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Next Acura NSX built on flip-flopped Honda Accord chassis?

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Acura, Honda, Rumormill

Acura Advanced Sports Car concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Peter Lyon, Motor Trend’s correspondent abroad, Honda is still hard at work on a successor to the much-loved NSX sports car. If true, we can expect the halo car to be powered again by a six-cylinder engine, this time augmented by a hybrid powertrain.

Up to this point, we’re willing to put on our tinfoil NSX fanboy hats to suspend our fleeting grip on reality in hopes of a return to Honda-spec supercardom. However, not even Mulder himself could sell us on what Lyon is suggesting. According to MT’s man in Japan, Honda is planning to use a flip-flopped Accord platform as the basis for its super coupe. You read that right.

While we’d love to see a 400-horsepower, all-wheel-drive NSX hit the market in 2014, we’re not holding our collective breath… especially for one based on a backwards Accord chassis.

Gallery: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept

[Source: Motor Trend]

Next Acura NSX built on flip-flopped Honda Accord chassis? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Skoda Fabia vRS built with crossbows, snakes and headbutts?

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, UK, Skoda

Skoda Fabia vRS Commerical

Skoda Fabia vRS commercial – Click above to watch video after the jump

Skoda is busy pushing its new Fabia vRS on the unsuspecting public across the pond with a new ad for the pint-sized hatch. Far from the cuddly machines of the competition, the Fabia vRS is apparently hewn melted-down katana swords, razor wire, snake venom and burnt rubber. Even the windshield wipers are constructed from bits of a crossbow, at least in make-believe land. The spot features manly men doing manly things to build the little five-door. Sure does make you wonder what goes into putting the 2011 Dodge Challenger 392 together.

Hit the jump to take a look at the video yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Skoda Fabia vRS built with crossbows, snakes and headbutts?

Video: Skoda Fabia vRS built with crossbows, snakes and headbutts? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: GM exec says 60,000 Chevy Volts may be built in 2012

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve known all along that General Motors planned to ramp up production of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, with 10,000 to 15,000 sales in the first year of production. But what of 2012? The Detroit News is reporting that Doug Parks, GM’s electric vehicle executive, said at the Business of Plugging In conference that in 2012 the Volt will “be in this max rate of 60,000.” Parks insists that The General can move that many Volts in 2012, and possibly more. Given the fact that the Volt’s 2012 production was moved from 30,000 to 45,000, we’re thinking there’s a solid chance GM hasn’t stopped adjusting it’s production figures.

In other Volt news, GM is hoping to get official efficiency figures from the Environmental Protection Administration within the next month. Parks said at the conference that the company expects the Volt will fall somewhere in the 25-50 mile range in electric-only mode. GM has said since the Volt concept was unveiled in 2007 that it was shooting for 40 miles in EV mode, though Parks is hoping the Volt will over-deliver. As far as miles per gallon go, Parks says the Volt is hitting mid to high 30s combined while the gasoline engine is charging the batteries.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: Detroit News]

Report: GM exec says 60,000 Chevy Volts may be built in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Saab to let buyers watch their cars get built online

Filed under: Car Buying, Plants/Manufacturing, Saab

Saab 9-5 Production Facility

Thinking of buying a 2011 Saab? If so, you’ll soon have the ability to watch it come together before your eyes; Saab is installing cameras in its Trollhättan factory. Customers will receive text messages with photos of their cars as they reach certain points in the assembly line. Eventually, Saab plans to add a real-time video feed of the cars being built. This sounds way more interesting than most reality television shows.

In addition to the cameras going in, Saab will soon offer customers the opportunity to take delivery of their cars right from the factory. The automaker says it is moving back towards building cars with a more personal touch, by manufacturing cars to order rather than churning out a steady stream of vehicles.

[Source: What Car]

Report: Saab to let buyers watch their cars get built online originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Oct 2010 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Last Mercury for retail business built on Sunday

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercury, Earnings/Financials

Mercury

Ford is already well into winding down its Mercury line, and the autoamker has announced that the very last of the soon-to-be dead brand’s products built for retail sales was manufactured on Sunday, October 3. The final Mercury Mariner rolled off of the assembly line at the company’s Kansas City facility, putting an end to a brand with over 70 years of history behind it.

Even after the Mariner heads off into the automotive sunset, Ford says that it will continue to manufacture a handful of Mercury models for fleet and government service for a while longer, though mum’s the word on how long we can expect that practice to continue.

Interestingly enough, according to USA Today, most incentives on Mercury vehicles have all but dried up, even as the brand’s August production increased by 120 percent compared to July’s figures. Instead of cash on the hood, some areas are offering no-cost maintenance or similar programs. Even so, Mercury has continued to out-sell Lincoln right to the end – besting Ford’s luxury arm’s sales by nine percent in August.

[Source: USA Today]

Report: Last Mercury for retail business built on Sunday originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2010: First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage

Filed under: Hybrid, Paris Motor Show, Fisker, Electric, Luxury

First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

First Factory-Built Fisker Karma – Click above for high-res image gallery

Staying true to its concept form, the factory-built Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid that hit the stage at the Paris Motor Show retains the concept’s massive 22-inch wheels (Fisker says it’ll be the first production car equipped with standard 22s), sensuous styling, 403-plus horsepower rating and the company’s promise of achieving 100-plus miles per gallon in regular use. So, what’s exactly different about the factory-built version? Well, the most notable exterior modification is the addition of a (blacked-out) B-pillar, which was apparently required to increase the vehicle’s structural rigidity.

Aside from the added pillar, we can’t really pick out any differences between the gorgeous concept that we laid eyes on a few years ago and this production-ready version that hit the stage in Paris. Fisker still lists a base price of $88,000 and anticipates that deliveries will begin early next year, or so it says. We hope to get up close and personal with the Karma at the upcoming LA Auto Show, but for now, hit up that high-res gallery of live shots that just came in from Paris and hop the jump for more info from Fisker.

Gallery: Paris 2010: First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

Paris 2010: First Factory-Built Fisker Karma

Continue reading Paris 2010: First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage

Paris 2010: First factory-built Fisker Karma hits the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Paris Motor Show, Fisker, Electric

Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Fisker Automotive is taking it slow, but the upstart automaker hopes that an attractive lady or two will take your mind off of the production delays until the Paris Motor Show starts later this month. Why Paris? Because that’s where the first “factory-built Karma” will be displayed in public for the first time. Also in Paris, Fisker representatives will give details, “about the expansion of its prestigious global importer network” that will help the company reach its target of 100,000 vehicles a year.

CEO Henrik Fisker said in a statement that:

We had a chance to change the premium vehicle segment with a new kind of vehicle and a new brand that appeal to consumers who are passionate about the environment, and who wish to drive a beautiful car that reflects their desire to lead a lifestyle of responsible luxury. We are very excited to be introducing the first factory-built Karma luxury plug-in hybrid in Paris, a city known for inspiring its own passions.

Here’s one more interesting tidbit from the release: “The Fisker Karma … can achieve an annual average economy of 2.4L/100 km (100 mpg) and emissions of just 83g/km.” An annual miles per gallon rating seems like an odd addition, but considering the venue, it might be necessary to stoke the flames of consumer interest.

Gallery: Fisker Karma Plug-in Hybrid

[Source: Fisker]

Continue reading Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid

Paris Preview: Fisker will show off first “factory-built” Karma plug-in hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Auctions, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Luxury

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E – Click above for image gallery

In 1992, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche briefly entered into a love affair that would produce one very special offspring: the Mercedes-Benz 500E. The car was to become the godfather of all super sedans, packing a 5.0-liter V8 with a staggering (for the time) 322 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. Bolted to a four-speed automatic gearbox, the engine could scoot the big four-door to 60 mph in a mere 6.1 seconds. Something tells us that those power numbers were a little conservative. But where does Porsche come in to this dance?

Germany’s sportscar manufacturer was responsible for working the sheetmetal of the 500E into the shape you see above. Those healthy fender arches were all massaged into place by the gurus at Porsche before the body was shipped off to Mercedes-Benz for paint and final assembly. Once done, the whole kit and caboodle was shipped back to Porsche for final inspection. Needless to say, this was an incredibly limited production vehicle, with the two companies only creating around 500 examples per year.

This particular car has a grand total of 587 miles on the clock, having spent the fair majority of its years tucked away in a museum. Bidding is at $35,200 with the reserve not met and less than 8 hours to go as of writing. Follow the jump for jazz-tastic video walk around and check out pics in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

[Source: eBay Motors]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams

eBay Find of the Day: Porsche-built 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E is the timewarp sleeper of our dreams originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crazy Rumor of the Day: Lamborghini Estoque to be built in China

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, China, Lamborghini, Rumormill, Luxury

Lamborghini Estoque – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your lugnuts, kids, because here’s a rumor that’s so far out it practically qualifies as science fiction. Taken straight from Gasgoo.com, which has provided plenty of worthy news in the past, is this nugget: Lamborghini “will import its super luxury four-door sedan, Lamborghini Estoque to China for local production in 2012 with a price tag of around 4 million yuan ($589,000).”

To be fair, it appears as though Gasgoo is just reporting on what’s being reported in other Chinese media. However, in case you haven’t been keeping up with the Estoque’s flirtations with production reality, first Lamborghini planned to make it after it was introduced two years ago, then the economic implosion supposedly killed it in early 2009, but Lamborghini quickly said that wasn’t true, then this month company CEO Stephan Winkelmann hinted about how a third model would help the brand.

To us, none of that means the 2008 Paris Motor Show traffic-stopper is going to be built at all. Somehow, though, the Chinese media have heard that not only is it going to be built, but it will be built in China as soon as 2012. On top of that, even though it hasn’t been developed, it’s already been priced, and at that price you could buy almost three Aston Martin Rapide sedans. Or, more accurately, three Rapides and an infinite number of leprechauns, gorgons, drop bears and the latest creature of fable, a Chinese-built Estoque.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque LIVE

Gallery: Paris 2008: Lamborghini Estoque Concept

[Source: Gasgoo]

Crazy Rumor of the Day: Lamborghini Estoque to be built in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: One-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC built for… Barry Goldwater?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible, Government/Legal, Jaguar, Celebrities, Luxury

Barry Goldwater’s one-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Long before Barry Goldwater would suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1964 presidential election, the politician apparently had a taste for wildly customized cars. Unsatisfied with the exquisite design of his 1953 Jaguar XK120, Goldwater commissioned the legendary George Barris to turn the car into something special. Barris took the time to work in headlight and tailfin assemblies from a ’53 Buick, along with a Lincoln Continental-style spare tire carrier and a shortened Cadillac rear bumper. Inside, the dash was reworked in unfinished aluminum, complete with an array of aeronautical gauges. We’re quite sure we prefer the bog-standard XK120’s sheetmetal, but this car’s interesting history and one-off nature is hard to ignore.

The car has spent the last 20 years of its life tucked away in a California shop and has emerged via the glory of eBay Motors. The body has weathered the years between 1953 and now without too much wear and tear, though the interior has moved on to the great beyond. The car’s 3.5-liter, DOHC I6 is still in place, as are all of those oddball gauges. The car is available in Newport Beach, California with its reserve not met at $15,639 at the time of writing. If you want it, hop on over to eBay and get to clicking. There are only four days left on the auction right now.

Gallery: Barry Goldwater’s George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: One-off George Barris 1953 Jaguar XK120 DHC built for… Barry Goldwater? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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