Alizium Auto Blogs: августа 2009

LA 2008: Lamborghini unveiling Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

Автор: RaymondLilly | понедельник, 31 августа 2009 г.

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder

While Lamoborghini's press conference at the LA Auto Show today doesn't begin until later this afternoon, we can at least show you what the Italians will have on display. Meet the Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder, a natural evolution of the closed-top, mid-engine car with a soft-top mechanism to keep the rain and sun from sullying the Italian-crafted interior. We don't have much information on the 560-4 Spyder yet, except that the new soft-top will open and close in 20 seconds, we love those new wheels and the car's mechanicals will be identical to the standard car. That means the 5.2L V10 still produces 560 hp and this thing will go like a bat, or a bull perhaps, out of hell.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder

[Source: 4wheelsnews.com]

LA 2008: Lamborghini unveiling Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The ripple of an auto industry meltdown?

Автор: RaymondLilly |

This YouTube video is causing a stir in the auto world.

It seems like the PR departments of the Big 3 have been hard at work, creating a video that gives disturbing facts set against urgent, haunting music to create an atmosphere of fear; all in an attempt to gather support for a government bailout.

And I’m not buying it.

Look, the bottom line is this: The U.S. auto industry needs to change. It needs a complete restructuring if not a total rebuild. Loaning them money so they can continue business now will not help them down the road.

Plus, even if they do get bailed out, will Americans buy their products knowing the shaky ground they stand on? Then there’s the news that Chrysler is doling out $30 million in executive bonuses as they lobby for a government bailout. Americans are smart and won’t support that kind of business behavior.

Yes, a collapse will result in a lot of lost jobs; I won’t argue that. It’ll hurt the already hurting economy.

A collapse of the U.S. automakers won’t completely kill off the entire auto industry, though. Car parts will still be needed for auto maintenance. Americans will still buy new cars (many made in America by foreign-owned companies), and they’ll still need to be serviced. New companies may sprout up and build domestic autos. Old companies may be reborn.

It wouldn’t be the dramatic apocalypse people make it out to be. It would eventually give birth to a vibrant and strong auto industry the U.S. could be proud of.

But a collapse would certainly change things, dramatically and immediately. And if there’s anything people in this country fear more than anything, it’s change.

Does this video influence your thoughts on the auto industry?

-tgriffith

Wanted: Sooner Sports Cars

Автор: RaymondLilly | воскресенье, 30 августа 2009 г.

I will be coming down to Tulsa to cover the Leake auction on the weekend of June 14th, and wouldn’t mind rounding up a car or two to photograph while there. We’ve got decent classic and muscle car contacts, but aside from one (very cool) 1970 Mazda, there are no sports cars in our files.

(note: this is a 1967 Mazda Luce, but it is from Oklahoma)

So if you’re anywhere near Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Ft. Smith - whatever’s west of Tulsa or Enid, I guess - with a car in which you think Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car might be interested, drop me a line. I’d consider going as far as Wichita if it was something special.

I’m planning on keeping Sunday the 14th open for photography, but I could probably fit a shoot in almost anytime on Friday or Saturday as well.

BMW, Daimler to Opel: It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog-Eat-Automaker World

Автор: RaymondLilly |

It’s nearing Opel’s death and the heads of BMW and Daimler wouldn’t want the government to keep its hands out of the situation.

The Carpocalypse is bringing out what people really have in mind for the industry. Though Europeans are used to motherly over taxed states, when it comes to the car industry it’s another story.

The Financial Times quotes the Daimler head: “Every industry needs structural development and this is not something that should be influenced in the long term by governments.” BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer comes with the kontrapunkt: “I have an understanding when it is about banks because they are central elements of an economy. But for the rest, where do you start and…stop?”

The magnates of the German auto industry might not be afraid of what’s happening but of course there will be a time when they will be the only ones left. Is this the point in fact? The government will not just sit and see the others get plummeted down. The market is healthy when there is competition. Oligarchy is never an option for a good industry.

Chrysler could be broke by New Year's, Nardelli would work for $1

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Earnings/Financials

Chrysler still makes cars? Apparently so, and CEO Bob Nardelli was on Capitol Hill yesterday with his colleagues from Ford and General Motors, warning that the Pentastar is in serious danger of exhausting its reserves by early 2009. Chrysler's share of the $25 billion in aid the automakers are asking for stands at $7 billion, though at the current rate, that money wouldn't last long, possibly about one fiscal quarter. Senators are concerned that the automakers will turn into a monetary black hole, but the Detroit CEOs are trying to plead the case that securing some federal help will make it easier to emerge out the other side of this downturn.

Nardelli did pledge to accept a $1 per year salary if it would help sway those with the purse strings. It would have been nice if he'd made that pledge to help his company and workforce, instead of it just being a token gesture to help him pick the pocket of the American taxpayer, but the $1 salary, which mimics what Lee Iacocca did during Chrysler's last near-failure, may play better than Alan Mulally's concern over a potential retention problem if the management is actually held accountable. Rick Wagoner divulged that he'd cut his salary by half. We think CEO salaries of a buck are fair - shoot, you can still afford a PT Cruiser on that pay.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Chrysler could be broke by New Year's, Nardelli would work for $1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, it's on! Hamilton vs Hoy at Race of Champions

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Filed under: Motorsports, UK

British racing fans had lots of reason to celebrate this year. Not only did their golden boy Lewis Hamilton win the Formula One World Championship, but their star cyclist Chris Hoy took home three Olympic gold medals from the Beijing Olympics. But the ultimate face-off between man and machine is just gearing up as organizers of the annual Race of Champions have announced the two will face off next month at Wembley.

The race will pit Hamilton in a Mercedes road car against Hoy on his bike on parallel winding tracks. Although Lewis won't be driving his championship winning McLaren, he'll be running a few demonstration laps around the stadium for the fans in his first major public appearance after securing the championship. Since both Hoy and Hamilton will have to rush off to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards, scheduled at the same time as the race, the showdown will take place as an opening act. And that's one heck of an opening act. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Race of Champions]

Continue reading Oh, it's on! Hamilton vs Hoy at Race of Champions

Oh, it's on! Hamilton vs Hoy at Race of Champions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM North American design chief Bryan Nesbitt to run Cadillac, report to Lutz

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Posted by Autoblog

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Cadillac, GM

Shakeups in the RenCen continue apace. You know how Bob Lutz says that General Motors will be design-driven going forward? It looks as if he wasn’t kidding. Later today, GM will formally announce that…

HAMB Drags 2003… Has it really been six years?

Автор: RaymondLilly |

The first annual HAMB Drags happened 6 years ago at the Mo-Kan Dragstrip in Asbury, Missouri. When Ryan announced the new venture earlier that year, I had a feeling it was gonna be a really special inaugural event that I just had to attend: Low buck, run what you brung, honest-to-goodness drag racing amongst like-minded folks! More flatheads, home-built roadsters, rail jobs, and rickshaws than one would ever see at a typical NHRA deal. Above all else, I really wanted to support my friend Ryan, the HAMB, and my buddies like SamIyam and Gordini (who were trailering their freshly-built drag cars all the way out from California for this deal- That’s some commitment!)

Those of you who were there that sweltering Summer day with me know how fun and cool it was to be at ‘The First’. That excitement of knowing anything can happen, and that your there to see it all… To make some history.

Sadly, I didn’t take many pictures that day- Probably running around having too much fun. Rather than re-post pics that have already been on the HAMB, I found cool pics by Jim Marlett here.

Editor’s note: The first H.A.M.B. Drags was put on as an after thought… I’m terrible in crowds, had no idea what I was doing, and way more people showed up than anyone expected. To put it nicely, I froze up. My wife (Marcie) had to take over the reigns to get registration to run smoothly and I just kind of hid in a corner. Of course, Marcie couldn’t do it all by herself and guess who came to the rescue? None other than Jay Ward - your author.

You can now follow Jalopnik on Facebook and ... [Announcements]

Автор: RaymondLilly |

You can now follow Jalopnik on Facebook and Twitter. Lucky you! Also, please sign up for our weekly update e-mail over yonder on the left sidebar or they'll take away our tools and gas card.

Fifth Gear Stunt Special To Air May 16th

Автор: RaymondLilly | пятница, 28 августа 2009 г.

A special episode of Fifth Gear will be airing on Saturday, May 16th at 11AM on Channel Five. The special will follow stuntman Steve Truglia as he attempts to do a vertical loop in a car. Full details about the episode can be found on our forums.

speedobilia?

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Subscriber Tom Foster writes in asking for a little help with an old speedometer he had lying around. Tom writes:

I was wondering if you could i.d. this instrument cluster. I’m an old hot rodder from the 50’s and never used it. It’s been setting around gathering dust for about 50 years and I forgot what kind of car I got it from. It’s about 8 inches in diameter and a foot long. I really enjoy your magazine.

Several of the editors here were able to identify it, in fact it was mentioned in an article about 2 years ago, but we thought it would be fun to throw it out to our blogging “experts” out there. The chronograph styling on the gauge face should be of some help in identifying, and the fact that it’s cable driven rather than electric. The smaller gauges are ammeter, fuel and water temp. There is also a high beam indicator and not charging lamp. Also note the way 100 is spelled out. Judging from the housing it would have to have been dash-mounted on a small pedestal or column-mounted. To big and gawdy for a hood mount.

Here is a side view but I don’t think it will be much help.

speedo side view.jpg

If anyone has any clues, let us know. We’ll pass it on any additional information to Tom.

A reader responds

Автор: RaymondLilly | четверг, 27 августа 2009 г.

The U.S. really can't complain

I want to respond to a comment left about a recent blog.

In that blog, I said that since U.S. gas prices are going down so much, I’m second-guessing my commitment to breaking our addiction to oil. Here’s the comment I want to address:

“Feel lucky that you are not paying the prices around Britain, as you wouldn’t be able to run your car. Based on your 11 gallon car, you would have to pay approx $71 at the current price of fuel over here to fill your car. Maybe you shouldn’t complain so much about the price of fuel as you have it a lot better than most other western countries around the world, and we are all struggling too.”

OK, point taken. I understand that fuel prices in Britain are MUCH higher than in the U.S., even when U.S. prices were near $5 per gallon. We’ve been spoiled on this side of the Atlantic for years, and I’m sure those in Britian and across Europe were thrilled to watch us go into panic mode as our prices skyrocketed. Now that our prices are headed south again, I’d imagine there’s a little jealousy that their prices remain high.

To the person who wrote the comment, and to everyone in Europe: Yes, our fuel prices are lower than yours. But at least your prices have fueled a stable and even enviable auto industry, while our prices have led to the likely demise of ours. You have Porsche, Audi, Mercedes, BMW, Ferrari… should I keep going? We have Chrysler.

What do you have to say about that?

-tgriffith

Why we shouldn’t feel bad for U.S. automakers

Автор: RaymondLilly |

The Associated Press yesterday released a story about U.S. automakers facing disaster after 30 years of ‘denial.’

The quick point of the story: Honda and Toyota slowly eroded market share of efficient, reliable cars since the early 1980s. In the 1990s, gas was cheap and Ford, GM and Chrysler were making a killing selling high-profit trucks and SUVs, never stopping to consider what would happen should gas prices rise.

Plus, because of union agreements, labor costs were outrageous and there was no way to make a profit selling small cars. The small car market was ceded to the Japanese, then the Koreans, but life was still great because of America’s love affair with trucks.

Then the economy collapsed and gas prices skyrocketed. Now the U.S. automakers face near certain bankruptcy and executives are whining about how the government won’t help them.

But why should they be bailed out? They all made the choice to follow the money and ignore the possibility of fuel prices catching up with the rest of the world. The consequences of that greed are now becoming evident.

I don’t argue that a strong automotive sector isn’t important to a vibrant domestic economy. I just believe that the industry needs to suffer it’s consequences then find a way to rebuild; without the help of the U.S. government.

Even a recent Cargurus.com survey of over 8,000 auto enthusiasts found that a majority of them are against a federal bailout of the auto industry.

The price of denial can be high… and this case could even lead to bankruptcy.

What do you think? Did U.S. automakers cause the mess they’re in?

-tgriffith

Skoda Octavia 2009

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Skoda Octavia Car Pics

Skoda Octavia 2009 model was displayed at the Paris Motor Show 2008 in October this year.

[Source: Skoda]

Dealing with Car Dents

Автор: RaymondLilly | среда, 26 августа 2009 г.

Car dents happen to the best of us, and when it happens to your own car, you may, or not know what to do. Depending on how big the dent is, this will determine how much you’re probably going to pay.

Head to a collision shop

The first thing that you may want to do is head to the collision shops. All collision shops are going to give you a free estimate when it comes to repairing anything on your car. If they are going to charge you for an estimate, I would run away fast. Check out at least three shops, and see who has the best rate.

Do it yourself

If you have a smaller dent, you may want to try it yourself. You’ve seen the TV infomercials such as the “Ding King”, and “Pops a Dent”. Do these type of products work? Some say they do, and some say they dont’. It all depends on the make, and model. Look at Amazon’s list of the best car dent remover kits, and you be the judge if you want to repair it.

Try other options online

Doing a search on Google for “fixing car dents” brings up a lot of pages that have some great how-to videos when it comes to fixing dents. You’re going to find that most body shops are going to want a lot of money just for a simple ding. That ding could look like a $25 fix, but it will end up costing you over $500.

Try some of these options when you’ve come across a ding on your car. See what works for you, and see if these options can help you out.

Commenter Of The Day: Unused Currency Edition [Commenter Of The Day]

Автор: RaymondLilly |

The numismatically inclined among us could probably come to the defense of the Sacagawea dollar, a coin we only see when we put a fiver in the ticket machine at the local train station, but Americans haven't really been drawn to it. Perhaps it is because few realize that Sacagawea, besides being an important (though minor) part of American history, gets the treasury off the hook for both women and Native Americans. For whatever reason, they haven't taken off and are slowly being usurped by $1 coins featuring US Presidents... at least in the US. For reasons we don't really understand, the coin is taking off in Ecuador, which uses US currency and has more than half a billion dollars worth of Sacagaweas. Personally, we're partial to the 50-cent piece, but not as partial as 50 Cent might be to these wheels or as partial as Ash78 might be to a geriatric Mercedes owner with these dub-dubs.

You'll find me in da club
Ridin double-dubs
Look, mami I got Boniva if ya into takin' drugs
I'm into combin' over, I ain't into gettin' plugs
Come get the Icy-Hot if ya into gettin' rubbed

Holla, boi!

Volvo Wants to go After the BMW 3-Series...Is it Possible?

Автор: RaymondLilly |

According to Autocar, Volvo is going to re-position its S40 and S60 models by 2010.

Ferrari California Car Profile

Автор: RaymondLilly | вторник, 25 августа 2009 г.

Ferrari_California-761365

If you’re looking for the ultimate sports car, and a car that comes with a sleek style, there is nothing better than the Ferrari California. This is a 2 door, 4 passenger vehicle that is available in just the California trim.

Ferrari Californias available: “California”

MSRP : N/A

Seating capacity : 4 people

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

Petrol injection V-8 engine
7 Gears
Convertible GT
Retractable hard top
Gear box with dual clutch
F1-Trac
Multilink suspension

Gas mileage : 9/16

Awards won :

The best new convertible for 2009.

News articles:

California
1st Drive

Videos:

California driving test
Paris auto show

Is there such thing as an 8-speed transmission?

Автор: RaymondLilly |

The Genesis may be a candidate for Hyundai's new transmission

The Genesis may be a candidate for Hyundai's new 8-speed transmission

No one can argue that the best way to save fuel is to build cars that use less of it.

The first function of fuel economy is weight: the lighter the car the higher the MPG.

The second function is RPM. The more an engine revolves per minute, the lower the MPG the car achieves.

Since there’s a limit to how light a car can be, I’ve always wondered why cars didn’t have an extra gear or two for highway speeds. At 70 MPH, my 5-speed manual Suzuki SX4 gets about 25 MPG. Why not have a sixth gear so I could decrease the engine speed and achieve 30+ MPG? Sure seems like I could save a lot of gas cruising the highway at 2000 RPMs rather than 4000.

Enter Hyundai.

The Korean car company has recently announced the production of an 8-speed automatic transmission, for introduction in 2010. Designed to maximize engine torque and improve fuel efficiency, vehicles equipped with this tranny should see a dramatic improvement of highway MPG ratings.

I believe technology such as this is the immediate answer to decreasing our use of oil, and applaud Hyundai for their forward thinking.

What makes the most sense to you: efficient gas-powered cars or hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles?

-tgriffith

Top Gear Russia 01×06

Автор: RaymondLilly |

dogapult is working on getting more dubbed episodes out, but till then we have the latest episode in regular subtitled format that aired on 5th April here. You can discuss the episode on the forums.

Ford Offers Sync System for $395...Now You Can Connect All Your Gadgets!

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Ford has announced the pricing for it's new Sync system that was co-developed with Microsoft. Ford Sync offers the ability to connect digital media players such as the iPod and Bluetooth cell phones to your car, which then can be controlled using your voice and steering wheel mounted controls.

Automobile Repair: Finding the Best

Автор: RaymondLilly |

If you own a car, there’s probably going to be a time when you have to bring your car in for some sort of service. Whether you go in for an oil change, or you go in for new brakes, you want to know exactly who you’re working with, so that you don’t get ripped off.

Know their experience: You don’t want to work with people who don’t know what they are doing. Instead, you want to work with people that have a lot of experience. When you head to an auto repair shop for the first time, ask them how long they have been in business, and see some of their credentials.

Customer service: You don’t want to be treated like garbage when you walk into a shop. Instead, you want to work with someone that is friendly, and know what they are talking about. If they can’t answer your questions, you may want to look elsewhere.

Always compare prices: Prices are usually the main motive when people bring in their cars for repair. Make sure that you check with at least three other shops before taking yours to a new one. You may find that the new one is a rip off, and not even worth it. Instead, compare prices, but don’t always base your decision solely on a price estimate.

When it comes time to find a new auto repair shop, make sure that you follow a few points. If you do so, you will soon find out that you’ll be able to find the best repair shop in town. Always do your research, so that you don’t get ripped off!

Buick Ties Lexus for Top Spot in J.D. Power Dependability Study!

Автор: RaymondLilly |

For the past 11 years Lexus has held the number one spot in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study. This year Lexus holds the top spot again, but for the first time Lexus has tied with another automaker, Buick!

Bentley Continental GT, Bentley Continental Flying Spur: Spy shots!

Автор: RaymondLilly | воскресенье, 23 августа 2009 г.

Spy shot day at The German Car Blog! Here are some fresh pics of the new Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Enjoy!Although they're not expecting the engines to see an upgrade from the 6.0-liter W12 Twin Turbo powerplants that currently provide the luxe beast's power, you can see it looks to be getting a slightly modified front bumper, air intakes and what looks to be an

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