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REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - that's one every two days Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, China, Plants/Manufacturing 
Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery
We've been hearing Chinese officials say for quite some time now that there are far too many automakers in the country for a healthy market in the long-term, but we didn't realize until today just how out-of-hand it may be. According to state-run Chinese news agency Xinhua, China has seen an unprecedented 89 new automobile launches so far this year.
That's surely a big number, but it doesn't really hit home until you consider that 89 vehicles in the first half of 2009 averages out to a new or heavily revised vehicle appearing in China once every two days. Of those new designs, 73 were cars, nine were SUVs, six were MPVs and - in contrast to typical American vehicle launches over the same period - only one was a crossover.
As you're surely aware, 2009 is only half over, and there are reportedly some 50 new vehicles still slated for introduction before the end of the year, equaling about 140 new models introduced in 2009. The good news, at least as far the bottom line goes, is that the new releases have translated into sales. The 4.96 million vehicles sold between January and May of this year represent a 14.29-percent increase over the same period in 2008. Still, considering the glut of new models hitting the market, one has to figure that a goodly number of those vehicles will go begging.
[Source: Gasgoo]REPORT: China rolls out 89 new models in six months - that's one every two days originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in Australia Filed under: Spy Photos, Economy, Hatchbacks, Ford, Australia 
2011 Ford Verve spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Eagle-eyed spy shooters for Car Advice in Australia have managed to snap off a series of photos of a new entry-level Ford hatchback that's likely headed to emerging markets like India, Brazil and some areas in Europe. The car seen in these spy shots is clearly disguised as the previous-generation Ford Fiesta, but it's believed that this new machine may actually be a production version of the Ford Verve concept that was first introduced back in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
If it ever reaches production, it's likely that the Verve will feature a range of gasoline and diesel engines varying in size from 1.2- to 1.5-liters. According to Car Advice, this new hatchback is expected to get a formal green-light from Ford sometime in mid-2010 en-route to production a few months later. For what it's worth, we don't expect to see this car come Stateside, as America will already have the new Fiesta subcompact followed by a new global Focus. Click here for the rest of the shots.
[Source: caradvice.com.au]Spy Shots: Ford Verve mule spotted banging around in Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Euro, Porsche 
2010 Porsche Panamera - Click above for a high-res image gallery
Porsche plans to expand its Panamera line-up to include three new powerplants - a Volkswagen-sourced V6, a diesel and some manner of hybrid - but in addition to offering new engines, the automaker may offer a harder, more performance-oriented model to slot in above the Turbo.
Similar to the strategy Porsche employed with the Cayenne, this new model - which could be dubbed the Turbo S or GTS - would nix the Turbo model's standard air suspension and instead fit a set of performance-tuned springs and shocks to maximize grip and on-track prowess.
As for future powertrains, a senior Porsche executive told Autocar that VAG's V6 and V8 diesels could be fitted to future Panameras, and we wouldn't be surprised to find the new Audi S4's supercharged, petrol-powered 3.0-liter V6 in Porsche's first production sedan in the coming years.
[Source: Autocar]REPORT: Porsche working on harder Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: New Grand Bentley pics smuggled out of Crewe factory Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Bentley  Bentleys may be as large and luxurious as yachts, but that doesn't mean the premium automaker's factory in Crewe is without leaks. Although Bentley is keen on metering out glimpses at a snail's pace, British auto mag CAR managed to get a hold of a batch of photos of the highly anticipated new "Grand Bentley".
Under development with the code-name Project Kimberley, the new Bentley is slated to replace the aging Arnage sedan at the top of the company's line-up and do battle with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. With technological input from its sister companies under the Volkswagen auto umbrella, the as-yet unnamed Grand Bentley promises to take a big step forward from the Arnage, which still carries its mechanicals and platform from the days when the automaker was under the same roof as Rolls -- not in direct competition. The spy shots reveal mesh grilles, LED lights, a retractable hood ornament (like the Phantom's) and a swooping roofline reminiscent of the classic 50's-era R-Type Continental. Looks pretty sweet, and we'll probably get an even better glimpse as the car's unveiling later this summer approaches with the pace of...well, a speeding Bentley.
[Source: CAR]Spy Shots: New Grand Bentley pics smuggled out of Crewe factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: NHTSA to mandate lane departure warning and auto-brake systems? Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Tech 
Is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about to add some more safety measures to your next new car? According to The Detroit News, they might be. The Motown daily says that government officials are pondering whether or not they should require new vehicles to be fitted with lane-departure warning systems and automatic braking systems that trigger upon warning of an impending accident. Both systems are currently available only in very small percentage of new passenger cars - primarily luxury vehicles. According to the DetNews report, safety experts believe that the systems "show significant promise" in their ability to reduce traffic accident-related fatalities and injuries.
NHTSA will decide whether to require such systems in 2011 after further cost-benefit analysis, including looking at insurance company data and estimated manufacturing costs. It has already added new components to its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) for 2011 vehicles, including a test that measures the effectiveness of lane-departure warning systems and a different frontal-crash program.
NHTSA hopes to announce its findings by the end of the year.
[Source: The Detroit News]REPORT: NHTSA to mandate lane departure warning and auto-brake systems? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
The wacky, wonderful world of Japanese manhole cover art Filed under: Etc., Japan  Ever roll through some sleepy burg and notice the townsfolk have painted each fire hydrant, recycling bin or park bench as its own work of art? That's one thing... but how about a whole country? Only in Japan, where the same famously zany locals fascinated with sailor costumes and neon lights on dump trucks have done it yet again. Only this time, their attention has shifted to manhole covers. Yes, manhole covers.
We don't know anything about this fad, how it began or how pervasive it is - we'd be glad to hear from you in our comment section below if you do - but from the look of the pinpointed map available at the link, it seems the craft has grown quite pervasive across the whimsical island nation. Check out a slew of our favorite examples in the gallery below, and try not to wonder how the artists didn't get run down by oncoming traffic while painstakingly completing their masterpieces.
[Source: ittemia.jp]The wacky, wonderful world of Japanese manhole cover art originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video Filed under: Time Warp, Safety, Videos, Celebrities 
Most know how James Dean died; driving his Porsche 550 Spyder on Highway 466 in California. Dean even received a ticket earlier in the day, prompting many to assume that he was driving recklessly when the accident occurred. Later examination of the crash showed that the Hollywood icon was likely driving around 55 mph at the time of the crash; which was the legal limit at the time.
While Dean was shooting the film Giant (released posthumously in 1956), the Hollywood superstar shot a quick public service video for the program Warner Bros. Parents. The short was about the dangers of speeding on the highway, and Dean insisted that speeding was for the race track and not for public roads. Chillingly, he ends the interview saying "Take it easy drivin'... the life you might save might be mine." As Dean died soon after filming the short segment, it reportedly never aired. Hit the jump to view the two minute interview.
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video VIDEO: Tragic Irony - Vintage James Dean driving safety video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Economy, Hatchbacks, SMART 
2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Smart ForTwo isn't for shy people. Even though Smart USA has sold about 30,000 of these tiny two-seaters in the U.S., the little rollerskate attracts a lot of attention. On the road or in America's parking lots, the ForTwo is a conversation piece, and people don't hesitate to come up and talk to you. Some will tell you about the Smart they saw in Europe. Others will ask if it has the guts to make it onto the highway. Most will assume it gets great gas mileage (it doesn't). But one thing's for certain, during our week with the ForTwo, there was a 100-percent conversation rate wherever we went. Anthropophobes, be warned.
Follow the jump to see what it's like to spend wheel time with a Smart ForTwo Cabriolet.
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission Review: 2009 Smart ForTwo Cabriolet undone by tricky transmission originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Happy Fourth of July... now let's blow up some cars! Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Videos, Dodge 
If you're a big fan of fully automatic machine guns, then there is a good chance that you've heard of the Oklahoma Full Auto Shoot & Trade Show. The O.F.A.S.T.S. trade show features some serious hardware for purchase, including WWII anti-tank guns and Russian units used buy the bad guys in Afghanistan.
G4 contributor Alison Haislip of Attack of the Show attended the gathering to test out some guns, and she brought a tan Dodge Intrepid along for a little target practice. Hit the jump to watch Haislip rip the hapless sedan to shreds with a Browning 1917 machine gun capable of shooting 750 8-mm rounds per minute. We normally don't get too excited about tank-stopping machine guns, but as we're jonesin' to kick off the Fourth of July festivities, well... we'll start off with an altogether different sort of pyrotechnics. Thanks for the tip, Kelly!
[Source: G4]Continue reading VIDEO: Happy Fourth of July... now let's blow up some cars! VIDEO: Happy Fourth of July... now let's blow up some cars! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog Podcast #134 Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Opinion/Editorial  Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Just in time for the July 4th holiday roadtrip, it's Episode #134 of the Autoblog Podcast! We've had a couple delays this week getting together to chat about recent events, but hopefully we're hitting your media player before you depart for this weekend's festivities.
Once seated around our digital roundtable, Chris, Sam, and Dan take a quick spin through June's sales numbers, and specifically, the Camaro's Mustang-topping numbers, official BMW X1 imagery, the demise of diesel programs, Consumer Reports' Honda Insight displeasure, BMW's challenge to Lexus as America's #1 luxury brand, and then we hit up your questions for the rest of the show. Thanks for listening, we appreciate your efforts to keep communication rolling in to Podcast at autoblog dot com, as well as all the responses to our survey, which you can still fill out to add your data in our quest for 'cast sponsorship.Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #134 Autoblog Podcast #134 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: Thieves make off with $2 million worth of oil and gas in Texas 
How many barrels of oil do you think you could steal in a month, y'know, if you were into that sort of thing? Ten people in West Texas have been arrested recently for stealing about $2 million worth of oil and gas condensate, and a local sheriff said that the thieves were able to steal 8,000 barrels of oil during a single month. That's good for a lot of trips to the grocery store.
Actually, the thieves were not stealing the fuel to use themselves. Instead, the men stole the barrels and then sold them the "oil and gas to buyers who didn't know of the theft," according to The Associated Press. What, did they say the barrels just happened to fall off the back of a truck? We'll probably learn more soon, as the men were arrested following a seven-month investigation. There's got to be some good information in upcoming court filings, right?
[Source: The Associated Press | Image: AFP/Getty]REPORT: Thieves make off with $2 million worth of oil and gas in Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Droolworthy: Pagani rips the lid off its Cinque for new Roadster model Filed under: Convertibles, Supercars 
2010 Pagani Cinque Roadster - click above for high-res image gallery
Small-volume manufacturers like Pagani have to build all the variants they possibly can on what few platforms they have in order to continue to squeeze money and public interest out of their models. Thankfully, the company's Zonda is so spectacular that we hardly tire of the seemingly endless number of riffs the Italian automaker is developing on the theme. Their latest is the Cinque Roadster, a decidedly draftier version of the already-released Coupe, itself a street-legal version of the track-only Zonda R.
The carbon fiber/titanium Roadster is expected to run to about 217 mph thanks to its 678 horsepower Mercedes-Benz/AMG V12 - a terminal velocity that's the same as its hard-hatted brethren. Because the fixed-head coupe's structure is so robust, Pagani hasn't gone crazy with buttresses and braces, meaning that like the Coupe, the Roadster weighs 1210 kg (2,662 pounds) - a figure that Pagani says should help get the car to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds.
As the story goes, just five examples of the Roadster will be built at a tidy £1.1 million (about $1.8M USD) per copy. We'll take two.
[Source: Pagani]Continue reading Droolworthy: Pagani rips the lid off its Cinque for new Roadster model Droolworthy: Pagani rips the lid off its Cinque for new Roadster model originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Gumpert Apollo Speed caught circling the 'Ring? Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi  It may not be pretty - eye of the beholder and all that - but the Gumpert Apollo is one serious ride. But as hardcore as the Apollo is, the eponymous former Audi Sport director behind the niche German automaker apparently wasn't satisfied leaving fast enough alone, so the company unveiled the Apollo Speed at this year's Geneva auto show. But that was just about the last we heard of it, until now, as spy shots of the super-Gumpert lapping the Nurburgring have surfaced online.
The (ahem) stock Apollo already packs a range of Audi V8 engines producing 650, 700 or 800 horsepower depending on customer specification, so clearly there's nothing wrong there. The Apollo Speed spied, however, carries an adjustable rear wing, a more streamlined overhead induction system, revised front fenders and updated tail-lights. And while the focus is clearly on performance here, right down to the racing buckets and competition-spec removable steering wheel, the Apollo Speed is still tipped to carry air-con and DVD info-tainment system. The Stig will undoubtedly be pleased.
[Source: Motor Trend]Spy Shots: Gumpert Apollo Speed caught circling the 'Ring? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Motorcycles 
T3 Motion CT3 - Click above to enlarge
T3 Motion, creators of the Segway-esque non-balancing T3 Series Electric Stand-up Vehicle for police and security use, has detailed its plans to launch an electric three-wheeled called the CT3. The new vehicle is the first machine from T3 that was specifically designed for personal commuter use, and it's based on the company's CT low-speed electric four-wheeled vehicle.
Using a three-wheeled design should allow the company to classify the CT3 as a motorcycle in most states, which means it won't necessarily need to be restricted to low-speed use as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, though the machine will be capped at a 45 mph top speed regardless. All three of the CT3's wheels are powered by electric motors that get their electrons from T3's proprietary Power Management System and lithium polymer batteries.
At this time, the vehicle exists only in rendered form (pay close attention to the wheels and tires in the above image), but T3 plans to enter a special CT-S version of the machine in the Auto X Prize that will reportedly be capable of 80 miles per hour and an equivalent mpg rating of over 100 miles per gallon. Click past the break for the official press release. Thanks for the tip, Deepa!
[Source: T3 Motion via Green Launches]Continue reading T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize T3 Motion introduces three-wheeled CT3 personal commuter, plans to enter Auto X Prize originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Christian Audigier stikes again with special edition Ducati Monster Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorcycles 
Ducati Monster 1100 by Christian Audigier - Click above for high-res image gallery
Christian Audigier won't leave us alone. The fashion designer responsible for decking out all the celebs in Ed Hardy and Von Dutch gear has made a killing off his overpriced wears, but apparently unsatisfied with infection of Hollywood, he's turned to motor vehicles as his unfortunate canvas.
As if the tattoo'ed Lamborghini Murcielago which Audigier created with Edo Competition - which in turn spawned the Ferrari F430 Calavera imitator - wasn't enough, he's set upon another exquisite piece of Italian exotica to tarnish: the Ducati Monster. Starting with the 1100cc superbike, Audigier and his partners at Rever Corsa have laid down some sort of dragon-tiger thing over a particularly gaudy red and gold paint scheme. This limited edition crotch rocket commands a $55,000 price tag, proving once again that money and taste don't always go hand in hand.
[Source: Rever Corsa]Christian Audigier stikes again with special edition Ducati Monster originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron? Filed under: Motorsports, Spyker  Spyker C8 Laviolette GT2-R - Click above for high-res image gallery
Spyker may have dropped out of Formula One, but they haven't lost that competitive spirit. Even before selling its F1 team to Kingfisher's Vijay Mallya, who rechristened the squad as Force India, Spyker was fielding the race-prepped sports cars in the GT2 category, The C8 Laviolette GT2-R (pictured above) has been their weapon of choice, in turn yielding the road-worthy LM85 which debuted at last year's Los Angeles show. But the niche Dutch automaker is reportedly preparing to step into the big leagues.
According to the latest reports from across the pond, Spyker's new GT1 racer will be based on the latest C8 Aileron, complete with aluminum body and chassis and powered by a race-tuned Audi V8. Fielding the GT2 car will fall to privateer teams while the Spyker Squadron focuses on GT1. Of course the Dutch team will have to step up its game if it's going to dice it with the big boys next season, and we'll enjoy watching them go at it.
[Source: motorsportblog.it]Spyker preparing to enter GT1 with competition-spec C8 Aileron? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
REPORT: A1GP and Speedcar racing off into the sunset Filed under: Motorsports, Earnings/Financials 
In the wake of Formula One's near collapse and the shock resignation of Indy chief Tony George, it'd be all to easy to assume these are the only two racing series in serious trouble. However, emerging reports indicate that they're only the tip of the proverbial iceberg.
According to the latest, both the Speedcar and A1GP series are on the verge of total collapse. The former, for those unacquainted, is a stock car series pitting former F1 drivers like Jean Alesi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jacques Villeneuve against each other on tracks around the Middle and Far East. After only two short seasons of operation, Speedcar's official website is offline and reports suggest the cars have been parked along with it.
Meanwhile, the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, an open-wheel feeder championship between various national teams, appears to be going down the same path. Only one season after unveiling their new Ferrari-designed and -powered spec single-seaters, A1 Grand Prix Operations Ltd has reportedly declared bankruptcy and began liquidating its assets. A1 was starting to position itself as an alternative to the likes of GP2 and the new Formula 2 as a feeder series for aspiring F1 drivers, but its purported collapse will leave that territory to the mainstream series, while Speedcar's demise will leave one less sunset into which burnt-out grand prix pilots can ride off.
[Source: F1-Live]REPORT: A1GP and Speedcar racing off into the sunset originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
AutoblogGreen for 07.03.09 Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green 
AutoblogGreen for 07.03.09 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Nissan, UK, Special/Limited Editions 
2010 Nissan 370Z Yellow - Click above for image gallery
American fans of Nissan's fantastic new 370Z can order their cars in Chicane Yellow, but up until now, their counterparts in Blighty have been out of luck if they've wanted a sunburst Z of their own. Until now. That's because Nissan UK has cooked up a special new limited-edition (if unimaginatively named) 370Z Yellow.
Apparently inspired by the Japanese automaker's European GT4 series racers, all Yellows will receive 19-inch forged RAYS alloys, a black leather and suede interior, along with illuminated door sill plates, special floor mats, and so on. Did we mention the bespoke lower body graphics? They remind us of less subtle, billboard-sized versions of the graphics packages on certain Porsche 911s.
Nissan assures that there will be a "strictly limited volume" of Yellows for sale in the UK, with "exclusivity guaranteed." But tellingly, perhaps, the company isn't divulging just how many it plans to produce in the model's press release (available after the jump). If you're interested, prepare to shell out £31,650 (nearly $52,000 USD)
for a six-speed manual or £33,050 for the automatic (just over $54,000 USD - as usual, bear in mind the UK's comparatively inflated pricing structure for new cars).
Continue reading UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series UKDM Nissan 370Z 'Yellow' is a special-edition homage to Europe's GT4 series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy Filed under: Autoline on Autoblog Hybrids Stumble While Diesels Surge
 The new-car sales figures for June must be a cause for concern for fans of hybrids. But at the same time they're very encouraging for diesel proponents. You don't want to read too much into one month's sales numbers, but the numbers do tell a story.
Ever since gasoline prices tumbled from their highs of last year, sales of hybrids have tumbled along with them. And while most automakers are shunning diesel engines right now, Volkswagen turned in sales numbers in June that should make everybody sit up and pay attention.
So, are we going to see a battle royale between hybrids and diesels? It's too early to tell, but here's what's going on in the market at this snapshot in time.
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John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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