Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Takuma Sato gatecrashes <i>Autocar</i>'s party]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/takuma-sato-gatecrashes-autocars-party/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/takuma-sato-gatecrashes-autocars-party/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/takuma-sato-gatecrashes-autocars-party/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Steve Sutcliffe was wrapping up Autocar's annual 0-100-0 test when a well spoken Japanese gentleman wandered over and started checking out the cars. Now what would you do if you had a car park full of supercars, a private track rented for the day and a Formula 1 driver hove in to view?

Give him the keys then grab a video camera? Evidently Steve thinks the same way. Rather than let Taku embarrass Steve's 0-100-0 times "because he's small and lighter" (yes Steve, we're sure that's the only reason he'd be quicker...) Autocar let him off the leash on the full track. Click through to see what Taku, who drives a classic Mini Cooper in the UK and a Honda Beat when in Japan, got up to in his first few minutes in a real supercar -- and why he got red flagged all too early.

Taku, who lost his F1 drive when Super Aguri folded earlier this year, has an official test with Scuderia Toro Rosso on September 18th. On the basis of this video alone, it's a fair bet that Red Bull will finally have a popular spokesperson for the Japanese market next year.

 

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]]>aston martinAstonMartinautocarlamborghiniporschetakuma satoTakumaSatovideo2008-09-05T07:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Dunhill creates luggage for Bentley's lords and ladies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/dunhill-creates-luggage-for-bentleys-lords-and-ladies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/dunhill-creates-luggage-for-bentleys-lords-and-ladies/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/dunhill-creates-luggage-for-bentleys-lords-and-ladies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Bentley luggage collection by Dunhill

Dunhill, the English leather goods maker, has worked with then Bentley Design Team to create a five-piece luggage set. Huzzah! Not only does the fluting on the bags echo the fluting on your Arnage's seats, but the luggage trim is done in knurled aluminum. The entire set consists of a briefcase, large and small suitcases, a washbag, and a weekend bag. You can expect to pay £4,300, before options. But then, if you're an Arnage owner, you're probably more concerned with finding out if you can get leather to match your seats. Check out the gallery below for more photos.

Gallery: Dunhill Luggage for Bentley


[Source: Sybarites]

 

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]]>accessoriesbentleybentley accessoriesbentley collectionbentley luggageBentleyAccessoriesBentleyCollectionBentleyLuggagedunhilldunhill luggageDunhillLuggageluggagetraveltravel accessoriesTravelAccessories2008-09-04T16:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Top Gear terrorizes London with tank to kick off live tour]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/top-gear-terrorizes-london-with-tank-to-kick-off-live-tour/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/top-gear-terrorizes-london-with-tank-to-kick-off-live-tour/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/top-gear-terrorizes-london-with-tank-to-kick-off-live-tour/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Top Gear's tank

You may remember our report from a few months back about Top Gear developing a live arena show for the U.S. We still don't know if that's going to happen, but Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are taking the Top Gear show on the road for a number of live events beginning at London's Earls Court from October 20th through November 2nd. The trio announced their new tour in the most Top Gear of ways, by driving a tank sporting Top Gear livery across London's Tower Bridge while being trailed by a Ferrari F430 and Aston Martin DBS with luggage strapped to their roofs.

The Top Gear triumvirate will reportedly "unleash automotive mayhem, take on crazy challenges, preside over breathtaking stunts and engage in hilarious motoring tomfoolery" during each 75-minute show, of which there will 10 separate performance at both Earls Court and Birmingham's NEC in the U.K. Tickets will cost £38 ($67 USD) for a Silver seat, £56 ($100 USD) for Gold and £105 ($188 USD) for a Platinum spot, which we presume means you'll be close enough to wipe Clarkson's spit off your face.

The press release after the jump, however, notes that the tank stunt kicks off the UK and world tour for the Top Gear live show, so perhaps arena shows in the U.S. and elsewhere are still in the cards. For now, however, Jezza, Hamster and Captain Slow will be busy enough trying to get through 20 separate live performances in just eight days at these two venues.

You can check out a video of the Top Gear tank stunt here, and read the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Top Gear terrorizes London in tank

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]]>top geartop gear livetop gear tanktop-geartop-gear-livetop-gear-tankTopGearTopGearLiveTopGearTank2008-09-02T10:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/01/lotus-broadens-production-market-for-jim-clark-elise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click for updated gallery of the Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC

Lotus has a dedicated following around the world, and many of them were undoubtedly disappointed that the first special edition of the new supercharged Elise was limited to just 25 examples, all of which were sold within the UK and Ireland. Although Lotus enthusiasts in the U.S. will surely remain disappointed, a handful of those in Europe will get another lucky chance at limited edition Elise ownership with Lotus' announcement that it will produce an additional run of 25 examples of the Clark Type-25 Elise SC for sale on the continent.

The special edition is named for legendary Scottish racing driver Jim Clark and features an array of special retro touches, including a British racing green paint job with a broad yellow stripe and white circle on the door. It's based on the 218 hp blown Elise SC, which remains mechanically unchanged. An additional 25 examples of the special Lotus are available now in Europe for €44,100 before local taxes, which translates to about €54k in Germany, France and Italy.

Follow the jump for the full press release, and click on the thumbnails to view our updated gallery of images of the special edition Elise.

Gallery: Lotus Clark Type-25 Elise SC Special Edition

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus broadens production, market for Jim Clark Elise

 

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]]>clarkeliseelise superchargedEliseSuperchargedjim clarkjim clark lotusJimClarkJimClarkLotuslotuslotus clark type-25 elise sclotus eliselotus elise scLotusClarkType-25EliseScLotusEliseLotusEliseSc2008-09-01T11:03:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ultimate rally car collection hits the block]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/31/ultimate-rally-car-collection-hits-the-block/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/31/ultimate-rally-car-collection-hits-the-block/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/31/ultimate-rally-car-collection-hits-the-block/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of David Sutton's rally car collection

In the eighties, the late David Sutton owned the company that prepared rally cars for Audi UK. It turns out he was collecting cars at the same time as he was preparing them, and putting them in his Historic Motors Ltd museum. The assortment includes seven Audis, some of which are Group B monsters, as well as an RS200 Cosworth, a couple of Lancias, a 1944 Volvo, and even a Skoda. Now the lot's being sold, 22 cars in all, through Morris & Welford. It's the kind of collection that, even if you had the time, money, and connections, would probably take you years to assemble individually. But you can have it all, right now... if you have what is likely to be an enormous sum of cash. Check out the other items on offer in the gallery below.

Gallery: David Sutton's Rally Collection


[Source: Motive Magazine]

 

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]]>david suttonDavidSuttongroup bGroupBhistoric carshistoric motorshistoric motors ltdHistoricCarsHistoricMotorsHistoricMotorsLtdmotorsportsrally carrally carsRallyCarRallyCars2008-08-31T12:09:00+00:00<![CDATA[Alchemist: the company that turns cars gold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/alechemist-the-company-that-turns-cars-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/alechemist-the-company-that-turns-cars-gold/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/alechemist-the-company-that-turns-cars-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more gruesome shots of gold-plated exotics

Do you ever wonder what company actually does the 24-carat gold plating jobs on those gilded exotic and luxury cars that surface on the web from time to time? Perhaps you're looking for someone to do the same to your Camry? Alchemist is the appropriately named company behind these works, and its specialty is gold plating just the roof panel, though it will to dip the entire car in gold for the right price. The company is based in London, England and headed by a Frenchman named Jacques Blanc, who will soon be taking a perfectly good Aston Martin DBS and gilding the entire thing with 24-carat gold and platinum-leaf at the upcoming MPH Show in London.

Gallery: Alchemist: Gold Plated Roofs


[Source: Alchemist]

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]]>alchemistalchemistsalchemygoldgold platedgold plated cargold plated roofgold-platedgold-plated roofGold-platedRoofGoldPlatedGoldPlatedCarGoldPlatedRoof2008-08-26T12:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[20-mile-long convoy of Subarus to celebrate life of Colin McRae]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/24/20-mile-long-convoy-of-subarus-to-celebrate-life-of-colin-mcrae/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

McRae parade The picture at right was taken a just a day after the rally legend was killed in a tragic helicopter crash near his home in Lanarkshire. Without prompting, rally fans from across the UK drove to Scotland to hold a memorial in the McRaes' hometown, which quickly filled up with Subarus, most of them WR blue.

One year on, they've gotten organized. Next Saturday, August 30, Colin's dad, Jimmy, will drive his son's famous 555 Impreza out of Lanark and head for Prodrive's factory in Banbury, southern England. By the time he reaches Birmingham he will have 700 Subarus in his mirrors forming an all-wheel-drive parade that's expected to stretch over 10 miles. Then, on Sunday the 31st, another 600 scoobies are set to join the tailback as it heads to Prodrive's test track in Warwickshire. Yep, that's 1,300 cars in a 20 -plus-mile snake, powered by 5,200 horizontally opposed cylinders.

Although official entry to the event is now closed, organizers expect even more Subarus to show up on the day. Details of the route can be found at http://www.mcrae-gathering.co.uk/

 

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]]>2008-08-24T17:44:00+00:00<![CDATA[Project Kahn and Lotus team up on 60th anniversary Elise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/project-kahn-and-lotus-team-up-on-60th-anniversary-elise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Lotus Elise by Kahn.

Special edition Elises are becoming a dime-a-dozen, but Lotus decided Kahn Design should be tasked with creating its own bespoke version of the Elise to celebrate the automaker's 60th anniversary.

Kahn, primarily known for its body-kit-equipped Astons, Benzes, Landies and Rollers, has taken the standard Elise and given it an aesthetic once-over in an attempt to justify it's yet-to-be-disclosed price tag. The enhancements include a new front splitter, side skirts and rear wing, along with silver mesh fitted to the side air intakes and rear clam. The seats have replaced with thicker, leather thones and the Kahn logo has been embossed on the headrests, center console and steering wheel. In keeping with Kahn tradition, performance modifications are limited to 19-inch wheels, a new suspension and a sports exhaust.

The Kahn Elise will officially debut next month, with sales beginning later this year through the UK's Dream Machines Lotus dealership.

Gallery: Kahn Lotus Elise


[Source: Autoblog.nl]

 

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]]>elisekahnlotuslotus kahnlotus kahn eliseLotusKahnLotusKahnElise2008-08-22T14:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster to appear on Top Gear?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/tesla-roadster-to-appear-on-top-gear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson has had nothing but bad luck when it comes to testing electric cars. Maybe the problem is that he's never gotten his hands on the right one. Reports are coming in from across the pond that the popular television series has recently procured a Tesla Roadster for Mr. Clarkson to wedge his rather large and surly self into. We have a feeling that Jeremy will like this car -- its performance, after all, rivals that of many gas-powered cars we consider super. Plus, it has British roots, and anybody who has ever watched the show knows that this fact earns brownie points from the three-man crew.

When will the test take place? That's a good question. Our compatriots over at AutoblogGreen have contacted Daryl Siry, head PR man at the Silicon Valley EV company, who told us that no specific date has been set. He did assure us, however, that a test will definitely take place. When it does, we sure hope that it goes better than the last electric vehicle test. Seriously, it could hardly go worse.

Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster


[Source: The Independent via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>jeremy clarksonJeremyClarksontop geartop gear teslaTopGearTopGearTesla2008-08-22T12:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Trident diesel sports car not vaporware, still sounds too good to be true]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/trident-diesel-sports-car-not-vaporware-still-sounds-too-good-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more images of the Trident Iceni

If the name 'Trident' has visions of Maseratis and vintage Triumphs dancing through your head, you are in for a big surprise. When we first looked at the Trident Iceni, it was powered by a 375-hp GM turbo diesel V8 mounted up front and producing 520 lb-ft of torque. After a year or two of development, it's even better according to its makers, with the latest version of the venerable Duramax diesel tweaked to offer 550 horsepower at 3,800 rpm along with an arm-wrenching 950 lb-ft at just 1,800 rpm. Trident claims the Duramax can slingshot the Iceni to 60 mph in well under four seconds and on up to a top speed easily surpassing 200 miles per hour. According to the British company, its modified GM/Isuzu engine is capable of running on any blend of biodiesel without voiding the warranty and returns 68.9 miles per gallon (or 57 mpg in U.S. gallons) at a steady 70 miles per hour. Is this the guilt-free supercar for the eco-conscious speed freak?

With an elaborate chassis folded from stainless steel and a composite body, the Iceni will not rot away. The rear-mounted 8-speed automatic transmission also allows for wide gearing, which is fortunate since the diesel engine isn't going to be a revver. The company is currently looking for funding and hopes to offer the Iceni for about £75,000 out the door. So far, Trident has mentioned no plans to send its wares across the pond to the U.S. Pity us poor Americans.

Gallery: Trident Iceni


[Source: Trident Performance Vehicles]

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]]>biodieselbiodiesel supercarBiodieselSupercardiesel supercarDieselSupercartrident icenitrident performance vehiclesTridentIceniTridentPerformanceVehicles2008-08-20T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Clarkson and BBC team up to take <i>Top Gear</i> global]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/clarkson-and-bbc-team-up-to-take-i-top-gear-i-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/clarkson-and-bbc-team-up-to-take-i-top-gear-i-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/clarkson-and-bbc-team-up-to-take-i-top-gear-i-global/#commentsFiled under: ,

A new business deal signed between the BBC on the one hand and Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson and producer Andy Wilman on the other could see the vast expansion of the Top Gear brand worldwide. The deal involves BBC Worldwide, the international commercial arm of the government-owned television network, taking a majority stake in Badder 6. The latter is a company set up by Clarkson and Wilman two years ago for reasons unknown, but will now act to channel all revenues from the Top Gear brand back to the BBC, Clarkson and Wilman.

The deal is seen as a necessity to keep Clarkson happy so he'll remain on the show amidst offers from competing networks and producers for the world's most famous automotive journalist. Badder 6, which now includes three top-level BBC Worldwide executives, will be responsible for managing the marketing of Top Gear around the world, including the magazine, the original British television program, the new program for the United States undertaken by NBC, an additional new series for Australia, and all related merchandising opportunities. Now reaping the rewards for his efforts, Clarkson will act in a direct capacity as the figurehead for the Top Gear brand around the world. Although the deal did not involve his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, the pair are reported to have secured more lucrative deals themselves in light of Clarkson's new arrangement.

[Source: The Guardian via Inside Line]

 

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]]>andy wilmanAndyWilmanbadder 6Badder6bbcbbc worldbbc worldwideBbcWorldBbcWorldwideclarksonjeremy clarksonJeremyClarksontop gearTopGearwilman2008-08-14T08:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lotus develops Concept Ice Vehicle for Antarctic expedition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/lotus-develops-concept-ice-vehicle-for-antarctic-expedition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/lotus-develops-concept-ice-vehicle-for-antarctic-expedition/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/lotus-develops-concept-ice-vehicle-for-antarctic-expedition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Lotus Concept Ice Vehicle

We can forget all about the price of gas when we get news like this. Sure, we'll probably never ride in the Concept Ice Vehicle (CIV), but just knowing that folks at Lotus are working on things like this while we sleep... well, it's like finding out that there is a Santa Claus.

The CIV was developed to aid research for the Moon Regan TransAntarctic Expedition. The biofuel powered, propeller-driven trike on skids is 4.5 meters long and 4.5 meters wide with an independent suspension all around. It also has an ice penetrating radar to detect crevasses and is light enough for a man to pull it across difficult terrain, which basically makes it an Elise for explorers. It also appears to have a spiked "foot" under the cockpit, perhaps for stopping on icy terrain.

The CIV will lead the way for two other, heavier support vehicles as the explorers make their way from one Antarctic coast to the other. If you think the CIV is cool, have a look at the Econoline van, each with six independently-driven 44" tires. These monster vehicles were engineered by those kooky folks in, where else, Iceland. Check out the gallery of CIV photos below, and follow the jump for two videos of the slickest sled on snow.

Gallery: Lotus Concept Ice Vehicle


[Source: Zercustoms]

Continue reading Lotus develops Concept Ice Vehicle for Antarctic expedition

 

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]]>antarcticcivconceptconcept ice vehicleconcept vehicleConceptIceVehicleConceptVehiclelotuslotus concept ice vehicleLotusConceptIceVehiclemoon reganmoon regan transantarctic expeditionMoonReganMoonReganTransantarcticExpedition2008-08-13T12:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[London congestion charge has failed to solve congestion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/london-congestion-charge-has-failed-to-solve-congestion/#commentsFiled under: ,

London Congestion Charge: FAIL. According to the most recent reports, traffic in London is exactly as bad today as it was before the C-Charge was ever initiated. London motorists have made their opinion about the system clear in recently voting out ex-Mayor Ken Livingstone, a man who championed the charges and had plans to increase their dollar amount and expand their coverage. The new mayor, Boris "Fast Lane" Johnson, says, "I have always thought that the Congestion Charge is a blunt instrument." Blunt and ineffective, it would seem. While the number of cars within the city limits have gone down, other factors have crept up like an increase in bike and pedestrian traffic that keeps motorists crawling.

There is one thing that the London Congestion Charge was good at: making money. Last year alone, the C-Charges racked up some £268 million (a whopping $536 million) in charges. While it may be hard to see that income go away, the fact is that it still takes Londoners an average of 2.3 minutes per kilometer to drive through the city, so expect to see some major modifications to the system in the coming months.

[Source: Reuters via Motor Authority]

 

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]]>boris johnsonBorisJohnsonc-chargeken livingstoneKenLivingstonelondonlondon congestionlondon congestion chargelondon trafficLondonCongestionLondonCongestionChargeLondonTraffic2008-08-08T14:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[First Ride: Trekking Fiat 500 makes SoCal stop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/first-ride-trekking-fiat-500-makes-socal-stop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/first-ride-trekking-fiat-500-makes-socal-stop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/first-ride-trekking-fiat-500-makes-socal-stop/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image for high-res gallery of pics of the first Fiat 500 in the States

Jim Magill's little Fiat 500 made a stop in SoCal this weekend and we were among the lucky few who got some seat time in it. As we recently blogged, Jim shipped his microcar to the States all the way from Belfast, Northern Ireland to help raise some cash for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, and to meet with some fellow Fiat tifosi along the way. As part of the plan the Cinquecento is being driven to some high profile events to show it off and help spread the word about his cause. In the OC this past Saturday morning, the car attracted a ton of attention at a weekly car show, even sitting in the shadow of a few Zagato-bodied Lancias and Alfas. While the nearby Isettas made it seem positively huge, the tiny Fiat was still appreciated for its frugality and miniscule footprint. After the show we went for a spin and stopped to take a few pics of the car next to a handy Smart ForTwo. Follow the jump to see what we thought of it.

Gallery: First Impression: Fiat 500


Gallery: Fiat 500 across America

Continue reading First Ride: Trekking Fiat 500 makes SoCal stop

 

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]]>featuredfiat 500fiat cinquecentoFiat500fiatcinquecentojim magillJimMagill2008-08-04T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford working to prevent catalytic converter theft]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/ford-working-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/ford-working-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/02/ford-working-to-prevent-catalytic-converter-theft/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There's a container of precious metals dangling from the bottom of your car: your catalytic converter. They contain platinum, and its rising cost has caused a recent spike in converter theft, especially in the U.K. Not only does a missing cat let more pollution into the air, it also disables operation of the car in some cases. In an effort to combat this growing problem, Ford has partnered with Retainagroup to place individual serial numbers on converters. These IDs are intended to give law enforcement the ability to track down and prove whether individual converters were stolen or not. Want one? Visit your local U.K. Ford dealer with £11.87 in hand and you're all set.

[Source: Automotive Business Review]

Continue reading Ford working to prevent catalytic converter theft

 

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]]>catalytic convertercatalytic converter theftcatalytic converterscatalytic convertor ...catalytic-converterCatalyticConverterCatalyticConvertersCatalyticConverterTheftCatalyticConvertor...platinumplatinum theftPlatinumTheftretainagroup2008-08-02T15:23:00+00:00<![CDATA[Drive the Lotus Evora... virtually... in the UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/drive-the-lotus-evora-virtually-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/drive-the-lotus-evora-virtually-in-the-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/drive-the-lotus-evora-virtually-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Lotus Evora, which you can't drive on real streets yet, has already been driven in GT5. Attendees at the British Motor Show got a chance to put Lotus' latest over the kerbs, thanks to a tie-in between the folks at Hethel and those at game developer Polyphony. If you didn't attend the show, fear not: you can be pretty sure there'll be a version of it in an upcoming batch of downloadable content for GT5 Prologue.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue


[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>evoragran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5gt5lotuslotus evoraLotusEvoraplaystationplaystation 3playstation3polyphonypolyphony digitalpolyphony-digitalPolyphonyDigitalvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGamevideogames2008-08-01T08:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Not again! Schumi involved in another accident]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/not-again-schumi-involved-in-another-accident/#commentsFiled under:

We all know that Formula One pilots drive their cars to the very edge of their limits. What separates the godlike from the rest of the field of extremely talented drivers, however, is how close they can get to the edge without going over it. Go too far and you crash. Don't go far enough and lose. Michael Schumacher certainly falls into that rare category - tops it, even - of the exceedingly talented and accomplished, but lately, we've begun to wonder if the unprecedented seven-time world champion hasn't lost it.

Following the rumors from just a couple of days ago that Schumacher had totaled a Ferrari 430 Scuderia prototype on the Nurburgring (turns out it could have been another test driver) comes word that Shumi was involved in a traffic collision on public roads in England. A car dealer in Kent, England, reports to have been hit by a Fiat van, only to discover that it was the champion himself driving. Sound incredible? Both local police and Schumacher's spokesperson confirmed it was him. Michael reportedly cooperated with police who turned up at the scene, handed over his insurance information and was then picked up and disappeared. Thanks for the tip, AV!

[Source: BBC News, Image: Bongarts/Getty]

 

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]]>schumacherschumacher accidentschumacher crashschumacher crash fiat van englandSchumacherAccidentSchumacherCrashSchumacherCrashFiatVanEngland2008-07-31T11:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Lock, Stock und Barrel: ze Germans acquire Super Aguri]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/lock-stock-und-barrel-ze-germans-acquire-super-aguri/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/lock-stock-und-barrel-ze-germans-acquire-super-aguri/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/lock-stock-und-barrel-ze-germans-acquire-super-aguri/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click to view images of Super Aguri's assets

It was a nice idea that Aguri Suzuki had, to start a new F1 team from scratch. Unfortunately, his dreams didn't last long, resulting in the grassroots team closing up shop and its assets put up for auction. Those assets were bought up by Formtech GmbH, a German tooling and construction company.

Formtech intends to use the team's former Leafield, England, headquarters as its new base for UK operations, where it will use Super Aguri's autoclaves and other equipment to design and manufacture composite materials. Formtech also intends to employ some of Aguri's now-unemployed technicians. But what of the actual race cars and fleet of transporters? Formtech bought those too, and is looking for another buyer. So if you're interested in a new Formula One car and a big truck in which to haul it around, better give them a ring.

Gallery: Super Aguri


[Source: F1-Live]

 

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]]>formtechformtech aguriFormtechAgurisuper agurisuper aguri assetssuper aguri auctionSuperAguriSuperAguriAssetsSuperAguriAuction2008-07-31T09:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Max Mosley launches more lawsuits against newspapers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/max-mosley-launches-more-lawsuits-against-newspapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/max-mosley-launches-more-lawsuits-against-newspapers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/max-mosley-launches-more-lawsuits-against-newspapers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Unwilling to recognize when genug is enough, Max Mosley is forging ahead with more lawsuits. After being awarded a £60,000 judgment (plus an additional estimated £1 million in expenses) against News of the World, the tabloid that broke the story of the FIA president's alleged sexual activities, Mosley is now launching a second lawsuit against the publishers. Whereas the previous lawsuit was on the grounds of invasion of privacy, the second action is for libel.

In addition to the follow-up suit against News of the World, Mosley will also be pursuing compensatory damages from German newspaper Bild, which Mosley claims repeated the story unchecked. The suit against Bild petitions for one million euros, plus an addition half-million from its online edition. The prostitute, known only as Woman E, who originally claimed the episode had a Nazi theme, has since recanted and revised her statement to the exclusion of any such connection.

[Source: Autosport, Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty]

 

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]]>bildlawsuitlegalmax mosleyMaxMosleymosley lawsuitmosley lawsuit bildMosleyLawsuitMosleyLawsuitBildnews of the worldNewsOfTheWorldwoman eWomanE2008-07-29T18:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-2008-mastretta-mxt-will-be-mexicos-first-homegrown-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-2008-mastretta-mxt-will-be-mexicos-first-homegrown-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/25/london-2008-mastretta-mxt-will-be-mexicos-first-homegrown-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res shots of the Mastretta MXT

It may have taken Mexico a while to produce its first car, but at least when it finally took place, it did so with style. When we originally heard of the Mastretta MXT, it was said to be powered by a stock Ford Duratec four-banger. Fortunately, the production machine will be blessed with a much more impressive version of the 2.0L mill, one tuned by the maestros at Cosworth, who have also bestowed the block with a turbocharger. Claimed output is 240 horses, which is plenty to move the MXT along at an impressive clip due to its light weight of just 900 kilograms -- just a bit shy of a ton. The run to sixty is dispatched in under five seconds and top speed is up around a buck-fifty.

The car will be available beginning next May in the U.K., with other European destinations to follow. Fitting, as the car, with its chassis a blend of aluminum bonded with composites and its body of fiberglass, will be compared most directly with Britain's own Lotus Elise and Exige.

Gallery: Mastretta MXT


[Source: Mastretta]

Continue reading London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car

 

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]]>british motor showBritishMotorShowlondon motor showLondonMotorShowmastrettamastretta mxtMastrettaMxt2008-07-25T10:29:00+00:00