initial markets allows us to give our first customers a high-quality experience," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. "In addition to geographical considerations, each market also has progressive local and state government leaders and utility partners who are crucial in bringing electric vehicles to market."
Overall, more than 100 Volts will be delivered to utilities around the U.S. as part of an extended demonstration pilot to gauge customer feedback. The program, made possible with a $30 million grant administered by the U.S. Department of Energy, will install 500 charging stations for residential, business and public use. Chevy has also teamed with other utilities in California and Michigan for similar programs in those local markets. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt pre-production prototype


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Washington D.C. joins California and Michigan as initial launch markets for 2011 Chevrolet Volt

Washington D.C. joins California and Michigan as initial launch markets for 2011 Chevrolet Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Volt2010Volt2011 Chevrolet Volt2011 Volt2011ChevroletVolt2011VoltCaliforniaCapitolChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltMichiganPilot programPilotProgramRolloutTest MarketTestMarketWashington D.C.WashingtonD.c. Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Ginetta G40 spec racer debuts at Autosport International]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/ginetta-g40-spec-racer-debuts-at-autosport-international/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/ginetta-g40-spec-racer-debuts-at-autosport-international/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/ginetta-g40-spec-racer-debuts-at-autosport-international/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ginetta G40 live at Autosport International - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following an earlier preview several months ago, British racing car manufacturer Ginetta finally took the wraps off its completed G40 sportscar at the ongoing Autosport International show in Birmingham, England.

Designed from the get-go as a racer, the G40 will make its first track appearance in the Ginetta Junior race series in support of the upcoming British Touring Car Championship season. Its 850-kg chassis is said to be 50 times stronger than minimum FIA crash-test requirements, and is motivated by a 1.8-liter Ford Zetec four-cylinder engine sourced from the European Focus and tuned for competition duty.

An initial batch of 26 units is currently underway, with prices starting at £24,950 (about $40k). Details in the press release after the jump and photos live from the show floor in the gallery below.


Gallery: Ginetta G40


[Source: Ginetta]

Continue reading Ginetta G40 spec racer debuts at Autosport International

Ginetta G40 spec racer debuts at Autosport International originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> g40ginettaginetta g40ginetta juniorginetta junior championshipGinettaG40GinettaJuniorGinettaJuniorChampionshipjuniorspec racerSpecRacer Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/pics-aplenty-ford-launches-updated-galaxy-s-max-at-brussels-au/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/pics-aplenty-ford-launches-updated-galaxy-s-max-at-brussels-au/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/pics-aplenty-ford-launches-updated-galaxy-s-max-at-brussels-au/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2010 Ford S-Max (above) and Galaxy (below right) - Click either for high-res image galleries

We can debate the relevance of the modern minivan in the North American market until the proverbial cows come home, but the fact remains that in Europe, the MPV still plays a vital role. Few know that as well as Ford does, and now the Blue Oval has unveiled mildly revised versions of its most important people-movers at the 2010 Brussels Auto Show.

Previewed in initial details and photos a full month ago, The visual tweaks to both the Galaxy and its sportier sibling, the S-Max, are admittedly minimal, but keep both looking fresh and in stride with Ford's latest kinetic design language. LED daytime running lights and taillamps are part of the package, and there are a host of new interior trim options, complete with a new panoramic sunroof. Ford's also offering a Blind-Spot Information System (cleverly abbreviated as BLIS), along with the new 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower, direct injection four-cylinder EcoBoost gasoline engine in addition to Duratorq diesels with 115 or 163 hp.

We took a ride in a pre-facelift S-Max on the way to the airport en route back from test driving the new Ford Fiesta in Tuscany and were suitably impressed, so any effort to keep it relevant is good in our books. That's the short of it. If you want the long version, there's a 70-page press release after the jump with all the information you never wanted to know about Ford's latest European people haulers. And for your viewing pleasure, high-resolution image galleries of both are included below.


Gallery: 2010 Ford S-Max


Gallery: 2010 Ford Galaxy


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show

Pics Aplenty: Ford launches updated Galaxy, S-Max at Brussels Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 ford s-max2010FordS-maxbrussels auto showBrusselsAutoShowduratorqeco boostEcoBoostfordford galaxyford of europeford s maxford s-maxFordGalaxyFordOfEuropeFordS-maxFordSMaxgalaxyminivanmpvS-Max Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Supercar Sunday exotic car meet revived in SoCal]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/supercar-sunday-exotic-car-meet-revived-in-socal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/supercar-sunday-exotic-car-meet-revived-in-socal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/supercar-sunday-exotic-car-meet-revived-in-socal/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jay Leno visits Supercar Sunday at the Village Coffee Roaster

"Supercar Sunday is back and is here to stay!" That's the first sentence of a long-awaited announcement from Dustin Troyan, one of Southern California's most passionate, selfless and determined car guys. Dusty started the Supercar Sunday show in front of the Village Coffee Roaster coffee shop he managed in Woodland Hills several years ago. The idea was to invite car people out to the empty lot on Sunday mornings to meet up and hopefully buy some java.

The show was a smashing success, as hundreds of car guys and gals from all over the Southland gathered once a week to share their love of classic and exotic automobiles. The last Sunday of the month was the big show, attracting thousands of folks, including a few local celebrities. Businesses often brought in several extra staffers on Sundays to handle all of the extra customers.

As good as that sounds for gearheads and the businesses in that strip mall, the show got too big for the lot. Under intense pressure and threatened legal action from the landlord, the show was shut down late last year. With the huge car community in the Los Angeles area we knew it couldn't be the end of the road for the weekly Sunday meet, but all was a little too quiet on the Western front until today.

Seems Dustin has been working tirelessly these past several weeks to secure a new venue for the show. Troyan is the same guy behind the immensely successful Motor4Toys charity toy drive so we knew he would be able to make it happen - and make it happen in a way that would make us forget all about the unpleasantness of a few months ago.

Well, now we can look forward to a revived Supercar Sunday in an even better locale, with a bigger parking lot, full cooperation from the local merchants and landlord, and a Corner Bakery to handle breakfast needs. So if you're in the area, if you've attended or wanted to attend Supercar Sunday in the past or just want to get your weekly collectible car fix again, check out the new venue.

The show kicked off this morning at the Topanga Westfield Promenade. It's just off the 101, 8 miles West of the 405 at the corner of Topanga Canyon and Erwin. Hope to see you there in the weeks to come.

Supercar Sunday exotic car meet revived in SoCal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car meetcar showCarMeetCarShowsupercarSupercar SundaysupercarsSupercarSundaytopanga Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 R debuts at Autosport International]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/porsche-911-gt3-r-debuts-at-autosport-international/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/porsche-911-gt3-r-debuts-at-autosport-international/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/porsche-911-gt3-r-debuts-at-autosport-international/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you think the Porsche 911 is a common sight at country clubs and law firm parking lots, that's nothing compared to the ubiquity of Neunelferen that dominate the race track. And this is the latest.

Replacing last year's GT3 Cup S, the new GT3 R was initially released back in November, but is now set to make its public debut at the Autosport International racing car show in Birmingham, England. Stripped down and track-tuned, the GT3 R is a pure racing machine, with a 4.0-liter flat-six driving 480 horsepower through a six-speed sequential transmission to the rear wheels.

It's been homologated to FIA GT3 regulations, so expect to see it dicing with the GT3-spec likes of the Alpina B6, Reiter Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Audi R8 LM and upcoming BMW Z4 - to name just a few - on race tracks around the world once the racing season gets off to a start.

Follow the jump for more details and info on Porsche's racing program in the UK, and check out the images in the revised gallery below for all the angles.


Gallery: 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 R


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche 911 GT3 R debuts at Autosport International

Porsche 911 GT3 R debuts at Autosport International originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Porsche2010 POrsche 911 GT32010Porsche2010Porsche911Gt3911911 gt3911Gt3fia gt3FiaGt3gt3gt3 rGt3Rporscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3Porsche 911 GT3 Rporsche gt3porsche gt3 rPorsche911Porsche911Gt3Porsche911Gt3RPorscheGt3PorscheGt3R Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Autodelta takes on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/autodelta-takes-on-the-alfa-8c-competizione/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/autodelta-takes-on-the-alfa-8c-competizione/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/autodelta-takes-on-the-alfa-8c-competizione/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


As far as Alfa Romeos go, the 8C Competizione is as exotic as they come. Still, some are looking for more. Originally, rumors surfaced that Alfa was working on a lightweight GTA version, but while we wait for that to pan out, Alfa tuner par excellence Autodelta is working on tuning the svelte supercar themselves.

Few details are known at this point, but a remapped ECU should squeeze out a modest 17 horsepower boost from the stock 444-hp, 4.7-liter Ferrari-developed V8. Autodelta is also working on fine-tuning the chassis, taking their 8C around some of the finest tracks in Europe to get it just right.

The result is slated to be unveiled at the Pistonheads Performance Car Show in Birmingham later this week, so stay tuned, and follow the jump for the press release in the meantime.

[Source: Autodelta]

Continue reading Autodelta takes on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Autodelta takes on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Alfa Romeo2010AlfaRomeo8Calfa 8cAlfa 8C Competizionealfa romeoalfa romeo 8cAlfa Romeo 8C CompetizioneAlfa8cAlfa8cCompetizioneAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeo8cAlfaRomeo8cCompetizioneautodeltaautodelta 8c competizioneAutodelta8cCompetizione Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:28:00 EST <![CDATA[GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/gm-confirms-chevrolet-spark-for-north-america-after-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/gm-confirms-chevrolet-spark-for-north-america-after-all/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/gm-confirms-chevrolet-spark-for-north-america-after-all/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2010 Chevrolet Beat for India - Click above to enlarge

The question of whether or not General Motors will bring its diminutive Chevrolet Spark to the United States still doesn't have a definitive answer. Thanks to a GM of India press release, however, we now know that the little urban runabout will be coming to North America, although that geography obviously also includes Mexico and Canada.

In the past, GM spokespeople have suggested that it might be possible for the Spark (A.K.A. "Beat," or that unbearably irritating robot from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) to be imported Stateside and that the automaker had kept U.S. regulations in mind when designing the car. Regardless, with gas as cheap as it currently is and a new Aveo just around the corner, we're certainly not holding our breath for a U.S. launch any time soon, and we feel that seeing the Beat in Mexican and/or Canadian showrooms is more likely.

That said, feel free to hit the jump to read GM of India's press release on the introduction of the Beat, which made its production-ready debut earlier in the week in New Delhi.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all

GM confirms Chevrolet Spark for North America after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20102010 chevy beat2010 chevy spark2010ChevyBeat2010ChevySparkAuto ExpoAuto Expo 2010AutoExpoAutoExpo2010beatchevroletchevrolet beatChevrolet SparkChevroletBeatChevroletSparkchevychevy beatchevy sparkChevyBeatChevySparkDelhiNew DelhiNew Delhi 2010new delhi auto shownew delhi motor showNewDelhiNewDelhi2010NewDelhiAutoShowNewDelhiMotorShowspark Fri, 08 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST <![CDATA[Auto Expo 2010: Tata Magic Iris is ready to take on the trike]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/auto-expo-2010-tata-magic-iris-is-ready-to-take-on-the-trike/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/auto-expo-2010-tata-magic-iris-is-ready-to-take-on-the-trike/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/auto-expo-2010-tata-magic-iris-is-ready-to-take-on-the-trike/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Tata Magic Iris - Click above for high-res image gallery

Visit New Delhi and you'll be overwhelmed by the number of motorized trikes hustling and bustling through the city proper. They're practically the official vehicle of India because of their low cost, ease of maintenance and small size. But just as Tata is trying to revolutionize the world of budget motoring with the Nano, the Indian automaker wants to offer another form of urban transport to replace the much-loved trike. The Tata Magic Iris is it.

We don't have exact dimensions, but as you can see in the pics, it's small - the wheelbase isn't much longer than a baseball bat and the wheels max out at 12 inches (10-inch hoops are standard). Nestled within the steel five-seater (two in front and three out back) is a 611cc, water-cooled diesel churning out a 11 horsepower, allowing the diminutive box to hit a maximum speed of 34 mph. While its specs aren't about to set the world on fire, it's considerably more versatile than the trike it aims to replace. Tata hasn't announced pricing yet, but expect the Magic Iris to come in well below $2,000 when it hits Indian roads later this year.


Gallery: Tata Magic Iris


[Source: IndianAutosBlog | Live Images: Shrawan Raja]

Auto Expo 2010: Tata Magic Iris is ready to take on the trike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> irismagictatatata magic irisTataMagicIris Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST