cars burner

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: When life gives you lemons…

Mar 17, 2010 Object, video

Filed under: Truck, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Humor, South America

When life gives you lemons… make lemonade. So goes the ol’ saying, at least. But what if the curveball life happens to be throwing your way (and the rest of your small Brazilian town) is an active volcano? Well then, make popcorn.

And we can think of no better vehicle with which to climb the fire-spewing peak than a Volkswagen Saveiro, which is sadly one of VW’s made-in-Brazil, non-U.S.-market offerings. The little trucklet features a flex-fuel 1.6-liter engine underhood that offers up 101 horsepower on gasoline or 104 when drunk on ethanol.

Check out the video after the break, and visit veryfunnyads.com for more gut busters. Now, we’re off to find a gigantic salt shaker and plenty of artery-clogging buttery goodness.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: When life gives you lemons…

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: When life gives you lemons… originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: 101-horsepower, a-gigantic-salt, after-the-break, climb-the-fire, fire, funny commercial, funnycommercial, japanese, lfa lease, lfa payment, video, volkswagensaveiro, vw brazil, watch-the-video, you-lemons-

Scion xB restyled and repriced for 2011

Mar 17, 2010 Object

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Scion

The Scion brand’s poster car, the boxy xB, gets a freshened face for the 2011 model year, as well as some minor interior upgrades. Overall, the exterior changes give the econobox a more aggressive appearance - a good thing, since the second-generation xB wasn’t appealing to the young, hipster crowd nearly as much as the automaker would have hoped. (We much prefer the first-generation car, for what it’s worth.)

Up front, the revised fascia features slightly redesigned headlamps, as well as a honeycomb grille and larger outer vents on the bumper. Around back, the single rear backup lamp has been integrated into the taillamps, which cleans up the car’s back end rather nicely. Other cosmetic changes include the addition of two new metallic paint colors - Army Rock and Elusive Blue.

Moving inside, the xB’s front seats have been given more bolstering for better overall comfort and support. Additionally, a new center console has been added that offers better storage solutions, as well as a sliding armrest, and the steering wheel now offers with both tilt and telescope adjustments (a simple feature that we wish were standard fare on every make and model).

Pricing for the new xB starts at $16,000 for the manual transmission model and $16,950 if you prefer a conventional automatic - increases of $150 over the 2010 car. The 2011 xB will make its way to a Scion dealer near you later this month. Hit the jump to read Toyota’s official press release, and click through our attached gallery to see dozens of high-res shots of the new xB.

[Source: Scion]

Continue reading Scion xB restyled and repriced for 2011

Scion xB restyled and repriced for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: 2011 scion xb, a-gigantic-salt, fire, more-aggressive, pricing, rock, scion, vents-on-the

You’ll never guess which midsize sedan wins MT’s latest comparo…

Mar 17, 2010 Object, news

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota

Ah yes, the good ol’ midsize sedan. Bastion of the American family car set and holder of most automaker’s sales crowns, as well as that of the best-selling automobile in the United States. As pointed out by Motor Trend, only three car nameplates have held the top sales spot in America in the last 20 years: the Ford Taurus, Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

Of course, the current midsize sedan sales leader is none other than the aforementioned Camry. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, you’re certainly aware that Toyota has found itself in the hot seat with numerous claims of unintended acceleration and two separate recalls that are meant to deal with such safety defects.

Besides its recent safety woes, Toyota has had to deal with constant pressure from every other automaker seeking to dethrone the Camry as the midsize sales leader. So, the natural question is whether or not the segment stalwart can maintain its edge in the face of such stiff competition and a newly sullied reputation. MT sought the answer in its latest comparo.

These days, Ford’s numero-uno midsize sedan is the Fusion, which was significantly redesigned this year, and that car won the coveted Motor Trend Car of the Year Award for 2010. Also new-for-2010 (as a 2011 model) are the Hyundai Sonata, which features swoopy new duds and a high-tech four-cylinder powertrain, and the Subaru Legacy, which is the only model in the segment to come standard with all-wheel drive.

Though not all-new for ‘10, the Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima are certainly perennial power players in the midsize sedan segment, and as such were included in MT’s comparison test. With introductions out of the way, who do you think could have grabbed the top spot in Motor Trend’s comparison test of these seven leading midsize sedans? Hint: See the photo above. Suffice it to say… we were a bit surprised. Click here to see for yourself.

In related news, the boys from Inside Line have gone a slightly different route with a much smaller midsize sedan comparison, pitting the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2010 Mazda6 and 2010 Honda Accord together in a winner-takes-all fight. Click here for the results.

Do you agree with either MT or IL, or would you rank them totally differently? Have your say in ‘Comments.’

[Sources: Motor Trend, Inside Line]

You’ll never guess which midsize sedan wins MT’s latest comparo… originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: 2010 subaru legacy, 2010chevroletmalibu, altima, chevroletmalibu, fire, hyundai-sonata, midsize, more-aggressive, segment, vents-on-the

Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video]

Feb 19, 2010 Object, video

Filed under: Videos, Motorcycle, Specialty

We are amidst one of the most persistent bouts of winter weather many parts of the world have ever seen. Chalk it up to Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of this dreaded season, or perhaps just a good old fashion case of cabin fever, but either way, the crew at Max BMW Motorsport couldn’t wait another second to give the 2010 BMW S 1000 RR a good Twist of the Wrist. What? You gonna let a few feet of ice stop you?

Take your regular old 193-horsepower Beemer, fit a set of Michelin Pilots with cleats and you have the makings of a good snow cone business. After watching the video, we think the new BMW S 1000 RR looks ready for battle - the exhaust note alone will confirm that. Plus, you can choose from four unique color selections, as well as BMW’s typical A’ la carte menu of safety and performance options.

Not convinced? The claimed best-in-class power-to-weight ratio may just quicken your pulse. If you find yourself sitting comfortably behind closed doors warming your toes by the fire while you await that first ride of spring, don’t fret! Looks like Germany may have actually come up with a cure for the winter blues. Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Two Wheels Blog]

Continue reading Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video]

Face Off at Center Ice: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: a-carte-menu, a-good-old, bmw, entry, fire, iceracing, maxbmw, michelin-pilots, think-the-new, watch-the-video, wrist

Chrysler releases details on Fiat-infused fours, new V6

Jan 8, 2010 Object

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

If Chrysler is looking to gain any one thing from its new parents at Fiat, it’s engine technology. Specifically, the Pentastar will be enlisting its Italian overlords to supply direct injection systems, turbocharging, and Fiat’s Multiair variable valve technology, along with new dual-clutch transmissions. Chrysler claims all of this technology is going to boost the overall fuel-efficiency of its vehicles by 25 percent between now and 2014, with over 80 percent of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles getting new mills in the process.

To that end, Chrysler has finally announced the details of its new powertrain lineup, including two small-displacement four-cylinders and a new V6.

On the four-pot front, Chrysler will begin fitting one of two new 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines on future models: a naturally aspirated version kicking out 100 horsepower (at 6,750 rpm) and 95 pound-feet of torque (at 4,250 rpm), as well as a turbocharged variant that churns out 170 hp (at 6,750 rpm) and 170 lb-ft of twist (at 3,000 rpm). Chrysler has dubbed these new mills “Fully Integrated Robotized Engines” (FIRE - seriously), and each features Fully Variable-valve Actuation (FVVA) - what we’ve come to know as Multiair across the Atlantic. Chrysler maintains that both engines offer a 10 percent reduction in emissions and fuel consumption while putting out between 10- to 15-percent more power than its outgoing mills.

A larger displacement, 2.4-liter inline four with Multiair will also come to market, putting out 190 hp (at 6,000 rpm) and 175 lb.-ft of torque (at 4,200 rpm), and along with the new trio of four-cylinders, Chrysler announced specs on the new Pentastar V6. Displacing 3.6 liters and putting out 280 hp (at 6,400 rpm) and 260 lb-ft of torque (at 4,400 rpm), the new six will see similar fuel consumption and emissions reductions and will be fitted to the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee later this year.

In 2010, Chrysler says that it will begin to equip its mid-size vehicles (D-segment) with a new six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT), that improves fuel economy and can handle up to 260 lb-ft of torque. Expect to see the new tranny making its way into the next-generation Sebring and Chrysler’s new crossovers.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Chrysler announced its intentions to bring a hybrid Ram 1500 market this year, along with working with the Department of Energy to build a small test fleet of plug-in Rams and minivans, including an electric delivery van for fleet use in 2011 or 2012. All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases details on Fiat-infused fours, new V6

Chrysler releases details on Fiat-infused fours, new V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: a-since-2005-, dct, entry, fire, fvva, grand, grand-cherokee, jeep, mahindraandmahindra, technology

SEMA 2009: Mid-engined Ghepardo is one part Corvette, one part Camaro, 100% SEMA

Nov 5, 2009 Object

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Here’s what we know: Caccia Custom Cars took a 2002 Chevy Camaro and a 2002 Chevy Corvette and created the Ghepardo. The car uses the Camaro’s frame and the Corvette’s motor and suspension. The motor is mounted amidships, albeit backwards (note the throttle body). And the House of Kolor paint is called Pagan Gold. Also, you should not confuse this SEMA all-star Ghepardo with the 2006 Bizzarrini Ghepardo concept.

As for this Ghepadro… it’s not that bad looking. In fact, the longer we stare at the exterior, the more we like what we see. Obviously we can’t get past the gaudy chainmail armor covering up every single vent and opening. And we’d prefer if the five-slot wheels weren’t chromed. That said, in profile, it’s a nice looking mid-engine coupe and the rear is quite muscular. The front even has a touch of new Lexus, which while sacriligious for a Chevy-on-Chevy mashup like this, ain’t bad at all.

The interior, on the other hand, is a house of horrors. Everything is covered over in prison-grade Alcantara or carbon fiber-look fiberglass. Even the fire extinguisher!! Also, we’re pretty sure a 15/16″ cutting tool isn’t the smartest Dremel attachment to use for a show car. In fact, in this Autoblogger’s mind, the Ghepardo is now in the running neck-and-neck with the Masonry Vitesse Rose for having the worst interior ever - quite a distinction! Additionally, the Ghepardo fills our minds with the delightful image of Corvette and Camaro fans/owners beating each other to pulps with giant oversized cartoon hammers. Perhaps that’s just the food around here talking…

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Mid-engined Ghepardo is one part Corvette, one part Camaro, 100% SEMA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: a-nice-looking, caccia-custom, cacciacustomcarsghepardo, camaro, chevrolet, chrysler, chryslerbusinessplan, corvette, fire, house of kolor ghepardo, masonry-vitesse, sema, sema 2009, sema2009

Rendered Speculation: Subaru’s 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim

Oct 13, 2009 Object

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Rumormill

Despite dropping all the information about its Tokyo-bound concepts, Subaru hasn’t hinted at when we’ll be seeing its version of the Toyota FT-86 coupe. Thankfully, Japan’s Holiday Auto has stepped up to the plate to throw more fuel onto the fire with a subtly modified sketch of the FT-86 and some possible powertrain information of Subaru’s first rear-wheel drive coupe.

According to the report (and a heaping helping of common sense), the Japanese rumormongers expect the STI version of the coupe to debut at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show (after the standard model is revealed next year), complete with Subaru’s 250-hp EJ25 2.5-liter boxer. Similar to the dual-injected, 200-hp EJ20 fitted to its Toyota brethren, the engine will remain naturally aspirated, but a turbocharged version hasn’t been ruled out.

In addition to a wider track and upgraded tires, wheels and brakes, expect the STI version to don a gaping front fascia and a sizeable rear wing, similar to the camo-covered mule we saw in the latest round of spy shots. If Subaru wants to compete with the rest of the high-horsepower sports cars in the U.S. and Japan, it better get cracking, because competition is fierce, and the only way it can compete is to keep the price down and the weight in check.

[Source: Holiday Auto via 7Tune]

Rendered Speculation: Subaru’s 250-hp FT-86 coupe in STI trim originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: a-sizeable-rear, fire, holiday-auto, sports, sti, subaru, subaru 086a, subaru coupe, subaru coupe sti, subarucoupe, tokyo-motor

Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 10.13.09

Oct 13, 2009 Object, news, video

Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

The vintage vehicles we’ve come to love aren’t genuinely vintage at all — they’re classic bodies wrapped around modern mechanicals. And the GT40 Mk1 proves what motoring — not merely driving — is really about.

Spy Shots: Toyota-Subaru coupe prototype caught ringin’ der N

Tags: a-friend-via, coupe-prototype, explorer, fire, news, nurburgring, sports, subaru 086a

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer

Oct 13, 2009 Object

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Safety, Ford, Canada

Retired Chrysler worker Stipe Botica is a hero today after putting out an engine fire after a single-vehicle accident, likely saving the life of the passenger. The accident occurred at 4 am when two men in a Ford Ranger crashed into a vacant house next door to Botica’s residence at Forest Glade in Windsor, Ontario.

When Botica went outside, he found the two men crying for help, so he helped pull the driver out of the vehicle. He then discovered that the passenger was wedged against the dashboard and unable to move while a fire was brewing in the Ranger’s engine compartment. Botica ran into his backyard and grabbed a power washer that he’d been using to clean his pool and returned to the wreck, where he doused the engine bay and the passenger. Botica claims it took about five minutes to extinguish the fire, and it later took about an hour to remove the passenger from the wrecked Ranger. Botica told the Windsor Star that the area around the vehicle smelled of alcohol and there were no obvious signs of braking in the area around the incident.

We weren’t at the scene of the accident, but we’re thinking that two young men were mighty lucky Botica was home, alert and had a power washer handy when they crashed in the middle of the night. Who knows, perhaps Chrysler could fly Botica and his power washer to Auburn Hills to put out some fires at his former employer!

[Source: Windsor Star | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Chrysler retiree saves two men in fiery pickup crash with his power washer originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: a-around-the, area, chryslerworker, fire, ford ranger, fordranger, image, life, passenger, photos, point-mazda3, power, safety, stipe botica, trucks

REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8

Sep 28, 2009 Object

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The straight six in the first BMW M5 supersedans was silky smooth and plenty powerful, but it was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, so it had to go. It was replaced by the 400 hp V8 in the E39, then later with the fire-breathing V10 in the current M5 (above) that pushed horsepower into the stratosphere, particularly when you activated the ‘M’ button. That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn’t available in much of anything else in BMW’s lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V, perhaps it’s good enough for the BMW M5, too.

We saw speculation about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and more recent speculation that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now Inside Line is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5’s engine bay - although they didn’t confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the all-new 5-Series just months away. Around these parts, we’re starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition. Six wasn’t enough, ten was too much and eight is just right. Thanks for the tip, Derick!

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tags: 2011 bmw m5 turbo v8, 2011bmwm5, bmw m5, cradle-as-well, damon-lavrinc, fire, greatbritain, lord mandelson, m5turbo, m5turbov8, with-the-fire