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Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus

After attending the second event of the 2008 Lotus Challenge Series last May, we were convinced the up-start had potential. Lotus Cars USA seems to agree and has become the title sponsor for the 2009 season.

In its inaugural year, the series stuck to California for six of its events, along with two races at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. For 2009, the campaign is expanding to ten events in the western US, including stints at Laguna Seca and Infineon, with four more events planned in Texas.

The series - part track day and part time-attack - brings together Lotus enthusiasts of all stripes, divides the field according to experience level and vehicle model/modifications, and sets them loose for a weekend of down-and-dirty track action. You can get all the details, along with the 2009 schedule, in the press release after the break, and check out the Lotus Challenge website to sign up for any of the 2009 events.

Continue reading Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series

Lotus becomes title sponsor of Lotus Challenge Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Ford

Drag racers, circle-track engine builders, street rodders and anybody else looking for an engine block capable of pumping out 600-plus horsepower have a new option: Ford Racing's new Boss 351 engine block. As befitting a powerplant from the Blue Oval, this new block will be able to accommodate a range of classic displacements from 351 to 427 to 460 cubic inches.

Based on the architecture of the popular Windsor 351 but blessed with the more robust 2.75-inch main bearings of the old Cleveland block, Ford designed the new Boss 351 block with strength in mind through 4-bolt main caps, screw-in freeze plugs, splayed main bolts, siamese bores with engineered coolant cross-drilling, front cross-over lifter oiling, and diesel-grade iron with 41,000 psi tensile strength.

Unlike many engine blocks designed solely for racing, the new Boss 351 features a street-capable cooling design and is therefore just as suitable for vehicles intended for cruise night at the local hangout as it is for the drag strip. Its $1,999 suggested retail price isn't going to break the bank, either. Full press release after the jump.




[Source: Ford Racing]
Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Ford Racing introduces new Boss 351 engine block

Ford Racing introduces new Boss 351 engine block originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM

The U.S. House of Representatives voted late Wednesday to pass the Auto Rescue/Bailout Bill by a vote of 237 to 170. The contents of the bill came from concessions made by Congressional Democrats to White House demand, which include $14 billion in government loans, $1 billion less than was previously discussed, and the creation of a "Car Czar" appointed by the president to oversee the automakers' progress. It is widely recognized that the bill is a stop-gap measure meant to float General Motors and Chrysler through the end of March. This would give them time to renegotiate with its creditors, the UAW and other companies. If all goes well, the status of GM and Chrysler will be reviewed around March 31st to determine if further federal assistance is required, which it likely would be unless the economy magically recovers and people start buying new vehicles again in larger numbers.

Continue reading House passes Auto Rescue/Bailout Bill, still faces heavy Senate opposition

House passes Auto Rescue/Bailout Bill, still faces heavy Senate opposition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Earnings/Financials

Nekkei index plumments, GM retains the services of bankruptcy advisors



Late Thursday evening, the U.S. automaker bailout bill failed to pass through the Senate. The legislation is dead and there are no plans for another bill to go through the process until the end of the year. To quote Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, this will be "a very, very bad Christmas" for many Americans.

Over the past day, Senators have tried to resolve the House-approved bill so it could pass Senate Republican muster, but reports suggest that the UAW was unwilling to accept GOP demands that workers agree to parity in pay and benefits.

News of the failed bill has already spread to markets across the Pacific, with the Nikkei index nose-diving over 6%. Things on this side of the world are bound to be worse when trading on the New York Stock Exchange begins tomorrow.

According to reports, General Motors has got bankruptcy and restructuring advisors on speed-dial in preparation for the bad news and Chrysler has already retained CH11 counsel.

Countless economists and industry analysts are warning that if any one of the Detroit 3 goes under, it will spell disaster for an economy already suffering in a recession. Video of the vote is embedded after the jump. More to follow tomorrow.

[Sources: Reuters, Detroit News, Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Repercussions of failed automaker bailout spreading quickly

Repercussions of failed automaker bailout spreading quickly originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Mercedes-Benz

The current Mercedes S-Class is getting the nip/tuck treatment, and when the newer, younger looking car arrives in mid-2009 -- as a 2010 model -- it will come with an Audi-esque band of LED daytime running lights below the headlamps, and a Porsche-esque band of LEDs in the lower front fascia. Out back, the rear lamps get a much slicker treatment in basic red and white. And for the interior, SPLITVIEW will make it's split-personality entrance so that passengers can watch movies without being disturbed by all that driving going on in the next seat. Thanks for the tip, Jordan!

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercedes S-Class originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUVs, China, Etc., Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Humor

It may be viral, but it's too hilarious not to post. We just came across a YouTube video in which a Chinese woman, who the internet has lovingly dubbed "Shanghai Lady", finds her beloved Chevrolet Captiva held captive by a tow truck driver. The South Korean-made CUV is on the hook, tail held high with its front wheels planted, when the lady confronts the tow truck operator. After a short spat she decides she's had enough, gets into her vehicle and starts it up. The tow truck driver gives the rear wheel of the Captiva an angry kick, but that doesn't stop her. She puts it in gear and proceeds to drive off, tow truck in tow. Like any great comedy, the driver is left to chase his truck on foot. It's good for a nice chuckle before you sign off for the night and expresses what a lot of us hope we might have the intestinal fortitude to do if caught in this same situation. Follow the jump to see the clip.

[Source: Automobiles De Luxe]

Continue reading VIDEO: Unhappy Shanghai lady tows the tow truck

VIDEO: Unhappy Shanghai lady tows the tow truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: I.C.E., Suzuki, Motorcycles

We've been enamored with the idea of stuffing a Suzuki Hayabusa-derived V8 engine into an appropriately light and sporty four-wheeled conveyance since we first learned of such a powerplant's existence last Spring. The task of creating a 'Zuki-powered sled is set to become significantly easier now that Hartley Engineering has managed to rework the 'Busa block a bit. An entirely new crankcase has been designed and hewn from a huge chunk of 6061 T6 aluminum. It may not be a V8, but this new inline-four engine, known as the H2, is a diminutive powerhouse that can bolt right up to a standard automotive transmission. Why is this a big deal? Motorcycle gearboxes generally don't have a dedicated reverse gear and usually output their high-revving power via a chain. Now, the prospect of a 140-pound engine with over 200 horses powering something along the lines of a Super 7 has us salivating once again. Those with equally imaginative minds can now begin plotting their next projects, as the H2 is expected to be ready for purchase in early '09.

[Source: Hartley Enterprises via The Kneeslider]

Hartley reworks Hayabusa powerplant for easy use in autos originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal

Yesterday we showed you the Top Ten Most Stolen Vehicles in 2008 based on thefts per number of insured models. While many of you pointed out that these were, in fact, not the most stolen vehicles overall, most of you agreed that they weren't worth risking time in the clink over, either. Even the most stolen vehicles overall like the Honda Civic, Accord and Toyota Camry don't really seem worth the trouble unless you run a chop-shop. So what can you do to keep your daily commuter parked safe and sound in the driveway? Perhaps drive one of these.

Again using new data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute, we've assembled a new list of the Top Ten Least Stolen Vehicles in 2008. Not all of them are undesirable, some just have very good protective devices. Others are just so popular that their owners don't let them out of their sight. We make no promises about whether or not your particular car will be stolen, but we do know that the IIHS says these vehicles generate the fewest insurance-claim reports related to theft. As before, the figures are reported in number of claims filed for every 1,000 vehicles insured each year, and this most recent report covers vehicles made and sold between 2005 and 2007. So follow the banner to find out what the least stolen cars of 2008 are.

Top 10 Least Stolen Vehicles in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Misc. Auto Shows, Toys

Click above for gallery of high-res pics from the 5th Annual Motor4Toys event

Despite the recession, more than 3,000 cars again gathered from all over the Southwest to collect toys and money to help needy children have a shot at happiness this holiday season. This year's Motor4Toys event moved a few miles down the 101 to the Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield Campus in Woodland Hills allowing a little more elbow room for the thousands of people who showed. Guests who brought a toy donation were treated to one of the biggest and best car shows in the nation.

Along with a special gallery of supercars and Hollywood rides, whole rows were devoted to different makes so visitors could wander past a full line of Porsches, Ferraris, Corvettes, American Iron, Volkswagens, Lotuses, Cobras or just about anything else they might fancy. We saw at least four Carrera GTs, a couple of F40s, an SLR, Lusso, 275 GTB, Scuderia, 599 GTB, Ultima Can-Am, Mangusta, Jaguar XK140, Aston Martin DB2, and a whole lot more. And it seems a lot of people really like the matte black look. We saw the Rolls-Royce Phantom we recently told you about, along with a Porsche, Lotus, Gallardo and Vette done up all rat-rod like. Besides coming out to donate toys, the Southern California car clubs made this a typically great event by not only sharing their rides with the assembled crowd, but also by opening their pocketbooks to bid on a number of donated gifts in a combined online and live auction.

Last year's record of 15,000 toys seemed like a tough act to follow, especially considering the global economic crisis, but the mountains of toys we saw at the site seemed to say otherwise. This five-year-old event is still the number one contributor of toys to charity causes annually, and it's all done by car people. That makes it very near and dear to our hearts. Several law enforcement groups are involved in the proceedings as well, giving rides and vehicle demos as a thank you for all of the donations. It's a huge undertaking but everyone just does what they can to make it happen. Many of the supplies and all of the labor are donated, and it's never too late to do your part, too. If you'd like to donate to the cause, you can still do so through the Motor4Toys website. They should have more photos and videos up soon, but until then, check out our huge gallery of high-res pics by clicking any image.


All photos copyright (C)2008 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

5th Annual Motor4Toys event draws thousands for a great cause originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal

Drumroll please! The 2008 Top 10 most popular cars among car thieves are... The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute recently released their list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles for 2008, and trucks and SUVs are the biggest target. We wonder if this might reflect some people finding a nefarious way to dispose of their gas-guzzler and collect the insurance money. Hopefully that's not the case, but seriously, if you were a car thief, would you want a land yacht instead of a canyon carver?

For whatever reasons, the most targeted vehicles aren't necessarily the most drool-worthy ones on the road. Thieves tend to go after vehicles that easily blend in with traffic, can be sold for parts or are popular in foreign markets where they can be dumped quickly. Big vehicles also tend to spend more time parked in driveways or on the street rather than in garages, so they're more easily accessible by naydoers. The IIHS looks at insurance-claim reports to determine theft-frequency rates and compile the Most Stolen Vehicle list. The figures are reported in number of claims filed for every 1,000 vehicles insured each year, and this most recent report covers vehicles made and sold between 2005 and 2007.

Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Acura, Honda

The current economic climate has only just started to wreak havoc in the motorsports world, with last week's announcements that Honda is pulling out of F1 and Audi is leaving the American LeMans Series. Things are likely to get worse before they get better as other automakers, including those based in Detroit, will almost certainly cut racing programs and budgets.

What won't be affected - at least for now - are Honda's non-F1 endeavors, including its motorcycle programs, the Indy Racing League and the American Le Mans Series. The ALMS and IRL programs are both operated by Honda Performance Development out of Torrance, CA. Unlike the F1 program, the IRL engine program generates revenue from the teams that lease these engines. The Acura ALMS program will definitely continue in 2009 as the team moves up from the LMP2 to the LMP1 class. The big bummer is that Acura won't have any competition from the Audi R10, which is leaving the ALMS next year.


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: F1-Live]

Honda commits to remaining motorsport programs after F1 pull out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz

Just like no two snowflakes are exactly the same, every AMG engine is hand assembled and therefore unique. Enough with the aphoristic crap - Mercedes is using the coming winter snows as a way to whip up a clever widget that's fun to fiddle with as you help the brand market its wares. Take the idea of snowflakes, toss in a kaleidoscope and AMG-spec parts, blend it together with some Flash, and what do you have? Why, you've got this season's timewaster from Mercedes, and it's actually fun! We had a good time laying out all the elements to build a slick little snowflake out of Benz parts - try it for yourself, and when you're done, you can email the results to your friends. Thanks for the tip, web info!

[Source: Mercedes-amg.com]

AMG launches Snowflake Creator for happy holiday wishing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM

The House of Representatives and the Senate will discuss and likely vote on the Automaker Bailout Bill (we know, it's not technically a bailout, but rather loans that will be paid back) tomorrow, and the first discussion draft of the bill has hit the internet. The discussion bill is 31 pages long, and like you we're not about to spend our Monday evening reading through the whole thing. Thankfully, some real auto journalists over at The Detroit Free Press have done that for us.

They report that the bill contains provisions for a federal official, or "Car Czar" as the position will no doubt be referred to, who would oversee distribution of the funds and have authority to yank them back if an automaker is deemed to be using them ineffectively. The bill also requires automakers to submit another restructuring plan by March 31, 2009, after which the Car Czar could use his or her powers to reopen negotiations with the company, its creditors and the United Auto Workers union.

Part of the bill also stipulates that if the Detroit 3 accepts these loans, they must promise to stop pursuing litigation aimed at striking down California's right to set its own emissions standards and other states' right to adopt them. The California Air Resources Board has created emissions standards the are generally more strict than federal standards, and so far 17 states have chosen to adopt the Golden State's measures.

Detroit is backed into a corner, however, and will likely accept any conditions that Congress attaches to the bailout bill. With that in mind, Democratic leaders in Congress and the White House say that approval for the bill is likely, which would see around $15 billion in federal loans granted to the Detroit 3 as soon as December 15th.

[Source: CNN Money, The Detroit Free Press]

First draft of Automaker Bailout Bill is out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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