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Breaking: Are you the 2013 SRT Viper? Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Toys/Games, Design/Style 
As is the way these days, Chrysler has begun an achingly slow striptease for the 2013 SRT Viper, with zoomed-in closeups and shadowy shots that are difficult to glean much from. But just as they did during your childhood, Hot Wheels may have a quicker way for you to get your hands on the Pentastar's super coupe. The hyper-pixelated image shown above appears to be the 2013 Viper wrought in diecast 1/43 scale. Reportedly from a poster showing the toymaker's 2012 line of vehicles, this could just be our best look at the big snake yet.
While the wheels appear to be exaggerated in typical Hot Wheels fashion, the greenhouse and the long hood all seem to fit what we would expect for a new Viper, including an aggressive hood that appears to have at least three vents. The gaping lower fascia and headlamps look to be new forms as well, and if we squint a little, the roof looks like it could be a double-bubble. If this image is correct, it would seem to be clear that Chrysler has not forgotten about the car's heritage. Will it be modern enough while retaining the Viper's stock-in-trade rawness? We hope to know more soon.Are you the 2013 SRT Viper? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: 70-mph mobility scooter on ice is one hot little rascal Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor 
You may be familiar with the name Colin Furze. The gentleman has made a name for himself by crafting some of the most impressive small-displacement two-wheelers around, and his four-wheel creation - a mobility scooter - lives up to the same level of insanity. Thanks to a 125cc engine lifted from a dirt bike, the machine can whip to over 70 mph. If that isn't terrifying enough for you, the vehicle does it using the same wheels and tires as the electric scooters you see whirring around your local loathsome neighborhood box store.
Furze recently took his death machine out for a little fun on a snow-covered stretch of tarmac and brought along a video camera for the ride. Hilarity ensues. Hit the jump to check out the quick clip for yourself.Continue reading 70-mph mobility scooter on ice is one hot little rascal 70-mph mobility scooter on ice is one hot little rascal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: 2013 VW Beetle Convertible spotted buttoned up for winter Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Volkswagen 
Get ready, middle school art teachers - your new car is almost here. Following the launch of the re-skinned 2012 Beetle (and its oil-burning TDI kin), Volkswagen is hard at work prepping the new droptop variant, seen here testing in a not-so-convertible-friendly environment.
The signature styling difference that separates the 2012 Beetle from the Bug that came before it is indeed the longer, flatter roofline, and it's interesting to see how well the shape has been kept intact during the transformation from hardtop to droptop. This test mule is fitted with the front and rear fascias of the last-generation car, but make no mistake, the decidedly more masculine fore and aft lighting treatments will indeed carry over to the new convertible.
Much like the coupe, we can expect the Beetle Convertible to be available with Volkswagen's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine as standard kit. There's no word about whether or not the 2.0-liter turbo-four will make its way under the hood of the new convertible, but what really piques our interest is that Volkswagen sources have pretty much confirmed that the topless Beetle will be available with the 2.0-liter TDI unit, making it the first (and currently, only) diesel droptop in the United States. Expect to see the production car debut at the New York Auto Show this April.2013 VW Beetle Convertible spotted buttoned up for winter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Ride along in the Aston Martin One-77 with its chief engineer Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Aston Martin, Luxury 
There may only be one Aston Martin One-77 left to buy, but not a single journalist has been allowed to actually drive the thing yet. Autocar scribe Steve Cropley gets the closest yet - riding in it with chief engineer Chris Porritt on wheel duty, and Porritt lays out some of the whats and whys of the baddest road-going Aston ever.
Starting off with how the coupe is the ultimate expression of all Aston has learned from its other cars on the VH platform, Porritt discusses the four-foot long chunk of aluminum billet in the center stack, why the engineers chose a single-clutch transmission, and the reason for the line, "It has to do 200 miles per hour. Whatever it does after that is almost immaterial." There's eight minutes of One-77 education in the video after the jump.Continue reading Ride along in the Aston Martin One-77 with its chief engineer Ride along in the Aston Martin One-77 with its chief engineer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: UK TV authority lets Jeremy Clarkson off hook for "should be shot" comment Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities, Humor 
British television watchdog Ofcom has ruled Jeremy Clarkson didn't violate any broadcasting rules when the Top Gear presenter suggested he would deal with striking public workers by taking the time to "execute them in front of their families." While Clarkson later went on to apologize for the remarks after labor unions began making noise about potential legal action, Ofcom said that the comments were meant as satire in their context. BBC has notoriously strict impartiality laws. The report went on to say that given Clarkson's history of controversial comments, viewers are aware of his likelihood to offend.
Ofcom also said the presenter's comments weren't a reflection of his actual beliefs. Clarkson has seemingly made a second career out of garnering the ire of various groups. The equal-opportunity offender has managed to rile Indians, Mexicans, women, Christians, the Welsh, cancer survivors and most of the Arab world at one time or another. That's quite the run.UK TV authority lets Jeremy Clarkson off hook for "should be shot" comment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Infographic: Super Bowl ads that won and whiffed Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising 
Seventeen days after the Super Bowl and we're still talking about the commercials. Crazy, we know, but that's how significant these ads are, and why the $3.5 million price tag for airtime during the game seems almost justified... almost.
Yesterday we reported that YouTube had crowned Chrysler's "Halftime in America" as the most watched car commercial from the Super Bowl (an M&M's ad nabbed the #1 most viewed overall spot). But YouTube views don't mean much to automakers that are trying to sell cars. They want to know if their multi-million dollar Super Bowl ad directly increased interest in the vehicles they're selling.
To answer that question we have this infographic from car-shopping website CarWoo!. While we wouldn't blame you for guessing that Chrysler and Clint Eastwood drummed up the most car-shopper interest, you'd be wrong. According to the numbers crunched by CarWoo!, Chevrolet received the highest lift in consideration after the big game at 61 percent. Chrysler was second with a 26-percent lift and Toyota third at 25 percent. Brands with big ads like Acura, Volkswagen and Honda, however, saw no lift in interest after the Super Bowl.
Chevrolet's performance here can be partially attributed to the volume of ads it ran before, during and after the Super Bowl. It was by far the most prolific auto advertiser. But not all of its ads were winners. While commercials for the Sonic, Camaro and Silverado contributed positive lift, the ad for the Volt did nothing to help raise the bottom line of consumer interest.
Also interesting to note is the back-of-the-pack performance of Cadillac, which, despite boasting that its ad for the ATS was the most watched advertisement of all time, only saw a six-percent lift in interest.
Follow the jump for the full infographic from CarWoo!Continue reading Infographic: Super Bowl ads that won and whiffed Infographic: Super Bowl ads that won and whiffed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor production begins Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Government/Legal, Crossover, Ford, Police/Emergency 
Ford has begun producing the company's two new Police Interceptor models. According to Ward's Auto, both the Taurus and Explorer-based cruisers are rolling off of the line at the automaker's Chicago Assembly Plant. All told, the sedan variant has accounted for around 60 percent of orders so far. Currently, the law enforcement market is Ford's to lose: Dearborn has controlled up to 70 percent of police car sales in the U.S. with its now defunct Crown Victoria in the past, but General Motors has made it clear it wants a larger slice of that pie.
GM has given law enforcement agencies an alternative to the two Interceptors from Ford with its Caprice PPV and Tahoe law enforcement SUV. Even so, Ford remains confident it will stay on top of the police market. The company says that early orders indicate it will remain the segment leader.
With a turbocharged, direct-injection 3.5-liter V6 engine in place of the old 4.6-liter V8 found in the Crown Victoria, Ford also says its new Interceptor models should be capable of returning 20 percent better fuel economy - an attribute that should salve relationships somewhat with fleet orderers who were fond of the anvil-like reliability and simplicity of the old Crown Vic.Ford Taurus and Explorer Police Interceptor production begins originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Newt Gingrich: "You cannot put a gun rack in a Chevy Volt" Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Government/Legal, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Electric 
Looks like Newt Gingrich is getting into the right-wing, "let's-all-hate-on-the-Chevrolet-Volt" bandwagon.
During a campaign stop at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, the trailing Republican candidate said, "Let me start from a simple premise that Oklahomans will understand: you cannot put a gun rack in a Volt," Talking Points Memo reports. It appears that Gingrich is trying out a new attack line, as Raw Story is reporting that he used a similar line at an event in Suwanee, GA. There, he continued, "There is no reason not to believe that we couldn't stabilize with American production by drowning demand in supply the old-fashioned, free market way. There's no reason we couldn't have a stable price around $2 or $2.50 [per gallon]."
As you might imagine, it didn't take long for a Volt owner to take Mr. Gingrich's words as a challenge... you can see the predictable YouTube results after the jump.Continue reading Newt Gingrich: "You cannot put a gun rack in a Chevy Volt" Newt Gingrich: "You cannot put a gun rack in a Chevy Volt" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Tesla Roadster facing 'brick' battery problems? Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Safety, Technology, Tesla, Electric 
Here's a new worry for electric car owners: bricking your new, expensive ride.
Using a word taken from the computer world, to "brick" an EV means to make your electronic device inoperable. In the case of an EV, it would mean to run the battery state of charge so far down that nothing works anymore, thus requiring an expensive flatbed tow and an even more expensive battery pack - about $40,000 in a Tesla Roadster.
This is the charge of Michael Degusta, who wrote a detailed post on the matter in which he claims there have been five cases of Roadsters being bricked that he knows about. Since this is the first we've heard about it (and we imagine all those Silicon Valley Roadster owners know a thing or two about Internet communication), we're surprised we didn't hear about this before the alleged problem claimed five non-working cars. Thus, we figure there's more to the story, especially since some people are already poking holes in some of Degusta's statements. We've emailed Degusta and asked him to provide further proof of and details about these bricked cars, but he has not responded yet.
For its part, Tesla has offered AutoblogGreen a fairly noncommittal statement on the matter:
All automobiles require some level of owner care. For example, combustion vehicles require regular oil changes or the engine will be destroyed. Electric vehicles should be plugged in and charging when not in use for maximum performance. All batteries are subject to damage if the charge is kept at zero for long periods of time. However, Tesla avoids this problem in virtually all instances with numerous counter-measures. Tesla batteries can remain unplugged for weeks (even months), without reaching zero state of charge. Owners of Roadster 2.0 and all subsequent Tesla products can request that their vehicle alert Tesla if SOC falls to a low level. All Tesla vehicles emit various visual and audible warnings if the battery pack falls below 5 percent SOC. Tesla provides extensive maintenance recommendations as part of the customer experience.
It's also true that all vehicles will require some attention if they sit unused too long, and people know what happens if you leave your laptop unplugged for two weeks. In the owner's manual for the Roadster 2.0/Roadster Sport, Tesla does say that "Over-discharge can permanently damage the Battery" and that "If storing for more than 15 days, it is strongly recommended that you keep it plugged in" (see the full section on "Leaving the vehicle unplugged" after the jump, or download the manual in PDF here), but it doesn't specify what sort of damage that is, or how expensive it might be to fix it. Tesla spokesman Ricardo Reyes did tell AutoblogGreen that he is working to demystify the situation and will get back to us with more information.Continue reading Tesla Roadster facing 'brick' battery problems? Tesla Roadster facing 'brick' battery problems? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Kia Sorento's refreshed face caught testing in the cold Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Crossover, Kia 
Behold: the first glimpse of the upcoming Kia Sorento facelift. From what we've heard, the crossover is expected to wear styling that steps in line with the rest of the Kia line. That means a new front fascia with a revised grille and bumper design. LED headlights are expected to be part of the package as well. Plus, given that the vehicle wears substantial cladding over it's hind quarters, there's a good chance the rear hatch area will receive a slight update. Look for new tail lights and a rear valance when the vehicle finally debuts.
Our spy photographers tell us this particular vehicle was spotted testing with the likes of a current-generation Audi Q5 and a Mercedes-Benz GLK, so there's a good chance Kia is attempting to up-class the Sorento interior by using those luxury SUVs as benchmarks. Very interesting.Kia Sorento's refreshed face caught testing in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Exclusive: Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings? Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, Design/Style, Luxury 
Perhaps more than most, Mercedes-Benz has proven to be remarkably adept at platform sharing, pulling and pushing at their various architectures to create new models. Take, for example, the marque's E-Class range, which in addition to sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon variants, spawned the CLS 'four-door coupe' - a model that itself inspired a whole slew of imitators. The rakish CLS will shortly spawn a load-lugging shooting-brake variant, too - Benz's offspring are having offspring. Could the same thing be in the cards for the SLS AMG?
Mercedes has already extended the supercar's appeal with a new Roadster variant for 2012, but as Autoblog can exclusively reveal, an alleged German patent filing suggests that the SLS may be in for an unexpected third bodystyle - that of an unconventional four-door. As shown here, Mercedes appears to be considering a set of rear-hinged demi doors to go along with the vertically sweeping main gullwing doors that would give access to a small back seat. In typical patent-ese, the paperwork suggests that the automaker is particularly concerned about minimizing weight gain and preserving structural rigidity, though it appears there is no fixed B-pillar present.
It isn't immediately clear if these alleged Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt documents are indicative of a production model, a show circuit-only concept, or just a bit of ambitious blue-sky designer thinking. For its part, when shown these documents and asked for comment, Mercedes-Benz officials wouldn't say anything beyond the standard "We won't take the liberty of sharing comments for any potential future products." We specifically asked if they would like to deny the materials, and they declined.
The paperwork shown here doesn't give away much else, certainly not touching upon whether any modifications would be made to the SLS' 571-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 or its rear-drive power delivery. The drawings accompanying the filing clearly suggest an extended wheelbase to accommodate the extra doors, as well as what looks like a second COMAND multi-function control knob on the console between the seats, but that could just be a bit of artistic license or perhaps some lazy cut/paste work in Photoshop duplicating the front seats.
Presumably, if a four-door SLS AMG were to come to market, it would likely come at a premium price for the extra engineering - the coupe model starts at $192,175 delivered, so we'd wager that the pricing would start with a "2" at the front, putting it in the hunt with cars like the Aston Martin Rapide and perhaps the Porsche Panamera Turbo.Four-door Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG suggested by patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Honda, Australia, Off-Road, Racing 
Honda took a Mugen-powered Jazz (better known as the the Fit here in the U.S.), sent it to Italy to be engineered for rallying by JAS of Milan, then flew it to Australia to be prepared for Oz's 2012 rally series. Honda's been competing in the series with Civic Type R racers for the last two years, but this year, it decided to press the Fit into service for G2 class spec.
Up front is a 245-horsepower Mugen powerplant with 142 pound-feet of torque. Honda says this "may well be the fastest Jazz in the world," and it will start challenging the six rounds of this year's championship in March with driver Eli Evans and co-driver Glen Weston. You can read about it in the press release and watch it kick up dirt in the video after the jump.Continue reading Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose Mugen-powered Honda Jazz rally car looks Fit for the purpose originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Geneva: Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Design/Style, Fiat 
When a carmaker announces a European-exclusive limited edition, we often feel upset. Sometimes we even get irate. And then there are the instances like this one when we just chuckle and nod.
Not that there's anything exactly wrong with the Fiat 500 "America." We're sure it drives just the same as a regular 500, since, of course, Fiat hasn't changed anything mechanical. It's just that we're not quite sold on the "Old Glory" livery, which doesn't exactly work for the U.S. market. Think about it: Here the car would likely be perceived as a patriotic statement at odds with the car's foreign nameplate.
Overseas, well, we're still not sure why an American-flag bedecked car that looks like it styled in the aisles of Pep Boys might be desirable, especially given the long-running European sentiment towards us ugly Americans ... but it's fashion, and who are we to argue with the Italians about that? That this is a numbered run of just 1,000 cars (500 two-doors and 500 convertibles) does mean that you won't encounter many others sporting the same side mirror covers, graphics, stickers and color-trimmed alloys or the red seats and contrasting white dashboard inside. Click past the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake Fiat 500 America not available in its namesake originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Customers paying more for Hyundai Elantra than Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai 
According to research by Edmunds.com, the $19,711 average transaction price of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is besting that of its chief rivals, the Toyota Corolla by $1,500 and the new Honda Civic by $500. The great big cherry on top of that sundae for Hyundai? Elantra sales were up more than 40 percent last year.
The sales success of the Elantra wasn't much of a surprise even before the car went on sale, the transaction-price story is an eye-opener. We don't have a breakdown on model mix, but a base Elantra with a six-speed manual is $17,220 and the Limited is $21,320 (both prices include $725 destination). The Elantra's small-money options, like an iPod connector, match those of the competition, and even its three upmarket packages, two for the GLS and one for the Limited, contain features mostly available on the Corolla or Civic.
Point being, the Elantra doesn't have a single killer app to explain its position. But all of its touches - one extra gear on the manual, two extra on the automatic, its newness and its design, its competitive gas mileage and its rearview camera that can't be had on the competition, for instance, appear to be the cause. There's also the fact that dealers don't have to put much (if anything) on the hood since the factory still can't make enough of them to satisfy demand.
Nor is this only a tale of the Elantra; the Sonata has narrowed its average transaction price to within $900 of both Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. And according to Hyundai CEO John Krafcik, we aren't anywhere near the end of the company's aspirations: "We're in the middle of a very long journey." Indeed, even new Elantra itself hasn't reached top speed yet - a new Coupe and five-door GT are on the way to round out the family for 2013.Customers paying more for Hyundai Elantra than Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert? Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Rumormill  Word has it Chrysler is looking to establish a base of operations in downtown Detroit in a move that would strengthen its "Imported from Detroit" image. The company is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, a short hike from downtown proper, but reports say the automaker has signed a lease for 20,000 square feet in the Motor City. (There's no indication that Chrysler is contemplating moving its headquarters and the space on offer wouldn't be enough to do so anyhow). Despite this, according to a bit of rumormongering in Crain's Detroit Business, Chrysler will set up camp in downtown's Dime Building, but not before unleashing an impressive renovation on the structure.
That's not all there is to the story, however. You see, the Dime Building is owned by none other than Dan Gilbert, the founder of Quicken Loans and majority owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. Gilbert was one of a handful of individuals who came together to purchase the $225 million loan against Chrysler World Headquarters back in 2010. Rumors immediately began circulating that Gilbert used his position with the headquarters loan to coerce Chrysler, and more importantly, CEO Sergio Marchionne, into leasing the Dime Building instead of alternative locations within the city. Gilbert, who has been on a real estate binge as of late, is said to be the third largest land owner in Detroit behind General Motors and the city itself.
Quicken Loans has since stated the Dime deal was the result of little more than a strong pitch and Chrysler has also denied any behind-the-scenes influence on the decision.Chrysler working to gain foothold in downtown Detroit with Quicken tycoon Gilbert? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Teased: Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Toyota 
Toyota has let slip a few additional teasers for the company's FT-Bh concept headed to the Geneva Motor Show in March. As you may recall, the vehicle is an engineering study designed to evaluate what kind of emission reductions can be accomplished in the city car segment without resorting to exotic materials or science-fiction drivetrains. Toyota says the concept emits around 50 percent less CO2 than your run-of-the-mill supermini thanks in part to the fact that it tips the scales at a feathery 1,763 pounds.
The hybrid's aerodynamic shape and efficient powertrain also contribute to the reduction. While the FT-Bh isn't headed to production any time soon, there's a good chance some of the vehicle's tricks may show up on consumer models in the near future. Hit the jump to check out a short teaser video and the press release, and be sure to stay tuned for our live Geneva Motor Show coverage.Continue reading Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva Toyota releases new FT-Bh teasers ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: SRT's race-only Viper ACR-X laps Nürburgring in 7:03.058 Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Racing 
Dodge, or rather SRT (we're still getting used to it being its own brand), has been busy teasing us with the new Viper that will be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April, but that doesn't mean it's completely done flaunting the performance capabilities of the old model. Only a few short months ago, SRT released a video of the Viper ACR reclaiming the lap record at the Nürburgring for a production car with a time of 7:12.13, taking the title away from the Lexus LFA Nürburgring Edition.
Now the Viper Club of America has released a new video of the race-only Viper ACR-X tackling the Green Hell, and the result is even more impressive. The V10-powered spec racer lapped the circuit in just 7:03.058, more than nine seconds quicker than its roadgoing brother. It makes us wonder when we'll start seeing six-minute lap times at the Nürburgring.
You can see a video of the impressive lap after the jump, including real-time stats like g-force and downforce included in the footage.Continue reading SRT's race-only Viper ACR-X laps Nürburgring in 7:03.058 SRT's race-only Viper ACR-X laps Nürburgring in 7:03.058 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
First Drive: 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet [w/video] Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Porsche, First Drives, Luxury A Soft Top Worthy Of The Best 911 Ever
Gran Canaria is a volcanic nexus of disconnected associations, a bit of everything from a bit of everywhere. Geographically and geologically, this third largest of the Canary Islands belongs to Africa. Climatologically, it belongs to the Macaronesia Ecoregion. Its name is said to have come from an ancient Mauritanian king who, according to Pliny the Elder, named it Islas Canarias - Island of the Dogs - because of the numerous canines upon it. Politically, Gran Canaria belongs to Spain, which is why the tallest mountain in Spain is on neighboring island Tenerife. Linguistically, however, the Canarios dialect can be challenging for Spanish speakers to understand.
The island occupies just 600 square miles, but it's otherwise all over the map. Yet it shares one crucial thing with the 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet that we flew there to drive: purpose. You have to want to get to Gran Canaria - it doesn't just happen.
Such is the case with Porsche's latest top-dollar droptop - neither luck nor accident could have created it; the men responsible wanted this very car. The 991 Cabriolet is the sum of 30 years of 911 convertibles, and for proof of purpose, you need only know that a team of engineers has been devoted to the roof - and just the roof - on this car since 2004. For that effort they would like that their creation, and the car beneath it, earn the same the accolade bestowed on the hardtop for three months now: the best ever.
It is. But there's more to it than a little extra fabric...Continue reading 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet [w/video] 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Honda 
Honda is recalling some of its previous-generation Odyssey minivans due to potentially faulty gas-filled struts on vehicles equipped with a power rear liftgate. A total of 45,747 vehicles are affected by this recall, all of which are from the 2008 and 2009 model years.
According to the official release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the faulty struts in these vehicles are prone to early life failures due to a "manufacturing flaw" (that's as specific as it gets), an issue that can result in the leak of pressurized gas. These struts aid in opening and closing the power liftgate, and if there isn't enough pressurized gas in the strut, performance can be diminished and can lead to unexpected liftgate closure, potentially causing an injury.
Honda will notify its owners beginning in mid-March, and dealers will replace both gas struts free of charge. For the full details, follow the jump to read NHTSA's report.Continue reading Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures Honda recalls over 45,000 Odyssey minivans over liftgate failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Breaking: Striking Viking: Volvo V40 slips out on Facebook ahead of Geneva Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volvo 
Some automakers try their damnedest to keep their new products under wraps until they're good and ready to show it to the world. (And of those, some succeed more than others.) Others, meanwhile, steadily leak out photos and details - through official channels or back ones - to keep us hooked. We're not quite sure which approach Volvo meant to take with its all-new V40, but we do know we've seen more of this car that's yet to be released than we've seen of others that have. This, however, is our best look at the new Swedish hatch yet.
Ostensibly, this new V40 could replace the C30 hatchback, S40 sedan and V50 wagon in one fell swoop, but we probably won't know more until the Geneva Motor Show. These leaked images come courtesy of the Facebook page of Motoryzacyjny - a Polish car mag whose name this blogger, for all his Eastern European shtetl roots, can't pronounce any better than the rest of you - and it shows us what appears to be a rather shapely sports hatch that aims to give the likes of the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series a run for their money.
Of course, since the range has not yet been officially launched, we've yet to receive word on whether the V40 will make the transatlantic voyage forged by its Viking ancestors to the New World in which we live, but one can hope. One can certainly hope.Striking Viking: Volvo V40 slips out on Facebook ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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