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AutoblogGreen for 07.09.08 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green 
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While the first glimpse of the production version of the Chevy Volt should be coming this fall, we might get an action-packed view of the car in the Transformers sequel. In news that's a bit more down-to-earth, we also hear that the Volt's range (and gas tank size) might be downsized. In more positive news, T. Boone Pickens unveils "The Plan" and Popular Mechanics will finally and forever (we hope) debunk the "run your car on water" myth.
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Super Aguri assets to be auctioned Filed under: Motorsports, Auction Action, Japan 
Click above for a gallery illustrating what's on the block from Super Aguri.
In the fast-paced world of Formula One, teams come and go. Only most of the time, they're just changing names and management (in fact, Ferrari and Williams are the only teams still on the grid that were founded under the same name and same ownership as they remain today). So Jordan Grand Prix, for a most vivid example, became Midland F1 Racing in 2006, then Spyker in 2007 before its metamorphosis into Force India for 2008. Super Aguri was another story. Founded by former racing driver Aguri Suzuki, the team was the first in years to actually put up the bond necessary to start a completely new entry. Unfortunately, the uniquely Japanese-named team never had the money it needed to succeed, and after a little over two years, the team folded. But not before millions upon millions were spent on cars, equipment and everything else.
So what happened to all that stuff? Well, after Super Aguri went into bankruptcy administration earlier this year, the team's remaining assets are to be liquidated by British auction house SHM Smith Hodgkinson at the end of this month. Among the assets up on the block will be a dozen F1 racing cars, a fleet of transporter trucks and four autoclaves. So if you're looking to buy yourself the remains of an F1 team, this could be your chance.
[Source: SAF1-auction.com via autosport, Photos: Getty]
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GM shrinks Volt's gas tank, range drops from 600 to 360 miles Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Chevrolet, GM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Volt concept.
One of the many things General Motors boasted about when it unveiled the Volt concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 was its 600-mile range. This was achieved partially by the battery pack, which could sustain a (theoretical) charge allowing the Volt to run for 40 miles without reverting to the gasoline engine/generator, as well as a 12-gallon fuel tank. According to Kicking Tires, GM has shrunk the size of the tank by an unknown quantity and the result is a reduction in range from 600 to 400 miles - or 360 miles without the aid of auxiliary (read: grid-provided) power.
The General maintains that since most owners don't travel more than 40 miles in one day, it wasn't necessary to fit the Volt with a larger tank. That reduction in capacity will save some weight, but what will it cost in public perception? The hype surrounding GM's supposed savior and game-changer are based on two figures: range and cost. If GM can deliver on both counts, they might have a hit on their hands. If not, the Volt will be DOA the day it hits dealers.
[Source: KickingTires] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Feds' new crash-test program to go into effect in 2010 Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Safety 
Click above to view video of the 2008 smart fortwo crash test
Each year, it seems as if more and more new models are able to ace both the IIHS' and the government's crash-test ratings. In fact, according to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, 97-percent of all new cars available today earn the highest four or five-star ratings from NHTSA. These all-too-similar ratings makes it rather difficult for consumers to make a choice based solely on passenger safety, so the Fed's have decided to take another stab at the current rating system, which was introduced way back in 1979. Though still based on a five-star ranking, the revised 2010 ratings will include additional front-end tests and a new side-impact test meant to mimic the impact of a vehicle that collides with a tree or pole. Also new for the '10 model year is an overall rating meant to make comparisons easier between competing vehicles. More changes are possible for 2012, as NHTSA is still considering whether to make electronic nannies like stability control mandatory.
[Source: The Detroit News] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
First (hopefully last) images: Cosworth/Kahn Range Rover Sport Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Etc., Land Rover 
Here's the four wheeled bearded lady of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, courtesy of Kahn Design and (God help us) Cosworth. To us, spending tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle, then affixing a bodykit to it that would make an '88 Grand Am sneer seems a bit nonsensical. Then again, being of means doesn't always translate into having sense. As if that wasn't enough, even Cosworth hasn't coaxed much out of this abomination. The 3.6-liter diesel V8 gets an extra 30 horsepower, for an even 300. We're not likely to see that powertrain in US-bound Range Rovers any time soon, but it'd be a lot easier to stomach if it were wrapped in the Sport's sheetmetal. We can only hope that this kit isn't glued on that well - from the looks of that front bumper, it's not - and we're guessing that it ends up as tire fodder on the Earl's driveway.
[Source: AutoTrader UK]
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BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008 Filed under: Car Buying, BMW, Earnings/Financials, By the Numbers  Demonstrating that there is good news still to be found in some sales departments, BMW Group announced their worldwide January through June 2008 sales for BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands increased 4.7 percent compared to last year. The sales total of 764,874 automobiles marked the most successful half-year of sales in the history of BMW Group. All three brands contributed to the sales increase, in varying capacities. BMW sales grew 2.4 percent, thanks to the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series Cabrio, while MINI sales were boosted 17.9 percent as the MINI Clubman rolled into showrooms. Most impressive was Rolls-Royce, boasting a 68.4 percent increase in sales compared to last year. The only segment where BMW Group was unable to maintain sales levels was with its motorcycles, as sales fell 5.6 percent compared to last year.
[Source: BMW Group] Continue reading BMW reports best-ever sales first half-year of 2008 Permalink | Email this | Comments
Enthusiast's tractor brings Porsche back to its roots Filed under: Commercial Trucks, Porsche, Special/Limited Editions 
What do Porsche and Lamborghini have in common? Well, a lot. To begin with, both make highly desirable sports cars, and after the former bought Volkswagen, which in turn had bought the latter, both are now under common ownership. Both have produced insanely powerful sport-utilities and both have built tractors. Lamborghini started out making tractors before Ferruccio's infamous run-in with Enzo Ferrari, after which he started making sportscars. The rest, as they say, is history. Porsche, on the other hand, started out in the opposite direction, producing sportscars before eventually moving on to sport-utes. But back in the 1950's, Porsche made a series of tractors as well. Now one enthusiast has brought it around full swing with this unique Porsche tractor.
The machine started out as a 14.5hp Partner lawn mower before its owner went to town, taking apart the engine and painting it yellow, fitting a custom stainless-steel exhaust, a fire extinguisher and a tachometer crafted from a 911 oil filter, then painting the body "Grand Prix Weiss" with "Idischrot" red accents. The result? Well, it won't be setting any Nürburgring lap records, but we'd be happy to see it face off against an old Porsche Diesel Super tractor to see which could mow The Green Hell fastest.
[Source: The Car Connection] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Bentley to release Continential Flying Spur Speed at British Int'l Motor Show Filed under: Sports/GTs, Bentley, Misc. Auto Shows 
Click above for a high-res gallery.
Big, blocky, heavy, low - whatever. The one and only phrase you need to remember is "hellaciously fast." Bentley's Continental Flying Spur Speed, officially announced in June, is pretty much what it'd be like to strap an EMD powertrain from a freight locomotive into a car, without all the noise and industrial fumes. Set off by subtle cues, the Flying Spur Speed turns the burner up on the already hot Flying Spur, boosting horsepower out of the twelve cylinder powerplant to an even 600 hp from 552 hp. It's enough to hurtle this elegant block of English-cum-Germanic automobile to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, and filthy automotive types will be able to crawl all over this fine automobile at the British International Motor Show. In a mere 15 days, the special brightwork, rifled exhaust tips, and smooth as glass paint will be littered with fingerprints once the show opens to the public July 23rd at the ExCel London. Pardon us while we scour the intertubes for cheap airfare. Press release after the jump.
[Source: Bentley]
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Buzz Hargrove will step down early Filed under: Etc., UAW/Unions, Canada  Buzz Hargrove, president of the Canadian Auto Workers, Canada's largest in the private sector, will step down earlier than anticipated. Hargrove wasn't expected to retire until he reached the CAW's mandatory age of 65 next year. It's tough to resist the allure of cuddling with Yorkies, Bingo every Monday night, and shuffleboard to fill in those long, wistful hours recalling the glory days of torquing valve covers in Windsor, so Hargrove has accelerated his departure to mid-September. No replacement candidate has been named yet, though an endorsee will be announced later today. Come this fall, keep an eye out on the golf courses of Florida for a relaxed looking guy drinking a Molson, eh?
[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req, Photo: media.canada.com] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Chevy Volt to make an appearance in Transformers sequel? Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet 
Just how important is the Chevy Volt for ailing General Motors? Obviously, that's a rhetorical as GM is making it out to be the second coming of the horseless carriage. The money being invested into the latest battery technology and the sophisticated platform which carries it proves that the General is placing massive wager on plug-in electric cars. And you can bet that it will be hyping the Hell out of them too. We already reported on the fact that the Volt will be a centerpiece of General Motor's upcoming Centennial celebration, and now we hear that the production Volt could join GM's other upcoming gas-saver, the Chevy Beat, by making an appearance in the highly anticipated Transformers sequel.
Die-hard Camaro fans have been anxiously awaiting its formal introduction since it strutted its stuff in concept form in the first installment of Transformers. Thankfully for Volt aficionados, along with just about anyone else looking to save a few bucks on their fuel bills, we shouldn't need to wait nearly as long after its big-screen debut for a shot at driving off the showroom floor in a shiny new electric car, assuming the Volt actually arrives on schedule for its 2010 launch.
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
GM, Ford doing well in China, despite slow sales at home Filed under: China, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials, By the Numbers 
While domestic sales continue to slide, the auto market in China is thriving. Both General Motors and Ford have reported double-digit sales growth for the first-half of 2008 in the world's most populace country, with GM moving 590,126 Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac vehicles for a total sales increase of 12.7 percent, while Ford sold 172,411 units for 21 percent jump in growth. With China recognized as the second-largest vehicle market outside the United States, and with their economy forecasted to grow by at least nine percent this year, automakers in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. are investing heavily to expand sales and production in the Chinese market. It is worth noting that vehicle sales in China have been nearly immune to the increase in global oil prices as governmental controls keep diesel and gasoline prices among the world's lowest.
[Source: Detroit News] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volkswagen releases three concepts... from 2028 Filed under: Concept Cars, Time Warp, Green, Volkswagen 
Click the above image of the Ego for more shots of VW's 2028 concepts
For years, Inquiring minds have been imagining what the world will look like in the not-too-distant future, and, as you're no doubt aware, our brains have a knack for envisioning more than our feeble hands can produce. That appears to be the case with Volkswagen and its look 20 years into the future of the automobile. So, with that in mind, what does VeeDub see as the future of transportation in twenty years? To begin with, customizable cars which can be summoned up in just minutes. Traveling alone? Choose the One, a single-seater, for the smallest footprint possible. Want to have some fun? Choose the aptly named Ego, a sporty two passenger coupe with an instant custom flame job. If you need to haul the whole clan, the future's family truckster VW Room needs no driver, leaving you with plenty of quality time with the kids.
Volkswagen envisions vehicles which communicate with each other, meaning that driver involvement is kept to a minimum, traffic is a thing of the past and accidents are completely avoided. Of course, no vision of the future would be complete without the elimination of fossil fuels, and VW sees to it that biofuels and electricity power the cars of the future. Interestingly, the not-so-futuristic up! concept is used as the starting point for the German automaker's future designs. Head on over to the micro-site for more.
[Source: Volkswagen 2028] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case Filed under: Green, Porsche, UK 
London motorists can rejoice after a planned £25 daily congestion charge was lifted by a signature of consent order by an administrative court in London. Porsche was a major voice against the charge, and the German automaker went full-tilt in the courts to throw out former mayor Ken Livingstone's hefty tax. The proposed tax likely didn't do much good for Livingsone's re-election campaign, which he lost to Boris Johnson in May, who campaigned against the charge.
As the victor in the case, Porsche will receive a six-figure lump sum to pay its legal bills, but the German automaker isn't interested in the money. The money will be donated to UK-based Skidz, which teaches at-risk kids to be automotive mechanics. Mayor Johnson will now work to introduce a 'fairer and more effective' congestion charge. Hit the jump for a bit of Porsche gloating in press release form.
[Source: Autoblog Green]Continue reading Porsche claims victory in London congestion charge case Permalink | Email this | Comments
The Stig climbs aboard Batman's Tumbler Filed under: Celebrities UPDATE: This picture was actually shot when Batman Begins was released -- in 2005. So don't expect to see the Stig doing his thing in the Tumbler anytime soon. Check out the rest of the pics at Flickr; we're off to drown our disappointment in a pint.
We don't have any details on when this happened or if when Top Gear will air the man in white piloting Batman's meanest machine. But with the Tumbler making its recent appearance at the British GP with Toyota, was there any doubt that something like this was going to go down? We're taking bets about what kind of time the Tumbler is going to set around the TG test track. Check out the current Power Lap times and make your own predictions in the comments below.
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MINI dealers to sell Alfa Romeos in the U.S. Filed under: Car Buying, MINI, Alfa Romeo 
As reported earlier, BMW and Fiat will be teaming up on a new front-wheel-drive, small car platform that will underpin the next MINI and future Fiats and Alfa Romeos. Now comes word from Automotive News that the partnership will also include the two automakers collaborating on Alfa Romeo's return to the States in 2010 and the introduction of a new model, code-named "project 940."
Fiat's statement included the line, "as part of a possible cooperation, BMW Group will provide Fiat Group Automobiles with support in launching the Alfa Romeo brand in the North American market." Furthermore, a Fiat spokesperson told AN, "MINI U.S. dealers would have the possibility to also sell Alfa Romeo cars."
Alfa's return to the U.S. has been compared to the resurrection of MINI a few years back, and if Fiat can use the same nostalgia-laced branding, innovative ad campaigns and funky dealer experience, it will have a serious chance at success in the U.S. market.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: BMW 335d caught ahead of U.S. launch this fall Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, BMW 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.
KPG's crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don't expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.
The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.
Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW's "Advance Diesel with BluePerformance," - with the "Blue" referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.
[Source: KGP] Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: 600 hp Veritas RS III officially revealed Filed under: Supercars 
Click above for a gallery of the Veritas RSIII.
Vermot AG, the company behind the production version of the Veritas RS III, has finally released the official details on its revival of the iconic German racer from the '40s. The Veritas RS III will tip the scales at just under 2,400 pounds and is made up of a tubular frame and a carbon/Kevlar body. Although Vermot designed the RS III as a race car for the modern age, it doesn't use any of the electronic aids found on other track-day rides - ABS and stability control aren't available.
What is available is a choice of two drivetrains: a BMW-sourced, 600 hp 5.0-liter V10 mated to a sequential transmission or a 480 hp, 5.0-liter V8 equipped with a manual gearbox. Vermot estimates that the V10 will run to 62 in 3.2 seconds, while the V8 can do the deed in 3.6 seconds. Top speed is predicted at 215 mph and 204 mph, respectively.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but with an independent suspension, Ohlins shocks, TRW Racing 6-pot brakes, Brabham wheels sized 20x10.5 in front and 20x12.5 in the rear, don't expect it to come cheap.
And remember those pics of the Veritas RS II concept running the 'Ring? You can see the fruits of their cinematic labor after the jump, along with the official press release.
[Source: Vermot via WCF]Continue reading VIDEO: 600 hp Veritas RS III officially revealed Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Pursuit Vehicle: Overfinch unveils tricked out Range Rover Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, SUVs, Land Rover, UK 
Click for hi-res gallery of Overfinch's RR Country PursuitsTake a ride through Los Angeles and you very well might see a Range Rover with a gun rack, but even with those giant spinners it won't be as pimpin' as Overfinch's Range Rover Country Pursuits Concept. Although labeled as a concept vehicle, the Overfinch Country Pursuits is available for order for a cost-no-object $287,000.
 The show car unveiled at the London Salon Privé appeared resplendent in Aubergine purple with custom bodykit, including custom front and rear bumpers, side skirts, roof spoiler and exhaust tips. Inside it's all posh in Light Avocado and Cordovan leather with Olive Ash wood trim, plus a specially-crafted gun compartment complete with three sliding drawers for a removable gun case, ammo, and -- just to round things out -- a crystal stemware set. But just in case you thought it was all show, Overfinch has tuned the 4.2-liter supercharged V8 from 396hp all the way up to 470, along with fitting Brembo brakes with silver branded calipers and a special on-the-fly adjustable suspension. We know this is targeted as the ultimate hunting accessory, but frankly we're not sure who would be buying such a vehicle, nor are we sure we'd want to meet him.
[Source: CarScoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
HItting $2,500 difficult for Tata's Nano as steel prices rise Filed under: Economy, India, Tata 
The Tata Nano exudes frugality, and when you're trying to build a capable vehicle for a paltry $2,500, that's not exactly unexpected. Unfortunately for the Indian automaker, the quickly rising cost of steel may thwart plans to hit the magic price-point. The price of steel has risen by 50 percent in less than a year, and even though the little Nano is only 1,300 lbs, when you're making an econobox on the mega-cheap, every penny counts. Like US automakers have done in the past, Tata is looking to its suppliers to shoulder some of the financial burden. Amazingly, the suppliers are okay with that, provided that Tata does its share.
Even with concessions from suppliers, it's still up in the air as to whether Tata will achieve its lofty target. It appears using a nice round price as a selling point for a vehicle that's a year away wasn't such a good idea after all.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
BMW and Fiat teaming up for new small car platform Filed under: Euro, BMW, MINI, FIAT, Rumormill 
Fiat wants to become the platform-sharing kings of Europe, and with deals with Tata, Suzuki, Ford, and PSA, the Italian automaker is well on its way. Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne told Automotive News Europe that another cooperation would be announced tomorrow, but details were scarce. Suppliers in the know are saying that a new deal is imminent to share the next generation Punto platform with BMW. The platform would be used to underpin the third generation MINI, which would help keep BMW engineers out of the FWD business and cut costs for Fiat at the same time. Fiat has been trying to produce a competitor to the popular MINI Cooper, and now it appears the Italian automaker will be working with an even playing field when it comes to platforms.
[Source: Reuters] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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