Barbara Woodhouse Car Blog

Filed under: Concept Cars, Saab

If there's anything even more cool about the current crop of concept cars, it's that we can actually see a bridge to the technology in a lot of them. Not that we expect them to be on the roads soon, but the thought of something like the solar skin on Mark Kruse's Saab Blackbird concept making it to an actual production car doesn't sound as crazy as it did in 1990.

The Blackbird takes its cues from, surprise surprise, the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance plane, yet looks even more to us like the head of a bird (as in woodpecker). The car's solar skin powers four electric motors in the wheels, with a battery array likely free to power the driver's LCD display and the passenger's wraparound communications panel.

The car can also go on a diet: the suspension can retreat into the body and trim the car down to just 52 inches (132 cm) wide. The seats are also width adjustable to fit the occupants. And while none of that sounds too outrageous, the rear seat placement could never work. With its backrest practically forming the rear bulkhead, you do not want to be the Blackbird's co-pilot in a rear-end collision. But if we're driving, we'll take it.


[Source: Diseno Art]

Student Art: Saab Blackbird Concept inspired by famous jet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA, Crossovers/CUVs, Subaru

Subaru's Forester has long been considered one of the few sporting 'utes, and the automaker is ready to build on that image with a new Forester XTI concept, set to debut at the SEMA Show. Those interested in outward appearances will note the "Atmospheric Re-Entry paint scheme" (their words, not ours), JDM body kit, lower front spoiler and mesh front grille. It's the underpinnings that get us really excited, though. Under the skin, the Forester XTI gets the full Subaru Technica International treatment from the firm's amazing WRX STI, including its 2.5-liter turbocharged and intercooled boxer four powerplant, mated to a six speed manual transmission and, of course, all-wheel-drive. A cat-back exhaust helps bump out to 315 hp and torque to 300 lb-ft, meaningful improvements over the stock engine's ratings of 300-horsepower and 290 lb-ft. We'd love to see this one make it to the showroom floor.

Accompanying the XTI at Subie's booth is the Mountain Rescue Vehicle, which was purpose-built for the National Ski Patrol, of which Subaru is the Official Vehicle. Custom touches include an adjustable Air Lift suspension that allows for a maximum of 14-inches of ground clearance. Under the wheel arches sit 30x9.5-in. Yokohama Geolandar MTS tires on custom 15-in. reversed near-zero offset steel wheels. Skid plates and a winch complete the off-road modifications and are accompanied by a bevy of lights and a near glow-in-the-dark hue. The drivetrain doesn't see any modifications, but the stock turbo-mill ought to be up to the task anyway.


[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: Subaru to show off Forester XTI and Mountain Rescue Vehicle

SEMA Preview: Subaru to show off Forester XTI and Mountain Rescue Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Videos, Saab

The Saab 9X Air BioHybrid said hello to the world on a pedestal full of disco lights at the Paris Motor Show. It did not, however, move. So for now, if you want to see what the 9X Air will be able to do when it finally does get rolling, we have this little video courtesy of GM. The 9X BioHybrid and its Air BioHybrid sibling are supposed to provide clues to a forthcoming Saab 9-1 small car, and the video is quite cool. But frankly, we also find it a bit saddening, since we can't quite believe that we'll see anything nearly this cool on an actual Saab, and the way things are going, we might not see the Saab 9-1.

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Saab 9X Air BioHybrid

VIDEO: Saab 9X Air BioHybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertibles, Videos, Saab

The Saab 9X Air BioHybrid said hello to the world on a pedestal full of disco lights at the Paris Motor Show. It did not, however, move. So for now, if you want to see what the 9X Air will be able to do when it finally does get rolling, we have this little video courtesy of GM. The 9X BioHybrid and its Air BioHybrid sibling are supposed to provide clues to a forthcoming Saab 9-1 small car, and the video is quite cool. But frankly, we also find it a bit saddening, since we can't quite believe that we'll see anything nearly this cool on an actual Saab, and the way things are going, we might not see the Saab 9-1.

[Source: GM FastLane Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: Saab 9X Air BioHybrid

VIDEO: Saab 9X Air BioHybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows

General Motors officially debuted the GPiX Concept, which we previewed for you last week, at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil yesterday. It was designed entirely by GM Design in Brazil but retains those corporate styling cues that make it instantly recognizable as a modern Chevy around the world. This two-door crossover has a bit of ground clearance for what GM calls "the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets." We think that means no roads and poor conditions. There's no mention of what powers the GPiX concept, though we assume it's either A) not a runner, B) has a fictional super efficient prototype powertrain underhood or C) uses a four-cylinder gas motor capable of running on E100 ethanol. GM also says that the GPiX could be a potential new segment for the automaker in South America, but in these tough times we doubt it's really interested in developing a solo vehicle for a single market. You can check out more high-res pics of the GPiX concept in the gallery below and read GM's official press release after the jump.


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo

Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet

Chevrolet has reportedly taken more than 6,000 orders for its new Camaro so far, and why not? The car is great looking, excitement is high, and fuel prices have eased up a bit. You'd think that the prior spike in the cost of fuel would still be fresh on everyone's mind, thus making the V6 a popular choice. Wrongo. While the V6 has similar lip-smackingly great styling, and won't be a slowpoke, it seems that everyone wants that small block rhythm thumping away under the hood of their neo-ponycar. 84% of orders have been for V8-powered SS models so far, which may mean a longer wait for delivery since GM is likely building a very different ratio of V8 to V6 models. Thanks for the tip, Doug!


[Source: Camaro5]

6,000 Camaros ordered so far, 84% with V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

Could one unthinkable action be followed by another? It may be, if Formula 1 heads get their wish for a standard engine for the racing series. Both Toyota, a team near the bottom of the standings, and Ferrari, which is up near the top as it usually is, have expressed their concerns about such a plan, with both entities threatening to pull out of the racing series if such a path were taken. A Formula 1 world without Ferrari is practically unfathomable, as is seeing a Prancing Horse powered by a McLaren/Mercedes powerplant.

Does one knee-jerk reaction deserve another? Probably not. Our guess is that cooler heads will prevail and the FIA will come up with another alternative to lower the costs of competing in F1. This is, after all, the path that the FIA often takes when it comes to making major rules changes. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

[Source: F1-Live, Photo by Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty]

Ferrari may leave F1 if standard engine approved originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupes, Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Honda

The Civic has been a pillar of the Honda lineup for decades, and high gas prices have made it even more important to the Japanese automaker's success here in the U.S. Back in May and June, Honda couldn't make enough Civics, but with the auto industry here in the States imploding, even Honda's little money maker needs incentives. Right now, buyers with good credit can pick up a brand new 2008 or 2009 Civic with 1.9% financing for 36 months or 3.9% APR for up to 60 months. All models except the GX are included in the offer, even the Civic Hybrid.

If you're not looking to buy a Civic, you can lease one for $1,999 down and $189 a month for 36 months. That's $1,100 cheaper than the previous offer of $2,799 down and $199 a month. Honda says the incentive offers are necessary in part because of lowering gas prices, and the Japanese automaker wants to continue to see Civics fly off dealer lots to keep its new Indiana factory humming. Honda dealers are also happy about the Civic deals in light of Toyota's 0% financing program on 11 vehicles, but they would like to see even more. Between 0% financing at Toyota and hefty discounts on 2009 Civics, we have all the evidence we need that U.S. auto market is completely screwed right now.


[Source: Nick Sells Hondas]

Honda rolls out low financing rates for best-selling Civic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Porsche

At last count, there were 13 Porsche Panameras winding their way up and down San Francisco streets. We don't know what could be so challenging in the city by the bay that Porsche would take a huge mule fleet to a crowded city center, but needless to say there have been a lot of pictures taken. This particular lensman was even able to spend enough close up time with a curbside model that he got tire sizes (F: 255/40 R20, R: 285/40 R20), a description of the dash, and pictures of the ceramic brakes. We won't even say anything about how the car looks. Have a look at the 15 shots for yourself and see if you feel any differently about it. Thanks to everyone who sent in tips!

[Source: Roadfly]

Spy Shots: Panamera mule close-ups... still looks... hmmm... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, SUVs, Trucks/Pickups

Pickup and SUV sales plummeted when gas hit $4 per gallon, and many thought these gas-guzzling segments would never fully recover. That may be true, but for now Americans are once again getting more comfortable with trucks and SUVs. Truck sales fell below 10% of overall vehicle sales back in May and June, but the price of gas falling from an average of $4.11 per gallon to $2.78 has helped the share of trucks rise to 14.1% of the overall market for September. Depending on how buyers react to the financial crisis, October could be even better as gas prices have continued to go down. SUVs have seen a smaller but still significant jump in overall share, going from 1.9% in May to 2.5% in September - a big improvement for a shrinking segment.

Much of the increased interest in trucks and SUVs can easily be attributed to huge incentives on the hoods of these hefty haulers, but gas prices are a big factor, as well. And while most analysts feel the truck market won't recover until construction picks back up, we're sure automakers are happy to see an increase in sales for their most profitable vehicles, even if it takes a pile of cash on the hood to get them moving.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty ]

How quickly we forget: Cheaper gas = higher pickup and SUV sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Sedans/Saloons, Pontiac, Rumormill

Pontiac hopes to clear things up with a post on Pontiac blog regarding the future of its current products, namely the G8 and Solstice. It was just the other day that rumors of the brand's two rear-wheel drive vehicles possible being canceled hit the interwebs, and we dutifully reported on the story as we always do. According to Pontiac, though, those rumors are nothing more than speculation and should not be taken as gospel unless you hear it from the horse's (or Mr. Lutz's) mouth, which we have not. Still, the rumor in question indicates that the G8 will live on at least another five years, assuming it continues to sell that long, but would not be replaced after that. This could still be the case. Likewise, the Solstice has not been canceled, but it's replacement in GM's lineup still seems unlikely given the low volume of sales the vehicle attracts. In short, nobody can predict the future, but sometimes the handwriting on the wall isn't that tough to read.


[Source: Pontiac Underground]

Pontiac: G8 and Solstice not being canceled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen

Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, the head of Porsche Holding, and Porsche's group works council chairman Uwe Huck took time to answer Porsche staff questions about the impending takeover of VW. It appeared to go well enough: Wolfgang said the Porsche and Piech families met, and Ferdinand Piech, the head of VW, "clearly stated that he unreservedly supports the course of Porsche Automobil Holding SE in all points and is fully and entirely behind the chairmen." It was also said that Piech did not support the committee formed to approve Porsche and Audi cooperation, that the co-detemination agreement between Porsche and VW would remain fair to the larger and smaller company, and that the VW Law would be struck down.

The only thing missing from the love fest was... Ferdinand Piech. The VW chief and supposed cause of much of Porsche's troubles didn't attend -- his sentiments were conveyed by Dr. Porsche with peculiar phrasing. For instance, even though Porsche said Piech didn't approve of the technology sharing committee, Piech purposely didn't attend the meeting that cast the votes. It all sounded good, but until Piech is forced to sit down in public and decide one way or another, we'll wait for the next turn in the soap opera before we assume everything is safe. You can check out the details of this latest turn in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading Porsche and Piech families bury the hatchet, will probably be dug up again...

Porsche and Piech families bury the hatchet, will probably be dug up again... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Green

AutoblogGreen got passed some confirmation that the tiny Toyota iQ will come to the U.S. as the Scion iQ, the brand's highest-mpg model. It won't arrive until 2010, but it looks like it's coming. As for vehicles that are available now, we spent some time in the Audi A5 3.0 TDI 6MT. And is it the end of the Tahoe/Yukon hybrids? Signs point to yes.

• Scion iQ looking more and more likely in U.S.
• In the AutoblogGreen Garage: Audi A5 3.0 TDI 6MT
• Austin Alt Car: panel looks at the future of plug-in hybrids
• Austin Alt Car: Future Prospects for Plug-in Hybrids
• Austin Alt Car: PHEV opportunities and challenges for utilities
• Austin Alt Car: Will Consumers Buy In? Duh.
• The Last Days of the Audi Mileage Marathon: Vegas to LA
• Got a question for Zap's Gary Starr? Ask away
• Interior Dept opens 190 million acres for geothermal power development
• Race-car-driving environmentalist forming Eco Dream Team
• As gas prices fluctuate, so do pickup and SUV sales
• AutoExpress looks at MPG myths, little impact from tire pressure
• Project Green Leaf plans "Plug In America Infrastructure"
• Carbon Trust launches algae biodiesel challenge, commercial by 2020
• Hybrid tech won't save the full size SUV as new Tahoe/Yukon cancelled
• Hyundai has big plans for hybrids
• Royal Enfield fuel-injects its Bullet

AutoblogGreen for 10.28.08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., GM

At first we thought the idea of a merger between General Motors and Chrysler LLC was laughable. We still do, but persistent reports to the contrary have us fearing that this marriage just might happen. Combining these two automakers would be a messy job, as many models on both sides of the fence compete directly with on another in the marketplace. If the merger does happen, someone may have to sit down and decide which models stay and which go. We decided to play arm chair auto executive quarterback and hold a Battle Royale. We've pitted model against model in 12 segments in which GM and Chrysler compete directly. In this thought experiment, only one model in each segment will survive to see the New World Order. Get to clickin' below to find out which ones make it.

Click here for Match 1: Chevy Cobalt vs. Dodge Caliber

Battle Royale: If GM and Chrysler merge, which models survive? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports

KTM and its four-wheeled racer, the X-Bow, had an incredibly successful season, dominating the GT4 Sports Light class in its inaugural year. With a serious campaign under its belt, KTM is finally making its "Race" version of the X-Bow available to consumers, and the bike-manufacturer-turned-automaker has big plans for the future.

Over 30 modifications were made to the standard X-Bow - ranging from semi-slick tires to an adjustable brake balance controller - to bring it up to GT4-spec, and if the €82,900 cost of entry isn't enough, KTM is offering a variety of optional "PowerParts" to take the X-Bow to the next level. Adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, central-locking wheels, an airjack system, Kevlar front panels, a carbon fiber tonneau cover and a revised rear bumper are available for track addicts abroad. But that's not all.

KTM is launching a new program billed the "Customer Racing Concept" which allows owners of the X-Bow "Race" to campaign in a number of events throughout Europe with full support provided by the KTM crew. For around €3,000 per race, CRS will take care of all the logistics on race day, including transport, race service, spare parts, hospitality, tires, fuel, driver and team equipment, making it easy - if not cheap - to campaign an X-Bow in a number of European series.

In 2009, KTM will launch the X-Bow Super Sport Cup, with two separate competitions. The SSC North will cover Germany, the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands, while SSC South covers France, Spain and Italy. A number of races are planned throughout the year, and there's talk of extending the program to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar, and even the possibility of bringing it to the States.

Hit the jump for all the details in KTM's lengthy release.

Continue reading KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for €82,900

KTM taking orders on X-Bow 'Race' for €82,900 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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