Johnson Controls shows super-slim stowable pickup seats

Filed under: Truck, Technology

Johnson Controls slim seats

Johnson Controls super-slim stowable pickup seats – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ever wondered why the rear seats in pickup trucks are so bulky? Johnson Controls apparently had similar thoughts, as the supplier has unveiled a styling buck showcasing its super-slim stowable pickup seats.

The seats offer improvements in two respects. Johnson Controls says they’re lightweight, which should help improve fuel economy, and they take up a third less space, meaning that when stowed, the seats should allow for greater cargo capacity. The seats in the Johnson Controls mock-up also are also 3.9 inches lower than most standard seats, which improves rear visibility and passenger safety, though we wonder if that’ll also result in an awkward knees-up posture for the backseat riders. That said, the seats reportedly contain 50 percent more padding, which should translate to more comfort.

Johnson Controls claims that in addition to the improvements detailed above, the new seats are fully compliant with all applicable safety standards. Hit the jump to read the official press release, and have a close look at the low-profile seats in the gallery below.

Gallery: Johnson Controls super-slim stowable pickup seats

Johnson Controls super-slim stowable pickup seats

[Source: Johnson Controls]

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Johnson Controls shows super-slim stowable pickup seats originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Apr 2011 08:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: First Bugatti Veyron Super Sport comes Stateside

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Videos, Bugatti

bugatti veyron super sport

Take a walk-around the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport – Click above to watch video after the jump

The first Bugatti Veyron Super Sport has touched down on United States soil. It’s one of only five examples produced that will hit the same top speed as the 268-mile per hour world-record setting version. The other 35 examples to be built will be limited to just 258 mph, because, you know, that extra 10 mph would simply be overkill.

Symbolic Motors of San Diego, California is the lucky dealership holding the keys to this amazing machine. It retails for $2.58 million, though we’re pretty sure that this one was snatched up before it even arrived Stateside. Click past the jump for a video walk-around of the very first Bugatti Veyron Super Sport to hit the States. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

Gallery: 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: First Drive

2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: DragTimes.com]

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Video: First Bugatti Veyron Super Sport comes Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit City Council honors Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial [w/video]

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Chrysler

Chrysler 200 Super bowl ad

Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Chrysler’s two-minute long Super Bowl commercial won nationwide praise for its uplifting, can-do message about the embattled city of Detroit. And if you think the novella-sized spot for the Chrysler 200 was popular across the U.S., then you can imagine how the ad played within the borders of the city itself.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the Detroit City Council paid homage to the Eminem ad with an official recognition on Tuesday. The council tipped its hat to Team Pentastar for painting the city in a positive light, adding that the spot “helped to paint a positive portrayal of our beloved city on a national level by filming the entire commercial inside the city of Detroit and showcasing all of our great landmarks.” Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois said that the ad paid homage to a great city and the home of the auto industry.

When we first saw the two-minute commercial we couldn’t help but think that Chrysler should have featured the hot-looking 300 instead of the Sebring-derived 200 (even though the former is built in neighboring Canada). But in retrospect, we’re thinking that the power of this ad made the car itself an afterthought in the long run. Hit the jump to watch the commercial again.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading Detroit City Council honors Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial [w/video]

Detroit City Council honors Chrysler’s Super Bowl commercial [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: VW Darth Vader Super Bowl ad gets the Toyota spoof treatment

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Videos, Toyota, Volkswagen, Humor

Darth Vader Commercial Spoof Toyota

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Volkswagen’s Darth Vader Super Bowl ad has all the trimmings of an all-time classic. It involves kids and the most famous Star Wars character of all time. Who doesn’t love kids and Star Wars? And, perhaps most importantly, the big game spot was hugely funny. Beyond that, from the moment we first laid eyes on the ad we were certain that this clever spot would spawn a raft of Vader spoofs. We haven’t been disappointed.

Beyond the jump is the latest Vader spoof. This time, the mini Jedi trades in his 2011 Passat for a previous-generation Toyota Corolla. But while the original spot was fun and playful, this spoof takes a turn for the Dark Side. Junior Vader chokes his mom, throws his dad and even uses his Jedi mind to lift the toilet seat. But in the end, the edgier Vader meets a force more powerful than the Dark Side. Hit the jump to watch the Violent Broccoli creation – the ending is a bit predictable, but it’s still worth checking out. Thanks to all for the tips!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: VW Darth Vader Super Bowl ad gets the Toyota spoof treatment

Video: VW Darth Vader Super Bowl ad gets the Toyota spoof treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Audi developing super lightweight R8 codenamed NF

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Audi, Rumormill

2014 Audi R8 NF

Audi R8 NF prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has hinted that it’s in the process of developing an ultra-lightweight version of the R8 codenamed NF. Revealed during a technology demonstration at its lightweight materials facility in Germany, the NF is tipped to debut around 2014.

While there are no photos of the car available, Motor Trend reports that Audi showed off an R8 V10 that had several body panels replaced with carbon fiber units that may well be related to the NF’s development. When the NF breaks cover, it is expected to sport a carbon-fiber passenger compartment, with a full cf bulkhead between the occupants and the engine compartment.

Apparently, the NF will incorporate not only its own technology, but pieces from the R8 Spyder, limited-edition R8GT and E-Tron concept. Audi said the prototype at the demonstration was 20 percent lighter than the current aluminum-bodied R8, yet it maintains its structural integrity and crash worthiness. To prove their point, Audi engineers showed off a crash-tested R8 that sported cf roof rails.

Gallery: 2014 Audi R8 NF concept

Audi R8 NF side distanceAudi R8 NF Carbon fiber drop testAudi R8 NF InteriorAudi R8 NF

[Source: Motor Trend | Images: Audi]

Report: Audi developing super lightweight R8 codenamed NF originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar bringing 550 hp XKR-S super coupe to Geneva

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar, Luxury

Jaguar XKR-S

Jaguar XKR-S – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve heard rumblings of a more-powerful XKR. We saw spy shots of the rumored two-door as it blew through the English countryside wearing a dash of camouflage. And now it’s official: Jaguar is bringing a more powerful XKR to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and goes by the name XKR-S.

We can only assume Jaguar is sticking with the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 as a motivational tool because the full details won’t be unvieled until next week’s shindig in Switzerland. However, we have been given a few numbers: 550 horsepower, 502 pound-feet of torque, a top-speed of 186 miles per hour and the ability to run from zero-to-60 miles per hour in just 4.2 seconds.

If you weren’t excited enough about Geneva, Jaguar just gave you 550 reasons to start drooling. Get the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Jaguar XKR-S

[Source: Jaguar]

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Jaguar bringing 550 hp XKR-S super coupe to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Poll: Which car commercial won the Super Bowl?

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising

Super Bowl car commercials

Congratulations, Packers fans, your team just won Super Bowl XLV. And fret not, Steelers fans, your team mounted a thrilling comeback and turned the game from a would-be snooze-fest into a down-to-the-wire fourth-quarter nail-biter. Nicely done all around.

That out of the way, our notoriously short attention spans turn to the commercials. Our own David Kiley shared his well-informed opinions on what his favorites were and weren’t, and you can read more about his picks here. As a refresher, here are some of the choices from Chevrolet, Chrysler, BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki and Bridgestone.

We’re curious… Who do you think had the best automotive ad from the Big Game? Was it Volkswagen, for either its impossibly cute ‘The Force’ ad or its imaginative ‘Black Beetle’ ad? Or did Chrysler steal the show with its two-minute-long plug introducing the Imported From Detroit tagline? Neither?

Take part in our completely unscientific poll below and let your voice be heard.

View Poll

[Source Image: Ronald Martinez/Getty]

Poll: Which car commercial won the Super Bowl? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Transformers 3 shares new scenes during Super Bowl commercial

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Celebrities

Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon – Click above to watch video after the jump

Transformers fans saw a little treat get tucked amongst the slew of high-dollar ads during last night’s Super Bowl. Michael Bay and company unleashed another solid glimpse at the next film in the mighty morphing machine saga with a trailer for Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. Judging by the quick clip, we can look forward to more of what made the first two flicks so enjoyable to begin with: intense CG fight scenes, massive destruction and more than a few slow-motion moments.

Shia Labeouf also makes a return appearance.

Labeouf’s new co-star, Rosie Huntington-Whitley, also makes a brief appearance during the trailer. We’ll reserve judgment on whether or not she’s a suitable replacement for Megan Fox until we actually see the movie. Just don’t blink during the trailer or you’ll miss Huntington-Whitley entirely. You can hit the jump to check out the video for yourself. Also be sure to take a look at a slew of production stills courtesy of AB pal CEOFR. Thanks for the video tip, Ace!

Gallery: Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon

[Sources: YouTube, Flickr – images reproduced with permission]

Continue reading Video: Transformers 3 shares new scenes during Super Bowl commercial

Video: Transformers 3 shares new scenes during Super Bowl commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opinion: Ranking the automotive Super Bowl ads from best to worst [w/videos]

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos

Volkswagen and Chrysler lead

Volkswagen Passat uses The Force

Super Bowl XLV car ads – Click above to see the videos and their rankings after the jump

The Super Bowl is a contest of advertisers as much as it is for two football teams seeking championship rings, the big trophy and bragging rights.

The Super Bowl is one of the few times a year that most of the country is gathered around a single event.

This year, twelve of the advertisers are from the auto sector: Chevrolet, Chrysler, BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, Hyundai, Kia, Suzuki, Cars.com and Bridgestone.

Why so many car related ads? 2011 is widely seen as a breakout year for the auto industry. In 2008 and 2009, sales fell below 11 million, about one-third less than the industry had been doing in the early part of the decade. Sales in 2010 were better and sales are forecasted to come back even stronger this year.

The slowly recovering economy has kept a lot of consumers out of the new car showrooms. But cars and trucks are getting older. The U.S. has seen a sales rate below the annual scrap rate for a few years now. The stock market is back to where it was before the 2008 economic meltdown. Unemployment is ticking down. Things are looking up.

“The Super Bowl is one of the few times a year that most of the country is gathered around a single event,” says General Motors marketing chief Joel Ewanick, who bought five ads at $2.7-$3 million per to advertise Chevrolet models. Chrysler marketing chief Olivier Francois says, “There is no better place for a real coming out,” referring to a slate of newly designed vehicles Chysler is releasing this year. Chrysler bought an unprecedented two-minute ad.

Continue reading and to see the rankings of the Top 10.

Continue reading Opinion: Ranking the automotive Super Bowl ads from best to worst [w/videos]

Opinion: Ranking the automotive Super Bowl ads from best to worst [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and… American roots?

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW Super Bowl Ad

BMW Super Bowl Ad – Click above to watch the videos after the jump

BMW was one of the few companies to keep its Super Bowl advertising plans to itself until kick off time, but the Roundel came to the game packing two 30-second spots. The company said it wanted to get two messages across to Americans: that its diesels are cleaner and more powerful than ever and that the German manufacturer is continuing to invest in America even as the economy struggles to recover. In order to make that happen, BMW enlisted the vocal talents of actor Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) for the two spots. Pine is now the official voice of BMW advertising here in the States.

The first ad is clearly aimed at distinguishing the 335d from the American perception of diesel – sluggish old Volvo wagons, rough-idling Mercedes-Benz sedans and soot-spewing trucks and busses. The second ad focuses on the company’s efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including producing every X3 on the planet. Hit the jump to check out both spots as well as the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and… American roots?

Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and… American roots? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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