- Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster patent images - Click above for image gallery
Not that there's anything new to report from last week, when we saw a prototype Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster at the factory in Affalterbach, but if you're the type that gets giddy over sketches then these are for you.
As sussed out by Auto Bild, these images are said to be German patent office filings for the roadster. Apparently they sneaked out for a stein one evening and were lured back to the home of the Internet. While it's true that black-and-white drawings can only tell you so much about a car, we're thinking we might enjoy having the top down on this even more than we enjoy the coupe. Maybe. Either way, you can see it from every angle and judge for yourself in the gallery of images below.
[Source: Auto Bild (translated)]Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster final form revealed in patent drawings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rumormill
Alfa Romeo says it achieved its objectives with the stunning 8C Competizione. Now the brand known for the quadrifoglio wants to make the same kind of splash - only bigger - and rumor has it that it will do so by unveiling an Alfa 4C at this year's Pebble Beach Concours.
Automobile reports that the 4C will be a "a compact, lightweight sports car concept," shorn of high-zoot and high-dollar goods like carbon fiber and a Ferrari engine. Instead, it will use a 250-horsepower four-cylinder and could be rear-wheel-drive. Price for the limited-to-5,000 vehicles is being estimated at €50,000 ($70,000 U.S.).
However, while the 8C was busy killin' it, the rest of the Alfa line has been busy struggling. Sales haven't exactly pleased parent company Fiat, so the fate of Alfa's (and, by extension, the the 4C) oft-planned return trip to North America is still in question. Unless and until the Giulietta and its variants prove they are winners and show Fiat the money, it looks like the message for the American Alfa will remain, "Please hold..."
[Source: Automobile]Rendered Speculation: Alfa 4C coming to Pebble Beach? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors is working hard to improve the image of its core brands, and the largest GM division, Chevrolet, will be getting some fresh new marketing in the near future. The theme, "Excellence for Everyone" will debut in ad spots over the next two months.
In a web chat yesterday, GM's North American president Mark Reuss told the Detroit Free Press that Chevrolet will be using the Camaro and Corvette more frequently in its advertising to improve the brand's overall image. "When have you ever seen 'Vettes and Camaros in ads for Equinox and Malibu?" Reuss stated. And speaking of the Malibu, Reuss says that GM needs to "re-energize the car," so expect a new set of ads focused around Chevy's well-liked midsize sedan, as well.
[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]Chevrolet to employ new "Excellence for Everyone" ad campaign originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Celebrities
We know some habitually bad drivers, and we're guessing you do too. Problem is, there isn't much we can do to keep them off the road until their license is taken away. Thanks to a new show on Travel Channel, we at least have an opportunity to humiliate them, or perhaps more.
The new program, called "America's Worst Driver," airs Sunday night at 10 PM Eastern and Pacific Time and is hosted by Last Comic Standing Season 3 winner Alonzo Bodden. It looks for the four worst drivers from a city, as nominated by their friends and family, to compete for the dubious title. But there is more than a mean moniker at stake here, folks. The loser from each city, or the worst of the chronically bad lot, will have his or her car crushed (by Carasaurus no less) and replaced with a bicycle and a bus pass. Ouch. The "loser" from each city visited by the show will also be flown to Los Angeles to compete for the title of "America's Worst Driver." The finalists will then compete against one another for the chance to win a new car. Hopefully that vehicle will have plenty of air bags.
The new show has reportedly already shot episodes in New York, Miami, Dallas, Chicago and San Francisco, and the competition reportedly includes a closed course driving test graded by a real live police officer. We don't know about you, but we wouldn't go on any show where there is a one in four chance of having our vehicle crushed. But if we were so bad at driving that we failed a worst driver competition, maybe it would be for the best.
[Source: Travel Channel via Kicking Tires]"America's Worst Driver" set to air on Travel Channel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Europe, Aston Martin, Design/Style
Aston Martin Rapide Silver Blonde - click above image for high-res image gallery
To many of us here gathered around Autoblog's virtual water cooler, the star of the Geneva Motor Show wasn't the electrified Porsche 918 Spyder, but rather the Touring Superleggera Flying Star, better known as the Bentley Continental Shooting Brake. Disagree? We say to each their own.
And according to the UK's AutoExpress, that's what Aston Martin's saying, too. The legendary British car maker will be offering a custom vehicle program to those with the right mixture of imagination and American Express Black Card. According to the article, Aston Martin has gained so much experience building the One-77 as a stationary object (as opposed to on an assembly line) that building whatever it is on earth a customer wants is no problem. Says design director Marek Reichman, "This means that if we need to, we can swap shapes, interiors, engines or wheels without destroying the production process. It offers us infinite possibilities."
To that we say, "Yes!" We also say, to steal a line, "Mommy, why were we born good looking instead of just rich?" Because we could certainly come up with a hot Aston or two. Like how about a 1978 V8 Vantage Oscar India body riding atop the DBS chassis and internals? That would work rather well, we think. Alternatively, a Lagonda wagon body atop the Rapide would work, too. Oooh! What about a Hayabusa-engined Cygnet? That last one might just be the way to save face go. Unless they build us a fully-operational DB5 from Goldfinger. Sigh...
[Source: AutoExpress]
Report: Aston Martin considering custom vehicle program for customers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat
Ex-Volkswagen and Ford executive Laura Soave has gone from creating the events that help sell cars to being the one in charge of selling them. Yes, Fiat has named Soave, the woman who helped put together the 50th Anniversary Barbie New Beetle in charge of reintroducing the Fiat brand to the United States after retreating from North America's shores more than 25 years ago. Of course, Soave, 37, has also done more substantive things, including being VW's head of advertising and communications for the company's large(ish) passenger cars and SUVs. At Ford, Soave held down various positions, including "Brand DNA Manager."
Soaves' official title as Head of the Fiat Brand for North America not only installs her at the top of the pyramid, it puts her name on the profit-and-loss bottom line and has her answering directly to Sergio Marchionne. You can read Fiat's press release after the jump.
[Source: Chrysler]Continue reading Ex-VW exec named head of Fiat North America
Ex-VW exec named head of Fiat North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Nissan, Toys/Games

In honor of Tomica's 40th anniversary, jeweler Ginza Tanaka has produced a one-of-a-kind replica of the toymaker's die-cast 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432 (the Z432 was a Japan-only model powered by the same S20 inline-6 used in the C10 Skyline GT-R). Unlike anything Tomica sells to the public, "toy" is made of platinum - including its exquisitely-detailed box. If it were to be made available for purchase (it isn't), it's estimated worth is around $80,000. Japanese Nostalgic Car jokes in its headline that even at that price, it's still less than what one would pay for a real Z432, given their rarity and desirability (a total of 420 cars were produced between 1969 and 1973). As for this platinum bauble? It's being publicly shown at the Hong Kong International Jewelery Show this month, after which it heads back to Japan for next month's Osaka Tomica Fair.
[Source: Japanese Nostalgic Car]Going Platinum: The $80,000 Tomica Nissan Fairlady Z432 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Report: Porsche intent on building 918, if it's profitable
Don't rush to your dealer, as it could still take five years.
Fisker says 100,000 plug-in hybrids a year could be built at Delaware plant
Export hopes are high.
Work Truck 2010: Nissan working to bring NV200 to U.S., electric version possible, too
Should Ford be worried?
Other news:
V-Vehicle's DOE $250m loan application still in limbo, so $87m in state incentives are lost
"Fixing the Great Mistake" means switching cars for non-car options [w/video]
California homebuilder offers to pre-wire homes for electric vehicle charging
AutoblogGreen for 03.11.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercury, Luxury
Mercedes-Benz C-Class spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
Our spy photographers have just snapped these shots of the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class undergoing winter testing, and these latest shots give us the clearest look yet at the entry-level luxury sedan's updated front and rear. The baby Benz should make its official debut later this year, and these photos clearly show that we can expect some mild yet substantive alterations to their appearance.
So, what's new? Up front, a new front fascia integrates LED daytime running lamps - something that's becoming standard fare on the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup. From there, we see slightly revised headlamps, what appears to be a more upright grille and a new hood. Out back, there's a modified rear bumper and revised LED taillights.
Our spies also suggest that minor interior and mechanical updates could be present in the new C-Class. We aren't expecting giant leaps from the already very good current car, but squeezing a few more miles-per-gallon out of the Merc's mill probably isn't out of the question.
[Source: CarPix]Spy Shots: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class update originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Humor

Roadside flashers - Click above to watch the video after the break
Ever wonder what would happen if Robbie the Robot had an addled tryst with a photo-radar box? Neither have we. Some possibly addled Europeans, though, have inadvertently created that union's possible love child with their own nocturnal hijinks.
Mocking the roadside photo radar 'Gatso' units, one giggle-prone youth donned a box and fired a strobe at passing automobiles in a taunting fashion. At least they didn't do their impression of a high-pressure car wash, right? Make the jump to see the video.
Continue reading Video: Europeans find humor in loathable roadside flashers
Video: Europeans find humor in loathable roadside flashers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet a smooth Spanish Fly(er)
Convertibles have long been something of an acquired taste. Devotees steadfastly defend the unique sensation of...

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon slots in right below ZR1
For the truly hard-core Corvette fanatic who likes to spend weekends thrashing his or her car at the track, there is only one Corvette worthy of consideration: the Z06...

Report: Another Prius accelerates unintentionally in New York and crashes
Not one day after a high-profile incident involving a Prius taking off on its owner in Southern California, we're hearing reports that another one of Toyota's popular hybrids has suffered...
Also of interest:
Source: Next-gen Ford Police Interceptor will debut this Friday in Las Vegas
GM quickly one-ups Ford with 2011 Duramax diesel ratings, shows off GMC Sierra Denali HD
Report: Porsche really, really wants to built 918 Spyder. Really.
Nissan unveils NV commercial van, available in three different flavors
Ralliart announces it is closing its doors... so what does that mean for Mitsubishi?
Spy Shots: Next-gen Dodge Charger interior gets outed
Carl Edwards gets three-race probation for intentional wreck
Report: Toyota Tundra frame rust recall to go nationwide
Cash for Clunkers more than twice as effective as first thought?
Infiniti celebrates 20 years with limited edition Gs
Update: Texas high school gets to keep using Ram logo
Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.10.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor
Corvettes don't float - Click above to watch video after the jump
If there are two indisputable truths in life, they are that a man is not a camel and a Corvette is not a boat. The gentleman above needs to retrieve the C4 Corvette in the shed behind him. The problem is the pool of water between the Corvette and solid ground. His solution is as comical as it is regrettable... and expensive. It did, however, teach us a new way to use the word "yahoo" as a verb. Follow the jump for the fun.
[Source: YouTube via Tampa Examiner]Continue reading Video: PSA - Do not try to drive your C4 Corvette like a Duke Boy
Video: PSA - Do not try to drive your C4 Corvette like a Duke Boy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

If you're into going too fast on two wheels, chances are the name Terry Vance has crossed your radar a time or two. The pilot of Need-for-Speed Duo Vance & Hines spread the word recently from Daytona International Speedway that a new spec series featuring the Harley Davidson XR-1200 will run this year along with select AMA road racing events.
The Vance & Hines XR-1200 Series, as it is officially being called, will kick off at Road America this June in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, coincidentally, very close to Harley Davidson's headquarters. Hmm. Question: How can one guarantee a Harley clad in Vance & Hines goodies will win races this year? Answer: You guessed it, the above-mentioned series is born. Looking on the bright side, at least the current economic state was taken into account when pricing the race kit.
For a mere $3,500, potential racers will get full exhaust and fuel management systems and race body work that includes a number plate, solo-seat and tail section, as well as the belly-pan valance. But wait, that's not all. A 17-inch front wheel and matching front fender, steering damper, oil cooler relocation package and race graphics is also on the menu. Now that's what we call a deal! Of course it will be available to the public as a street legal kit as well. The claim to fame is that anyone with an XR and a dream can get involved without significant investment.
Fact is, some top talent has made its way through the ranks as the result of spec class racing. Add to that, who doesn't like to watch a good Boxer Cup from time to time? It can be fun when the playing field is leveled a bit. Let's hope the action is strong and the series spreads beyond it's slated current boundaries (east of the Mississippi only) to give everyone a chance to hear the ever pleasant sounds of a big twin bouncing off the rev limiter at race-track near you.
[Source: AMA Pro Racing]We Smell a Ringer: Vance & Hines XR1200 spec series set for 2010 debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Safety, Mercedes-Benz
AMG Driving Academy at Lime Rock - Click above for high-res image gallery
What do you do after hitting success with a trial product? Bring it back and make it bigger, of course. That's just what Mercedes-Benz has done with its AMG Driving Academy, a program that our own Editor Paukert attended the course last fall at Lime Rock to his great amusement and education.
This year's courses will put participants in the Mercedes E63 AMG, SL63 AMG, C63 AMG, SLK55 AMG and, new for this year, the SLS AMG gullwing. After working your way up through Basic and Advanced courses, you're ready for Top Gun testing in the new Pro level course, which means an "intense curriculum" and open lapping at Road Atlanta. Follow the jump for all that goes on this year's academy including dates and locations, and have a look at what you can be doing in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]Continue reading Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses
Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Classics, Convertible
1948 Norman Timbs Special is a Motor Trend Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery
We were just talking with a friend about his Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. "How on earth did you afford that?" is the highly sanitized version of the question we posed to him. Answer: He bought used, and then explained to us that he would never buy a new car again, no matter what. A decision that's fine by us, but which buff book is our pal going to read if he's unwilling to ever walk into a new car dealership again?
Meet - or re-meet as the case may be - Motor Trend Classic. The fine folks at Motor Trend tried their hand at this classic car thing a few years back in 2005 but were forced to shutter the magazine in 2006. But that was then (and they were trying to sell 12 issues a year. Correction: Motor Trend Classic launched with two issues in 2005 and then went to six issues for 2006). Motor Trend Classic every three months is now. The cost to entry is a good bit higher than your standard car mag (roughly three times). However, the new magazine is (thankfully) largely free of advertising and it features a unique format and higher quality paper. Hence the high price: $14.95 per issue.
Also of note, Motor Trend will be using this weekend's Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance to relaunch the Classic magazine. In fact, Amelia Island will feature a special "Motor Trend Class" devoted to cars found on the cover of Motor Trend, including the gorgeous streamlined Norman Timbs Special seen above that graced the cover of the October 1948 issue. Pretty nifty, no? Make the jump for the press release and a complete list of the Motor Trend Class cars.
[Source: circsource.com via Media Week]Continue reading Motor Trend Classic resurrected, goes quarterly
Motor Trend Classic resurrected, goes quarterly originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The new ex-works 500 E-class coupé is in itself not underpowered. With 388 PS and 530 Nm torque it's the currently most powerful production model coupé that the company can offer its customers. However, those who like it a touch more dynamic can find what they want with the traditional refiner Kicherer in Stockach.
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Kourosh Mansory puts a designer piece on wheels. Together with celebrity fashion designer Philipp Plein, the automobile refiner MANSORY turns the Mercedes-Benz G-class into a luxury vehicle.
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Beautiful women and hot cars. Men's dreams. At the 80. Geneva MotorShow there were even more of them than the years before. And ofcourse most of them were to find at the stnds of the Italian car makers. Less girls - but mostly more exotics - were to befound with the smaller exotic manufacturers.
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Bavarian tuning specialist MANSORY presented modified version of Aston Martin DBS with carbon body at Geneva Motor Show.
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The Aston Martin Cygnet Concept is a bold step towards a new form of transportation; the luxury commuter car, a form of personal transportation that sees the company's core values engage with a new environment.
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On the occasion of the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the “Frecce Tricolori”, Pagani Automobili created the Zonda Tricolore as a tribute to the National Aerobatic Team.
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SEAT unveiled the IBE Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, a compact, sporty, urban vehicle equipped with an all-electric powertrain packaged with a fascinating design statement that shapes the silhouette of future company models. The Geneva event also witnessed the presentation of the new compact Ibiza estate version that will go on sale before next summer.
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A large programme for the “little“ Rolls Royce. Automobile refiner Kourosh Mansory offers a breathtaking individualisation for the Rolls Royce Ghost.
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The multi-award winning Lotus Evora provides the basis of the stunning carbon design concept unveiled at the 80th Geneva Motorshow. The car boasts a stylish carbon fibre, leather and alcantara interior, aggressive carbon diffuser and an evocative high tech composite body.
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Compared with the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, the weight of the Gallardo Superleggera has been trimmed by 70 kilograms (154 lb). The super sportscar from SantAgata Bolognese boasts a dry weight of no more than 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) - the lightest road-going model in Lamborghinis range.
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Porsche presents a high-performance mid-engined concept sports car with ultra-efficient, low-emission drive technology. With the release of the 918 Spyder, the company is further increasing its competence in hybrid technology.
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One year on from the launch of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. will be exhibiting two customised Grand Sport models at the Geneva International Motor Show 2010.
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Through the Peugeot SR1, the Marque reveals the stylistic design trends for its future models. The concept car embodies the new world of Peugeot, refl ected by the new Lion badge which adorns its body.
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Mr Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO and founder, presents the World Premiere of the Koenigsegg Agera.
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The “5 by Peugeot” concept car is another indication of the changing face of Peugeot and provides an insight into the Marque’s future ambitions in the large luxury vehicle segment. Its pure and elegant lines blend with subtle technical detailing to create an overall effect of a timeless, exclusive and modern design.
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