Over the past couple of weeks, we've mentioned several systems that bring home computer-like services to automobiles. We've discussed proprietary systems like Ford's Microsoft Sync and its rumored Hyundai rival, and, at the other end of the spectrum, in-car routers that function as "dumb pipes"...Read More»
Yes, ladies and gentlemen: that's what the MINI would look like as a roadster. Strike that: will look like. It's called the MINI Speedster, and it's heading your way. Eventually. The Speedster will be based on the MINI Cooper convertible, but rather smartly ditches the back seat. It'll come...Read More»
Remember the Toyota Celica, that coupe preferred by tennis jocks, Tri-Delts, and recent divorcées? The company stopped cranking them out in 2005, but rumor has it that the sporty brand may be readying for a comeback--thanks, oddly, to Subaru. For a while, we've heard that Toyota and Subaru were...Read More»
The Chevrolet Camaro isn't for everyone--that's been made abundantly clear in the comments from TCC's "First Drive" review. So depending on your perspective, you'll either do the Snoopy Dance or weep into your lunchtime sweet tea when you hear that GM has shelved plans to produce a convertible...Read More»
Swedish home furnishings giant IKEA has announced that it's entering the world of auto manufacturing. Well, sort of. The company has launched a (Flash-only) viral site, "Roulez-LEKO", which roughly translates as "Let the LEKO roll." The video on the site is huge and chunky--even on the T1 at TCC...Read More»
Hyundai swept into Sin City with seven customized vehicles on its brand-new 2009 Genesis platform. Both coupes and sedans are modded to the max, and it's a look more believable on the sporty coupe than on the sedate Genesis sedan. Nonetheless, the vehicles highlight just how far the Korean...Read More»
Not to be outdone by the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro LS7 Concept also revealed yesterday at SEMA '08 in Las Vegas, Ford introduced its FR500CJ, known as the Cobra Jet. Like its Chevy competitor, the Cobra Jet is tailored for drag racing. It joins Ford's stable of race-ready Mustangs, which also includes...Read More»
Take that Texas; Dodge strikes back at Ford's recent win of the Truck of Texas mantle by earning the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada's "Best New Pickup Truck" award for its all-new 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The Dodge Ram beat out the 2009 Ford F-150, itself new for '09, after an "intensive...Read More»
We reported earlier today about Ford Motor Company's solid reliability ratings in Consumer Reports' 2008 Annual Car Reliability Survey. Says Consumer Reports, "on average, Ford continues to build the most reliable American cars." But the comprehensive test also revealed that reliability of European...Read More»
According to a report released this afternoon by Consumer Reports magazine, Ford Motor Co. continues its impressive quality climb despite a distressing sales decline. Its vehicles rated "average" or "better," with the exception of three truck models according to Detroit News. This is great news for...Read More»
Or the spirit of GM's genius engineer from the early 1900s, anyway, seems to be burning brightly in the R&D laboratories of General Motors. Automotive News explained that GM has now revealed more impressive technical details of its in-development 4.5-liter Duramax diesel V-8, to be installed in...Read More»
Hoping to ride the wave of massive popularity enjoyed by Apple's iPhone, Ford is pumping up its 2009 Flex crossover with a new iPhone application, reports the Detroit Free Press. Called Flex Photo Lab, the app allows users to alter photos on the iPhone or learn more information about Ford's 2009...Read More»
In preparation for the launch of its 2010 Mustang GT--tenuous market be damned--Ford is encouraging Mustang enthusiasts to visit www.the2010Mustang.com and vote for their favorite photo story, of which there are 25 in the final running. The analysts claim Ford is sick, and the company's financials...Read More»
GOTCHA. Or at least Florida-based Coach Builders Ltd., an aftermarket cabriolet converter firm, according to Carscoop, got us, prompting a feverish double-take at the evil green, uber-'70s bad boy with a dropped top and the HEMI 6.1-liter from the Challenger SRT8. Make that a Vortech-supercharged...Read More»
On Saturday, BMW Group announced it will be the first auto manufacturer to market with the vaunted lithium-ion battery technology. We knew that BMW was announcing an all-electric MINI at the L.A. Auto Show this November, but were unaware it would be powered by lithium-ion technology. Currently...Read More»
Oh, those Europeans. With their miserly diesels, minuscule four-cylinders, and stringent air-quality standards, it would seem they're a couple of decades ahead in critical efficiency/air-quality measures compared to us here in the United States. They get most of the cool, experimental technology...Read More»
In addition to boasting better weight distribution, improved handling, a sexy new skin, and more interior room, Audi's new-for-'09 A4 just garnered top five-star crash and rollover ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA awarded the A4 five stars in its NCAP, or New...Read More»
Your City's Finest will be driving around in stealthy, biodiesel-burning, custom-tailored RoboCop mean machines if Carbon Motors has anything to say about the future of police service vehicles. Carbon is critical of current police cars that it feels are little more than cobbled-together civilian...Read More»
For sporting duty in its upcoming '09 Genesis Coupe, Hyundai has made internal and external changes to its 3.8-liter Lambda V-6, reports World Car Fans. Dubbed the RS edition, power output is barely changed, but packaging efficiency is increased to fit under the Coupe's lower hood, and mechanical...Read More»
