Report: Mazda designer wants to revive RX-7
By | March 9, 2010
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Mazda
Ikuo Maeda, Mazda’s design overlord, designed the soon-to-be-Stateside Mazda2. He also penned the Mazda RX-8, following quite literally the path his father laid before him: Maeda’s father created the original Mazda RX-7. Now Maeda wants to bring the RX-7 back to life, saying “I do have a strong yearning to revive the RX-7 during my tenure.”
Even though many enthusiasts would like nothing more than for Mazda to tap that root, we have heard that other Mazda officials queried on the subject poo-pooed the idea, asking “Why go backwards?” If we were to answer, we’d say “Because things were awesome back then. Except for the warranty claims…” That latter point being another reason the last RX-7 is not exactly a fond memory for the Japanese brand.
For it to have any chance at all, though, Maeda said “… we need the U.S. economy to come back, first and foremost.” We hereby give you our permission to begin buying everything.
Gallery: Mazda Kabura Concept
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Report: Mazda designer wants to revive RX-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Video: Sears Pointless LeMons crash puts another rollcage to the test
By | March 9, 2010
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos
If you were following the news coming out of Infineon this weekend during the Sears Pointless 24 Hours of LeMons race, you might’ve heard about a nasty crash involving the ONSET Cavalier.
Going into turn 11 at about 1 PM on Saturday, the wagon - an easy top ten contender - squeezed through an opening on the back straight before being tapped on the left rear, sent into a wall and then flipped. The Cavalier slid well over 100 feet before coming to a rest mid-track and just as the driver was extracting himself from the car, the red wagon burst into flames.
Although he was able to remove his harnesses and wiggle his way out the window, the driver did suffer from a back injury resulting in two vertebrae surgeries carried out on Saturday and Sunday. We’ve gotten word from a close friend of Tyler that he’s recovering and doing well, and we wouldn’t be surprised to hear that LeMons could begin requiring HANS devices for future races.
After the jump we’ve got two videos of the wreck: One from inside the ONSET car and another from a vehicle traveling further back in the pack. Both are very telling and further proof that LeMons’ strict safety requirements work, even in $500 crap can racers.
Continue reading Video: Sears Pointless LeMons crash puts another rollcage to the test
Video: Sears Pointless LeMons crash puts another rollcage to the test originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.8.10
By | March 9, 2010
First Drive: 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty brings the biggest tools
The F-Series Super Duty is ready for battle and Ford’s all-new heavy hitter is packing more than just class leading power and towing.
Report: Honda CR-Z was almost killed twice, U.S. dealers didn’t want it
A hybrid hatchback with a six-speed manual? Honda dealers have heard that story before and were less than thrilled when the automaker announced plans to bring the CR-Z to the States.
Toyota hits back at David Gilbert’s “no fault code” demonstration
The ABC News report that set the public and lawmakers ablaze has been called into question and Toyota finally responses with its own in-depth analysis.
Also of interest:
- GM scouring the globe for next Corvette design, first time looking beyond U.S.
- Super Coupe: Brabus E V12 now in two-door form
- 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon bound for New York Auto Show
- GM CEO Whitacre still flies on AT&T jets equipped with golden parachutes
- Stirling Moss falls down elevator shaft, breaks bones but OK
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport Special Edition, priced from $58,375*
By | March 9, 2010
Filed under: Convertible, Lexus, Design/Style, Luxury
As much as we’d love to see a convertible version of the pulse-quickening Lexus IS F, it doesn’t appear to be in the cards. Instead, Lexus is offering up plenty of F-Sport accessories for the IS C, including the new IS350C F-Sport Special Edition which goes on sale later this month. Only 100 of these F-tuned droptops will be produced, retailing for $58,375 (including the $875 destination charge).
Available in either Obsidian or Tungsten Pearl, the F-Sport isn’t any more powerful than a standard IS350, but it includes things like new 19-inch wheels, a front and rear brake upgrade and Blistein shocks. Additionally, new lowering springs set the IS one inch lower to the ground, and a beefier sway bar is in place to aid in better overall handling. Inside, there’s a leather-wrapped shift knob, embroidered floor mats and a numbered badge, all with F-Sport logos, of course.
While this is all well and good for the IS C, we can’t help but think that, at over $58K, our money would be better spent on a BMW 335i or Audi S5 cabriolet. Still, Lexus buyers looking for a more sporting edge should like the F-Sport touches, and with only 100 units being made, we doubt the automaker will have any trouble moving them off of dealer lots. Hit the jump to read all of the details in the press release.
Gallery: Lexus IS C F-Sport
[Source: Lexus]
Continue reading Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport Special Edition, priced from $58,375*
Lexus announces IS350C F-Sport Special Edition, priced from $58,375* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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"Style your Smart" contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas
By | March 8, 2010
Filed under: Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Smart, Design/Style
Daimler rang in the new year with an online design contest called “Style your Smart.” Apparently, the idea of decorating a virtual Smart Fortwo appeals to a lot of people, since 50,000 design ideas we submitted by over 8,000 people from 100+ countries. The winner, pictured above, was submitted by Tamir Shefer from Jaffa, Israel. For his entry, Shefer will get €1,500 (about $2,000 USD) and had his car described on the contest website as:
The winner of the contest meets the philosophy of the brand perfectly and encourages the observer to open his mind. You cannot miss this car due to the artistically high level. It combines the joy of life, humanity and the spirit of the city in a modern, fresh and graphically convincing way. It is urban and human friendly at the same time and shows that cars and humans do belong together.
Not bad. Contest participants could also win cash awards for being active on the company’s website, and three other designs drove off with some prize money. All told, Daimler gave out just €5000 (@ $6,800 USD) and received a lot of fan exposure for the money. Well played.
[Source: Smart]
Continue reading “Style your Smart” contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas
“Style your Smart” contest elicits 50,000(!) design ideas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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TVR ‘remanufacturer’ facing legal opposition?
By | March 8, 2010
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., MISC
We don’t hear all that much about classic British muscle/sportscar maker TVR, so here’s a quick refresher on what’s been going on over the last few weeks: Russian owner Nikolai Smolenski has signaled his intent to bring the overpowered brand back to the market using a classic American V8 engine of unknown origin, and we’ll know more about that later this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Shortly after that revelation, we found out that remanufactured versions of the Tuscan, Sagaris and T350 were already available through Carmel Motorsports in Indianapolis, sans powertrain. As we told you at the time, these cars were being supplied by a company called Total Vehicle Remanufacturing… which, though that does indeed have the correct initials, is not the real TVR.
Not surprisingly, then, the “real” TVR doesn’t sound all that pleased with its newly found competition. Says TVR Motors co-director James Oxley, “We’d like to make clear that this has nothing whatever to do with us, and it appears to conflict strongly with what TVR is trying to achieve in future.” According to PistonHeads, “TVR intends to closely scrutinize the operation to ensure its own interests are appropriately protected.” Ought to be interesting to see how this one plays out, no?
[Source: PistonHeads]
TVR ‘remanufacturer’ facing legal opposition? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Audi working on successor to A2?
By | March 8, 2010
Filed under: Hatchback, Audi, Rumormill, Electric
Seeing the Audi A1 and A1 e-tron concept at this year’s Geneva Motor Show provides proof that the quad-ring automaker is putting a much larger focus on its small car offerings. With that in mind, new rumors are cropping up about a possible successor to the A2 - the quirky little hatch that never came to the U.S. and only had minor success in Europe.
“There’s clearly room for another product and another concept between the A3 and A1,” Audi CEO Rupert Stadler told AutoWeek during the Geneva Motor Show. The new A2 would likely be A1-based and use an electric powertrain, possibly sourced from the A1 e-tron concept. European media has reported that the A2 successor is expected to debut by 2014, and no word has been given about a possible U.S.-spec version. However, with Audi keeping the A1 away from American soil, it’s likely that the A2 would be a Europe-only affair, as well.
Gallery: Audi A1 e-tron concept
Gallery: Geneva 2010: Audi A1 e-tron
[Source: AutoWeek]
Report: Audi working on successor to A2? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show
By | March 8, 2010
Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show
After years of covering the world’s auto shows at Autoblog, the Geneva Motor Show never ceases to amaze. It’s in Switzerland, so by nature, it’s neutral, and since there’s no “home team” like in Detroit, Frankfurt or Paris, every automaker comes out to play. And play they did.
While this year’s showing wasn’t nearly as impressive as the end-of-the-recession shindig we endured in Germany last September, the shear number of reveals boggles the mind and cramps the fingers. But despite six pairs of aching feet, one broken laptop, countless espresso triple-shots and braved our fair share of sharp-elbowed shooters and clueless colleges, we survived (mostly) unscathed and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our time in Switzerland.
After the jump we’ve assembled our favorite debuts from the show, but rather than creating another “Best and Worse” or “Top Picks” post, we’ve singled out two vehicles: One that embodies our no-cost, no-holds-barred, fantasy ride and another production-ready example that we could conceivably drive home tomorrow given our meager (or not-so-meager) means. Check out our picks after the break and let us know what your own choices are in ‘Comments.’
Continue reading Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show
Geneva 2010: Our top Fantasy and Reality vehicles of the show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Mercedes to launch B-Class-based hatchback, CUV in U.S.
By | March 8, 2010
Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Electric
Here in the United States, the Mercedes-Benz product portfolio starts off with the C-Class sedan. Those familiar with the alphabet may realize that there are at least two available letters before ‘C’ that would theoretically allow the German automaker to offer something a bit less expensive before graduating up the ranks to the likes of the E-Class and S-Class, in all their assorted variations.
Wouldn’t you know it, Mercedes has seen fit to fill those two pre-C-Class slots with A- and B-Class ranges across the Pond (okay, so Canada gets the B as well), and we’ve been hearing rumblings for quite some time that one of these models might make its way Stateside before too long. Those rumors gain new traction today with this report from Automotive News, which suggests that a compact car and a “small SUV” (read: crossover) may soon be in the offing in the U.S.
AN says that Mercedes-Benz plans to launch the next version of its B-Class in Europe in 2011, and that’s the likely candidate for conversion to be sold here in the States. Included amongst the powertrain options will reportedly be some kind of fossil fuel alternative, perhaps either an electric version or one powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.
All of this news would seem to gibe with what Autoblog sources within MB have told us in recent days. While earlier reports indicated that the recently launched F 800 Style concept sedan was an indicator of the next CLS or E-Class, we now understand that the Geneva Motor Show star is actually more of a hat-tip regarding the next C-Class, a vehicle that is slated to grow slightly in order to better accommodate new models slotting in below it. Incidentally, we hear that the F-800’s controversial snout is in fact a near match for the next-gen E, and that America could receive a sedan version of the rumored B-Class lineup as well.
So, when might we expect all this to go down? Depends. Says Joachim Schmidt, sales and marketing chief at MB, “The behavior of Americans depends on fuel prices. Nevertheless, we see a trend also toward fuel-efficient cars.”
Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz B-Class
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]
Report: Mercedes to launch B-Class-based hatchback, CUV in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2011 Hyundai Sonata door latch recall gets official
By | March 8, 2010
Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hyundai
A couple weeks back, Hyundai put a stop-sale on its freshly minted 2011 Sonata sedan because a front door latch could malfunction after a rather labored series of steps. The stop-sale was lifted almost immediately, though, as the Korean automaker was able to quickly ship replacement parts to U.S. dealers, at which point the vehicles in stock were repaired. At that time, though, Hyundai promised to work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to put out a recall notice for the 1,300 vehicles that had already been sold; a promise that came to fruition this morning as NHTSA put out an official bulletin.
The NHTSA recall notice claims that the front inside door lock switches can remain in the unlatched position under certain conditions, making it possible for the front driver or passenger doors to open while the vehicle is in motion. Hyundai tells us that the latch may malfunction when a front inside door lock switch is held in the locked position while the inside door handle is pulled to open the door.
Sonata owners affected by the recall can bring their vehicle to the nearest Hyundai dealer for the no-cost repairs, which should take about an hour. Hit the jump to read over the NHTSA press release.
Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]
Continue reading 2011 Hyundai Sonata door latch recall gets official
2011 Hyundai Sonata door latch recall gets official originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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