van Archives | AutoDepot

Video: Watch this tuned VW van break Sabine Schmitz’s record

Filed under: Motorsports, Minivan/Van, Videos, Diesel, Racing

We tend to get hot and bothered when a production car sets a newly minted lap record around the incomparable Nürburgring Nordshleife, but records for other types of vehicles tend to fly beneath the radar. Thank God then that we’ve got the Germans to pay attention to these things on our behalf.

Volkswagen tuning outfit Revo had such a record in mind when it started to hot-up a VW T5 2.0 turbo diesel van to make a record ‘Ring run. The target was a lap turned in by none other than the Queen of the Ring herself, Sabine Schmitz – a 10:08-lap done in a Ford Transit van for the guffawing audience of Top Gear.

Revo changed the stock ECU map on the T5, fitted a custom exhaust and an uprated intercooler and oil cooler, underpinned the whole deal with a Bilstein coilover kit and set to racing. The final product was just racy enough, in the capable hands of veteran driver Dale Lomas, to finish its lap some 11 seconds quicker than the former record. Circumnavigating the Nordshleife in under 10 minutes in a commercial diesel van is, of course, bonkers, which is as good a reason as any to watch the video of the run below.

Continue reading Watch this tuned VW van break Sabine Schmitz’s record

Watch this tuned VW van break Sabine Schmitz’s record originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Jun 2013 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Video: Watch this tuned VW van break Sabine Schmitz’s record”

Exclusive: Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S.

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Work, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel

2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito range

2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito van range – Click above to enlarge image

Mercedes-Benz has been sufficiently pleased with the performance of its Sprinter van that it is now seriously considering importing a smaller sibling for its full-size load lugger.

Benz has offered a smaller commercial vehicle, the Vito, in various world markets since 1996, and the second-generation model underwent a mild facelift in 2010. Available with a range of CDI diesel engines in both cargo and passenger-carrying configurations, the Vito has recently been testing in all-electric E-Cell guise. If the Vito does make it to North America, we’re unlikely to get the complete range – this light commercial vehicle is available in three lengths, two roof heights and in both rear- and all-wheel drive.

While the Vito is indeed smaller than the Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter carryall, it’s not as diminutive as the Ford Transit Connect we’ve come to know in the States. In its smallest form, the baby Benz spans 187.5 inches, nearly seven inches more than the Turkish Ford. In extra-long format, the Vito rings up at 206.2 inches, which is still well shy of the aged Ford E-Series van (216.7 inches in its shortest form), making the Vito something of a tweener in size.

For the moment, our source tells us that the idea of importing the Vito is in “an early stage,” and even though consumer clinics have been held to judge market interest, the van has not yet been given the green light.

Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Exclusive: Mercedes-Benz studying Vito van for U.S.”

Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Videos, Work, Chrysler, Dodge

2012 Ram Cargo Van

PickupTrucks.com details the 2012 Ram Cargo Van – Click above to watch the video after the jump

The 2012 Ram Cargo Van may be based on the more pedestrian Dodge Grand Caravan, but make no mistake, this van is ready to work. The minivan’s seats have been removed, meaning there’s 144 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, and with tie-down hooks integrated into the flat load floor, the Cargo Van is capable of hauling up to 1,800 pounds.

Our friends at PickupTrucks.com were on hand at the NTEA Work Truck Show this week to see the 2012 Ram Cargo Van make its official debut. Senior editor Mike Levine gets in front of the video camera to show us the C/V’s features, so follow the jump to get an up-close look at Chrysler’s new work van.

Gallery: 2012 Ram Cargo Van

2012 Ram Cargo Van

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Continue reading Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van

Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Video: PickupTrucks.com breaks down the 2012 Ram Cargo Van”

Nissan luring business owners to buy new van with free upgrade packages

Thanks to its new NV series of body-on-frame vans, Nissan now has a stake in the commercial cargo moving market. But how will the Japanese automaker entice fleet buyers to stop their scheduled orders for tried-and-true options like the Ford E-Series and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in favor of unproven models like the NV 1500, 2500 and 3500? The answer appears to be some clever incentives.

Instead of just dropping cash on the hood, Nissan is instead offering the choice of several no-cost options to help NV buyers convert their vehicles into a cargo-carrying juggernaut. Customers who purchase an NV can choose from a cargo management systems consisting of three 44-inch shelving units, a steel cabin/cargo partition, or an exterior standard roof utility rack or an interior rack for high roof models. NV buyers more interested in marketing than cargo enhancements can opt for a personalized graphics package from Original Wraps that spans up to 70 square feet. And if none of those options sound good, Nissan will cut $300 from the new van’s $24,590 starting price. Hit the jump to read over Nissan’s press release.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan luring business owners to buy new van with free upgrade packages

Nissan luring business owners to buy new van with free upgrade packages originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Nissan luring business owners to buy new van with free upgrade packages”

Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a van with a plan

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Kia

Kia KV7 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia certainly knows a thing or two about embracing the box design. After all, the styling of the Soul is certainly a perfect interpretation of the good things boxy shapes can create. With that in mind, Kia has set to reinvent the van with its new KV7 Concept here at the Detroit Auto Show. But we aren’t talking minivan – this is pure, boxy conversion van hotness.

Inside, there are clever features like swivel chairs for all occupants (including the driver), and the rear quarters are set up in a sort of lounge fashion. There are nifty gadgets like a floating table-top computer and full wireless internet capability. Wrap that in a sleek, boxy package that boasts a 285-turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the end result is a van that means serious business. As much as we’d love to see this concept come to fruition, we’ll chalk this one up as just another example of what happens when you let automotive designers run wild. See for yourself in the high-res galleries below.

Gallery: Kia KV7 Concept: Detroit 2011

Kia KV7 Concept

Gallery: Kia KV7 Concept

Kia KV7 Concept

Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a van with a plan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a van with a plan”

eBay Find of the Day: 1915 van Blerck Special Speedster is 18′ long with 17-liter engine

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance, Auctions

1915 van Blerck Special Speedster

1915 van Blerck Special Speedster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Make room on your holiday list, boys and girls; here’s something we definitely want to see under ye olde yuletide pine tree this year. On second thought, you’d better make it a redwood.Tucked away in the Other Makes section of eBay Motors is a custom racer with a fire engine chassis and a 17-liter engine borrowed from one of the most famous racing boat manufacturers of the early 20th century. Called the 1915 van Blerck Special Speedster, this awesome ground-pounder is over six feet tall and nearly 18 feet long. All 17-liters of displacement from the vehicle’s engine is soaked up by just six cylinders, each of which has three spark plugs all to itself.

The engine was created by none other than Joseph van Blerck – an engineer who crafted record-setting engines for speed boats in the early part of the last century. According to the seller, the engine produces well over 200 horsepower and is more than capable of scooting the big machine to speeds of over 100 mph. That is, if you’re brave enough to lean on the vehicle’s chain-drive system. You can buy it now for the low price of $199,000, though the seller says that trading is always an option, too. Us? We think it’d make a bitchin’ new sleigh for Santa.

Gallery: 1915 van Blerck Special Speedster

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1915 van Blerck Special Speedster is 18′ long with 17-liter engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “eBay Find of the Day: 1915 van Blerck Special Speedster is 18′ long with 17-liter engine”

Would it have been cooler as a van?

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc.

Would Have Been Cooler as a Van Cars have earned hero status in a wide variety of TV and film roles through the years. It’s rare, however, that the main ride is a van (notable exceptions include B.A.’s van in the A-Team and the Scooby-Doo kids’ Mystery Machine.) Artist Brandon Ortwein prefers to imagine a different entertainment history as he asks the important question, “Would it have been cooler as a van?”

Ortwein answers that question through his artwork at his website and online store, Cooler as a Van, where you can buy prints of some of entertainment’s most famous cars, only re-imagined as vans! Everything ranging from the Wagon Queen Family Truckster, to Thomas the Tank Engine, to Doc’s DeLorean, and even Pee-Wee’s bike undergo the transformation.

Head on over to Brandon Ortwein’s store for a closer look at his vision of a van-filled world. We’re particularly fond of the Gran Van Torino.

[Source: Cooler as a Van]

Would it have been cooler as a van? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Would it have been cooler as a van?”

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Etc., Mercedes-Benz

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van – Click above for high-res image gallery

Sprinkles Cupcakes are a Southern California institution. They taste amazing and the stores often have lines out the door because the delectable treats are just. that. good. Knowing that automotive journalists are a particularly hungry bunch and fans of things that are free, Sprinkles teamed up with Merecedes-Benz and West Coast Customs to create the “Sprinklesmobile” – a Sprinter van-turned cupcake delivery vehicle. Certainly, the Sprinter provides a solid cupcake-selling platform as well as a rolling billboard.

Andrea Lendardin, who proudly wears the title of Sprinkles’ Architect, worked with West Coast Customs to create this movable treat delivery device. In the rear of the Sprinter sits an air-conditioning unit that can hold up to 1,500 cupcakes and is powered by a 2,800-Watt electric generator. A power-operated awning covers the display area and a window with a cash-register sits just behind the passenger door. The Sprinter also helps Sprinkles in the fuel department since this rig sips diesel; the fuel economy on the Sprinklesmobile is around 22 miles per gallon.

Hop the jump to read more about the Sprinklesmobile while we run back downstairs to try and grab another ~~six~~ cupcakes.

Gallery: LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van

Continue reading LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets

LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “LA 2010: Sprinkles Cupcakes Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van delivers delectable delights, destroys diets”

Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

James May

James May explores RVs, U.S. and UK style – Click above to watch video after the jump

On the subject of recreational vehicles, James May comes alive. Taking a video tour of a U.S. RV and a campervan, or what suffices for an RV in the UK, May brings a severe wit along as his helper. According to Captain Slow, the Boogie Nights-like interior of the U.S behemoth lets you know how you’re supposed to treat its interior, while the oven in the British equivalent “is barely big enough for one of my pies.” It’s a toss-up as to who wins that round… Follow the jump for all of May’s motorhome feelings.

[Source: BBC America]

Continue reading Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van

Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van”

Engineers embark on driverless van odyssey from Italy to China

Filed under: Aftermarket, Minivan/Van, China, Europe, Technology, Russia, Electric

A team of intrepid software engineers are out drive a full 8,000 miles from Italy to China in an autonomous electric van, all while going no faster than 37 mph. Talk about a road trip.

The stunt is being headed up by tech company VisLab as a real-world test of the its artificial vision and intelligence systems. So, how does one go about parading a driverless van half way around the globe? Carefully. Two engineers will be positioned in the “driverless” van, with one person behind the wheel just in case something goes fruity. Meanwhile, another two workers will pilot a lead vehicle. The autonomous van will take cues from the people-driven version, but will still rely on a camera array to detect potential obstacles and issues.

The company’s route will take the team through Moscow traffic, the frigid temperatures of the Gobi desert and the roadless realms of Siberia. If that’s not challenging enough, the vans are both all-electric, and with the advanced technology onboard, the vehicles’ batteries must be recharged for eight hours for every two to three hours of driving. The team expects to work in about four hours of driving per day. Needless to say, it’s going to take a while – the whole shindig is expected to run a full three months.

[Source: VisLab via Associated Press]

Engineers embark on driverless van odyssey from Italy to China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Engineers embark on driverless van odyssey from Italy to China”