Ken Lingenfelter opens doors to his collection for charity [w/video]

Back in 2009, we gave you an inside look at a truly amazing car collection located in Michigan. At the time, the owner preferred an air of anonymity, so we referred to him as the "Sultan of Michigan," which is a moniker we've since learned he dislikes and we won't be using anymore. His collection is both expansive and all-encompassing, containing automobiles from a range of eras and locations. The man's name is Ken Lingenfelter (cousin of the late John Lingenfelter), and the doors to his collection will open to the public on Saturday, June 18th.

For $15, you will gain access to a collection of over 150 vehicles that range from early Chevrolet Corvettes to the Ferrari Enzo wearing build plaque number 399. Lingenfelter has amassed the type of automotive showcase that makes all enthusiasts envious, while also providing a timeline of exciting vehicles that spans decades.

This isn't just about viewing a collection that's rarely shared with the public. Ken Lingenfelter is hosting the event to support the Detroit Institute of Opthalmology. The organization is devoted to being the leader in collaboration of vision related research, and a champion of helping those with impaired vision.

You can get a look at Lingenfelter's cars by way of the Lingenfelter Collection website. If you're in the Brighton, Michigan area, however, we suggest you pony up some dough and see the vehicles in person. You'll feel good about helping a charity, and we'll feel jealous that we're not there to see the cars for ourselves. This is a collection that is not open to the public, but is occasionally available for car clubs to view when they donate proceeds of the viewing to charity.

Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone (313-824-4710), or at the door (7819 Lochlin
Brighton, MI). We've gone ahead and posted an older video showing just a portion of the Lingenfelter Collection after the break.
Via: Ken Lingenfelter opens doors to his collection for charity [w/video]

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Musk: Tesla Model S production up to 'around 80 cars' per week *UPDATE

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently spoke to Fox Business about the state of Model S production, and to hear the CEO tell it, things are going very well. Assembly line production has been climbing every week; the interview was conducted on September 13, and Musk said when asked how many cars they'd build, "I think it's probably going to be around 80 cars this week." If they hit that number it would represent double the production of the week before.

Tesla's Model S production goal this year is 5,000 units, and the outside estimate is that 400* have been built so far. To make the target in the roughly 14 weeks left in the year, Tesla would need to as of this week quadruple last week's production to a little more than 320 units. That's a steep climb, but the numbers so far point to it being still being possible. Musk said that orders continue to come in and the company is working through its backlog, and he expects an annual profit to come in 2013. You'll find both parts of the interview in the videos below.

*UPDATE: Tesla spokeswoman Christina Ra pointed out that the last publicly confirmed number is just 100 Model S units, and that Tesla will "likely make another announcement on that front soon." She added, "400 is really inaccurate."
Via: Musk: Tesla Model S production up to 'around 80 cars' per week *UPDATE

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European car dealers buying own inventory to boost sales figures

Think car sales in Europe are in the toilet? Well, turns out they're even worse than anyone thought.

A Ford executive tells Bloomberg that dealers for brands across the EU are buying their own cars, boosting new-car sales figures by as much as 30 percent. The dealers then sell the brand-new cars as used vehicles for steep discounts.

"It is a very aggressive environment and until either demand picks up or capacity is adjusted to the situation, it's unlikely going to change," Roelant de Waard, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford of Europe, told Bloomberg at the Paris Motor Show last week.

Ford has been having a rough time in Europe, posting the biggest sales declines in the industry for August, according to Automotive News. The company, which has successfully turned around its operations in North America, is facing $1 billion in losses in Europe this year.
Via: European car dealers buying own inventory to boost sales figures

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SENNA documentary announces dates and cities for limited release

Did you miss the chance to catch Senna in theaters? Did you also miss it when Netflix accidentally allowed you to watch it via their online service? Stop punching yourself in the face because Senna is heading to theaters around the country for a limited time. This means you have no excuse to miss the flick this time around. Get your butts to a theater in one of the following cities on the following dates:

• August 12th: New York and Los Angeles
• August 19th: Chicago, Philadelphia, Cambridge, San Francisco, Berkley, D.C., Detroit, San Diego, Miami, Nashville, Dallas
• August 26th: Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver
• August 29th: Seattle
• September 2nd: Indianapolis, St. Louis

If you're a Formula One fan who happens to live in NYC, you have another event worth adding to your calendar. City Winery is hosting a live viewing party of the British Grand Prix. During the event, organizers will share an exclusive peek at Senna. If you're interested, be sure to head to the City Winery web site and make reservations.
Via: SENNA documentary announces dates and cities for limited release

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Mercedes-Benz adds B-Class Electric Drive to Paris debuts

We already knew the next-generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class would be getting an all-electric variant, but instead of wearing the E-Cell name, it shall be dubbed Electric Drive. As a matter of fact, all future electric models from Mercedes-Benz, Smart and AMG will carry the Electric Drive name.

A thinly disguised version of the car will be on display next week at the 2012 Paris Motor Show as the Mercedes-Benz Concept B-Class Electric Drive, but what we're looking at here is likely the real deal of what will hit the grid in 2014. According to previous reports, the electric powertrain in the B-Class Electric Drive will be based on a system devolved by Tesla. Mercedes says its Concept B-Class Electric Drive uses a 134-horsepower electric motor that can pump out around 229 pound-feet of torque and deliver a range of 124 miles from its lithium-ion battery.

In addition to the Concept B-Class, Mercedes will also use the Paris stage for the world debut of the SLS AMG Electric Drive and Smart ForTwo Brabus Electric Drive. Scroll down for the official press release.
Via: Mercedes-Benz adds B-Class Electric Drive to Paris debuts

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Toyota kills plans for widespread iQ EV sales after misreading demand and battery tech

2012 was supposed to be the year the all-electric version of the Toyota/Scion iQ made a splash. Instead, it appears that while it remains technically true that the iQ EV will launch this year, it will be a much, much smaller splash than previously anticipated. According to Reuters, the iQ will have an "extremely limited release."

That's a kind way to say that the 100 iQ EVs that Reuters says Toyota will now sell in the U.S. and Japan is a much smaller figure than was anticipated. The writing has been on the wall for a while. All the way back in 2009, Toyota hinted that the EV, which can only go 50 miles on a charge, might be destined for car-sharing services, and in 2011, a Toyota spokesperson confirmed the iQ EV would be a "low-volume vehicle."

Now, the official Toyota line (see below) is that:

Toyota has seen that many customers are not yet willing to compromise on range, and they don't like the time needed to re-charge the batteries. Moreover, the infrastructure for recharging has not become as widespread as originally anticipated.

So, even though Toyota is ready with the iQ EV, we believe a plug-in hybrid solution offers a better way than pure electric for most customer needs in the short- to medium-term, and that is where we will concentrate our commercial activities.

Toyota vice chairman Takeshi Uchiyamada tells Reuters, "The current capabilities of electric vehicles do not meet society's needs, whether it may be the distance the cars can run, or the costs, or how it takes a long time to charge."

Compare this attitude to the one displayed by Daimler, which today has hundreds of Smart Electric Drive vehicles functioning as car-sharing rides through its Car2go program in places like San Diego, CA and Austin, TX. Toyota will still move forward with the launch of the RAV4 EV, and expects to sell around 2,600 of them in the next three years.
Via: Toyota kills plans for widespread iQ EV sales after misreading demand and battery tech

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Lotus designs a pair of new test tracks for Top Gear Live

Few circuits in the world have gained as much notoriety as the Top Gear test track in Surrey, England. The show's private playground plays host to the best performance machines and biggest celebrities. But Clarkson and company didn't design the track themselves, it was set up by Lotus.

Now, Top Gear has again turned to Lotus to design two new tracks for the Top Gear Live traveling show. The courses, B20 Raceway and Docklands GP, will be set up at the NEC in Birmingham and the ExCel center in London, respectively, where thousands of fans will gather for the veritable automotive circus. Each circuit is set up differently, and the corners will be individually named, with an opportunity for fans to vote on the names of one at each track.

Clarkson, Hammond, May and The Stig will perform, of course, as well as Ring-mistress Sabine Schmitz, rival presenter Tiff Needell and five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell. An array of celebrities will battle for the top spot in the on-site Star in a Reasonably Priced Car competition. The highlights of the show, however, are sure to be supercars like the McLaren MP4-12C, Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari 599 GTO, classic Group B rally cars and F1 racers past and present.

Follow the jump for the press release and check out the track layouts in the gallery.
Via: Lotus designs a pair of new test tracks for Top Gear Live

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Audi A3 E-Tron

Unique Feature Makes This A Very Special EV



The most innovative part of the Audi A3 E-Tron prototype isn't found under the hood or in its battery compartment. Instead, one must sit in the driver's seat and move slightly to the side, then peer at the two smallish steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

On traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, a quick tug on the left paddle shifts the transmission down one gear while the right is used for shifting the gearbox up. However, nearly all battery-electric vehicles (BEV) have but a single-speed transmission. Paddle shifters are completely unnecessary. The engineers at Audi, likely not wanting to leave gaping holes on the back of the trick sporty steering wheel, gave the two plastic flaps a new role to control the intensiveness of regenerative braking.

It was a game-changing move.
Via: Audi A3 E-Tron

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Land Rover LR2 gets updated look, turbo four power for 2013

Land Rover is being liberal with its amenities, distributing luxe features from its Range Rover Evoque, 2013 Range Rover and Jaguar sedans to its entry-level 2013 LR2. Right out front is a new engine: the same 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 250 pound-feet of torque found in the Evoque is now the sole engine offered in the LR2. It replaces the 3.2-liter six-cylinder and brings with it the benefits of being 88 pounds lighter, having 10 more horsepower and 16 more pound-feet of torque. Shifting remains through a six-speed transmission with CommandShift for manual cog swapping.

Outside are three new potential hues: Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. Those new paint selections set off tweaked design cues like the revised Xenon headlamps and LED taillamps, refreshed brightwork around the grille and fog lamps, and "paint detailing changes" made to the grille insert and fender vents.



Inside, the center console gets a seven-inch touchscreen that is mission control for the updated-but-optional hard-drive based navigation system, the "Say What You See" voice control operation, an available rearview camera with Hitch Assist. In addition, buyers will get to chose between one of two Meridian surround sound stereos the ultimate having 825-watts and 17-speakers. A new five-inch screen lives between the dials in the dash cluster, the steering wheel now fitted with switches to navigate menus that appear there.

On the practical side, the Terrain Response dial disappears, replaced by buttons, while an intelligent electronic parking brake keeps tabs on the temperature of the brakes and how much clamping force is being applied. A pushbutton start system has been adopted, relegating the key dock to history.

How much will the goodies cost you? It will take $37,250 to get in the 2013 LR2 door, a $700 bump over the 2012 model. The HSE goes up by $750 to $39,750, while the HSE LUX is $850 more dear at $42,350. Why get an LR2 instead of the similarly sized and far fresher Evoque, you ask? Presumably because the LR2 is still a lot cheaper 2012 Evoque models start at $43,995. Besides, the LR2's more traditional and upright styling plays to a different audience than the fashion-forward Evoque.

You can peruse the press release below for more on the noteworthy changes before diving into the massive high-res gallery above. We expect to see the real thing in the metal at the Paris Motor Show late next month.
Via: Land Rover LR2 gets updated look, turbo four power for 2013

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World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum

Over the past half-century, James Bond has driven a wide variety of vehicles. (Okay, so most of them have been Aston Martins. The point is there's been a lot of them.) And while the occasional former Bond vehicle may pop up at auction every now and then, seeing more than one or two in the same place is a rare occasion indeed.

Next year, however, the Bond franchise is turning 50, and to celebrate, a number of parties are teaming up to put together the largest display of Bond cars ever. The exhibition will take place at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, and is being orchestrated with help from Empire (the world's foremost movie magazine) and EON Productions (which puts together every Bond movie ever filmed).

The display will be part of the Big Screen exhibition there, which already includes the Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the DB5 from Goldeneye, the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day, and the 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom lll from Goldfinger. All told, some 50 cars from various Bond movies will be on display from January through December 2012. Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the quartet of high-resolution images of the four aforementioned vehicles in the gallery.
Via: World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum

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Spyker and Youngman sign deal, plan to build D8 SUV and Phoenix-based range

It appears Spyker is strengthen its ties and carmaking ability with Chinese carmaker Youngman. This comes in the wake of the brand's latest dealings with a $3 billion lawsuit against General Motors regarding the demise of Saab.

Youngman is reportedly investing 10,000,000 ($12.5M USD) for a 29.9-percent stake in the company. The shares are being sold for 0.05 (6.3 cents) each, representing a fully diluted share. Youngman has said it will not take on more than the 29.9-percent stake.

Additionally, Youngman will invest 25,000,000 ($31M) for the development of an all-new Spyker vehicle, called the D8 P2P, named for the Peking-to-Paris rally. The vehicle had been shown as a concept by Spyker previously, but things had been quiet since then. It appears Spyker will now build the uniquely styled D8 Concept shown above. The vehicle is to launch at the end of 2014 and carry a price of $250,000 per vehicle.

It also appears a second car range will be built, based on the Phoenix platform. Though Saab may have, for all intents and purposes, gone under, Spyker has transferred the licensing rights of the Phoenix platform (the architecture that was to underpin the next 9-3) to... itself. According to Youngman's CEO Pang Qingnian, "We have felt all along that a cooperation with Spyker had to be pursued, even after we both unjustifiably lost the opportunity to restructure Saab," he continued, "with this agreement, many of our original intentions with the Saab brand will take shape."

So while we continue to see the developments of Spyker's relationship with the Chinese automaker, it will be interesting to see just what vehicles develop under this deal both for the Spyker brand as well as for Youngman.
Via: Spyker and Youngman sign deal, plan to build D8 SUV and Phoenix-based range

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2013 GMC Acadia priced from $34,875*

For those who are interested in the reworked 2013 GMC Acadia, we now know how much you can look forward to forking over. Base MSRP for the 2013 version of the full-size, three-row crossover has been set at $34,875 (*not including a $825 destination charge). If you are interested in the range-topping Denali trim, be prepared to pay $46,770.

The 2013 Acadia will come standard with a backup camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB port and recycled visuals from the now-dead Saturn Outlook.

Upping to the Denali trim gets you a head-up display, blind spot monitoring system and GMC's new Rear Cross Traffic Alert system. According to GMC, most trims will also receive IntelliLink connectivity as standard equipment. The Acadia will also get the industry's first front-center airbag, an innovation it shares with other Lambda-based crossovers like the refreshed 2013 Buick Enclave. The idea behind the new tube-shaped airbag is that it can provide a buffer between driver and front seat passenger in the event of an impact, or better hold the driver in place if he or she is alone.

The Acadia will continue to be powered by GM's ubiquitous direct-injected 3.6-liter V6, making 288 horsepower and 279 pound feet of torque. With standard front-wheel drive, the Acadia returns 17 miles per gallon city and 24 highway. Opting for all-wheel-drive docks just one mile per gallon from both ratings. For more information on the updated 2013 Acadia, check out the press release below.
Via: 2013 GMC Acadia priced from $34,875*

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2013 Chevrolet Volt

Chevrolet has taken an aggressive tack to move units of its revolutionary Volt, selling a fair number to government agencies, offering really fantastic lease deals and marketing the hell out of the car. After a week of driving (and generally enjoying) the 2013 iteration of the extended-range hatchback, I tend to think that customers should just take advantage of the current confluence of market forces rather than bemoaning the larger state of affairs with General Motors as a whole.

After all, one of the biggest knocks on the Volt has always been that its MSRP is too high, a fact that largely negates the very low running costs once the car is in your garage. Well, a $260/month lease eases that pain a lot (even if that rate is for the 2012 car, and not the 2013 model that I tested). And what you're left with is a very nice-to-drive, forward-looking if fractionally flawed car.

Driving Notes

• The slightly revised 2013 Volt offers a "Hold" driving mode that allows one to conserve the battery power for optimal efficiency. For those that have long commutes and might want to let the gasoline-powered generator do its thing on the highway while saving the EV juice for around town this new software makes a lot of sense. I didn't find much chance to make use of it in my city-centric daily errands.
• I live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is, I will admit, fairly progressive as far as Middle America goes. That said, our city has recently been fitted with a large number of 240-volt stations in parking lots and parking structures. Driving the Volt primarily around town (I live about a mile from the city center) for the week, I was able to keep my charge going using these sometimes-free chargers to great effect. In fact, I got more juice from Republic Parking than I did from my own house. Cheers!
• When the Volt's batteries were topped-up, I usually saw about 32-miles worth of all-battery driving before the charge neared empty on the car's central display. Over eight days of driving no single trip was farther than 15 miles, one of the benefits of working from home I used 0.1 gallons of gas for around 120-miles traveled.
• So, I'll admit, the usage-case for me is a little bit different than normal. But general observation, logic and some quick statistics hunting tells me that more and more people will work out of home offices as time passes. Long story short: I could almost certainly use a car like the Volt without having to use the gas-powered generator/engine for two-thirds of my driving year. And that's being conservative. Better still, if I'm charger surfing, using public power or parking structure power to fill up, the individual cost to me is reduced even further.
• The Volt is an exceptional vehicle for music lovers, even without some ultra-high-end 38-speaker English sound system. Why? Number one: The audio system is pretty respectable. Number two: The car is simply so quiet, even at speed, that you have a better soundstage in the Volt than you do in pretty much any other car on the market. You don't truly realize how much even very good audio setups are fighting car-based noise pollution until you jam out in a Volt for the first time.
• The front lip, completely designed for maximum aero aid, makes the Chevy almost unusable in certain situations. The approach from the street to my driveway is not particularly steep, but it's a sharp enough angle that there is no way to get the car up and down without rubbing the bottom of the lip on the concrete. I know that in my neighborhood with houses from the 1940s and 1950s most driveways are more aggressively raked than mine, too. Anyone living in an older part of a town or city may have to consider if they can drive the Volt close enough to their garage or house to charge it without damaging the car each time. Aero be damned, it's silly for the Volt to sit lower than most supercars.
• A quick followup to the point above: Get used to hand-washing your Volt if you take the plunge. I don't know of any automatic conveyor-type car washes with tire guide rails low enough to accommodate the front lip of this car.

Via: 2013 Chevrolet Volt

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Huet Brothers now taking orders for HB Coupe, Road Racer

Last we heard from Huet Brothers, the Netherlands-based custom automaker had just unveiled the designs for its new HB Coupe. Well, now we can confirm that the Huet Brothers HB Coupe and the HB Coupe Road Racer will both be produced in 2014, with the vehicles available to order now.

Since the initial announcement back in February, Huet Brothers made some changes to the HB Coupe. In place of the 3.0-liter inline-six previously planned, the cars will use a 170-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-four to propel them from 0-62 miles per hour in under five seconds. Pricing is about where you'd expect a low-production, high-performance coupe, with stickers starting at 67,800 (or about $87,400 USD). Those looking for a bit more power can also opt for the more powerful Cosworth version of the engine that ups the output of the 1,763-pound car to 255 hp, drops the 0-62 mph time to under four seconds and increases the price to 78,500 (just over $101,000 USD).

These prices apply to both the HB Coupe and HB Coupe Road Racer with the main differences between the two being styling and driving dynamics. Both models will feature a six-speed manual gearbox, limited slip differential and rear-wheel drive. Buyers looking for a truly unique car for the track can also opt for the fully customizable HB Coupe Race.

Only 40 of these HB Coupes are being produced in 2014, and the company is also looking into availability of the cars in the U.S. and Canada. There is already a waiting list for customers in North America, but Huet Brothers is unsure if it can deliver its cars here as of this writing.
Via: Huet Brothers now taking orders for HB Coupe, Road Racer

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Tesla curbs forecast due to Model S issues, losses total $864.9M

It ain't easy creating a brand-new automaker from scratch. The fact that Elon Musk and Tesla have actually been able to bring not one, but two cars to market is in itself quite impressive. That said, the road has not been without its bumps, and Tesla is feeling some of the setbacks that come with being a fledgling automaker.

To that end, Tesla has revealed that it expects $400 million to $440 million in full-year revenue, or roughly $160 million less than its prior 2012 revenue forecasts. In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Monday, the electric carmaker said "We have methodically increased our Model S production at a slower rate than we had earlier anticipated," leading to the company figuring they'll fall short of the $560 million to $600 million they originally forecasted. Tesla also revealed a net cumulative loss of $864.9 million through June 30 of this year Tesla has yet to break even as an automaking entity, but it remains something of a startup, so the fact that it has lost money to this point shouldn't be a major surprise building cars is expensive, and learning how to do so is even more expensive. Following the disclosure, Tesla shares fell about 8.5 percent this morning in trading.

Tesla cites delays in suppliers for its Model S production shortcomings. The California automaker says it is working with suppliers to speed up deliveries and internally, it is adding shifts and automation to its manufacturing processes. With little more than half of the 5,000-vehicle target expected to be built by year's end, Tesla says it is four to five weeks behind its delivery goals.

Meanwhile, reservations are on the rise. 11,500 Model S units were spoken for at the end of June, and that number has risen to 13,000 as of September 23 (not counting vehicles already delivered). While reservations increased, so did cancelations.

The first several thousand reserved customers were asked to configure their vehicles for delivery, lest they lose their places in line.
Via: Tesla curbs forecast due to Model S issues, losses total $864.9M

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Fiat previews new Panda 4x4 ahead of Paris

Not a Kung-Fu panda, but a "Super Panda." That's what Fiat is calling the third-generation, four-wheel-drive A-segment five-door hatch, which is apparently "ready to tackle mountain mule tracks and the urban jungle with the same cool." If that sounds like your kind of beast, this 4x4 wears all manner of elements to let others know you mean business: black trim and skirting with contrasting skid plates front and back, different fog lights, 15-inch alloys on chunky tires, and the muffler has been raised so that it's tucked within the bodywork.

The six-speed transmission has a low-range first gear. Power is routed to all four wheels, permanently, with an electronically-controlled coupling managing the differentials, with an Electronic Locking Differential further managing the spin at each wheel by applying the brakes when slip is detected. The suspension is MacPherson up front and ditches the semi-trailing arms for a torsion beam at the rear.

Both available engines improve on the previous 1.2-liter Fire that had 68 horsepower and 75 pound-feet of torque, with the new 1.3-liter, 75-hp MultiJet II diesel bettering torque by 30 percent and the 0.9-liter, 85-horsepower TwinAir Turbo raising that number by 40 percent. Both are fitted with start/stop.

The new Panda 4x4 has also got more colorful, with Toscana green metallic and Sicilia orange joining the exterior palette, and three-color seats placed inside. The cabin also gets more eco-leather detailing, remote central locking, rear headrests, a CD and MP3 player and more storage, since you never know what you'll find on those mule tracks.

When the it is introduced at the Paris Motor Show next month it will be joined by two more additions to the Panda line: the Trekking and Natural Power times. Trekking gives the front-wheel-drive Panda the look of the 4x4 and Fiat's Traction+ system that works off the electronic stability control programming to provide better grip. The Panda Natural Power uses the 0.9-liter TwinAir Turbo adapted to run on gasoline and methane. There's more info to feed your Panda fix in the press release below.
Via: Fiat previews new Panda 4x4 ahead of Paris

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Mid America Motorworks celebrates two American icons at 18th annual Corvette Funfest

Corvette savant Mike Yager is prepping his Effingham, Illinois-based Mid America Motorworks for a celebration of an American icon. On September 15, the doors to the 18th annual Corvette Funfest will open, and thousands of cars and people will descend upon the grassy destination. This is an important year for fans of the Bowtie brand because the automaker is about to celebrate its 100th birthday.

Another American icon has also reached a milestone this year. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile turns 75 years old. Oddly enough, the Wienermobile shares a portion of General Motors history alongside the Corvette. Since 1969, the hot-dog-shaped vehicle has utilized a GM chassis, and the current Wienermobile is powered by a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is also making the trek to Effingham to join in on the Funfest activities.

While it's certainly an odd pairing, the Wienermobile and hordes of Chevrolet Corvette cars and fans will mingle under the Illinois sky. According to organizers, registration for the 2011 event is already 40 percent greater than Mid America Motorworks experienced for the 2010 Funfest.

Check out some photos from previous events in our gallery.
Via: Mid America Motorworks celebrates two American icons at 18th annual Corvette Funfest

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Vanity Fair asks auto writers what car they'd buy for $100k

As automotive writers, we're always asked what our favorite cars are or which cars we would buy if we had the money. To answer the latter query, Vanity Fair's Brett Berk polled 13 scribes to see what they'd pick for under $100,000. An interesting mix of vehicles ensues. Some of the choices stretched the imaginary budget to its max while others went all bang-for-the-buck on us, but what's most surprising about the list is that more than half the cars on it are not available with a manual transmission.

Of course cars like the Porsche 911, Ford Mustang and a couple of Mercedes-Benz AMG cars make the cut, but there were also a handful of choices that caught us off guard. Jonny Lieberman of Motor Trend chose the Subaru BRZ, Autoblog weekend editor Alex Nunez would love commuting in a brown Tesla Model S Performance, and Jake Fisher of Consumer Reports picked the Hyundai Veloster... non-turbo!

Here's the full list of what these 13 auto writers would take home if given a sub-$100,000 car:

• Mercedes-Benz E63 Wagon
• Audi A7
• Mini John Cooper Works Convertible
• Porsche 911 Carrera S
• Hyundai Veloster
• Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid
• Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
• Jaguar XF Supercharged
• Lotus Evora
• Subaru BRZ
• Tesla Model S Performance
• Ford Mustang Boss 302
• Range Rover Evoque

So what do you say? If you could buy ANY new car priced under $100,000, which would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
Via: Vanity Fair asks auto writers what car they'd buy for $100k

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Edmunds ranks brand loyalty by vehicle category

News flash: trucks are popular in the U.S. and subcompacts aren't. While most of the customer loyalty stats we generally hear about are focused on brands, Inside Line recently did a study tracking how loyal customers are to a particular vehicle segment by tracking which vehicles customers trade in when purchasing a new car.

Not surprisingly, full-size trucks had the most loyal customers with almost two-thirds (61.8 percent) of truck buyers opting for another truck. Vans and minivans round out the top three spots, which makes sense, as vehicles in those segments are generally needed for a specific purpose. Luxury vehicles took up four of the top 10 categories.

On the opposite end, only 15.1 percent of subcompact car buyers return to the segment with midsize and large crossovers finishing off the bottom three of the list. Despite being two of the most popular vehicles on the road, midsize cars were in the middle of the pack and compact crossovers were ranked 18 out of the 22 categories.

One segment we would really like to have seen on this list was hybrids to see if it backed up reports from earlier this year that said hybrid buyers generally don't buy another.
Via: Edmunds ranks brand loyalty by vehicle category

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This is how to box up a Local Motors Rally Fighter [w/video]

Attention Chicagoans and other Midwesterners: If you've been wondering when the Local Motors Rally Fighter might be coming to a show in your neck of the woods, the answer is Sept. 10-15. And no, the Chicago Auto Show has not been rescheduled, it will still be held next February. Rather, the Rally Fighter will be on display at something called the International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is where those few who get excited about metal cutting and forming, tooling, CAD/CAM, and other various industrial operations gather to spend a week pretending that the masses in the United States still care about manufacturing.

While you might think that Local Motors would simply haul or drive the Rally Fighter to IMTS, that's not the case. Instead, one of the cars was boxed up and trucked there, where it will be built live on the floor of the McCormick Place convention center. This demonstration is all part of the IMTS fun, and while the show is really designed for people who still build things for a living, there's likely no reason that blog-reading cubicle-dwellers (or writers...) can't pony up the $50 to attend the exposition.

Scroll down to watch a video about the IMTS Rally Fighter.
Via: This is how to box up a Local Motors Rally Fighter [w/video]

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Ferrari debuts new snow and ice driving school in Aspen

If you're one of those good souls who doesn't mind getting their Ferrari out in foul weather, we have good news for you. The Italian automaker has just announced the creation of a special winter driving school in Aspen, Colorado. The 2012 Winter Driving Experience is the first snow and ice driving school in America, and should offer participants the chance to sample everything that the new Ferrari FF has to offer in low-traction situations on a custom-built snow and ice course. A fleet of eight FF models have been specially prepared for the task.

Ferrari says that the whole experience will set you back a cool $11,300, plus $950 per guest, though don't expect to lay down your credit card and hop in line unless you already own a Ferrari the course is for current Prancing Horse owners only. The event will take place over three days and two nights, and Ferrari says that the instruction is based on the successful Pilota On Ice program made popular in Italy. Sounds like a good time to us. Hit the jump for the full press blast and check out the Ferrari site for more information.
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'King of Lemon Laws' lawyer successful with Fisker Karma in Wisconsin [w/video]

Vince Megna certainly has a way with words. In one five-and-a-half minute video, he calls the Fisker Karma a "modern-day Ford electric Pinto." He also says, "This is a beautiful car. It's just too bad it catches on fire." Would we expect anything less florid from the man who calls himself the King of Lemon Laws?

Megna was referring to two cases of the Karma being involved in fires, one in California and one in Texas. The reason Megna is concerned is because he was bringing a Karma to a dealership for his unnamed client in Wisconsin, who apparently needed to keep his vehicle in the shop for 120 days during his first seven months of ownership. That's well above the 30-day threshold set by Wisconsin's lemon law. Megna says Fisker refunded his client the $103,000 that the car cost, even though he wouldn't agree to Fisker's request to keep his complaints quiet. It was the first lemon law buy-back for a Karma, Megna says, adding that he doesn't think it will be the last. We've contacted Fisker about Megna's claims, but have yet to hear back.

But what's Justin Bieber or a cardboard cutout of His Bieberness doing in the image above? Well, Megna has a bit of Michael Moore in him, and he went to a Fisker dealer to ask if the Karma is safe for celebrities like Bieber to drive (the teenage phenom has had? a custom chrome Karma in his garage). Thoughtfully, Megna brought along his video camera to record his visit. And a Bieber t-shirt-wearing paralegal with her mouth taped shut. You can see the comedic results below.
Via: 'King of Lemon Laws' lawyer successful with Fisker Karma in Wisconsin [w/video]

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2013 Audi S3 is hot-hatch forbidden fruit par excellence

Alas, of all the not-for-U.S. models we see every year, some sting more than others. While the Volkswagen GTI may define 'hot-hatch' stateside, the 2013 Audi S3 ups the ante, and it looks even tastier and forbidden up close.

The centerpiece of the A3 is the new 2.0-liter TFSI inline-4. The turbocharged mill generates a whopping 300 horsepower and 280 pound feet of torque. Power is sent through either a six-speed manual transmission or optional S-Tronic gearbox to quattro full-time all-wheel drive. With a curb weight that is 132 pounds lower than its predecessor, the S3 is able to get from zero to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 6.9-liters per 100 kilometers, which converts to just over 34 miles per gallon, though the EPA testing cycle differs.

A lot of the luxury and safety tech found in the S3 comes from its larger stablemates. Adaptive cruise control, MMI user interface, navigation, and a Bang & Olufsen audio system all put the 'premium' in 'premium performance compact.'

If you're one of the lucky European hooligans with 38,900 ($50,699) to plunk down, the S3 could be yours. You'll have to wait a few months, though, as it doesn't land in dealerships until early 2013. Audi's PR blast is posted below.
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Off-road race truck crashes into Oregon crowd, injures 3 [w/video]

The grainy image above is a shot from a video taken just seconds before a truck barreled into a crowd during an off-road racing event in Harrisburg, Ore. on Saturday. With about 1,000 people in attendance at Monster Air 2012, this jacked-up 1970s Ford pickup lost control and veered off course into the nearby crowd injuring three adults.

According to The Register-Guard of Eugene, Ore., fans were separated from the track by a dirt barrier at least eight-feet tall, and after the truck lost control, it went over this barrier and into the area where spectators were watching from folding chairs. Fortunately, the truck had slowed to just 10 mph by the time it made contact with the three victims, none of whom had serious life-threatening injuries. There has been no official word as to what caused the accident, but one witness said he heard something on the truck break just before it headed for the fans.

The accident happened just 30 minutes after the event started on Saturday, but the rest of the three-day Labor Day weekend events continued on as planned. Some reports referred to the truck as a monster truck, but it appears to be just a normal truck with a big lift. The Register-Guard is reporting it was a 1975 F-Series truck with a 950-horsepower engine, and CNN says that it was riding on 48-inch tires. No mention was made of the driver's condition, but he was apparently uninjured as CNN reports he got out of the truck after the accident to check on those who were injured.

One person happened to record the incident on his cell phone so the video quality is low, but it does capture most of the frightening incident. Scroll down to watch the grainy and jumpy video.
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2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced

Jeep has lifted the lid on two new special editions for its lineup, both focused on energizing the brand's spiritual base of off-roading enthusiasts.

First up is a production version of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk an SUV first shown in concept form at Jeep's recent Easter Safari event in Moab, Utah. Available in both V6 and V8 powertrain configurations, the Trailhawk is easily recognizable as a rare bird via its signature appearance package. A black hood decal with red accent stripe dominates the front end, while 18-inch aluminum wheels, black headlamp buckets, gray grille surround, a rear light bar and signature badging complete the visual upgrades.

Of course, the Trailhawk is meant to be the functional front-runner for Grand Cherokee off-road prowess, too. The special edition GC comes standard with beefy, Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires for sturdy, puncture-free trail driving. The Trailhawk also benefits from steel rock rails to keep its body safe. And, as befits the Jeep legend, a Quadra-Lift air suspension is in evidence, along with the standard Selec-Terrain traction control system, a rear electronic limited-slip differential for V8 models, a two-speed transfer case and much more.

Not to be outdone by the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Wrangler is also getting some special edition love. The Wrangler Moab Special Edition starts life as a top-of-the line Wrangler Sahara, in both two- and four-door form, before it is fitted with some extra off-roading kit.

Functional upgrades for the Moab include the same Kevlar tires as on the Trailhawk, along with a standard Trac-Lok rear differential (an electronic locking rear diff is available, too), winch-ready bumpers, rock rails and 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels. The Wrangler Moab has also been treated to a unique hood, black accents on the fuel filler cap and taillamps, a premium soft top and, of course, edition-specific badging.

Look for both the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and the Jeep Wrangler Moab to arrive at dealers this October.
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Audi Crosslane Coupe Concept is bursting with interesting tech

Audi has lifted the sheet on its newest concept car at the Paris Motor Show, a vehicle called the Crosslane Coupe Concept that hits just about every concept car meme that we know of. The angular Audi is, at once a coupe, a convertible and a crossover; it is a two-seater and a 2+2, it has a hybrid powertrain with a small, efficient gasoline engine and no less than two electric motors; the whole structure is made from advanced materials. As a matter of fact, the car's interior usually a showplace for concept car "stuff" is perhaps the tamest sector of the Crosslane.

Audi has used an exotic mix of aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer and fiberglass-reinforced polymer to create the concept's "multimaterial" space frame. The result is a vehicle that offers a rigid, yet lightweight structure. The total weight of the Crosslane is a reasonable 3,064 pounds.

The coupe concept is powered by a combination of a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, a smaller electric motor that acts primarily as a starter and alternator and a second electric motor that adds quick to the Audi's giddy-up. Total system power averages out to 176 horsepower, giving the vehicle a 0-62 sprint of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 113 miles per hour. The electric motor can also work alone in this plug-in hybrid system, using a 17.4-kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of around 53-miles worth of pure electric driving.

As you might expect, this cocktail of electric motors and gasoline power work together in a number of different ways. The larger electric motor delivers driving power from 0-34 mph. Over 34 mph, all of the motive forces work together to propel the vehicle, until about 80 mph where the three-cylinder becomes the main source of power, with the smaller motor working to support if needed.

The Crosslane has an interesting movable trunk space, which can push forward to allow easy access from inside of the cabin, or move backwards to open up space for two rear seats. When the concept car's removable top is stowed, it also serves as a cover for this cargo space.

To read all of the details, scroll down for the press release.
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Jaguar Heritage hosting Swallow-to-Jaguar 90th Anniversary Tour

Long before Jaguar was a five-time Le Mans victor instantly associated with the Leaper icon and cars like the the E-Type, it was Swallow Sidecar, making hexagonal outriders like the one pictured above. When the company got into automobile production it maintained the name Swallow and produced ornately turned-out coupes like the Austin-Swallow, Wolseley-Swallow and the prewar speedster known as the SS-100, the SS standing for Standard-Swallow. It wasn't until after the war that company head William Lyons would, for obvious reasons, swap the SS tag for Jaguar.

This year is the 90th anniversary of the Swallow Sidecar company, so the Jaguar Heritage Trust is hosting a circuitous Swallow to Jaguar 90th Anniversary driving tour from Coventry to Blackpool. The eight-day jaunt begins September 2, 2012 and is open to any of the marques under the historic Jaguar umbrella, including Swallow, SS, Lanchester, Daimler and Jaguar.

There's a press release after the jump with all the details. And for those who have wondered about the closure of the Jaguar Heritage center this September, we just spent two days in Coventry walking through the whole collection and we'll have a report with good news shortly.
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Audi threatening BMW as luxury leader

For the last seven years, BMW has had a stranglehold on the top spot in the luxury car market. That reign is in danger of coming to and end, as Audi sales are on the rise. According to an Automotive News Europe report, Audi cut the difference in sales between itself and BMW to only 2,110 vehicles sold so far this year.

Analysts point to the growth of the A-class vehicle segment, and Audi's established presence in that market in the form of the A3. Bolstered by products like the redesigned A3, Audi sold 108,100 total units in the month of August, compared to BMW's 102,730.

This time last year, BMW had a lead of more than 40,000 on Audi. But The upstart from Ingolstadt is finally seeing tangible results of a 20 billion ($25.6 billion) investment in research and development by the Volkswagen Group. Since 2003, the luxury brand has doubled its vehicle portfolio, adding the Q7, Q5, and R8, and new vehicles such as the A1 subcompact and Q3 compact crossover.

Audi overtook Mercedes-Benz in 2011, leaving only BMW in its sights. According to the report, Audi's intent is to supplant BMW as the top premium brand by the year 2020.

Another factor in Audi's success has been its sales in China, where BMW hasn't been quite so quick to develop a strong market presence.

With 961,000 vehicles sold through eight months, Audi could very likely eclipse its 2011 sales totals of 1.3 million units. Will it be enough to surpass BMW? Only time will tell.
Via: Audi threatening BMW as luxury leader

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Mississippi tops Automotive Misery Index

Anyone who's ever laid claim to a set of keys can tell you car ownership is an expensive proposition, but according to CarInsurance.com, just how expensive can fluctuate significantly depending on where you call home. The site released a new study called "The Automotive Misery Index," which looks at each state's average household income compared to factors like the cost of fuel, the number of miles driven and the cost of full insurance coverage for a 2012 Honda Accord EX. Surprisingly enough, Mississippi ranked as the state with the highest misery index, thanks in part to low average household income, high average mileage and very expensive insurance.

Five states with the highest misery index:

• Mississippi
• Oklahoma
• Louisiana
• West Virginia
• Montana

Five states with the lowest misery index:

• New Hampshire
• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Colorado
• Washington

You can check out the full top 10 list by checking out the press release below.
Via: Mississippi tops Automotive Misery Index

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Peugeot Onyx Scooter Concept is half motorcycle, half scooter, all kinds of cool

Peugeot is referring to its Onyx Concept Scooter as a two-in-one supertrike. Seems fitting. Not only can this innovative hybrid three-wheeler hit a top speed of 93 miles per hour, its 400cc engine and electric motor combination offers up 60 horsepower (45 kilowatts) and 42 pound-feet of torque, which should be plenty of gumption for quick getaways from traffic.

Handling ought to be a treat on the Onyx Scooter, with a 200/50 R17 rear tire and dual front wheels like the Piaggio MP3. Plus, there are two so-called driving positions: one, called Sport, that puts the rider in a motorcycle-like feet-back position, and another, Urban, with a more scooter-traditional feet-forward stance.

Naturally, everyone is concerned with fuel economy these days, and the Onyx Concept Scooter delivers with a rating of 117.6 miles per gallon on what we assume is the European combined cycle. Running on electricity alone, the Onyx can travel up to 18.6 miles. Using gas, it has a range of 310 miles. For more details, feel free to click below. For a full image gallery of live shots from the Paris Motor Show, see above.
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Jeep Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer to return

Big changes are in store for the Jeep brand, bringing in models from both the Dodge and Fiat brands, according to an Automotive News report. In addition to new powertrains aimed at improving fuel economy, it appears that Fiat models will underpin new vehicles that will replace some less-capable offerings from the iconic off-road brand.

The biggest change is the yet-to-be named Fiat model that is likely to be based on the new Panda 4x4. According to AN, it will be built alongside the Fiat 500X in Turin, Italy. No name has been given to this model, but it has been confirmed that it will have at least one trail-rated variant.

Elsewhere in the lineup, the Dodge Durango three-row SUV is set to be replaced with an all-new full-size model, possibly called the Grand Wagoneer. This model would compete with the Chevrolet Suburban. The Grand Cherokee, meanwhile, will get the much-anticipated 3.0-liter diesel engine (we also hope it may wind up in the Wrangler).

The standard Cherokee name is likely coming back as the moniker to replace the Liberty. It could be powered by a new 3.2-liter V6 and underpinned by a Fiat platform that it would share with the Dodge Dart the first Jeep to do so. This new model would come in early 2013 as a 2014 model.

Jeep's soft-roading crossovers, the Compass and Patriot, are set to receive a new six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the CVT currently under the hood. Only one of these nameplates is likely to survive past 2014.

Jeep has been reached for confirmation or denial of this report, but declined to comment on future product.
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Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still

Last week, we were able to bring you all of the details regarding Peugeot's new 208 Type R5 rally car, but there was only a shadowy teaser image with which to illustrate the pre-production rally titan.

Thankfully, with our meticulous shooters combing the floor, we now have a good long look at the Peugeot 208 R5, which the French automaker confirms will race next year in series like the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, European Rally Championship and the National Championships.

The 208 R5 is, of course, just as racy as we'd hoped, with a wheels-at-the-absolute-corners stance, huge white shoes wearing hometown Michelin rubber, a sizable rear wing and sporty graphics as far as the eye can see. Don't get used to seeing it in quite so gleaming a shade of white, however, as this one little guy is destined to get dirty, fast.
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Honda kicks off new Accord sales with configurator, new ad campaign [w/videos]

Honda has pulled the curtain back on its fully featured 2013 Accord configurator, and let us tell you, this large grouping of zeros and ones is positively sprinkled with wonderfulness. (That may be overselling it a bit there are a lot of options though.)

The bread-and-butter sedan offers up no fewer than eight trim levels for the 2013 model year, with the most basic LX starting off the range at a reasonable $22,470 (once the $790 destination charge has been tacked on) and the Touring at the top of the charts with a $34,220 MSRP (with destination).

The LX up through the middle-tier EX-L are only available with Honda's 2.4-liter, 185-horsepower four-cylinder, while the top three trim levels are fitted with a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V6 engine.

If you want Honda's very good six-speed manual with which to modulate your powertrain, you'll have to select from one of the three lower trims (LX, Sport and EX), and their attendant four-cylinder engines. The four-bangers can also be had with a CVT. All of the V6 cars are only available with a six-speed automatic trans.

Hey, speaking of transmissions, did you know that most Honda buyers who opt for 6MTs are colorblind? Actually, we're guessing at that last part, based on the fact that the manual-trans cars are available in far fewer shades of paint than their auto and CVT brethren. That's right, while your Accord Sport CVT can be had in eight rich shades of blue, red, and grayish-silverish tones, your buddy's Accord Sport 6MT can only be ordered in gray and black. Take that, enthusiast drivers!

There are, of course, any number of exterior and interior accessories that can be added by your smiling Honda dealer, too. We won't run through the full list, but we will say that the remote engine start system, with special key fob, seems like the best deal of the bunch at $400 before installation.

Just for fun, we've added a whole slew of 2013 Accord videos from the box-fresh advertising campaign below. Kick back and watch the car on the move, and then head over to the Honda site and build your dream Accord. It's a great day for midsized sedan geeks.
Via: Honda kicks off new Accord sales with configurator, new ad campaign [w/videos]

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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is world's first production plug-in hybrid CUV [w/video]

Though Mitsubishi first showed us the form of its 2013 Outlander in Geneva a while back, the company saved its plug-in hybrid crossover for this week's Paris Motor Show soiree.

Mitsubishi is quite proud to offer what it says is the world's first production PHEV utility vehicle, a new model that makes use of established technologies within the company. Learnings from the company's i-MiEV electric car have worked there way into a vehicle that can travel up to 55 kilometers (34 miles) on lithium-ion battery power. Two electric motors independently power the front and rear wheels of the Outlander, while the gasoline-powered engine can be used as a generator for the motors, or to power the vehicle directly. The target combined fuel economy for the Outlander PHEV is 61 km/liter, or roughly 143 miles per gallon.

The Outlander PHEV will be introduced in the Japanese market in the first part of 2013, with European and North American markets to follow on. There is no word about an on-sale date, but while you're pondering the possibilities, check out an official video by scrolling down and peruse our high-res image gallery.
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GM Design turns 85, help 'em celebrate by viewing this awesome gallery

General Motors Design is 85 years old this month, and it has put together a photographic sampling of its history that would be understatement to label merely "rich." The division has been the home of Harley Earl, Charles Jordan, the Cadillac Madame X and its V16, the Turret Tops, the first concept car, an industrial design division working on projects like the Kitchen of Tomorrow, the 1951 Buick LeSabre, the Stingray, Mako Shark and Manta Ray Corvettes, and so much more.

Just 25 years ago, in fact, the same year that Stefan Roser was flogging the Ruf Yellowbird around the 'Ring, IndyCar legend A. J. Foyt was flogging the Oldsmobile that's right, Oldsmobile Aerotech concept car beyond 260 miles an hour and setting land speed records. One of the Aerotech's designers was Ed Welburn, who now leads GM's global design.

Scroll down for more on GM Design and a lengthy timeline detailing its major achievements. There's also information on GM's Eyes on Design event happening this weekend in Grosse Point Michigan, and of course, a large gallery of photos above.
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Subaru XV is currently the top-selling car... in Switzerland

Seems that the Swiss Family Robinson has stopped throwing its francs at the Volkswagen Golf, and is instead pelting the Subaru XV Crosstrek with its hard-earned geld. According to the Australian blog Best Selling Cars, the Volkswagen Golf has likely been the number one seller in Switzerland every single month since the hatch was first launched in 1974, except for when the Mercedes-Benz W123 sedan briefly deposed it in 1980.

In August, however, the Golf's dictatorship of the number one spot wasn't toppled by the Skoda Octavia, "the usual number two" that remained there ahead of the Golf, but by the XV, which ascended to the peak after having been Switzerland's fourth best selling car in July. The XV notched 722 sales and 3.2-percent share, ahead of the Octavia with 661 sales and the Golf, at number three, with 625 units sold.

True, the XV is the new hotness while the MkVI Golf plays its endgame. But the Subaru isn't exactly coming from nowhere from the standpoint of small-market popularity: it was the ninth best selling vehicle in Norway in July. Along with that fourth-place in Switzerland, they were the top sales rankings for the XV anywhere in the world. So take that.
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Toyota bugs out, previews Smart INSECT connected EV concept

Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, the Toyota COMS electric vehicle is becoming the Smart INSECT. Unrelated to Daimler's Smart brand, the INSECT (yes, it's an acronym, one that stands for "Information Network Social Electric City Transporter") is a one-seat electric vehicle that is designed to be connected to its driver and the world. The gullwinged INSECT uses "motion sensors, voice recognition and behavior prediction" to make the driver feel tied to the wheels, as well as to his or her home via the online Toyota Smart Center. The doors can open based on "the movement of the driver's hand." The car can also identify faces and "authenticate a driver registered with the vehicle when he or she approaches." This thing should have antennae.

Toyota will fist display the INSECT at CEATEC JAPAN 2012 next week (think: Japan's version of our Consumer Electronics Show). Earlier reports hinted that Toyota's then-unnamed small EV would cost around $12,500, but Toyota did not talk about an MSRP in the teaser release issued today. You can find it below.
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Venturi America is still awesome, still not coming to the U.S. [w/videos]

It's been two years since we first met the Venturi America on this very Paris Motor Show floor, and we're still in love with the idea of an electric car that is as capable on the street as it is on the trail. Venturi Automobiles says it is only making 100 of these door-less electric enduro cars, but despite its name, none of them are to be sold in the U.S.

Venturi calls the America a "high-riding sports car," and on paper, we're willing to agree on both counts based on the car's looks and its specs. The styling of the America is what we might imagine a collaboration between Smart and Jeep, with the two-passenger car looking every bit the part of a modern street-legal dune buggy, right down to its ample ground clearance and open cockpit design. In terms of its performance, the Venturi-developed electric powertrain is said to produce 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is pretty great for a 3,100-pound car. There are also three driver-selectable modes (Cruising, Sport and Super Sport), so the car's dynamic settings allow the driver to choose between maximum driving range and maximum performance. Powered by a 53 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, the America has a driving a range of around 186 miles (presumably in Cruising mode) with a top speed of 124 miles per hour.

Since we're likely never to see a Venture in America on our shores, you'll want to check out our image gallery and videos of the live reveal and an advertisement featurette below. If nothing else, the latter will give you the chance to brush up on your French.
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JAGUAR LAUNCHES XJ SENTINEL THE ULTIMATE ARMOURED LUXURY SPORTS SALOON

Jaguar is launching an armoured version of its stunning new XJ luxury sports saloon at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show. The new XJ Sentinel offers the ultimate in discreet protection, being virtually indistinguishable from the standard XJ model, yet featuring a state-of-the-art armouring package which provides occupants with up to B7 levels of ballistic protection.

Benefiting from Jaguar Land Rover's extensive experience in the armoured vehicle market, the XJ Sentinel is supplied with a full three-year 50,000 mile factory warranty, along with comprehensive after-sales support from specialised technicians. "The XJ Sentinel was designed and developed in partnership with industry leaders, and incorporates the very latest armoured vehicle systems to deliver extremely impressive levels of protection, while maintaining a very discreet appearance," said Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars.

"The Jaguar XJ Sentinel is the ultimate armoured luxury limousine. It offers governments, security organisations and private individuals, the highest level of security, with advanced design, refined performance and a beautifully-crafted cabin. The XJ Sentinel will be the vehicle of choice for the most discerning, he added. Jaguar engineers focused on ensuring that the XJ Sentinel retained the real-world usability of the standard car. Based on the long wheelbase XJ, the armoured vehicle maintains that model's luxurious interior package, its compelling blend of comfort and agility, and convenient servicing using regular dealer equipment.

The Jaguar XJ's aerospace-inspired lightweight aluminium body structure also makes it possible to offer a very generous 500kg payload for passengers and luggage without compromising vehicle performance. The XJ Sentinel is equipped with a purpose-built armouring system which has been specially developed to ensure that the vehicle offers outstanding occupant protection, while being almost impossible to detect from outside the car.

Constructed from specialised high strength steels with Kevlar backing, the armoured inner cell was engineered in partnership with Centigon, a leading global specialist in vehicle armouring. The XJ Sentinel offers ballistic protection up to B7 level (BS EN 1522 level FB7 and BS EN 1063 BR7-), blast protection against 15kg TNT equivalent detonated within close proximity of the vehicle, and substantial under floor grenade protection.

Author: Cardekho2010

Via: JAGUAR LAUNCHES XJ SENTINEL THE ULTIMATE ARMOURED LUXURY SPORTS SALOON

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Mercedes-Benz introduces New E-Class Cabriolet in India

op roof and offers comfortable seating for four people.

"The Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet heralds a new era of Open top motoring. With its launch, the versatility of the E-Class range is further reinforced; the E-Class now offers the Cabriolet in addition to already present the E-Class Saloon and the E-Class Coupe. The E-Class has seven offerings for the discerning customers who seek individuality, expression and dynamism through the cars they drive" commented Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.

The E-Class has always been a runaway success in the Indian just as in the other parts of the world. It was the first automobile to roll out of the Indian plant back in 1995. Till d ate the E-Class has sold over 12,700 units thereby establishing itself as the most popular luxury car In the Indian market. The New E-Class has broken all records and has already sold 1268 vehicles between January to July 2010.

The E-Class Cabriolet adds to this multi-faceted E-Class line-up making a lifestyle statement par excellence promising an engaging driving experience with the top on or off. Thanks to its classic soft top, the four-seater convertible delivers that unadulterated cabriolet feeling. True to the motto "It's about air stream and not main stream", it combines comfort, elegance and year-round usability with the premiere feature of the AIRCAP. AIRCAP is an automatic wind deflector that can be deployed at the touch of a button to significantly reduce turbulence in the vehicle's interior. It also dispenses with the assembly required for conventional wind deflectors and leaves the side profile of the Cabriolet undisturbed.

The production standard sound-dampening soft top comes with extremely high- quality insulation to deliver comfortable travel with the top up. Thus, the closed E-Class Cabriolet offers one of the quietest interiors in the segment of four-seater premium soft-top cabriolets. The top can be open or closed at the touch of a button in only 20 seconds ' even while driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Like all E- Class models, the Cabriolet also offers an outstanding level of safety with standard.

Author: Cardekho2010

Via: Mercedes-Benz introduces New E-Class Cabriolet in India

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Mercedes India to increase foot prints in tier-III cities

After showcasing a strong run in the major Indian cities, country's largest luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz India is planning to increase its foot prints in the comparatively smaller cities (tier-III cities) of the country. The company is planning to open new dealerships in the tier-III cities like Bhubneshwer and Indore. At present the company has as many as 56 dealerships spread across the 26 cities of the country. It is to be mentioned here that Mercedes Benz snatched the top position in the Indian market from BMW just a few months back.

According to Dr Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, the mindset in the tier-III towns is shifting and people are now beginning to invest in luxury cars. He added that the company has a bullish mindset about India and are confident that it will be able to maintain a double-digit growth rate for the next four-five years. He also added that the company will follow a conservative, but aggressive growth path in the Indian market.

At present, the non-metro cities account for as much as 30 percent of the total sales of the company in the Indian market and the company is now eying to make the tier-III cities a significant contributor in its total sales in the country in coming years.

Meanwhile, the company launched its much popular Mercedes Benz E-Class Cabriolet in the Indian market. The new E-Class Cabriolet comes featured with a retractable soft top roof and has a seating capacity for four people. According to Dr. Aulbur, the E-Class Cabriolet heralds a new era of Open top motoring and with its launch in India, the versatility of the E-Class range is further reinforced. He added that the E-Class now offers the Cabriolet in addition to already present E-Class Saloon and the E- Class Coupe.

Author: Cardekho2010

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Major car rental companies agree not to rent or sell recalled vehicles

Bowing to pressure from consumers and advocacy groups, major car rental companies have agreed to end the practice of renting cars that have been recalled for safety problems.

Legislators introduced a bill to the Senate yesterday that would keep recalled rental cars off the road. The bill has the backing of all four major rental companies Enterprise, which owns National and Alamo, Hertz/Advantage, Avis/Budget and Dollar/Thrifty, according to a statement released by Sen. Barbara Boxer. Those companies comprise 93 percent of the rental car market, and Hertz was the only one of the four major car rental companies to initially pledge not to rent cars under recall.

The bill will be named after Raechel and Jacqueline Houck (above, right), two young California sisters who died in 2004 in a rented Chrysler PT Cruiser that had been previously recalled for problems with the steering column. The steering fluid was prone to leaking, leaving drivers unable to control their vehicles. Enterprise Rental hadn't fixed the problem before renting the car to the Houck sisters.

"I remain very hopeful and optimistic" that the legislation will pass, Cally Houck, Raechel and Jacqueline's mother tells Autoblog. Houck has been pushing for the new legislation for the past few years. "But it's not done yet ... I remain a bit cynical, based on my history lobbying for this issue. But we do have a consensus of all the industry's major players."
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McLaren P1 is the nearly real supercar of our drive-to-race dreams

Destined to be one of the splashier events of the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the unveiling of McLaren's newest supercar, and successor to the intimidating F1 legend, went off beautifully today. Despite being a design exercise, the P1 concept here in Paris clearly paves the path forward for McLaren, with the company's stated goal being to produce a car that is superlative both on the road and on the track.

While the stunningly orange-and-black P1 concept is not the final product, recently exposed schematic drawings from McLaren reveal that this design is probably very close to what the company is planning to put on the road in a few years. In fact, our own man-on-the-ground, Matt Davis, reported yesterday that the P1 is "97-percent final."

A close inspection of our gallery images of the P1 reveal, using human beings for scale, that the P1 is a delicately sized sports car. We're told that the new Mac will have the smallest frontal area of any car in the segment, while still delivering something like 1,300 pounds of downforce at 125 miles per hour.

Additionally, but none too surprising, the P1 will make use of all of McLaren's hardest won racing technology. The midengined car is built around a carbon fiber monocoque that also incorporates a safety cage within the roof structure a concept that McLaren calls "Monocage." This structure also works to deliver heaps of fresh air to the engine via a roof snorkel, which is pretty rad. All of the car's body panels are made from carbon fiber, as well, to keep the P1 as light as possible.

It almost goes without saying, but we're just aching to get our hands on a test-ready version of the P1, sometime around when the car goes on sale at the end of 2013. Stay tuned.

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Hamilton in, Schumacher out at Mercedes F1 in $100M deal

In 1995, a 10-year-old Lewis Hamilton walked up to McLaren team principal Ron Dennis and declared "I want to race for you one day." That fateful moment began a relationship between Hamilton, Dennis, and McLaren which culminated in the 2008 Formula One Championship. A relationship that, at least professionally, has come to an end.

Word from the UK's Telegraph is that Hamilton has left McLaren for the Mercedes-Benz factory team in a three-year deal that could be worth as much as $100 million. The departure of the 27-year-old driver from McLaren marks one of the biggest driver transfers in motorsport in recent memory. Though the German F1 team has won only a single race since returning to the sport in 2010, Hamilton and Mercedes both appear to be betting heavily on the turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine specifications for 2014.

The move has major ramifications for both teams. At McLaren, team principal Martin Whitmarsh said they had "no plan B" for their lead driver, however, it has already announced Mexican driver Sergio Perez as Hamilton's replacement in 2013.

The more controversial fallout is that Hamilton now replaces Michael Schumacher for next season. The seven-time World Champion first retired from Ferrari at the end of the 2006 season, returning to the sport in 2010 with Mercedes, where he has struggled. In reaction to the announcement, Schumi said that he would concentrate on the remaining races this season, and that he wished Hamilton well.

Hamilton's recent history with McLaren has been highlighted by salary disputes and comments on team tactics. Telegraph writer Tom Cary openly ponders the influence of XIX Entertainment The London-based firm represents Hamilton, and stands to make more money from the new contract. As for Schumacher, there is no word on his plans after the current Formula 1 season.
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Peugeot's Onyx hybrid supercar may be the belle of the Parisian ball [w/video]

Though the French automaker is clearly on the top of its game with all of its offerings for the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Peugeot's Onyx concept is its definitive highlight.

A masterpiece in matte black paint, Onyx's most striking features are the two huge swathes of polished copper that adorn both sides. Each side is made from a single piece of copper and, other than extensive polishing, the material is unprotected from the elements. The goal here, says Peugeot, is that the copper panels will change and evolve over time with oxidation.

The lightweight concept car all of the body panels are made from carbon fiber and the car weighs just 1,100 kilograms (2,425 pounds) is propelled by an aggressive hybrid powertrain. At the heart of the propulsion is a 3.7-liter V8 that's good for a whopping 600 horsepower, and it's modulated via a six-speed sequential gearbox. The conventional engine is augmented with lithium-ion battery-powered electric system that adds another 80 horses to the mix.

The interior of the Onyx is nearly as impressive as the body and powertrain, with a single, neutral-colored, floor-to-ceiling material that looks a lot like wall-to-wall carpeting, but in a cool French way. Seats are barely discernable from the non-seat portion of the interior, and the whole thing looks about as wild and impractical as you'd want from your typical billion-dollar steampunk concept supercar. Nicely done.

To see and hear the Onyx in motion, scroll down for a video.
Via: Peugeot's Onyx hybrid supercar may be the belle of the Parisian ball [w/video]

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Ferrari's Enzo successor laid bare with carbon fiber chassis display

Ferrari is quick to point out that while output across its lineup has jumped roughly 100 horsepower in the last four years, fuel consumption and emissions are down nearly 30 percent. Such gains in efficiency are made through a holistic approach, including engine tuning, aerodynamics, tires, and so on.

A a good part of any gain in efficiency can be made through the use of exotic materials and lightweight structural components. With the F70 Enzo successor still in development, the folks from Maranelo chose Paris to display a carbon-fiber architecture, apparently for the limited-run roadcar. Developed with help from Ferrari's Formula One Chief Designer, Rory Byrne, the carbon fiber structure looks to support a mid-engined layout and provides spaces for upward-swinging doors (see: Enzo butterfly doors).

Ferrari says that it sought for alternatives to conventional carbon fiber manufacturing techniques. Instead, methods and materials were shared by Scuderia Ferrari, using four different types of carbon fiber all hand-laminated.

According to Ferrari, the chassis of the limited-run vehicle is 20 percent lighter than the Enzo, even with the added weight necessitated by hybrid components (though it isn't clear if the completed car will also be 20 percent lighter). All we know is, few automakers can get us excited about a substructure like Ferrari.
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Espera Sbarro Eight Concept is the best student project car in history

Here's a showstopper. Tucked away in a corner of the Fourth Pavilion here at the 2012 Paris Motor Show was this carbon fiber hot rod from the Espera Sbarro Montbliard School of Design. Known simply as the Eight, cribbed from the Maserati-sourced V8 engine, this machine was reportedly designed and built in just eight weeks. We also hear that it's powered by the impure thoughts of heathens, or maybe just gasoline.

The Sbarro Eight Concept was built to help showcase some of the latest technology available to automakers, including a driver-facing tablet computer that occupies the spot normally housing the dash. Applications such as navigation, internet, and Read & Go for books, Liveradio and Deezer for tunes and Cinday for movies keep the driver connected while on the go. But hopefully not while actually, you know, driving.

The Eight also features a Parrot Asteroid Smart car radio powered by Android that features a 6.2-inch screen and can connect to the online Asteroid Market, cellular phones via Bluetooth, or display videos through auxilliary inputs. An onboard wireless charger and a mobile stereo system round out the tech package.

Though we truly love its distinctive style, this pony has the go to back up its considerable show. The aforementioned V8 engine spins out 360 horsepower to the rear wheels. We've got to hand it to the auto design students that penned the Eight this is one concept that quite literally stopped us in our tracks. See our full photo gallery above.
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McLaren Reveals P1 Supercar In Paris

McLarens P1 supercar image: McLaren

Its now official: the McLaren P1 will be the successor to the McLaren F1 as the companys attempt to build the worlds finest supercar. Using the Paris Auto Show as its stage (which, incidentally, was McLarens first-ever appearance at an international auto show), McLaren revealed the P1 to a crowd of journalists and honored guests.

McLarens P1 supercar image: McLaren

In the words, of McLarens Executive Chairman, Ron Dennis, The McLaren P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage. Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and out goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again.

McLarens P1 supercar image: McLaren

McLaren would only talk in generalities about the car, so specific horsepower figures remain unknown. For the time being, McLarens Program Director, Paul Mackenzie, would only admit that the design goal was to produce more than 600PS (about 592 horsepower) per ton, which should indeed produce the race-car-like performance that McLaren is after.

McLarens P1 supercar image: McLaren

Like the F1, the P1 will be mid-engined and built around a carbon fiber monocoque and roof structure that McLaren calls the MonoCage. Body panels will also be crafted of carbon fiber, and many will also serve to provide downforce or cooling ducts. As the P1s Chief Design Engineer Dan Parry-Williams explains, Everything is there for a reason true form improves function. Every duct, every surface, does a job, either in aero or in cooling.

McLarens P1 supercar image: McLaren

To improve grip and high-speed stability, the P1 will employ active aerodynamics, creating as much as 1,320 pounds of downforce, even below its maximum top speed. Its hard to miss the oversize rear wing, which we presume will automatically deploy above a certain speed threshold (though we suspect its manually deployable, too).

McLarens P1 supercar image: McLaren

Further details on specifications and performance will be released early next year, around the time that McLaren opens up its order books. Deliveries are set to begin by the end of next year, as 2013 marks the legendary constructors 50th anniversary.

Via: McLaren Reveals P1 Supercar In Paris

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