|
Rumormill: Renault Alpine could be based off Nissan 370Z Filed under: Coupes, Euro, Nissan, Renault, Rumormill 
We've been following the developments of Renault's revival of the Alpine marque since earlier this year, and its been confirmed that the first of several new models will debut sometime in 2010. From the beginning, Renault made it clear that Alpine would benefit from dedicated models, rather than rebadged or re-engineered Renaults. Earlier reports suggested something mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive and similar in size to the Mazda Miata or last-generation Toyota MR2, but a new report suggests that Nissan might be tapped to provide a platform and drivetrain.
The director of Renaultsport supposedly sat down with CarTribe to discuss the future of the automaker's high-performance offerings and when asked if a new Alpine model could be based off the Nissan GT-R, he denied it, instead hinting at the use of Nissan's FM platform that underpins the G37 coupe, G35 sedan and upcoming Nissan 370Z. The new model could be more geared towards track duty, with a serious diet and some tweaks to the drivetrain.
While the revival of Alpine is primarily a way for Renault to capitalize on its participation in F1, a Nissan-based model would all but negate such an effort. Then again, with 60 new models expected to come from Renault and Nissan in the next four years, the automaker will use any platform it can get its hands on to expand its lineup.
[Source: CarTribe] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Richard Parry-Jones: 180 MPG hatch by 2050 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green  Richard Parry-Jones, who at one time acted as Ford's global Chief Technical Officer, believes that it is entirely possible for automakers to reach 180 miles per gallon by the year 2050 with nothing more than the technology available today. Along with that low fuel consumption comes low carbon emissions -- just 40 grams per kilometer -- well below the strictest standards today. Sound unbelievable? Get this: Parry-Jones suggests getting there by doing nothing more than just leaving the automakers alone. Basically, Ford's former CTO says that current market conditions will sort everything out and the governments should allow the automakers to pick and choose what technologies are the most promising. In the meantime, Parry-Jones suggests not burdening the industry with crippling standards, which, he argues, is a short-sighted, knee-jerk reaction to climate change.
[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Motorcycles 
Click above for more high-res images of the Aprilia RSV 1000 R
When the sportbike discussion inevitably turns to outright performance, the Aprilia RSV 1000R is usually left out of the equation. It is true that the Italian bike is down on horsepower when compared with its racier relatives from Ducati and especially against the inline four machines from the Japanese manufacturers. While the Big Four from Japan continuously improve their unique (but very similar) breed of liter-class sportbikes with completely new designs every few years, Aprilia has sat back and made very small and incremental changes to its V-Twin contestant, and though its acceleration is surely a tick or two behind the leaders, it is important to consider the fact that everything is relative in the world of liter-bikes. Remember, barring something truly special, any liter-class sportbike from the last decade is sure to be the quickest vehicle on any given road. So, what does the Aprilia offer to make up for its apparent lack of horsepower? Read on.
All photos copyright Jeremy Korzeniewski / Weblogs Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: Aprilia RSV 1000 R Permalink | Email this | Comments
The "jeeps" of Iceland: here there do be monsters Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Etc., Lifestyle 
Click above for high-res gallery of Iceland's "jeeps"
Not too long ago, we posted a bit about Iceland's "jeeps". This blogger has just returned from ten days in the North Atlantic with those very brutes, and they're every bit as massive -- and cool -- as they look. We even got to go for a spin in one, get a look at another one, and take pictures of a whole bunch more. What was it like? The same thing we said before: "big-wheel badness." Follow the jump for the story, and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res images below.
Continue reading The "jeeps" of Iceland: here there do be monsters Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
GM launches UsedCarAmbush.com to pump CPOVs Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM 
Used car sales as a profession has a rather sullied reputation. Some establishments deserve the distaste, while others work hard to take care of customers and stock their lots with good merchandise. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are often a good bet, because they're automaker-sanctioned and undergo an extensive checklist before hitting the lot. GM is making a frontal assault on non-CPO used cars by launching UsedCarAmbush.com, expending lots of hidden camera effort and Mission: Impossible trappings to put home the point that GM's Certified Used vehicles come with a multitude of benefits.
Unfortunately, it's an epic fail, mainly because private sellers were targeted instead of shady operators. Who ever heard of a private sale offering financing, roadside assistance, or warranty? Does GM (or its agency, Mullen) really think that the guy with 8 cars on his front lawn is their sales arm's competition? It's a case of a very slick website, lots of time and money invested, but totally wrong aim. If a fuzzy-haired guy in a ratty sportcoat starts asking you about financing on that Aztek you've always regretted, punch him. That would be more compelling video than what they've got now, which is basically just private sellers getting confused with this dude's out of place questions. Press release after the jump.
[Source: GM]
Continue reading GM launches UsedCarAmbush.com to pump CPOVs Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
London Motor Show Mega Post Filed under: Concept Cars, Misc. Auto Shows      
Click any image above for a high-res gallery.
The British International Motor Show wrapped up earlier this week and although we weren't able to attend in person, we've assembled a sizeable gallery of live shots from the show floor. Unlike past shows in London, this year's event actually hosted some serious debuts, including the Lotus Evora, Honda OSM concept, Ford Focus RS, IFR Aspid, Renaultsport Megane R26.R, Lightning GT, a trio of Imprezas and the Opel Insignia. Some will make it Stateside, while others we'll adore from afar, but our gallery below is proof that London has come into its own. We're looking forward to next year's festivities and hopefully we can scrounge up enough scratch to make the trip across the pond.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
The fate of a Range Rover is in your hands, people Filed under: SUVs, Contests, Green, Land Rover, Carsumer Advocacy 
Click above to watch Ryan's call to action
Ryan Mickle, seen above and apparently afraid of no ghosts, has had a change of heart since purchasing his Range Rover Sport new in 2006. Since then, gas prices have shot through the roof and fighting climate change has become a favorite global pastime. Seeing that his SUV gets about 13 mpg, Ryan doesn't want to drive it, doesn't want to sell it and doesn't want anyone else to get behind the wheel -- ever. Trouble is, he's not quite sure how to go about it just yet. So, he wants you to help him decide the fate of his SUV. A few initial ideas: catapult it into the Pacific Ocean, blow it up or convert it to a run on either electrons or biodiesel.
We're hoping that common sense wins out here and the vehicle is somehow saved from such an inauspicious fate as being merely blown to shreds -- after all, that's not very eco-friendly either. While a biodiesel conversion might be fun, we'll put our official vote on the EV idea. Yank the engine, drop in a nice electric motor and some decent batteries in the rear cargo area... presto-chango, problem solved. Well, maybe it's a bit more complicated than that. Watch Ryan's video after the break. Thanks for the tip, everyone!
[Source: One Fewer] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Top Gear USA: Howie Mandel, Melanie B to flog Kia Rio Filed under: Kia, Celebrities 
What would Top Gear be without a star in a reasonably priced car? Well... better, for one thing. But that hasn't stopped NBC from porting over the red-headed step-child of Top Gear segments to the imported version of the show. According to Jalopnik, during tomorrow's taping, B-listers C-listers D-listers Howie Mandel and Melanie B (former Spice Girl) will be piloting the U.S.'s own version of a reasonably-priced car - a Kia Rio - around the newly minted Top Gear test track. What can we expect? Nothing good, we thinks. Nor does it bode well that both pseudo-celebs are part of the NBC franchise. Depressed? We thought so. But the taping is tomorrow, so we'll try to remain upbeat until the first reports from inside the studio surface.
[Source: Jalopnik] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, MINI 
One of the apparent keys to creating a viral video is mimicking reality by showing young people attempting stunts. The main difference is that in Virals, the injuries aren't real, and the camera work is better. Oh, and the payoff is usually CG that's been fussed over, versus pimply little Johnny trying to figure out chromakey in his bedroom. MINI wants to put across the point that the Cooper S with the John Cooper Works package is more extreme than extreme. The very definition of extreme, perhaps. Extremus maxiumus. Whatever. Corralling a big-power MINI is first rate entertainment, but a lesson in how levers work from a massive crane would tickle the adrenal gland more. The fact that we just expended a bunch of words about the video means that MINI hit its mark, though -- the whole point of Viral ads is to get people talking, so... as Linda Richman would say - "tawlk amongst yuhselves..." Video posted after the jump.
[Source: World Car Fans]Continue reading VIDEO: MINI JCW has a virus Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Surprise! Millionaires can still afford Lambos, profits rise Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Earnings/Financials 
Click above for high-res gallery of new pics of the LP560-4
It seems that well-to-do individuals who grew up staring at Countach posters on their bedroom walls are still finding a way to fulfill their childhood fantasies. Both sales and profits are up at Lamborghini, with most of the increases coming from emerging markets, including the Middle East, China and Hong Kong. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann believes that the key to its recent sales successes is its policy of producing fewer vehicles than it believes it can sell, thereby keeping demand high. Winkelmann also noted that costs go down as production goes up, a further boon to increased profitability.
With Lambo's latest Gallardo LP560-4 about to hit its 114 dealerships, the second half of the year is already shaping up quite nicely. Ridiculously expensive options with high profit margins like $19,000 carbon-ceramic brakes are sure to help the bottom line too.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Mercedes cutting production in Alabama Filed under: SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz
 As consumer demand for thirsty vehicles continues to wane, Mercedes-Benz is being forced to slow production at the Alabama plant which manufactures their GL- and ML-Class SUVs and the R-Class crossover. Sales of Mercedes domestic trucks fell to 5,090 vehicles in June, representing an 11.9 percent decline from the same period last year. The move marks the first time in more than a decade of U.S. production, that the German automaker has reduced output due to market and economic conditions. The cuts will affect more than 4,000 of the plant's employees, and unfortunately will trickle-down to hurt the countless other companies who provide just-in-time components to support Mercedes production.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chrysler offering even more incentives to close out July Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Jeep, Earnings/Financials 
The automotive sales sector is in a major state of flux as consumers continue to run from SUVs and pickup trucks into smaller, more fuel efficient cars. One manufacturer hit especially hard by this transition is Chrysler, a company that recently posted the worst fleet average fuel economy numbers of all major automakers in the U.S. due to its truck-heavy lineup. Still, the automaker has built up a large supply of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep utility vehicles that they have got to get off dealer lots somehow. To ease consumers into the fuel-thirsy utes, Chrysler has introduced new incentives of zero-percent financing for 72 months on the 2008 Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen and Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander.
While the lack of any financing charges will certainly impact the bottom line, it is nothing compared to the losses the automaker has been hit with over its past lease deals. In fact, truck and SUV residuals are so bad these days that Chrysler Financial has gone so far as to completely cut leasing out of its available portfolio starting August 1. The financing deals announced today are scheduled to continue through Thursday, July 31.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
New KITT Attack Mode revealed at Comic Con Filed under: Ford, Lifestyle, Celebrities 
Click above to view live pics at ShadowyFlight.com
NBC is unveiling the new Attack Mode for KITT today at the very large Comic Con convention in San Diego. ShadowyFlight.com is covering the reveal of the car live in its forums, but this image has already made its way on the web and confirms that KITT has had his wings sheared. Gone are the various spoilers that cluttered the first version and what remains is a cleaner car with dual side exhausts, a deep chin spoiler that looks pretty heavy duty, an equally strong looking mesh grille, what appears to be rocket launchers where a shaker scoop would go, a still-very-big rear wing, rear air diffuser and new spokeless wheels that were stolen right off of a Bonneville Salt Flats racer. The rear tires are extremely oversized and still manage to poke out from the newly flared fenders. Is it better than the first Attack Mode version of KITT? Yes. That doesn't mean we necessarily like it, though. The Knight Rider fan community seems split as well. Make up your mind in the comments after visiting ShadowyFlight.com for over 20 more additional high-res pics of the new Attack Mode KITT.
UPDATE: New live shots on KRO reveal Attack Mode KITT has lambo doors.
UPDATE 2: ShadowyFlight.com returned with a big gallery of live images.
[Source: ShadowyFlight.com, via Knight Rider Online] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chrysler's financial arm no longer offering leases Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, LLC., Earnings/Financials  Chrysler LLC's financial division will no longer be offering leases to U.S. consumers on Chrysler products as of August 1st. The automaker will be holding a conference call with dealers later today to go over the changes and the reasons behind the decisions, but Chrysler spokesperson, Bill Porter, told Reuters "We are shifting our strategy to focus on retail products."
The move comes amidst Chrysler's attempt to get 20 banks to renew a $30 billion credit facility for the automaker's financial arm. The rise in borrowing costs next month will make it more difficult for Chrysler to offer low-interest loans and could spell further disasters on the sales front.
Thanks to all who tipped in.
[Source: Reuters, WSJ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
HUMMER has bidders, next Saab to be built in N.A. Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM, HUMMER, Saab 
General Motors CEO, Rick Wagoner, mentioned in passing that several parties have expressed interest in purchasing HUMMER and that GM is moving as quickly as possible to seal the deal. "We have some interested buyers," Wagoner told reports while attending the opening of a new GM engineering and development center.
The sale of HUMMER would help fund GM's attempt to boost liquidity to the tune of $15 billion by the end of 2009. Other brands could be cut or paired down, but Wagoner insists that Saab will continue to soldier on. "Saab is a critical part of our European portfolio and has the potential to be quite a good moneymaker for us." He went on to say that the next Saab will be built in North America, although it wasn't divulged what model would be produced or where.
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Premier4509 limited edition body kit for Aston Martin V8 Vantage Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Premier4509's V8 Vantage.
Veilside's luxury and exotics arm has already released body kits for the Lamborghini Murcielago and Bentley Continental GT, and now Premier4509 has turned its attention to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Any attempt to improve upon the stunning sheet metal of the Vantage is a risky affair, but Premier4509 seems to have balanced a bit of bling with some measure of restraint. The kit includes a new front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and spoiler that ties in nicely with the shapely lines of the coupe, and the forged, three-piece wheels compliment the aggressive body kit, but will surely compromise the Vantage's already stiff ride.
All the pieces are made up of fiber reinforced plastic and optional carbon fiber accessories will be made available, along with new exhaust tips. Sale will begin in the first quarter of next year and will be limited to 300 units, each with their own numbered serial plate.
[Source: Premier4509]Continue reading Premier4509 limited edition body kit for Aston Martin V8 Vantage Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
GM allows workers to offer discounts to everyone Filed under: Car Buying, GM  Faced with miserable sales and a brutal economy, General Motors has reverted back to employee pricing for non-GM employees and family members. You may remember the last employee pricing campaign in 2005 that led to record summer sales followed by a miserable fall due to the fact that everybody looking to buy a vehicle pulled their purchase decision forward. This time around, only customers that get a unique PIN from an employee will receive the special pricing, and every GM employee gets one PIN to give away. That translates to roughly 108,000 vehicles that are eligible for special pricing, and only active employees are eligible to participate. Left out of the discounted car sell-athon is the General's considerable pool of retirees, which is larger than the sum of active workers. GM is hoping the promotion will give sales a boost without resorting to wholesale incentives to everyone, and with July rumored to be just as bad as June, the General can use all the help it can get.
[Source: Detroit News] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Knight Rider News: KITT can transform into a pickup! Filed under: Celebrities, Rumormill -lo.jpg)
We were encouraged by the last bit of news on the upcoming return of Knight Rider as a series this fall from an interview with the show's producer Gary Scott Thompson. In it Thompson revealed that Turbo Boost would be back and KITT's Attack Mode de-winged. Unfortunately, the news is not so good out of San Diego today where the cast of the Knight Rider series held court at a Comic Con panel. According to io9, they were late because they were stuck in traffic (oh, the delicious irony) and what they had to show were boob-driven clips of impossibly attractive people acting badly. And Val Kilmer, the voice of KITT, has apparently develop a lisp. Sigh. A new side of KITT was gleaned from clips seen at the panel discussion where the autonomous talking car actually transforms into a pickup! We can tell you exactly why this has happened. Ford wants to promote pickups because nobody is buying them right now, so what better way to do so than have KITT grow a bed. We also learn that KITT will have a nemesis in another evil car of some sort, possibly another version of KITT himself or a 1987 Camaro IROC-Z (we kid). Any way you parse it, the news coming out of Comic Con for the return of Knight Rider is not encouraging, though we still plan on tying Alex to a couch and forcing him to liveblog every episode. Thanks for the tip, Brett!
[Source: io9.com] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Officially Official: Kia Soul coming to U.S. in April 2009 Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Kia Soul.
In April of 2009, the Scion xB will finally get some stiff competition from Kia in the form of the Soul. As reported previously, the new model will debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, measuring 161 inches long, 70 inches wide and 63 inches tall. According to Automotive News, the Soul will be packing either a 1.6- or 2.0-liter gasoline engine powering the front wheels when it arrives in the States, while European consumers get a choice of a 1.6-liter gasoline or diesel engine.
In addition to aping the xB's boxy shape, Kia will be offering a similar line of customization parts to make each Soul unique, so expect a variety of accessories, options and color combinations inspired by the Soul Burner, Diva and Searcher concepts that debuted in Geneva. Pricing has yet to be announced, but if Kia expects to compete with Scion, the Soul won't be knocking on the $20k ceiling.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Port Authority skittish over BMW Hydrogen 7 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Green, Safety, BMW 
Note to all you celebs and journos driving around in BMW Hydrogen 7s: be careful where you go in New York and New Jersey. While taking the uber-clean car for a joyride, The New York Times was informed it was not to drive through either the Lincoln or Holland Tunnels or on the lower level of the George Washington Bridge. It seems that the Port Authority of the two states isn't thrilled with the idea of 17.5 pounds of liquid hydrogen moving about its crowded thoroughfares, fearing a disaster of Hindenburg-like proportions. It so happens that our own Alex Núñez also just had the Hydrogen7 recently, and he's provided us with a copy of the relevant bit of paperwork which the Times refers to. You can read about the Hydrogen7's visit to the AutoblogGreen Garage at our sister site on August 1.
 Seriously though, BMW has done an excellent job of ensuring safety on the Hydrogen 7. There are numerous mechanical and electronic systems designed specifically to be sure that any hydrogen let loose is done so in a controlled manner. We're sure that the last thing the bosses in Munich want on their hands is the negative publicity associated with a mishap involving a celebrity, dignitary.... or innocent bystanders in the New York metropolitan area. (Or me, Jeremy -- AN)
[Source: The New York Times | Photos: Alex Núñez] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
