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Video: Translogic visits Japan’s Dream Factory Blow

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Japan, Videos

Translogic at Dream Factory Blow

Translogic at Dream Factory Blow – Click above to watch video after the jump

The Translogic crew is still bumming around Japan. For the show’s third episode in the island nation, host Bradley Hasemeyer heads to Sagamihara to tour Dream Factory Blow.

No, it’s not a cocaine supercenter. The customs shop specializes in laying unique fiber-reinforced polymer bodywork over the sheet metal of the lowly kei-car – the 660cc-engined machines that make up the lowest rung of the automotive food chain. Dream Factory Blow specializes in tweaking the aesthetics of the pint-sized cars to create miniature interpretations of classic American iron like a 1972 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck or a 1985 Chevrolet van.

But Dream Factory Blow isn’t just bolting on body panels. For that sweet little Chevy pickup, the fabricators started with a Suzuki Lapin, hacked off half of the rear body work and crafted an entire pickup bed. It’s too awesome for words. Of course, dismantling a substantial portion of a vehicle’s body structure does have an impact on frame stiffness, and to that end, Dream Factory Blow has to have its vehicles tested by the Japanese government for safety. Hit the jump to check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic visits Japan’s Dream Factory Blow

Video: Translogic visits Japan’s Dream Factory Blow originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:57:00 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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Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen NMS Sketch – Click above to enlarge

Reports streaming out of Mexico indicate that Volkswagen will announce a new plant about 250 miles northwest of the Mexico City in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. If true, this facility is expected to produce engines for both VW’s new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, along with the already up-and-running plant in Puebla, Mexico.

Such an announcement has been expected, as executives from the German automaker have publicly stated that the company will spend $1 billion on additional production facilities in Mexico over the next three years.

The engines from this plant would be destined for North American-bound Volkswagen Jetta sedans and the upcoming New Midsize Sedan that we’ve all been waiting so patiently for over the last couple of years.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req’d]

Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:32:00 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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Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team

Filed under: Motorsports, Motorcycle, Racing

Ben Spies in front of Indy Motor Speedway Hall of Fame

Shocking, we know. What’s been called the second-worst kept secret in MotoGP has officially been confirmed. MotoGP rookie and current World Superbike champion Ben Spies (shown at right, with Yamaha’s Lin Jarvis) will be saddling up with the factory Yamaha crew starting next year. Rumors to that effect have been buzzing around the inteweb for some time and were recently fueled by Valentino Rossi’s departure from the Fiat-Yamaha stable in favor of the Ducati Corse team.

Spies has been an absolute terror on two wheels in MotoGP while riding with the Tech 3 Yamaha team. The Texan is currently 7th in the overall standings thanks to a slew of top 5 finishes, and even managed to podium at Silverstone. Not too shabby for the guy’s first year out. There’s some indication that he’ll be riding alongside Jorge Lorenzo, though Yamaha hasn’t solidified anything with the Spaniard just yet.

Those who follow the MotoGP world will have likely noticed the conspicuous lack of a certain prefix from this post. Interestingly enough, ‘Fiat’ was nowhere to be found in the Spies announcement. Odds are we’ll be hearing something about that from the former Fiat-Yamaha team sometime soon. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: Asphalt and Rubber]

Continue reading Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team

Ben Spies moves to Yamaha MotoGP Factory Team originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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