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Hot Wheels kicks off U.S. tour to celebrate 40 years Filed under: Etc., Toys 
Mattel created the Hot Wheels brand back in 1968, and the lives of several Autoblog writers (and readers as well) were changed forever. We're now halfway through the toy line's 40th birthday year, and, coincidentally, halfway through its Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Road Trip.
Fans can see life-size editions of some of the most famous Hot Wheels cars, get autographs from Hot Wheels designers and, while supplies last, get a free 40th Anniversary Edition Custom Otto. You'll also be able to see that bejeweled monstrosity we told you about a few months ago that Mattel says is the most expensive Hot Wheels car ever made.
Earlier this month, the tour made stops in El Segundo, California; Wendover, Utah (pictured above); and Speed, Kansas. But there are still three chances for fans to catch the rolling birthday party. This Saturday, the Hall of Fame Museum at Indy will play host. Next Monday, the celebration is at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Michigan and on Sept. 5, the trip ends at the Grand Prix Festival of Watkins Glen.
[Source: Hemmings Auto Blogs] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
New Seat Exeo is an old Audi A4 Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Audi 
Click the image above for more renderings of the Seat Exeo
VW subsidiary Seat is, like The Jeffersons, movin' on up, rolling out a new range of vehicles that will push it into new market segments. The image above is one of a set of the automaker's Exeo sedan given to the trademark office in Spain. According to the company, "the new name stems from the Latin word 'Exire', meaning "to go beyond", "to go further", and "The name Exeo is advanced, forceful and technological, which signals excellence and is highly suggestive of driving pleasure." Ok...
Instead of creating something completely new to chart these unknown waters, Seat has taken a previous gen Audi A4 and given it front and rear clips in the Seat style. Seat will also use the A4 Avant body to create an Exeo wagon. The newish sedan is meant to compete with the Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna, and Alfa Romeo 159 and will be launched some time next year as a 2010 model. It is expected to retail for £15,000 to £23,000 in the U.K. and we don't yet know which powerplants it will receive.
[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Nissan to take on domestics with commercial truck in 2010 Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Commercial Trucks, Nissan  Sensing the ripe market opportunity, Nissan will start producing various light-commercial and medium-duty trucks in 2010. The targeted segment is currently dominated by Ford and GM, where the miscellaneous cabs and frames are used to produce such vehicles as dump trucks, tow trucks, and school buses. Now, Nissan wants a piece of the pie. Larry Dominique, Nissan's VP of product planning, wouldn't disclose details right now, but he did say that a handful of new products will be needed to satisfy the new commercial truck dealers - and Nissan is more than willing to oblige. Joe Castelli, the former director of Ford's commercial trucks (and now a VP of commercial trucks at Nissan), said the Japanese automaker will be pulling from their global stable of commercial components (branded Atlas and Atleon in other markets) to quickly adapt them for the U.S. market. Nissan's official commercial truck plans will be announced in January at the Detroit Auto Show, and we'll be there to judge reactions.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
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Pininfarina Hyperion dash-mounted watch from Girard-Perregaux Filed under: Gadgets, Rolls-Royce, Lifestyle, Special/Limited Editions 
If someone has enough cash on hand to commission an entirely rebodied Rolls-Royce from one of Italy's most famous coachbuilders, you can bet he's not going to be wearing an off-the-rack watch, either. That's why Girard-Perregaux crafted the special timepiece you see here.
 As we reported with the initial news of the Pininfarina Hyperion, this one-of-a-kind tourbillon is specially designed to be removed from its ivory leather wristband and mounted into the dashboard of the unique Rolls-Royce. Its meticulously-hand-crafted 30-jewel movement has 72 components but weighs less than a third of a gram, encased in 18-karat white gold with a face colored the same light blue as the Hyperion it was made to accompany. Like the one-off Hyperion is based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, the watch is based on the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Tourbillon. But again, like the car, there was only one built.
[Source: Girard-Perregaux via TimeZone] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ford reveals 2010 Mustang badge Filed under: Ford 
Click above for high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Mustang badge
The countdown to the 2010 Ford Mustang debut has begun, and it looks like Ford can't wait to show us what the car looks like just as much as we can't wait to see it. Today it released an image of the new 2010 Mustang badge, hinting that its edgier design gives clues as to what the rest of the car will look like. Ford says its designers spent hours researching photographs of horses to give the new Mustang logo a more realistic feel, and we think it paid off. The new pony looks more defined and muscular, and it even got a cool new haircut! We've been anxiously waiting to see what direction Ford will take the retro design of the new Mustang, and if the logo is anything to go by then we shouldn't be worried. Let us know what you think about the new design with your comments and vote for which you like most in the poll below.
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[Source: Ford] Continue reading Ford reveals 2010 Mustang badge Permalink | Email this | Comments
Splinter wooden supercar in the fles... wood Filed under: Etc., Supercars 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Splinter Wooden Supercar
You may remember our post on the Splinter wooden supercar late last year. At the time, the grad students behind the project being led by Joe Harmon only had renderings of what the Gaia-approved exotic would look like. They deserve extra credit, however, for having the actual car ready for the International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta last week. While they've yet to reach the running prototype stage, they did marry the car's body to its all-wooden chassis. Renderings are one thing, but seeing photos of the actual car is inspiring. The body is comprised of basket-woven wood that's coated with resin in a mold, which we suppose makes it a different kind of carbon fiber altogether. Next up is actually fitting the drivetrain, which thankfully is not made of wood, and getting the Splinter moving under its own power. We may have doubted at the beginning that this project would ever be completed, let alone be this cool, but consider us converts.
[Source: Building the Splinter via Jalopnik] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy shots: next Jaguar XJ caught at, where else, the Nurburgring Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Jaguar  Since you can't even really call it a car anymore if it hasn't been blasted around the 'Ring in development, Jaguar has taken the mechanicals of the next XJ sedan to everyone's favorite playground. Those internals wear the ill-fitting sheetmetal of the current XJ, with the addition of serious wheel arches and a fire-breathing nose.
The real thing to take away from the story is this: the car has been described as "the XF's features... draped over an Aston Martin Rapide." Frankly, we were happy when the XJ's design was moved away from mimicking the Mercedes CLS. And we have come to appreciate the design of the XF. But this equation: XF + Rapide = XJ is the kind of thing that could go wrong. Mr. Callum, however, has earned the benefit of the doubt, so we will wait for the feast for our eyes to decide.
[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Put a Porsche in your driveway, well sort of... Filed under: Etc., Porsche, Humor 
If you want to see how that new Porsche is going to look in your driveway (or you just need to impress the women who frequent your favorite online dating service), our friends in Stuttgart have given us all the tools we'll need. Well, in a sense at least. Point your favorite browser here, and click on the "picture it" link on the bottom. Upload your favorite driveway shot, and then you can put either the Cayman, Boxster, 911 Coupe, or Cayenne on your own personal pavement. Once done, you can save it as a JPEG (we had to add the file extension afterwards) to share with your friends. While Porsche is kind enough to put a sports car or SUV in your driveway without charge, they won't be sending you the keys. For that, you'll still need some serious coin.
[Source: Porsche] Permalink | Email this | Comments
EarthRoamer XV-JP only camper to conquer Rubicon Trail Filed under: Jeep, Lifestyle 
Click above for high-res gallery of the EarthRoamer in action
Being that my family's in the motor home business, I know a thing or two about RVs. One thing I know is that they don't like going off road. Hell, they don't like potholes and speedbumps. Being constructed mostly of balsa wood and tinker toys, modern RVs tend to shake like an earthquake over anything but ribbon-smooth pavement. That's why the EarthRoamer XV-JP is unique. It's the only camper that's ever traversed the Rubicon Trail without flipping on its roof, and that's due mostly to the fact that it's based on the Jeep Wranger Rubicon Unlimited platform. In place of the standard Jeep's two rear doors is a big box containing a bench seat, small kitchen, a toilet (!) and extra storage. It's not very roomy, but the 'Loftop' roof flips opens to increase headroom to, oh, about nine feet, as well as make room for the queen size bed on which you'll be sleeping. There's even an 80-watt solar panel on the roof to charge the batteries when you're parked and a 160-amp engine alternator to keep things powered while on the move. A 6,100btu furnace, 25-gallon water tank and indoor and outdoor showers round out the RV-ification of this Jeep. For those looking to tackle some serious bush, the EarthRoamer packs electric locking front and rear differentials, an electric sway bar disconnect, twin Dana 44 differentials and a Warn 9000 heavy-duty winch. If you do head for the trail, though, just make sure your pots and pans are securely stowed.
[Source: Squob] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Lounge on deck of VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows, Lifestyle 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Topos Sail concept
 Turns out the recreational and commercial vehicle show in Dusseldorf, Germany has attracted more concepts than the just the Fiat Portofino. Volkswagen showed up with the Caddy Topos Sail concept, another nautical-themed vehicle that brings the boat life to land locked lovers of the water. Based on the Caddy MPV, the Topos Sail concept's biggest attraction is its roof, which is covered in wood decking and surrounded on all sides by aluminum roof rails. The roof deck is designed for lounging in the sun just like on the deck of a yacht, and the panels flip up to act as back rests. The concept also features a nifty ladder built into the rear lift gate with wooden steps, as well as wood trim elsewhere on the vehicle's exterior. We're certain it doesn't float, but you could park the Topos Sail down by the docks, climb up on the roof and order a daiquiri to get the full effect.
[Source: VW]Continue reading Lounge on deck of VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: 2011 Chevy Tacuma minivan Filed under: Spy Photos, Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet  Jalopnik has caught spy shots of a fleet -- well, two -- of the new Chevy Tacuma minivans bound for Europe. If they are indeed replacing this Chevy Tacuma as well as that aardvark masquerading as a minivan, the Uplander, then it looks like things are about to get a lot more spacious over yonder pond. Supposed to be about the size of a Mazda5, the Tacuma appears to have front-hinged rear doors, which might make it more CUV than minivan. Also, the Tacuma is also supposed to be built at GM's Hamtramck plant in Michigan. If so, that would make it bedmates with the Chevy Volt, and, as Jalopnik speculates, perhaps another good home for a hybrid drivetrain...
[Source: Jalopnik] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
New Saab 9-5 sketch is less quirky, more badass Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, GM, Saab 
A Saab owner attending the 2008 Saab Owner's Convention posted a recap of the events at Trollhattan Saab (which we thought was defunct, but if not, we're glad it's back). One of the most noteworthy events was something on which he barely commented: a sketch of the new 9-5. Saab has been threatening for a while to start incorporating Aero X cues into its vehicles, and this could be it.
The text around the car says it will have "aircraft heritage," "fuselage bodysides," a "wraparound winshield," and a "grille inspired by a J21." We find the J21 bit and the fuselage sides a stretch, but it's still a good looking place to start. The sketch also hints that the tech in the new 9-5 is already being used in the Turbo X.
While other Saabs are supposed to be downsizing, the 9-5 will actually grow since it's based on the Epsilon II platform along with the Opel Insignia and next-gen versions of the Saturn Aura and Chevy Malibu. The car's engine will be shrinking, though, down to a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit. And could this be the Saab that Wagoner said will be built in North America?
[Source: Trollhattan Saab via Motor Authority] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
On the nautical ropes in the Fiat Portofino beach car Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, FIAT, Special/Limited Editions 
Click above for hi-res gallery of the Portofino
Fiat took one of its Fiorino vans, chopped off, well, most of it, and dubbed it the Portofino. Supposedly no more than a study for the Caravan Show that starts in Dusseldorf later this week, the golden, buggy-like conveyance is an homage to the 1960s. In a time before Fiat was building $200,000 supercars, coachbuilders were adding open-topped bodies to Fiat chassis like this for fun in the Italian sun.
To stress the beachgoing theme, the Portofino has wood laminate flooring and natural fibers treated with a special waterproofing for the interior surfaces. The car can (optimistically) seat five, and the rear seat folds down for your surfboards and anchors.
Instead of doors, the Portofino has nautical ropes -- which might sound risky, but the 12-foot car only has 75 horsepower, so you shouldn't be getting in too much trouble. Fiat has no plans to make the Portofino, but says it will create a covered version for protection from win and sun. Andiamo, then...
[Source: Carscoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossovers/CUVs, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge 
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Dodge Journey R/T
The 2009 Dodge Journey carries the size and shape of a typical crossover, and it has seating for seven and all the amenities you could possibly ask for at $30,000. On paper, the Journey has a plenty of things in its favor, yet we had our doubts.
First off, it looks a lot like the Dodge Caravan, which works against the Journey when considering that many crossover buyers want to avoid the minivan stigma. It's also based on the less than impressive Chrysler Sebring platform, which we have found to be just awful. Then there is Chrysler's corporate 3.5L engine, which is less powerful, refined and efficient than similarly sized engines from its competition. Chrysler's recent track record for vehicles that are less than class competitive also lent support to our notion that the Journey might be a letdown. Regardless, we tried to clear our minds of these things when the Journey arrived for a week-long stay in the Autoblog Garage. Hit the jump to see how Chrysler's new crossover fared.
All photos Copyright (C)2008 Chris Shunk / Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T Permalink | Email this | Comments
McLaren P11 supercar goes back to the drawing board... in two months Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars  The McLaren P11 will still be powered by a 6.2-liter Mercedes AMG unit, but nobody knows yet what the car that goes around the engine is going to look like. Frank Stephenson, recently of Fiat fame, has been given instructions to completely redesign the car when he starts at McLaren. However, he can't take up the position at McLaren until he finishes his "gardening leave," a mandatory vacation between sensitive jobs that aims to prevent employees from taking their inside knowledge with them.
McLaren says that the car won't look anything like the sketches that made the rounds last year. That's not such a bad thing -- while a good looking car, the sketches were uninspiring and a bit derivative. We expect that the man who has had a hand in everything from the BMW X5 and MINI to the Ferrari F430, Maserati Quattroporte and MC12 probably has a few good ideas left lying around. Unfortunately, the arrival of the P11 has been pushed back a year due to the redesign, to probably mid-to-late 2010.
[Source: Autocar] Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: Chrysler may sell Dodge Viper rather than kill it Filed under: Supercars, Chrysler, LLC., Dodge 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Viper ACR
The Dodge Viper has been Chrysler's halo car since it was introduced back in 1992, but times are tough. Faced with the fact that it might not be able to continue making the brutish sports car, the Auburn Hills-based automaker is reportedly considering doing something that's never been done before by a domestic automaker (as for as we know): selling the Viper's future to a third party. Automotive News quotes Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli saying, "We have been approached by third parties who are interested in exploring future possibilities for Viper." Nardelli claims that whatever happens, his company will work to make sure the best interests of Viper fanboys are served and that Chrysler would continue to offer "operational and financial" support for the car if a transaction takes place. We're honestly a little stunned that Chrysler would consider such a drastic action, though if it means the Viper won't be sacrificed at the altar of economic woes, we're all for it. On the other hand, how does one separate Dodge from the Viper? Can you imagine Ford selling the Mustang to ROUSH or GM selling the Corvette to Lingenfelter? Chrysler has not identified any of the Viper's suitors, so rather than a familiar tuning house, it could also be a conglomerate of investors or another automaker. Is a Viper sold by another brand still a Viper?
[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ferrari Monza concept too complex for puny humans Filed under: Concept Cars, Ferrari, Special/Limited Editions 
click above for gallery of the Ferrar Monza concept
It appears that after seeing a number of its finest works crashed by errant drivers, Ferrari should consider making something like this. It's called the Monza, and it's part car, part motorcycle, part flying wing, and all anime.
Independently designed by Iman Maghsoudi, the Monza, whose name recalls historic Ferraris of yore and the race track that hosts the Italian Grand Prix, can go 125 miles per hour. But because humans cannot muster "sufficient concentration" to keep it on the ground and upright, computers take over. They change the angles of the canards over the front wheels and make sure the Monza doesn't go airborne in violent gusts. This study in advanced aerodynamics appears to be the road-going equivalent of an F-16, which seems to be a rather complicated way to go speeds that aren't considered that fast anymore. But hey, it's a Ferrari, it's red, no one else has one, and if we got the chance we'd drive it, too.
[Source: Telegraph] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Audi develops R8 GT3 racer Filed under: Motorsports, Sports/GTs, Euro, Audi 
Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Audi R8 GT3 car
The courtship between Audi and GT3-class racing teams has officially begun with the automaker's announcement that it has developed a GT3 version of the R8 sports car dubbed "R16" internally by its project overlords at Audi Sport . The rear-drive racer (GT3 regulations prohibit AWD) features a six-speed sequential gearbox, mostly production-spec suspension components, plus an updated front end and a large rear wing designed to keep it planted to the tarmac. No additional tech specs have been revealed at this time. Factory driver Frank Biela was at the wheel for the prototype's roll-out, and customer deliveries are expected to take place next fall. Look for the car to see wheel-to-wheel action against the likes of the Aston Martin DBRS9 and Jaguar XKR GT3 during the 2009 European racing season. We patiently await its inclusion in a future Gran Turismo update so that we can try it out, too.
[Source: Audi]Continue reading Audi develops R8 GT3 racer Permalink | Email this | Comments
V Eight developing modern Jensen Interceptor SX supercar Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Special/Limited Editions 
We've already told you about a company called V Eight that has rebirthed the Jensen Interceptor S with an LS2 and modern mechanicals for £75,000, and already, 60% of the allotment of 50 has been sold. That kind of success has got V Eight looking at a successor for the S, and they might have found it in the Jenson Interceptor SX.
The SX would be rebodied over a original donor car, just like the Interceptor S. And while it would still look like a Jenson, as you can see from the official rendering above, the design would be much more modern. The Interceptor SX would get a luxurious interior on the inside and use an LS7 V8 making 620 horsepower for propulsion. To be offered at a price of £145,000, the SX already has deposits from buyers of the Jenson S. As far as we're concerned, if you're going to revive the empire, this is the way to do it.
[Source: Innovation Cars] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Coming to America? Peugeot entering new segments, markets Filed under: PSA, Peugeot  Peugeot is a long way off from its ambitious target of selling 4 million units annually by the end of the decade. This year its sales projects put it at 2 million, but chief executive Jean-Philippe Collin has a plan in place to reach the targets set out by parent company PSA.
The plan involves expansion on two fronts. Firstly, Peugeot plans on developing new models to compete in segments where it currently does not compete. Collin figures the French automaker currently competes in 72% of market segments, but wants to get that figure up to 90%. Despite Peugeot's sportscar racing program, the company is not prepared to build a pure sportscar any more hardcore than the upcoming 308 RC Z sports-coupe. It is pursuing government funding to develop a diesel-hybrid drivetrain, however, which might be key to its expansion.
Peugeot is also planning on pursuing new markets, namely in China, Russia and South America. However, while a return to the North American market is being considered, especially in light of the weak American dollar, Collin maintains that such a move would still be several years off.
[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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