Automotive News

Filed under: Etc.

Milwaukee police recruits have to learn how to pursue a speeding vehicle before they’re allowed to keep the streets safe. On this particular training day, on the infield at the Milwaukee Mile, IRL driver Tony Kanaan would be the rabbit they had to chase. Tony had a standard issue Honda Civic Si. The boys and girls in blue had standard issue Fords. We would never recommend engaging in a high-speed chase with police. But it is fun to watch Tony throw the Honda around the cones and corners at un-Civic-like speeds. There are two versions of this video, here and here. The first one is filmed from the Honda, and it looks for all the world like the police can’t catch Speedy T. The second one is filmed from the lead police vehicle and the officer talks like he’s keeping Tony right where he wants him (to the detriment of a cone or two). Asking whether Tony Kanaan in a Honda could outrun police in Ford Crown Vics is like asking a Superfan if Mike Ditka could win the Indy 500 in da Bears team bus. Follow the links, watch the vids, and as John Facenda used to say in NFL films: you make the call.

Thanks for the tip, Aki!

[Source: WISN]

 

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Filed under: Etc.

Better than Alex Rodriguez in April, this eBay seller hits home runs with the car truck thing he’s got for sale, the Thunder Monster moniker, and the text of the actual listing, which you’ll just have to read.

This is a T-Bird that was left too long on The Island of Dr. Moreau. The beast is a 450-500 hp 4-wheel-drive that’s top half ‘58 T-Bird (one of the ‘Squarebirds’), bottom half ‘77 Chevy Blazer, and a chopped out bed. The 350 V8 was blessed with a 383 stroker kit, and according to the seller, it would make “a great hot rod that would not take much to turn into a show winner.” The next paragraph lists all the stuff you’ll have to fix just to make it down the street safely.

If you were wondering, the seller assures all that “There is no other like it on earth.” Of course, he also says “it looks great.” We have to admit, unorthodox as it is, and even though it looks like a jacked up angry red eating machine . . . we kinda like it. But for us, it is the seller’s last admonition that seals the deal: “get your finances in order before you bid, ask mamma if it’s ok, and all that stuff first.” Too right!

If the auction has ended before you get a chance to feast your eyes, you can see the pics here.

Thanks for the tip, Doug!

[Source: eBay]

 

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Filed under: Podcasts, Videos, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai

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The enhanced version of the Autoblog Podcast #64 is on the runway and ready for takeoff. In part one of #64, we talk about the 436hp 2008 Corvette. In the podcast’s second section we explore the Mustang Super Snake and the general mass-proliferation of Mustangs. Lastly, we cover Hyundai’s pursuit of RWD, including the RWD coupe rendering from Winding Road.

Check it out. Per your suggestions, we cut the podcast into three sections for smaller downloads, and we’ve also embedded sections two and three of the podcast after the jump. If you have any more suggestions on how to improve the enhanced version of the Podcast, let us know in the comments. We’re working on a better distribution system than shoving all three in our current RSS feed of the audio-only version, so soon you’ll be able to subscribe just to the enhanced version’s RSS feed.

DOWNLOAD Part One to your desktop (LS3 Corvette)
DOWNLOAD Part Two to your desktop (Super Snake / Mustangs)
DOWNLOAD Part Three to your desktop (Hyundai RWD)

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog YouTube video channel

SUBSCRIBE to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
ADD the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #64 [Enhanced]

 

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Filed under: Convertibles, Etc., Chrysler

Last time we checked on Chrysler’s hat design contest, three finalists were headed to Kentucky to watch the Derby and have their creations judged. Friday, Chrysler named the winner, Nina Rosenberg of Prospect, Ky., who created her winning entry almost entirely from the same fabric used in the top of Chrysler’s Sebring.

For her creativity, Rosenberg got to drive home in a new drop-top Sebring (apparently with a new key design from Chrysler) and a big ole hug from Jenny McCarthy. Now don’t you wish you’d entered?

Those still interested, (in the hats, not Jenny) can read Chrysler’s full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Jenny McCarthy crowns winner in Chrysler’s hat contest

 

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Filed under: Etc., Videos

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This week on Autoblog, we saw plenty of new products, but most of them were aftermarket variants of what we already know. Of course, there were three or four Mustangs, a new Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, a Jeep Compass, and a lot more. We did show you the 2008 BMW 5-Series, but we have a hard time figuring out what’s even different. We got the scoop on the Mercedes Benz McLaren SLR Roadster, and it’s among the hottest vehicles ever to grace the USA.

You don’t need to invent a time machine to get a quick refresher on what happened last week, just hit play on the video above. We’ve also added links below to some of the more significant galleries from the last seven days. This week, music comes from Johnny Kaplan and the Lazy Stars with “Ride Free“. Enjoy!

 

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Filed under: Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Volkswagen

The CLS has begun a trend that simply will not quit, with Volkswagen being the latest to join the express train to a 4-door-coupe. The 4DC trend is not a bad thing, especially since it has lead to the creation of BMW’s CS. And frankly, if the rendering is accurate, this car could be a looker as well, and most likely a much better seller than a new Phaeton.

Internally, the car is called the CC or I/O 511, and might use Audi’s A6 platform. If not, it will take its chassis, as well as transversely installed engines, and transmissions, from the Passat. Engines will range from a 150 hp 2.0-liter to a 280 hp 3.6-liter V6. The design was sorted out last year, and although only slightly wider than the Passat, it features the wide, aggressive look of VW’s recent concept vehicles. The look that, sadly, hasn’t made it to their production cars yet (come on, Scirocco!). Word has it that the car will take a bow at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, and go on sale in summer of ‘08.

[Source: eGM Car Tech via Auto Zeitung]

 

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Filed under: Ferrari

Hot on the heels of last year’s unique Ferrari P4/5, built for James Glickenhaus, comes this year’s Specially Built Ferrari for a North American Customer. The above is a rendering of what will eventually be dubbed the Ferrari 600 GTO. There has never been a car for which the letters ‘GTO’ signified anything other than automotive happiness. When those letters follow anything with a Ferrari badge, they are all the sweeter. The 600 GTO will keep its mod-cons inside, but wear nothing other than carbon fiber outside. In addition to the 285 kg in lost weight, it also gets a lowered suspension, aero modifications, and almost 25% more downforce front and rear at 200 kph. Hope Rumor has it that the person behind the commission wants to revive the Ferrari North American Race Team (NART). Founded by Ferrari dealer Luigi Chinetti in 1958, the team raced until 1982 with some of the finest Ferraris and drivers the world has known.

Three 600 GTO’s were commissioned nine months ago. Its coming out party will be at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 12. Fingers. Crossed. Now.

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Thanks for the tip, Serge!

[Source: StreetFire]

 

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Filed under: Hirings/Firings, GM

GM’s made some fairly significant changes to its domestic and international design teams, with former Chrysler designer Bryan Nesbitt coming out pretty good. Nesbitt moves from executive director of design for GM Europe to vice president of design for North America, reporting directly to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM global design. The VP of design NA is a new position according to GM’s press release (on the jump). You probably remember Nesbitt’s role in the PT Cruiser, HHR and Solstice designs.

Mark Adams will take Nesbitt’s place in Europe and also report directly to Welburn. Adams is currently director of exterior design for GM Europe.

Another interesting note is the transfer of Dave Lyon, executive director of design for Asia Pacific, to executive director of interior design for North America. We wonder if it has anything to do with the success of Buick in China. Perhaps GM is hoping some of that success will rub off in the States.

Other design personnel changes are detailed in GM’s official press release after the jump.

[Source: Car Body Design]

Continue reading GM shuffles global design team

 

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Mercedes Benz

Germany has the fifth largest GDP in the world. It also has a thriving rap industry. And a huge pool of absurdly wealthy sports figures. What does that mean? Money, bling, and athletes. The perfect environment for a tuner like ASMA to grow in. It is somehow comforting to know that the country that gives us the understated Audi can also go where no Unique Whip has gone before. It is not exactly comforting, however, to lay eyes on the ASMA Eagle II Sport Edition. It was once an S-Class. It could be a Funny Car. If Morris Day and the Time were still in action, and on crack, and headed to a sonic battle with Prince in order to steal Apollonia away, this is what they would drive there. While wearing matching Stacy Adams’.

It cannot be argued, however, that the Eagle II has presence. And a nice set of 21″ wheels. It means business. Exactly what business is up for a guess or two. And it will sell like mad. And for those of you who will be purchasing the new C Class, ASMA’s kit for that comes out later this year. You can say it like the German rappers do: “Ja ja!”

[Source: eMercedes Benz]

 

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