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| Chevy Volt Mule in Generator Mode Already 'Prius Quiet'
May 27, 2009 at 9:36 pm
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|   They have strictly restricted those driving experiences to the vehicle's charge depleting mode. Outsiders thus only have the experience of driving the car in pure electric mode without the gas generator running. And lets face it, that is the main idea. We after all want to drive it only in that mode to limit use of gasoline. The range extender is there for less than 20% of the public's driving needs and many people will never use it at all except perhaps in cases of emergency.  Click above for a hi-res gallery There'll be no more Prius parked in the garage of City of Toronto Mayor, David Miller. The vintage 2003 Toyota import was chagrined to learn...  Today is the day says Andrew, "We will start general assembly build, what that means is the body in white comes out of the body shop and is positioned at the beginning of this pre-production assembly line over at the Warren Tech center.  Click above to view the video after the jump The latest video from Casual Mafia, called "In My Prius," would be a winner if for no other reason than it uses a dad wearing a Snügli as a backup dancer.  It's not a Prius. For some reason, people want to compare the two: Toyota's pioneering, world-beater Prius hybrid and this new, dedicated Lexus hybrid-electric luxury sedan.
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| Toronto Mayor rids self of Prius, gets Malibu hybrid
May 27, 2009 at 8:46 pm
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|  Click above for a hi-res gallery There'll be no more Prius parked in the garage of City of Toronto Mayor, David Miller. The vintage 2003 Toyota import was chagrined to learn, whilst in the shop to correct an electronics problem, that it had been replaced by a almost-domestically-produced car, a new Chevrolet Malibu hybrid. Although the Chevy is assembled in Kansas, it has parts from over 30 Ontario, Canada auto parts suppliers and the Mayor felt that it would be a positive gesture to make a show of support with the purchase. Click above to view the video after the jump The latest video from Casual Mafia, called "In My Prius," would be a winner if for no other reason than it uses a dad wearing a Snügli as a backup dancer. It's not a Prius. For some reason, people want to compare the two: Toyota's pioneering, world-beater Prius hybrid and this new, dedicated Lexus hybrid-electric luxury sedan.  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.  Henderson was asked by one consumer who needs to replace his first generation Prius, why he should "wait" for the Volt. Henderson responded "I would love to take you out of your prius! so why wait for the volt? the car will be beautiful...
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| Hire Him: Next-gen Subaru WRX STI is privately rendered awesomeness
May 27, 2009 at 8:18 pm
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|   Lars Martensson's Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept - click above for a high-res gallery It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years, as well as an exponential credibility increase in enthusiast's eyes, essentially ever since the automaker began shipping over the Impreza WRX back in 2001...  On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named.  2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery According to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to finally bring a gas-electric hybrid version of the Fit to market by the end of next year.  General Motors is teetering ever closer to the brink of bankruptcy today, as the automaker's exchange offer for its outstanding debt fell "substantially" short of the necessary take-rate.  Nowhere near enough General Motors bond holders agreed to exchange their debt for stock before a deadline at midnight Tuesday, making a bankruptcy filing by the automaker highly likely.
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| Tokyo Preview? 550-hp, 218-mph Lexus LF-A reportedly coming this year
May 27, 2009 at 7:47 pm
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|  Lexus LF-A Nurburgring - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last year's reports about the demise of the Lexus LF-A may have been greatly exaggerated, and according to the fabulists at AutoExpress, Lexus' long-awaited supercar is due to be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show this October. Toyota insiders told the Brit pub – in so many words – that the LF-A's delay was due to a series of engineering tweaks to boost the sleek supercar's top speed...  Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery Reports out of France and Germany indicate that in addition to the all-new A8 and A5 Sportback, Audi plans to reveal two versions of the R8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.  Ken Block's new Subaru WRX STI - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes and extreme sports junkie, has only been driving rally cars for a few short years... 2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery According to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to finally bring a gas-electric hybrid version of the Fit to market by the end of next year.  Rinspeed Official Fine Graphic Art Collection - Click above for a high-res image gallery Swiss coachbuilder Rinspeed never ceases to amaze with its far-out concept cars...
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| Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 5.27.09
May 27, 2009 at 7:47 pm
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|  Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves
While the efficiency of the Prius has never been in dispute, like many other cars from Brand T, its appeal as a driver's car has been... limited. For the third generation, Toyota hasn't given up on minimizing fuel consumption, but it has sought to make the Prius a bit more appealing on other levels.  Now that the current version of the Astra is going to be replaced, perhaps it's time to remember the previous generation. This model didn't make it to the States but was quite popular in Europe.  Toyota's third-generation Prius couldn't come at a better time for the automaker. Sales of just about every one of the company's models are down, and the Aishi, Japan-based automaker lost $7.  Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again –... Ken Block's new Subaru WRX STI - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes and extreme sports junkie, has only been driving rally cars for a few short years...
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| Blast from 1969: GM ad for Stirling-engine hybrid, the Stir-Lec I
May 27, 2009 at 7:46 pm
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|  click above to see the full ad We've seen GM's very ahead-of-the-curve Stir-Lec concept before, but BangShift has found another old magazine ad scan to share with the rest of the class internet. As we wrote last time, the Stir-Lec used a Stirling engine (and a helium reservoir) in the rear of the vehicle that recharged a bank of batteries that powered the electric motor. The Stir-Lec was developed using an Opel Kadett body and, while never more than a concept, shows that ICE powerplant alternatives have been considered at the General for a long, long time. Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again –...  It's taken a little more than two years for Ford to build 1 million vehicles with the Sync entertainment and communications system, and it marked the milestone by having...  Mazda Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid (Iwatani Corporation version) A little while ago we told you that Mazda had begun taking orders for its Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid. Well...  2010 Lexus HS 250h – Click above for high-res image gallery Just because The Cold War is over doesn't mean that all cold wars have come to an end. Two protagonists in the auto industry – once again, East vs.
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| Sneak peek at Hyundai Genesis Coupe's next-gen nav system
May 27, 2009 at 7:42 pm
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|  Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we heard from many of you who were excited about the rear-drive model's performance prospects. More than a few we spoke with, however, expressed disappointment that it did not arrive in showrooms with an optional in-dash navigation unit, particularly since Hyundai was plainly targeting premium competitors like the Infiniti G37. Well, we've just returned from the company's HATCHI facility (Hyundai-Kia American Technical Center, Inc.  OK, this isn?t really a first drive. Or even a second one. In fact, car people have been flogging the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe all over the world for awhile now. Korea...  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.  2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible It's been more than a decade since Infiniti sported a convertible in its lineup. With the 2009 G37 Convertible and its clever, pretty folding hardtop...  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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| D.C.'s bet on General Motors not a sure thing
May 27, 2009 at 7:20 pm
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|   WASHINGTON - Government Motors. A new name for Detroit's weakened auto giant GM is making the rounds, sometimes with irony, sometimes with dread, suggested by the deepest Washington industrial intervention in a half-century. The Obama administration is planting itself at the wheel of General Motors with a major ownership stake — and all that goes with it for the U.S. taxpayer.  Warren Mayor Jim Fouts plans to officially offer tax incentives and other perks to General Motors on Thursday if it moves its headquarters from the Renaissance Center in Detroit to the GM Tech Center in Warren.  Add serial entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin to the list of people interested in getting a crack at the 2,000 or so automotive dealerships that are scheduled to be shut down by either General Motors or Chrysler in short order. General Motors is teetering ever closer to the brink of bankruptcy today, as the automaker's exchange offer for its outstanding debt fell "substantially" short of the necessary take-rate.
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| 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe: another look with a real-world drive:
May 27, 2009 at 7:19 pm
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|  OK, this isn?t really a first drive. Or even a second one. In fact, car people have been flogging the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe all over the world for awhile now. Korea, California--even Las Vegas have played host to intrepid journalists getting a look at the small sports car that's in many ways creating its own niche. Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we...  There are miles per gallon... and then there are miles per gallon. How do you tell the difference? One is labeled "CAFE mpg" and the other is labeled "EPA mpg." What's the difference? Well...  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.  Aston Martin V12 Vantage - Click above for an image gallery Reviews of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage are beginning to pop up around the interwebs and Aston decided to hype...  Drifting Big Wheel style: Click above to watch video after the jump Drifting isn't nearly as easy as it looks. It takes keen hand-eye coordination and an almost spiritual connection with one's vehicle.
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| Fiat lists representatives on Chrysler board
May 27, 2009 at 7:12 pm
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|  NEW YORK ? Sergio Marchionne, soon to be named chief executive of the new Chrysler, Alfredo Altavilla and Ferrucio Luppi will be Fiat's representatives on the new automaker's board of directors, Altavilla said today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Luppi is Fiat's executive vice president for business development.  There's a financial swine flu making its way through the car industry. Chrysler caught it and it proved terminal. Porsche was on intensive care for a moment but should recover.  The situations with GM and Chrysler are beginning to look like what happens after a fumble in an NFL game: a dozen men pile on top of each other all trying to get the ball.  The President told the reporter he wanted the government to get out of the automotive business as soon as possible, and said the government would help any auto workers who lost their job to be effectively retrained.  WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama said he hopes General Motors and Chrysler emerge from their restructuring as "leaner, meaner" companies that are more competitive.
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| Honda Fit Hybrid production moved up to fall of 2010?
May 27, 2009 at 6:43 pm
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|  2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery
We've been hearing rumors of an impending Honda Fit Hybrid for the last few years, and according to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, its introduction may finally be right around the corner in the fall of 2010... 2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery According to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to finally bring a gas-electric hybrid version of the Fit to market by the end of next year.  Honda is in the sea change business lately, reasserting itself in the hybrid sphere with the Insight and forthcoming CR-Z, and giving Acura the ZDX and perhaps a sleek new coupe to play with.  click above for a high res gallery of the Honda CR-Z concept Following the introduction of the second generation Insight, Honda has recommitted itself to developing hybrid drive vehicles.  The numbers for the UK car industry in April point to a 50% drop in production, and factories that aren't shut down completely are being run at glacial paces. After closing its Swindon...
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| Chip Foose builds a custom 2010 Ford Mustang that you can win
May 27, 2009 at 6:41 pm
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|  2010 Foose Ford Mustang GT - click above for a high-res gallery If you've ever seen Chip Foose at work, it's hard not to admire the guy. He's got more natural talent in his pinky finger than most of us car guys can dream of, and each of the vehicles he builds ends up being a work of art. He recently got his hands on a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang GT, which was Foosified on an episode of Spike TV's MuscleCar.  GoDaddy and Danica: Click above to view the commercial after the jump Go Daddy commercials are well known for two things: 1) Having little to do with web hosting and domains, and 2) Making use of attractive women in suggestive situations.  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.  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?) ...
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| Tailpipe Emissions: Man admits to having 'sex' with 1,000 cars
May 27, 2009 at 6:34 pm
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|  We love cars. We even bathe, polish, and prune our autos, but we're quite sure we've never taken our obsession this far. According to the UK's Telegraph, Edward Smith freely admits he has had 'sex' with over 1,000 cars as part of a love affair that began with the Corvette Stingray at age 13 and is still strong today at age 57...  We ran the 14th race in 24 Hours Of LeMons history last weekend, and in many ways it was the best one yet. Faster cars, better driving… and more grenaded engines! The always-in-contention Eyesore Racing team...  New York City has closed parts of Times Square to vehicles, shutting down Broadway from 42nd to 47th Streets, creating a five-block mall. It's part of Mayor Bloomberg's plan to create more pedestrian plazas through the city.  Elon Musk and Dr. Thomas Weber with the Tesla Roadster and the smart ed Not everyone think the big Daimler-Tesla deal announced last week is a win-win. In fact, Jay Yarow...
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| Chicago Ferrari for hire with 'That Guy'
May 27, 2009 at 6:28 pm
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|  Ever wanted to rent a Ferrari for a special event? If you're in the Chicago area, you can get just that – with a special twist. Lucky customers can not only have a specially customized Ferrari 360 Spider at their disposal, but they also get a night out with Tony Tag! You know Tony, right? No? He's the most photographed man in the country besides the President, at least according to his website. We figured this was just a late April Fool's joke, but tragically, it isn't. Click above for a hi-res gallery There'll be no more Prius parked in the garage of City of Toronto Mayor, David Miller. The vintage 2003 Toyota import was chagrined to learn... Lars Martensson's Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept - click above for a high-res gallery It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years... WASHINGTON - Government Motors. A new name for Detroit's weakened auto giant GM is making the rounds, sometimes with irony, sometimes with dread, suggested by the deepest Washington industrial intervention in a half-century. Lexus LF-A Nurburgring - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last year's reports about the demise of the Lexus LF-A may have been greatly exaggerated, and according to the fabulists at AutoExpress...
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| Will be missed: outgoing Opel Astra Eco4 got 52 mpg
May 27, 2009 at 5:43 pm
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| Now that the current version of the Astra is going to be replaced, perhaps it's time to remember the previous generation. This model didn't make it to the States but was quite popular in Europe. Back in 2002, and before the outburst of the "green" and "eco" labels, Opel was pioneering the "Eco" brand image...  The long arm of the law now has a cat to stroke with Jaguar's creation of a high performance police pursuit vehicle. It hasn't been commissioned by forces yet, but is apparently under evaluation by UK authorities across the country.  There are some who believe that the Holy Grail of fuel-saving technology could potentially be diesel-electric hybrids, and the idea certainly isn't without merit. After all...  In the wake of last week's announcement by President Obama that the proposed California greenhouse gas emissions rules would be adopted on a national level, Keith Crain...
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| Toyota said to be increasing Prius production to meet early demand
May 27, 2009 at 5:31 pm
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| Toyota's third-generation Prius couldn't come at a better time for the automaker. Sales of just about every one of the company's models are down, and the Aishi, Japan-based automaker lost $7.7 billion last quarter. To make matters worse, sales of the second-generation Prius hit a wall in April, with sales in the U.S. dipping to 8,385 units, down 65% versus April 2008 levels. But the ebb in that model's sales could have a lot more to do with the imminent arrival of the 50 miles-per-gallon 2010 Prius, which is now in production.  2010 Toyota Prius – Click above for high-res image gallery When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it... There are some who believe that the Holy Grail of fuel-saving technology could potentially be diesel-electric hybrids, and the idea certainly isn't without merit. After all...  Superman and the 2010 Toyota Prius - Click above to watch the video after the break Apparently, even the Man of Steel wants to save on gas by purchasing a hybrid car....  The 2016 CAFE standards of 35.5 MPG will almost certainly punish performance cars. Did you know that the 2010 Toyota Prius only manages to wring 134 HP out of its 50 MPG? Look at it this way.
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| Homebrewing not the only danger in making biodiesel: plant catches fire in Minnesota
May 27, 2009 at 4:45 pm
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|  We talked about the uncommon but still serious cases of fires caused by biodiesel enthusiasts making the biofuel in their back yard just the other day. Even at industrial facilities, though, making fuel isn't exactly safe, and a fire at the Minnesota Soybean Processors Plant in Brewster, Minnesota forced local residents to evacuate their homes Saturday night... Click above for a hi-res gallery There'll be no more Prius parked in the garage of City of Toronto Mayor, David Miller. The vintage 2003 Toyota import was chagrined to learn... Lars Martensson's Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept - click above for a high-res gallery It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years... WASHINGTON - Government Motors. A new name for Detroit's weakened auto giant GM is making the rounds, sometimes with irony, sometimes with dread, suggested by the deepest Washington industrial intervention in a half-century. Lexus LF-A Nurburgring - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last year's reports about the demise of the Lexus LF-A may have been greatly exaggerated, and according to the fabulists at AutoExpress...
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| Jaguar UK launches new police package for XF
May 27, 2009 at 4:36 pm
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| The long arm of the law now has a cat to stroke with Jaguar's creation of a high performance police pursuit vehicle. It hasn't been commissioned by forces yet, but is apparently under evaluation by UK authorities across the country. The model in question is the new twin-turbo XF Diesel S, a 3.0-liter unit pumping out 275 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, while still returning 42 British mpg. Click above for a hi-res gallery There'll be no more Prius parked in the garage of City of Toronto Mayor, David Miller. The vintage 2003 Toyota import was chagrined to learn... Lars Martensson's Subaru Impreza WRX STI concept - click above for a high-res gallery It's fair to say that Subaru has enjoyed a run of strong product in recent years... WASHINGTON - Government Motors. A new name for Detroit's weakened auto giant GM is making the rounds, sometimes with irony, sometimes with dread, suggested by the deepest Washington industrial intervention in a half-century. Lexus LF-A Nurburgring - Click above for a high-res image gallery Last year's reports about the demise of the Lexus LF-A may have been greatly exaggerated, and according to the fabulists at AutoExpress...
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| Cadillac SRX coming this summer, priced at $34,155
May 27, 2009 at 4:36 pm
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|  2010 Cadillac SRX - Click above for our live reveal gallery The second-generation 2010 Cadillac SRX will be rolling into showrooms later this summer with a base price of $34,155. Jumping into the crowded luxury crossover segment, Cadillac hopes to lure customers with the SRX's fuel efficient 3. Hyundai Genesis Coupe navigation system prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery When Hyundai's sparkling Genesis Coupe debuted earlier this year, we...  Cadillac is enhancing its line with a redesigned 2010 SRX and the addition of the 2010 CTS wagon. Both vehicles go on sale in late summer. Cadillac's redesigned 2010 SRX will carry a $34...  A recent report from The Wall Street Journal suggested that the expected launch of Mahinrda's latest pickup trucks in the United States has been delayed until 2010. According to Global Vehicles USA...  Click above for high-res gallery of the Pratt & Miller LMP1 Corvette that never was Autoblog friend and sports car racing junkie, Mike Laney, recently got the chance to tour Pratt & Miller (a.
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| China expands new car subsidies, excludes small cars
May 27, 2009 at 4:36 pm
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|  Like most other countries with native automobile industries, China has implemented a Cash-For-Clunkers-style used car scapping program. Interestingly, the Chinese government is also subsidizing the replacement of old, inefficient home appliances for newer units as well, but that's a story for another site. The program was unveiled last March, but was only available for buyers from rural areas looking to replace their old minivans and light trucks. Now, the scheme has been expanded and covers a number of large metropolitan areas at a cost of 5 billion yuan ($732 million). On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named.  Hey look, another new Renault-Nissan partnership to promote EVs. Today, a new alliance with Europcar was announced that will make electric vehicles available for customer rentals starting in 2010.  It's about to get a lot easier to drive a Th!nk City electric car. Residents of Oslo, Norway - and tourists - will soon (i.e., tomorrow) be able to participate in a new car sharing plan called Move About.  A story in the New York Times shines a light on some reasons for the Committee of Chrysler Affected Dealers to challenge the car company's bankruptcy efforts. The element...  According to Reuters, Chevrolet's Aveo replacement has been postponed until January 2011 due to the well-publicized financial troubles at General Motors and its Korean subsidiary, Daewoo.
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| Pininfarina 'Golden Ferrari' one-off revealed?
May 27, 2009 at 3:43 pm
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|  Golden Ferrari one-off by Pininfarina – Click above for an image gallery Toby Dammit, a character in the Fellini film Histoires Extraordinaires, roared about Rome in a gold Ferrari back in 1968. Marketed in the United States under the name 'Spirits of the Dead,' one of the most memorable things about the movie was that gilded Ferrari. While vintage horror films are pure camp now, classic Ferraris tend to age far more gracefully. Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery Reports out of France and Germany indicate that in addition to the all-new A8 and A5 Sportback, Audi plans to reveal two versions of the R8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.  On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named.  Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again –... Ken Block's new Subaru WRX STI - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes and extreme sports junkie, has only been driving rally cars for a few short years...
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| Frankfurt Rumormill: Electric R8 concept joining Audi R8 Spyder
May 27, 2009 at 3:31 pm
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| Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery Reports out of France and Germany indicate that in addition to the all-new A8 and A5 Sportback, Audi plans to reveal two versions of the R8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. Both Auto Motor und Sport and L'Automobile report that Audi will finally reveal the R8 Spyder at the IAA expo, with the French pub saying the drop-top supercar will be available with either the standard 420 hp, 4.2-liter V8 or the newly released 525 hp, 5.2-liter V10, allowing Audi to compete directly with the 911 4S, Turbo and convertible models. Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit.  There's a financial swine flu making its way through the car industry. Chrysler caught it and it proved terminal. Porsche was on intensive care for a moment but should recover.  The Chinese love fast, red cars. Chinese taxi drivers love abruptly stopping in the road. Thus the front of an Audi R8 met a Ferrari 599 GTB's trunk. It appears the Ferrari won. [WreckedExotics]  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.  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.
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| New highway-speed Miles electric sedan to be unveiled next week
May 27, 2009 at 2:53 pm
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| On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named.  Hey look, another new Renault-Nissan partnership to promote EVs. Today, a new alliance with Europcar was announced that will make electric vehicles available for customer rentals starting in 2010. It's about to get a lot easier to drive a Th!nk City electric car. Residents of Oslo, Norway - and tourists - will soon (i.e., tomorrow) be able to participate in a new car sharing plan called Move About.  A story in the New York Times shines a light on some reasons for the Committee of Chrysler Affected Dealers to challenge the car company's bankruptcy efforts. The element...  Trucks are big things with big V8 engines, spewing diesel smoke, correct? Not quite. Trucks are things for hauling other, smaller things—and when the hauling is on the narrow streets of Italy, nothing beats the pint-size Piaggio Ape.  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.
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| REPORT: Ford passes on bringing current Focus RS to America
May 27, 2009 at 2:37 pm
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| Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again – the picture of the Focus RS above is the closest Americans will get to the Blue Oval's hottest hatch. As quoted in UK's Autocar magazine, Capito's exact words are: "Sadly, no. We'd like to, but the base car isn't homologated for North America, and that's too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS." It's taken a little more than two years for Ford to build 1 million vehicles with the Sync entertainment and communications system, and it marked the milestone by having...  The crossroads of North America is about to become a lot more pedestrian-friendly. New York City's Times Square is reportedly getting a makeover to make it car-free. According to an Associated Press report... click above for a high res gallery of the Honda CR-Z concept Following the introduction of the second generation Insight, Honda has recommitted itself to developing hybrid drive vehicles.  Daimler Truck North America's Freightliner division has collaborated with Eaton to produce the first hybrid truck for hazardous material transport. The first Freightliner...
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| Rumormill: Next Lotus Esprit could be powered by Lexus V10
May 27, 2009 at 2:34 pm
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| Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. According to EVO, a choice of three Esprits will be available for any (thick) wallet, including a 300 hp version packing Toyota's direct injected V6, a 417 hp model that would make use of the Lexus IS F's 5.0-liter V8 and, at the top of the range, a V10-powered Esprit packing the yet-to-be-released Lexus LF-A's 500+ hp engine.  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.  The University of Alberta has purchased four hybrid electric delivery vans from Azure Dynamics to use for mail deliveries around the campus. The four vehicles will be running a route that includes 100 buildings and 1...  Stuntman Steve Truglia gets loopy A Lexus supercar in the making? Going 'round in circles -- Congrats to stuntman Steve Truglia for clearing the world's largest loop-the-loop in a Toyota.  2007 Porsche RS Spyder - Click above for a high-res image gallery L'Automobile, our new favorite purveyors of outlandish stories and Photoshopped speculation, is reporting...
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| Anyone Want to Buy a Home From 'Ferris Bueller'?
May 27, 2009 at 2:02 pm
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|   From our colleagues at ArtsBeat: Continuing our coverage of news that is tangentially related to Matthew Broderick: a suburban Chicago home that was prominently featured in his 1986 comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is up for sale. The building, a cantilevered, 5,300-square-foot house at 370 Beech Street in Highland Park, Ill., was once owned by the photographer Ben Rose. But it is perhaps better known as the home of Cameron Frye (played by Alan Ruck), his authoritarian dad and his dad's beloved Ferrari 250 GT, which makes the movie's mischief possible.  Cameron's home from Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Click above for an image gallery "The place is like a museum. It's very beautiful and very cold, and you're not allowed to touch anything.  Record-breaking Ferrari 250 TR – Click above for high-res image gallery RM Auctions, in conjunction with Sotheby's, held their third annual Ferrari Leggende e Passione auction this past weekend.  1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Rolls Royce Ghost in the wild Big spender -- Well, someone out there still has money: a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa has sold at auction for a whopping ?9,020,000 ($12,135,000).  MARANELLO, Italy - A black 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sold here Sunday for $12,402,500, setting a new record for the highest sale price at a public auction. "The car...
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| Preview: Ken Block set to release Gymkhana Two video on June 1
May 27, 2009 at 1:58 pm
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| Ken Block's new Subaru WRX STI - Click above for a high-res image gallery Ken Block, co-founder of DC Shoes and extreme sports junkie, has only been driving rally cars for a few short years, but is already one of the most recognizable and successful drivers in the Rally America series. On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named. Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again –... From our colleagues at ArtsBeat: Continuing our coverage of news that is tangentially related to Matthew Broderick: a suburban Chicago home that was prominently featured in his 1986 comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is up for sale.
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| REPORT: Honda Fit Hybrid coming in fall 2010
May 27, 2009 at 1:47 pm
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|  2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery According to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to finally bring a gas-electric hybrid version of the Fit to market by the end of next year. The Fit Hybrid's arrival – a year and a half ahead of scheduled – is one part of a three-pronged approach to introduce more gas-electric models into the automaker's line-up... 2010 Toyota Prius – Click above for high-res image gallery When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it... Honda is in the sea change business lately, reasserting itself in the hybrid sphere with the Insight and forthcoming CR-Z, and giving Acura the ZDX and perhaps a sleek new coupe to play with. click above for a high res gallery of the Honda CR-Z concept Following the introduction of the second generation Insight, Honda has recommitted itself to developing hybrid drive vehicles.  As of Thursday, Porsche and Maserati are the latest two brands to pull out of the biennial Tokyo Motor Show. That brings the tally to 22 foreign brands sitting out the Japanese showcase, leaving Hyundai, Ferrari, and Lotus to duel for import honors.
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| Malcolm Bricklin has hydrogen visions for displaced Chrysler and GM dealerships
May 27, 2009 at 1:40 pm
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| Add serial entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin to the list of people interested in getting a crack at the 2,000 or so automotive dealerships that are scheduled to be shut down by either General Motors or Chrysler in short order. Unlike most other interested parties, though, Bricklin's plan would also include his Visionary Vehicles venture purchasing up to 300,000 new vehicles from the two beleaguered automakers, which would then be upgraded with luxurious interiors and, ahem, a hydrogen hybrid drivetrain.  Two very different Chrysler dealerships, separated by just seven miles in southeastern Pennsylvania, are facing two very different fates. Weathers Dodge in Lima, Pa....  Stating next week, a little thing called the Hydrogen Road Tour will visit 28 cities over nine days. The Tour will cruise north along the West Coast, starting in Chula Vista, California and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia.  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.
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| Redesigned Cadillac SRX is smaller, less expensive:
May 27, 2009 at 1:38 pm
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| Cadillac is enhancing its line with a redesigned 2010 SRX and the addition of the 2010 CTS wagon. Both vehicles go on sale in late summer. Cadillac's redesigned 2010 SRX will carry a $34,155 sticker price, $7,080 less than the V6 crossover it replaces. The price includes shipping. The front-drive 2010 SRX is smaller, seats only five and comes standard with a 265-hp, 3.0-liter, direct-injection V6. The SRX also is available with a turbocharged 300-hp, 2.8-liter V6.  Rumor on two continents – Germany in Auto Motor und Sport and Japan in Holiday – has it that Acura is developing a sleek four-door to join the lexicologically questionable segment known as "four-door coupes.  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.  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.  Porsche owners have long reveled in their ability to smoke the competition on track and street, but now Porschephiles can also leave their marque's mark on the backside of burgers, hotdogs and ribeyes.
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| The Six Best Ways To Steal Gas... And One Really Bad Way
May 27, 2009 at 1:30 pm
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|   With summer comes the threat of higher gas prices — just as everyone has run out of money. Today we bring you a classic from the Jalopnik vault, Five Ways To Steal Gas, updated with the latest technique. Come on, admit it. Since you've been laid off/had your pay reduced/lost all your savings/got caught running a Ponzi scheme, you've been thinking up ways to reduce your expenses... On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named. Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again –... From our colleagues at ArtsBeat: Continuing our coverage of news that is tangentially related to Matthew Broderick: a suburban Chicago home that was prominently featured in his 1986 comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is up for sale.
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| Chrysler submits $448m plan to build electric vehicles
May 27, 2009 at 12:48 pm
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|  Chrysler Town & Country EV - Click above for a high-res gallery Chrysler has submitted a series of plans to the U.S. Department of Energy intended to speed up the development of plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars and trucks under the DOE's Transportation Electrification Initiative and Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiatives. Under the terms of these initiatives, Chrysler and the DOE would each pay half of a total investment of $448 million.  A project developed at the Argonne National Laboratory for Science and Engineering Research could lead to better plug-in hybrids. The idea was to create a high power,...  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.  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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| Review: 2010 Toyota Prius a miser with new moves
May 27, 2009 at 12:01 pm
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| 2010 Toyota Prius – Click above for high-res image gallery When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it was the first really practical hybrid to come to market and has sold more than any other examples. Yes, of course, the original Honda Insight beat the Prius to market in the U.S. by about six months, but the tiny two-seater sold in equally tiny numbers and had limited appeal beyond hard core hyper milers. 2009 Honda Fit - Click above for a high-res image gallery According to a report from Japan's Nikkei business daily, Honda plans to finally bring a gas-electric hybrid version of the Fit to market by the end of next year.  There are some who believe that the Holy Grail of fuel-saving technology could potentially be diesel-electric hybrids, and the idea certainly isn't without merit. After all... Superman and the 2010 Toyota Prius - Click above to watch the video after the break Apparently, even the Man of Steel wants to save on gas by purchasing a hybrid car.... The 2016 CAFE standards of 35.5 MPG will almost certainly punish performance cars. Did you know that the 2010 Toyota Prius only manages to wring 134 HP out of its 50 MPG? Look at it this way.
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| Rinspeed gets artsy with limited-edition prints
May 27, 2009 at 11:49 am
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| Rinspeed Official Fine Graphic Art Collection - Click above for a high-res image gallery Swiss coachbuilder Rinspeed never ceases to amaze with its far-out concept cars, so our interest was naturally piqued when we heard that the quirky company had plans to launch a new series of limited-edition print artwork using its own vehicles, such as the E2 Fiat 500, iChange, sQuba and eXasis concepts, as subject matter.  The Fiat 500 is currently offered in Europe with two gasoline engines and just one diesel. Since the concept of "small sport diesel" exists in the European market, it...  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.  Click above for a hi-res gallery of the VW GTI Wörthersee '09 concept Audi's not alone in bringing a customized production ride to the 2009 Wörthersee meet.  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...
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| Cameron's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off up for sale - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California not included
May 27, 2009 at 11:12 am
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| Cameron's home from Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Click above for an image gallery "The place is like a museum. It's very beautiful and very cold, and you're not allowed to touch anything." So says the title character in reference to his best friend Cameron's home in the John Hughes classic Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The house in question, which is located at 370 Beech Street in Highland Park, Illinois, is indeed rather beautiful, and it's also for sale right now, listed at a cool $2.3 million. From our colleagues at ArtsBeat: Continuing our coverage of news that is tangentially related to Matthew Broderick: a suburban Chicago home that was prominently featured in his 1986 comedy "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" is up for sale. Record-breaking Ferrari 250 TR – Click above for high-res image gallery RM Auctions, in conjunction with Sotheby's, held their third annual Ferrari Leggende e Passione auction this past weekend. 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Rolls Royce Ghost in the wild Big spender -- Well, someone out there still has money: a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa has sold at auction for a whopping ?9,020,000 ($12,135,000). MARANELLO, Italy - A black 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sold here Sunday for $12,402,500, setting a new record for the highest sale price at a public auction. "The car...
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| States adopting "No Smiles" policy for driver's licenses?
May 27, 2009 at 11:08 am
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|  Say cheese! Unless you happen to live in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada or Virginia, that is. In a case that once again reminds us that the truth is often stranger than fiction, these four states have reportedly adopted new legislation that could lead to the end of smiling faces on driver's license photos. Audi R8 V10 - Click above for a high-res image gallery Reports out of France and Germany indicate that in addition to the all-new A8 and A5 Sportback, Audi plans to reveal two versions of the R8 at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September. Golden Ferrari one-off by Pininfarina – Click above for an image gallery Toby Dammit, a character in the Fellini film Histoires Extraordinaires, roared about Rome in a gold Ferrari back in 1968. On June 3rd, Miles EV will unveil their new, highway-speed all-electric 4-door sedan and offer up the first test rides. A new strategic partner for the automaker best know for its low-speed vehicles will also be named. Lotus' relationship with Toyota could extend beyond supplying drivetrains for the Elise, Exige and Evora, with three new engines sourced from Lexus rumored to be fitted to the 2012 Lotus Esprit. Ford Focus RS – Click above for high-res image gallery In an interview with Jost Capito, head of Ford's global performance, it came out that – yet again –...
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| Toyota announces world's first diesel-electric hybrid forklift
May 27, 2009 at 11:00 am
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| There are some who believe that the Holy Grail of fuel-saving technology could potentially be diesel-electric hybrids, and the idea certainly isn't without merit. After all, diesel engines are inherently more efficient than their gasoline-swilling siblings, so there's the potential for even higher fuel economy than with traditional gas-electric hybrids like the Toyota Prius hatchback. Further, diesel-electric locomotives have proven the technology viable for certain applications. 2010 Toyota Prius – Click above for high-res image gallery When car buyers think of hybrids, the name that most often springs to mind is the Toyota Prius since it... Superman and the 2010 Toyota Prius - Click above to watch the video after the break Apparently, even the Man of Steel wants to save on gas by purchasing a hybrid car.... The 2016 CAFE standards of 35.5 MPG will almost certainly punish performance cars. Did you know that the 2010 Toyota Prius only manages to wring 134 HP out of its 50 MPG? Look at it this way.  2010 Toyota Prius Modellista kits - Click above for an image gallery To coincide with the official launch of the 2010 Toyota Prius in its home market of Japan, the automaker...
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| Traffic Reports From the New Times Square
May 27, 2009 at 10:49 am
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| New York City has closed parts of Times Square to vehicles, shutting down Broadway from 42nd to 47th Streets, creating a five-block mall. It's part of Mayor Bloomberg's plan to create more pedestrian plazas through the city. On Memorial Day, the first day of the Times Square pedestrian plaza, everything seemed to go smoothly...  Tezzari Zero - Click above for a high-res image gallery Interested in the chance to purchase the very first Tazzari ZERO sold in America? Good news then, you're free to bid on it on eBay. The crossroads of North America is about to become a lot more pedestrian-friendly. New York City's Times Square is reportedly getting a makeover to make it car-free. According to an Associated Press report...  The collaboration between Daimler and Tesla Motors — which began with a deal to put Tesla's battery packs in Daimler's Smart cars — is deepening. Daimler announced on Tuesday morning that it had acquired a "nearly 10 percent" stake in Tesla...
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| REPORT: Panel okays money for added exhibition space for relocated Detroit Auto Show - if Cobo talks fail
May 27, 2009 at 10:07 am
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|  The North American International Auto Show is the biggest event to hit the state of Michigan in any given year, but the location of the event has come under fire due to the advanced state of disrepair of Detroit's Cobo Hall. Earlier in the year, the state of Michigan and representatives from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties approved up to $299 million to repair and expand Cobo in exchange for the facility being turned over to a regional authority run by all three counties. With summer comes the threat of higher gas prices — just as everyone has run out of money. Today we bring you a classic from the Jalopnik vault, Five Ways To Steal Gas, updated with the latest technique. The 2016 CAFE standards of 35.5 MPG will almost certainly punish performance cars. Did you know that the 2010 Toyota Prius only manages to wring 134 HP out of its 50 MPG? Look at it this way.  Here's the thing: American automakers used to fully support E85-capable (aka flex-fuel) vehicles. With a few cheap additions to a standard engine ($100, or thereabouts)... There's a financial swine flu making its way through the car industry. Chrysler caught it and it proved terminal. Porsche was on intensive care for a moment but should recover.  With gas prices on the rise again, those of who still have jobs to commute to might well be looking for a way to save some money. Given the often limited mass transit options in the United States, car pooling is often an excellent option.
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| Omaha man builds electric motorcycle in spare time
May 27, 2009 at 10:04 am
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|  Electra Green DIY electric motorcycle - Click above for an image gallery A man from Omaha, Nebraska named Tony Parker (no, not that Tony Parker) recently found himself with a bunch of extra time on his hands after being laid off from his job, so he decided to try and put it to good use by creating a home-built electric motorcycle he's calling Electra Green.  Click above and scroll down to watch the video We thought that we had pretty much seen the bike that Mission Motors is sending to the Isle of Man for the TTXGP when it was photographed testing at Infineon Raceway.  Quantya Track - Click above for a high-res image gallery Swiss electric motorcycle manufacturer Quantya is planning to show off a new electric sportbike at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan on November 10th.  While we've already had a couple glimpses of the the Enertia TTR, Brammo's TTXGP entry, scootin' along the highway, a photo taken during a recent Road Racer X interview with the company's chief cook and bottle washer...
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| Time machine: Superformance makes a GT40 that will do lap times as easily as time travel:
May 27, 2009 at 9:53 am
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|  Only a short drive from the Superformance company headquarters, the road opened up: five lanes wide, fields on either side, clear vision and no traffic. "Go ahead, open it up," said Superformance CEO Lance Stander, who owned the very GT40 we were driving and was ready to assume some sort of risk, presumably. Tezzari Zero - Click above for a high-res image gallery Interested in the chance to purchase the very first Tazzari ZERO sold in America? Good news then, you're free to bid on it on eBay. The Fiat 500 is currently offered in Europe with two gasoline engines and just one diesel. Since the concept of "small sport diesel" exists in the European market, it...  Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right. General Motors is teetering ever closer to the brink of bankruptcy today, as the automaker's exchange offer for its outstanding debt fell "substantially" short of the necessary take-rate.
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| Enter the rumormill: New diesel engine for the Fiat 500 in the works
May 27, 2009 at 9:29 am
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| The Fiat 500 is currently offered in Europe with two gasoline engines and just one diesel. Since the concept of "small sport diesel" exists in the European market, it doesn't come as a real surprise that Fiat seems to be working on a sportier version of the 1.  To go along with the Mini 50 Camden and Mini 50 Mayfair, spotted at the Mini United gathering this weekend was a British Racing Green treat: the Mini JCW World Championship 50.  Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400 - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400 has been rumored for months and its finally ready for its close-up before sales begin in the UK this June. The 2016 CAFE standards of 35.5 MPG will almost certainly punish performance cars. Did you know that the 2010 Toyota Prius only manages to wring 134 HP out of its 50 MPG? Look at it this way.  Audi Q7 V12 TDI - Click above for a high res gallery Last year, Audi announced the most insane version of its Q7 SUV yet in the form of the Q7 V12 TDI. The V12 is an all-new diesel engine that...
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| eBay Find of the Day: First Tazzari ZERO in America
May 27, 2009 at 9:19 am
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| Tezzari Zero - Click above for a high-res image gallery Interested in the chance to purchase the very first Tazzari ZERO sold in America? Good news then, you're free to bid on it on eBay. In addition to the actual electric car itself, included in the winning bid will also be a plane ticket for you and the guest(s) of your choice to New York City for a special event where you'll be handed the keys to your new ZERO by IndyCar racer Nelson Phillippe. Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right.  Elderton GTS Shiraz – Click above for high-res image gallery Fiat recently released a selection of branded wines for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, now it's the Aussies' turn.  The 24 Hours of LeMons Penalty Pit - Click above for a high-res image gallery Want to win LeMons? This isn't the ticket. But it will give you a glimpse into what awaits you in the B. Hey look, another new Renault-Nissan partnership to promote EVs. Today, a new alliance with Europcar was announced that will make electric vehicles available for customer rentals starting in 2010.
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| Bond holders snub GM, bankruptcy likely:
May 27, 2009 at 9:15 am
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|  Nowhere near enough General Motors bond holders agreed to exchange their debt for stock before a deadline at midnight Tuesday, making a bankruptcy filing by the automaker highly likely. GM had set a threshold of 90 percent of the $27 billion in bond debt it wanted to exchange for 10 percent of the stock in a reorganized company in order for the deal to take place. In a statement Wednesday, GM said the amount of notes tendered was substantially less than the 90 percent target. General Motors is teetering ever closer to the brink of bankruptcy today, as the automaker's exchange offer for its outstanding debt fell "substantially" short of the necessary take-rate.  General Motors, the global automaking giant that traces its history to the horse-and-buggy era, appears likely to reach another milestone in the next week, but not one that anyone is likely to celebrate.  Today is the day says Andrew, "We will start general assembly build, what that means is the body in white comes out of the body shop and is positioned at the beginning of this pre-production assembly line over at the Warren Tech center.  As the bidding to take over over the Saturn brand from General Motors nears its conclusion, it looks increasingly likely that Roger Penske will walk away with the "prize.
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| Microsoft CEO gets car with 1 millionth Sync system:
May 27, 2009 at 9:11 am
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| It's taken a little more than two years for Ford to build 1 million vehicles with the Sync entertainment and communications system, and it marked the milestone by having Ford CEO Alan Mulally deliver a Ford Fusion hybrid with the 1 millionth system to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. It also let Mulally, a former Boeing executive, make a return visit to Seattle, which former hometown which is also home to the Microsoft headquarters.  A woeful sales environment and the financial struggles of General Motors and Chrysler will set the auto sales hierarchy on end in 2009. At least that's how IHS Global Insight sees things.  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...  Nascar: Tony Stewart won his first race as a team owner on Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Too bad it was in the non-points paying All-Star event. Nevertheless Stewart...  2009 Infiniti QX56 The 2010 Infiniti QX56 is already in showrooms, and the upscale Japanese brand says the pricetag starts from about $56,050. Not much has changed for the new model year with the QX.
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| Mazda MX-5 to celebrate 20th birthday at Le Mans
May 27, 2009 at 9:05 am
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| Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right. The roadster known as the Miata and MX-5 at different times and places around the world is 20 years old and to celebrate, Mazda has invited 200 examples and their owners from across Europe to a party in France next month at the 24 Hours of LeMans. Elderton GTS Shiraz – Click above for high-res image gallery Fiat recently released a selection of branded wines for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, now it's the Aussies' turn. The 24 Hours of LeMons Penalty Pit - Click above for a high-res image gallery Want to win LeMons? This isn't the ticket. But it will give you a glimpse into what awaits you in the B.  2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery According to a puzzling report from L'Automobile Magazine in France, Mercedes-Benz plans... Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400 - Click above for a high-res image gallery The Mitsubishi Evolution X FQ400 has been rumored for months and its finally ready for its close-up before sales begin in the UK this June.
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| BREAKING: GM lurches toward bankruptcy as bondholder offer fails
May 27, 2009 at 8:59 am
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| General Motors is teetering ever closer to the brink of bankruptcy today, as the automaker's exchange offer for its outstanding debt fell "substantially" short of the necessary take-rate. GM had offered some $27. General Motors, the global automaking giant that traces its history to the horse-and-buggy era, appears likely to reach another milestone in the next week, but not one that anyone is likely to celebrate.  Toyota supposedly wishes to offer GM the technology that underlies the Prius and other Toyota vehicles should GM go into bankruptcy. The intellectual property under... The President told the reporter he wanted the government to get out of the automotive business as soon as possible, and said the government would help any auto workers who lost their job to be effectively retrained.  According to The Washington Post, the White House is readying General Motors for a bankruptcy filing that could come as early as the end of next week. According to the paper...
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| GM filing would be risky, but looks likely
May 27, 2009 at 8:42 am
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| General Motors, the global automaking giant that traces its history to the horse-and-buggy era, appears likely to reach another milestone in the next week, but not one that anyone is likely to celebrate. GM announced early Wednesday that only a small number of the holders of its $27 billion in bonds have agreed to swap that unsecured debt for 10 percent of stock in a recapitalized GM, increasing the likelihood it will file for bankruptcy. General Motors is teetering ever closer to the brink of bankruptcy today, as the automaker's exchange offer for its outstanding debt fell "substantially" short of the necessary take-rate. Nowhere near enough General Motors bond holders agreed to exchange their debt for stock before a deadline at midnight Tuesday, making a bankruptcy filing by the automaker highly likely. As the bidding to take over over the Saturn brand from General Motors nears its conclusion, it looks increasingly likely that Roger Penske will walk away with the "prize.  MILWAUKEE - The clock is ticking on a June 1 deadline for General Motors Corp. to restructure, and this make-or-break week is expected to bring more plant closures, employee concessions and other last-minute efforts.
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| Isle of Man official: TTXGP will run as scheduled
May 27, 2009 at 8:24 am
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|  Motoczysz E1 - Click above for a gallery of expected TTXGP entrants
Click above and scroll down to watch the video We thought that we had pretty much seen the bike that Mission Motors is sending to the Isle of Man for the TTXGP when it was photographed testing at Infineon Raceway.  The 93rd running of the Indianapolis 500 will take place tomorrow at noon. ABC will provide the usual live coverage, and viewers will watch to see if pole-sitter Helio Castroneves manages to do his Spider-Man thing at the race's conclusion.  Yesterday, Brammo CEO, Craig Bramscher tweeted that bike #1, meaning their TTXGP entry, the Enertia TTR, was ready for the shipping crate and then went on to mysteriously mention a #2.
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| Vintage Racing: Neil Ashmead GTS shiraz has a spot in our garage wine rack anytime
May 27, 2009 at 8:19 am
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| Elderton GTS Shiraz – Click above for high-res image gallery Fiat recently released a selection of branded wines for Fiat, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo, now it's the Aussies' turn. But whereas the Fiat wines were about marketing, the Elderton 2008 Grand Tourer Shiraz is a tribute to Neil Ashmead, Elderton wineries' late owner. The wife and sons of the vintner, who passed away 12 years ago, commissioned Fuller to create a label to celebrate the man, his winery, and his passion for the Holden Monaro GTS. Only a short drive from the Superformance company headquarters, the road opened up: five lanes wide, fields on either side, clear vision and no traffic. "Go ahead, open it up... Tezzari Zero - Click above for a high-res image gallery Interested in the chance to purchase the very first Tazzari ZERO sold in America? Good news then, you're free to bid on it on eBay. The Fiat 500 is currently offered in Europe with two gasoline engines and just one diesel. Since the concept of "small sport diesel" exists in the European market, it... Mazda MX-5's 20th Anniversary at LeMans - Click above for a high-res image gallery It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Mazda first showed the world how to build a classic British sports car right.
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