Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Porsche Panamera still ugly]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/spy-shots-porsche-panamera-still-ugly/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/spy-shots-porsche-panamera-still-ugly/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/spy-shots-porsche-panamera-still-ugly/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

More spy shots of the Porsche Panamera have emerged, and in addition to wearing almost no camo, it is missing one other thing: any hint of beauty, anywhere. In fact, we can now definitively say that Porsche has one of the world's greatest ever surprises up its sleeve: the company either has a titanic makeover regimen planned for the car that will turn it into something attractive, or Porsche plans to release a truly regrettable looking vehicle.

Looking like a slammed Cayenne with a fastback and front fender vents, the Panamera is caught from several angles. In our opinion, the only nice angle is the front, because you don't have to see the rest of it. Having said that, we don't doubt the car -- even if it looks like the one pictured -- will find buyers. It is a 4-door Porsche that will sport better MPG than the Cayenne, after all. But Porsche, there's still time to make the car look like this. Please, think about it. Because if it's between this car or an A7 or Rapide? Well, um... don't wait by the phone is all we're saying... Thanks for the tip, Ross!

[Source: Global Motors]

 

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]]>4-door coupe4-door sports car4-doorCoupe4-doorSportsCarpanamerapanamera spy shotsPanameraSpyShotsporscheporsche panameraporsche spy shotsPorschePanameraPorscheSpyShotssedansedansspy shotsSpyShots2008-08-21T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Cobb Tuning gives the GT-R a serious bump in power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Cobb Tuning has re-engineered its AccessPort control unit for the new R35 Nissan GT-R. For those of you lucky enough to own a GT-R and not content with its performance out of the box, the $995 AccessPort will reflash the ECU to any one of six different tuning levels.

There are three levels each for Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 can get you up to 63 additional ponies and 70 lb.-ft. of additional twist, while Stage 2 can boost the numbers by 70 and 90 respectively. The AccessPort can also save your stock ECU data and reflash it when you decide you're finished with all that extra gumption. According to a GT-R owner who tried it out, you can be blowing past all those regular GT-Rs in less than an hour.

And that's not all: you can store multiple engine mapping programs, remove trouble codes, install reduced-power valet and economy modes, and update maps over the Internet. It seems like a ridiculously easy proposition for making your supercar that much more super. So if you got one of those GT-Rs that are a little low on horses, this could be just the ticket.

[Source: Bespoke Ventures]

 

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]]>accessportcobbcobb accessportcobb motorsportcobb tuningCobbAccessportCobbMotorsportCobbTuninggt-rnissannissan gt-rNissanGt-rtunertunerstuning2008-08-21T16:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Katech unveils track-oriented Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ClubSport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/katech-unveils-track-oriented-chevrolet-corvette-z06-clubsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/katech-unveils-track-oriented-chevrolet-corvette-z06-clubsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/katech-unveils-track-oriented-chevrolet-corvette-z06-clubsport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high resolution image

An American supercar with lightweight components, sport suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, aerodynamic body kit, and menacing black wheels. No, we're not talking about the Dodge Viper ACR. It's Katech's new ClubSport package for the Corvette Z06. The Detroit-based company has the credentials to build a 'Vette for the track. After all, it's responsible for building the race engines that go into the Le Mans-winning Corvette C6R race cars and the SCCA SPEED World Challenge cars. For the ClubSport, Katech adds a 14-inch, six-piston Brembo brake system, Moton ClubSport suspension, 15-spoke wheels, sticky Michelin tires, Katech appearance package, carbon fiber air intake, lightweight exhaust system and more. Also on the options list are leather race seats, A/C and radio delete, roll bar, and six-point harnesses. Add one of Katech's fully built motors, and the ClubSport will surely put down some pretty impressive numbers at the track. Full details on the ClubSport can be found in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Katech via CorvetteForum.com]

Continue reading Katech unveils track-oriented Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ClubSport

 

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]]>ChevroletChevrolet Corvette Z06ChevroletCorvetteZ06KatechKatech Corvette Z06 ClubSportKatechCorvetteZ06Clubsport2008-08-19T17:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[C4 Corvette ZR-1s gather for the coming out of their successors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/c4-corvette-zr-1s-gather-for-the-coming-out-of-their-successors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/c4-corvette-zr-1s-gather-for-the-coming-out-of-their-successors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/c4-corvette-zr-1s-gather-for-the-coming-out-of-their-successors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the DR-1 above for a high-res gallery of the C4 ZR-1

At the coming out party for the new ZR1 Corvette last week at Milford Proving Grounds, General Motors decided to bring out a handful of ZR-1s (note the dash to distinguish it from the new model) from the first go around in the early '90s to remind us all of how far things have progressed in the past 18 years. The original ZR-1 was built from 1990-95 and, as with the new model, its engine was the heart of the car. In the late '80s when the ZR-1 was conceived, GM owned Lotus. The British sports car specialist designed the LT5 V8 specifically for the ZR-1. Aside from sharing bore spacing with the regular small-block, they had nothing else in common. The LT5 was an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, 32 valve V8. At the time of its introduction, the motor had an output of 375 hp (eventually bumped to 405 hp in the last couple years of production), which was huge for the day, though tame by today's standards.

Unfortunately, the C4 Corvette wasn't a great car to start with. Even with the beefed up sills that were added to to the convertible, the C4 wasn't particularly rigid. The car rode hard and the huge clam-shell hood quivered constantly on anything but glass smooth pavement. While the expensive ZR-1 never sold in huge numbers, it did spawn some interesting derivatives that GM keeps in its Heritage Collection. Among the ones brought to Milford were one of the active suspension prototypes. These used a fully active hydraulic suspension system with no springs, but the hydraulics reportedly consumed upwards of 40 hp. One unique car from the collection is the DR-1 (above). This was the only ZR-1 convertible ever built and was produced for Don Runkle (hence the DR), who at the time was chief engineer at Chevrolet. The other three cars were stock ZR-1s of various vintages.

Check back here at 12:01 AM EST for our First Drive of the new Corvette ZR1.

Gallery: Corvette C4 ZR-1


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

 

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]]>corvette zr-1corvette zr1corvette zr1 picturesCorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr1CorvetteZr1Pictures2008-08-19T14:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[SEMA Preview: Rossi 66 melds Corvette C2 looks with C6 hardware]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/sema-preview-rossi-66-melds-corvette-c2-looks-with-c6-hardware/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/sema-preview-rossi-66-melds-corvette-c2-looks-with-c6-hardware/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/sema-preview-rossi-66-melds-corvette-c2-looks-with-c6-hardware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image to enlarge and view another angle of the Rossi 66

There is a trend in the works that takes a modern Corvette chassis, jettisons the stock fiberglass bodywork and adds a new shell that mimics the look of an older, classic 'Vette. We have seen Classic Reflection Coachworks' take on the '62 'vert with C5 underpinnings, and now a company by the name of Blue Fusion has tackled the iconic split window. One problem: their press release continually refers to the 1966 split window, which doesn't exist as the only year the two-piece rear glass was produced was '63. But, let's not let silly little things like facts get in the way. The resultant Rossi 66 cribs the workings of a modern C6 Corvette and adds a unique Sting Ray look.

Blue Fusion plans to debut its Rossi 66 at the upcoming SEMA event in November, assuming that the company is able to find the funding it needs to actually produce its first car. So far, all we have to look at are the renderings below, though we can clearly see that the '66 '63 body looks much better grafted onto a modern platform than the '62 does. We'll see if it makes an appearance in Sin City later this year.

Gallery: Blue Fusion Rossi 66


[Source: Blue Fusion via Jalopnik]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Rossi 66 melds Corvette C2 looks with C6 hardware

 

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]]>blue fusionblue fusion rossi 66BlueFusionBlueFusionRossi66c2 corvetteC2Corvettec6 corvetteC6Corvettecorvettecorvette c6corvette rebodycorvette sting raycorvette stingrayCorvetteC6CorvetteRebodyCorvetteStingrayrossi 66Rossi66sema2008-08-19T14:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Lamborghini featured at Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/monterey-2008-lamborghini-featured-at-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/monterey-2008-lamborghini-featured-at-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/monterey-2008-lamborghini-featured-at-pebble-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the featured Lamborghinis at Pebble

While Pebble Beach is perhaps best known as a place to honor classic American and European cars, sports cars have always held a special place in the hearts of the Concours committee and judges. With 45 years under its belt, Lamborghini is certainly deserving of a special place on both counts. As a featured marque here at Pebble, Lamborghini was extremely well represented with a selection of exquisite rare examples. Nine vehicles were on display being judged by 40-year test pilot Valentino Balboni among others.


The lineup of seldom-seen Lambos included the earliest known Lamborghini 350GT, the earliest known Miura, the earliest Miura SV, the Miura Roadster fresh from a yearlong restoration that swapped its army green paint for the correct blue metalflake, a 350GTS, 350GTZ by Zagato, an early LP400 Countach, and three one-off concepts - the 1990 P140, 1996 Raptor, and the Gallardo Concept S. A truly spectacular selection of models representing the fabled Italian marque. Check out the gallery below and follow the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Lamborghini at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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]]>montereymonterey 2008Monterey2008pebble beachpebble beach 2008pebble beach concourspebble beach concours delegancepebble beach week 2008PebbleBeachPebbleBeach2008PebbleBeachConcoursPebbleBeachConcoursDelegancePebbleBeachWeek20082008-08-19T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach celebrates California Spyder's 50th]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-celebrates-california-spyders-50th/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-celebrates-california-spyders-50th/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-celebrates-california-spyders-50th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image above for high-res gallery of pics of the Ferrari California Spyders

The 250 GT California Spyder is one of Ferrari's most celebrated (and valuable) models, most often remembered by the general public for its starring role in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This year marked the Spyder's 50th anniversary, and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance celebrated the occasion by giving the car its very own class. Six variations of the car were produced, all of which were displayed on the 18th fairway including the original prototype and a competition version that raced at both Sebring and Le Mans. Follow the jump for more information on these amazing cars and enjoy the high resolution gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 50th Anniversary


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach celebrates California Spyder's 50th

 

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]]>ferrari california spiderFerrari California SpyderFerrariCaliforniaSpiderFerrariCaliforniaSpyderpebble beachpebble beach 2008pebble beach concours delegancePebbleBeachPebbleBeach2008PebbleBeachConcoursDelegance2008-08-18T20:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Jetstream SC250: the <strike>poor</strike> blind man's Atom/X-Bow/Elise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/jetstream-sc250-the-strike-poor-strike-blind-mans-atom-x-bo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/jetstream-sc250-the-strike-poor-strike-blind-mans-atom-x-bo/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/jetstream-sc250-the-strike-poor-strike-blind-mans-atom-x-bo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Another British track tool is going up against the drool-worthy Ariel Atom, KTM X-Bow and the Lotus Elise. The Jetstream SC250 is styled by Brian Rossi, the same man behind the retro-tastic modern Ford Thunderbird, and although it's not exactly pretty, the SC250's wedge-shaped bodywork is sure to produce a good bit of downforce. Sitting over the rear axle is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger cribbed from the euro-only Astra VXR, giving the SC250 the same front/rear weight distribution as the aforementioned Elise. That spells good things for the handling, as do the wide rubber patches at each corner. Reading over the first road test at Autocar and watching the video posted after the break, those who get behind the wheel quickly forget the controversial styling. However, until we get a chance in the cockpit, this one's taking a distinct back-seat to the Atom.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Jetstream SC250: the poor blind man's Atom/X-Bow/Elise

 

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]]>jetstreamjetstream sc250jetstream sports carjetstream sportscarJetstreamSc250JetstreamSportsCar2008-08-18T17:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Jaguar XKR-S won't be coming to the States]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/jaguar-xkr-s-wont-be-coming-to-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/jaguar-xkr-s-wont-be-coming-to-the-states/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/jaguar-xkr-s-wont-be-coming-to-the-states/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



One of the hottest Jags to roll out of Coventry isn't coming to our shores. The highly-tuned 420-hp Jaguar XKR-S sports coupe features stiffer springs, firmer dampers, thicker anti-roll bars, quickened steering, and lighter forged 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance rubber. Aerodynamic changes, including a new rear spoiler, reduce lift up front by 60 percent, and 17 percent at the rear, while overall drag drops by three percent. The supercharged V8 is unchanged. Limited to a run of just 200 cars, Jaguar North America doesn't feel it can run head-to-head with the likes of tuned Porsches and other sports cars in the States so the automaker is limiting sales to just Germany and Britain. What? You don't think we can handle it?

Gallery: 2008 Jaguar XKR-S

[Source: Autoweek]

 

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]]>Jaguarjaguar xkjaguar xkrJaguar XKR-SJaguarXkJaguarXkrJaguarXkr-stuned jaguarTunedJaguar2008-08-15T13:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[When words are not enough: Maserati GranTurismo S on video]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/when-words-are-not-enough-maserati-granturismo-s-on-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/when-words-are-not-enough-maserati-granturismo-s-on-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/when-words-are-not-enough-maserati-granturismo-s-on-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video

Try as we might, there are just some things that words just cannot express. For automotive enthusiasts like us, those things usually have four wheels and, more often than not, come from Italy. Take the Maserati GranTurismo, which only grew more desirable in our eyes with the addition of the 4.7-liter V8 from the even more luscious Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. We could gladly write all day about its achingly gorgeous lines and impeccable attention to detail, to say nothing of the rip-roaring powertrain, but we just couldn't do it justice. And so we bring you this video, which you can watch after the jump. Enjoy.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S

[Source: Maserati]

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]]>maseratimaserati gran turismomaserati gran turismo smaserati videoMaseratiGranTurismoMaseratiGranTurismoSMaseratiVideovideovideo maserativideo maserati gran turismovideo maserati gran turismo sVideoMaseratiVideoMaseratiGranTurismoVideoMaseratiGranTurismoS2008-08-15T11:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ferrari California enters the world of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/ferrari-california-enters-the-world-of-gran-turismo-5-prologue/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/ferrari-california-enters-the-world-of-gran-turismo-5-prologue/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/ferrari-california-enters-the-world-of-gran-turismo-5-prologue/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With Ferrari's road and race cars taking advantage of the latest emerging technologies, someone inside the marketing department in Maranello has taken the bold initiative to bring the company's PR into the same realm by utilizing popular electronic media. For its latest supercar, the highly-anticipated Ferrari California, the company has been releasing bits and pieces on a dedicated, flash-enhanced website, and the latest installment has just hit cyberspace.

For this episode, Ferrari has teamed up with the wiz-kids at Polyphony Digital who are the brains behind the Gran Turismo franchise. They offer up an adrenaline-pumping virtual reality video of the California racing through the virtual streets of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in the same style as the game's intro. And now that they have the car scanned, it shouldn't be long before you can download the California on your PS3 to drive in the game. We hope. Follow the Source link below, click "virtual test drive" and "play film" to watch the clip. Oh, and clear some time in your schedule, because the video will make you want to play video games all weekend. Enjoy.

[Source: Ferrari]

 

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]]>ferrariferrari californiaferrari california gt5 prologueferrari california videoferrari gt5FerrariCaliforniaFerrariCaliforniaGt5PrologueFerrariCaliforniaVideoFerrariGt52008-08-14T13:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

Alex Roy, currently locked in an M5 with our own Damon Lavric, recently got a video tour of a rather nifty Audi R8 owned by someone who insists he remain nameless. Codenamed Blackbird, the coupe is stuffed with enough gadgets to be a testbed for NASA's shuttle replacement, but don't for a second think the interior resembles a jungle of wires, screens and antennae: all the electronic gear is seamlessly integrated in a most impressive way. A sample of the wares in the blacked out supercar with the gunmetal gray blade include four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, a remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve, and -- get this -- a liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator. Apparently, you don't want to stand by that last item if you wish to have children. Follow the jump for the whole story in moving pictures. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

 

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]]>alex royAlexRoyaudiaudi r8audi r8 blackbirdAudiR8AudiR8Blackbirdblackbirdgadgetsr8 tunerr8 tuningR8TunerR8Tuningtuningvideo2008-08-13T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[First spy shots of Audi R8 Targa surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/first-spy-shots-of-audi-r8-targa-surface/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After more than a year of speculation, and even a leaked sketch, we finally have our first spy shots confirming that Audi is developing an open-air version of its R8 supercar. And just to sweeten the deal, the test mule spied is all but completely undisguised.

While nomenclature has yet to be confirmed - possibly using the Targa, Convertible, Cabrio, Roadster or Spider tags - the shots confirm that the convertible supercar will employ a fabric roof. Power is expected to carry over from the 420-hp FSI V8 coupe, but the presence of wider tailpipes on this test mule indicate that the highly-anticipated V10 is likely to appear in the roadster, as well. The car is expected to make its debut next March at the Geneva Motor Show show in Switzerland.

[Source: NextAutos]

 

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]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 convertibleaudi r8 spideraudi r8 targaAudiR8AudiR8ConvertibleAudiR8SpiderAudiR8Targar82008-08-12T14:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ferrari California spotted in... California, where else?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/ferrari-california-spotted-in-california-where-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/ferrari-california-spotted-in-california-where-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/ferrari-california-spotted-in-california-where-else/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for more of the Ferrari California in San Francisco

This was bound to happen sooner or later, and sooner it is: still over a month before its official public unveiling at the Paris Motor Show in October, the new Ferrari California has been spotted in its element: the streets of San Francisco.

The car was ostensibly there for a promotional photo shoot, but its presence in Northern California this close to Pebble Beach makes us wonder if Ferrari isn't planning an early peek on the putting green in Monterey. Whether at Pebble or Paris, we'll be there to bring you the latest, so stayed tuned. In the meantime check out the (admittedly blurry) photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari California in San Francisco


[Source: Thomas Pix on Flickr via WCF]

 

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]]>californiaferrariferrari californiaferrari california san franciscoferrari california spiedFerrariCaliforniaFerrariCaliforniaSanFranciscoFerrariCaliforniaSpiedsan franciscoSanFrancisco2008-08-12T10:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Prius schmius -- try an Austin-Healey Sprite and 36 mpg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/10/prius-schmius-try-an-austin-healy-sprite-and-36-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/10/prius-schmius-try-an-austin-healy-sprite-and-36-mpg/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/10/prius-schmius-try-an-austin-healy-sprite-and-36-mpg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Of course your wallet hurts every time you have to fill the car up. Nevertheless, in these trying times we must always remember the words of Fernando Lamas: it is better to look good than to feel good. Cars That Matter has put together a list of classic automobiles that get anywhere from 21 to 48 mpg, which means you can look good while you save money.

The heaviest drinker is the Datsun 240Z, just cracking into the twenties. But plenty of cars hover around the 30 mpg mark, like the Lotus Europa, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider, and Fiat X1/9. If you want to crack the big four-oh, you've still got choices: BMW Isetta and Honda S800. And the Crosley Hotshot will get you a miserly 48 mpg.

All right, so there are some niggling issues of practicality -- almost all the cars have only two chairs -- unsuitability for winter, plus many of them are mechanical horrors. As such, we must always remember the words of dear old dad: there are no free lunches. But there are choices, and that has to count for something...

[Source: Cars That Matter, Photo by Liftarn | Creative Commons 2.0]

 

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]]>antique carAntiqueCargasgas mileagegas pricesGasMileageGasPricesmiles per gallonMilesPerGallonmpgvintage carsVintageCars2008-08-10T18:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hertz to auction 25 Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/hertz-to-auction-25-shelby-mustang-gt-h-convertibles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/hertz-to-auction-25-shelby-mustang-gt-h-convertibles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/hertz-to-auction-25-shelby-mustang-gt-h-convertibles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above to enlarge

Are they really "one-of-a-kind," as stated by Kruse on its official auction page, if there are 25 of them going up for auction on the same day? That's not to say getting one of the 500 Hertz Shelby Mustang GT-H Convertibles (sheesh, that's a mouthful!) that were built in 2007 is a bad thing, but nobody really knows if these vehicles will ever really gain in value over more pedestrian versions of Ford's iconic pony car like their forebears have. Rest assured, though, you are not going to be bidding the same $250,000 that collector Ron Pratte paid for serial #001. For reference, the last batch of rent-a-racers that were auctioned off managed about $33K per unit.

The car itself is powered by a 319-horsepower version of Ford's ubiquitous 4.6-liter three-valve V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission -- perfect for the kind of top-down summer cruising that these vehicles are likely to see. If you want one of the 25 going up for auction, they'll be at the Kruse Select Auction in Monterey, CA next week.

[Source: Kruse via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>hertzhertz mustanghertz mustang gt-hhertz mustang gt-h convertibleHertzMustangHertzMustangGt-hHertzMustangGt-hConvertiblekruse auctionskruse internationalKruseAuctionsKruseInternationalmustang gt-hMustangGt-hshelby mustangshelby mustang gt-hShelbyMustangShelbyMustangGt-h2008-08-08T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Porsche No. 1 sets out for Pebble Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/porsche-no-1-sets-out-for-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/porsche-no-1-sets-out-for-pebble-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/porsche-no-1-sets-out-for-pebble-beach/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view Porsche No. 1 in hi-res

If you're a regular Autoblog reader, you'll be familiar with the saga of Porsche's take-over of Volkswagen. But back in the late '40s when Germany lay in post-war shambles with its industry crippled, VW had been re-commissioned by the allies and Porsche was just getting started. Based on the mechanics designed by his father, Dr. Ferdinand Porsche led a team that crafted the very first Porsche, the original 356. That first prototype is still around, known to enthusiasts as Porsche No. 1 and destined to become the centerpiece of the factory's new museum in Zuffenhausen on the outskirts of Stuttgart. To celebrate the company's 60th anniversary, Porsche No. 1 is making the treacherous journey around the world to the United States.

The last time Porsche tried to bring 356-001 over to America, things did not go well. It was ten years ago when the company celebrated its milestone 50th birthday, and the car was badly damaged in Chicago. Long since repaired, Porsche No. 1 is on its way to the Atlanta headquarters of Porsche Cars North America before it makes the transcontinental journey all the way to California for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it's sure to steal the show. Autoblog will be on the links to bring you news and images of its arrival, but in the meantime you can check out the pair of images in the gallery below and details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Porsche No. 1


[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche No. 1 sets out for Pebble Beach

 

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]]>356-001porscheporsche 1porsche 356porsche no. 1Porsche1Porsche356PorscheNo.1the first porscheTheFirstPorsche2008-08-07T14:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Endangered Species: Europe's sportscar makers worried about the future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/endangered-species-europes-sportscar-makers-worried-about-the/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the European Union tightening restrictions on carbon emissions, danger has been spelled out in big bright letters for the sportscar-makers we know and love. The bulk of the world's best supercar manufacturers - including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Aston Martin and Porsche - reside in Europe, but while industry executives continue to campaign for exception and protection, things don't look good. There are, however, a few solutions that could keep the exotic automakers in business and unmolested.

Firstly, both automakers and lawmakers agree on the need to reduce weight, which helps neither emissions nor performance. However, weight reduction itself won't bring the supercars below the 120g/km target touted by the EU. One possible solution would be to give niche automakers an exemption, noting that the few cars they produce are rarely driven anyway. According to Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, exotic automakers like his "are representing Europe to the world" and "are a species to protect", much like an art form. That's something we car lovers can appreciate, and if it strikes a cord with the lawmakers it could help some of the smaller independent automakers like Aston Martin and Lotus, but it won't help the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini, which are part of bigger auto groups Fiat and Volkswagen, respectively. Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has argued that it would be unreasonable to force low-polluting little Fiats like the Panda and the 500 to bear the burden of their more polluting cousins from Ferrari and Maserati simply because they happen to be under common management.

At the end of the day, these exotic sportscars are not the big problem, though they do make easy targets. If European Union bureaucrats ignore the former and focus on the latter, Europe's most famous automakers could be legislated right out of business.

[Source: Reuters]

 

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]]>co2emissionseueuropean sports carseuropean unionEuropeanSportsCarsEuropeanUnionlegislationlow volume emissions exemptionLowVolumeEmissionsExemptionniche automakersNicheAutomakersregulations2008-08-05T19:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[ROUSH and Ford sued for making too many Blackjack Mustangs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/ford-sued-for-making-too-many-roush-black-jack-mustangs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/ford-sued-for-making-too-many-roush-black-jack-mustangs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/ford-sued-for-making-too-many-roush-black-jack-mustangs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click to enlarge

ROUSH announced the Stage3 Blackjack Mustang back in 2006, and in 2007 said it would make 100 of them. New Yorker Drew Conner bought Blackjack number two, spending almost $59,000 for his slice of limited edition Mustang pie. Only the glossy black 'Stang wasn't so limited after all: according to a lawsuit Connor filed in New York, Ford and ROUSH made another 100 Blackjacks in 2008.

Both Ford and ROUSH are named in the suit, and Connor has been joined by "at least 100" other Blackjack buyers. The plaintiffs' complaint is, of course, that the Blackjack's "value from scarcity and as collectors' items were and are dramatically less than the buyers had been led to believe their value would be."

But to make everything all better, the plaintiffs are asking for class action status, a jury trial, and... ahem... more than $12 million. That sounds like a lot, but say there were just 100 plaintiffs, that would be $120,000 per person, and would get them their money back plus a 100-percent premium for being misled... which might sound more reasonable. Or not. For the moment, both Ford and ROUSH have no comment on the litigation. Thanks for the tip, iOrange!

UPDATE: One point of clarification that's been bothering us is why Ford has been included in this lawsuit. All it did was build the Mustangs then sold them to ROUSH, which developed, manufactured and distributed the run of limited-edition Blackjack Mustangs.

[Source: Reuters]

 

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]]>automaker lawsuitsAutomakerLawsuitsblackjackblackjack mustangBlackjackMustangfordlawsuitlawsuitslegallitigationmustangroushroush stage 3roush stage iii must...RoushStage3RoushStageIiiMust...2008-08-05T11:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Bertone considers Detroit office, limited production for BAT 11]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/bertone-considers-detroit-office-limited-production-for-bat-11/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/bertone-considers-detroit-office-limited-production-for-bat-11/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/bertone-considers-detroit-office-limited-production-for-bat-11/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Only months ago Bertone, one of the most famous design houses in Europe, looked like it was about to go under. The company had lost all its contracts, had a big operation to sustain, and went into bankruptcy protection. But like a phoenix from the ashes, Bertone is re-emerging, more streamlined and ready to get back to business. The manufacturing division, heavy with overhead, was stripped away from the styling studio, which is still owned by the Bertone family but operated independently. And its new business development director is keen to get the design house back on track.

Among the steps Bertone is considering is to open up additional field offices away from Italy to get in on the local action. The company is in the process of setting up shop in China, and has its eyes set on India and Detroit next. To mark its resurgence, Bertone is also considering putting the BAT 11 into limited production. The Alfa 8C-based concept car was shown near the Geneva show last March after conflicting reports of its cancellation, and is now headlining the Meadow Brook Concours d'Eleance. The vehicle was originally built as a one-off for our friend Gary Kaberle, but if Bertone can get enough orders in place beforehand, the company would consider a small run of 25-50 examples. In the meantime, it's going to focus on rebuilding its reputation and on the 20 design projects it currently has under way for automakers in Europe and China, as well as shipyards and aerospace companies.

Gallery: Bertone BAT 11 concept

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

 

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]]>bertonebertone alfabertone alfa bat 11bertone alfa romeobertone bat 11bertone detroitbertone officebertone united statesBertoneAlfaBertoneAlfaBat11BertoneAlfaRomeoBertoneBat11BertoneDetroitBertoneOfficeBertoneUnitedStates2008-08-04T18:30:00+00:00