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Does car color correlate with personal confidence? Filed under: Etc. 
Click above to view gallery of more happy and confident cars
We've long suspected that the color of your car can tell others a lot about you, but the fact-finders at CNW Market Research have done extensive studies on the matter, and the results are a bit surprising. Many associate bright colors with confidence and perhaps even cockiness, but according to CNW's study, bright colors mean that you are likely to have below-average confidence. More sedate pigments like emerald green and dark blue reportedly point to a greater possibility of above average self-worth. Since the study was done over time, CNW was also able to gauge swings in emotion, and not surprisingly the more incognito paint-jobs were adorned by owners with more stable moods. Hot colors like orange, red, and yellow are consistent with wild mood swings.
Now, we know that just because you drive a screaming yellow car doesn't necessarily mean that you're ready for a shrink, but the study is interesting nonetheless. One thing we question is that there are a lot more colors that denote an unhappy person than there were colors for confident folks, and the percentages were definitely skewed towards an overall lack of confidence. Also keep in mind that CNW once determined through statistical analysis that the Hummer was greener than a Toyota Prius, so its results can be taken with a grain of salt. Hit the jump to view the car color chart, and let us know if you fit the bill. You can also check out some CARS with personality in our fun photoshop gallery below.
[Source: US News & World Report]Continue reading Does car color correlate with personal confidence? Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Cadillac CTS-V takes to the 'Ring, pummels into submission Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Cadillac, GM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Cadillac CTS-V at the 'Ring.
GM is pretty pleased with the Cadillac CTS-V's 7:59.32 run around the Nurburgring, and the crew on the ground had the foresight to strap a few video cameras to the supercharged sedan to capture every second of John Heinricy's sub-eight-minute lap. The General is quick to point out that no modifications were made to the CTS-V to aid in its domination of the Green Hell. The tires were stock and the only bits not available on the options list through Caddy are the fire-suppression system, harness bar and six-point seatbelt . While the additional equipment added a few more pounds, it's obvious that it didn't hinder performance. Hit the jump for proof.
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Rumormill: Volkswagen partnering with KTM on motorcycle? Filed under: Volkswagen, Motorcycles, Rumormill 
Shortly after the revelation that Volkswagen wished it hadn't passed up on the opportunity to purchase famed Italian bike maker Ducati, comes a word that the German automaker has plans for its own line of motorcycles. What we can say for sure is that the rumored bike isn't likely to look anything like the picture above, which nonetheless is an interesting mash-up of an Aprilia trellis frame along with bodywork from MV Agusta. At least the artist chose good stock from which to pilfer. KTM, more and more a serious manufacturer itself, is the likely source of bike-specific components and is rumored to be providing technical know-how to VW as a sort-of repayment for the help it received in designing the awesome X-Bow, which uses an Audi engine. KTM is known in the bike realm for producing excellent engines, so basing a possible VeeDub VeeTwin on existing Katoom architecture strikes us as a good idea. What also strikes us as a good idea is the reconsideration of the ill-fated GX3 three-wheeler, which was axed over fears of possible litigation. If VW were to sponsor a range of two-wheelers already, though, the GX3 would be a much safer bet for future production. Let us cross our collective fingers on this one.
[Source: Auto Express] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
James Garner recovering from mild stroke Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities  James Garner was hospitalized last week after suffering a mild stroke at his home. Garner's publicist told the AP that the 80-year-old actor is doing well and should be home soon. While Garner's acting career has produced a lengthy and diverse body of work, for a lot of us here at Autoblog, it's hard to think of Jim Garner and not think of Jim Rockford and his gold Firebird Esprit. We're sure there's also no shortage of readers who instantly associate him with his starring role in John Frankenheimer's Grand Prix, hailed by many as the greatest racing movie of all time. Garner was also very active in motorsports in real life, owning American International Racing from 1967-69. He has raced on and off-road, and was inducted to the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame because of his role in elevating the stature of that particular branch of motorsport in the late sixties and early seventies. He's also driven the Indy 500 pace car three times. So, regardless of whether you know him best as Maverick or Jim Rockford, remember also that James Garner's historically a car guy. We wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery.
[Source: AP via CNN, TV Squad] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Driving the Mazda Furai concept at Buttonwillow Filed under: Concept Cars, Videos, Mazda 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Furai
Of all the Nagare-themed concepts that Mazda has released over the past two years, one stands out. The Mazda Furai concept was unveiled this past January in Detroit and it walked away with our internal Best of Show award. Built around Mazda's two-year-old ALMS Courage C65 chassis and motivated by a 450-hp, three-rotor Wankel juiced by E100 Ethanol, the Furai was a concept that stood above the rest. Part of that was due to its stunning design, but mainly because it was also runner. And run it does. We've already seen video of the Furai testing at a track in Japan, and now we get to experience what its like inside during a few hot laps around the Buttonwillow circuit. Hit the jump to check it out, and make sure your speakers are turned up to 11, unless you're still at work.
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ASIMO succeeds in leading orchestra, does not fall down Filed under: Etc., Tech, Honda 
Click above to view video after the jump
While our blogging brethren over at Engadget are just relieved that Honda's ASIMO robot didn't attempt a global coup while conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra last night, we're more impressed it didn't fall over and crack its head open. (Seriously Honda, you don't think you're ever going to live that down, do you?) As we reported late last month, Honda's creepy little humanoid robot opened for Yo-Yo Ma in Detroit by conducting the DSO in a rousing rendition of "Impossible Dream". We're not sure what great advances in technology are demonstrated by having a robot conduct an orchestra, however, because we're pretty sure that an actual human conductor is just a glorified metronome. Check out some video of ASIMozart conducting after the break.
[Source: Engadget]Continue reading ASIMO succeeds in leading orchestra, does not fall down Permalink | Email this | Comments
AC Schnitzer takes on the MINI Clubman S Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Hatchbacks, MINI 
Click above for a high res gallery of the AC Schnitzer MINI Clubman S.
The MINI Clubman isn't what we'd call overly practical, or particularly pretty, but AC Schnitzer has done its best to address the biggie-sized MINI's faults. AC's interpretation of the Clubman S begins with an increase in output courtesy of a new sports exhaust that aids breathing and increases power to 226 hp and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. A "twin sports rear silencer" ensures that you won't be irritating the neighbors on your way to Macy's, and a choice of either a simple spring kit or a height-adjustable racing suspension gives the Clubman a more sporting stance while ensuring that things remain planted if you ever decide to tackle the twisties. AC Schnitzer is offering a choice of 17x7.5- or 18x7.5-inch wheels, a new hood with a bulging power dome and aluminum pedals to round out the appearance package, along with a limited slip differential to make sure that peg-leg burnouts are kept in check while darting from stop-light to stop-light. Hit the jump to read AC Schnitzer's flowery prose about its reworked Clubman S.
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Pics Aplenty: The new FPV range launches Down Under Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Trucks/Pickups, Ford, Australia, FPV 
Click above for high-res gallery of the FPV F6, more galleries after the jump
FPV's seemingly endless rollout of its new FG Falcon-based lineup has finally culminated in the actual launch of the cars (how novel), which we've already touched upon. To that end, we'll keep this brief and turn you loose on the multiple new photo galleries now available (check out the rest after the jump). The FPV range encompasses both Falcon sedan and Ute bodystyles, and power comes from either the turbocharged F6 inline-six or the 5.4L Boss 315 V8. The six delivers 415 horsepower and a tire-humbling 416 lb-ft of torque. The eight's no slouch either, pumping out 422 horses (315 kW, hence the engine's name) and 406 lb-ft. A Tremec TR6060 6-speed stick is available across the full range of cars.
Speaking of that, here's the rundown:
You can see galleries of everything below and after the jump. We'll take an F6 sedan in the lime green. In fact, we need one of those approximately yesterday.
[Source: FPV]Continue reading Pics Aplenty: The new FPV range launches Down Under Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Shots: Next Pagani Zonda packing big engine, bigger intakes Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars  Spies have caught a Pagani Zonda mule during a brief respite from testing and at first glance, not much has changed. The greenhouse looks similar to the current version, while the front end benefits from a revised splitter and a softening of the previous model's hard creases. While these changes are minimal at best, it's not until you scope out the massive air intakes above the rear fenders that you realize that big things are afoot. Those new inlets are rumored to feed a supercharged version of an AMG-sourced 5.4-liter V8 - the same 680-hp mill that powers the McLaren SLR. Partnered with Pagani's extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight components, there's little doubt that the new Zonda will crack the three-second mark to 60 and continue on to a top speed of well over 200 mph. No production dates are available yet, but expect the new model to debut sometime next year.
[Source: AutoExpress] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8 Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars, Audi 
Click above for a gallery of the V10 Audi R8.
We've been following the developments surrounding the V10-powered R8 for what seems like eons. But today, we received the most definitive proof yet; engine-bay shots and a video of a white prototype shot in Florida. According to members of AudiWorld, a few V10 mules have been handed out to current, and supposedly trustworthy, R8 owners for evaluation, sporting oval exhaust pipes and a revised fascia. While that's a rather unconventional move on Audi's part, it's proof that the automaker is getting ready to launch the new RS8 (or R10) in the near future.
Hit the jump to hear the V10-powered R8 stretching its legs.
[Source: AudiWorld via German Car Scene]Continue reading VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8 Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ford recalling 605,000 full-size trucks Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Ford, Lincoln 
Ford Motor Company is recalling a whole herd of trucks to see the team doctors over concerns about a hose in the braking system that could adversely effect the vehicles' braking power. According to the NHTSA, about 605,000 2005 and 2006 model year Ford F150 and Lincoln Mark LT trucks equipped with the 3-valve 5.4-liter V8 will receive a hose replacement free of charge. The problem hose supplies the brake booster with engine vacuum, and could swell over time and eventually become disconnected. While the hydraulic braking system will function without the power assist, pedal effort will be significantly increased, and if drivers are taken off-guard by the problem an accident could occur. Ford will start notifying owners in June, and the recall campaign will kick off in July. According to FoMoCo, there have been 11 minor accidents related to the issue. Check out more details from the NHTSA after the jump.
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
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Mazda1 city car coming to Paris Motor Show Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, Mazda 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mazda Taiki concept.
Mazda is finally going to employ the styling cues shown on its Taiki, Ryuga, Hakaze and Furai show cars with a supermini concept, due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show. The concept aims to slot in below the Mazda2 and may be the first production model to benefit from the Nagare design theme. Other models utilizing Laurens van der Acker's swooping and sculpted lines are expected to come to production in 2010, including the redesigned Mazda3.
Mazda also plans to unveil a small crossover concept at the Moscow Motor Show later this year, which will likely be based of the Ford Kuga and utilize the same Nagare DNA. This new CUV will be specifically designed for the Russian market, which Mazda maintains could overtake Germany as the largest market in Europe. But bringing this cute 'ute to the UK and the US is a possibility, as consumers continue to downsize their rides.
[Source: Autocar] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
CARB offering compromise on emissions regulations? Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal  After protests by California auto dealers, the head of California's Air Resources Board (CARB) said she is willing to discuss modifying one aspect of the state's stringent emission regulations. Mary Nichols, CARB Chairwoman, told reporters at an SAE Government/Industry meeting that she is open to "regional" standards for tailpipe emissions, rather than the current standards that create state-by-state standards.
As it stands now, automakers need to cut tailpipe emissions 30 percent by 2016, per regulations established by California in 2002. With 13 states adopting those same requirements and more in the process, a patchwork of regulations is emerging nationwide. Automakers, and auto dealers, have argued that such a trend could force some brands to stop selling vehicles altogether in places like California, because it's too cost prohibitive to build different versions of the same car to meet a multitude of standards. Some also speculate that consumers would just go buy larger vehicles in neighboring states with less stringent regulations. A regional approach to emission regulations might protect auto dealers from watching their business walking out of the state, but we're certain that the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers that represents most major carmakers in the U.S. will continue arguing for California's standards to be disregarded in favor of the more stringent national standards set forth in our nation's new energy bill.
[Source: Detroit News]
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Sparks fly: Fisker sues Tesla back Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Government/Legal, Green 
Click above for more Fisker-supplied spy shots of the Karma
Isn't it fitting that Fisker Automotive's upcoming series-hybrid sports sedan is named Karma?. After having commissioned Fisker to help design its second product, the Whitestar sedan, Tesla Motors sued Fisker claiming it stole trade secrets that were then used on the Karma. Following that lawsuit, Tesla was then sued by Magna, one of its former transmission suppliers, Tesla's suit against Fisker came several weeks after Tesla themselves were sued by Magna Powetrain who had been contracted to develop a new transmission for the Roadster and now Fisker is slapping the upstart electric car company with its own arbitration suit. That's karma for you, right there.
Fisker will attempt to first derail Tesla's original lawsuit by seeking to have it moved from San Mateo, CA to Orange County, after which it will then try to prove that Tesla is attempting to divert attention away from its delayed all-electric Roadster by suing Fisker. To that end, Henrik Fisker himself called the whole mess "ridiculous" and referred to Tesla's behaviour as "sour grapes". An arbitrator will likely determine whether he's right or not, but until then we lowly consumers must await ramped up production of the Tesla Roadster and the eventual arrival of the Fisker Karma. Thanks for the tip, Doug!
[Source: CNET News] Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: New Subaru ad does sexy Japan-style Filed under: SUVs, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, Subaru 
Click above to view video after the jump
Subaru of Canada has shown its twisted sense of humor with this new commercial for the Subaru Forester that plays off the whole "sexy babes washing a car" motif. Instead of busty blondes, however, the Japanese automaker supplants sumo wrestlers who thrown sponges at each other, squirt each other with the hose and get caught in slow-motion replays while flipping their hair back. If you're eating lunch right now, put the fork down and make sure you've swallowed your food before watching the commercial after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Shari!
[Source: YouTube]
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In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang Filed under: Garage, Sports/GTs, Ford, Driving 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 Shelby GT500 Mustang
Sometime around late 2003, I first saw the car that was at that time still known as Condor. Condor was the Ford internal code name for the SVT version of the yet to be publicly shown S197 Mustang. At that time, most everyone outside of Ford was still anticipating that this car would be the new Mustang Cobra. Somewhere along the line to launch, Ford had settled its long standing conflict with Carroll Shelby and Condor ended up wearing one of the other classic Mustang badges from the '60s. The Shelby GT500 eventually started rolling off the Flat Rock, MI assembly line in both coupe and convertible forms for the 2007 model year.
Ford recently dropped off a Grey 2008 GT500 coupe at the Autoblog Garage for a few days, and we just had to share. By coincidence, the GT500 arrived about three weeks after the Mustang Bullitt we reviewed. While the Bullitt was about as understated as a modern Mustang can get, the GT500 is anything but. The Shelby is slathered in stripes, badges, spoilers and driving lights. The GT500 also has a very different powertrain from the Bullitt. Find out how the GT500 compares to the stealth 'Stang after the jump.
Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang Permalink | Email this | Comments
Pics Aplenty: The Spada Codatronca is the rich man's Batmobile Filed under: Euro, Supercars .jpg)
Click above for new high-res gallery (24) of the Spada Codatronca
Bruce Wayne's loaded, so this really is a perfect fit. The Spada Codatronca made its formal debut at Top Marques in Monaco, which is appropriate since the principality's wealthy residents are the type of clientele SpadaVettureSport will surely be courting when the coachbuilt supercar goes into production. The first flavor to arrive will be the 600-horsepower TS, which will also be available with a flex-fuel mod that allows the car to run on E85. SVS notes that the car will comply with FIA GT1 regulations, too -- can you imagine how wicked a race-prepped version would look?
From the photos, the TS Codatronca looks to be exceedingly well turned-out, especially inside where specialty rides like this can quickly devolve into kit-cardom (see the cabin of the Weber "faster one" sports car for an example). SVS has partnered with a laundry list of big names like Alcantara, Sparco, Aznom, Pirelli, and O.Z. Racing, who will supply various parts for the stealthy-looking sports car. Hopefully, they have someone lined up to furnish these, too. You know... to talk to Commissioner Gordon.
[Source: SpadaVettureSport via Autoblog Spanish] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rendered Speculation: Nissan 370Z previewed in presentation Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupes, Nissan 
Click above to enlarge
We've seen details of the forthcoming Nissan 350Z replacement, dubbed the 370Z on account of a bump in displacement to 3.7 liters for its next-gen VQ V6 engine, and we also know that it will debut this November at the L.A. Auto Show. Nissan even revealed its own version of a quirky teaser shot showing the car's profile. A recent presentation held somewhere on this floating orb we call Earth, however, included a slide that pretty much removes the mystery surround the rear-wheel-drive coupe's new looks. Fortunately for us, someone at the presentation forgot to confiscate everyone's camera phone. So what we see is a new 370Z that very much retains the basic shape of the current car, but features softened creases, fenders flaired even more, a kinky C-pillar and a pair of headlights with an odd 'L' shape that first debuted on the 2009 Maxima. Along with the new shape, the new engine should offer buyers around 330 horsepower, as we doubt Nissan will want to make the less expensive 370Z more powerful than the more expensive 330-hp Infiniti G37.
[Source: Carscoop] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Long Beach K9 Officers Association Car Show Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Wagons/Estates, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Police/Emergency, Lifestyle 
Click above for more photos of classic cars and dogs
City of Long Beach police cruisers were movie stars in the original Gone in 60 Seconds film. The 1970's cult classic featured the black and white playing chase with a 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. These days, though, the officers use more efficient methods to capture muscle cars; they invite them over for a fundraising car show. Over the weekend, the Long Beach Police Academy held a classic car show to benefit the department's K9 Officers Association. A few dozen impeccable examples of automobile preservation took over the grounds of the Long Beach Police Officers Association Park. Not to be rude hosts, the organization even showed off an old Dodge Cornet and Model T police cruiser amongst the numerous Bel Airs, Mustangs and Vegas.
Browsing through the rows of vintage automobiles wasn't the only event incentive for us to attend. The Orange County German Shepherd rescue showed off dogs available for adoption and the K9 officers put on a training demonstration. As a new GSD owner, I could not resist the combination of sleek cars and furry wet noses. The dual purpose car show/charity event is always a relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Be sure and check out the event gallery in the link below.
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Novitec dials up the Fiat 500 Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Euro, Hatchbacks, FIAT 
Click above image for a gallery of the Novitec Fiat 500
Fiat's retrolicious 500 is designed to transport people with panache, if not punch. Novitec's specialty is both bringing the punchbowl to the party and then spiking it. Sure, the tuner tweaks the likes of Alfa and Ferrari, but the everyman isn't left out either, as evidenced by the new collection of mods it's now made available for the Fiat 500.
500 drivers can add a subtle front chin spoiler, new wheels and tires, and suspension updates to improve the car's already appealing looks. On the performance side, Novitec has come up with an exhaust upgrade and a pair of power packages. The 1.3L Multijet turbodiesel gets bumped from the stock 70 horses to a stouter 83, and the 1.4L gasoline engine gets an even more substantial boost. In standard form, it makes 100 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque. With Novitec's supercharger, it jumps to 131 horses at 5,200 rpm and 126 lb-ft of torque at 6,200 rpm.
Yes, these numbers are topped by the upcoming 500 Abarth (quite dramatically, in fact -- the Abarth makes 155 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm), and the factory hot hatch probably makes more sense for new shoppers looking to combine the 500's looks with better power the moment they drive away from the showroom. with the Novitec mods, however, early adopters who grabbed the huggable little hatchback as soon as it arrived now have some power options of their own, too.
[Source: Novitec] Permalink | Email this | Comments
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