Thursday, June 30, 2011

1927 Franklin "Airman Series Sedan" looks great, has a terrific lamp inside




Thanks for the photos got to Angyl! Appreciate the photos and that look inside at the lamp, very cool! Not many people take photos of the interior interesting things about old cars. I like to see if there are unusual things inside, it's not often, but occasionally there are unique little things to enjoy

Steampunk Vehicles Tumblr just clued me in on double front ended inspection railcars




When it was not easy to turn them around, and they knew that the car would need to return to its original location, they had to build with two engines, so it doesn't overheat from driving backwards long distance.... as the radiator needs the airflow to keep the engine cool. I just learned this from Johnny at Steampunk vehicles!

blog.1aauto.com is giving Hooniverse competition on great stories and interesting rare stuff, like this red Delorean, and 76 Road Runner

In 1982, Delorean Cadillac in Cleveland Ohio had some Delorean’s on the lot that they were having trouble selling. Rather than giving them away at a loss or sitting on them forever, they decided they might sell if they were more colorful. The problem is painting stainless. So Delorean Cadillac had PPG come up with a paint that would adhere to the stainless. They succeeded and before long, several DMC’s were painted a variety of fun colors like red, purple, and blue. http://blog.1aauto.com/2011/06/30/you-want-to-see-the-candy-apple-red-delorean/#more-6395

http://blog.1aauto.com/2011/06/27/this-road-runner-took-full-advantage-of-the-1970s/
plus great stuff like a Bentley stuck on the beach, a GTOmino and a Mustabird!

For all of these: http://blog.1aauto.com/ is the place

FPV’s Murdered-Out Falcon GT Concept with Supercharged Boss 5.0 V8 Debuts in Melbourne


Not to be outdone by rival Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) unleashed its first-ever concept car at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

Unlike HSV and its Black Edition Clubsport and Maloo R8s, FPV went for an all-blacked out look for its bespoke GT muscle car, which is based on the local market, rear-wheel drive Falcon sedan.

Read more »

2011 AIMS: New HSV Black Edition Versions of Commodore Based Sedan, Station and Ute Models


General Motor’s Holden Special Vehicles unit in Australia is following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division as well as more recently, Porsche, with the presentation of a black-themed and named special edition series based on the E Series 3 range launched last September.

Making its world debut at the 2011 Australian motorshow in Melbourne, the SV Black Edition package is offered in the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, which are the sports versions of the Commodore sedan, ute, and station wagon models respectively.

Read more »

GM’s Holden Readies Rebadged Chevys for 2011 Melbourne Auto Show


It’s a global economy we live in and as such, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise when we see the same vehicles launched under different brands and names in various parts of the world.

Of course, it would be somewhat unfair to Holden if we didn’t mention that it has played a key role in the development and design of several GM products including the 5-door Cruze that will be show in pre-production trim at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS), which takes place in Melbourne from July to 10.

Read more »

Ford to Baby Boomers: We Get that You’re Old and Feeble and Can’t Read Small Fonts

*This article has been (patronizingly) posted in a larger-than-normal font for our older readers

From next year, the fonts in Ford’s Edge and Explorer SUV models will be some 40% larger as well as thicker. The reason? Baby Boomers have poor eyesight. No, really, Ford’s done a study and everything. The bigger fonts will extend to interior display screens control and A/C controls, and will gradually be rolled out onto other models in the Ford range in coming years.

In a statement on their website, Ford expressed its desire to make it, “easier for people of all ages, particularly aging Baby Boomers, to read display fonts.” Ah, like the little boy or girl who flat-out tells his grandparents that they’re old and wrinkly, Ford has snagged upon that babying / slow and loud way anyone under the age of 30 speak to anyone over the age of 50:

“YES, MRS. JOHNSON. THE WEATHER IS NICE TODAY. DO YOU THINK YOU’LL GO DOWN TO THE PARK?”

Read more »

Revised McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Racer to Debut at Goodwood


The MP4-12C GT3, McLaren’s first race car outside of Formula 1 since the legendary F1 GTR, will make its debut in front of the public at this weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Based on the new MP4-12C, the GT3 will appear in a revised form after McLaren’s team further honed the supercar. Read more »

Hamann Details Tuning Program for New BMW 6-Series Convertible, More to Come in Frankfurt


Earlier this year, BMW tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport teased its tuning program for the freshly launched 6-Series Convertible with the release of the first photos of the car.

Today, the German company gave out information on its initial offerings for the soft-top 6-Series and announced that it will unveil a more aggressive tune at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

Read more »

Aussie V8 Supercar Series Coming to America in 2013


The thundering sounds of Australia’s V8-powered racecars will soon be heard in the U.S.A. as Texas Governor Rick Perry and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, announced today a five-year agreement to bring the famed Australian V8 Supercar series to the new Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas beginning in 2013.

"The addition of V8 Supercars into our lineup at Circuit of The Americas will add to what we already know will be a rich and exhilarating fan experience," said Steve Sexton, President of Circuit of The Americas.

Read more »

Missing Link Tries to Climb Tree with Honda Chopper [Video]


Take a good look at the picture posted above. Now raise your hand if you know what’s going to happen next. If the first thing that popped into your head was that the tree is going to fall down, well, let's just say that you may want to see if this cultural motorcycle club is accepting new members.

If your thoughts involved a flying chopper inflicting a lot of pain to the biker, give yourself a pat on the back and head over the jump for a few good laughs.

Read more »

Fiat to Display 21.7-liter Mefistofele and 500 by Gucci at Goodwood Festival


Fiat’s major attraction in this year’s Goodwood Speed of Festival, which begins tomorrow, will be the famous Mefistofele. The record-breaking classic, which is based on a 1908 Fiat SB4 Corsa, returns after a decade to Goodwood and will be displayed in the “Cathedral Paddock” area. Read more »

Toyota launches Etios Liva

Toyota has unveiled the Etios Liva, its first ever hatchback for the Indian market.



Aimed at younger buyers, the new arrival will be offered in four trim levels with prices ranging from Rs 3,99,000 to Rs 5,99,000 (ex-showroom in Delhi).



Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Rear Side


Although based on the existing Etios Saloon, the hatchback’s 1,197 cc four-cylinder engine is smaller and marginally less powerful, producing 78 bhp (59 kW / 80 PS) and 104 Nm (76 lb/ft) of torque. Average fuel economy is better though, at 51.7 mpg (18.3 km/l / 5.5 l/100km).



Visually the two cars are very similar, apart from their unique rear ends. Its body style means that the Etios Liva is less practical for luggage carrying, and boot space is down from the saloon’s 595 litres to 251 litres for the hatchback. Ground clearance is 170 mm, and there’s chip resistant paint on vulnerable underside areas.



Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Front Side 1Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Interior


Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Front Side 3Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Front Side 2


To appeal more to its target audience, the range-topping VX version gets a subtle aero kit made up of a roof spoiler, side skirts and bumper skirts. All models apart from the entry-level J specification feature keyless entry, central locking, electric windows and electric power steering with tilt adjustment for the steering column.



The Toyota Etios Liva is available now.



Related posts:

Corolla Altis gets a facelift

Toyota reveals 2011 Etios

Toyota launches Etios Liva

Toyota has unveiled the Etios Liva, its first ever hatchback for the Indian market.



Aimed at younger buyers, the new arrival will be offered in four trim levels with prices ranging from Rs 3,99,000 to Rs 5,99,000 (ex-showroom in Delhi).



Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Rear Side


Although based on the existing Etios Saloon, the hatchback’s 1,197 cc four-cylinder engine is smaller and marginally less powerful, producing 78 bhp (59 kW / 80 PS) and 104 Nm (76 lb/ft) of torque. Average fuel economy is better though, at 51.7 mpg (18.3 km/l / 5.5 l/100km).



Visually the two cars are very similar, apart from their unique rear ends. Its body style means that the Etios Liva is less practical for luggage carrying, and boot space is down from the saloon’s 595 litres to 251 litres for the hatchback. Ground clearance is 170 mm, and there’s chip resistant paint on vulnerable underside areas.



Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Front Side 1Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Interior


Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Front Side 3Toyota Etios Liva VX (2011) Front Side 2


To appeal more to its target audience, the range-topping VX version gets a subtle aero kit made up of a roof spoiler, side skirts and bumper skirts. All models apart from the entry-level J specification feature keyless entry, central locking, electric windows and electric power steering with tilt adjustment for the steering column.



The Toyota Etios Liva is available now.



Related posts:

Corolla Altis gets a facelift

Toyota reveals 2011 Etios

Bugatti’s One-of-a-Kind “L’Or Blanc” Veyron Grand Sport Special with...Porcelain Fittings


Say hello to the world’s first car to wear fine porcelain on its body as well as in its cabin, the one-off Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport 'L'Or Blanc'. Admittedly, applying porcelain fittings on one of the fastest and most powerful production sports cars ever made doesn’t seem like a sound move, but when it comes to Bugatti, anything goes.

Created in partnership with Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), the 'L'Or Blanc' was unveiled on Thursday at the porcelain manufacturer’s workshop in Berlin, German.

“At first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible,” comments Dr. Stefan Brungs, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles. “But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realization of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics. This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials,” Brungs added.

Read more »

Drunk, Asleep and Driving a Car? The Curious Case of Dr. Donald Clegg


Donald Clegg, a 59-year old doctor from Prestwich in the UK was four times over the legal limit when he crashed his Vauxhall Zafira into a row of parked cars. He was also sleepwalking at the time and attired in a dressing gown and slippers…

Dr. Clegg pleaded guilty to driving over the limit “without due care and attention” and was sentenced to a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine of £650 and was ordered to pay £315 in court fees and charges. The court rejected that Dr. Clegg’s sentence should be suspended due to his somnambulism (somncogoism?).

Read more »

Leaked C&D Issue Spills the Beans on Brand New Porsche 911


The wall of secrecy surrounding the brand-new 2012 Porsche 911 has cracked thanks to a forum member of Teamspeed who downloaded and shared Car & Driver’s upcoming August issue in which the magazine has an exclusive first ride of the car. C&D joined the Porsche team during the new 911’s final tests in South Africa nd here’s what they found out.

The new 911 is code-named 991 and will be launched in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared to the 997 that it replaces, it is 2.5 inches longer and has a 4.0-inch longer wheelbase so that it can accommodate a hybrid system, presumably from the Panamera.

Read more »

695 Tributo Ferrari Headlines Abarth’s Line-Up in Goodwood


Abarth is marking its return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed for the second year in a row with the 500-based 695 Tributo Ferrari. A 1.388 cc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm powers the spirited city car with the Ferrari badges. Read more »

Toyota Sports Up Prius with new PLUS Package from TRD


At last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Toyota displayed a lightly modified version of the Prius Hybrid to inaugurate its new line of accessories under the PLUS moniker.

Now it’s time for the Japanese automaker to release the production version of its modestly sported up Prius with the commercial launch of the PLUS Performance Package that will be available for order in July in limited numbers.

The package features styling and performance upgrades, and is optionally available on all Prius models with pricing set at $3,699 for the Prius Two, Three, and Four trim levels and $2,999 for the Prius Five.

Read more »

Kia Celebrates 20 Years in the UK


Today, June 30, Kia celebrates the 20th anniversary since it sold its first ever car in the UK. In 1991, the small hatchback Pride was the only Kia model on sale in Britain and in that year, the company managed to sell just only 1,786 cars.

However, two decades is a very long time in the automotive industry. Since then Kia has changed remarkably on its way to become an important player on a global scale. In 2010, Kia sold a record 56,114 cars in the UK and, for the first time ever, more than 2 million units worldwide.

Read more »

AC Schnitzer Unwraps New BMW X3 Tuning Package


Available since autumn 2010, the second iteration of the BMW X3 continues to draw the attention of European tuners. Seen here in AC Schnitzer guise, the F25 X3 has been upgraded with a styling package and go-fast modifications.

For starters, AC Schnitzer has upped the performance on the 2.0-liter diesel-powered xDrive20d from 184-horses to 218HP, while the company is also working on a kit for the xDrive30d as well as the 6-cylinder 2.8i and 3.5i petrol models, which will be released later this year.

Read more »

Ford: More than 50,000 Cars with 1.6-liter EcoBoost Engine Sold in Europe


Since its introduction in late 2010, Ford’s new 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine has proven to be a hit with European consumers having sold more than 50,000 units. The engine, which is manufactured in Ford’s UK Bridgend plant, is available in six different models (Focus, Mondeo, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, S-MAX and Galaxy). The company attributes its success to its blend of performance, economy and low CO2 emissions. Read more »

All-New 2012 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid Coming this Fall


Toyota officially placed the arrival of the all-new 2012 Camry sedan and its hybrid sibling (2010/2011 Camry pictured above) in the U.S. market for this fall during the company’s annual national dealer meeting which took place on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

The Japanese company said that the next generation of its best-selling model will move away from the conservative designs of the past.

“Designed to meet the changing needs of the 21st Century driver, the new Camry will provide technologically advanced features, a contemporary design inside and out, improved performance and refined ride and handling,” Toyota said in a press statement.

Read more »

MINI Inspired by Goodwood Carries…Rolls Royce Inspired Price Tag at £41,000 or US$65,700!


Apparently, Aston Martin isn’t the only British automaker to lose contact with reality when it comes to pricing special edition models. Soon after Aston Martin slapped a €48,995 (equal to £44,100 and US$70,700 at the current exchange rates) sticker on its Colette-trimmed Toyota iQ…err… we mean Cygnet, the BMW Group division announced that its new MINI Inspired by Goodwood is priced at £41,000 (€45,600 or US$65,700). Read more »

1922 B2 Petit Train

found on http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=428585&page=1118

Refreshed Mazda Demio goes on Sale in Japan


Mazda announced today that sales of the facelifted Mazda Demio, or Mazda2 as the rest of the world knows it, have begun in Japan. The new Mazda2 is the company’s supermini and the target sales for its home market is 6,000 units per month. Read more »

BMW Takes Leading Car Role in New “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” Film with i8 Concept and 6-Series


Tom Cruise’s return for another impossible mission as Ethan Hunt also marks the BMW Group’s return to Hollywood, as the Bavarian automaker will be the main automotive partner in the fourth installment of the Mission Impossible franchise.

BMW’s product placement in the “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol” film comes in the form of the concept version of the upcoming i8 Hybrid Coupe, the Vision EfficientDynamics study while the latest 6-Series Convertible will also play a role in the movie.

Read more »

Aston Martin to Bring the V12 Zagato to the Goodwood Festival of Speed


Only a few weeks after making its public debut at the Villa D’Este Concours and winning the design award for concept cars and prorotypes, Aston Martin’s new V12 Zagato raced at the Nurburgring 24-hour race. Now, the British automaker is bringing the stunning model, which was created by the two companies to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary DB4GT Zagato, to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Read more »

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Two for the Price of One: Amadou Ndiaye’s Bugatti Atless Concept


Two cars that helped establish Bugatti’s reputation as a world-class automaker during the difficult interwar period were the Type 35 and Type 57 Atlantic. Stunningly beautiful, intricately built and incredibly powerful, these two cars summed up all that Bugatti was and wanted to be.

Now, Canadian industrial designer Amadou Ndiaye has taken these two classic automobiles and melded them into one with his Bugatti Atless design study.

Read more »

Сбоить: Russian President Medvedev’s Mega Driving Gaffe Caught on Video


The man behind the “Forward Russia!” movement, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, took his campaign motto a smidgen too seriously when he almost...forwarded a Mercedes M-Class he was driving into a crowd of people cheerfully waiting for him on the side of the road.

While we can’t be 100 percent sure, from the video it looks like Medvedev either forgot to put the SUV’s handbrake on or even worse, didn’t shift out of drive and into park before jumping out of the vehicle to meet his voters.

Fortunately, Medvedev’s security was alert and managed to stop the Mercedes before it hit the crowd. The incident allegedly occurred in the city of Kazan on Monday. The video, which you can watch after the break, went viral and has already more than 200,000 views on Youtube in less than 24 hours.

Read more »

2012 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Scooped in the Alps


Back in May, we saw Bentley trying out the drop-top version of its subtly evolved 2011 Continental GT, the GTC, at the Nurburgring racetrack. Now, our spies have spotted Bentley’s people working on the more athletic GTC Speed in the Alps.

Like the standard Continental GTC, the Speed shares the sharper styling cues of the coupe model launched last year adding a more aggressively designed front bumper with new openings, hood air vents and a discreet boot lid spoiler along with larger alloy wheels to the mix.

The GTC Speed will benefit from the revisions we saw on the coupe and which include a redesigned dashboard with an updated instrument panel and a new touch-screen interface plus new seats and trim materials.

Read more »