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Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Flex caught sporting first major update

Filed under: Spy Photos, Etc., Crossover, Ford

2013 Ford Flex Spy Shot

2013 Ford Flex spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

The engineers and designers at Ford are hard at work on the next take for one of its largest crossovers. Our spy photographers have managed to snap a few photos of the 2013 Ford Flex ahead of its debut later this year, and from the looks of things, the vehicle will borrow more than a few styling cues from its platform-mate, the 2011 Explorer. Expect to see a more corporate face, complete with a new grille, angular headlights and a revised front fascia among other tweaks. Projector fog lights seem to have made their way to the option sheet for the first time and new wheels should also be available.

Out back, the 2013 Flex looks like it will make use of a restyled tail gate as well. So far, it’s unclear exactly what sort of interior upgrades the three-row CUV will receive, though we’d feel comfortable in guessing that MyFord Touch will likely make an appearance in the cabin for the first time. In addition, Ford may pull some fuel economy tricks from the ether as well.

Gallery: 2013 Ford Flex spy shots

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Spy Shots: 2013 Ford Flex caught sporting first major update originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2011: Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition set for major pwnage

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty Black Ops Edition

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

During the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Chrysler silently displayed its latest hardcore version of the Wrangler, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition. The stealthy Wrangler, now shown in two-door trim, looks fantastic with its mineral gray wheels, 32-inch off-road tires and host of Mopar goodies. On top of that, all Wranglers are recieving a brand-new interior and other small improvements for the 2011 model year, so the Black Ops edition is clearly ready to comfortably get you through any sort of war zone.

We’ve captured a brace of high-res images of the Call of Duty Wrangler live from Cobo Hall, so scroll through our gallery below to see them for yourself.

Gallery: Detroit 2011: Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty Black Ops Edition

Detroit 2011: Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: Black Ops Edition set for major pwnage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Dodge planning Super Bowl commercial, major ad blitz

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Dodge

2011 Dodge Magnum

2011 Dodge Durango – Click above for high-res image gallery

After years of nearly zero new products, Dodge dealers finally have something to crow about. The 2011 Dodge Journey, Charger, Durango, Avenger and Caravan are all hitting showrooms within a month or two of one another, giving dealers new products just as the auto industry is showing signs of recovery. But how does Dodge get the message across?

Automotive News reports that the marque is prepping a major ad push during the first quarter of 2011, including a return to the Super Bowl. Dodge brand CEO Ralph Gilles reportedly notified dealers that the automaker plans to flood tier one with promotions, with heavy local ads dependent upon sales volume. Gilles is telling dealers about the company’s marketing plans in part because he hopes dealers will order more vehicles. The CEO points out that early Durango and Charger orders are very strong, but other new products are lagging behind.

A flood of ads is just part of Dodge’s plan to increase showroom traffic. The automaker is also working with Automotive Lease Guide to help maximize residual values. Higher residuals means more affordable lease prices and an improved brand reputation, but Dodge will need to resist the urge to dump its new products into fleets for the plan to work. Dodge is currently leasing only five percent of its vehicles; well below the industry average.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Durango

2011 Dodge Durango

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Dodge planning Super Bowl commercial, major ad blitz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 18:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: “Hardcore hip-hop” group halts major Cali freeway for impromptu concert

Filed under: Videos, Celebrities, Humor

Imperial Stars

The members of Imperial Stars – Click above to watch video after the jump

There are plenty of ways to make a name for yourself in the music world. You could have Kanye West steal the spotlight from you during an awards ceremony, start a blood feud with another group of artist or, if you’re really desperate, stop traffic on a major interstate and force unsuspecting commuters to listen to your questionable lyrics. That’s exactly what the Westminister, California-based group Imperial Stars went for yesterday. The trio of self-described “hardcore hip hop” artists parked a box truck across three lanes of traffic on I-101, jumped on top of the vehicle and began rocking out.

The driver of the truck allegedly left the scene in another vehicle with the keys, forcing responding police officers to call a tow truck to remove the impromptu stage. According to The Orange County Register, police began getting calls about the road hazard at 10:20 and traffic quickly backed up to I-401. The three members of Imperial Stars were charged with unlawful assembly.

Before the stunt, the band released a YouTube video for its song “Traffic Jam 101.” Judging from that performance, we’re hoping the responding officers to Tuesday’s stunt were awarded hazard pay. Hit the jump to see footage from the freeway and one incredibly bad music video.

[Source: Orange County Register]

Continue reading Video: “Hardcore hip-hop” group halts major Cali freeway for impromptu concert

Video: “Hardcore hip-hop” group halts major Cali freeway for impromptu concert originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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