Autoblog

Party's Over: No Chrysler press conference at Detroit Auto Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler

The photo above, from Chrysler's press conference at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, is nothing but things that are no more. The gorgeous 200C EV has evaporated. The gentlemen on the podium, Jim Press and Tom LaSorda, have gone their various ways. And the background is arrayed with ENVI electric cars that are all (most likely) gone, as well as the division that created them. Everything swallowed by waves in Chrysler's Year of the Storm.

This year Chrysler is practically avoiding the hubbub entirely, in that it will have no press conference at next month's Detroit Auto Show. It won't be for lack of cars: they'll have items from all four brands, including some limited-edition models. Chrysler's head of marketing, Olivier Francois, said that after the big event last month to reveal the long-term plan, "We presented our plans and the next step is to present the cars."

Understandably, industry observers seem to think that it's a bad idea for Chrysler to go mum in Detroit. Chrysler's a private company and no outsider knows what the real situation is inside the castle walls. If Chrysler does go for the splash of a press conference, with no new models to show or even talk about they'll be ripe for charges of "All that's great talk now show us the cars!" That makes it sound like a case of being damned either way. But at least they'll be there, unlike Saab...

[Source: The Detroit News]

Party's Over: No Chrysler press conference at Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Citroën C3 Visiodrive advertisement is for swingers

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroen C3 Visiodrive commercial - Click above to watch video

A Citroën commercial without robots or an NRJ radio station soundtrack? We might have thought it impossible, but here it is. Promoting the new C3 hatchbach and its zenith windscreen meant to give you all kinds of panoramic views, the kids take this car on a joyride unlike any you're likely to see outside of a Top Gear episode.

Follow the jump for more information on the C3 and to see the swingin' commercial along with a special "making of" video.

[Source: Citroën via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën C3 Visiodrive advertisement is for swingers

VIDEO: Citroën C3 Visiodrive advertisement is for swingers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATT MB E-Class "a pleasant original deluxe-sportster, stiring the blood of every real man"

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

ATT-TEC E Class sedan -- Click above for high-res image gallery

ATT-TEC has been busy this end of the year, and here they are presenting yet another softly tuned German car, this time an E Class sedan. Called "a car of extra class - no doubt!" and "flawless everywhere," it wears a comprehensive aero kit and 20-inch wheels. Intriguingly, it also sports a round void where the grille emblem once lived, and a matching void in the vents aft the front wheels.

ATT didn't mention the engine at all, so we figure they left it alone. The remaining mods will run you €10,321 ($14,757 U.S.). A press release after the jump will tell you about a car that could be ticketed for "stiring [sic] the blood of every real man," and there's the gallery of high-res photos below to get you even more worked up.

Gallery: ATT-TEC Mercedes E Class Sedan

[Source: ATT-TEC]

Continue reading ATT MB E-Class "a pleasant original deluxe-sportster, stiring the blood of every real man"

ATT MB E-Class "a pleasant original deluxe-sportster, stiring the blood of every real man" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan - enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti

2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti has turned over its cards and revealed pricing for two of its 2010 G37 models, and there is barely a bump in MSRP for the base models: the sedan's price remains the same at $33,250, while the coupe goes up by $150 to $36,050 - for which you get the revamped outside and upgraded materials and electronics inside.

As usual, traveling higher up the food chain requires more dosh, but it's interesting to see how much of a hit the more enthusiast-oriented models are taking. For the sedan, the Journey trim is upped by $750, the all-wheel drive model by $350, and the Sport 6MT surges by $2,750. The coupe increases by $850 for the Journey, $450 for the AWD, and a whopping $3,400 has been tacked onto the Sport 6MT. It isn't immediately clear why the 6MT models have been targeted for comparatively large increases in price (we're guessing it's a volume thing), but you can get more details on both models in the press release after the jump.

UPDATE: Just got word from Infiniti that the reason for the significant price increase on the 6MT model is the substantial amount of additional kit, including Bose stereo, power moonroof, iPod interface, heated front seats, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, anti-glare mirror with Homelink and Bluetooth -- all standard.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Infiniti G37

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan - enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases

Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan - enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Soul gets fired up with limited-edition Ignition

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Kia

Special edition 2010 Kia Ignition Soul -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia wants you to consider its 2010 Soul a template ripe for customization, and if you can't think of funky things to do with it, Kia will be glad to help you. This is the Kia Ignition Soul - the second special edition after the 1,200 Denim Souls released earlier this year - in "scorching" Ignition Orange, with offset black striping and blacked-out 18-inch rims, an alloy gas cap, and a rear spoiler.

It starts at $17,500 for the manual, making it $200 more than the Denim. But you won't complain about equipment: upgraded stereo, moon roof, keyless remote entry, tinted windows, cruise control, Bluetooth, and then some. Kia hasn't indicated yet if the Ignition Soul will be limited in number like the Denim was. You can get all the details in the press release after the jump, and check out all that orangeness in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Kia Ignition Soul

[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia Soul gets fired up with limited-edition Ignition

Kia Soul gets fired up with limited-edition Ignition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Ford's victory with Sync isn't contestable - the connectivity system has a 70-percent uptake rate, and 32 percent of people list it as one of the reasons they bought a Ford. Over one million Sync-equipped vehicles have been sold in three years. The Blue Oval's exclusive deal with Microsoft ended last year and other Microsoft-powered in-car competitors will be arriving soon, so Ford has been busy working on new elements that it hopes will keep Sync in front of the challengers.

Ford has updated Sync a couple of times this year with things like traffic and directions, and a contacts download app. According to The Detroit News, the next big update is scheduled to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Ford isn't giving away details, but it's called "mobile apps," and it will enable Sync functionality with any app on a cellphone or personal music player. That would likely mean Pandora on-the-go and Twitter out loud.

It could also mean a price: rumors suggest that Ford will be charging for the upgrade, and that it will come on 2010 vehicles and be available to any previous Sync-fitted vehicle. Stay tuned for coverage from CES for more.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Michigan gives GM tax break but automaker to still halve staff at RenCen

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM, Earnings/Financials

There are roughly 4,000 GM employees working at the company's Renaissance Center headquarters in Detroit. During the restructuring, GM has been working out how many employees to let go and where to put the remainder, and that, for the state of Michigan, meant another few thousand workers unemployed.

To lessen the damage, the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) has been in talks with GM to limit the number of retrenched employees. The General had committed to maintaining a workforce of 2,500 at the RenCen in exchange for a $50 million tax break over twenty years, but the number was recently reduced to 2,000. GM simply needs to do all it can to get itself back in contention.

The company will still receive the tax break and talks are continuing, yet while there aren't many details it's an intriguing deal to strike. This could be cynical of us, but GM has white-collar workers in numerous locations in Michigan, and we wonder if the company wouldn't simply shuffle people around to keep the required number at the RenCen but get rid of all the employees it feels it needs to. And when the company gets its new CEO, well, as we've seen before, he or she might plot a very different course than the one being charted now.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: Michigan gives GM tax break but automaker to still halve staff at RenCen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lamborghini Ankonian by Slavche Tanevski is part wasp, part alien, all black

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Ankonian Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Slavche Tanevski had a project to complete at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, and the result is the stacked, vented, and char-blackened concept you see above. In keeping with Lamborghini nomenclature, an Ankonian is a kind of bull, and if you took a Lamborghini Reventon and asked the question, "Does it blend?", the Ankonian concept is what you might pour out of your glassware.

It doesn't have any hypothetical specs, nor, we suppose, does it really need them. The car is long, low, and narrow, and darkly hostile enough to go as quickly or as slowly as it wishes. What it does have is flames that shoot out of the exhaust, and frankly, that's enough for us. You can have various looks at it in the gallery of high-res photos below, but please, don't make it angry. You wouldn't like it when it's angry.

Gallery: Lamborghini Ankonian Concept by Slavche Tanevski

[Source: CarDesign.ru (translated)]

Lamborghini Ankonian by Slavche Tanevski is part wasp, part alien, all black originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall CEO plans five-year product offensive

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

Interim Opel CEO Nick Reilly has been overseeing the German firm for all of six weeks. And over that scant month and a half, he's conjured the way forward for Opel and Vauxhall and seems determined to leave nothing undone. Chatting with Auto Motor und Sport, Reilly intends to give Opel a little SUV on the Corsa platform, an Opel version of the Mini, a continuation of the Agila and an all-new electric car.

Opel would also be greater master of its own fate: Opel's tie with Suzuki will continue even with VW's recent move, but other Opels like the next Corsa would be developed in Germany. Such a vision, along with his already avowed hybrid push, would keep Opel exceedingly busy over the next five years. If his plans are achieved, it could put them in a very good spot come 2013. But there's a long way to go before all of that happens -- in the short-term GM first has to sort out the funds to keep the company running properly at all.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Thomas Lohnes/Getty]

REPORT: Opel/Vauxhall CEO plans five-year product offensive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Humor

Vprache BMW six-cylinder turbo Yugo in hoon mode - Click above to watch video

In the beginning, there was a yellow Yugo GV. And when the folks at Vprache Racing cast their eyes over it, they thought it was missing something. So they gave it an 3.5-liter BMW inline six-cylinder transplant and added a turbo besides. And an intercooler mounted on the grille. And a high-rise lift job. Then they took it hooning. And that was the end of the first day.

When that wasn't enough, they added another turbo and fashioned arches to cover the exposed rubber. And then they took it drag racing. And that was the end of the second day. You can check out videos of the car in both iterations after the jump. It's fast. And in a yellow Yugo, you'd want to be.

[Sources: Tampa Sports Car Examiner; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV

VIDEO: Turbocharged BMW-powered Yugo highboy has us reconsidering the GV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Kia Sorento pricing pops up, starts under $20k*

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Kia

Pricing for the 2011 Kia Sorento has popped up unannounced on the automaker's consumer website, and as it turns out, you can drive a base model off the lot with money to spare for a Subway footlong - minus taxes and all that. At $19,995 for the starter model (*plus $795 in destination charges), you'll get a five-seat unibody crossover with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a manual transmission standard. That engine puts out 175 horsepower and 169 pound-feet of torque and is also standard fitment for the uplevel LX and EX models, but the latter two get automatic transmissions.

The top tier model is the EX V6, with a 3.5-liter V6 proffering 276 hp and 248 ft-lb. All of the variants except the base also come in either front-drive or all-wheel drive variants, and there is also a seven-seat version. By the time you get to the grips-at-all-fours EX V6, you're looking at $28,895.

The Sorento is meant to "significantly increase [Kia's] share of the utility vehicle market," and with pricing like that, a good ride and healthy tech specs, it's got a good shot.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Kia Sorento

Gallery photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski/ Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Kia]

2011 Kia Sorento pricing pops up, starts under $20k* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

The roadside siren -- Click above to watch video

The prospect of getting a ticket can make you do a lot of things you wouldn't normally do -- beg, plead, be charming, anything goes, really, when it comes to fending off points and higher insurance premiums. Well, not anything, unless you're this woman, who went nuts at the idea of being ticketed. Like, crazy nuts.

We don't know who she is or what she did or what ungodly nightmare she was trying to avoid, but we do know she's got a set of pipes. If anyone can tell us what she's saying, please let us know in the comments. Follow the jump for the video, and keep your hand on the volume knob for this one.

[Source: Live Leak via Ryan O'Keefe]

Continue reading VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop

VIDEO: How not to behave during a traffic stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Valet vigilante vandalism visualizes very vunerable vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos

Valets burning all kinds of rubber -- Click above to watch video

We suppose we should thank some of the less savvy lunkheads out there for their egos - if they didn't post videos of their antics, they might not be caught. A few valets in the employ of Atlanta-based AAA Valet, working at the St. Louis Hyatt hotel, used patrons cars for serious burnout sessions in an underground garage. Nothing was spared - Civics, SUVs, Porsches, Acuras; it appears that if it could be driven, they would find a way to eat up its tires.

The clincher: the digital displays of drifting doom ended up on YouTube under the profile of "Valet Underground". Someone blew the whistle, and now AAA valet doesn't service the Hyatt hotel anymore. Not surprisingly, the videos are gone - we just hope their licenses have met the same fate. Follow the jump to check out the action. Hat tip to Luke!

[Source: Fox2 Now]

Continue reading VIDEO: Valet vigilante vandalism visualizes very vunerable vehicles

VIDEO: Valet vigilante vandalism visualizes very vunerable vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Land Rover, UK, Luxury

2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

Another week, another special edition for the UK. New for 2010, the Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport attempts to be equipped as regally as its name suggests, with either a Santorini Black or Lago Grey paint job decked out with color-keyed exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels.

Inside is where the thrills reside, with a two-tone interior in, ahem, "Ebony & Storm," and your choice of cloth interior or a "sports styling pack" in Lago Grey leather. Somewhat ironically, the Sport comes with a 2.2-liter diesel four that churns the wheels through a manual transmission, and it gets even better gas mileage with the fitment of stop/start technology.

The model goes on sale next month and starts at £26,695 ($43,581 USD, but bear in mind that UK market prices are higher than those of the U.S.) on-the-road. No word yet on whether North American consumers will get a shot at this model under the LR2 nameplate, so for now, content yourself with our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Land Rover Freelander 2 Sport

[Source: Land Rover]

Continue reading Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists

Land Rover releases Freelander 2 Sport for UK loyalists originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: In Da Club Cherokee? Enterprising kids go all Jeep techno

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

Jeep Cherokee beatbox - Click above to watch video

If your Jeep Cherokee has been sitting around for a while, it probably makes a few noises. You might not mind, though, if they were noises as well orchestrated as those in the video shown above.

British saxophonist Julian Smith spent a few hours with a Cherokee and an array of friends with rhythm and came up with a number that could be straight out of Stomp. Or an Art of Noise album. Follow the jump to see the vid, and as a bonus, there's another take on car beats with Snob Scrilla and a Toyota Yaris. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: In Da Club Cherokee? Enterprising kids go all Jeep techno

VIDEO: In Da Club Cherokee? Enterprising kids go all Jeep techno originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FAB Design makes the Ugliest. Panamera. Ever.

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Luxury

FAB Design Full Broadside Panamera -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It took us a while, but we have finally realized what's going on: tuning companies are overstocked with Butt Ugly. They didn't ration their supply properly, now they've got unused cases of Butt Ugly lying around, stinking up the place. That's why we've been assaulted with all these steaming piles lately -- because 2010 Butt Ugly will be shipping soon, so all this 2009 Butt Ugly has got to go go go!

And that's the best explanation we can come up with for this, the FAB Design Full Broadside Porsche Panamera. The "extrovert Wide Bodykit" is fashioned entirely from carbon fiber, not that it helps any. If we have anything nice to say, it's that we don't mind the wheels or three trapezoidal exhaust tips. Nor do we mind the upgraded engine doing 690 hp. But that wrapping... oh, the humanity...

FAB suggests this is what its customers want, saying that its tweaked Panamera is the first of its new FAB Exclusive line. Praise be it will be limited to 15 units. The press release is after the jump, and to those that can, have a look at the FAB Panamera from every angle in the gallery of high-res photos below. Hat tip to Johannes

Gallery: FAB Design Panamera: A Full Broadside

[Source: FAB Design]

Continue reading FAB Design makes the Ugliest. Panamera. Ever.

FAB Design makes the Ugliest. Panamera. Ever. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Videos

LMC Super 'Cuda vs. Ferrari Enzo - Click above to watch video

Legendary Motorcar Company built a Super 'Cuda for SEMA - no, not with a modern Dodge Challenger, with an actual Barricuda - and then decided to find out what it could do. The car is stuffed with engine and rubber: A twin-turbo Viper V10 with at least 1,000 horsepower, along with 345-series, 19-inch tires in back. So about the only place they could test it properly was Chrysler's Chelsea, Michigan proving grounds. For good measure, the folks at LMC brought a Ferrari Enzo along as well.

Needless to say, in a straight line drag, the Super 'Cuda owns the Enzo. The green monster and its turbine howls raced through the air so quickly that the windshield molding came off and the hood lifted by three inches. When it came to top speed, however - and in all likelihood, real-life cornering- the Enzo took the round, going 218 mph to the 'Cuda's 208 mph. The 'Cuda probably could have gone faster, but vintage aerodynamics and driver heebie-jeebies put paid to that. Get all the action in the video after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Car Chat]

Continue reading VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo

VIDEO: Twin-turbo Viper-powered LMC Super Cuda shatters 200 mph against Ferrari Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Onyx slams 2010 Range Rover, lets the boys be boys

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Land Rover, Luxury

Range Rovers by Onyx - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since we're getting close to the time frame seen in the movie Demolition Man, you might want to start shopping for a car that can prepare you for Stallone and Snipes blasting it out in the streets. Irish tuning house Onyx could have what you seek with its new 2010 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Vogue conversions. Inside are buffalo hides and carbon fiber, and outside are a ring of bluff skirting, along with LEDs on the Vogue and, naturally, 22-inch TPM wheels.

Some under-the-hood work has also been done, adding an impressive 80 horsepower to the already very quick Supercharged model's 517 horsepower. You can read about the Onyx Rovers in the press release after the jump and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below. And feel free to also enjoy the musical riff on this post's title - it's most likely the kind of soundtrack you'll hear coming from one of these, anyway...

Gallery: Range Rover Tuning by Onyx

[Source: Onyx]

Continue reading Onyx slams 2010 Range Rover, lets the boys be boys

Onyx slams 2010 Range Rover, lets the boys be boys originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows

2010 Ford Galaxy and S-Max -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The next generation models of Ford of Europe's popular Galaxy and S-Max people movers are about to make their introductions at the Brussels Motor Show. Both have been given modest exterior revamps, new technologies like Ford's Blind Spot Information System and so on. Most importantly, though, these are the first Fords to receive EcoBoost four-cylinder engines.

The S-Max wears a redesigned hood and front fascia with LED running lights, while its rear end gets a new tailgate and LED taillights. The Galaxy is likewise fitted with the new family look, with a bolder lower, new fog lights, and LEDs in the rear.

Both cars have updated interiors and new materials. Under their hoods, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost SCTi tops out at 200 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque (the latter of which is available from just 1,750 rpm). For all the info on two more of Ford's Please-Come-to-America-Offerings, have a look at the press release after the jump and check out the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Galaxy

Gallery: 2010 Ford S-Max

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show

Ford shows retouched Galaxy, S-Max with EcoBoost power ahead of Brussels Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The Fastest Yellow and Red - Best (and most ambitious) stop-motion diecast car film ever?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Videos

Fastest Yellow and Red -- Click above to watch video

It took just one minute and 13 seconds into this video for us to scream "Epic!" In fact, we're not sure there's enough epic epicness in that single word to properly describe the epic proportions contained therein.

This 1970's JDM homage has got it all: A yellow Pontiac Trans-Am of the Screaming Chicken era, a race-prepped red Nissan GT-R police car, a yellow Datsun Fairlady 280ZX and lots of meddling trucks. As if that weren't enough, there are little green army men and a special effects regime that could have been overseen by Michael Bay. And it has a really odd name. Luxe37, we have no idea who you are, but we salute you. Follow the jump to watch the stop-motion mayhem.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Fastest Yellow and Red - Best (and most ambitious) stop-motion diecast car film ever?

VIDEO: The Fastest Yellow and Red - Best (and most ambitious) stop-motion diecast car film ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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