Author: Zach Bowman

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

The 2011 BMW M5 has been caught on video doing its thing around the ‘Ring, and by “doing its thing” we really mean shredding the life out of the rear tires. Judging from the quick video, the massive sedan seems to have no problem hustling through the banked curves of every automaker’s favorite test track.

BMW has kept its lips sealed when it comes to what exactly is under the hood of the next-generation M5 or when the lowly public will be able to get their greedy paws on the finished product. Rumor has it the German automaker has ditched the big, naturally-aspirated V10 we all know and love in favor of the same twin-turbocharged V8 found at the heart of X5 M and X6 M. If true, that means the car is packing somewhere around 578 horsepower in its arsenal.

As for when we’ll finally see this big beastie without its psychedelic camouflage, your guess is as good as ours. In the mean time, hit the jump to see the uber sedan tackle the ‘Ring.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Spy Video: 2011 BMW M5 undergoes ‘Ring Taxi practice

Spy Video: 2011 BMW M5 undergoes ‘Ring Taxi practice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: China, Recalls, Safety

Just when we thought China’s automotive industry had made some headway in the quality department, we get word that complaints about new car quality in the country have risen significantly over the past few months. During the first quarter of this year, complains on vehicles purchased within the last six months climbed 15 percent over last year’s figures. Those numbers come courtesy of the China Association for Quality.

Even more surprising, the increase marks a nine-percent jump over the number of complaints filed during the fourth quarter of 2009. By and large, the defects concerned engine issues as well as small parts. A total of 94.6 percent of the complaints were lodged against cars costing less than $44,000.

[Source: Gasgoo]

Report: Chinese car quality complaints on the rise originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, China, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

Chinese automaker Brilliance is pulling out of Europe with no plans to return, according to Autoweek. The company began selling both its BS4 and BS6 sedans in the old country back in 2007, though sales have been beyond dismal. As of the end of 2009, dealers only managed to move a paltry 502 units – a figure that fell well south of the 158,000 cars the company had planned to sell over a five year period. Throw in the fact that Brilliance refuses to price its products any lower to get its foot in the European door, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

The company fought an uphill battle with consumers after both models had trouble getting past crash test standards in 2007, and things didn’t improve from there. For the time being, production has completely stopped, and the company has no timetable for bringing the business back on line.

If Brilliance does decide to jump back into the European market, it will be looking at some pretty hefty engineering costs. The current BS4 and BS6 are only designed to meet Euro 4 standards, and with Euro 5 coming down the pike, the platforms would need to undergo significant updates. Naturally, the news also means that Europeans won’t be seeing the lovely BS4 Wagon anytime soon, either.

[Source: Autoweek]

China’s Brilliance reportedly retreats from Europe after ‘cool reception’ originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Porsche

Germany must be a magical place. Typically, if we were to tell you about a story that involved a 10 year-old boy, his 14 year-old brother and their father’s Porsches, it would end with some totaled sheetmetal at best. But that’s not the case in Der Vaterland. Instead, we give you the heartwarming tale of the Wörle family. Mr. Wörle owns a prominent Porsche dealership, and as such, his sons Steppi and Schorschi lend a hand around the family business. How does the guy reward them? By letting them compete at local auto club events with two 911 GT3 RS testers.

If you’ve never been jealous of a ten year-old, we highly suggest hopping the jump to see the full 11-minute video for yourself. The sight of the Steppi flinging that green monster through the cones is enough to make any Zen master start coveting the kid’s lot in life. Even more surprising, despite the apparent silver spoon, Schorschi even manages to do fairly well at the event.

Remember when 911s were known as widowmakers? We’ve come a long way, baby.

[Source: YouTube via Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS is so easy a 10-year old kid can drive it

Video: Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS is so easy a 10-year old kid can drive it originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, SUV, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi, Peugeot, Citroën, Diesel

Mitsubishi, Citroen and Peugeot have announced a partnership that should have a new small SUV in French show rooms by early 2012. The Japanese automaker has agreed to share its ASX platform with PSA Peugeot Citroen in an effort to move more models for everyone involved. Mitsubishi says that while it is providing the bare bones for the project, respective models from the two European automakers will incorporate unique bodywork as well as their own engine.

While the French-Japanese creation will use a 1.6-liter diesel four-cylinder culled from the PSA Citroen Peugeot parts bin, buyers will be able to choose between front-wheel and four-wheel drive models.

The partnership should move an additional 50,000 platforms out of Mitsubishi’s doors and onto the streets of Europe. PSA Peugeot Citroen believes the small SUV segment will explode in the near future, with sales leaping by as much as 60 percent by 2015. Hit the jump to see the full press release.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi giving Peugeot/Citroën version of ASX

Mitsubishi giving Peugeot/Citroën version of ASX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, UK, Luxury

At long last, the question of exactly which American V8 the newly-resurrected TVR will use has been answered. As you might have guessed, the Russian-owned, English-bred racer will get a beating heart from none other than the mighty Chevrolet Corvette. The news hounds over at Autocar managed to snag a quick interview with the brand’s owner, Nikolai Smolenski, who said that the GM eight-pot presented the most efficient and powerful solution to the company’s engine concerns.

Unfortunately, Smolenski didn’t say exactly which GM V8 would find its way behind the new TVR’s headlights. We’d love to think that the 638 horsepower supercharged LS9 would do a proper job of paying homage to the ridiculously powerful TVR models of days gone by, but it’s possible that the company could opt for the more civil (and less expensive) 505 horsepower LS7 found in the current Corvette Z06.

Either way, the car should be an absolute rocket whenever it hits the streets. Given the fact that an all-American lump is going to be pushing power to the rear wheels, there’s even some talk of the cars being sold here in the States. Our fingers? Yeah. They’re crossed.

Autocar also makes mention of the fact that Smolenski is considering a hybrid model that would allow the use of an automatic transmission. Blasphemy or not, we’re about to see a whole new take on the TVR name we know and love.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: TVR rebirth hinges on hybrid tech and Chevrolet Corvette power originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Earnings/Financials

Honda has officially joined the ranks of automakers like Kia and Ford by posting solid profits during the fourth quarter of the company’s fiscal year. The Japanese automaker managed to see profits rise by 28 percent compared to the same period last year, thanks largely to increased hybrid sales. The announcement marks the fourth-straight quarter of profits for the company after seeing a rare operating loss at the end of March, 2009.

Sales in Japan have been bolstered by sales of the incredibly popular CR-Z Hybrid. Earlier this month, Honda announced that it had received over 7,000 orders for the two-door hatchback, which accounted for over half of the models the company had set aside for sale in its home market.

Honda also attributed its quick recovery to the fact that its lineup is comprised mostly of fuel-efficient vehicles – something buyers in a global recession have been quick to appreciate. Analysts also point to a healthy dose of cost-cutting measures as bearing credit for the rebound, too. Based on the good news, the carmaker hopes to see its growth continue through the rest of 2010.

[Sources: Honda, Mainichi Daily News | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Honda in the black, fourth quarter profits up by 28% originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Safety, Videos

In the never-ending battle to get teenage drivers to put down their cell phones while driving, Sprint has assembled an A-Team of comedic force to advocate the use of thumb socks. We’re not kidding. The ever-hilarious comedians Ken Jeong and Joel McHale have jumped on board to get teens to wrap up their opposable digits while driving. The theory is that the slick sock fabric makes it nearly impossible manipulate your phone’s buttons and cuts out using the iPhone’s touchscreen all together.

Sprint will be more than happy to send you three pairs of the socks once you sign up for an account over at the Do Something web site. The company is hoping kids will give the extra pairs to their friends, or keep a pair in the glove box.

Sounds like a good idea, to be sure. Thing is, we have a hard time believing your average teenager is going to embrace wearing something that’s four fingers short of a glove and takes effort to put on. Considering the fact that tying shoe laces is too much a stretch for most of the sub-20 population, we don’t expect to see thumb socks become all the rage all of a sudden. Hit the jump to see Jeong and McHale do their best to get the word out.

[Source: Do Something]

Continue reading Video: PSA – Ken Jeong and Joel McHale urge you to put a sock on it

Video: PSA – Ken Jeong and Joel McHale urge you to put a sock on it originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style

On Christmas day, 2007, Constandina Tutten was informed that her husband, Army Sergeant Joseph Tutten had been killed in the line of duty in Iraq. Sgt. Tutten was a squad leader with the 82nd Airborne, and had fallen to an IED while helping to clear Tikrit of insurgents. After hearing Tutten’s story, Camaro5 member TheSpyMaster enlisted the help of a few others to help create a tribute 2010 Chevorlet Camaro in honor of anyone who has given their lives in service to this country.

What started as a simple customization with aftermarket wheels and smoked taillight lenses grew into an all-out show car. New scissor doors and a wild body kit helped nab the Camaro top honors at a few local car shows, but that wasn’t enough for TheSpyMaster. The guy topped the whole thing off with a complete American-themed vinyl wrap.

While the look won’t be for everyone, you have to respect TheSpyMaster’s dedication in his efforts to get America’s service men and women the respect and honor they deserve. Check out a smattering of images in our gallery below, but be sure to head on over to Camaro5 for the fully monty.

[Source: Camaro5]

Custom Chevrolet Camaro is ultimate tribute to fallen servicemen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Celebrities

We understand if you don’t believe that the History Channel has adopted Top Gear America. After all, you’ve been burnt before. But according to the keen-eyed crew from Kilometer Magazine, filming has already begun. During the U.S. launch of the new Jaguar XJ, the new cast of Top Gear America was spotted filming on none other than California’s infamous Mulholland Drive.

What were they doing? From the looks of things, Tanner Foust was doing what he does best by laying down lots and lots of smoky burnouts under the baleful glare of the CHP. Though judging by the cars spotted on the set, we may be looking at a good old fashioned sports-car comparison when the show finally hits cable. Flip through KM’s pictures, and you’ll spot cars like the Porsche Carrera 4S, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the Ford Mustang.

We have to wonder whether this was one big slip up or a planned leak. Having a parade of auto journos cruise by just as Foust opens up for his monologue is either the worst luck in the history of television or one very clever PR stunt. Either way, there are a boatload of photos for you to speculate over as a result. Enjoy. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Kilometer Magazine]

Top Gear America caught filming on Mullholland originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Celebrities

Despite getting nabbed for street racing, driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance, the grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France is reportedly off the hook and back on the race track. A Florida judge dismissed the charges against J.C. France after it became apparent that the Daytona Beach officer that arrested the heir to the racing throne was actually outside of his jurisdiction. As a result, France is off scot free.

Last year, France was caught allegedly street racing in a 2007 Lamborghini against his half-brother and roommate Russel Van Richmond. After the charges were filed, France was suspended from racing in the NASCAR-owned Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Daytona Prototype Series where he drives for the Brumos Porsche-Riley team.

For his transgressions, France has missed out on a grand total of four races. We can’t seem to tell whether this is a blatant example of the good ol’ boy system run amok or a painful reminder of just how inadequate the NASCAR drug testing system still is. Either way, we hope France takes some time to realize just how lucky he was to not have killed anyone last October or to have wound up behind bars with a lifetime ban from racing.

[Source: Courant | Image: TMZ]

Report: NASCAR founder’s grandson allowed to race after botched arrest for street racing, cocaine possession originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

We’ve always envied those awesome home-stitched arcade racing consoles. It’s not that we aren’t handy enough to screw a few pieces of plywood together, it’s just that there isn’t enough space in either the living room or the garage for that kind of craft project, and our significant others don’t generally go for that sort of thing anyhow. The kids from Karjak CarLab have us officially reconsidering that stance, though.

Instead of raiding the local home-supply store for materials, the crew managed to talk a brand-new 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco into pretending that it’s a video game controller by hooking up the OBD port to a computer. As the nut in the driver’s seat wrenches on the steering wheel and operates the pedals, the system translates the maneuvers into ones and zeros. Throw in a projector good enough to cover your garage door, add a decent sound system, and you’ve officially got the most awesome driving simulator on the block – no shaking or baking required. We would suggest this would be the only way to play Gran Turismo 5 when it hits the shelves, but honestly, we’re increasingly feeling that we’re more likely we’ll get our AARP cards in the mail first. Hop the jump to see a video of the set up in action.

[Source: Hack A Day]

Continue reading Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen – VW Scirocco used as video game controller

Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen – VW Scirocco used as video game controller originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen

Volkswagen is taking a page from the Apple playbook by inviting software developers to help shape the face of the automaker’s infotainment systems. The German manufacturer is holding an “App My Ride” contest where anyone can submit an application that they think would work well in future VW products. The ultimate goal is to put a little more control into the hands of the company’s customers in order to create an infotainment system that’s functional and easy to use, but there’s also around $18,600 worth of prizes on the table for the best apps.

On May 3rd, VW will launch a new web site where users can upload their apps and submit ideas. Volkswagen is hoping that a collaborative community will spring from the project where developers can discuss apps the company currently uses as well as hone their concepts.

In order to jump into the fray, you’ll need to come up with an idea for your very own app, a graphic design of the user interface and the appropriate programming in Adobe Flash or Flex. As part of the contest, VW is offering winning students a unique opportunity to study with the Volkswagen Research Group in Tokyo, Shanghai, California or Wolfsburg.

Winners will be picked by the “App My Ride” community and a panel of VW execs. One lucky developer will get to take part in a special vehicle unveil with their flight and hotel on the Volkswagen tab on top of cash prizes. Make the jump for the full press release.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Volkswagen asks developers to design next-gen. infotainment systems

Volkswagen asks developers to design next-gen. infotainment systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Chevrolet

And not just a track, either. The National Corvette Museum wants to build an entire motorsports complex, including two road courses, a kart track, a ten-acre autocross course and a quarter-mile drag strip in Bowling Green, Kentucky. If that wasn’t ambitious enough, the museum wants to do it on the opposite side of I-65 from the main museum and Corvette manufacturing plant. If the plan goes through, the two will be connected via a series of bridges and tunnels.

The main track borrows elements from some of our personal favorite courses, including the Carousel from the Nürburgring and the infamous Bus Stop from Watkins Glen. Even better, the museum says its courses will be FIA and SCCA compliant, meaning that when finished, we may actually see some impressive competitions take place on the new grounds.

The whole kit and caboodle is expected to cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $35 million, excluding the price tag of all those bridges, etc, and the Corvette Museum has to come up with the majority of that figure before breaking ground. We’re not sure exactly how the non-profit plans to come up with all of that coin, but we’re betting Corvette owners can expect a polite request for donations sometime soon.

[Source: Motorsports Park]

Corvette Museum wants to build race track across the highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into an accident involving a Toyota Highlander that claimed the lives of four motorists last year. Stephen Lagakos was driving with his wife and mother in New Hampshire when the vehicle sped up, passed a number of other vehicles on the shoulder and then crossed traffic. The Highlander struck a Chevrolet Malibu in the oncoming lane driven by Stephen Krause. No one survived.

The NHTSA is investigating the possibility that the crash was caused by unintended acceleration. Witnesses reported that Lagakos had been following the other drivers on the road for miles, giving proper following distance the entire time. When the Toyota sped past, the driver had both hands on the wheels and looked as if he was trying to avoid an accident.

So far, there’s no indication as to whether or not the Lagakos vehicle had been serviced under Toyota’s expansive recall. The 2008-2010 Highlander fell under the same January recall that brought in models like the Corolla, Venza, Matrix and Pontiac Vibe.

According to The Boston Globe, Toyota has expressed its sympathy for the families of the victims of the accident, and underscored its commitment to making all of its products safe to drive.

[Source: The Boston Globe]

Report: NHTSA investigating NH Toyota Highlander crash that killed four originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, Honda

There’s a reason car thieves prefer run of the mill vehicles like the Honda Accord over flashier metal. With thousands of the things running the roads of every city in America, it’s nearly impossible for law enforcement to track down one car out of the masses. And that’s nearly exactly what the NYPD told Amanda Pogany three years ago when her 1996 Accord was stolen. Then something unexpected happened. During a recent raid on a chop shop, the police turned up Pogany’s car, though it had changed somewhat from the last time she saw it.

The individual who bought the stolen Honda from the thieves had completely worked it over. Not only did Pogany find a new engine under the hood and new wheels on each corner, the car had been converted from an automatic to a manual transmission. Police estimate the car is now worth quite a bit more than when it vanished back in 2007.

Sadly, the Accord’s rightful owner hasn’t taken it for a spin just yet. Ironically, Pogany doesn’t know how to drive stick, and she’s currently fighting through the mountains of red tape involved with getting a new VIN and re-titling the car. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: New York Daily News]

Teacher’s stolen Honda Accord returned with new engine, upgrades originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Auctions, Volkswagen, Celebrities

You can’t sell everything on eBay. Case in point: The auction site has a pretty stiff policy against the selling of what it calls “murderabillia” or anything “closely associated with notorious murders within the last 100 years.” We can debate whether euthanasia qualifies constitutes actual murder, but regardless, Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s 1968 Volkswagen Van evidently falls into that category on eBay, as it was the site of several of the infamous doctor’s reported 130 assisted suicides throughout the years.

As for the van, The Detroit News notes that Kevorkian gave it up to be crushed back in 1997. Somehow, the VW escaped its fate and wound up in the hands of Jack Finn, a retired Volkswagen parts dealer. Finn says the vehicle may run and stop, but it isn’t safe to drive on public roads and is in need of a full restoration.

Since eBay Motors gave Finn’s listing the boot, Kruse Auctions has agreed to sell the vehicle at its May 14-16 event.

Kevorkian was convicted of second degree murder in 1999 and subsequently served eight years in prison. He has recently become the focus of attention once again thanks to the new You Don’t Know Jack movie staring Al Pacino.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Report: eBay Motors labels Kevorkian VW Bus as ‘murderabilia,’ delists auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials

According to The Detroit News, Ford has officially announced its fourth straight profitable quarter in a row. The company managed to make $2.1 billion in profits over the first three months of 2010, thanks largely to a rapid increase in sales during the first part of the year. The company saw North American sales increase by around 39 percent compared to a year ago. At the same time, business is booming in China, where the Blue Oval managed to move around 84 percent more vehicles.

All of this is good news for stock holders, as the company was trading at $14.57 per share on Monday – its highest price in a year. As a result, Ford is planning on upping production in our neck of the woods. Dearborn would like to crank out 625,000 vehicles in the second quarter – a nine percent increase over the first three months of the year – though it isn’t ready to say whether or not that means adding any more workers.

Despite the boom, Ford is careful to point out that the rest of the year probably won’t look as sharp as the first quarter. Though the Fiesta is scheduled to hit the market soon, the threat of higher interest rates is looming on the horizon and Ford still has a heady $34.3 billion in debt to deal with. The company hasn’t said what its plans are concerning paying off the rest of its debt load.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: Ford earns $2.1B profit in Q1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Europe, Chrysler, Jeep, Luxury

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been spotted during testing, and the SUV wasn’t wearing any of the camouflage we’re used to seeing. Even more surprising, engineers weren’t putting the truck through its paces out at Moab. Instead, the eagle-eyed crew over at Piston Spy nabbed a few shots of the Grand Cherokee as it was making laps of the Nurburgring.

Why would Chrysler be interested in flogging the newest Jeep around everyone’s favorite test circuit? That answer may have something to do with the truck’s new adaptive air suspension. Called Quadra-Lift, drivers will be able to choose from a number of settings that will either raise or lower the 2011 Grand Cherokee ride height according to the road conditions. While there will be two settings for blazing your own trail, including one that raises the truck by a hefty 2.6 inches, the system also features an aero setting that lowers the vehicle by around half an inch. Our guess is that’s the setting you see above.

When the much-anticipated 2011 Grand Cherokee finally hits the market, buyers should be able to choose from a number of engines depending on where they call home. Word is a V6 and V8 options will be available here in the states, while buyers in other parts of the world will be able to opt for a diesel.

[Source: Piston Spy]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets final tuning on ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, China, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari, Luxury

It looks like Ferrari’s love affair with China isn’t one-sided. According to a recent report, the Prancing Horse moved a total of 220 cars in China last year, and of those, 20 percent were snapped up by well-to-do women. That means China’s ladies are buying Ferraris at four times the rate of their western counterparts. Why? It all has to do with business.

Ferrari says there are somewhere between 400-500 millionaires in China and that a fair portion of those are women who have earned their money by building and operating competitive businesses. They’ve got cash, and they want the toys that come with it.

Interestingly enough, the company also said that the average age of a Chinese Ferrari buyer is 10 years younger than in Europe or North America. If you were looking for proof that the automotive industry is shifting its focus from the west, look no further.

[Source: Go Auto]

Chinese women driving new Ferrari sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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