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Video: BFGoodrich takes body modification to a new level

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, Humor

BFGoodrich gets sticky – Click above to watch video after the jump

We don’t exactly envy the ad gurus charged with marketing tires. While a new set of sticky rubber may get our imaginations fired up in a hurry, the rest of the motoring public could typically care less about compounds, tread blocks and treadwear ratings. Despite being one of the most important components of any vehicle, tires just don’t get the love or attention they deserve. That sort of apathy is exactly why most tire manufacturers are forced to get creative when it comes to rolling out new ad campaigns.

BFGoodrich is attempting to fire up some sales with its new Bolt On campaign. Instead of blathering on about stopping distances or cornering ability, the company has gone through the trouble of attempting to demonstrate just how big of an impact a new set of tires can make for a vehicle by using body modification as a metaphor. Trippy. Hit the jump to see the first of a series of ads as well as a behind the scenes look at the making of the spots.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BFGoodrich takes body modification to a new level

Video: BFGoodrich takes body modification to a new level originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE ready to smoke some rubber

Filed under: Videos, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Mitsubishi is hyping its latest entrant into the Lancer Evolution X family with a new video of the SE tackling two of California’s greatest racetracks.

The Special Edition blends the GSR and MR models to create a mid-range Evo that’s slightly easier on the wallet, but it doesn’t skimp on the good stuff. A Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission is mated to the standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four, while two-piece Brembo front brake rotors, Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs round out the performance mods. Mix in the same “diamond black” paint job from the SE edition of the Evolution IX, a rear lip spoiler, Xenon XID headlamps, heated Recaro bucket seats and a set of 12-spoke wheels and you’ve got yourself a genuinely special Evo on your hands. Hit the jump to see the SE taking to track, complete with gratuitous powerslides and tire-shredding four-wheel drifts.

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE ready to smoke some rubber

Video: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE ready to smoke some rubber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids

Filed under: Hybrid, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Diesel

Regular readers know we tend to be big fans of modern diesel engines. All the past demons that had plagued oil-burners over the years have been exorcised, including rough running, nasty smells, loud operation and narrow power bands. But sadly, modern clean diesel powerplants have never taken hold in the United States.

According to the Nikkei in Japan (via Reuters), we can add Honda to the list of global automakers that have abandoned plans to move further into the diesel realm. Instead, Honda will continue to puts all of its eggs in the hybrid basket, developing a new system for use in larger vehicles. Currently, Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist technology is used in the Civic Hybrid and the Insight.

We can only hope that Honda’s next hybrid system will expand on its current IMA tech, which has been unable to match the fuel efficiency and performance of rival Toyota, by being able to operate on the electric motor alone for longer stretches.

In addition to halting development of clean diesel tech, Honda has also put the brakes on the new microcar plant in Japan that was to build future Kei cars for the automaker’s home market.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Honda to abandon clean diesel development, focus on hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 – 2010 Le Mans recap

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing

Episode six of the Corvette Racing Track to Street series went up this week and as expected, it’s a recap of what went down at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. 2010 marked the 50th anniversary or the American sports car’s first appearance at the French endurance race and a parade of 50 ‘Vettes took to the track prior to the race.

The first French appearance of the works Corvettes in the GT2 class started off well, with the cars starting first and second in class after the Risi Ferrari F430 time was disallowed. The Corvettes ran strong for the first 16 hours before both eventually succumbed to engine failures. Team manager Doug Fehan promises the C6.Rs will be back for blood in 2011. Check out the video after the jump.

Gallery: Le Mans 2010: The Race

Gallery: Le Mans 2010: Qualifying and practice

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 – 2010 Le Mans recap

Video: Corvette Racing Episode 6 – 2010 Le Mans recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked sketch shows upcoming power cruiser from Ducati

Ducati Power Cruiser sketch – Click above to enlarge

Close your eyes and think of a Ducati motorcycle. Got it? Good. What’s in your head? We’d guess something fast, beautiful and… red. That about right? Despite having roots firmly in the sportbike minefield, clearly the Italian motorcycle maker has its sights set on expanding its market share by entering into new and previously untapped markets. Evidence? We’ll call the Multistrada Exhibit A.

And this sketch is about as strong an Exhibit B as you’ll ever lay your eyes upon. Sometimes dubbed the Mega Monster by the motoring press, this sketch gives us an indication of what Ducati has up its corporate sleeves for the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

As you can see, a liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin engine with the Multistrada 1200’s 11-degree valve overlap angle, which smooths out power and improves fuel efficiency. We’re expecting something over 150 horsepower in this application, and ride-by-wire and traction control will also be present. There’s also a single-sided swingarm holding an absolutely massive rear tire (spy shots indicate it’ll be a 240, but we’ll see), USD front forks and monobloc calipers up front.

Naturally, Ducati’s trademark trellis chassis is in full effect, in this case used for style and not really for substance. Ducati does indicate that the power cruiser will sport a reasonable 40-degree lean angle, but we have to wonder about the potential handling characteristics of a bike with a raked-out front end and wide-for-the-sake-of-style rear tire.

For what it’s worth, assuming this bike is what we think it is, this is not the first time a European motorcycle maker has decided to dip a toe in the cruiser market. Way back in 1998, BMW released its R 1200 C range, and while the bike was much more technologically advanced than anything else on the market at the time (fuel injection, ABS brakes, telelever front suspension, single-sided shaft drive, etc.), it failed to reach the kind of sales figures hoped for by the German marque. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out for Ducati in November.

[Source: Ducati.ms via Asphalt & Rubber]

Leaked sketch shows upcoming power cruiser from Ducati originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition: Getting intimate and egged

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

There’s no better way to get to know a vehicle than washing it yourself. So rather than sending it through the local hand-wash last weekend, I pulled out a bucket and got sudsy for the first time… in a while.

After a run through the Altamont Hills the previous day, our long-term Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition was coated from windshield to air dam with crickets – something that happens in the hills the same time each year. While I expected the massive grille to be covered in the little bastards, what I didn’t expect to find (after I toweled everything down, natch) was hundreds of the buggers wedged in between the lower bumper and the underbody tray. A small gap in between the two panels allowed the loud-legged Gryllidaes to go antenna-first into the slot, requiring a strong hose and a flathead screwdriver to get them out. Messy – but the again, genocide normally is.

Make the jump for the rest.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition: Getting intimate and egged

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition: Getting intimate and egged originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

Renntech SL65 AMG Black Series – Click above for high-res image gallery

Allow us to provide you with your daily dose of lunacy. Not too long ago, the head honchos over at Domani Motors happened to find themselves with a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series in their showroom. Unsatisfied with the car’s already otherworldly performance, they called up the twisted minds at Renntech to have them install the tuner’s Perfomance Package 1. Think of it as PCP for Silver Arrows. The work included remapping the car’s ECU, installing an easy-breathing exhaust and a few other tricks. The result? A mind-bending 805 streetable horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque.

The team had to install a unique, 100 percent locking rear differential just to handle the dizzying power from the engine. Likewise, the gearbox had to be upgraded as well. Even so, we’re guessing this particular SL65 AMG Black Series would have no problem turning its tires aerosol should the driver demand it. So far, neither Renntech nor Domani Motors have released any times on the car, but we’re guessing the numbers are nothing to scoff at. Hit the jump for a video of the car on the dyno, as well as the press release.

Gallery: Renntech SL65 AMG Black Series

[Source: Renntech]

Continue reading Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video]

Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan Murano gets first-ever diesel, snarlier new fascia… just not in the States

Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Nissan, UK, Diesel

2011 Nissan Murano diesel – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last time we found ourselves strapped behind the steering wheel of a Nissan Murano, we wrote the following:

What the Murano engineers did right was the powertrain. The matchmaker who hooked up the VQ with the Xtronic CVT deserves a promotion. In fact, after spending countless hours with the pair, we observed that it just may be the perfect mechanical marriage for this vehicle.

A perfect powertrain… for the United States, perhaps. As we all know, diesel is the name of the game across the pond in Europe, and Nissan has never offered its attractive midsize crossover with an oil burner. Until now, that is. For the 2011 model year, Nissan has fitted the Murano with an optional 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel powerplant that musters up 190 horsepower and over 330 pound-feet of torque (450 newton meters).

This new torque-rich engine finds itself mated up to a six-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control in lieu of the gasoline-powered model’s continuously variable unit. This combination delivers estimated fuel economy of 29 miles per gallon U.S. (35.3 mpg U.K.) on the Combined Cycle while emitting 210 grams of carbon emissions per kilometer. These figures are no doubt aided by the Murano’s first electric power regeneration system.

That’s not the only update our European friends get that we’ve yet to see in the States. Taking a close look at our high-res image gallery will reveal a more aggressive front fascia that Nissan claims was engineered to provide additional cooling airflow to the new diesel engine. It remains to be seen if the new toothy grin will show up in other markets, like, uh… ours. In any case, the diesel-equipped 2011 Murano will start at £37,795 in the UK – that’s a startling $58,000 USD, although that figure includes the UK’s massive Value Added Tax, among other market-specific considerations. See the complete press release after the break.

Gallery: 2011 Nissan Murano diesel

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan Murano gets first-ever diesel, snarlier new fascia… just not in the States

Nissan Murano gets first-ever diesel, snarlier new fascia… just not in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford improves voice recognition for SYNC, adds Send-to-Car for Google Maps [w/video]

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Ford

Ford SYNC 2011 demonstration – click above to watch the video

Those that have been paying attention to Autoblog for any length of time will know that the staff here have long been enamored with the voice recognition (VR) technology that is a part of Ford’s SYNC system. SYNC VR generally does a better job of recognizing commands than any other such system and has a flatter menu structure than most.

For its 2011 iteration, Ford and its technology partner Nuance have significantly upgraded the system which now recognizes more than 10,000 commands without having to traverse a single menu. One of the frustrations of dealing with other VR systems has been figuring out the specific commands required to enter a destination or make a call. Nuance has implemented an array of aliases that let users say the same thing in different ways such as “play track” or “play song.”

Starting this week, owners of SYNC-equipped cars can now send directions from Google Maps on their computer directly to their car – even if they don’t have a navigation system. The send-to-car system has been available for several weeks on General Motors OnStar-equipped vehicles and Ford brings the number of automakers that support this technology to 20 worldwide including Audi and BMW. Check out the technology in the video and press release available after the jump.

[Sources: Ford, Google]

Continue reading Ford improves voice recognition for SYNC, adds Send-to-Car for Google Maps [w/video]

Ford improves voice recognition for SYNC, adds Send-to-Car for Google Maps [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, Roush and Shelby team up for one-off charity Mustang inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird – Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last couple of years, Ford has played a big part of the EAA AirVenture, offering up one-off Mustangs at auction to benefit the association’s Young Eagles program. Two years ago the AV8R Mustang brought in half a million dollars, while last year the AV-X10 ‘Dearborn Doll’ earned $250,000 for charity.

This year’s aviation-themed Mustang is inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird, a project that brought together Jack Roush and Caroll Shelby for the very first time. The one-of-one pony car, based on the 2011 Mustang GT, features a black and gray matte exterior with an SR-71 design theme, custom SVT wheels, roll cage and various performance upgrades including a Ford Racing supercharger, sportier suspension and high-flow exhaust system. Both Roush’s and Shelby’s signature are embroidered into the custom Recaro seats.

The SR-71 Blackbird Mustang will be on display in the Ford Hangar at the EAA AirVenture beginning July 26th, and it will officially go to the highest bidder on July 29. Follow the jump for the press release from Ford and more details about the car.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang SR-71 Blackbird

[Source: Ford and Roush via MustangsDaily.com]

Continue reading Ford, Roush and Shelby team up for one-off charity Mustang inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird

Ford, Roush and Shelby team up for one-off charity Mustang inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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