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January 12, 2010
VW NCC Interior Shots
Atomicalex
Once the hordes cleared out, I got in there and snapped some shots of the interior. Very CC. This should be a hit. More after the jump.
NAIAS: The GMC Granite Concept; Compare this Granite to a Mack Granite!
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
Well, I was at the GMC and Buick press conference, and I really have to say that it was rather pointless. On top of introducing a new version of the Acadia crossover (now with more bling!) and a sportier version of the Buick Regal, the GS (further information on this later), they introduced another crossover concept, the Granite.
Continue reading "NAIAS: The GMC Granite Concept; Compare this Granite to a Mack Granite!" »
Ford F-Series and SuperDuty Bring the Options
Atomicalex
Rob and I sat down in the bed (factory-installed spray-on bedliner!) of an F-350 Super Duty to talk to Chris Brown and Doug Scott about the F-Series and SuperDuty programs. The option book on the F-Series is one of the largest in industry, with over 100 buildable body configurations. Then, you get into the interior, where there are 72 combinations of cupholder configurations. Mind boggled yet? Ford just introduced a split drive system that functions when the car is driving, and a new in-dash display of drivetrain parameters for towing and suspension geometry for serious offroading. More on the conversation after the jump.
Continue reading "Ford F-Series and SuperDuty Bring the Options" »
Detroit showcar Audi e-tron Concept Unveiled
Neuwerks
Audi has recently taken to the idea of going electric, and is making a point to show just how much fun it can be. During late 2009 Audi introduced the e-tron concept at the Frankfurt Auto show, a car that was loosely based on the current Audi R8. This car featured a slightly more sculpted design, and an electric motor with an output of 313hp and 3,319 pound feet of torque.
The car unveiled at Detroit was not another version of the e-tron, and should be addressed formally as the ‘Detroit showcar Audi e-tron’ (not to be confused with e-tron), and is a completely new design and powertrain. This car features muscular shoulders, and a more compact design that houses a powertrain putting out a respectable 204 hp, and 1,900 lb-ft of torque.
Fireball heads to CBS for MOVIE CARS!
By Fireball Tim
Movie Car Design Master
Wow, what a cool day of shenanagans. (Is that spelled right? Like, does it matter?)
It’s pretty wild and fun to see a movie car at a show, but to see 30 of them at once was over the top! Way early, I headed to CVS to pick up my ride (The Fast & Furious Charger) and join up with several guys there. My buddy Bob brought in his original TV Series General Lee, Frank in the F&F Hot Rod Truck and a Tango & Cash beast.
We hung out all day at CBS with the likes of Adam Carola, Autoweek supereditor Mark Vaughn, KABC’s Dave Kunz and even Sophia Loren! Yes, she digs cars. (And no, I didn’t take a picture with her, but shot our new episode.) That will premiere at the end of the month. But, big thanks to Ken Latka and Tim Wong of TMPCC for hosting and Nate from Star Car Central for bringing the bad boys of movie cars. So, nuf’ of the wurds… On with the show…
Free Safety Class at OC Racecraft
By John Coyle
Deputy Editor
Over the past year, the folks at Orange County Racecraft have seen some terrible accidents on their local streets, and in response, they’ve decided to hold a free driving safety class. Along with some classroom instruction on basic car control principals and a driving demonstration, students will get the opportunity to take their cars out on the track and apply what they’ve learned. If you’re in SoCal, I’d recomend stopping by, because this sounds like a blast. The classes are going to be held January 15th and 16th, head over to the OC Racecraft website to register.
January 11, 2010
Speed Costs Money. Royal Purple Asks How Fast Do You Want to Go?
By John Naderi
StreetFire.net
Aside from actually winning a race there is perhaps nothing in racing as difficult as securing sponsorship. That’s what makes the contents of this post seem that much more incredible. Performance lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple and Stark Motor Racing recently announced that they are seeking requests for racing proposals for the upcoming 2010 season. Yes, you read that right. They want to sponsor you, provided you fit the bill of a dynamic professional or amateur racers who has an interest in primary sponsorship for the month(s) of April and/or May 2010 in order to promote Royal Purple’s new racing oil, XPR 3.1. They will be accepting proposals from automotive, truck, motorcycle, off-road and marine racers.
“We’re looking for racers and teams that really connect with tech-savvy fans” said Royal Purple VP of Sales & Marketing Mark McFann. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s drifting, circle track, straight track, whatever…we just want racers that connect with fans”.
Racers can get more information and submit proposals at www.starkmotorracing.com. Proposals will be accepted until January 31, 2010.
NAIAS: The Chevrolet Reveals; The Spark, Volt, Aveo and Cruz again.
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
I realize that 2009 was a very tough year for GM, but at the press event, I never realized how depressing the year really was until today. Instead of debuting some knock your socks off concept, or another special edition Camaro (how about a Camaro with the ZR-1 Corvette Engine installed?) we were treated to the introduction of the Chevy Spark (a concept that is over two years old, and which GM top brass would never would be sold in the US), another version of the Chevrolet Cruz, as well as a different Chevrolet Volt.
Continue reading "NAIAS: The Chevrolet Reveals; The Spark, Volt, Aveo and Cruz again." »
Honda CR-Z Unveiled at NAIAS
By Rob Einaudi
Editor-in-Chief
One of the biggest unveils at NAIAS today was the new Honda CR-Z. With styling cues taken from the CRX, this new hybrid seems like a blast from the past. The little engine puts out just 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft. of torque, and gas mileage is estimated at 31 city/37 highway (which seems kind of low to me). No word on price, but the CR-Z is expected to be in showrooms this summer! Tons of pics and the official press release after the jump!
NAIAS: 2 Vintage British Icons; The Lotus Elan, and Morgan Plus 4
By Jim Brennan
UDMan
Amidst the myriad of new (but already old) vehicles on the floor of Cobo Hall, were more than a few surprises. Two of the nicest include these vintage British Sports cars, the iconic Lotus Elan, and a very British Morgan Plus 4.
Continue reading "NAIAS: 2 Vintage British Icons; The Lotus Elan, and Morgan Plus 4" »
