Autoblog

VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, UK, Design/Style

Ferrari F430 Spider goes under the knife - Click above to watch the video

It can't really be that simple, can it? Well, it seldom is. But experts in any given field tend to have a knack for making complex procedures look deceptively simple. Take this video, for example, from Creative FX. The British firm specializes in vinyl wraps, and they make it look all too easy.

Wraps are growing into a popular choice for exotic car owners looking to give their rides a new look. Rather than repainting the entire car, specialist shops like Creative FX apply what essentially amounts to giant decals. That's how most of the matte-finish cars we see - including this particular Ferrari F430 Spider - end up that way. You have to figure it'd be a very tricky operation. Follow the jump to watch the video and judge for yourself.

[Source: Creative FX]

Continue reading VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Specialty, Design/Style

Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle - Click above for image gallery

Designer Liam Ferguson's vision of how to fight fires almost makes us wish we were firemen - as long as we could have the keys to one of these. The Amatoya is a site recon and light tanker vehicle designed with a philosophy much more military than civilian. The seating position is like that of a AH-1 Cobra gunship, with the co-pilot up and behind the driver. The Amatoya is built on a monococque steel body, like armed forces MRAPs, insulated with NASA's aerogel, and painted with "military grade sacrificial thermo ceramic intumescent paints."

The Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit (ROSCO) can has a 2,200-liter (581 gallons) total water capacity, all the better for the fact that the crew members don't need to leave the vehicle to employ it. Nor should they have much problem getting to the fire, with absurd clearances all around, directional spotlights, and a thermal imaging camera. The only weak point would appear to be the rubber tires, which would melt long before the Space-Shuttle-worthy body would.

Still, we'd take one in a second. Take a peek at it yourself in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle

[Source: Yanko Design]

The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

Chris Paukert — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Celebrities, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style

1969 Danz Camaro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's really nothing wrong with the first-generation Chevy Camaro, except perhaps for the fact that rows upon rows of them can be seen at every single car show in America. In fact, so ubiquitous is the 1969 model that there are a couple of aftermarket companies willing to build you a brand new example from the ground up utilizing just about zero OEM bits or pieces.

This being the case, it's hardly surprising that this is the model year The General chose to mimic with its new fifth-gen Camaro for 2010. But what would happen if you could somehow jump to-and-fro through the time/space continuum in your Mr. Fusion-equipped DeLorean time machine and transport yourself back to '69 with visions of the 2010 model in your head?

Answering that question-that-nobody-asked is the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept car, which you can see in the high-res image gallery below. Words cannot describe the initial reaction we had when opening this sucker up in our browsers for the first time, so we'll just say that we hope its creator kept the original pieces in the garage when it comes time to sell. Yikes!

Gallery: 1969 Danz Camaro Concept

[Source: Carpictures.com via Carscoop]

Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted

Dan Roth — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Honda, Suzuki, Toyota, India, Tata, Design/Style

DC Designs customized Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

It was bound to happen. Think back to when Volkswagen Beetles infested the roads of the globe; there was no shortage of customized Bugs. Tata aims to put the world on wheels with its low-priced Nano, offering mobility to India's massive population for what many Americans just dropped on Black Friday. To stave off an impending swarm of same-same vehicles, and cash in with buyers looking to stand out, New Delhi-based Carnation Auto (not to be confused with North America's Car Nation) has teamed up with Dilip Chhabria's DC Design to offer prefab-custom options for the Nano.

The endeavor has been given the tagline, "The Artist Meets the Enabler," and it began with tarted-up offerings for the Toyota Innova, creating a car called the Innov8. If the reworked MPV is any indication, we can expect the DC Design Nano to have an interior that apes a Gulfstream, while we can all plainly see what's been done to the exterior. The Nano kit is not yet available, but Carnation says it will be ready to join the already-available Innova, Honda City, and Suzuki Swift kits in 2010. We're sure opinions abound over this visually-charged Nano, so feel free to express yourselves in the comments. Press release posted after the jump.

Gallery: DC Designs Cars

[Source: CarnationDC.com via Indian Auto Talk]

Continue reading It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted

It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gah!x2: Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG rendered

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:09:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Kircherer SLS 63 CP -- Click above for high-res image gallery

To put it kindly, we'll call the attempts to tune the appearance of the Mercedes SLS AMG gilding the lily. Although the folks at Kircherer were obviously not doing the same amount or potency of drugs procured by the gents at MEC Design, they have still managed to disturb the lines of a car that most feel needed no help in the looks department.

This is said to be Kircherer's version of a Pan-Am car, and it gets carbon fiber blackening bits all around, a rooftop air intake, Kircherer's trademark wheels, and a leering grille lifted from an Aston Martin. You can also get that grille in gold, if you wish. But there's only one part of the world where we see that happening...

Gallery: Kircherer SLS 63 CP

[Source: World Car Fans]

Gah!x2: Kicherer Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG rendered originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency, Design/Style, Diesel

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds data suggests Honda Crosstour buyers don't know what it competes against either

Dan Roth — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda, Design/Style

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour hasn't won too many fans amongst the automotive press, and while we're sure it fills the Accord Wagon space in Honda's lineup, the way the Crosstour has a foot both in the wagon and CUV realms still has us scratching our heads. Taking a peek at what's being cross-shopped against Honda's latest offering proves potential customers are in the same boat.

Fitting every car into a neat categorical box is a fool's errand, but the Crosstour is apparently making everyone wonder just where it belongs. According to early Edmunds' data, buyers seem to think the Crosstour competes most closely with the Toyota Venza, with ToMoCo's wagon-on-stilts being cross-shopping against the Crosstour more than any other vehicle. Other Honda models are also heavily considered against the Crosstour, according to Edmunds Auto Observer, as are a panoply of other cars. Luxury rides like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series wind up in the comparison column, as do more traditional crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV-4.

While the Crosstour has been called lots of unflattering things, it's clear that figuring out whether it's neatly described as fish or fowl is more of a thorny chestnut. That said, none of this is exactly important if the car is generating showroom traffic and moving units.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer]

Edmunds data suggests Honda Crosstour buyers don't know what it competes against either originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

Domenick Yoney — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Celebrities, Design/Style, Electric

Jay Leno drives Commuter Cars' Tango - click above to watch the video after the jump

Jay Leno likes him some electric Tango. No, not the new dance craze all the kids are ~~talking~~ texting about, but rather the oddly-narrow but very quick two-seater from Commuter Cars. Now, regular Autobloggreen readers have seen the Tango before, posing beside George Clooney or perhaps drag racing Tesla Roadsters, and many have commented (less than favorably) on its, um, nonconformist appearance. Perfect fodder, one might think, for a crack by someone who knows a thing or two about comedy. Instead, our man Jay Leno plays things pretty straight as he chats with its creator Rick Woodbury before taking it for a spin.

Watching the clip, you can tell that Leno really likes it, especially from behind the wheel. He reports it doesn't feel like a small car inside and really only looks weird from the outside. He likes that it's unique and finds the fact you can lane split with it to be hilarious. However, the real reason he states "It makes you smile..." has less to do with the Tango's width as it does with the fact that "it goes like stink," a point which he happily reiterates.

Despite its turn-of-speed, one of the Tango's biggest shortcoming is its 40 mile range at highway speeds. The car's heavy lead acid batteries are great for keeping it upright around hard corners, but you can't expect to go too far with yesteryear's technology. During their pre-drive talk, Commuter Cars' Woodbury revealed that the company is finally about to put lithium battery pack in a test car, and he expects for it to go up to 200 miles. All of which strikes us as a much more reasonable number if he ever expects to bring skinny back. Hit the jump for video of a little Tango in Jay's Garage.

Gallery: AltCar 2009: Tango EV

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Top Gear

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Chevrolet, GM, Design/Style, Electric, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

As of this morning, Chevrolet is moving into the final stage of its Volt color naming contest. The company has picked three finalists from among the names submitted by 13,000 people over the last two weeks. Starting this morning, you can cast your vote for which of the finalists will win the contest. The silver paint with a pale green tint will be one of the launch colors for the Volt when it goes on sale next November.

The three finalists are "EV-ergreen" submitted by Devin McQuarrie, San Jose, CA; "Viridian Joule" submitted by Dave Thomas, of Sanford, FL; and "environMINT" entered by Matthew Valbuena, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. Visitors on the http://www.chevroletvoltage.com site can vote for their choice and all three finalists will be brought to Los Angeles on December 1 where the winner will be announced. Immediately following the announcement, the winner will get to take a test drive in one of the pre-production Volts, the first outsider to do so. General Motors is limiting votes to one per person per IP address over the next two weeks, so make yours count. Not sure which to vote for? Ponder the issue while checking out GM's official video after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO]

Chevy Volt color contest finalists include EV-ergreen, environMINT and Viridian Joule [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, No! Porsche Design revives Yoko's iconic sunglasses

Noah Joseph — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:47:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Design/Style

Porsche Design P'8479 Yoko Ono sunglasses - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the Porsche 911 stands as one of the most ubiquitous and storied sports cars of all time, another Porsche design was made popular by one particular individual.

Throughout the Eighties, Yoko Ono wore the original Porsche Design shades so often they became known as the Yoko Ono sunglasses. She wore them at press conferences, for photo shoots (including the cover of Rolling Stone magazine) and on the covers of her albums. Now the German carmaker's Austrian product design studio has brought the design back back as the P'8479.

The shield-style visor is supported by a Beta-Titanium frame secured by visible screws for an iconic retro look that may not be our cup of tea exactly, but we just hope their presence doesn't break up the VW merger like Yoko broke up The Beatles.

Gallery: Porsche Design P'8479 Yoko Ono sunglasses

[Source: Porsche Design]

Continue reading Oh, No! Porsche Design revives Yoko's iconic sunglasses

Oh, No! Porsche Design revives Yoko's iconic sunglasses originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parts Imitating Life: Sculptor uses car parts to make cars... and animals

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Australia, UK, Design/Style

James Corbett's car parts art - Click above for image gallery

One man's junk is... well, you know. Watching the shiny metal grommets roll through his auto recycling plant in Brisbane, Australia, James Corbett doesn't appear to know the word "junk" when it comes to cars. He takes all of those leftover bits and makes superbly detailed sculptures of mostly vintage racers and, of all things, animals. None of the parts are bent or altered to help make the pieces, either. Corbett even built a full-size car out of parts and stuck a flathead V8 in it, and he still takes it racing.

Corbett has an exhibit coming up in London this month and then takes his show to Palm Desert, CA next year. If you don't get a chance to see the real things, we suggest you have a well-worth-it look at the images in our gallery below.

Gallery: James Corbett's Car Parts Art

[Source: James Corbett via Pistonheads]

Parts Imitating Life: Sculptor uses car parts to make cars... and animals originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Bentley, UK, Design/Style

Bentley Art Project - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's what we love about Bentley. While workers at other automakers sit around and scratch their butts in their growing downtime, at Crewe, they put their spare time to good use. Back in March, we brought you news that Bentley's craftsmen were crafting bespoke furniture while they waited for production to pick back up. Now the British automaker has put its designers to work creating works of art.

The pool of artists in Bentley's styling department were given a broad mandate to create artwork inspired by their workplace, and 22 transformed everything from canvas to plexiglass, bronze to leather into an impressive array of pieces, all of which you can view in our high-resolution gallery below.

The collection will be auctioned off by Bonhams on December 1 to benefit The Christie cancer research center in Manchester. Full detail in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bentley: Design is our passion. This is our art.

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time

Bentley craftsmen create works of art for charity in their down time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

Chris Shunk — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Design/Style

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We've seen plenty of car-related videos of our time, and we've posted on quite a few of them on Autoblog. The clips are usually informative, offer a sneak peak of a future product, or they're just plain funny, but one thing we've never done is showcase a reader's demo reel, until today. Why? Because after the jump is one of the sweetest home-grown car videos in the history of geeks playing with CGI software.

The video features a Chevrolet Camaro, a Ford Shelby Mustang, a Jeep Grand Cherokee and - wait for it - a Vaz 2107. The supposed theme of the video is that some spiked orb thing ascends down from above, shooting pure, Spider Man 3-like evil upon the four unsuspecting vehicles. Once the vehicles become infected with this black plague, they get all bad and dark and stuff. Then a Black Hawk flies into the picture just for the added cool and hangs out with the souped up, shiny black cars. It's all kind of Mad Hatter if you ask us, but it's also completely freaking cool. Hollywood production quality cool. Music and sound effects are outstanding as well. Nicely done, Pantural, whoever you are. Thanks to all who sent in tips!

[Source: Pantural via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today

VIDEO: The coolest CG car vid you'll see today originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Foreskin Removal: Dartz Prombron drops the whale penis

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Russia, Design/Style, Luxury

Dartz Prombron luxury SUV from Russia

You probably heard about the Dartz Prombron recently, the ultra-luxury armored SUV from Russia that would feature, among other ne plus ultra materials, leather pulled from whale penis foreskin. Why whale foreskin? Someone told them it was the best so they jumped on it. Unfortunately, the attraction didn't last very long. They have issued a release saying they will release the penis from their options list. Apparently the company has had a rethink on their choice of interior materials after receiving negative responses to their announcement from Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund, and even Pamela Anderson.

Personally, we think this might be more of a reaction to the new anti-whaling boat that the Sea Shephards have picked up for the upcoming season of Whale Wars: The newly rechristened Ady Gil, a 90 km/h semi-submersible tri-hull that holds the record for global circumnavigation. Whatever the reason, Dartz has Bobbitted the penis from the vehicle's spec sheet. In a brilliant press release that we couldn't possibly put into any better words, the company announced the change. Follow the jump to read the verbiage for yourself. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Dartz via The Star, Jameslist]

Continue reading Foreskin Removal: Dartz Prombron drops the whale penis

Foreskin Removal: Dartz Prombron drops the whale penis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj

Chris Paukert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style, Electric, Luxury, Electric

2009 Cadillac Converj concept - click above for high-res gallery

After much hemming and hawing, General Motors will reportedly build a version of the Cadillac Converj, the gorgeous but awkwardly named extended-range coupe concept first shown at last year's Detroit Auto Show. According to The Detroit News, the Converj will probably take a few years to reach dealer showrooms, as GM will first direct its efforts on launching the Chevrolet Volt, the more affordable sedan with which it is likely to share much of its Voltec drivetrain architecture.

From where we sit, the Converj seems like a natural move for GM, as Cadillac's higher margins should help offset the research, development, and production costs of everything from the Volt's lithium ion batteries to its motors and control modules. For its part, however, Cadillac is still declining to comment on the story, and the DetNews story doesn't name a source.

Either way, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has previously gone on record as a champion of a production Converj, and he has said that a serial version would look very similar to the 2009 showcar - in much the same way that the Camaro evolved from concept to production. As the concept was gorgeous, we're down with that - we only hope it doesn't take as long to build as the Bowtie's broad-shouldered muscle car.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept

[Source: The Detroit News]

BREAKING: Detroit News says GM will build Cadillac Converj originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, SEMA Show, Classics, Performance, Etc., Motorcycle, Humor, Specialty, Design/Style, Off-Road

2009 SEMA Show Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every year at SEMA, we fill the week with posts featuring special vehicles and products that we felt were important enough to share. Generally, they are the most newsworthy projects and new model introductions, but sometimes they are just things that caught our eye. When all is said and done, we think we've given all of you a good taste of what's on offer here in the desert.

Of course, there are always things we see and shoot that don't make it into the regular posts from the days we are here. We end up with a few hundred photos of random weirdness and cool stuff that just didn't make it into a dedicated post. That's what this post is for. It's basically a chance to dump some of that random wackiness and wonder that is SEMA into one big bowl and invite you all to take a sip. Click on the gallery below and you'll see race cars, hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, wheels and more. None are labeled, but all should provide a unique look at what we saw at SEMA 2009.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Random sightings

SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Auto Show Design Challenge reveals Youthmobile 2030 design entries

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Audi, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Design/Style

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23, raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities, emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. Mazda's vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in the gallery below and let us know your favorites in the comments.

Gallery: LA Design Challenge 2009 Competitors

[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge reveals Youthmobile 2030 design entries

LA Auto Show Design Challenge reveals Youthmobile 2030 design entries originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Honda Accord Crosstour straps on some factory accessories

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Wagon, Crossover, Honda, Design/Style

2010 Honda Accord Crosstour factory accessories -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda's 2010 Accord Crosstour doesn't yet appear on the Japanese automaker's accessories site, but a few images of aftermarket bits have been shared with an Element owner's forum (viewable below), and we now have some live shots straight from the show floor at SEMA.

On top are a rack and window deflectors and down below is a set of skirting that completely encircles the car. The effect, especially from the side, imbues the car with the kind of chunky brawn we used to associate with Subaru, before Subaru decided to dip its design pen into the inkwell of elegance. From the stock shots, the mods might even help, but our man Lavrinc on the show floor who took these live shots seems to indicate otherwise. In any case, as our first drive reviewer asked, is it enough? Thanks for the tip, Jubby!

Gallery: Honda Crosstour Accessories

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Honda Accord Crosstour with Honda accessories

[Source: H&A Accessories via Element Owners Club]

SEMA 2009: Honda Accord Crosstour straps on some factory accessories originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BusinessWeek calls out 50 Ugliest Cars of Past 50 Years... with questionable results

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Design/Style

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. While some cars seem to be almost universally loved for their gorgeous lines and undeniable sense of style - the Lamborghini Miura and Shelby Daytona Coupe certainly come to mind. Others, such as the new Honda Accord Crosstour and even the latest Nissan GT-R, not to mention nearly everything currently wearing the Acura badge, sport more debatable duds.

And what of the car that's most commonly associated with the green movement? Of course, that would be the Toyota Prius, and we know that some happen to find the car rather attractive... whether that's for its slip-through-the-wind styling or fuel mileage - made possible in part by that styling - its owners happily enjoy. According to BusinessWeek, though, the second-gen Prius is one of the 50 Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years. Not a distinction any owner wants their car to carry.

Take heart, Prius owners. There are a number of questionable vehicles on the list. For instance, the classically boxy Volvo 240 isn't ugly at all... it's purposeful and practical. Neither are the Lamborghini LM002, 2002 BMW 7 Series, Tata Nano or Toyota iQ deserving of inclusion on this unflattering list. Lastly, does anyone really think the DeLorean is that unattractive? Unabashedly '80s sure, but ugly? Nah.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Continue reading BusinessWeek calls out 50 Ugliest Cars of Past 50 Years... with questionable results

BusinessWeek calls out 50 Ugliest Cars of Past 50 Years... with questionable results originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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