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Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition

Filed under: Classics, Minivan/Van, Work, Ford

Ford Econoline

Ford celebrates 50 years of Econoline – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford is celebrating the fact that its Econoline vans have been on the job for a full 50 years. The Blue Oval’s plucky little work horses hit the scene in 1961 with a total of three different body styles. Originally drafted for commercial duty only, Ford quickly realized that families love vans as much as plumbers, and began churning out consumer-oriented, family-friendly versions, as well. Since then, the Econoline (known in recent years simply as the E-Series) has gone on to become the best-selling full-size van in the United States for 31 years straight. Not too shabby.

By way of marking the occasion, Ford has decided to roll out a special-edition E-Series. Packed to the gills with the XLT package, the van will come dipped in a unique metallic blue paint and will wear seats embroidered with a new “Econoline 50 Years” logo. So far, there’s no word on how much that kind of kit will set you back, though we can’t imagine it being too much more than the $33,455 Ford asks for the E-150 XLT Premium. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Gallery: Ford Celebrates 50 Years of Econoline

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition

Ford E-Series celebrates 50 years with a special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

Filed under: Aftermarket, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Mazda

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Chris, Sam, Alex and Dan convene for Episode #193 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the Ford Boss Mustang and Roush supercharger package, the latest Chevrolet Volt fuel economy dust-up, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Mazda’s apparent new design language and the Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS. We finish it off by talking about snow tires, that most summery of topics. It’s an a quick 51 minutes, See you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

In the Autoblog Garage:

Honda CRZ
Lexus RX450h

News:

BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Volt sub-30 mpg claim
Mazda Shinari concept
Roush Mustang supercharger
Lotus Evora S and IPS

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

Runtime: 50:59

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia

Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia

Holden Series II family

2011 Holden Series II family – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ll admit it – we miss the Pontiac G8. A lot. General Motors’ Americanized version of the rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore met its death with the demise of Pontiac last year, and of all the GM products that we’ve lost in the past twelve months, the G8 is the one we’d immediately rebirth if we could (especially the GXP). Holden, however, is still alive and well in its native Australia, and the automaker has just released its Series II family, which offers up a host of small changes to nearly the full line of products.

There isn’t anything drastically different about the Series II versions of the Commodore, Calais, Caprice, Berlina or Omega – just the typical new model year additions. Most notably, the 3.0-liter V6 and 6.0-liter V8 engines are now capable of running on bio-ethanol fuel, and slight improvements to fuel economy have been made across the range. In addition, small visual tweaks have been made to the fascias of all models and new paint colors have been added.

A similar story can be told about these cars’ interiors – minute tweaks to fit and finish have been made, though the big news is the addition of GM’s new Holden-iQ infotainment system, available on all Series II models. Holden-iQ incorporates audio, Bluetooth and navigation functions into one 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, as well as a back-up camera (not available on the Ute).

For the full list of changes, browse through Holden’s press release, available after the jump, and see the full 2011 Series II range for yourself in the high-res image gallery below. Hat tip to Neil!

Gallery: 2011 Holden Series II Family

[Source: General Motors]

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GM releases 2011 Holden Series II family for Australia originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW 1 Series M Coupe

BMW 1 Series M Coupe – Click above to view the video after the jump

The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.

The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.

As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.

We’re hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week’s Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger Series 5

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Quick Spin

Like a Viper With Rear Seats and a Proper Trunk

Hurst Hemi Challenger

Hurst Hemi Challenger – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve seen how Hurst Hemi Challengers are put together, but the last time we tried to drive one we couldn’t get above 25 mph because of the prototype wheels. To correct that hideous oversight, Hurst slapped a couple of production wheels on a black and a white version of their Challenger, and we took both out for their yearly physicals. Just like the song went, it was ebony and ivory living in perfect harmony. Like King Kong and the Abominable Snowman. Follow the jump for the story.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger

Continue reading Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger Series 5

Quick Spin: Hurst Hemi Challenger Series 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Corvette Racing Series Episode 8: Cascade engineering

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Racing

Click above to view the video after the jump

Episode eight of the Corvette Racing series is up and this installment delves into what the team calls “cascade engineering.” It covers some of the same ground we discussed back in March when we toured the Pratt & Miller race shop where the C6.Rs are built and prepared.

The race team works very closely with the production engineering team, using most of the same computer aided engineering tools, and the lessons learned from the 10 years of the race program have been fed back into street car program. Proof? The face of the C6 with its flush headlamps and wider grille opening for better breathing were all inspired by the race car. Similarly, the track-bound coupes now use a 5.5-liter version of the LS7 V8 from the production Z06. Because of the limited in-season testing available to American Le Mans Series teams, the Corvette Racing crew relies on tools like computational fluid dynamics to improve the car from race to race, which you learn more about in the video after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Corvette Racing Series Episode 8: Cascade engineering

Video: Corvette Racing Series Episode 8: Cascade engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series hatchback spy shots

2012 BMW 1 Series three-door – Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation BMW 1 Series three-door has been spotted again, this time on the streets of its hometown in Munich, Germany. Despite the swirlies covering all its details, it’s clear that the basic shape, size and proportions of the new iteration aren’t going to change much from the current model, which has never been offered in North America. We Yanks have only had the fortune of sampling the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, though no one’s complaining.

The headlamp clusters on this three-door 1 Series prototype appear to be sloped back and stretched along the top of the fender line like those on the new 5 Series. Similarly, the wider grille has been pushed forward to be flush with the bumper line below it. The profile shot also indicates that the hood now features the increasingly familiar clam-shell with side cut-lines and a higher arc to provide improved pedestrian protection.

Judging by the hood-to-cabin proportion of this prototype, it’s also safe to say that the next 1 Series has not been converted to front-wheel drive (even though 80 percent of owners already think it is FWD) as BMW has indicated it might do with future smaller models. We expect the new 1 Series will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, and until that time we have the high-performance 1 Series M Coupe to look forward to.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series hatchback

2012 BMW 1 Series hatchback spy shot

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW

BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype on track – Click above to watch video after the jump

It’s cool. We know you’ve already clicked past the jump and are well into watching one very lucky soul flog the snot out of a prototype of the oft-hyped BMW 1 Series M Coupe around the Ascari race track in Spain. We’re not offended. For those of you who are unfortunate enough to have YouTube blocked at your place of employment, allow us to share what you’re missing out on. The good people at M-Power somehow managed to secure a spot in the passenger seat of the second-coming of M during a hot lap. We’re not talking some pansy parade through the chicanes, either. It’s more of a kick the tail out, plop your foot onto the throttle and aim for the next curb sort of shindig.

If you’re looking for any details on the car other than just how well it can rivet a smile to you face, odds are you’re out of luck. Still, watching the little M blister around the course, we can’t wait to get our grubby journo paws on the pint-size coupe. The biggest question in our minds? How is BMW going to keep the M3 sharp enough to stay ahead of its meaner younger sibling?

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volvo’s new chairman wants 7-Series, S-Class rival

Filed under: Sedan, China, Volvo, Geely, Luxury

2011 Volvo S60 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Geely isn’t wasting any time in shaping up its newest acquisition’s product line. The Chinese automaker officially completed its deal to purchase Volvo from Ford earlier this week, and already the Swedish brand’s new chairman is making noises about a new large luxury sedan to go toe to toe with the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Li Shufu, Volvo chairman and co-chair of Geely, said that the brand already competes with luxury German carmakers in most markets, but lacks all of the hardware to do so effectively. To remedy the problem, Li wants to put the rush on a new saloon to take the fight to the Bavarians.

According to the Financial Times, Volvo repeatedly ran into roadblocks when it attempted to develop a large four-door under Ford. Evidently the Blue Oval was concerned about a long-wheelbase Swede nabbing sales from Jaguar – another brand Ford owned at the time. A new Volvo sedan is far from a done deal, though. Li says that the thought of a range-topping sedan is his, and he’ll have to convince the company’s new board to give it the green light. With an ambitious goal to double Volvo to 600,000 units in five years primarily through growth in large-car loving China, a D-segment player sounds like a good bet – at least for select markets.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60

[Source: Financial Times – reg. req.]

Report: Volvo’s new chairman wants 7-Series, S-Class rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maker Faire Detroit 2010: Power Racing Series, as grassroots as it gets [w/Video]

Power Racing Series – Click above for high-res image gallery

One of the highlights of this weekend’s Detroit Maker Faire was the Michigan premiere of a new grassroots racing event: the Power Racing Series. The brainchild of Jim Burke, the Power Racing Series is like LeMons in that the machines have budgets limited to just $500 not including safety equipment. Unlike LeMons, the Power Racing Series vehicles are based on Fisher-Price Power Wheels or Little Tykes toys that have been modded to support the mass of adult drivers and larger 12-volt lead-acid car batteries.

This weekend’s competition features three individual events including a drag race, a 15-lap road race and a one-hour enduro on Sunday afternoon. The drag race was won by Royce Pipkins, president of the Milwaukee Maker Space, in his Grave Digger. When the 15-lap event began on Saturday afternoon, the #3 car built by the crew at the I3 Detroit hacker space clearly had more speed than any other vehicle. Unfortunately, about halfway through the race, the car ground to a halt. A key connecting the rear wheel to the axle had sheared the soft metal of the axle. The crew repeatedly tried pounding in new keys, but the car would only run another lap or two before running into trouble. Ultimately Pipkins had the durability and speed to finish 15 green-flag laps before anyone else. Look for the Power Racing Series at a parking lot near you soon.

Update: On Sunday afternoon, the Power Racers went back to the track for the one hour enduro and the extra distance took its toll on the field. Royce Pipkins and his Grave Digger pulled into the pits after 35 minutes with two burned out motors.The i3 Detroit also came at about 40 minutes and had to do some rewiring to bypass a failed motor controller. Meanwhile the OmniCorp Detroit team motored on to complete the most laps. The I3 Detroit machine ran third on the track but accumulated enough Moxie Points from the crowd to finish first overall and capture the 2010 Power Racing Series championship. Check out some video highlights after the jump.

Gallery: Maker Faire Detroit 2010: Power Racing Series

Continue reading Maker Faire Detroit 2010: Power Racing Series, as grassroots as it gets [w/Video]

Maker Faire Detroit 2010: Power Racing Series, as grassroots as it gets [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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