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| Yugo Now: Zastava devotees gather in Serbia
May 21, 2009 at 8:37 pm
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|   The Yugo Party – Click above for high-res image gallery Yugo production wound down in 2008, but Zastava's little cars still engender plenty of love, and fans of the brand recently converged on a Belgrade park with their cars.  Mazda rotary engine patent diagrams - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last October, it seems that Mazda quietly filed a patent for a twin-spark, direct injection version of the automaker's iconic rotary engine.  Smart ForTwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery If you poll owners (and reviewers) of the Smart ForTwo you'll find one consistent gripe: the transmission. The automated manual gearbox herks...  Ariel Atom - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ariel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring this side of a Se7en, are reportedly working on an all-new vehicle...  Audi A3 TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale.
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| Ask AutoblogGreen: Do electric vehicles need front air intakes?
May 21, 2009 at 7:56 pm
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|   A reader posed us an interesting question the other day about air intakes and grilles. Specifically: do electric vehicles need them at all and why do many internal combustion vehicles have such large examples. For conventional vehicles, an intake of some kind is necessary in order to dissipate the heat in the coolant that keeps the engine from melting.  As much as many of us would love to park our fossil-fuel-burning internal combustion engines for good in favor of electric or hydrogen-powered cars, that's not likely to happen on a grand scale in the next several years.  Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today's modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience.  Click above and scroll down to watch the video Last night, GM's Bob Lutz went to New York to rebut the thrashing that David Letterman gave to the Chevy Volt a few weeks ago.  After Tesla fan-boy Dave Letterman brought Tesla's Elon Musk on the Late Show and both of them ripped into GM, CBS called Letterman, saying, "Hey, jackass, don't you know...
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| National Motorists Association ranks states most hostile to drivers
May 21, 2009 at 7:53 pm
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|  For as long as there has been traffic enforcement, drivers from different states have gathered to compare notes on whose police and legal systems are the most oppressive and toughest to deal with. While most such conversations rarely progress beyond the anecdotal, the folks over at the National Motorists Association have actually gone to the trouble of ranking all 50 states using a set of seventeen criteria, just in time to adjust your travel plans ahead of this weekend's Memorial Day holiday.  Autospies says that they've gotten their hands on the first picture of "BMW regenerative brake technology in action on a USA model" (a 550i GT). Well, we're interested in the technology... A reader posed us an interesting question the other day about air intakes and grilles. Specifically: do electric vehicles need them at all and why do many internal combustion vehicles have such large examples.  WASHINGTON ? Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan introduced cash-for-clunkers legislation today that would provide vouchers of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient car or truck. Mazda rotary engine patent diagrams - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last October, it seems that Mazda quietly filed a patent for a twin-spark, direct injection version of the automaker's iconic rotary engine.
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| BMW's "Brake Energy Regeneration" technology
May 21, 2009 at 7:51 pm
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| Autospies says that they've gotten their hands on the first picture of "BMW regenerative brake technology in action on a USA model" (a 550i GT). Well, we're interested in the technology, but something about the Celsius temperature gauge and the kilometer label tells us that maybe this is a Eurospec dash...  Last month, a team from the University of Warwick in Britain said it had built an eco-friendly racecar that contained parts made from vegetable fiber and ran on fuel made from chocolate waste.  What does the plug used both by the Mini D project by Vattenfall al and BMW and the "e-mobility" project by RWE and Smart look like? Just like the one pictured above, which is a creation of a company called Mennekes.  2009 BMW 335d Over at our sister site GreenCarReports, we've taken a look at the market for new clean diesels--and concluded that the most likely buyers may be previous diesel owners.  cutaway of liquid hydrogen storage tank The first hydrogen filling station in the Czech Republic will open this fall in Prague. The liquid hydrogen station will be installed by Linde Gas.
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| Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.21.09
May 21, 2009 at 7:48 pm
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|  Review: Audi A3 TDI
Assuming that Americans start taking a shine to hot oil, Audi is likely to introduce a whole series of Rudi D's disciples here. So far, however, only one has been announced in addition to the Q7, the compact A3 hatchback. A reader posed us an interesting question the other day about air intakes and grilles. Specifically: do electric vehicles need them at all and why do many internal combustion vehicles have such large examples.  Though we were just warned that new deals between General Motors and the major auto unions in the U.S. and Canada were unlikely to be completed by their May 27 deadline... Audi A3 TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale. Click above and scroll down to watch the video Last night, GM's Bob Lutz went to New York to rebut the thrashing that David Letterman gave to the Chevy Volt a few weeks ago.
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| U.S. gives GMAC $7.5B more
May 21, 2009 at 7:34 pm
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|  WASHINGTON ? Two weeks after being told by federal regulators it needed to raise billions of dollars in order to survive, GMAC LLC received an infusion of $7.5 billion from the U.S. Treasury today to support its business and take over lending for Chrysler dealers and customers. GMAC also will be allowed to issue debt insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., part of a program meant to restore faith in the U.S. credit markets, and named two new board members chosen by the U.S. Treasury.  The U.S. Treasury continued to mold Detroit's auto industry Wednesday, appointing C. Robert Kidder as chairman of the restructured Chrysler Group LLC, the new name being used for the Auburn Hills automaker.  A Republican senator late today offered an amendment that would block Chrysler or General Motors Corp. from receiving federal aid if they tried to close dealerships with less than 60 days notice.  Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said today the Obama administration was "heartened" by the progress in Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy, and said it and General Motors Corp.
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| Stabenow bill trades cash for gas-guzzlers
May 21, 2009 at 7:09 pm
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| WASHINGTON ? Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan introduced cash-for-clunkers legislation today that would provide vouchers of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient car or truck. It comes on the heels of an identical measure being attached to climate change legislation in the House. Neither chamber has passed it yet, even though the idea has been bandied about for weeks and is seen by many as an emergency measure to get Americans buying cars and trucks at a time when the domestic automobile industry is struggling to stay alive.  After five years of retirement, 72-year-old Charles Martin is hunting for a job because he lost a fortune on General Motors Corp. stock that now is worth less than it was during the Great Depression.  According to The Detroit News, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) have said they would like to fast track the Cash-for-Clunkers bill through the legislative process.  While tanking auto sales are bad for automakers, the customers buying cars and trucks are paying less for them than any time in the past 30 years. Comerica Bank's Auto Affordability Index shows that a vehicle with a $26...  Fiat's alliance with Chrysler could pave the way for Ford Motor Co. to offer its stylish little Ka city car in the United States. Ford has not announced any plan to sell the Ka here...
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| Nissan recalling nearly 363,000 first-gen Murano crossovers
May 21, 2009 at 7:00 pm
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|  Nissan has announced that they are recalling some 360,000 first generation Murano CUVs because of an engine stall risk. Apparently, the material they used for their air intake ducts is prematurely aging and shrinking, causing a separation risk in the system. That separation can cause an engine stall, "increasing the risk of a crash." The affected models are the 2003 through 2007 Nissan Muranos.  Click above to watch crash test videos after the jump The 2010 Ford Mustang is quicker and more refined than the model it replaces, and it has also been upgraded in ways you can't see or feel – unless you're in an accident.  All too often, government policies are set by politicians and bureaucrats based solely on ideology rather than facts. With this week's announcement that the Obama administration...  Ford Motor Co. is confident that consumers will embrace its new fuel-efficient engine, called EcoBoost, even though gas prices are almost $1.50 less per gallon than they were a year ago.  Nissan Murano convertible rendering detail Sometimes, the car industry is a strange and magnificent place, full of rainbows and unicorns and sweet, sweet rides. Other times, it's confusing as all get out.
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| Is the next Mazda Renesis rotary set to get direct-injection?
May 21, 2009 at 6:59 pm
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| Mazda rotary engine patent diagrams - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last October, it seems that Mazda quietly filed a patent for a twin-spark, direct injection version of the automaker's iconic rotary engine. It's taken this long for anyone to actually notice application 20090101103, which appears to have been approved just last month, but it's still an interesting development in the ongoing saga of the engine design. Smart ForTwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery If you poll owners (and reviewers) of the Smart ForTwo you'll find one consistent gripe: the transmission. The automated manual gearbox herks... Ariel Atom - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ariel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring this side of a Se7en, are reportedly working on an all-new vehicle... Audi A3 TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale.  Karvajal Designs ZX-1 - Click above for a high-res image gallery Karvajal Designs has been displaying its Chevrolet Corvette-altering wares for some time, and it's finally giving up the details on its line of C6 exterior and engine modifications.
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| Autoline After Hours with John McElroy, Robin Miller and our own Sam Abuelsamid
May 21, 2009 at 6:49 pm
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|  John McElroy has returned as the host of this week's Autoline After Hours, and in addition to being joined by the show's two regulars – former PR man Jason Vines and Autoextremist's Peter De Lorenzo – Robin Miller of SPEED and Autoblog's engineering wunderkind Sam Abuelsamid join the panel to discuss all the relevant news from the week that was.  Not everyone gets car buying advice from the Autoblog Podcast (Ford can't build that many Fusions), so where do car shoppers turn for recommendations? Many potential buyers ask around among friends and acquaintances...  2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery We imagine the world of corporate PR to be a little bit of pushing your own message and a whole lot of "We need...  This week's Autoline After Hours is missing the show's traditional host, John McElroy, so instead, Autoextemist's Peter DeLorenzo will take the helm, with AAH regular and former Chrysler PR man Jason Vines.
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| Consumer group objects to Chrysler bankruptcy, says customers could be stranded without warranty
May 21, 2009 at 6:41 pm
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|  Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22 is an assault on bureaucratic circular logic, and when talk turns to Chrysler's bankruptcy, you can almost picture the book's character, Yossarian, shaking his head about the latest developments surrounding warranty claims. Current Chrysler owners might find themselves owning vehicular orphans whether or not the company manages to stick around in some form. Chrysler's bankruptcy deal, where there's an upside and a downside to the Schwartz, could see the new, "Good" Chrysler floating above any responsibility for any Chrysler vehicle sold before the bankruptcy.  One of the perks of being an ex-Chrysler Exec was company cars for life. Not any more. Oh, the cruel irony of repo'ing cars from Lee Iacocca, the person responsible for saving Chrysler from bankruptcy, because of bankruptcy. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said today the Obama administration was "heartened" by the progress in Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy, and said it and General Motors Corp.  In early April, GM registered the domain name GMResstructuring.com, the same URL naming schema as Chrysler's bankruptcy informational site ChryslerRestructuring.com, well ahead of their scheduled expected bankruptcy at the end of this month.
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| Wheego Whip U.S. sales pushed back to July
May 21, 2009 at 5:59 pm
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|  Earlier this year, word was that the Wheego Whip was supposed to be available here in the U.S. in May. Looks like July is the new delivery date, so hold on if you want your smart fortwo clone minicar NEV. If you're saying, the "whee-go what now?", the Whip is an all-electric low-speed vehicle that is made in California but based on a platform that comes from China's Shuanghuan Automobile. According to Wheego, there are about 100 pre-orders for the $18,995 not-so-Smart car. Smart ForTwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery If you poll owners (and reviewers) of the Smart ForTwo you'll find one consistent gripe: the transmission. The automated manual gearbox herks...  SHANGHAI - China's auto industry has come a long way since General Motors Corp. set up its first factory here in a brand new industrial zone in Shanghai just over a decade ago.  A new press released (pasted after the break, naturally) from Polaris Industries has quite a few observers wondering what's in store from the well-known powersports company.  With General Motors cutting some 1,100 dealers next year and Chrysler unceremoniously killing off nearly 800 retailers, all eyes turn to Ford – the only domestic automaker not suckling off the federal teat – to see what...
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| REPORT: Cadillac/Hummer/Saab chief Mark McNabb resigns after just 13 months
May 21, 2009 at 5:33 pm
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|  Mark McNabb, the general marshaling the forces of General Motors' premium channel – Cadillac, Hummer, and Saab – is leaving the company in 10 days "to pursue other job opportunities." Only 13 months into his stint, McNabb has presumably spent most of his time trying to figure out how to help his company get rid of two of his three brands, something that likely hasn't built much confidence for McNabb in terms of job security...  General Motors Canada has announced that it has begun notifying its dealer body that it will be culling its sales networks by some 42 percent. The massive cut means that GM's 709 dealers will be trimmed by around 245 stores.  Brabus Mercedes-Benz E500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery If there was one thing we discovered during our time with the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe...  Alec Baldwin has written a scathing letter in the Huffington Post titled "The rise and fall of Detroit." In the column, he calls for the end of the three industrial giants...  Elon Musk and Dr. Thomas Weber in the Tesla Roadster During Tuesday's announcement that Daimler was buying a 10 percent stake in Tesla Motors, Mercedes-Benz R&D boss Dr.
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| Smart offering 2008 ForTwo owners a transmission upgrade?
May 21, 2009 at 5:31 pm
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| Smart ForTwo - Click above for a high-res image gallery If you poll owners (and reviewers) of the Smart ForTwo you'll find one consistent gripe: the transmission. The automated manual gearbox herks, jerks and is about as dynamically pleasing as petting your dog with a broom. Apparently, Smart is listening, and in addition to tweaking the software on the 2009 ForTwo, the automaker is offering 24,622 owners of 2008 models the same transmission fix... Mazda rotary engine patent diagrams - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last October, it seems that Mazda quietly filed a patent for a twin-spark, direct injection version of the automaker's iconic rotary engine. Ariel Atom - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ariel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring this side of a Se7en, are reportedly working on an all-new vehicle... Karvajal Designs ZX-1 - Click above for a high-res image gallery Karvajal Designs has been displaying its Chevrolet Corvette-altering wares for some time, and it's finally giving up the details on its line of C6 exterior and engine modifications.  Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers.
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| TAG Heuer Reissues McQueen Monaco Watch
May 21, 2009 at 5:02 pm
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|   The only thing that was square about Steve McQueen in the 1971 film "Le Mans" was his watch. As the hard-bitten Porsche driver Michael Delaney, McQueen was the epitome of cool in his white racing suit — and wearing a 1969 Heuer automatic chronograph, called the Monaco. Next month, TAG Heuer (as it's been known since 1985) celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Monaco chronograph with a 1,000-piece limited-edition reissue of the 1969 original, with a case signed by the company's honorary chairman, Jack Heuer, and engraved, "In tribute to Steve McQueen." The Yugo Party – Click above for high-res image gallery Yugo production wound down in 2008, but Zastava's little cars still engender plenty of love, and fans of the brand recently converged on a Belgrade park with their cars. Autospies says that they've gotten their hands on the first picture of "BMW regenerative brake technology in action on a USA model" (a 550i GT). Well, we're interested in the technology... A reader posed us an interesting question the other day about air intakes and grilles. Specifically: do electric vehicles need them at all and why do many internal combustion vehicles have such large examples. For as long as there has been traffic enforcement, drivers from different states have gathered to compare notes on whose police and legal systems are the most oppressive and toughest to deal with.
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| Calling All Cars: Chrysler reportedly repo'ing Iacocca's company rides
May 21, 2009 at 4:58 pm
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|  Found in the "What have you done for me lately?" bin, Chrysler is apparently asking former CEO Lee Iacocca for the keys to his company cars. According to a FOX report, as part of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Chrysler isn't allowed to provide vehicles to former execs, even if those execs once famously saved the company from bankruptcy. Therefore, poor Lido is being asked to return his minivan and Chrysler 300, or pay fair market value to keep them. One of the perks of being an ex-Chrysler Exec was company cars for life. Not any more. Oh, the cruel irony of repo'ing cars from Lee Iacocca, the person responsible for saving Chrysler from bankruptcy, because of bankruptcy.  President Obama and distinguished hostages auto execs gathered together today to announce new emissions and economy standards. The details: a 5% annual increase in average fuel economy from 2011, culminating in 35.  WASHINGTON ? President Barack Obama will lay out plans Tuesday to cut greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks by 30% through 2016, while ending a dispute between the auto industry and California over state-level emissions laws.
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| Rumormill: 2012 Honda Civic details circulate
May 21, 2009 at 4:49 pm
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|  According to an article in Mag-X (via Temple of VTEC), Honda is hard at work wrapping up the design for the next-gen Civic that's expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. As is customary from Honda, the Japanese, European and North American markets are all expected to get their own unique versions of the popular Civic, with Americans getting their preferred sedan and coupe bodystyles and the other countries each receiving differing takes on the hatchback theme. A new press released (pasted after the break, naturally) from Polaris Industries has quite a few observers wondering what's in store from the well-known powersports company.  Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery In a new (and very brief) report, UK's Channel4 reports that a production version of Volkswagen's comely BlueSport concept has been delayed.  Volkswagen engineers have put the Touareg on a diet as they prepare the next generation of the SUV for a 2010 launch as a 2011 model. The new Touareg will shed pounds via a greater use of aluminum.  According to Ward's Auto, Lexus' GX SUV will finally be relieved of duty when a new model comes calling this autumn. The mid-size body-on-frame GX has been serving essentially unaltered since 2003...
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| Biker Drops Double Shot Of "NOS" Into Fuel Tank, Makes Internet Laugh
May 21, 2009 at 4:40 pm
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|   A forumite at Gixxer claims he poured two 20 oz. bottles of NOS into his motorcycle's fuel tank because it was "running like crap." There's only one "NOS" that comes in 20 oz. sizes — the energy drink. Forum troll or honest-to-goodness recollection of an epic failure? You decide. Although we're not positive if this is a forum troll or an honest-to-goodness recollection of an epic failure, but here's the breakdown from the top. Catch the thread here. The Yugo Party – Click above for high-res image gallery Yugo production wound down in 2008, but Zastava's little cars still engender plenty of love, and fans of the brand recently converged on a Belgrade park with their cars. Autospies says that they've gotten their hands on the first picture of "BMW regenerative brake technology in action on a USA model" (a 550i GT). Well, we're interested in the technology... A reader posed us an interesting question the other day about air intakes and grilles. Specifically: do electric vehicles need them at all and why do many internal combustion vehicles have such large examples. For as long as there has been traffic enforcement, drivers from different states have gathered to compare notes on whose police and legal systems are the most oppressive and toughest to deal with.
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| Brooklyn Lost Tank Flier Actually Sex Line Scam
May 21, 2009 at 4:00 pm
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|  Reader Rudolphdude spotted this flier asking passers-by for information about a tank lost somewhere in Brooklyn. At first glance, the phone number makes it look like a very clever viral Army recruiting ad. The reality is much stranger. We actually called "1-800-ARMY-OF1," which is the slogan which preceded the current Army mantra of "Army Strong," so we assumed it would be some kind of automated "Join the Army" system. Instead, we were greeted with a woman speaking on a recorded message saying "Call 1-800-874-TALK to get together with interesting local people, that's 1-800-874-T-A-L-K."  Magna tried and lost when Chrysler was for sale. Pulling a Marchionne, Magna's now trying to win GM Europe's Opel division for itself, and rumor is that Saturn is also on the shopping list.  Daimler Truck North America's Freightliner division has collaborated with Eaton to produce the first hybrid truck for hazardous material transport. The first Freightliner...  Nine Stories Furniture auto sheet metal tables - Click above for an image gallery This whole cash-for-clunkers global movement is sure to result in a lot more dead iron in salvage yards...  2010 Toyota Prius: Click above for the high res gallery Toyota finally has some real hybrid competition with the new Honda Insight, but 2010 Prius orders show that the...
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| ZENN: Trust us, the EESTOR thing is totally cool, like $700,000 cool
May 21, 2009 at 3:49 pm
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|  Hype maintenance can be hard work. Following the Earth Day announcement that the EEStor ultracapacitor had passed independent tests that showed it had a relative permittivity of 22,500, the automaker most closely tied to the secretive company, ZENN, has come out to say two things. Ariel Atom - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ariel, our favorite purveyors of minimalist motoring this side of a Se7en, are reportedly working on an all-new vehicle...  Subaru's been hyping its future green technology for years, but despite promises of diesels and hybrids, those of us in the States have yet to sample any alt-fuel, boxer-powered Imprezas, Legacys or Foresters.  While the federal government has at least temporarily rescued GM with billions in loans, the automaker warns that U.S. involvement could have a negative effect in the longer term.  General Motors Corp. stock fell to $1 per share this morning as investors fearing bankruptcy continued to flee the once-mighty blue chip industrial giant. Through the morning, the stock hovered just above $1, trading between $1 and $1.
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| Senators press Chrysler to modify dealer closing offers
May 21, 2009 at 2:41 pm
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| Opposition grew in the U.S. Senate today to Chrysler LLC's plan to shutter 789 dealerships in just under three weeks, with lawmakers calling on Chrysler and the Obama administration to change the terms dictated by the automaker. An amendment from Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, that would block federal aid for Chrysler or General Motors if they didn't give dealers at least 60 days notice before closing had garnered 20 cosponsors, including a number of key Democrats... General Motors Canada has announced that it has begun notifying its dealer body that it will be culling its sales networks by some 42 percent. The massive cut means that GM's 709 dealers will be trimmed by around 245 stores.  Chrysler recently said it would close 789 dealerships around the country by June 9 as part of its bankruptcy filing. So you know what that means? Closeout bargains for shoppers! There are about 44...  Patty Shanks and her husband live just 10 miles from GM headquarters in Michigan and have felt anguish for their friends and neighbors affected by the automaker's continuing turmoil.
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| What Downturn? Rolls-Royce Is Hiring
May 21, 2009 at 2:27 pm
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|  Rolls-Royce, which enjoyed a 20 percent sales increase in 2008, is bracing for another strong year in 2009. In fact, the luxury automaker announced this week that it would be increasing its manufacturing work force by 50 percent. The company said in a press release that it is looking for craftsmen to work in its paint, leather and woodworking shops.  BMW plans for boosting and lifting automotive rear ends continue with the BMW 5-Series GT. While we already saw the concept in Geneva, these are the first official shots of the production version... Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers.  Automotive designers in 1999 foresaw a 2009 populated by compressed natural gas-powered cars, huge 16-cylinder engines and crossover vehicles. At least they got one right.  Spy shooters always capture shadowy figures, but now we?ve seen a veritable Ghost--as in a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Today?s spy game involves the car formerly known as the 200EX and the RR4.
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| BREAKING: GM and UAW reach tentative agreement over new contract, bankruptcy looms regardless
May 21, 2009 at 2:11 pm
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| Though we were just warned that new deals between General Motors and the major auto unions in the U.S. and Canada were unlikely to be completed by their May 27 deadline, word has begun spreading that a tentative agreement has been reached between GM and the United Auto Workers union.  John 'Jazz' Vernon's SteampunkKamaro A classic butt-style interchange in Germany Bitchin' Camaro -- As an aesthetic, steampunk is getting a little long in the tooth. But as John "Jazz" Vernon demonstrates in his "SteampunkKamaro" design...  WASHINGTON ? President Barack Obama has announced a new fuel and emission standard that he says will, at last, put the United States on the road to a cleaner environment and better fuel efficiency.  Aside from the Daimler-Tesla announcement earlier today, the big green car news for May 19 is the increase in CAFE standards that President Obama made just a short while ago...
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| Make a video, win an Ultra Motor A2B Metro
May 21, 2009 at 2:11 pm
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|  If you would like to have your very own electric bicycle and are somewhat cinematographically-inclined have access to a video camera, you might be interested in this contest being held by Ultra Motor. It's pretty simple really.  Few issues out on the open road are as divisive as helmet laws for motorcycle riders. On the one hand, you have individual liberty advocates – many motorcyclists...  Remember this year’s Malaysian Grand Prix which was red-flagged in torrential rain after 31 laps? Here’s how the officials brought the cars to a stop. My friend...  There are bad work commutes. Then there are blood-boiling commutes that need to be vividly rehashed to unwitting co-workers, friends, anyone. Now there's another option:...
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| REPORT: Volkswagen's next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures
May 21, 2009 at 2:06 pm
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| Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today's modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience. CNET is offering us a sneak-peek at Volkswagen's latest iteration from the company's Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL). Developed with Intel, the new system uses Global Open Research Infotainment Architecture, or GLORIA.  Sometime in the next decade, you might be able to enjoy some of the benefits of a diesel without driving one. A technology called HCCI improves fuel economy 15 percent...  Volkswagen's second-largest shareholder, the German state of Lower Saxony, has the final say on the proposed Porsche-Volkswagen merger, and according to a spokesperson for the state's prime minister...  Volkswagen Bluesport concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery Due to the distinct lack of people spending money on emotional purchases, Volkswagen is reportedly... Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery In a new (and very brief) report, UK's Channel4 reports that a production version of Volkswagen's comely BlueSport concept has been delayed.
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| Lego Maniac Inspires Us With Amazingly Detailed Lego Cars
May 21, 2009 at 2:01 pm
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|  Lego Technic sets were always a bit out of reach for our patience level, so we stuck with plain bricks. So did this super-talented Lego Maniac for his amazingly detailed Lego cars. Picking up his first Lego set when he was a kid, Firas Abu-Jaber has harnessed the very talented skill of building as-realistic-as-they-can-be four-wheeled Lego creations... Rolls-Royce, which enjoyed a 20 percent sales increase in 2008, is bracing for another strong year in 2009. In fact, the luxury automaker announced this week that it would be increasing its manufacturing work force by 50 percent. If you would like to have your very own electric bicycle and are somewhat cinematographically-inclined have access to a video camera, you might be interested in this contest being held by Ultra Motor. Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today's modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience.  Click above and scroll down to watch the video Here's a challenge that it would be nice for all of us to try. Hydrogen vehicle advocate Greg Blencoe is still smarting from the DOE funding cut for hydrogen vehicle research dollars.
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| Challenge to Chu: drive an electric and a hydrogen car for a month, see what happens
May 21, 2009 at 1:15 pm
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| Click above and scroll down to watch the video Here's a challenge that it would be nice for all of us to try. Hydrogen vehicle advocate Greg Blencoe is still smarting from the DOE funding cut for hydrogen vehicle research dollars. He wants President Obama to know these 25 things about H2 cars, and has now thought of a way for Energy Secretary Steven Chu to learn more about the realities of driving these types of cars as well. His idea was to challenge Chu to:  Bob Lutz, super salesman. Fifteen minutes talking to General Motors Corp.'s vice chairman converted talk show host David Letterman from dismissing the Chevrolet Volt...  Earlier this month, President Obama and DOE Secretary Chu announced big cuts to DOE hydrogen-powered car programs. The funding cut was hailed by many and panned by some in the larger argument about what the national priorities should be...  Daimler and Tesla Motors announced today they'll partner to manufacture electric cars. As part of the agreement, the German automaker says it's acquired an equity stake of nearly 10% in the electric car maker.
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| VIDEO: Trio of new Transformers 2: RotF trailers released
May 21, 2009 at 1:07 pm
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|  Click above to watch the videos after the jump For those who can't get enough of Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, and gigantic interstellar shape-shifting robots, Hollywood director Michael Bay is here to help. He's released a trio of new television spots for the upcoming summer blockbuster, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. If you haven't found them on TV because you're busily skipping over commercials thanks to your DVR, you can check out the bevy of explosions, shape-shifting cars, planes, and helicopters after the jump. Lego Technic sets were always a bit out of reach for our patience level, so we stuck with plain bricks. So did this super-talented Lego Maniac for his amazingly detailed Lego cars. Rolls-Royce, which enjoyed a 20 percent sales increase in 2008, is bracing for another strong year in 2009. In fact, the luxury automaker announced this week that it would be increasing its manufacturing work force by 50 percent. If you would like to have your very own electric bicycle and are somewhat cinematographically-inclined have access to a video camera, you might be interested in this contest being held by Ultra Motor.  Michael Bay's website just dropped three new TV commercials for next month's Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. What do they show? How about the Chevy Beat talking! And he sounds like a hick! A Chevy that's also a hick? Who woulda thunk it?
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| Chrysler Group Is The New Chrysler, What's The New GM?
May 21, 2009 at 1:00 pm
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|  The one scoop no one caught on to yesterday was the name of the company that will succeed Chrylser, LLC. It's "Chrysler Group, LLC." We can assume a similar company will be needed for the company that will succeed General Motors. So the question is — what's the new GM? The good assets of Chrysler, LLC are being bought by a newly-formed company — what everyone up until this point has been calling "NewCo... General Motors Canada has announced that it has begun notifying its dealer body that it will be culling its sales networks by some 42 percent. The massive cut means that GM's 709 dealers will be trimmed by around 245 stores.  Business consultant Robert Kidder is set to become the new chairman of Chrysler Group when it emerges from bankruptcy. Kidder, 64, will replace Bob Nardelli, who was hired in 2007 after Daimler sold Chrysler to private equity group Cerberus.  Italian automaker Fiat, Canadian parts maker Magna International and Belgian investment firm RHJ International look to be the final three bidders for General Motors' Opel subsidiary. The U.S. Treasury continued to mold Detroit's auto industry Wednesday, appointing C. Robert Kidder as chairman of the restructured Chrysler Group LLC, the new name being used for the Auburn Hills automaker.
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| UAW reaches tentative deal with Treasury, GM
May 21, 2009 at 12:50 pm
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| The UAW announced this morning it has reached a tentative understanding with the U.S. Treasury and General Motors Corp. The tentative agreement is an important step as GM works to restructure while operating on a government loan. It also must restructure its debt by June 1, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization is seen as highly likely for the giant automaker. The U.S. Treasury continued to mold Detroit's auto industry Wednesday, appointing C. Robert Kidder as chairman of the restructured Chrysler Group LLC, the new name being used for the Auburn Hills automaker. John 'Jazz' Vernon's SteampunkKamaro A classic butt-style interchange in Germany Bitchin' Camaro -- As an aesthetic, steampunk is getting a little long in the tooth. But as John "Jazz" Vernon demonstrates in his "SteampunkKamaro" design... Aside from the Daimler-Tesla announcement earlier today, the big green car news for May 19 is the increase in CAFE standards that President Obama made just a short while ago...
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| UAW says deal with GM, government reached
May 21, 2009 at 12:26 pm
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|  DETROIT - The United Auto Workers union has reached a tentative deal with the government and General Motors Corp. that offers to cut labor costs and fund a union-run trust that will take over retiree health care costs next year. The union announced the deal in a short statement issued Thursday that gave no details, which were withheld pending meetings with members to explain the terms. Italian automaker Fiat, Canadian parts maker Magna International and Belgian investment firm RHJ International look to be the final three bidders for General Motors' Opel subsidiary. While the federal government has at least temporarily rescued GM with billions in loans, the automaker warns that U.S. involvement could have a negative effect in the longer term.  General Motors could be the first automaker (American or otherwise) to export cars from China into the United States. Automotive News reported on Tuesday that a leaked G. General Motors Corp. stock fell to $1 per share this morning as investors fearing bankruptcy continued to flee the once-mighty blue chip industrial giant. Through the morning, the stock hovered just above $1, trading between $1 and $1.
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| Review: 2010 Audi A3 TDI, diesel with a healthy dash of sport
May 21, 2009 at 12:08 pm
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| Audi A3 TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery Audi started its big push for clean diesel here in the U.S. market this spring when its big Q7 TDI finally went on sale. While the Q7 TDI is one of the most fuel efficient seven-passenger SUVs available anywhere, it's only the beginning for Audi. Assuming that Americans start taking a shine to hot oil, Audi is likely to introduce a whole series of Rudi D's disciples here. So far, however, only one has been announced in addition to the Q7, the compact A3 hatchback. Volkswagen Bluesport concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery Due to the distinct lack of people spending money on emotional purchases, Volkswagen is reportedly... A new press released (pasted after the break, naturally) from Polaris Industries has quite a few observers wondering what's in store from the well-known powersports company.  under Wikimedia Commons license According to inside sources who wish to remain anonymous, Cobo Center (the current home of the Detroit Auto Show) is currently the absolute... 2009 BMW 335d Over at our sister site GreenCarReports, we've taken a look at the market for new clean diesels--and concluded that the most likely buyers may be previous diesel owners.
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| VIDEO: 2010 Ford Mustang nets five-star safety rating
May 21, 2009 at 11:28 am
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| Click above to watch crash test videos after the jump The 2010 Ford Mustang is quicker and more refined than the model it replaces, and it has also been upgraded in ways you can't see or feel – unless you're in an accident. The new 'Stang has received a five-star rating for front and side collisions by National Highway Traffic Safety Association, as well as five-stars for roll-over performance. The Blue Oval says that these top scores adds to the company's industry leading amount of five-star rated vehicles.  Ford's EcoBoost engines promise higher performance while simultaneously providing higher fuel economy. To prove it, they took us out to the drag strip with a Taurus SHO-ish...  2010 Ford Mustang - Click above for a high-res image gallery When the 2010 Ford Mustang debuted, there was a collective groan among the pony car faithful that Ford didn't update the aging 4.  Roger Keeney Blind Unleashed contest winner To go along with our recent posts that help dispel myths of driving a pony car (Driven: 2010 Mustang V-6, and Mustang: Everyday Car?) ...  Click above for a high-res gallery of Roger Keeney's dream Mustang drive It was Roger Keeney's dream to drive a new Ford Mustang. It sounds pretty simple - go down to your local Ford dealer...
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| Kyocera offers details on solar cells used by 2010 Prius
May 21, 2009 at 11:25 am
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|  Want to know more about the solar moonroof option that's available on the latest third-generation Toyota Prius for 2010? Read on. According to Tech-On from Nikkei newspaper in Japan, the actual polycrystalline Si cells used by the automaker are supplied by Kyocera and are arranged in six columns and six rows.  2010 Camaros Dallas The Financial Times ran a short story (mostly devoid of hard facts) that pointed out supposed the discontentment of Washington bureaucrats with the success of the performance-oriented 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.  Toyota Prius at US Capitol, by Flickr user Izik With the ink hardly dry on new 35-mpg fuel economy rules, California's already embarking on the next set of guidelines for emissions beyond 2016.  2010 Toyota Prius - Click above for a high-res gallery Last week, we heard a report that Toyota had received 75,000 pre-orders for the new third-generation Prius. Today...
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| REPORT: Toyota questions demand for plug-ins, cost, range, durability concerns
May 21, 2009 at 11:22 am
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|  We all know that there is a hardcore group of consumers out there chanting the mantra of "No plug, no sale!" Okay, well, at least a few of you...
 We all know that there is a hard-core group of you out there chanting the mantra of "no plug, no sale!" The problem is that, like commenters on the internet, the loud fringe makes most of the noise...  Volkswagen BlueSport Concept That Volkswagen BlueSport roadster concept from the Detroit auto show is looking less and less likely to make it into production. The original plan for the concept...  In just a few minutes, Daimler will be starting a press conference with Dr. Thomas Weber, the head of R&D for Mercedes-Benz. Dr. Weber will be making an announcement about a new strategic partnership for electric vehicles.  Sulfur crystal from Agrigento, Sicily, Italy The main obstacle to the mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is often said to be the current range limitations of battery technology.
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| GMAC may be getting more U.S. aid
May 21, 2009 at 11:16 am
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| WASHINGTON - The government is close to providing auto lender GMAC with billions of dollars in fresh aid, according to people with familiar with the matter. The cash infusion is intended to help the company make loans for General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC vehicles. The people spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because they were not authorized to speak before a formal announcement by the Treasury Department. Italian automaker Fiat, Canadian parts maker Magna International and Belgian investment firm RHJ International look to be the final three bidders for General Motors' Opel subsidiary.  Saab remains confident that the motion to extend its bankruptcy protection for an additional three months will be approved in court and that it will be purchased in whole by one of three remaining interested parties early this summer.  As previously reported, once Chrysler dipped its beak into the Federal coffers, the top 25 executive salaries would be capped at $500,000 per year. However, it seems the...  2009 Chevrolet Corvette Here's an easy way to set off a firestorm ... get people frightened that GM is going to kill the Corvette. We're not doing that here, but rumors persist.
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| GM slashes Canadian dealership network by 42%
May 21, 2009 at 11:14 am
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| General Motors Canada has announced that it has begun notifying its dealer body that it will be culling its sales networks by some 42 percent. The massive cut means that GM's 709 dealers will be trimmed by around 245 stores. The cuts will come as the restructuring automaker will elect to not renew its sales and service contracts come October 2010. Patty Shanks and her husband live just 10 miles from GM headquarters in Michigan and have felt anguish for their friends and neighbors affected by the automaker's continuing turmoil. The U.S. Treasury continued to mold Detroit's auto industry Wednesday, appointing C. Robert Kidder as chairman of the restructured Chrysler Group LLC, the new name being used for the Auburn Hills automaker.  Please, to the powers above, and in Washington and on Wall Street: Do not condemn General Motors to fail. I have driven the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, and one thing I know: This is not an automaker that deserves to die.  Formula Drift Mopar Dodge Viper - Click above for a high-res gallery In an unsurprising turn of events, Chrysler has pulled its sponsorship of Sam Hubinette's drifting team as part of the company's restructuring plan.
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| EcoBoost Goes Drag: Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS Hit The Strip
May 21, 2009 at 11:00 am
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| Ford's EcoBoost engines promise higher performance while simultaneously providing higher fuel economy. To prove it, they took us out to the drag strip with a Taurus SHO-ish Lincoln MKS EcoBoost and Ford Flex EcoBoost to go head-to-head with some "competition." They certainly raised a few eyebrows. Click above to watch crash test videos after the jump The 2010 Ford Mustang is quicker and more refined than the model it replaces, and it has also been upgraded in ways you can't see or feel – unless you're in an accident.  On the same day that President Obama announced tough new CAFE standards for new cars in the coming half-decade, Ford began production of its new, more efficient EcoBoost engine in Ohio. Ford Motor Co. is confident that consumers will embrace its new fuel-efficient engine, called EcoBoost, even though gas prices are almost $1.50 less per gallon than they were a year ago.  Click the image above to view a video of the new SYNC system after the jump At the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Ford announced that three new features would be included on the next iteration of the SYNC system: traffic data...
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| Feds give $50 million to towns hit by auto layoffs
May 21, 2009 at 10:59 am
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| DAYTON, Ohio ? The federal government will give car-manufacturing communities $50 million in grants to train laid-off workers for jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors, the White House's auto recovery leader said today. The funds also will provide job counseling and placement services.  Japanese automakers on Wednesday praised President Barack Obama's new rules to push green vehicles and transform the U.S. auto industry -- a shift that likely puts Japan's manufacturers at an advantage. The U.S. Treasury continued to mold Detroit's auto industry Wednesday, appointing C. Robert Kidder as chairman of the restructured Chrysler Group LLC, the new name being used for the Auburn Hills automaker. Elon Musk and Dr. Thomas Weber in the Tesla Roadster During Tuesday's announcement that Daimler was buying a 10 percent stake in Tesla Motors, Mercedes-Benz R&D boss Dr.
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| Chrysler "Repossessing" Lee Iacocca's Company Car
May 21, 2009 at 10:30 am
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| One of the perks of being an ex-Chrysler Exec was company cars for life. Not any more. Oh, the cruel irony of repo'ing cars from Lee Iacocca, the person responsible for saving Chrysler from bankruptcy, because of bankruptcy. In a letter obtained by Fox Business News, the Chrysler HR division tells execs they can either turn the vehicles back in or purchase them at fair value... Lego Technic sets were always a bit out of reach for our patience level, so we stuck with plain bricks. So did this super-talented Lego Maniac for his amazingly detailed Lego cars. Rolls-Royce, which enjoyed a 20 percent sales increase in 2008, is bracing for another strong year in 2009. In fact, the luxury automaker announced this week that it would be increasing its manufacturing work force by 50 percent. If you would like to have your very own electric bicycle and are somewhat cinematographically-inclined have access to a video camera, you might be interested in this contest being held by Ultra Motor.  Click above to watch all five commercials after the jump Chrysler sales have been abysmal throughout 2009, and with the uncertainty of bankruptcy, the short-term sales outlook is decidedly bad.
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| No Chevys For Old Men: Lutz Vs. Letterman
May 21, 2009 at 9:00 am
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| After Tesla fan-boy Dave Letterman brought Tesla's Elon Musk on the Late Show and both of them ripped into GM, CBS called Letterman, saying, "Hey, jackass, don't you know GM advertises with us?" The result: outgoing product czar Bob Lutz brought the Chevy Volt to last night's show. Blow-by-blow below.  A few weeks ago Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought the Model S on Late Night with David Letterman and Dave misrepresented the car calling its 40 mile range "ridiculous." Last night after having issued a challenge to do so... Bob Lutz, super salesman. Fifteen minutes talking to General Motors Corp.'s vice chairman converted talk show host David Letterman from dismissing the Chevrolet Volt...  1. Jalopnik - the tongue in cheek and heavily prolific automotive blog had a mule drive with Bob Lutz riding shotgun. They called it "utterly unremarkable" to GM's delight because that is the goal.  Click above and scroll down to watch the video While Dave Letterman struggles to correctly describe the Chevrolet Volt, rival late-night host Jay Leno takes a bit more care to get things right in his test drive of the Aptera 2e.
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| GM warns UAW and Treasury deals won't be done in time
May 21, 2009 at 8:44 am
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|  Not that it should come as a major shock to anyone paying attention over the last few weeks, but in a regulatory filing submitted by General Motors on Tuesday, the beleaguered automaker has admitted that it's unlikely to have acceptable deals negotiated with the either the United Auto Workers or Canadian Auto Workers unions before the previously announced deadline of May 27.
A few weeks ago Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought the Model S on Late Night with David Letterman and Dave misrepresented the car calling its 40 mile range "ridiculous." Last night after having issued a challenge to do so...  It seems that calls from House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to fast track the Cash-For-Clunkers bill through the legislative process may have fallen on deaf ears. 2010 Camaros Dallas The Financial Times ran a short story (mostly devoid of hard facts) that pointed out supposed the discontentment of Washington bureaucrats with the success of the performance-oriented 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
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| Rolls-Royce to double workforce ahead of Ghost production
May 21, 2009 at 8:35 am
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| Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers. Rolls is adding 300 production workers to the payroll, bringing its Sussex workforce to 900.  2010 Chevrolet Camaro as Bumblebee - Click above for a high-res image gallery Diehard Transformers fans take note: Chevrolet is reportedly planning to launch a limited edition Bumblebee Camaro to capitalize on the upcoming flick...  Mitsubishi Evolution X - Click above for a high-res image gallery In keeping with Mitsubishi's FQ tradition abroad, the automaker has developed a new model to fit in between the standard FQ-300 and the insanity known as the FQ-400.  Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Lexus LF-A Nürburgring 24 racer This time last year, the Lexus LF-A that competed in the ADAC Nürburgring 24 wore a decidedly un-glamorous "test-mule matte black" finish. Brabus Mercedes-Benz E500 - Click above for a high-res image gallery If there was one thing we discovered during our time with the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe...
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| Cleaner, sub-160g/km CO2 Toyota RAV-4 joins the Optimal Drive family
May 21, 2009 at 8:33 am
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|  Toyota RAV-4 - Click above for a full gallery Like other automakers in the European market, Toyota has created a green label to identify its models that produces the least CO2. This usually means a base engine underhood with a few improvements such as low-rolling resistance tires, low-viscosity motor oil, and aerodynamic tweaks. Toyota calls their clean line-up Optimal Drive. In the case of the new Toyota RAV-4, claimed by the company to be the cleanest AWD in the UK, Optimal Drive can be had in both diesel and gasoline flavors. Please, to the powers above, and in Washington and on Wall Street: Do not condemn General Motors to fail. I have driven the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, and one thing I know: This is not an automaker that deserves to die.  British company Controlled Power Technologies (CPT) has announced the development of a belt-driven Integrated Starter Generator (B-ISG) that provides stop-start functionality. A Republican senator late today offered an amendment that would block Chrysler or General Motors Corp. from receiving federal aid if they tried to close dealerships with less than 60 days notice. Subaru's been hyping its future green technology for years, but despite promises of diesels and hybrids, those of us in the States have yet to sample any alt-fuel, boxer-powered Imprezas, Legacys or Foresters.
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| 'Chocolate-Powered Racecar' Hits 130 M.P.H. on Track
May 21, 2009 at 7:53 am
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| Last month, a team from the University of Warwick in Britain said it had built an eco-friendly racecar that contained parts made from vegetable fiber and ran on fuel made from chocolate waste. It almost seemed like a late April Fool's Day joke. But on Wednesday, the World First Formula Three racecar hit the track. It achieved 130 miles per hour and stayed in one piece, though three of its four drivers spun out at the Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire. After Tesla fan-boy Dave Letterman brought Tesla's Elon Musk on the Late Show and both of them ripped into GM, CBS called Letterman, saying, "Hey, jackass, don't you know... Toyota RAV-4 - Click above for a full gallery Like other automakers in the European market, Toyota has created a green label to identify its models that produces the least CO2. Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers. A few weeks ago Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought the Model S on Late Night with David Letterman and Dave misrepresented the car calling its 40 mile range "ridiculous." Last night after having issued a challenge to do so...
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| GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz Brings Chevy Volt on Late Night with David Letterman and its Awesome
May 21, 2009 at 7:36 am
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|  A few weeks ago Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought the Model S on Late Night with David Letterman and Dave misrepresented the car calling its 40 mile range "ridiculous." Last night after having issued a challenge to do so, Letterman invited Lutz on the show with the Chevy Volt show car. The result, in my opinion was wonderful. After Tesla fan-boy Dave Letterman brought Tesla's Elon Musk on the Late Show and both of them ripped into GM, CBS called Letterman, saying, "Hey, jackass, don't you know... Bob Lutz, super salesman. Fifteen minutes talking to General Motors Corp.'s vice chairman converted talk show host David Letterman from dismissing the Chevrolet Volt... 2010 Camaros Dallas The Financial Times ran a short story (mostly devoid of hard facts) that pointed out supposed the discontentment of Washington bureaucrats with the success of the performance-oriented 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
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| Now might be the perfect time to buy a car
May 21, 2009 at 7:18 am
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| Patty Shanks and her husband live just 10 miles from GM headquarters in Michigan and have felt anguish for their friends and neighbors affected by the automaker's continuing turmoil. But recently they've also really wanted to buy a car — in particular, the sporty Saturn Sky. "From the minute we first saw the car we've called it the baby Batmobile," says the 50-year-old chamber of commerce executive... Toyota RAV-4 - Click above for a full gallery Like other automakers in the European market, Toyota has created a green label to identify its models that produces the least CO2. Rolls-Royce 200EX Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost will not only mean more sales for the company, it will mean more workers. A few weeks ago Tesla CEO Elon Musk brought the Model S on Late Night with David Letterman and Dave misrepresented the car calling its 40 mile range "ridiculous." Last night after having issued a challenge to do so... Last month, a team from the University of Warwick in Britain said it had built an eco-friendly racecar that contained parts made from vegetable fiber and ran on fuel made from chocolate waste.  Pontiac Solstice Coupe - Click above for a high-res image gallery General Motors' acting CEO Fritz Henderson has said the Wilmington, DE plant that currently produces...
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| AutoblogGreen for 05.21.09
May 21, 2009 at 6:47 am
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|  Is Tesla really worth $550 million? Daimler apparently thinks so
A little speculation on the tie-up between Germany and California. Ugly watermelons = ethanol opportunity  Google has already faced plenty of issues with its Street View technology, not the least of which has been angry Japanese citizens and invasion of privacy lawsuits from Americans whose driveways were mistaken for a roads. On the same day that President Obama announced tough new CAFE standards for new cars in the coming half-decade, Ford began production of its new, more efficient EcoBoost engine in Ohio.  For the past few months, we've been running a weekly series on AutoblogGreen called Greenlings. Now that the archive has been built up a bit, it's time to formally introduce the series to you, explain what it's about and invite you to help us out. Click above and scroll down to watch the video While Dave Letterman struggles to correctly describe the Chevrolet Volt, rival late-night host Jay Leno takes a bit more care to get things right in his test drive of the Aptera 2e.
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| MARK PHELAN: Reborn Camaro keeps sporty spirit
May 21, 2009 at 3:06 am
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| Please, to the powers above, and in Washington and on Wall Street: Do not condemn General Motors to fail. I have driven the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, and one thing I know: This is not an automaker that deserves to die. Fuel-efficient, fast, modern and desirable, the new Camaro is everything a sporty car should be. Uniquely American and a delight to behold and to drive. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro as Bumblebee - Click above for a high-res image gallery Diehard Transformers fans take note: Chevrolet is reportedly planning to launch a limited edition Bumblebee Camaro to capitalize on the upcoming flick...  The long-awaited 2010 VW Scirocco R debuted today, sans the Italian flag, with a more powerful 265 HP 2.0 TSI, new body kit, upgraded suspension and the spirit of Germany.  New GM HCCI Engine Because of the new rules regarding EPA fuel economy regulations, it only stands to reason that General Motor's PR department had a press release ready on a new fuel-saving technology to put in front of anybody in Washington, D.  We told you to expect a Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer VXR. Lo-and-behold, here it is, a 320 HP, 6.0 second 0-to-60 MPH all-wheel-drive sport wagon that you can't get in the US.
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| New Chrysler chair wore many hats during career
May 21, 2009 at 3:06 am
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| The U.S. Treasury continued to mold Detroit's auto industry Wednesday, appointing C. Robert Kidder as chairman of the restructured Chrysler Group LLC, the new name being used for the Auburn Hills automaker. On paper, Kidder sounds like a Renaissance man. He has led chemical and manufacturing firms, consulted with Ford Motor Co. and even managed a winery in California's Santa Ynez Valley.  Once Chrysler emerges from bankruptcy, the automaker's current CEO Robert Nardelli, be replaced by an appointee selected by Fiat (Like Sergio Marchionne) and C. Robert Kidder will become the new Chairman of the (supposedly) revitalized Chrysler.  Going through the process of having a troubled vehicle legally branded as a 'lemon' is difficult enough, but now, according to The Los Angeles Times, Chrysler's bankruptcy is making seeking recompense even harder for affected owners in California.  Late last year, Rick Wagoner, Bob Nardelli and Alan Mulally each climbed aboard their own company-provided private jets in lieu of commercial flight – or, alternatively...
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