Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Carsumer Advocacy

More and more people are adding electronic gadgetry to their car's arsenal after their initial purchase, which often makes sense since it almost always costs less to add audio equipment or GPS navigation from an aftermarket company than it does to spec if from the factory.

Sadly, recent statistics prove that you'd better be careful with that shiny new piece of technology. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 24,700 portable navigation systems were swiped in 2008, representing a whopping 700% increase over 2006. While the number in thefts has rocketed skyward, the number of units sold have likewise gone supernova, leading us to wonder if the actual percentage of thefts over units in service has changed appreciably overall.

Apple's iPod is also attractive to thieves, who stole 17,000 of the little music players in '08. Perhaps the rise in iPod thefts helps explain why half as many car stereos (14,000) were stolen last year than in 2006, although we are willing to bet that automakers' continued move away from standard-sized, non-integrated head units is also a major factor.

Our common sense advice? Add-on nav systems and iPods are portable for a reason... remove them from your car when you leave it parked. Disaster averted.

[Source: Ecommerce Journal]

NaviGONE: Portable GPS system theft reportedly up 700% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, CES, Ford

Sony is expanding its Xplod car stereo lineup with eight new models, including the company's first double-din unit in several years.

The most feature-filled of the new models is Sony's MEX-BT5700U model (in photo above) with a front USB port for music players including iPhone and iPod. Its Bluetooth connection can also transfer phonebook info from a phone to its display and allows access to phone functions through the head unit. And when using Bluetooth to play music from a media device, the Sony unit displays song name, artist, etc. Sony says the MEX-BT5700U is their top of the line head unit and expects it to go on sale this June for about $300. Follow the jump for info on all seven of Sony's other models announced this week at CES as well as the official Sony press release.

Continue reading CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units

CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Chevrolet, Humor

One of the concerns about today's electric and hybrid vehicles is that they don't make the same noises as internal-combustion-propelled conveyances. It seems customers have come to expect a certain sound when a vehicle starts or is put into motion, and electric motors just can't compare to ICEs. GM has decided to add a soundtrack to its upcoming Chevy Volt to remedy that situation. Rather than plugging in the melodic symphony of the ZR1's LS9, however, they think the car deserves something a bit more space-age to go along with its high-tech hardware, and apparently there are some Trekkies at GM HQ. While we doubt they'll actually license the sound effects from the the Kirk and Spock franchise, E-Flex vehicle line executive, Frank Weber thinks the Volt should make sounds similar to when "you hear the doors close, or use the transporter," on the USS Enterprise. So it's official. The Prius' place in the geek hierarchy has been eclipsed by the Volt.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Chevrolet Volt to get Sci-Fi soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Technology, BMW

It's no secret that our cars are quickly becoming extensions of our data-crazed lives. Everywhere we go, we surround ourselves with electronics meant to make our lives more convenient. Plus, most of these gadgets are just plain cool. Microsoft and Ford started something with the SYNC system and Apple has the market cornered with its iPod and iPhone, with integration of those i-devices now becoming popular options with car shoppers. Don't expect Google to sit back and watch. The internet giant has teamed up with an impressive list of major players, including Intel and Wind River Systems. These companies are actively working on getting their Android open-source operating system integrated into cars as we speak. If we had to wager a guess, it would be BMW that's most likely to roll out a new Android-powered infotainment system first, possibly as early as next year according to John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River. For an early look at the first device with the Android OS, check out Engadget's recent feature.

[Source: CNET via Jalopnik]

Google Android open-source OS could come to cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Typically when "music" is mentioned in the same sentence as AMG, it's in relation to the deep burble emanating from the exhaust pipes. But with all that Teutonic, sound-deadened cabin comfort, customers of the Mercedes tuning division have come to expect an equally impressive performance from inside the cabin. To that end, AMG has signed a new deal with the Danish audio gurus at Bang & Olufsen to provide their high-end automotive sound systems for these high-powered Mercedes models.

The deal is the third such agreement brokered by B&O, whose systems already appear in Audis and Aston Martins, spearheading a market proliferation that surely influenced the decision-makers in Affalterbach. Both AMG and Bang & Olufsen were clearly elated by the deal, and you can feel the sheer unbridled joy in the statement from AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg: "Mercedes-AMG represents high performance and exclusivity. The same is true of Bang & Olufsen's in-car sound systems. Jointly, we are therefore able to meet Mercedes-AMG customers' expectations to sound systems." Contain yourself, Volk. Follow the jump to read the rest of the press release.

[Source: Bang & Olufsen]

Continue reading B&O put the Bang in Mercedes AMG

B&O put the Bang in Mercedes AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Tuners, Etc., Technology

One of the easiest ways to customize a car is to yank out that factory radio and stick in something with more snazzy looks and more jazzy sound. Unfortunately, thieves know how easily your new stereo can be yanked out.

There have been many variations on the concealment method of stereo protection through the years. One of the most popular being to hide the newer unit behind a nest of wires to fool would-be crooks into thinking someone had beaten them to the prize. But over at Instructables, there's a new twist to the trick.

The key to the hack is to conceal your upgraded stereo behind what looks like your car's OEM unit. There are step-by-step instructions showing you how its done, from mounting the old radio's faceplate on a removable fascia, to making the fakery look even more unappealing by halving a cassette tape for added realism. They used "Christmas With the Brady Bunch," which might work in a Geo Metro in December, but would be probably guarantee your G35 getting busted open in July.

[Source: Instructables via Gizmag]

Protect your sound system with smarts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, Green, Technology, Toys/Games, Motorcycle

Though it's usually the adventure touring crowd that excels at turning their motorcycles into rolling technology test-beds, we've recently run across a Yamaha Vino scooter that has been fully farkled. Featuring an on-board computer based around a VIA mini ITX form factor motherboard that's cleverly been hidden under the stock Vino's seat, this rolling geek-mobile packs in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS, FM radio, a TV tuner and a front-mounted camera in its diminutive frame. With the full-spec computer, pretty much anything should be possible right from the road using this scooter. While this is certainly a cool project, we have a few questions regarding its durability. How long will the acrylic plate that makes the structure for the computer hold up? Perhaps most importantly, how long will the scooter's battery be able to power all this technology? In the name of science, of course, we graciously offer our services for a road trip on the machine to find the answer to these all-important questions. Thanks for the tip, jared!

[Source: Thought Lab]

Scooter-geek's dream ride: Yamaha Vino scooter, fully farkled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Green, Supercars, Audi

Click above for more high-res pics of the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans

Diesel engines may be more efficient than the gasoline-powered competition, but good old fashioned petrol power has always held a huge advantage when it comes to aural bliss. The engine audio emanating from the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans still struggles in comparison to the best gasoline offerings out there, but man does it sound cool. At idle the R8's oil burning, twin-turbo V12 sounds like a Super Duty on speed, but on acceleration the 500-hp powerplant comes alive. When the TDI R8 is cruising at high speeds, its recorded sound is a lot like a speeding jet. Hit the link below to hear the R8 V12 TDI LeMans for yourself. You may never be able to buy an Audi with this most impressive engine, but at least you can hear it.


[Source: Spiegel via German Car Blog]

Sound Bite: Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio

We've grown used to seeing automakers with a reputation for designing beautiful cars branch out into other consumer products. ">Porsche is a fine example, and Ferrari is no stranger to peddling assorted branded wares. It looks like Pagani will be adding its name to this list with a new hi-fi home audio system. Built of carbon fiber and aluminum, the system's main control unit emulates the look of the sound system from its supercars. Drawing inspiration from the unique four-pipe exhaust system from the Zonda, the bass tubes lie at the bottom of twin 350 watt tower speakers situated aside the control unit and amplifier. Audiophiles are sure to appreciate dual vinyl turntables, one for both 33 and 45 rpm discs as well as a CD player.

Pricing likely falls squarely into the "if you have to ask" territory, so we'll just admire this awesome unit from afar. Those of you who can afford a Pagani automoile can now enjoy your musical tastes both from the drivers seat of your Zonda and from the comfort of your own living room. Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Source: Home Tone]

Pagani gets into hi-fi. We likey. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Technology, Crossover, Lexus, Toys/Games, UK

We think Lexus has struck the right balance with the sweetest in-car entertainment system yet. Called ICE (In Car Entertainment), the pair of eight-inch widescreen WVGA monitors protrude out of the back of the two front seats and feature an integrated slot-loading DVD in each, plus RCA inputs, USB ports and SD card slots. The attractive mounting also provides shock protection so discs don't skip over rough pavement or - perish the thought - off road terrain. A disc loaded into one can even be played on both monitors so both kids rear-seat passengers can watch the same Spongebob disc and listen through the included infrared wireless headphones.

The ICE system replaces the ceiling-mounted drop-down screen on the current RX350 and RX400h crossovers. Unfortunately, the system costs the equivalent of an extra $4,300 on all trim levels, except the top-of-the-line SE-L that has them included. Even worse, the system is only available in the UK... at the moment. But we'd expect that sufficient demand for the pricey accessory would bring it Stateside faster than you can say "luxury crossover-utility vehicle".

[Source: Carscoop]

ICE Touch: British customers get trick entertainment system in Lexus RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Japan, Plants/Manufacturing

Two more Japanese auto industry suppliers, Yazaki and Denso, have been fined by the U.S. Department of Justice and four executives from Yazaki will go to jail, according to reports in the New York Times and Automotive News. Yazaki's $478 million fine and Denso's $78 million fine come on top of the $200 million penalty paid by another Japanese supplier, Furukawa Electric Company, last November as part of a probe into price fixing. Three Furukawa execs also were sentenced to prison.

The DoJ opened the investigation two years ago into collusion among firms setting prices for parts like wire harnesses and ECUs, but is said to have found evidence of such practices since 2000. Yazaki was charged with three felonies, fixing the prices of wire harnesses, instrument panel clusters and fuel senders. Denso was charged with two felonies, conspiring to fix the prices of ECUs and heating control units. Four Yazaki employees, working mainly for its North American operations in Ohio and Kentucky, were charged with violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and will serve from 15 months to two years in prison.

Both companies have pledged to retrain their employees and bolster their antitrust compliance, and both Yazaki's Chairman and CEO said they would return half their pay for three months. The Justice Department investigation continues, and said the CEO of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, "I'm dead certain that there has to be a lot of concern out there."

Feel free to read over the official statements from both Yazaki and Denso after the break.

Continue reading Two Japanese suppliers plead guilty for bid-fixing, will pay record fines

Two Japanese suppliers plead guilty for bid-fixing, will pay record fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Videos, Toyota

Well, that didn't take long. The First Toyota FT-86 (a.k.a. Scion FR-S) has made its way to the dyno courtesy of the good people at HKS. How'd it do? The vehicle managed to spin the rollers at 170 rear-wheel horsepower, which dovetails with the 200 crank horsepower announced by Toyota and Subaru after calculating a 15-percent driveline loss. Of course, whenever HKS gets involved, you can feel safe betting your lunch money that forced induction won't be far behind. True to form, HKS showed off its handiwork on a drift car version of the new sports coupe from Toyota.

The FT-86 looks more than happy to dance through a few chicanes sideways, and we can't wait to see the vehicle go fender-to-fender with the best of them. Click past the jump to check out the dyno video for yourself.

Continue reading First Toyota FT-86 coupe dyno'd

First Toyota FT-86 coupe dyno'd originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Japan, Technology, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Electric

Saying the Toyota 2000GT holds a special place in our hearts is akin to calling oxygen and water kind of important to our survival. The long-nose two-door was envisioned as a suitable competitor to the likes of the European sports cars rolling out Italy and the UK at the time, and in many ways, the Toyota was far superior. Built at a time when Japan Inc. wasn't exactly known for beautiful automobile designs, the 2000GT may have been influenced by European cars of its day, but it has stood the test of time as one of the country's all-time design greats. The low-volume coupe is a piece of automotive legend, which is exactly why choosing to use a 2000GT as a platform for an electric conversion strikes us equal parts blasphemous and awesome. But that's exactly what Japan's Crazy Car Project has done.

The engineers behind the exercise ditched the standard 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine in favor of a 161-horsepower electric motor. A 35kWh lithium-ion battery provides the system with power, and the hood has been covered with photovoltaic cells to help keep the car going. Likewise, the back glass is covered in a transparent solar panel. All told, the system can propel the vehicle to around 124 mph.

Inside, the 2000GT SEV features a modernized interior with plenty of tech-laden gadgets. The vehicle was built in cooperation with Toyota and debuted at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. Let's hope they started with a real basket case, eh? Hit the jump to see a video of the car in action.

Continue reading Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV

Classic Toyota 2000GT turned into solar-powered EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Nissan, Tokyo Auto Salon

With press days for the Detroit Auto Show now behind us, our focus is shifting eastwards. Make that Far East, as the tuners have rolled in for the Tokyo Auto Salon, where Nissan performance tuning arm Nismo has taken on its third compact and given it an attitude adjustment.

Following the recent debuts of the Leaf Nismo and Juke Nismo comes this March Nismo, based on the small hatchback also known as the Micra or (in Taiwan) as the Verita. Nismo has given it a enhanced sportiness through lightweight wheels, updated grille and aero kit, new door mirrors and sportier seats and steering wheel inside.

It's all capped by a pearl white finish with red highlights, but while the Nismo parts catalog is sure to offer bolt-ons for the March, this particular configuration is strictly a concept. Check it out in the pair of high-resolution images along with the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Nissan March Nismo concept debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]

Nissan March Nismo concept debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Etc., Japan, Videos, Hatchback, Scion, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon

Here's a surprise: Toyota has announced the company will produce the iQ Supercharger first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon in limited quantities. The automaker has confirmed the development at the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon. The vehicles will be built by partner Gazoo Racing and will feature a brawnier version of the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine found in the standard iQ. With a little forced induction on its side courtesy of a supercharger, the engine should be good for 130 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 36 ponies and 44 lb-ft over the stock configuration.

Like the concept, the production model will wear a not-so-subtle widebody kit, stiffer suspension and more aggressive brakes than its standard siblings. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only gearbox option. Indoors, buyers can expect to find custom seats and gauges that read all the way up to 124 mph.

Toyota and Gazoo Racing only plan to produce 100 of the muscle-bound iQ Supercharger models, and there's no indication its Scion cousin sold in the States will receive a similar treatment. What a shame. Hit the jump for a brief introductory video featuring the original concept as well as the full press release.

Continue reading Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video]

Toyota greenlights iQ Supercharger Concept for production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Japan, Lamborghini, Luxury

Anywhere you find rabid car culture you'll find rabid tuners. Japan's no different, where the make-it-hotter ethos applies to everything. When it comes to Lamborghini, Chrysler, and yes, even the Suzuki Every kei car, Wataru Kato's 18-year-old Liberty Walk shop wants to be the last word in entertainment - not only for owners, but also for visitors.

Liberty Walk designs its own parts and applies them to a range of vehicles that go from the understated to the unbelievable. Kato says he wants his shop to be an amusement park for kids who just want to be around supercars. (We assume he means kids of all ages.)

Follow the jump for a video showcasing his work. If we make it there, we might start by asking to play with Kato's white Ferrari F40...

Continue reading Liberty Walk shows us how Japan does Lamborghini customs

Liberty Walk shows us how Japan does Lamborghini customs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Japan, Technology

If Fido can distinguish people and other pooches by their backsides, why not a seat? When students at the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology in Tokyo, Japan asked that question, they came up with a car seat fitted with 360 sensors that makes a map of the pressure applied by your posterior. Among the six rumps tested, the seat was 98 percent accurate at sorting one from another.

The ultimate aim is to work with automakers to develop an anti-theft solution that would be available in the next few years. With such a small testing pool, it's too early to start asking the difficult questions about real-world viability (especially when you start to factor in things like different articles of clothing, Costanza wallets, and so on), but we have a feeling this kind of technology will find an application somewhere.

New car seat concept uses your butt print as identification originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, SUV, Japan, Suzuki, India

Even so, assuming the teasers indicate a concept vehicle, it would likely be some time before we saw a production model frolicking about in the light of day. Early estimates would put a next-generation Samurai on stage at the Delhi Auto Expo in two years or so. Does that mean the U.S. will see the Samurai name return to its soil? With Suzuki's floundering presence here in the states, that seems unlikely, but we would welcome a capable, low-dollar off roader to our shores any day. Head over to the Maruti Suzuki page for a closer look.

Suzuki readying next-gen Jimny/Samurai? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Japan, Videos, Toyota

Toyota is out to draw parallels between the company's new GT86 sports car and some of the legends of the automaker's past. A new video depicting the new coupe's development spends plenty of time with the GT86 on screen with the likes of the Toyota Sports 800 and even the AE86. Those are both fine sparring partners for a vehicle that prides itself on superior handling over outright brawn. Watching engineers cane the GT86 around the world's various road courses only stokes our desire for a little more time with the either of the two-door's corporate cousins.

As you may recall, the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ both left favorable impressions on us during our recent drives, but we could use a full week's worth of sideways action to figure out whether those pieces of hardware are worthy of sharing tarmac with the likes of the legendary AE86. Hit the jump to take a look.

Continue reading Toyota GT86 spends time with its ancestors

Toyota GT86 spends time with its ancestors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Japan, Toyota

Drivers in Japan have once again taken to the track in an effort to wring maximum mileage from their Toyota hybrids. According to AutoWeek, the Prius Cup resumed this year after a two-year hiatus.

Toyota officials said they have no plans to bring the hybrid competition to the U.S., but played up their promises to compete and win at Le Mans next June with a hybrid.

Dealerships fielded teams at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, Japan, for a national championship race held on December 7. Puttering around the Formula 1 track at Fuji, at least one team managed an astounding 80 miles per gallon in their hypermiling efforts, according to the report.

But is it really racing when the drivers are attempting to maintain an average speed of 37 miles per hour and coasting up hills? We will give them credit though - at least they do turn both left and right.

Is Japan's Prius Cup the world's most boring form of motorsports? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has the honor of being this year's top producing North American automotive manufacturer by a wide margin with its Puebla, Mexico facility. The factory managed to produce 510,041 units last year, beating out second-place Nissan and its Aguascalientes, Mexico plant by a staggering 149,245 units, according to Ward's Auto. Nissan jumped from third to second place after Toyota and its Georgetown plant dropped from the top five. Toyota and Honda both saw themselves ousted from the leader board after a year pockmarked by disruptions from earthquake and tsunami activity in Japan and flooding in Thailand.

The Japanese automakers' vacancies made room for Hyundai and its facility in Montgomery, Alabama with 338,127 units to take fourth place. Ford, meanwhile, moved from fifth in 2010 to third in 2011 with 344,446 units from its Dearborn Truck plant. Nissan rounded out the top five last year with the company's plant in Smyrna, Tennessee taking the automaker's second spot on the list.

Ward's Auto reports Volkswagen enjoyed a boost from the popularity of the Jetta. That model alone helped push the company's Puebla facility to a 75,356 unit gain over last year's figures. Head over to Ward's to see the full report.

These are North America's top producing auto plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Etc., Nissan

During the automaker's Quality Forum, reporters were told that Nissan had reduced "nonconforming deliveries," a euphemism for bad batches of parts from vendors, by 85 percent from 2007 to 2011. Yet problems remain, according to a report in Automotive News, with suppliers in North America - both the U.S. and Mexico - who account for 70 percent of Nissan's global nonconforming deliveries.

That statistic presents another challenge to Nissan's North American expansion plans. The company built a quarter of its global production here last year and it just announced a new complex in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Additionally, it has already confirmed a deal to build engines for Daimler and it has already suggested that it and Daimler will do more than just cooperate on small cars.

Nissan hasn't named suppliers, nor did it get into the kinds of issues it was having. It also isn't immediately clear what - if any - of these "nonconforming" parts are being assembled into vehicles that are shipped to dealers without getting flagged at a quality checkpoint somewhere along the assembly process. Even if all of the bad parts are caught ahead of delivery to customers, remedying the problem is likely to be costly and time-consuming.

Even so, Nissan is on the case, with AN reporting that the Japanese automaker has already cut the rate of nonconfirming deliveries by 85 percent globally since 2007.

Nissan has a North American quality problem: suppliers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Performance, Videos, Crossover, Nissan, Middle East

When is a Nissan Juke not a Nissan Juke? When it's the 480-horsepower, Godzilla-powered Juke-R, that's when. Then it's a supercar-beater. And to prove the point, Nissan UK took its one-off super-crossover down to Dubai for a little street racing action.

So what did Nissan pit its Juke-R against? No, not other crossovers, but a pack of the leanest, meanest supercars on the market: the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Gallardo and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. We first saw video footage shot from the sidelines a couple of weeks ago, but since the publicity stunt proved so popular, Nissan responded by releasing an official, high-quality version, complete with in-car footage and plenty of tire squealing. Follow the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai

Nissan releases official footage of Juke-R supercar street race in Dubai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Etc., Audi, Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Jeep, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen

The world would be considerably less entertaining if we could all predict the future. Even so, the classic car gurus at Hagerty Insurance have cast a few chicken bones in an attempt to figure out which vehicles produced today might eventually turn collectible.

The company restricted entrants to hardware with a price tag of less than $100,000, so the list isn't populated with too many wild exotics. While vehicles like the Nissan GT-R Black Edition, Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Porsche 911 are low-hanging fruit, the list also featured a few surprises.

For starters, it begins with none other than the mighty Buick Regal GS. Hagerty says the vehicle is a win because it's the first Buick with a manual transmission since the fall of the Holy Roman Empire. The Fiat 500 Abarth also makes an appearance alongside an even hotter hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R. Of course, we're simply thrilled to see the sinister Audi TT RS make a showing. Hit the jump for the full list or view each vehicle in our gallery above.

Continue reading Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

Hagerty predicts this year's future classics originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric

What's up with the sales, orders and reservations of the Nissan Leaf? The Japanese automaker loudly trumpeted the 20,000 reservations it originally collected back in September, 2010 and Nissan's Mark Perry recently told AutoblogGreen that, since then, that number has climbed to around 26,000. Where do things stand today? That's not exactly simple to figure out. Here's what we know:

• Number of accepted Leaf reservations: 26,000
• - Number of Leaf models sold: 10,000
• - Number sold in January: 800 (estimate)
• - Number sold in February: 800 (estimate. Perry recently said these two months were sold out or nearly sold out)
• - Number of people who haven't had a chance to order because they live in a state where the Leaf is not yet for sale: 2,000 (according, again, to Perry)
• - Number of people who cancelled (unknown)
• = 12,400 people or so

Nissan's Katherine Zachary tells Autoblog that the company doesn't share cancellation data, so it's not possible for outsiders to know exactly how many of the 12,400 have raised and then lowered their hands. Zachary added, "We have new people coming into the process every day, so it's really a moving target." Still, somewhere out there, there could be 12,000 people who are patiently waiting to snatch up Nissan's 2012 Leaf production. Even if 50 percent of them cancelled, that still leaves many months of strong sales coming for Nissan in the U.S. this coming year, even as production ramps up.

One thing that Zachary was willing to share were the colors chosen by buyers for model year 2012 Leaf orders. They are:

• Brilliant Silver - 24%
• Blue Ocean - 23%
• Glacier Pearl - 21%
• Cayenne Red - 19%
• Super Black - 14%

Given that Blue Ocean was the Leaf's "Launch Color," we're a bit surprised to see it being outsold by silver, if only just. If you were going to order a Leaf (or if you already have), what color would it be? Take our poll below.

View Poll

A word on Nissan Leaf sales, orders and reservation numbers [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Minivan/Van, Europe, Hatchback, Nissan

For 2012, the funky little Nissan Note is getting some upgrading for its top two trims, the oddly named Acenta and N-TEC+, while the Note lineup itself is getting some downsizing. Outside, the Acenta sits on 16-inch wheels now and gets "chrome-effect" caps on the side-view mirrors and around the front fog lights. Inside, items like climate control and automatic headlights are standard, as is a blue cross-stitching on the seats for "a more premium feel."

Above that, in the UK, the new N-TEC+ trim is now the top-of-the-line model, as the former top-tier Tekna is going away. The N-TEC+ gets rear parking sensors, privacy glass and Nissan's "Connect" touch-screen satellite navigation.

The base Visia model remains unchanged, as does its £11,200 price (around $17,500 USD). The Acenta gets a £200 price bump to £13,000 ($20,400), the N-TEC+ rises £100 over the plain old N-TEC of yore to £13,500 ($21,200), all prices inclusive of Britain's costly Value Added Tax. Engines in the range, the 1.4- and 1.6-liter petrols and 1.5-liter diesel, are also carried over. Follow the jump for the press release and have a closer look at the Note in the gallery of high-res photos.

Continue reading Nissan Note gets minor upgrades for 2012

Nissan Note gets minor upgrades for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan

Nissan has announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility in Mexico. The company will invest $2 billion in a new complex situated in Aguascalientes, Mexico to help produce the automaker's B platform models. The plant is expected to begin operations in late 2013 and should be capable of producing up to 175,000 units annually during phase one. Nissan says the endeavor will create up to 3,000 direct jobs in the area with another 9,000 positions created via the supply chain necessary to support the facility.

The plant will be Nissan's third in Mexico and is part of a strategy that should allow the company to produce more than one million units annually in the country. Nissan claims no other automaker is investing in our southern neighbor with the same level of commitment. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Nissan confirms new North American assembly plant in Mexico

Nissan confirms new North American assembly plant in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Safety, Videos, Nissan

Back on Thanksgiving Day of 2011, we saw what happens when a C5 Chevrolet Corvette goes head-to-head on public roads against a C6 Vette - the older Vette spears into the passenger-side door of the newer Vette. The video was our most popular post of 2011, so we know that well over a million viewers saw the ill-advised drag race. We think that video illustrated that racing on public roads was a bad idea, but sometimes, accidents happen even without a race.

Hit the jump to see what happens when a pair of tuned-out Nissan 350Z models do their best impression of the Thanksgiving Day Melee. The YouTube page claims that the two cars were actually traveling at the speed limit (read: not racing) as part of a caravan of Z models, when the black, supercharged Z coupe tapped its throttle and lost control, veering into the passing lane and right into the path of a Z roadster.

Still, the collision looks like déjà vu all over again, except the quick video is better this time and we actually hear the impact and see the parts flying all over the freeway. The accident reportedly didn't result in any serious injuries.

Continue reading First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage

First it was Vette on Vette violence, now it's Z on Z carnage originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: China, Plants/Manufacturing, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan

Size still matters, but the quest to be number one is also getting more headlines. Mercedes-Benz is the latest to stake its future on taking the top slot, with CEO Dieter Zetsche aiming to be the world's largest premium maker by 2020. The specific number is 2.7 million vehicles sold that year, which represents an astronomical jump from 2011 sales of 1.26 million vehicles.

To home in on that target, Mercedes intends to build factories in China and in North America - either Mexico or the U.S. - with the North American factory coming online by 2018, according to a report in Auto News. The facility here would build the "next generation A class together with Daimler's strategic partner Nissan."

Mercedes didn't offer any clarification on the Nissan component or what else a new facility might build, nor what the synergies might be with it and the engine deal recently signed between Daimler and Renault-Nissan.

Daimler planning to open new plant in North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Podcasts, Auctions, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Jeep, Nissan, Volkswagen

Barrett-Jackson 2012, Camaro ZL1 vs Shelby GT500, Volkswagen says it's really #1, C7 Chevrolet Corvette



Episode #266 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Drew Phillips this week. Topics include the Barrett-Jackson auction, smack talk from the Camaro ZL1 chief, Volkswagen disputing GM's claim of #1 in the world, and a C7 Corvette sighting. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #266:

• Barrett-Jackson 2012
• Camaro chief says ZL1 will beat Shelby GT500
• GM beats Volkswagen, or does it? And does it matter?
• Chevrolet C7 Corvette spotted

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
2012 Jeep Wrangler
2012 Nissan Rogue
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Drew Phillips, Zach Bowman

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #266

Autoblog Podcast #266 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors has recently launched the production model of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the next chapter of the re-introduction of the Camaro. The spiritual seccessor to the Z28, the production model was launched at the company’s assembly plant in Ontario.

Under the hood, the vehicle is powered by a supercharged 6.2 litre engine that produces 580 hp (432 kW/588 PS) and 556 lb-ft (754 Nm) of torque. It is mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. When equipped with an automatic transmission, the model can accelerate from 0 to 96km/h in 3.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 296km/h. With the six-speed manual, acceleration time is 0.1 seconds slower and top speed is 290 km/h.

Kevin Williams, president and managing director of GM of Canada, commented that ”This is an exciting new chapter in the ongoing revival of the tremendously popular Chevrolet Camaro. The new 2012 Camaro ZL1 further demonstrates the flexible capabilities of the award-winning Oshawa Assembly Plant.”

The Camaro ZL1 has a price tag of $54, 995 which includes destination charges.

Source: World Car Fans

Rolex Sports Car series driver Joao Barbosa takes his wife for  a spin around Daytona International Speedway for the very first time. Barbosa built up to a speed of at 185mph in a two-seater Grand Am Daytona Prototype. Mrs Barbosa, doesn’t seem to enjoy the thrill of the experience as much as her husband as her calm but slightly apprehensive disposition soon turns into hysteria. If you listen closely, its difficult to tell the difference between the high pitched sound of her screams and the sounds of the car.

Watch the footage in the video below:

Source: Autoblog

Autogespot takes the saying ‘Dog is man’s best friend’ to a while new level when the picture above was snapped in the US of a dog sitting in the front seat of a Bugatti Veyron. 

The supercar with a $2 million price tag was parked on the curb on a street in West Hollywood, California. Not an unusual sight in Hollywood after all, what was spotted was the driver’s large Golden Retriever, sitting upright, left alone inside the vehicle. It is likely that the driver who must have taken a few minutes to run an errand unexpectedly with his fury friend in tow felt he could leave him chilling in the front passenger seat. Unless of course this is a common ocurrance.

Let’s hope the dog showed some appreciation for being transported in such a supreme car and didn’t get bored and start chewing on or scratching the expensive interior.

Source: Motor Authority

This year Mopar will be celebrating 75 years since its name was first trademarked (a combination of ‘Motor’ and ‘Parts’) with the unveiling of four new vehicles at the Chicago Auto Show next month. Mopar has evolved to become synonymous with performance parts for Chrysler and Dodge as well as amp’d-up specialty package vehicles, vehicle service and maintenance.

The first, and only one that will be sold turn-key, is the ’12 Mopar 300 with only 500 being built and sold for $49, 700 each.  While offering no more power than a standard 5.7-litre V8-equipped 300, the ’12 Mopar does benefit from a new final-drive ratio of 3.91:1 that drops its 0-60 time in the low five-second range, as well as a significantly stiffer suspension, more grip on the tyres and brake system upgrades.

The exterior is painted black with striping that appears across the ’12 Mopar’s sides and around its rims. The wheels are 20-inch, 8-spoke forged aluminum rollers painted Gloss Black with Mopar center caps. Mopar says that interior is equally dark save for accents of Mopar Blue.

Each vehicle sold will  come with a special box of goodies that includes Mopar-branded key fobs and merchandise; proof of the vehicle’s exact manufacture date and number built; and a sketch of the car signed by its designer.

The remaining three anniversary special editions include the 2013 Dodge Dart ‘GTS 210 Tribute’, 2012 Fiat 500 Stinger and 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass ‘True North’. 

The Dodge Dart serves to pay homage to the quintessential muscle car while showcasing how Mopar’s extensive range of appearance and performance parts will be for the new Dart when it goes on sale.

The Fiat 500 ‘Stinger’ is welcomed into Fiat’s custom fold.  Its 1.4-litre MultiAir engine receives an unspecified bump in power thanks to a cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust. Higher-spec performance brakes clasp down on larger cross-drilled rotors behind a wider set of 17-inch Abarth Hyper Black aluminum wheels with wider 205/40R17 performance tyres.

Lastly, The Jeep Compass ‘True North’ has been given a 2-inch lift kit to better accommodate its 16-inch matte black wheels fitted with BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres. The center stack is also modified with a custom pod housing pitch and roll inclinometer gauges.

Source: Autoblog

The Click Car Mouse and USB Stick range that has recently launched in South Africa lets you hold the car of your dreams from a Maserati GranTursimo to a pearl white Fiat 500 in the palm of your hand.

Licensed by the car manufacturers, the Click Car Mouse is a miniature near perfect replica of the real cars they’re modelled on. They are designed to a very high technical standard using only the highest quality materials. Most models are available in both wired and wireless versions.

CarBlog received the Range Rover Evoque Mouse and Mercedes Benz 300 SL USB Stick to test out. The Wireless Optical Evoque Mouse comes packaged with a nano receiver and battery. Once setup, the mouse can either be turned on (either with or without rear and headlights depending on how much battery you’re willing to use up) or off when not in use. It has a 10 metre range and adjustable high-res optical for 800dpi and 1600dpi.

After using it for a couple of hours, the Mouse slowly began to feel uncomfortable with the angled lines of the Range Rover not exactly conducive for the natural round shape of my palm. Sometimes, my finger would even get caught underneath the right hand side mirror. As a result, I would prefer a car with smoother contours – an Aston Martin DBS perhaps. However, it is important to be aware that my hands are smaller than most and may result in a different experience for someone else.  The mouse works optimally on a pad as wheels, unfortunately, do not move.

The USB Stick, with 4GB was much more appealing and it has already been put to use. It is small, light and fits perfectly into the free USB bag included in the packaging. When plugged into to the USB port in my laptop the headlights and rear lights light up.

price ranges between R350 – R500.

View other models in the Car Click range in the gallery below:

 

Due to its outstanding performance, raw beauty and exclusivity the Pagani Zonda is arguably one of the most favoured supercars ever built.  So whenever one has a near-death experience or worse, makes it to Zonda heaven, the reaction from car enthusiasts is always one of bereavement.

Unfortunately a recent event was reported of a Pagani Zonda, allegedly owned by one of the top executives at Dolce & Gabbana in Hong Kong, crashing near Tsim Sha Tsui. Local news reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to collide into a tree and then as if that wasn’t bad enough, into a traffic light. Fortunately the driver was not injured.

The photographs below are evidence of serious front and rear end damage with torn suspension and dangling wheels, however its hard to see if there is any major structural damage to the carbon fibre monocoque. News reports have since said the vehicle is not a total loss.

Source: World Car Fans

Watch Mike Spinelli as he drives the new Nissan Juke -R concept down in Dubai this week on Road Testament.

The Juke-R, first launched back in October, that caused some controversy among the Nissan executives, is a mashup of the Juke and the GT-R with an unusual distended body created to accommodate the advanced all-wheel-drive system, twin-clutch transmission and 3.8-litre twin-turbo 480-horsepower V6 engine.

View Mike in action in the video below:

Despite reports that  investors filed a $2.6 billion suit against Porsche over the Stuttgart maker’s attempt to gobble up VW and an arbitration application against Volkswagen, according to Der Spiegel, a VW executive has said that its ownership of Porsche could finally be concluded this year.

VW had initially predicted that the deal would be concluded by last year but then released a statement in September stating that too many hurdles and unknowns remained concerning investigations and economic consequences for the deal to get done any time in 2011. These hurdles involved previous lawsuits, including one brought by American investors in 2010, and the fact that VW couldn’t evaluate Porsche adequately until they were settled.

However, these latest reports mention nothing of lawsuits and instead, the resolution of the issues include a one-billion-euro tax payment that VW can avoid by creating a holding company by 2014 to control the Porsche stake and VW agreeing to contractually assure Porsche retains control over its models and where it spends its money. According to the above mentioned executive, this opens the door for VW to absorb the final 50.1 percent of Porsche it doesn’t currently own, for a price of €3.9 billion.

In the meantime, Reuters reports that VW and Porsche are working “at arm’s length” even though they have the same CEO and CFO and develop cars together, a fact which is testing CEO Martin Winterkorn’s patience. Earlier this month, Winterkorn was quoted as saying he wants to bring the companies closer “without needing to have a lawyer stand next to a Porsche employee every time he screws something into a Volkswagen or vice-versa.”

Source: Autoblog

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a huge sales success and the company has revealed that 56% of buyers choose to customize their vehicles in an exclusive fashion.

While customization and Rolls-Royce are virtually synonymous, the take rate for bespoke Ghosts is slightly lower than the Phantom’s impressive 80% rate. Despite this, customers have still been ordering everything from custom paint jobs to luxurious interiors with champagne sets, humidors and picnic cabinets.

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said in a recent statement that “It is always our goal to exceed our clients’ highest expectations and fulfill their innermost desires. With highly bespoke Phantom and Ghost models, we are able to achieve this.”

Source: World Car Fans

Car Magazine has scooped some pics of the early prototype of the third generation Audi TT for 2014 on test in Europe as Audi prepares its new coupe for development.

The car’s mean looking front, boasts a hectagonal singleframe grille, a pair of large low-mounted air intakes as well as wraparound combined headlamp-and-indicator units. To increase the downforce at the rear it houses an active air dam which is supported by a neatly integrated high-mounted roof spoiler.

The interior will showcase a variation of the fully animated single screen instrument panel devised for the next Audi R8 Supercar.

As for the driving performance, based on the same flexible MQB architecture as the next 2012 VW Golf Mk7 and Audi A3, the new TT relies once more heavily on four-cylinder engines. The two petrol-fed four-cylinders deliver 180 and 220bhp, the diesel develops 178hp and the racier TTS will be equipped with a 276bhp turbocharged 2.0 litre. Quattro is standard on this model and on the next TT RS, which borrows the 385bhp kraftwerk upgrade from the 2012 limited-edition.