Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year readers. We want to thank all of our loyal readers and wish them all a Happy New Year. 2007 was an interesting year for the automotive industry. 2008 will be an exciting year as well. Our humble site has only been around for about 3 months now, and you have all helped to push the site to over 1,000 visits. We will bring you exciting news all through 2008 and beyo...

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Spied: Facelift Mercedes Benz CLS

These shots are fresh from someone inside Mercedes. They were able to snap these two pictures of the upcoming facelift for the ultra sexy Mercedes Benz CLS 4 door coupe. And to make this eye candy even better. The pictures are of the top of the line CLS 63 AMG.No word yet as to the performance or mechanical upgrades to the new car. Though the bodywork is still just as stunning. Even more so. Noticeable changes include a new grille. New 19 inch wheels....

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VW TDI Cup gearing up for 2008 season

Are you between the age of 16 and 26? Do you like legal track racing? Do love VWs? If you answered yes, then the VW TDI Cup is for you.VW announced the TDI Cup at the SEMA show in October along with showing off the new Jetta TDI Cup Car. The jetta is powered by a specially prepared 2.0liter Turbo by Volkswagen Motorsport. Capable of 170 horsepower. Interested drivers will begin a series of qualifying events beginning in March. The entire series will...

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2008 Barrett Jackson will auction first Challenger, ZR & GT 500KR

Every year the Barrett Jackson classic car auction fills our heads with dream cars that we all wish to someday own. In recent years we have seen many modern day and future classics roll across the auction block. Though not just any special cars. First production cars. Usually it results as the first actual production or retailable car. The most notable was the first 06 Shelby GT 500 Mustang, and 07 Shelby GT Mustangs. Both times these cars fetched...

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Pick your poison. 2009 Camaro Color Chart

Now first off, these are not official from GM. A diligent reader of autoblog.com, who just happens to work in the body shop of a Chevy dealer found these. So a Thank You goes out to this anonymous reader. Known only as Chris.What we have is a list of 8 "possible" colors and the names of two others, sans the color chip. Those colors are Switchblade Silver Metallic and Aqua blue Metallic. We did notice that there is also a lack of white or green shades...

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4 States to insert RFID chips in drivers license

If you live in Arizona, Michigan, Vermont, or Washington. You will soon be able to "Voluntarily" have a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chip inserted in your next drivers license. These chips can be monitored within a 30 foot radius of the monitor. And will display items like Name, Date of Birth, Description, etc."The Department of Homeland Security is in favor of the program, promoting it under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. Said a DHS fact sheet, "Multiple cards can be read at a distance and simultaneously with vicinity RFID...

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General Motors the first global automaker to sell 1 Million cars in China in one year

The General has turned the emerging Chineese market into the glordy days of the U.S. market of old. GM has announced today that they have become the first global automaker to sell one million, yes 6 zeros. One million cars in China for 2007. The one millionth car was a Buick Park Avenue.Source: GMPress Release:General Motors Achieves New Milestone in ChinaFirst Global Automaker to Sell 1 Million Vehicles in Single YearShanghai – General Motors became the first global automaker to sell 1 million vehicles in China in a single year today when GM China...

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2008 Range Rover Westminster

Land Rover doesn't produce all that many special edition trucks. Here is one that deserves the name special edition.North America will get 500 Westminster Editions. A supercharged 400 horsepower V8 will give you all the stump pulling power you need topped with 20 inch 10 spoke rims. The only paint choice we see is black. Inside there is lots of real oak wood trim, special two tone black and java leather seats.All of this can be yours for only $105,600....

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Jag Rover status. Nothing til after the new year

Ford is going to stay tight lipped til after the new year regarding the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover. Automotive News is reporting that three bidders are still in the running. Inda manufacturer Tata Motors is in the running, but not the single bidder as reported by the Birmingham Post yesterday.Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and U.S. private equity firm One Equity Partners are all bidders, but as reported, Tata, looks to be the most likely candidate to take home Jaguar and Land Rover. All for a cool $2 Billion.Stay tuned for more news as...

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IIHS Fender Bender Tests

No one likes to get in a minor fender bender. That is of course you are a stunt driver or in a demolition derby.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted minor collision tests on 6 2008 minivans. The test is designed to simulate a minor collision at 3-6mph. The same as a typical setting in traffic or a parking lot. In each instance each van sustained an average of $5,000 damage. "In the Institute's bumper tests, each vehicle is...

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Only in the USA. Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 GT

As if the SLR McLaren couldn't get any cooler. Mercedes goes and makes the 722. Then they top that with the 722 GT. What we originally thought would be a home market car all changed today. Mercedes tuner RENNtech will make the uber cool 722 GT available in the U.S. 21 of the 722 horsepowered super cars will be made available direct from the factory in Germany. That is of course you have the $1.2 million dollar entry fee. Now as if this wasn't...

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Audi to bring stunning concept to Detroit next month

What exactly is a "Stunning" concept car? We're not sure. But since it's coming from Audi. It's bound to be extremely cool and.....probably stunning.The rumors are flying that it could possibly be the V-10 powered RS8 or even a roadster version of the R8. And while they might say it's a concept. We know it will more than likely be a production car for a couple years away. As for a world first. Could it be the TT-S? Maybe a face lifted A3? How about...

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Final Chrysler Crossfire Leaves Factory

With the close of 2007 upon us, we come also to the production of the final Chrysler Crossfire.During its five year lifespan, the American coupe/roadster built in Germany sold 80,000 units. 2006 US sales accounted for only 8,216. Down over 50% from 14,665 units in 2005. The Crossfire was offspring of the now ended partnership between Chrysler and Mercedes, and shared its platform with the original Mercedes Benz SLK roadster.The Crossfire is the first...

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Tata for Jag and Rover?

Britain's Birmingham Post is reporting that India's Tata Motors is confirmed as the winning bidder to purchase both Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Company. Neither Ford or Tata will confirm that this is true. Though Birmingham Post is saying that an official announcement could come as early as tomorrow, December 21st. Tata is reportedly spending $2 Billion dollars to purchase both brands. Further news as this develops.Source: Automotive Ne...

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The King returns! The 2009 Corvette ZR1

The Myth, The Legend, The History. It all returns with the new C6 Corvette ZR1. Formerly known as the Blue Devil and the Corvette SS. What we are looking at here is the fastest production Corvette of all time.The aluminum and magnesium from the Z06 is the basis for the ZR1. At the front, you'll find a C6-R inspired splitter in carbon fiber. Flared front fenders with large air outlets to quickly move hot air out of the engine compartment. Also for...

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Energy Bill Passed! On to Pennsylvania Ave

In it's fourth round of voting in the House. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 has cleared Congress and the House of Representatives. Now it's on to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for President Bush to officially sign the bill into law tomorrow. The bill passed through the House today with a vote of 314 to 100.As many of you already know. The main importance of this bill was the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to rise to 35 mpg by the year 2020. Below we have attached official response from both Ford and Chrysler.Source:...

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Toyota Tundra 2008 Motor Trend Tuck of the Year?

In a shocking surprise today. Motor Trend has announced the Toyota Tundra pickup as their 2008 Truck of the Year winner. Using the same system used to calculate the Car of the Year. The Tundra was judged in three categories. Euperiority, value and significance. And scored highly in all three. Competition was tough this year. The Chevrolet Silverado HD, GMC Sierra HD and Ford's F-250, 350 and 450 Super Duty trucks.Despite recalls, poor IHS ratings...

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BMW running at 100% capacity, suppliers up in arms

Everything at BMW is running full steam ahead. All 23 of their production facilities worldwide are running at 100% capacity. It's come to the point that BMW has actually criticized their suppliers for having a better bottom line than BMW. BMW currently is pushing a 10% profit margin.In an effort to become more cost effective. BMW is now starting to produce components in house. Rather than rely on suppliers. Current facilities in Leipzig and Regensburg...

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Oregon Trail 2007. Forget covered wagons, now you got cars

Who doesn't love Oregon Trail. If you grew up in the 80s, just about everyone who had a computer or access to one played it. Hunting for food, crossing rivers, trying not to get sick all in an effort to cross the United States.Luggage rack manufacture Thule has come up with the Thule Trail game on their website as part of their road trip promotion. You and 4 of your companions have to drive cross country using a Dodge Nitro, Honda Insight or a Volvo...

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Detroit 08 Preview: Buick Riviera Concept

To kick off its North American Tour. Buick will bring the GM China designed Buick Riviera Concept Car to the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.The exciting gullwing door sports coupe was a hit at the 07 Shanghai Motor Show. The Riviera shows where Buick styling is headed in the next few years, and would make an excellent production vehicle for Buick(GM are you listening?). Look for more info and picture when we visit Detroit...

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Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix announces all Italian Cars as Marque of the year for 2008

We are pleased to announce all Italian Cars as Marque of the Year for the 26th Annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in 2008.AAM has been a longtime supporter of the PVGP and all of their charities. There is no event quite like the grand prix. While vintage racing is known all over the country. The first event like this that might come to your mind is the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca. That is an excellent event, but it does not match the uniqueness...

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The price is wrong Bob. Winner claims car she won was used and wrecked

In a very interesting article. A winner on "The Price is Right" has filed suit against the show, CBS, the selling dealer and the transport company. Donna Tillman claims that the 2004 Pontiac GTO that she won on "The Price is Right" was given to her under the pretense that it was a brand new car. The car she received was in fact used and wrecked, according to Tillman.When she took the car in for servicing was when she was notified of the damage to the front end of the car. The car was blatantly damaged and repaired. The owner of Thorson Pontiac...

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2008 Chevrolet Impala 50th Anniversary Edition

The Chevrolet Impala has long been a favorite of ours. For 2008, not only will General Motors be marking their 100th anniversary, but Chevrolet will be marking the 50th anniversary of the Impala. Now before we get all excited and start dreaming of the return of the ever popular 94-96 Impala SS. We have to pop out balloon and come back to earth. What we have for a special 50th anniversary edition is a dressed up Impala LT. Nothing too special, but...

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New VW Passat CC Coupe spotted in Finland

Out for some winter testing and cunningly disguised as a Lexus. Here we have the VW Passat CC. The CC will be a 4 door coupe, following along the lines of the Mercedes Benz CLS.The car has not been officialy unveiled yet, though is expected to bow at the Geneva auto show this year. The CC is rumored to have up to 5 different engine choices, including a diesel option. Initial specs list the wheelbase at 106 inches and the overall length at 190 inches.The...

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Energy Bill passes Seneate. Bring on the green cars!

You know what they say. Third time's the charm. In late voting last night the Senate finally passed the Energy Bill by a vote of 86 to 8! The biggest tie up in the 1st and 2nd round of voting was a $21.8 Billion dollar new tax hike. Once that was removed, the bill passed almost unanimously.The bill is now back on to the House to be voted on again since it had been changed. Though this should not prove to be be a problem. The White House has also agreed to sign this bill in to law once the House has approved it.The core part of the bill is to raise...

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Chevrolet to return to ALMS with Corvette C6.R in 2008

There had been some speculation that Chevrolet was not going to continue to participate in the American LeMans Series(ALMS) after the 2007 season due to lack of competition inf the GT1 class. Though today Chevrolet has announced that they will participate in the full 12 race 2008 schedule. So expect to see the familiar images of the competition yellow C6.R Corvettes thundering down the straights next year.Competing in the series for 2008 will be...

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Volkswagen of America changes name

In order to go with their new appearance and surroundings. Volkswagen of America has announced that they have changed their name to Volkswagen Group of America.Executives feel that this name better suits the fact that there are five automotive brands under the umbrella of Volkswagen in the United States.Seems to be more fitting. It's just going to take some time to get used to VGoA from now on. And historically speaking, VWoA will continue to exist.Press Release:AUBURN HILLS, MICH. (Dec. 12, 2007) — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that...

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Chrysler says it can meet new CAFE standards

Chrysler LLC is readily welcoming thew new CAFE standards with open arms. When it happens of course."We will" cooperate rather than fight the anticipated increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standard," Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli told TheCarConnection.com Wednesday. "We'll have to obviously accelerate significantly our investment in technology to get there," said Nardelli.Some of the technology being used is a new two mode hybrid system that was jointly developed and engineered by BMW, General Motors, and Daimler. Chrysler's former...

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Chrysler announces cutback in truck produttion. You're move GM

Following both General Motors and Ford, now Chrysler is going to shut down their truck plants for a while. Effective this month, Chrysler LLC is going to temporarily close their Warren, The Jefferson North Assembly and Windsor Assembly plants.The Warren plant that assembles the Dodge Ram and Dakota pickup trucks will be closed the longest, from December 21 to February 4. Jefferson North, home of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Commander SUVs, will close for three weeks starting January 4, 2008. That plant will also lose 911 workers, and will lose its...

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Energy bill fails is second vote in Conrgress. 3rd vote set for later today

After passing the House of Representatives the new energy bill carrying the revised CAFE standards, failed it's first round of voting in the halls of Congress at 53-42. The bill was revised and voted on again this morning. This time falling short by the one voted it needed to pass. At 59-40 the bill has again been revised and will be voted on later today.The major revision is the removal of $21.8 billion dollars in new taxes. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has confirmed that House would pass a new version of the bill sans the tax hike. The Detroit...

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New Camaro spy picture sans camo

Well zebra stripes at least. Here's a fresh off the net spy pic of the 2010 Camaro. We like what we're seeing so far. It looks very close to the concept Camaro. Looks like the side air scoops are just stamped in the sheet metal, rather than functional. Though that was to be expected. The grille looks as though it has changed also. We should see a production version of the Camaro in Detroit next month. So more info should be on the way soon.Source....

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Auto Jingles: Have you driven a Ford lately?

As nostalgic as we are, how could anyone forget the jingle Ford used in the mid 1980s? Have you driven a Ford lately? Why don't car manufacturers have unique jingles like this anymore? You know it had to work if someone still remembers it 20 years later. Over the next few weeks, we're going to jog everyones collective mind and bring some good old fashion car jingles out of the archives. We're going to remember a time, when manufacturers would spend the money to have a song written about their product. To start this off. Here are two 1986 Ford Taurus...

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The Italians are coming! Alfa Romeo building U.S. Assembly Plant

This is about as official as you can get. Alfa Romeo will give it another go at the North American market. it has been nearly 20 years since Alfa pulled out due to poor sales and poor reliability ratings. Though all of that has changed. Alfa has been building some rather splendid automobiles in Europe for many years now. Though their quality can be questionable at times.With the decline in the U.S. Dollar, Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed...

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Knight Rider 2008 KITT revealed

All rumors are put down as the official word from NBC on the return of Night Rider are finally announced today. There was speculation that the new KITT was changing bodies from the still cool Pontiac Trans Am to a Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500KR. All of this is true. The new KITT(Knight Industries Three Thousand) will be a Shelby.The new KITT has a sinister bad ass look to it, just as the highly modified Trans Am did over 20 years ago. KITT will feature...

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Hold your horses: Mustang production scaled back for 2008, fans push for more special editions

No one can deny the Mustang's popularity. Especially when it is the only real pony car on the market til the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro hit showrooms. Though one this is for sure. The V8 Mustang just isn't as in high demand as it was.Since 2004 the 4.6 liter V8 has accounted for 52% of the sales mix. In the past it has usually been right around a 70% V6 to 30% V8 mix. 2005 saw a greater demand and Ford responded with increased output.For 2008...

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Ford idles truck and SUV plants

Following the lead from General Motors, Ford today has ceased production at their F150 Dearborn, Mi factory(the famous Rouge factory) along with the Louisville, Ky factory that produces the Explorer. It is unclear as to how long the factories will remain closed.Sales of both models have continued to fall this year. F150 sales are 12.4% below 2006 figures. The Explorer is at 23.5% vs. 2006. The closings give ford a combine 10,450 units per week lost for the F150 and Explorer.Ford exec Mark Fields said in a related article in the Detroit News that...

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Camo'd Camaro spotted in Australia

Looks like the General is doing some down under testing of the 2009 Camaro. Why they have the car camouflaged is anyone's guess though. Chevrolet vowed to keep the car as close as possible to the concept car as they could. You can make out the roof line is the same and the rear end looks to be pretty similar to the concept. No good shots of the front end though. Enjoy the pics.Source: Straightline via Autoblog.c...

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The name's Martin......Aston...Martin: James Bond will stay with Aston Martin

With the sale of Aston Martin from under the Ford umbrella. There has been some speculation as to what will happen to James Bond's trusty spy car in future movies. Well that has all been laid to rest. Aston Martin has announced today that James Bond(Daniel Craig) will continue to drive his Aston Martin DBS in the next Bond movie.This continues a long working relationship between the film makers and Aston Martin. The first appearance was in Goldfinger...

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Carroll Shelby responds to club allegations.

There are very few times that we stand corrected. This is one of those times. When you read the responses from Shelby, and read the postings on the SAAC club forums, you get two entirely different stories. Now while we are not members of the SAAC, and are well aware of Carroll Shelby and his history. We don't really want to make an attempt to take sides. But we will stand corrected on the facts that were laid out for us to see. Below is the Shelby press release.Source: Shelby American.PRESS RELEASE:Carroll Shelby, CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing...

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