Latest Auto News Blog: 2009

Rolls Royce Confirms 500+ HP V12 Engine for RR4

Rolls Royce unveiled the 200EX concept at the Geneva Moor Show earlier this month and now has officially confirmed that the production version, dubbed the RR4 will be powered by a new 6.6L V12 engine that will have "upwards of 500bhp."

The V12 engine will be mated to a new ZF 8-speed transmission.

CEO Tom Purves confirmed the details at a press event in New York where the 200EX is currently starting a world tour. Purves claims that the RR4 will be more involving and dynamic for those owners that would rather drive than be driven.

How to Research a Car

Researching your car First thing when investigating cars is to research them. There are many websites to help a person compare and research cars. People can search by price range, miles per gallon the car gets, type of car, year, make, model, exterior color, interior color, number of miles the car has, and many other options. It is important to do a background check on used cars to make sure that it is a reliable car. No one should ever buy a car without its history report. Buying a brand new car is not a good deal. The minute you drive the car off the lot it is worth much less than what you paid for it.

Picking a Car

A car can define who you are and your personality. This is why it is important to pick a color, shape, and style that you like. Some online websites even have applications to match a car to your lifestyle. It is important to like your car because you could have it for a very long time. No one would want to be stuck with a car they don’t like. It is important to like your car because most people spend a lot of time in their cars.

Driving The Car?

After picking a car online or at a dealership, test drive it. Does it feel good? It MUST feel good to you. Never buy a car without test driving it. Carefully inspect every inch of the car. You can get a discount for any scratches or stains the car might have. Check things like the sound of the stereo as well. Do you live in the mountains? Driving a car with rear wheel drive will not be helpful. These things you should already know because of the research you have previously done. Do YOU like the car? It is up to only you no one else.

Finally Buying The Car

The person selling you the car is always asking a high price because they EXPECT you to ask for a lower price. Never settle for the asking price always negotiate. Finally buy your car and head out on the road. Always have car insurance. Be happy.

Honda CR-V Car Profile

The beautiful CR-V really has a lot to offer to it’s owners. The 2010 CR-V is a 4-door, 5-passenger SUV that is available in 8 different trims (which are listed below.) Not to mention, the CR-V has some great features to offer!

Honda CR-V’s available: LX 2WD 5-Spd AT, LX 4WD 5-Spd AT, EX 2WD 5-Spd AT, EX 4WD 5-Spd AT, EX-L 2WD 5-Spd AT, EX-L 4WD 5-Spd AT, EX-L 2WD 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System, EX-L 4WD 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System.

Seating capacity : 5 people

MSRP: $21,545 – $29,745

Key features :

- Applies to certain models only:

Navigation system
Bluetooth
Leather trim
4-cylinder engine
Ultra low emission vehicle
USB audio interface
MP3/auxiliary jack
Moonroof
Steering wheel mounted controls

Gas mileage : 21/28

Awards won : No awards yet

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The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

Posted by Autoblog

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency

Chevrolet Caprice PPV – Click above for high-res image gallery.

Well, it’s official. General Motors has resurrected the Australian-built Zeta sedan for North America, only this time around, it’s just for the cops.…

(Black and) Blue Oval: Ford of Canada labor costs reportedly world’s highest

Posted by Autoblog

Filed under: Ford, UAW/Unions

it wasn’t long ago that U.S. automakers were producing a high percentage of their new products in Canada because labor costs were lower up north than are here in the States. The cost paradigm changed…

Officially Official: Cadillac introduces the new presidential limo

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Cadillac, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac Presidential Limousine

President Obama will inherit a lot of things when he takes the oath of office on Tuesday. So good, some... not so good. And while his new digs on Pennsylvania Avenue are the same as his predecessors, his ride has been thoroughly refreshed for the 21st century.

With fuzzy spy photos of the new presidential limo out in the open and Obama's inauguration less than a week away, Cadillac has finally released official photos of the Command-In-Chief's new ride. As expected, the new limo inherits Cadillac's current front- and rear-end design cues, but the overused fender vents on civilian Caddies are notably -- and thankfully -- absent. The back compartment where our new CIC sits is equipped with all the communications gear needed to stay in touch, and while we're picturing a few LCD screens, lots of buttons and a big red phone that silently rises from the center console, all we can do is imagine.

As expected, Cadillac hasn't released much in the way of details about what's underneath and inside the behemoth for security reasons. But speculation says that some of the General's heavy-duty truck platforms are used to support the immense mass of armor carried by the Cadillac Presidential Limousine. Of course, GM put out a press release that covers a few of the Caddy's features and includes a brief history of the automaker's involvement with shuttling Presidents around since World War I. Check it out after the jump, along with an unauthorized illustration of what you could find inside -- assuming your Secret Service application wasn't denied.

Gallery: 2009 Cadillac Presidential Limousine

Continue reading Officially Official: Cadillac introduces the new presidential limo

Officially Official: Cadillac introduces the new presidential limo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota Recalls Millions of Vehicles

300204_wheel Once we hear that there is a recall, we always hope that it’s not going to affect us. We just don’t want to go through the hassle of getting some fixed, replaced and taking the time to get it looked at. Although, unfortunately Toyota has done a number that is affecting more than 3 millions cars. These cars have a recall on them and need to be looked at once the people get the noticed.

If you drive a Toyota and you haven’t received the recall in the mail or have been contacted you probably don’t have to worry about all of this. Although, just to make sure here is a list of some of the vehicles that have been recalled.

Toyota vehicles that have been recalled:

Toyota Camry (2007-2010)
Toyota Avalon (2005-2010)
Toyota Prius (2004-2009)
Toyota Tacoma (2005-2010)
Toyota Tundra (2007-2010)
Lexus ES350 (2007-2010)
Lexus IS250 and IS350 (2006-2010)

As you can see, there are quite a few different cars that have been recalled. These cars range from Toyota to the Lexus’. If your vehicle falls into this list, you may want to contact a dealership and see if yours might need to be looked at.

So what’s the recall for?

There might be millions of vehicles that have been recalled (3.8 million to be exact), but to be honest, it’s something pretty simple. What the company wants is for the drivers of the vehicles to simply take out the floor mats. Why? It is been said that they might get close to the accelerator and get stuck leaving the pedal to be pushed accidentally. So, for now you will want to remove your floor mat in the driver’s seat until they come up with something that is going to solve the problem. We’re not sure how long this is going to take. Although, thankfully it’s something as simple as a floor mat and something that doesn’t affect how the car drives!

Chrysler's New Partnership with Fiat will Bring 7 New Models to the US

Chrysler and Fiat's newest agreement, which involves Fiat buying a 35 percent stake in Chrysler is going to lead to seven new fiat based cars making their way to the US.

According to unnamed sources four of the vehicles will be sold under the Chrysler brand and three will either be Alfa Romeos or Fiats. The official plan that will be announced on April 30th involves four Fiat platforms, a minicar, a subcompact, a compact and a mid-sized sedan. Chrysler's plants in the US are being tasked with producing the vehicles. Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant, which currently builds the soon to be killed PT Cruiser is going to produce the Fiat 500.

According to the Automotive News, under the plan its expected that Chrysler dealers will get two minicars, the Fiat 500 and a Dodge or Chrysler branded vehicle based on the Fiat Panda.

The subcompact segment will see the introduction of the Alfa Romeo MiTo and another Chrysler or Dodge branded vehicle.

A new compact car based Fiat’s C-Evo platform will likely replace the Dodge Caliber.

Lastly a replacement for the under performing Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger will be based on a stretched version of the C-Evo platform.

In case you are wondering what Fiat is going to get out of this deal, besides entry into the North American market, Fiat is going to sell the Dodge Journey and Dakota pickup in South America. In addition Fiat is going to use Chrysler's new Phoenix V6 engine in its own products.

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe Caught Naked

Last week a few photos leaked of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. It wasn't known how real they were or if they were just a good photoshop, well it looks like they are pretty accurate.

The first photos of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe with barely and camouflage have surfaced, giving us our first clear idea of what the new coupe will look like.

The car was caught at a company presentation in Mallorca.

What's Your New Year's Automotive Resolution? [Question Of The Day]

It's New Year's Eve, the time when we start contemplating our resolutions and this contemplation causes us to drink. What's your automotive New Year's resolution?

Other than the annual "never go to Jiffy Lube" resolution, we here at Jalopnik have decided to banish the Top Ten list. It was good while it lasted and we had some fun times but we're entering a new era. Enjoy the last few "Top Ten" lists because here comes the Top Eleven list. It's going to be awesome. Eleven is the new ten and at least one more. Often, it's going to feel like a lot more.

(QOTD is your chance to answer the day's most pressing automotive questions and experience the opinions of the insightful insiders, practicing pundits and gleeful gearheads that make up the Jalopnik commentariat. If you've got a suggestion for a good "Question Of The Day" send an email to tips at jalopnik dot com.)

Photo Credit: TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/Getty Images

Drivers Shamed Into Slowing Down and Driving Right: Moral Blackmail

In the UK, the Highways Agency has set up speed cameras that record the license plate numbers of speeding drivers and flash them up on a screen but do not issue penalties. Trials have shown that drivers get the message quicker when they see their own registration shown below the speed limit.

It’s similar to the mirror effect in psychology, where a person is less likely to do something they think is immoral if they can see themselves doing it in a mirror. Some shops have started using mirrors as a detterent to theft because of that, and it works.

Another similar idea is highlighted in this NY Times article. It talks about a new website called Platewire.com where you can post the license plate number of any dangerous drive you come in contact with.

Just like with any consumer reports or epinions review type website, information starts getting spread around more easily, so reputation becomes more important. People start realizing there is more than just tickets to worry about, there’s public perception.

I think they’re fantastic ideas, using human psychology and incentives instead of just issuing tickets and collecting money.

Detroit 2009: Lamborghini ups the personalization options

Filed under: Aftermarket, Detroit Auto Show, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Lamborghini, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for live images of the Ad Personam Lamborghini's from Detroit

Lamborghini debuted the new Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder in L.A., and the rumored LP670-4 SV is still a ways off, so the Italian supercar manufacturer decided to show off some of their non-automotive offerings in Detroit. Specifically, Lambo brought examples of its Ad Personam personalization program. A white 560 Spyder was flanked by a satin blue LP640-4 and LP560-4 coupe that were both simply mesmerizing. We're huge fans of these new satin paints, because aside from lending an air of understated luxury to the Lambo's lascivious lines, they're remarkably easy to photograph. They reflect light beautifully, while providing translucent reflections that minimize glare and extraneous objects from the car's surface. Lamborghini refers to it as a matte-luster paint finish, we'll just call it matte-sex.

Both of the personalized cars here in Detroit are painted in Lamborghini's new matte blue, although there's no truth to the rumor that anyone showing a birth certificate that says their name is Matt Blue will get a free Lambo. Besides the new blue hue, Lamborghini announced that three more colors are now permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis (matte-luster black), Bianco Canopus (matte white), and Marrone Apus (matte brown). But don't let that limit you. Lamborghini will do just about anything the customer can dream up. And if you can't get what you want from the factory, you can always go the aftermarket route and get yourself an Ed Hardy special. There's a full press release after the jump and galleries of live and media pics are available by clicking any image below.

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lamborghini Ad Personam

Gallery: Lamborghini Ad Personam Detroit

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lamborghini ups the personalization options

Detroit 2009: Lamborghini ups the personalization options originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Death Proof, Street Bike Edition

This was initially supposed to be a video montage, but I couldn’t find any solid stunt footage that wasn’t littered with a DMX soundtrack or gratuitous shout outs to the members of various street bike crews [at least a third of whose names, I noticed, featured both the words "crazy" and "money" in some variation]. Eventually, the crotchety old woman inside of me got sick and tired of the loud music and curse words and went for still shots instead.

In addition to the lack of filthy audio, still shots also provide much more entertaining, “it’s-only-gay-if-balls-touch” Kodak moments.

Enjoy.

[Photo Source:CloseEncounters.com/Freestyle Stunt Event]

View more pics after the jump

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen Concept BlueSport roadster live

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Sports/GTs, Volkswagen

Click above for a live gallery of the Volkswagen Concept BlueSport

Volkswagen's Concept BlueSport should go a long way towards making the term "diesel performance" a household name. While it might seem to be an oxymoron to some, seeing it at the Detroit Auto Show, we can tell you that if it reaches production, everyone will be a believer. While officially just a concept for now (and the interior is a dead giveaway this isn't production-ready), the two-door roadster sports a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four mounted amidships. It puts out 180 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and pushes just 2,600 pounds via a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Expect a 0-60 of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 140, all while returning about 35 mpg on the European cycle and upwards of 62 mpg in "Eco" mode.

The BlueSport might look a lot like an Audi TT with a Scirocco nose, but unlike its corporate sibling, the mid-engine layout provides a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. It's also a tidy package at just over 13 feet in length, with a 96-inch wheelbase, a front track of 58.5 inches and a rear track of 60 inches. So it's about the same size as the TT, but in reverse. In person it seems much smaller than the Audi and reminds us of the Porsche Boxster more than anything, which isn't a bad thing. Stylist Walter da Silva explained his design inspiration in great detail for the assembled masses, unfortunately he did it in Italian, without subtitles, so we have no idea what he said. We did understand what Volkswagen Chairman Martin Winterkorn said, and that was that VW is officially committed to growth with cars that will continue to offer maximum excitement with minimum consumption, and the BlueSport is a perfect example of that philosophy. We say build it and bring it, ASAP. Hit the jump for all the details in the pres release.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept