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"America's Worst Driver" set to air on Travel Channel
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
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
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2012 Chevrolet Malibu design completely revealed in patent filings?
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:59
Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet 
2010 Chevrolet Malibu patent drawings - Click above for high-res image gallery
Over the past nine months, we've seen the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu twice at General Motors media events that were closed to the public. On neither occasion were we allowed to take any photographs of the styling buck, but now we can finally show you what the next Malibu looks like. A General Motors filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows what is obviously an unidentified Chevrolet four-door sedan.
It retains all of the standard Chevrolet design features including the dual-port grille and four individual tail lights. Compared to the current and very well reviewed Malibu, the new car has more sculpted surfaces, especially around the corners. The chopped off tail of the current generation car is generally considered to be the weakest part of that design, and the new model addresses that area with what looks to be a much more attractive posterior.
The new Malibu will ride on the same Epsilon II platform that underpins the Buick LaCrosse and Regal. The new model will have a shorter wheelbase than the 112.3-inch span of today's car, but it's not clear if it will be as short as the 107.8-inch wheelbase of the new Buick Regal. The new Malibu will, however, be both wider and taller than the current model. The interior is also significantly upgraded with higher quality materials as GM tries to keep up with the advances of new models from Ford.
The next Malibu will probably debut in late in 2011 as a 2012 model, and we may see it in public at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. The timing of the Malibu should line up nicely with the Ford Fusion/Mondeo replacement and make for a very interesting battle in the mid-size sedan market.
[Source: Carscoop]2012 Chevrolet Malibu design completely revealed in patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Motor Trend Classic resurrected, goes quarterly
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:43
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. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Motor Trend Classic resurrected, goes quarterly
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:28
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. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Motor Trend Classic resurrected, goes quarterly
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
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. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Chevrolet to employ new "Excellence for Everyone" ad campaign
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
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
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Alleged patent images for Porsche Panamera convertible turn up
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:01:00
Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Luxury 
Porsche Panamera Convertible patent drawing - click above for high-res image gallery
See, apparently we aren't crazy, though we may have been a little smidge off the mark. Back in October, we reported that Porsche had begun work on an open top version of their then new Panamera super sedan. Only we said it would be a two-door 'cause, you know, drop top and all that. Whoops! If these alleged German patent office images from Autocar are anything to go on, Porsche is going after the highly nuanced (to put it mildly) - and presumably lucrative - four-door convertible market, joining the ranks of such noted automakers as... those dudes in Miami that chop the tops off Chrysler 300Cs. Okay, fine, the Maybach 62 Landaulet is kinda like a four-door convertible (but not quite), though at $1.35 million, it actually might compete in a different segment. And yes, yes - we know - the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is technically a four-door convertible.
But never mind any of that, as judging by these images, the Porsche Panamera convertible looks to be pillarless, something that the neither the $25,000 Jeep nor the mega-bucks Maybach can lay claim to. As such, the Panamera's chassis would presumably have to be beefed up in a major way to retain some semblance of stiffness and rigidity. Though maybe not quite as much as you (and we) might think. If you look closely at the patent images, you can see that, like the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drop Head Coupe, the A-pillar has been reinforced with a mini-triangle. You'll also note that the Pan's butt isn't any bigger than before, suggesting a folding cloth top as opposed to a space-intensive retractable hardtop. Back to chassis strength - thanks to modern production techniques, it's possible to substitute in thicker gauge steel that will increase stiffness without adding as much weight as traditional afterthought convertible chassis bracing.
And where does this leave those of us wishing for a modern-day 928? Not in a very good place, we're afraid. These patent drawings clearly show that the new, most-likely upcoming Panamera Convertible has been engineered as a four-door from the get-go, and never a duoporte. Shame...
[Source: Autocar]Alleged patent images for Porsche Panamera convertible turn up originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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AutoblogGreen for 03.11.10
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:28
Going Platinum: The $80,000 Tomica Nissan Fairlady Z432
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:27
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. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.10.10
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
DetNews: New Ford Police Interceptor to be Taurus-based
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:59
Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Work, Ford, Specialty 
Will the new Police Interceptor be a toughened Taurus SHO? - click above for high-res image gallery
Just a quick note: The Detroit News is reporting that the next Ford Police Interceptor will be based on the same platform as the Taurus. For you platform geeks out there, that's the Ford D3 chassis that underpins everything from the the Lincoln MKS to the Volvo XC90 to the Ford Flex (though the Flex and the Lincoln MKT ride on a lengthened version called D4). Yesterday, we explained that a new Police Interceptor is showing up tomorrow (Friday, March 12) in Las Vegas and that it probably won't be riding on the Panther platform. Regardless, the concept will be unveiled at the Vegas Motor Speedway.
There's still no official word from Ford on the matter, however. However, if the new Interceptor is in fact Taurus-based, that means no rear-wheel drive Falcon in the United States. Which is a definite bummer. Also, while there are all-wheel drive variants of the D3 platform - and we think it's safe to assume that if the new Police Interceptor is D3-based it will be AWD - it lacks frame rails. Has Ford figured out a way to make a unibody car tough enough for police work? We shall see. And if the new PI is a Taurus, will it be based on a modified 365-horsepower SHO? We'd wager yes. Let's just hope they fit some bigger brakes for cop duty, eh?
[Source: The Detroit News]DetNews: New Ford Police Interceptor to be Taurus-based originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er)
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:30
Filed under: Convertible, Mercedes-Benz, First Drive, Luxury 
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet - Click above for high-res image gallery
Convertibles have long been something of an acquired taste. Devotees steadfastly defend the unique sensation of elemental motoring that can only come when plugged in to one's surrounding breezes, noises and smells. Conversely, detractors have traditionally lambasted droptops for their lackluster foul weather performance, added weight, vulnerability, and creaky, ill-handling platforms. And while the naysayers may have had a point in the era of tonneau-covered British roadster pilots with their tepid heaters, dubious structural rigidity and leaky, masochistic roof mechanisms, modern topless numbers like this 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet give lie to the idea that convertibles make lousy year-round companions.
Follow the jump to find out why.
Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er) First Drive: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is a smooth Spanish Fly(er) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Ex-VW exec named head of Fiat North America
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:27
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
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Happy Birthday your Majesty: Citroën SM turns 40
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:59
Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Citroën, Luxury 
Citroën SM - click above for high-res image gallery
Well now, this is exciting. The iconic Citroën SM turns forty years old today. First introduced at the Geneva Motor Show on March 11, 1970, the SM was incredibly advanced for its time. In fact, there are those who would argue that it's still way ahead of the curve.
A couple of basics, if you will. SM stands for Sports Maserati (though some argue it stands for Sa Majesté in reference to the DS - i.e. Goddess, i.e. La déesse'). While probably not the wisest financial decision of all time, Citroën purchased Maserati in 1968. As such, they were able to use the new 90-degree V6 Maserati had developed. Essentially a V8 with two-cylinders lopped off, the SM's V6 (also shared with the Maserati Merak) is one of the most fantastically complex engines ever conceived. How does three timing chains strike you?
But the SM was much more than a powerful (for the time) engine in a sleek and sexy, Robert Opron designed aircraft grade aluminum body. The SM featured the world's first variable-assist power steering system (known as DIRAVI) which is so insanely complicated that we can't even begin to describe it to you (it involves heart shaped cams). Also, the SM featured one-turn to lock. Needless to say, the DIRAVI was tied into the SM's oleopneumatic system. What's oleopneumatic? A fancy French way of saying an oil-based hydropneumatic system.
Besides the steering the suspension, headlights, brakes and transmission were all run off the SM's hydraulic system. Headlights? Yup. The SM featured six headlights behind a beautiful glass cover, two of which turned with the steering wheel, and six could pivot up and down depending on rear ride height. In other words, if the rear of the car was loaded down, the lights would automatically adjust to point straight ahead so as not to blind oncoming motorists.
Back in 1970, not only was the SM the fastest front-wheel drive car in the world (the factory claimed 137 mph, but many took the cars up to 145 mph), it had the shortest stopping distance of any car, period. Credit the dual-channel hydro-brakes and the fact that the front rotors are inboard. In fact, rumor has it that until the Porsche 959 showed its face in 1986, the SM was the production deceleration king. One last little tidbit. As far as we know, the Citroën SM is the only car ever designed specifically to seat two men up front and two women in the back. Amazing, no? Happy birthday SM! Maybe in another forty years the world will be ready to embrace you. Read the press release after the jump.
[Source: News Press]Continue reading Happy Birthday your Majesty: Citroën SM turns 40 Happy Birthday your Majesty: Citroën SM turns 40 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Ji Yong-Ho's tire creatures are steel-belted radness
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:34
Filed under: Etc., Design/Style 
Ji Yong-Ho Shark 6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Art and cars is always a tricky subject. We saw what happened when BMW selected art world mega star Jeff Koons to design their next art car. Long story short, confusion, blinking eyes and a whole lot of chin scratching. However, we think in the case of South Korean artist Ji Yong-Ho, there's just going to be nodding heads and wide smiles. Why? Just look at how amazing his work is.
For those of you that are forced by your significant others to watch Project Runway ("Hi, honey!") no doubt remember last week when style guru Tim Gunn sent them all to the hardware store and contestant Jay won over the judges with his pants made out of contrasting garbage bags. Don't ask how, but we see a similarity (or are just hot to confess that we watch Project Runway in the most manly way possible). Either way, the New York-based Yong-Ho is using old tires to craft his creations. We enthusiastically approve.
[Source: Gana Art]Ji Yong-Ho's tire creatures are steel-belted radness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NHTSA announces 2009 fatalities lowest since 1954, continue downward trend
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:59
Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety  Safety doesn't sell cars. At least that's what Detroit executives walked around saying back in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The whole of them were convinced that if you even mentioned the word "safety" in a marketing campaign it would imply that cars were unsafe. In fact, it took a crusader like Ralph Nader to stand up to the auto industry and say enough with the death traps, like he did when he published his infamous Unsafe at Any Speed (only one chapter is about the Corvair!) in 1965. Like him or loathe, if you've walked away from a serious car accident in the last forty or so years, you probably owe him.
And it looks like many more of us have been walking away from car accidents lately. According to a new report from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the death rate for calendar 2009 plummeted by a frankly significant 8.9-percent from 2008. 33,963 Americans were killed on our roads last year, as opposed to the 37,261 people that perished in 2008. Still terrible, but much, much better. In fact, 2009's fatality rate (measured with the totally morbid metric, "death per mile") is actually the lowest such rate since 1954. Were cars safer back then? No, not even kinda sorta. It's just that a much smaller percentage of the population drove back then. The Interstate system was still two years off, so road trips were rare and mostly for truckers and beatniks.
Why the drop in the death rate? Many factors. Cars are getting safer. More air bags, crumple zones, better construction techniques, stability control, better tire technology - all of it is adding up to help prevent accidents, or at least make them more survivable. Also, campaigns like "Click It or Ticket" have increased seatbelt usage, and cops nationwide are cracking down harder than ever on drunk drivers. However, there's one other reason the death rate fell so far in 2009: people drove less. Meaning that if our economy recovers and we start driving more, the death rate could - and probably will - increase. Make the jump to read the press release.
[Source: NHTSA | Image: Bantam Dell Publishing Group]Continue reading NHTSA announces 2009 fatalities lowest since 1954, continue downward trend NHTSA announces 2009 fatalities lowest since 1954, continue downward trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:43
Filed under: Truck, Work, GM, GMC, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel 
2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
For the first time in its history - and considering that the company has been around for over 100 years, that's significant - GMC decided to make an official appearance at the National Truck Equipment Association show in St. Louis. And the Professional Grade brand brought along the heavies... specifically, the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD.
When the truck hits the market later this year, it will be the first time that GMC has offered a Denali version of its Heavy Duty truck platform. After giving the truck a thorough once (and even twice) over, we have to say that the Denali, even with all of its drilled-out chrome highlights, looks rather subdued and classy in all-black paint. And, though we certainly appreciate the in-your-face attitude of General Motors' two main competitors in the pickup wars, we'd say that understated appearance is a good thing.
Inside, you'll find the expected luxury trimmings, including heated and cooled leather seats and a matching wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, along with some nice details like Denali-specific door sill plates. All that is well and good, but the big news resides under the truck's big black hood: a revised 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine, which is mated up to a stout Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.
For those who like to keep track of these thing, which is to say every single person who's actually interested in purchasing one of these earth-moving behemoths, GM's latest Duramax beats out the 2011 Ford Super Duty in the all-important horsepower and torque wars with 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet. Wanna pull a ten-ton load? No problem. That powerplant is also more fuel efficient (by 11 percent) and cleaner than the unit it replaces.
Interestingly, GM representatives tell us that they had a bit of a back-and-forth with the Feds regarding how best to handle the required refilling of the diesel exhaust fluid tank, which won't run dry for about 5,000 miles between fill-ups. It seems that when the truck gets dangerously low on the exhaust treatment, its speed will be capped at 55 miles per hour. If you run out, the computer nannies will keep you to just a four mph crawl so that you'll never be stranded completely. Want more? Check out our gallery of high-res images below and click here for the rest of the details.
NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:29
Filed under: Truck, Work, GM, GMC, Misc. Auto Shows, Diesel
2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
For the first time in its history - and considering that the company has been around for over 100 years, that's significant - GMC decided to make an official appearance at the National Truck Equipment Association show in St. Louis. And the Professional Grade brand brought along the heavies... specifically, the 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD.
When the truck hits the market later this year, it will be the first time that GMC has offered a Denali version of its Heavy Duty truck platform. After giving the truck a thorough once (and even twice) over, we have to say that the Denali, even with all of its drilled-out chrome highlights, looks rather subdued and classy in all-black paint. And, though we certainly appreciate the in-your-face attitude of General Motors' two main competitors in the pickup wars, we'd say that understated appearance is a good thing.
Inside, you'll find the expected luxury trimmings, including heated and cooled leather seats and a matching wood-trimmed heated steering wheel, along with some nice details like Denali-specific door sill plates. All that is well and good, but the big news resides under the truck's big black hood: a revised 6.6-liter Duramax V8 diesel engine, which is mated up to a stout Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission.
For those who like to keep track of these thing, which is to say every single person who's actually interested in purchasing one of these earth-moving behemoths, GM's latest Duramax beats out the 2011 Ford Super Duty in the all-important horsepower and torque wars with 397 horsepower and 765 pound-feet. Wanna pull a ten-ton load? No problem. That powerplant is also more fuel efficient (by 11 percent) and cleaner than the unit it replaces.
Interestingly, GM representatives tell us that they had a bit of a back-and-forth with the Feds regarding how best to handle the required refilling of the diesel exhaust fluid tank, which won't run dry for about 5,000 miles between fill-ups. It seems that when the truck gets dangerously low on the exhaust treatment, its speed will be capped at 55 miles per hour. If you run out, the computer nannies will keep you to just a four mph crawl so that you'll never be stranded completely. Want more? Check out our gallery of high-res images below and click here for the rest of the details.
NTEA 2010: 2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD puts the Heavy in Heavy Duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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NTEA 2010: Nissan pulls the covers off NV commercial van
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:30
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Work, Nissan, Misc. Auto Shows 
2011 Nissan NV2500 HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're here in St. Louis attending the National Truck Equipment Association show, and we just watched Nissan officially pull the covers off its NV commercial van for the first time in front of a live audience. Our initial impression: They aren't kidding when they say there's an optional High Roof... at 105.5 inches (76.5 of which is usable inside), we have to wonder whether that sucker will fit inside your run-of-the-mill suburban garage.
Of course, that High Roof is optional, and the space it affords inside will allow most 80-percentile human beings to stand straight up for cargo loading purposes - up to 300 cubic feet of it. For those who don't need such a cavernous cargo area, the standard height measures 83.9 inches from the ground, and 55.4 of those inches are ready for stowage inside.
We were able to grab some live photos from the show floor, but sadly Nissan isn't quite ready to let us inside to see the interior details. In any case, check out our high-res gallery below and click here for the rest of the details.
NTEA 2010: Nissan pulls the covers off NV commercial van originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained?
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:59
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Nissan 
2010 Nissan GT-R - Click above for high-res image gallery
The illustrious Nissan GT-R is, quite possibly, one of our favorite cars currently in production. Now entering its third year in America, Godzilla receives a few minor tweaks for 2011, including some minor suspension tuning, a double clear coat on its front and rear fascias, new rear cooling ducts and - wait for it - slightly darker wheel center caps than on the 2010 model that is pictured. Additionally, the 2011 GT-R - henceforth only available in Premium trim - gets more standard features, including auto on/off headlamps, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, Bluetooth, a USB iPod interface and XM NavWeather and NavTraffic. All of this can be yours for $85,060 (*including $1000 destination charge), which represents an increase of $1,020 over the 2010 GT-R Premium. Get your pocketbooks out.
Curiously, the folks at Nagtroc.org are reporting that just 315 GT-R units are slated to come to the U.S. during the 2011 model year. That striking us as odd, we talked with Nissan spokesperson Darryll Harrison, and he says that the automaker can't confirm the limited production volume. Hmmm. The 2011 model is just now hitting the nearly 700 GT-R certified Nissan dealers across the country, though if the unit constraint holds up, it's likely that more than half of the approved showrooms will never see one. Either way, hit the jump for the full details in Nissan's press release.
Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Sources: Nissan, Nagtroc.org]Continue reading Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained? Nissan only offering GT-R Premium for 2011, priced from $85,060* - will volume be constrained? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster final form revealed in patent drawings?
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:29
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
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Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy picks up dates for 2010, adds SLS and Pro-level courses
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
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
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Spy Shots: Best look yet at forthcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class update
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
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
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Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video]
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:44
Filed under: Aftermarket, Spy Photos, Coupe, Hybrid, Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Honda 
Noblesse-tuned Honda CR-Z on-track - Click above to watch video after the jump
A couple of days ago, we wrote about the specs for the 2011 Honda CR-Z, and most commenters weren't all that impressed. Spoon then let a little bit slip about what it was doing to make the hybrid coupe a little more engaging, but those were merely words. Now we have what is said to be track footage of Japanese tuner Noblesse in one of their tuned CR-Zs at Suzuka, and it might put people in a mind to at least reserve judgment.
It's all in-car video, and yes, Noblesse is primarily known for their bodykit work, not for actual performance parts. All which makes this footage a little tough to gauge, but there were moments when we did find ourselves thinking, "Hey, this could be something." And yes, we will only accept fully blacked-out CR-Zs from now on. Follow the jump for some Suzuka lapping, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below. Thanks for the tip and images, Chris!
[Source: Six Sylinder]Continue reading Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video] Spy Shots: Noblesse takes tuned Honda CR-Z to Suzuka for testing [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Study: Where do our nav systems take us most? Walmart
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:34
Filed under: Etc., Technology 
Groan. Remember the $350,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom parked in front of a Walmart? Apparently it's not an isolated case. That's right, according to a new survey by TeleNav, most Americans use their navigation systems to find the Arkansas-based mega-store full of cheap stuff that Sam built. The great burning irony, of course, is that most cars with navigation systems are "luxury" products. Though of course that's changing, as navigation systems are making their way into lower strata vehicles and portable units and smart phones offer full GPS at much lower prices.
After Walmart, us Americans are searching for Starbucks, Target, Best Buy and Bank of America, respectively. Full disclosure time. Have we ever used a nav system to find a Walmart? Yeah, once, but we were in Louisiana and in need of spray paint (don't ask). We'll sleep okay tonight. We do, however, wonder how many two-gallon pickle jars would fit inside an Audi Q7.
[Source: AOL Autos]Study: Where do our nav systems take us most? Walmart originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Ratner: Auto bailout saved Michigan from bankruptcy
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:34
Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM 
Without the government bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, the U.S. auto industry would likely have two fewer domestic automakers and hundreds of thousands of high paying jobs would be history. The Detroit News reports that ex auto task force chief Steve Rattner recently told an audience at a bankruptcy conference that the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit would have faced municipal bankruptcy if Chrysler and GM were liquidated.
Instead, Rattner claims the government bailout not only saved untold thousands of jobs and two enormous American car companies, but the price tag for the government is shrinking as time goes on. Initial estimates by the task force showed that the auto bailout would cost U.S. taxpayers $20 billion or $30 billion after GM and Chrysler's initial stock sale, but Ratner claims that the current price tag is $10 billion or less. The estimated loss has gone down due in part to the fact that old GM's assets are worth more than previously estimated and The General is turning around its operations more quickly than originally thought. If GM continues to surprise and delight, the government may even make some money when it goes public with a stock offering this year or next.
Would the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan have gone bankrupt if GM and Chrysler were liquidated? There is no way to be sure, but if the government hadn't stepped in and bailed them out, its inaction would have probably cost taxpayers untold billions of dollars as well.
[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty]Ratner: Auto bailout saved Michigan from bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Rattner: Auto bailout saved Michigan from bankruptcy
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:01:00
Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, GM
Without the government bailout of General Motors and Chrysler, the U.S. auto industry would likely have two fewer domestic automakers and hundreds of thousands of high paying jobs would be history. The Detroit News reports that ex auto task force chief Steve Rattner recently told an audience at a bankruptcy conference that the state of Michigan and the city of Detroit would have faced municipal bankruptcy if Chrysler and GM were liquidated.
Instead, Rattner claims the government bailout not only saved untold thousands of jobs and two enormous American car companies, but the price tag for the government is shrinking as time goes on. Initial estimates by the task force showed that the auto bailout would cost U.S. taxpayers $20 billion or $30 billion after GM and Chrysler's initial stock sale, but Ratner claims that the current price tag is $10 billion or less. The estimated loss has gone down due in part to the fact that old GM's assets are worth more than previously estimated and The General is turning around its operations more quickly than originally thought. If GM continues to surprise and delight, the government may even make some money when it goes public with a stock offering this year or next.
Would the city of Detroit and the state of Michigan have gone bankrupt if GM and Chrysler were liquidated? There is no way to be sure, but if the government hadn't stepped in and bailed them out, its inaction would have probably cost taxpayers untold billions of dollars as well.
[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Neilson Barnard/Getty]Rattner: Auto bailout saved Michigan from bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Review: Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP induces grins, wheelspin and wheelies
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
Filed under: Motorcycle, Reviews 
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP - Click above for high-res image gallery
We're going to get ahead of ourselves a little bit with our review of the new Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP. We spend lots of time riding various two- and four-wheeled vehicles, and very few - indeed, possibly none at all - garner the same kind of ear-to-ear grins as Ducati's oversized supermoto. It's totally ridiculous and absolutely wonderful.
Sure, it's fast. Yes, it's beautiful. But what is this bike's mission in life? Is it meant solely as a hooligan machine with either the front or rear wheel aloft at any given moment? Is the temptation to leave black stripes and huge plumes of white smoke in your wake from every single stop too much to overcome? We spent 10 days using the latest edition of Bologna's finest all-road rocket for everything from runs to the grocery store to riding two-up for a leisurely Sunday morning ride to an out-and-out battle with the local twisty roads strewn about with pebbles and potholes. Read on to find out what we found.
Photos by Jeremy Korzeniewski / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading Review: Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP induces grins, wheelspin and wheelies Review: Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP induces grins, wheelspin and wheelies originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Rendered Speculation: Alfa 4C coming to Pebble Beach?
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
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
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Report: Aston Martin considering custom vehicle program for customers
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:26
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 Austin 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
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Report: Aston Martin considering custom vehicle program for customers
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
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
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Report: Aston Martin considering custom vehicle program for customers
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:01:01
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
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Report: Chrysler reconsidering light-duty diesel for Ram
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:59
Filed under: Truck, Work, Chrysler, Dodge, Diesel 
During last summer's bankruptcy proceedings, New Chrysler chose not to contract Cummins to produce a light-duty diesel engine for the its Ram pickup trucks. At a rumored 5.0 liters of displacement, this diesel engine would have been somewhat less powerful but also less expensive and more fuel efficient than the larger 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder diesel, also supplied by Cummins, in heavy duty Rams.
Now our friends from PickupTrucks.com report that Dodge may be back in the light-duty diesel game. Joe Veltri, Chrysler vice president of product planning, reportedly said at the NTEA Work Truck Show, "We're in discussions with Cummins. There's no contract [with Cummins] but [a light-duty diesel] is in our plan."
As an aside, it seems as if the so-called light-duty engine could also find its way into the Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 Ram trucks in addition to the expected 1500. "Does every guy need a 6.7-liter diesel? It could certainly package in a heavy duty," Veltri said.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]Report: Chrysler reconsidering light-duty diesel for Ram originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Report: New GMC Sierra Denali HD to get the dually treatment
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:34
Filed under: Truck, Work, GM, GMC, Luxury 
2011 GMC Sierra Denali HD - Click above for high-res image gallery
GMC, the "Professional Grade" truck maker under the General Motors umbrella, isn't finished adding luxe touches to its Heavy Duty series of Sierra pickup trucks. Just yesterday, GMC rolled out a brand-new Denali version of the HD pickem-up truck, but later this year at launch it will be available only as a crew-cab, four-wheel drive, single-rear wheel, three-quarter-ton model.
Before the end of the year, though, GMC will begin spreading the Denali love down its entire line-up of heavy haulers, and PickupTrucks.com is reporting that the dual-rear wheel dually chassis will be included. Naturally, a choice of either the 6.0-liter gasoline-powered V8 or the torque-tastic 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 will be the biggest choice at the time of purchase, followed by the buyers selection of either black, gray or white. Pricing has not yet been announced.
[Source: PickupTrucks.com]Report: New GMC Sierra Denali HD to get the dually treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really.
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:40
Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche 
Porsche 918 Spyder Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
We still haven't stopped drooling over the Porsche 918 Spyder concept, a car that debuted at this year's Geneva Motor Show. It's a sexy infusion of both Boxster and Carrera GT influences, with a dash of hybrid power thrown in for good measure. What's not to love about a 500-horsepower, V8-powered roadster that can hit 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds? Oh, and did we mention that, because of its additional electric motors, Porsche claims that the 918 can also achieve up to 78 miles per gallon? We highly approve.
According to Autocar, we aren't the only ones swooning over the 918. In fact, Porsche is apparently fully committed to building a serial version of the Spyder. No official confirmation has been made, but in speaking to Autocar, Porsche boss Michael Macht says, "There is no one inside Porsche who doesn't want to build the 918," later adding, "The 918 Spyder proves the answer to whether there can be high-performance cars in the future." If this concept does get the green light for production, we could likely see it hit the streets within the next five years. We'll do our best to remain patient.
[Source: Autocar]Report: Porsche really, really wants to build 918 Spyder. Really. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Report: Toyota sales may bounce back big time in March
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota 
As Toyota's recall issues hit a fevered pitch over the past few months, customer confidence faltered and sales predictably suffered. We were wondering how Toyota would react to the comparative dearth of showroom traffic, and the answer was to take a page out of the domestic's tattered handbook: big-time incentives.
On March 1, Toyota announced zero percent financing, subsidized leases and free maintenance for two years, and the early results appear to be extremely favorable. Automotive News reports that analysts are seeing big-time gains for the Japanese automaker, with evidence that sales are up 50 percent so far for the month. A 50 percent sales increase for the month would more than wipe out Toyota's depressing January and February, but analysts like Edmund's Jessica Caldwell reportedly feel sales will level out to a predicted 30 percent rise by March 31. "Incentives work best in the early going, but they start to peter out as the month goes along."
So does news of a Toyota sales increase means that Americans are tuning out the recent influx of bad news including a pair of reported runaway Prius hybrids in the interest of saving money? AN reports that analysts like Caldwell and George Magliano at IHS Global Insight feel Toyota loyalists are jumping at the company's big-time incentives, and the brand will have to try new things to attract new customers in the months ahead. That may be true, but we're thinking Toyota must be more than a bit relieved that customers are coming back to showrooms, at least for now.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req. | Image: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images]Report: Toyota sales may bounce back big time in March originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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We Smell a Ringer: Vance & Hines XR1200 spec series set for 2010 debut
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
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
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Video: Europeans find humor in loathable roadside flashers
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
Video: Fiat heir makes game-winning assist at Lakers-Raptors?
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:30
Filed under: Etc., Videos, Fiat, Celebrities, Humor 
Fiat heir Lapo Elkann makes the Lakers' game-winning move - Click above to watch video after the jump
Lapo Elkann is the grandson of Fiat founder Gianni Agnelli and is said to be heir to several Fiat thrones. While courtside at the Staples Center in Los Angeles watching the Lakers play the Toronto Raptors, Yahoo Sports reports that Elkann interfered in a play that gave LA the win.
With the score tied and only seconds left, the Raptors' Jose Calderon (pictured) was chasing a ball headed out of bounds when Elkann swiped it away. The Lakers were given possession and Kobe Bryant did his game-winning thing. You can see a recap of the event in the video after the jump, and for you rightfully sore Raptors fans, Elkann later apologized. Thanks for the tip, Jeffrey!
[Sources: Yahoo Sports, Goal.com]Continue reading Video: Fiat heir makes game-winning assist at Lakers-Raptors? Video: Fiat heir makes game-winning assist at Lakers-Raptors? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Video: PSA - Do not try to drive your C4 Corvette like a Duke Boy
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:38
Video: Walter Röhrl reunited with WRC-winning 1984 Audi Quattro on famed Monte Carlo stage
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:35
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Audi, Racing 
Walter Rörhl throwing an Audi Quattro WRC racer up the Col de Turini - Click above to watch video after the jump
Can we pause for a moment and give it up for Walter Röhrl? Here's a racer whose professional career began in 1973, first person to win the World Rally Championship twice, winner of the Pikes Peak race and the title Rally Driver of the Century in Italy and Rally Driver of the Millennium in France, and who simply never gave up the habit of winning or doing fast laps.
Autocar got the man back in the Audi Quattro with which he won the 1984 Rally Monte Carlo - Quattros took the first three positions, in fact - and sent him up the Col de Turini to see if he and the car still had it. Follow the jump to find out, and for a little more context, there's a video summary of that 1984 rally and a clip of Röhrl discussing and flying up Pikes Peak.
[Source: Autocar]Continue reading Video: Walter Röhrl reunited with WRC-winning 1984 Audi Quattro on famed Monte Carlo stage Video: Walter Röhrl reunited with WRC-winning 1984 Audi Quattro on famed Monte Carlo stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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Alpha.CNET.com: Most recent posts
CNET overhauls its Blu-ray player reviews
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
CNET Reviews has overhauled its Blu-ray testing for 2010 by adding inline charts, more systematic image quality tests and a detailed spreadsheet for easy comparison.
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Calendar tears off its own pages
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
Power tool company Stihl requests an unusual way to promote its leaf blowers, and it appears to have gotten what it wanted.
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Casio G'zOne Brigade marches into Verizon
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
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Verizon announces the immediate availability of its latest rugged cell phone, the Casio G'zOne Brigade. Originally posted at Dialed In
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ARM expects tons of iPad-type devices
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:37
Chipmaker says it expects to show off a number of tablet-style devices this June at Computex in Taiwan.
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Android phones get Opera Mini 5 beta
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:27
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Opera adds Android to its updated browser lineup. Originally posted at Android Atlas
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And now, it's the iPhone's turn
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
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Even as Android continues to gather steam, Apple's device still can hold its own in a number of areas. Originally posted at Dialed In
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GDC 2010: PlayStation Move vs. Project Natal, we go hands-on with both
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:27
As Microsoft demoed Project Natal for us in New York recently, and we've just had a chance to play with the PlayStation Move, we can now bring you our initial hands-on impressions of both systems.
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Geek Squad wants to save me from myself
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
Happy birthday to me, but I hope I don't get too out of hand and have to use this kit for saving waterlogged cell phones.
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Dialed In Podcast 118: iPhone wishes and disses
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:37
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This week we are sans Nicole, but for a very good reason: She became an official U.S. citizen today! Frankly, there hasn't been a ton of cell phone news over the past few days, but we know it's just the calm before the storm. The storm being ... Originally posted at Dialed In
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E-passport gets AMOLED screen
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
At CeBIT 2010, German company Bundesdruckerei took the lid off what could be the future of airport custom security.
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Hate sorting the recyling? Ask a robot
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:26
Osaka University has developed a recycling robot that uses lasers to sort plastics. The project goal is to help lift plastic recycling rates of under 10 percent.
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Hifiman HM-801 vs. iPod, Zune: A sound winner?
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:29
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If you've already invested in a great set of headphones, it might be time to ditch your iPod or Zune for the Hifiman HM-801, the world's first audiophile-grade portable music player. Originally posted at The Audiophiliac
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JooJoo gets updated home screen, keyboards
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
Engadget has shots of the tablet's new look, the most striking change being that of the home screen, which now sports a customizable wallpaper with nice, shiny icons.
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OCZ intros 'affordable' Onyx solid-state drive
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:37
OCZ technology releases a new solid-state drive that costs less than $100 for 32GB of storage.
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Lithium or hydrogen bike? Choose your steed
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
Sanyo's new eneloop hybrid bicycle recharges while it's being pedaled; Iwatani showed off a fuel cell bike that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack.
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Novothink's iPhone Surge charging case ships
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
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The first Apple-certified solar charging case for the iPhone and iPod Touch is now available for purchase. Originally posted at iPhone Atlas
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New King of Donkey Kong crowned
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:29
Donkey Kong, the arcade game that dates back to the 1980's, that has launched numerous Mario related spin-offs, including the latest New Super Marios Bros. Wii, even the 2007 documentary motion picture "King of Kong", has a new world record high score.
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New king of Donkey Kong crowned
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
Donkey Kong, the arcade game that dates back to the '80s and has launched numerous Mario related spinoffs, has a new world record high score.
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Motion-aware phones may be your new nemesis
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:26
By analyzing how smartphones with built-in accelerometers relate to everyday actions, KDDI Laboratories has apparently found a way to help supervisors do their jobs better.
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Motorola Cliq XT reviewed
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
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The Motorola Backflip was a flop, but does Moto make it right with the Motorola Cliq XT for T-Mobile? CNET reviews the new Android phone. Originally posted at Android Atlas
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Man marries animated pillow
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
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A Korean man marries a pillow with the image of Fate Testarossa, a magical figure from a Japanese anime series, imprinted on it. Can this love last? Originally posted at Technically Incorrect
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Sony unveils Move, its PS3 motion controller
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 09:00:26
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The motion-sensitive controller, shown off at GDC, is Sony's counter to Nintendo's Wii controller and Microsoft's Project Natal. Originally posted at Geek Gestalt
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Sony unveils Move--its PS3 motion controller
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:37
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The PlayStation maker gives those gathered at a press conference during the Game Developers Conference a sneak peek at its motion-sensitive controller. Originally posted at Geek Gestalt
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Six-core Intel CPU debuts in Falcon Northwest Mach V
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:29
First review of a desktop with Intel's new six-core Core i7 980X Extreme
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Speedy ship now up for scrap
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:37
The SS United States, an ocean liner that still holds the record the fastest Atlantic crossing, could be sold to a ship breaker.
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Phones you can't get on a U.S. carrier
Source: Posted: 03-10-2010 at 09:00:37
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Cell phones and smartphones that won't be available on a U.S. carrier... yet, anyway. Originally posted at Dialed In
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Rumor: Multitasking coming to iPhone OS 4.0
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
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Actually, the bigger surprise would be if Apple didn't add this long-awaited feature to the new OS. But now we have an official "unofficial" rumor that it's happening. Originally posted at iPhone Atlas
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TomTom and Magellan iPhone car kits go head to head
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 06:00:58
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The TomTom and Magellan car kits for iPhone have much in common, but there are a few crucial differences. We put the two units side by side to help you decide between them. Originally posted at The Car Tech blog
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The 404 535: LIVE NOW at 11 a.m.(ish) EST!
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 12:00:29
EPISODE 535
To watch today's LIVE Episode and participate in the chatroom starting Mon-Fri @ 11 a.m.(ish) EST:
- Go to CNET Live
- Click "WATCH NOW" next to The 404 icon (the same one you see to the left of
... Originally posted at The 404 Podcast
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The 404 Podcast 535: Where we're raising money for Sex.com
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
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Natali Del Conte is back from a quick trip to Europe and will be on the show every Thursday to get down with the nerdy dirty. Originally posted at The 404 Podcast
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The refrigerator: There's an App Magnet for that
Source: Posted: 03-11-2010 at 03:00:33
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Coolest...magnets...ever. Decorate your fridge, cubicle, metal door, or whatever with this awesome collection of iPhone-app magnets. A set of 18 runs just $12.99. Originally posted at iPhone Atlas
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