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<itunes:author>Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan Roth</itunes:author><itunes:image href="http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/autoblog-podcast-itunes.jpg" /><itunes:summary>The podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.</itunes:summary><itunes:category text="Games and Hobbies"><itunes:category text="Automotive" /></itunes:category><item>
    <title><![CDATA[REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/vws-u-s-plans-jetta-name-confirmed-two-door-concept-coming-series-production-coupe-possible/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+caranddriver%2Fblog+(Car+and+Driver+Blog)"><img hspace="0" height="420" width="630" vspace="4" border="0" align="top" alt="VW Jetta" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/jetta-badge.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
It seems that we'll be getting a new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/jetta">Jetta</a> sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to <em>Car and Driver</em>, VW's so-called <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/31/spy-shots-2011-vw-jetta-sedan/">New Compact Sedan</a>, which will be <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/report-vw-chooses-mexican-plant-for-new-compact-sedan/">built at the same Mexican plant</a> that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.<br />
<br />
Following its June debut here in the States, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.<br />
<br />
Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.<br />
<br />
[Source: <a href="http://blog.caranddriver.com/vws-u-s-plans-jetta-name-confirmed-two-door-concept-coming-series-production-coupe-possible/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+caranddriver%2Fblog+(Car+and+Driver+Blog)">Car and Driver</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/">REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://blog.caranddriver.com/vws-u-s-plans-jetta-name-confirmed-two-door-concept-coming-series-production-coupe-possible/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+caranddriver%2Fblog+(Car+and+Driver+Blog)>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19266284/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/report-vw-confirms-jetta-name-for-small-sedan-upcoming-coupe-c/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>2011 jetta</category><category>2011 volkswagen jetta</category><category>2011 vw jetta</category><category>2011Jetta</category><category>2011VolkswagenJetta</category><category>2011VwJetta</category><category>jetta</category><category>new compact sedan</category><category>NewCompactSedan</category><category>polo</category><category>volkswagen coupe</category><category>volkswagen jetta</category><category>volkswagen new compact sedan</category><category>volkswagen polo</category><category>VolkswagenCoupe</category><category>VolkswagenJetta</category><category>VolkswagenNewCompactSedan</category><category>VolkswagenPolo</category><category>vw</category><category>vw coupe</category><category>vw jetta</category><category>vw new compact sedan</category><category>vw polo</category><category>VwCoupe</category><category>VwJetta</category><category>VwNewCompactSedan</category><category>VwPolo</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeremy Korzeniewski]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/" rel="tag">Geneva Motor Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/infiniti/" rel="tag">Infiniti</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/infiniti-essence-concept"><img width="620" height="397" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/infinessence.jpg" /></a><br /> Infiniti Essence Concept</small></strong></em> -<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> c</span></span><em><strong><small>lick above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> When we first laid eyes on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/infiniti/">Infiniti's</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/03/geneva-2009-consider-the-show-stopped-infiniti-rolls-out-its-e/">Essence concept</a> at this year's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/geneva-motor-show/">Geneva Motor Show</a>, we were, quite frankly, smitten by its voluptuous lines. We apparently weren't alone, as Infiniti exec Ben Poore has reportedly told <em>Motor Trend</em> that reaction to the concept was "phenomenal." When the Essence was unveiled, Infiniti told the audience at Geneva that the vehicle was concept-only and that future vehicles would be influenced by its stunning design. We were a bit disappointed by that news, because, of course, the world can never have too many stunning twin-turbo V6 hybrid coupes capable of a combined 592 brake horsepower. <br /> <br /> But while we were let down by Infiniti's initial decision on Essence, we're at least encouraged by the fact that Poore recently told MT that that the concept is "only a show piece... for now." Could that mean that we could have a production vehicle based off of the Essence in the future? We hope so. Will it have a twin-turbo 3.7-liter V6 with a lithium-ion backed disc-shaped electric motor? Perhaps not, but we wouldn't exactly be disappointed if it did.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/infiniti-essence-concept/low/">Infiniti Essence Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/infiniti-essence-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/essence-1280s_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/infiniti-essence-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/01-infiniti-essence-press_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/infiniti-essence-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/02-infiniti-essence-press_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/infiniti-essence-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/03-infiniti-essence-press_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/infiniti-essence-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/04-infiniti-essence-press_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence/low/">Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/01-infiniti-essence-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/02-infiniti-essence-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/03-infiniti-essence-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/04-infiniti-essence-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/03/05-infiniti-essence-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: <a href="http://wot.motortrend.com/6581917/auto-news/getting-round-2011-infiniti-m-and-2010-infiniti-g-get-private-showing/index.html">Motor Trend</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/">REPORT: Infiniti still mulling production Essence coupe</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19265418/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/report-infiniti-still-mulling-production-essence-coupe/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>geneva motor show</category><category>Geneva show</category><category>geneva show 2009</category><category>Geneva2009</category><category>GenevaMotorShow</category><category>GenevaShow</category><category>GenevaShow2009</category><category>infiniti</category><category>infiniti concept</category><category>infiniti essence</category><category>infiniti essence concept</category><category>InfinitiConcept</category><category>InfinitiEssence</category><category>InfinitiEssenceConcept</category><category>motor trend</category><category>MotorTrend</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Shunk]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 11:28:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---3_opt.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Mazdaspeed2 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<p>As cool as some of those <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/">custom Ford Fiestas</a> are at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/">LA Auto Show</a>, these even tidier <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-mazda-mazda2-los-angeles-auto-show-2009-unveiled/">Mazda2</a> customs really jumped out at us. Okay, maybe not all of the concepts so much as the "Mazdaspeed2" you see above. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/#12">Active2 Surf</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/#10">Active2 Snow</a> barely registered when we saw this green and grey fun machine. Dubbed the 2Evil Special and not really an official Mazdaspeed2 at all, this concept blends weekend track car with urban commuter in just the right proportions. <br />
<br />
The other two concepts aren't quite as eye-catching as the 2Evil, but are fun nonetheless. The Active2 Surf has a slightly restyled exterior, 17-inch wheels, an H&amp;R coil over suspension and was painted a bright green with MINI-like white wheels and mirror caps. We really dug the carbon fiber surfboard in the Thule roof rack, too. The Active2 Snow gets similar bodywork tweaks, along with the 17-inch wheels and the H&amp;R setup with another Thule roof rack sporting matching snowboards.. Both cars also wear Active2 graphics. These two cars look like they are going to be easily duplicated by accessing the Mazda Accessories catalog.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the 2Evil sits even lower thanks to its H&amp;R coil-over setup, and is visually lowered even more courtesy of the aggressive body kit with its curb-scraping front lip and deep side skirts. The 2Evil also includes a new diffuser and spoiler in the back, limo-black windows, Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B tribute graphics, 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokahama Advan tires, and a Magna performance exhaust system. The green highlights really bring the whole thing together to make it look like a spec series racer. Now if Mazda could just shoehorn in the Mazdaspeed3 turbo mill, they'd really be onto something. We can just imagine Grand-Am adding a CC (commuter car) class for fun little runabouts like this Mazda2, the MINI Cooper, Fiesta, Fiat 500, Honda Fit and the like.</p>
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/low/">LA 2009: Custom Mazda2 Concepts</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-custom-mazda2-concepts/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/lamazdaspeed2---5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><br />
[Source: Mazda]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/">LA 2009: Custom "Mazdaspeed2" tops the fun-per-pound charts in LA</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19264157/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-mazdaspeed2-tops-the-fun-per-pound-charts-in-la/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>2009 la auto show</category><category>2009LaAutoShow</category><category>2Evil</category><category>2Evil Special</category><category>2evilSpecial</category><category>Active2</category><category>Active2 Snow</category><category>Active2 Surf</category><category>Active2Snow</category><category>Active2Surf</category><category>la 2009</category><category>la auto show</category><category>LA Auto Show 2009</category><category>LA Show</category><category>La2009</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>LaAutoShow2009</category><category>LaShow</category><category>mazda</category><category>mazda2</category><category>mazdaspeed2</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:02:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---00.jpg" /></a><br />
</small></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the <a href="http:// http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/">LA Auto Show</a>. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible <a href="http:// http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-bmw-vision-efficientdynamics-concept-is-mean-ger/">Vision Efficient Dynamics</a> sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-activehybrid-is-technologically-impress/">X6 ActiveHybrid</a>, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http:// http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-bmw-7-series-active-hybrid-runs-almost-silent/">BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid</a> is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.<br />
<br />
The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of <em>Minority Report</em>, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-e-tron-orange-we-terribly-sad-it-was-repainted/">swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand</a>, but why not have both?<br />
<br />
Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/low/">LA 2009: BMW Active Hybrids and Vision Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-bmw-active-hybrids-and-vision-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bmwactivehybridsla---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><br />
[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/">LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19262733/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>2010 7 series</category><category>2010 BMW</category><category>2010 BMW 7 series</category><category>2010 bmw 7 series activehybrid</category><category>2010 BMW X6</category><category>2010 bmw x6 activehybrid</category><category>2010 X6</category><category>20107Series</category><category>2010Bmw</category><category>2010Bmw7Series</category><category>2010Bmw7SeriesActivehybrid</category><category>2010BmwX6</category><category>2010BmwX6Activehybrid</category><category>2010X6</category><category>activehybrid</category><category>BMW</category><category>bmw active hybird</category><category>bmw active hybrid</category><category>BMW Active Hybrid 7</category><category>bmw activehybrid x6</category><category>bmw hybrid</category><category>bmw vision</category><category>BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics</category><category>bmw vision efficient dynamics concept</category><category>bmw vision hybrid</category><category>BmwActiveHybird</category><category>BmwActiveHybrid</category><category>BmwActiveHybrid7</category><category>BmwActivehybridX6</category><category>BmwHybrid</category><category>BmwVision</category><category>BmwVisionEfficientDynamics</category><category>BmwVisionEfficientDynamicsConcept</category><category>BmwVisionHybrid</category><category>la 2009</category><category>la auto show</category><category>LA Auto Show 2009</category><category>LA Show</category><category>la show 2009</category><category>La2009</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>LaAutoShow2009</category><category>LaShow</category><category>LaShow2009</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/" rel="tag">Budget</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---00.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2011 Ford Fiesta by Ford Custom Accessories - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
While introducing the folks at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/">LA Auto Show</a> to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/2011-ford-fiesta-at-2009-la-auto-show/">American-market 2011 Ford Fiesta</a>, Ford decided to go a step further. They didn't just show the production sedan and hatchback, they also showed off the possibilities the platform presents as well. They had four customized Fiestas on display, done up by companies like H&amp;R, 3dCarbon, FSWerks, and Steeda, as well as Ford's in-house Racing and Custom Accessories team. And just for good measure, they also brought along that wicked Kenny Brack X-Games Rally Fiesta as well.<br />
<br />
There's a full press release <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/">after the jump</a>, but here is a brief summary of the four featured vehicles:<br />
<br />
<strong>Black Fiesta:</strong><br />
<br />
This car was put together by Ford Racing and Steeda Autosports. It features Steeda's cold air intake, a Borla/Ford Racing Performance cat-back exhaust system, Steeda/Ford Racing suspension upgrades, Ford Racing multi-spoke Euro wheels and Brembo anchors.<br />
<br />
<strong>Blue Fiesta:</strong><br />
<br />
The blue car was built by H&amp;R Special Springs. Naturally, it received some suspension tuning with an H&amp;R Street Performance monotube coil-over kit and a set of spiffy 18-inch OZ SuperTurismo GT wheels. It's also the beneficiary of some Euro reverse-engineering via "Sticky Jewell custom graphics, custom Euro hood vents, stealthy blacked-out headlamps and a Ford Custom Accessories upper rear hatch spoiler."<br />
<br />
<strong>White Fiesta:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong> </strong>The white Fiesta (above) features Ford Custom Accessories, so it ought to be the easiest model the Average Joe to copy. Nearly every styling element can be purchased from the Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Licensed Accessories or Ford Racing Performance Parts catalogs. And get used to those graphics, because Ford has taken this opportunity to add a whole new line of them for the Fiesta. You can see the whole collection at <a href="http://www.fordfiestagraphics.com/">fordfiestagraphics.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<strong>Red Fiesta:</strong><br />
<br />
Last, but certainly not least, is the red Fiesta by 3dCarbon and FSWerks. It's the only one of the four that has some serious rejiggering underhood. It features an FSWerks Stage 2 intercooled turbo kit and 2.25-inch exhaust system. It also sports a 3dCarbon body kit with an "aggressive front air dam, aerodynamic side skirts and rear lower accent trim."<br />
<br />
We'd probably mix and match among these mods, perhaps the H&amp;R suspension, the Brembos from the Steeda car, the OZ wheels and that FSWerks turbo setup. Or maybe we'd just take Brack's car. Check out the gallery by clicking below and more details in the press release <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/">after the jump</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/low/">LA 2009: 2011 Ford Fiesta Customs</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-2011-ford-fiesta-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/customfiestasla---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><br />
[Source: Ford]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/">LA 2009: Ford shows off some Fiesta possibilities</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19262710/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-ford-shows-off-some-fiesta-possibilities/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>3d Carbon</category><category>3dcarbon</category><category>custom car</category><category>custom cars</category><category>CustomCar</category><category>CustomCars</category><category>Fiesta</category><category>fiesta movement</category><category>FiestaMovement</category><category>ford</category><category>Ford Fiesta</category><category>FordFiesta</category><category>FSWerks</category><category>HR</category><category>ken block</category><category>KenBlock</category><category>la 2009</category><category>la auto show</category><category>LA Auto Show 2009</category><category>LA Show</category><category>La2009</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>LaAutoShow2009</category><category>LaShow</category><category>steeda</category><category>Steeda Autosports</category><category>SteedaAutosports</category><category>x games</category><category>x games rally</category><category>XGames</category><category>XGamesRally</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-e-tron-orange-we-terribly-sad-it-was-repainted/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-audi-etron-live-la-630op.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Audi e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
We weren't exactly electrified by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/audi/">Audi</a>'s <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-e-tron-is-red-outside-nice-inside/">e-tron concept</a> when it debuted at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> in blazing red paint this past September, but we did like the color. So, when the e-tron reappeared at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/">LA Auto Show</a> this week wearing orange... bummer. <br />
<br />
As a refresh, the e-tron concept uses four electric motors with a combined output of 313 horsepower (and a mind-boggling 3,319 lb-ft of torque) to move its 3,527-pound mass to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. More impressive is its rolling acceleration from 37-75 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically-limited to 124 mph. According to Audi, we'll see a production version in 2012.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/low/">LA 2009: Orange Audi e-tron</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/01-audi-etron-live-la_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/02-audi-etron-live-la_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/03-audi-etron-live-la_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/04-audi-etron-live-la_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-orange-audi-e-tron/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/05-audi-etron-live-la_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: Audi]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-e-tron-orange-we-terribly-sad-it-was-repainted/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-e-tron-orange-we-terribly-sad-it-was-repainted/">LA 2009: Audi e-tron, orange you terribly sad it was repainted</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:56:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-e-tron-orange-we-terribly-sad-it-was-repainted/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19262958/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-audi-e-tron-orange-we-terribly-sad-it-was-repainted/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>2009 la auto show</category><category>2009LaAutoShow</category><category>audi</category><category>audi e-tron concept</category><category>audi etron</category><category>audi r8</category><category>AudiE-tronConcept</category><category>AudiEtron</category><category>AudiR8</category><category>auto show</category><category>AutoShow</category><category>concept</category><category>e-tron</category><category>etron</category><category>la 2009</category><category>la auto show</category><category>la show</category><category>la2009</category><category>laautoshow</category><category>lashow</category><category>orange etron</category><category>OrangeEtron</category><category>r8</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:56:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[LA 2009: MINI Coupe &amp; Roadster Concepts are so LA]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mini/" rel="tag">Mini</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---00.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>MINI Coupe and Roadster Concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
Mini brought its birthday presents to itself out to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/">LA Auto Show</a> for their North American debut today. The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/01/bmw-to-show-off-50th-anniversary-edition-minis-in-frankfurt/">Cambden and Mayfair</a> were there, but we spent a lot more time ogling the <a href="http:// http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts/">Coupe and Roadster</a>. As you may recall, Mini created these two sports cars to celebrate its 50th anniversary and showed them off alongside the two special edition Coopers at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/FrankfurtMotorShow/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>. The changes are slightly less obvious on the open-top roadster, but you can definitely see that there's no back seat and the windshield is laid back a claimed 16 degrees over the standard Cooper. The backwards baseball cap on the coupe is a bit odd looking in pics and the real world view doesn't do much to change that impression.<br />
<br />
None of the display vehicles sported any detail changes but it was still fun to see all of them packed into a booth the size of Toyota's Venza section. Ian Robertson of BMW did share a few more details about the future of MINI, with the "R60" 4-door-4-liter-4wd about to get a real name and even more models in the works. For now we have the Coopers and Clubmen and the coupe and roadster to keep us happy. Check out the gallery below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/low/">LA 2009: MINI concepts and special editions</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-mini-concepts-and-special-editions/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/minisinla---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><br />
[Source: MINI]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/">LA 2009: MINI Coupe &amp; Roadster Concepts are so LA</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19261843/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/la-2009-mini-coupe-and-roadster-concepts-are-so-l-a/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>cooper</category><category>LA</category><category>la 2009</category><category>la auto show</category><category>LA Auto Show 2009</category><category>LA autoshow</category><category>LA Show</category><category>La2009</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>LaAutoShow2009</category><category>LaShow</category><category>mini</category><category>mini cooper</category><category>mini coupe</category><category>mini coupe concept</category><category>mini roadster</category><category>MINI Roadster Concept</category><category>MiniCooper</category><category>MiniCoupe</category><category>MiniCoupeConcept</category><category>MiniRoadster</category><category>MiniRoadsterConcept</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:44:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[LA 2009: Honda P-NUT concept gets cracked open]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/honda-p-nut-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/la-auto-show/" rel="tag">LA Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/gallery/la-2009-honda-p-nut/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-20_opt.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><small>Honda P-NUT - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
<br /> Turns out that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/honda/">Honda</a> P-NUT is not some sort of twist on the <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/la-preview-are-they-nuts-honda-to-show-off-personal-neo-urban/">UX-3 unicycle thing</a> we saw in Tokyo recently. Instead, the concept vehicle is a three-seat thing enclosed in lots of glass and angular lines. Honda says the P-NUT is ready for one of three possible powertrains: an efficient gas engine, a gas-electric hybrid, or a pure electric set up. There's not a whole lot of room for any of these powerplants up front because the driver's leg room extends almost all the way to the front of the concept. Good thing the power source is intended to be mounted in the rear.<br /> <br /> Let's be clear, this is a pure concept car. There are no side mirrors (but there is a back-up camera). Bumpers? Bah, Honda barely put headlights on this thing. Still, the Honda 'Personal-Neo Urban Transport' could make for a pretty sweet ride through a city, with lots of sight lines for the three inhabitants (a driver in the front middle, two passengers arranged behind and to either side) to see out of. The P-NUT does succeed in Honda's stated goal to get the most space out of a small footprint, and we wouldn't mind some sort of production version BEV someday. Chances are, though, that this is the last we'll ever see of it. <br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-honda-p-nut/low/">LA 2009: Honda P-NUT</a></strong></p><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-20_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-06_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/la-2009-honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda-p-nut-07_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/honda-p-nut/low/">Honda P-NUT</a></strong></p><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda_p-nut_concept_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda_p-nut_concept_06_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda_p-nut_concept_04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda_p-nut_concept_09_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://green.autoblog.com/photos/honda-p-nut/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/honda_p-nut_concept_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> <em><strong><small>Live photos copyright (C)2009 Sebastian Blanco / Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/honda-p-nut-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>LA 2009: Honda P-NUT concept gets cracked open</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/honda-p-nut-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/">LA 2009: Honda P-NUT concept gets cracked open</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:21:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/honda-p-nut-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19262863/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/honda-p-nut-concept-at-2009-la-auto-show/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>2009 la auto show</category><category>2009LaAutoShow</category><category>honda</category><category>honda p-nut</category><category>Honda Personal-Neo Urban Transport</category><category>honda pnut</category><category>HondaP-nut</category><category>HondaPersonal-neoUrbanTransport</category><category>HondaPnut</category><category>la 2009</category><category>la auto show</category><category>la show</category><category>La2009</category><category>LaAutoShow</category><category>LaShow</category><category>p-nut</category><category>Personal-Neo Urban Transport</category><category>Personal-neoUrbanTransport</category><category>pnut</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sebastian Blanco]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:21:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/the-amatoya-meet-the-next-generation-of-fire-fighting-vehicles/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/amatoya_ffv.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle - Click above for image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
Designer Liam Ferguson's vision of how to fight fires almost makes us wish we were firemen - as long as we could have the keys to one of these. The Amatoya is a site recon and light tanker vehicle designed with a philosophy much more military than civilian. The seating position is like that of a AH-1 Cobra gunship, with the co-pilot up and behind the driver. The Amatoya is built on a monococque steel body, like armed forces MRAPs, insulated with NASA's aerogel, and painted with "military grade sacrificial thermo ceramic intumescent paints."<br />
<br />
The Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit (ROSCO) can has a 2,200-liter (581 gallons) total water capacity, all the better for the fact that the crew members don't need to leave the vehicle to employ it. Nor should they have much problem getting to the fire, with absurd clearances all around, directional spotlights, and a thermal imaging camera. The only weak point would appear to be the rubber tires, which would melt long before the Space-Shuttle-worthy body would.<br />
<br />
Still, we'd take one in a second. Take a peek at it yourself in the gallery of photos below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/low/">Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01_amatoya_ffv_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/04_amatoya_ffv_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/05_amatoya_ffv_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/06_amatoya_ffv_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/amatoya-reconnaissance-and-suppression-vehicle/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/07_amatoya_ffv_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/11/26/the-story-of-amatoya/">Yanko Design</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/the-amatoya-meet-the-next-generation-of-fire-fighting-vehicles/">The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/11/26/the-story-of-amatoya/>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/the-amatoya-meet-the-next-generation-of-fire-fighting-vehicles/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19258462/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/the-amatoya-meet-the-next-generation-of-fire-fighting-vehicles/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>amatoya</category><category>concept</category><category>firefighting</category><category>liam ferguson</category><category>LiamFerguson</category><category>yanko design</category><category>YankoDesign</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[Flight of the Alcador: Franco Sbarro unveils Ferrari Testarossa-based Lista Office in Essen]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/flight-of-the-alcador-franco-sbarro-unveils-ferrari-testarossa/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ferrari/" rel="tag">Ferrari</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/sbarro-lista-office/#4"></a><strong><em><small> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/sbarro-lista-office/#3"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sbarro-lista-office.jpg"  alt="" /></a><br />
Sbarro Lista Office - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></em></strong></div>
<br />
If you thought that last remaining piece of lasagna at the food court looked iffy, remember that's not even the most suspicious concoction to bear the Sbarro banner. Franco Sbarro rivals even his fellow Swiss coachbuilder <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/rinspeed">Rinspeed</a> for his, um... "originality." Recent examples have included a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/03/geneva-preview-sbarro-cruise-crosser/ ">six-wheeled Citroen crossover</a>, a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/05/geneva-2008-sbarro-pendolauto-leaning-motorcycle/ ">leaning quadricycle</a> and a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/15/rolls-royce-camargue-prepped-for-the-hunt/">vintage Rolls-Royce equipped especially for bird-watching</a>. But as bizarre and unusual as most of Franco Sbarro's creations have been, the Swiss designer also has a long history in radically modifying Ferraris.<br />
<br />
Based on the 308 GTB, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/top-10-mid-engined-hatchbacks#5">Super 8</a> made our Top 10 Mid-Engined Hatchbacks list, but that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Sbarro's done everything from converting a 365 GT4 into a Mille Miglia spyder to giving the 550 Maranello the wide-body treatment. Among the most intriguing of his projects, though, has been the Alcador series. The first Alcador, based on the Testarossa, debuted at the 1995 Geneva salon. The second, called the Alcador GTB, came a baker's-dozen years later at the 2008 Geneva show, borrowing its chassis and engine from the 348. Sbarro tweaked the design and came back to the Palexpo the following year with a new Alcador GTB based on the 360 Modena.<br />
<br />
Now, a Swiss collector by the name of Lienhard has commissioned the coachbuilder to craft him another example, and the result was unveiled to the public this past weekend at the Essen tuner expo in Germany. Strangely called the Lista Office, Sbarro's latest is underpinned once again by the 80s-era Testarossa, packing its 450hp 5-liter boxer 12. Say what you will about the styling, but one thing's for sure: it doesn't look anything like a 512TR. See for yourself in the image gallery below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sbarro-lista-office/low/">Sbarro Lista Office</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sbarro-lista-office/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sbarro_lo_avant_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sbarro-lista-office/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sbarro_lo_geneve_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sbarro-lista-office/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sbarro_lo_pr_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sbarro-lista-office/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sbarro_lo_titre_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://sbarro.perso.neuf.fr/index.html">Sbarro</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.nl/archive/2009/11/28/sbarro-lista-office-gebaseerd-op-ferrari-testarossa">Autoblog.nl</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/flight-of-the-alcador-franco-sbarro-unveils-ferrari-testarossa/">Flight of the Alcador: Franco Sbarro unveils Ferrari Testarossa-based Lista Office in Essen</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://sbarro.perso.neuf.fr/index.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/flight-of-the-alcador-franco-sbarro-unveils-ferrari-testarossa/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19257934/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/flight-of-the-alcador-franco-sbarro-unveils-ferrari-testarossa/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>ferrari</category><category>ferrari testarossa</category><category>FerrariTestarossa</category><category>franco sbarro</category><category>FrancoSbarro</category><category>lista</category><category>lista office</category><category>ListaOffice</category><category>sbarro</category><category>sbarro ferrari</category><category>sbarro lista</category><category>sbarro lista office</category><category>SbarroFerrari</category><category>SbarroLista</category><category>SbarroListaOffice</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Noah Joseph]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:59:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/</link>
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    <comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/#comments</comments>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/police-emergency/" rel="tag">Police/Emergency</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/" rel="tag">Diesel</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/#23"><img width="630" vspace="4" hspace="0" height="365" border="0" align="top" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tis_drive_front_14-copy.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/16/speeders-nightmare-brabus-cls-rocket-police-car/">police-liveried Brabus Rocket</a> and a <a href="http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/autoblog/hirezpics/cop_exotics_01.jpg">TechArt-prepared Porsche 911</a>. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.<br /> <br /> Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design. <br /> <br /> We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/#continued">after the jump</a>.<br /> <br /><br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/low/">AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tis_top_people_04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tis_top_people_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tis_top_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tis_side_02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/ac-schnitzer-bmw-123d-police-package/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/tis_rear_frontal_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: AC Schnitzer]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/">Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19256643/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>123d</category><category>ac schnitzer</category><category>AcSchnitzer</category><category>bmw</category><category>bmw 123c coupe</category><category>bmw 123d</category><category>bmw 123d coupe</category><category>bmw diesel</category><category>Bmw123d</category><category>Bmw123dCoupe</category><category>BmwDiesel</category><category>BmwDiesels</category><category>concept car</category><category>ConceptCar</category><category>coupe</category><category>essen 2009</category><category>essen motor show</category><category>Essen2009</category><category>EssenMotorShow</category><category>police</category><category>schnitzer</category><category>show car</category><category>ShowCar</category><category>tune it safe</category><category>TuneItSafe</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/</link>
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    <comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/#comments</comments>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/lexus/" rel="tag">Lexus</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/frankfurt-2009-lexus-lf-ch-concept/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01-lexus-lf-ch-live-630.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Lexus LF-Ch concept - click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
Lexus introduced its LF-Ch concept at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Frankfurt-Motor-Show/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> in September and it's believed to be a shoe-in for production for the European market. However, in a new Detroit Bureau interview with the brand's general manager, Mark Templin, it is confirmed that Lexus is seriously considering bringing a production version of the hatchback to the U.S. market as well. If it does come here, it would be the smallest Lexus and would compete against the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Volvo C30 and Mini Cooper - only the latter of which has managed to sell in big numbers. The Lexus concept will be shown again at the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Los-Angeles-Auto-Show/">Los Angeles Auto Show</a> as well as in Detroit, where Lexus officials will be evaluating reactions to a premium priced small car. <br />
<br />
Such cars are already well accepted in Europe and the idea of smaller premium cars may yet hold some appeal in the U.S. - especially if fuel prices rise. Lexus has no intention of decontenting the LF-Ch to keep the price down if it does come to the States. While the Detroit Bureau cautions that a production LF-Ch is likely to have a conventional powertrain as standard fitment, a hybrid will probably be needed to compete with the <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/review-2010-audi-a3-tdi-diesel-with-a-healthy-dash-of-sport/">A3 TDI</a> and a possible <a href="http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/spy-shots-bmw-1-series-hybrid-spotted-in-munich/">1 Series hybrid</a> or diesel down the line. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lexus-lf-ch-concept/low/">Lexus LF-Ch Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lexus-lf-ch-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/01-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high_thumbnail.jpg" alt="01-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" title="01-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lexus-lf-ch-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/02-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high_thumbnail.jpg" alt="02-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" title="02-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lexus-lf-ch-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/03-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high_thumbnail.jpg" alt="03-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" title="03-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lexus-lf-ch-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/04-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high_thumbnail.jpg" alt="04-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" title="04-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/lexus-lf-ch-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/05-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high_thumbnail.jpg" alt="05-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" title="05-lexus-lf-ch-concept-high" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/2009/11/new-lexus-small-car-could-arrive-by-2012 -%E2%80%93-possibly-sooner/">The Detroit Bureau</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/">REPORT: New Lexus small car may be headed for U.S. by 2012 - perhaps sooner</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19247295/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-new-lexus-small-car-may-be-headed-for-u-s-by-2012-per/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>gas-electric</category><category>hybrid</category><category>lexus</category><category>Lexus hybrid</category><category>lexus lf ch</category><category>Lexus LF-Ch</category><category>lexus lf-ch concept</category><category>lexus lf-ch hybrid</category><category>Lexus small car</category><category>LexusHybrid</category><category>LexusLf-ch</category><category>LexusLf-chConcept</category><category>LexusLf-chHybrid</category><category>LexusLfCh</category><category>LexusSmallCar</category><category>LF-Ch</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sam Abuelsamid]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[CR&amp;S DUU Concept is a mototerminator for the rest of us]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/crands-duu-concept-is-a-mototerminator-for-the-rest-of-us/</link>
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    <comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/crands-duu-concept-is-a-mototerminator-for-the-rest-of-us/#comments</comments>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/misc-auto-shows/" rel="tag">Misc. Auto Shows</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorcycles/" rel="tag">Motorcycle</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/crands-duu-concept/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/crs_duu.jpg" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>CR&amp;S DUU Concept-- Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> Those of you who had the stomach to sit through <em>Terminator Salvation</em> with your eyes open will remember the mototerminators that launched themselves from the legs of the giant collectors. Those were actually based on Ducatis, but if you fancied the look of them, then Italian bike builder CR&amp;S has something pretty close.<br /> <br /> Called the DUU Concept, the naked ride is a combination of "a sporty European rolling chassis powered by a muscular American big-twin." The engine is a 1.9-liter (117 cu. in.) <a href="http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=3&amp;article_id=240">X-Wedge</a> supplied by S&amp;S. Wrapped around that powerplant is a chassis that CR&amp;S says can be tailored by the customer - although they don't indicate how beyond presenting the choice of single or two-seater versions.<br /> <br /> But since each DUU will be made by hand, one-at-a-time, we imagine they'll be happy to do anything your wallet will allow. The DUU Concept is being unveiled November 10 at the Milan International Bike Show. CR&amp;S said it has plans to build them from next year, at &euro;20,000 ($30,000 U.S.) apiece. Check it out in the gallery of high-res images below.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/crands-duu-concept/low/">CR&amp;S DUU Concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/crands-duu-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01_cr-s_duu_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/crands-duu-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/02_cr-s_duu_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/crands-duu-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/03_cr-s_duu_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/crands-duu-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/04_cr-s_duu_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/crands-duu-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/05_cr-s_duu_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: <a href="http://www.crs-motorcycles.com/DUUconcepte.htm">CR&amp;S Motorcycles</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/crands-duu-concept-is-a-mototerminator-for-the-rest-of-us/">CR&amp;S DUU Concept is a mototerminator for the rest of us</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.crs-motorcycles.com/DUUconcepte.htm>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/crands-duu-concept-is-a-mototerminator-for-the-rest-of-us/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19225339/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/crands-duu-concept-is-a-mototerminator-for-the-rest-of-us/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>crs</category><category>Ducati</category><category>duu</category><category>duu concept</category><category>DuuConcept</category><category>Milan International Bike Show</category><category>MilanInternationalBikeShow</category><category>motorcycle</category><category>mototerminator</category><category>terminator</category><category>terminator salvation</category><category>TerminatorSalvation</category><category>X-wedge</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jonathon Ramsey]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[First Look: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/</link>
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    <comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/#comments</comments>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bugatti/" rel="tag">Bugatti</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><strong><big>Fine Art Masquerading As A Sedan</big></strong></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/bugatti-galibier-concept-0"><img hspace="0" height="366" width="630" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti_galibier_10_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept - Click above for new high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
Bugatti invited us to the first unveiling of its new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-bugatti-16c-galibier-gets-the-1-5-million-go-ahead/">16C Galibier Concept</a> on U.S. soil at a special event in Southern California last week. While we have all seen the press images from its debut in Molsheim last month, the select in-person preview gave us an excellent opportunity to talk with Bugatti about the concept, scrutinize the vehicle up close, and to actually spend some time sitting inside the passenger cabin. <br />
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<div style="border: 0px dotted black; margin: 5px; padding: 2px 3px; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); line-height: 120%; font-size: 1.5em; float: right; width: 220px; text-align: center;"><strong>The first modern four-door from Bugatti is absolutely striking in the flesh.</strong></div>
Introduced as the automaker's first modern four-door sedan, the 16C Galibier Concept is a close look at what the production 16C Galibier will resemble when it goes on sale in about three years (with a sales price estimated to be about $1.6 million). While it's engineered to be a sedan without peers - and we have no reason to question Bugatti's ability to accomplish this objective - the mechanical aspects of the Galibier will have to take a back seat to its design until the production model arrives in 2012.<br />
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In this rarefied automotive segment, the utilitarian value of the vehicle is absent. Vehicles are purchased for their design - that physical aura - and their historical distinction. Performance is expected. Understanding the connection, Bugatti chose a prestigious Beverly Hills gallery to host the event. After a brief introduction, the fabric cover hiding the concept was removed. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/#continued">Follow the jump</a> to find out our reaction. <br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bugatti-galibier-concept-0/low/">Bugatti 16C Galibier concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bugatti-galibier-concept-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti_galibier_10_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bugatti-galibier-concept-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti_galibier_11_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bugatti-galibier-concept-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti_galibier_14_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bugatti-galibier-concept-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti_galibier_09_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bugatti-galibier-concept-0/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti_galibier_07_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>First Look: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/">First Look: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19225861/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/bugatti-16c-galibier-concept-first-look/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>16c galibier</category><category>16cGalibier</category><category>bugatti</category><category>Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept</category><category>Bugatti16cGalibierConcept</category><category>featured</category><category>galibier</category><category>galibier 16c</category><category>galibier concept</category><category>Galibier16c</category><category>GalibierConcept</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Harley]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[BREAKING: <i>Detroit News</i> says GM will build Cadillac Converj]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/breaking-i-detroit-news-i-says-gm-will-build-cadillac-converj/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/cadillac/" rel="tag">Cadillac</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj"><img hspace="0" vspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/cadillacconverjdd_09_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><strong><small>2009 Cadillac Converj concept - click above for high-res gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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After much <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/25/report-cadillac-converj-has-a-new-lease-on-life-maybe/">hemming</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/general-motors-reportedly-approves-cadillac-converj-for-producti/">hawing</a>, General Motors will reportedly build a version of the Cadillac Converj, the gorgeous but awkwardly named extended-range coupe concept <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj-with-video/">first shown</a> at last year's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/Detroit-Auto-Show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>. According to <em>The Detroit News</em>, the Converj will probably take a few years to reach dealer showrooms, as GM will first direct its efforts on launching the Chevrolet Volt, the more affordable sedan with which it is likely to share much of its Voltec drivetrain architecture.<br />
<br />
From where we sit, the Converj seems like a natural move for GM, as Cadillac's higher margins should help offset the research, development, and production costs of everything from the Volt's lithium ion batteries to its motors and control modules. For its part, however, Cadillac is still declining to comment on the story, and the DetNews story doesn't name a source.<br />
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Either way, GM vice chairman Bob Lutz has previously gone on record as a champion of a production Converj, and he has said that a serial version would look very similar to the 2009 showcar - in much the same way that the Camaro evolved from concept to production. As the concept was gorgeous, we're down with that - we only hope it doesn't take as long to build as the Bowtie's broad-shouldered muscle car.<br />
<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj/low/">Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/cadillacconverjdd_09_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/cadillacconverjdd_01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/cadillacconverjdd_03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/cadillacconverjnaias09---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/cadillacconverjnaias09---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/cadillac-converj-concept/low/">Cadillac Converj concept</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/cadillac-converj-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/2009-cadillac-converj-concept-computer-generated-image-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/cadillac-converj-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/2009-cadillac-converj-concept-computer-generated-image-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/cadillac-converj-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/2009-cadillac-converj-concept-computer-generated-image-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/cadillac-converj-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/2009-cadillac-converj-concept-computer-generated-image-5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/cadillac-converj-concept/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/2009-cadillac-converj-concept-computer-generated-image-6_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://detnews.com/article/20091109/AUTO01/911090394/GM-to-put-Converj-into-production">The Detroit News</a>]<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/breaking-i-detroit-news-i-says-gm-will-build-cadillac-converj/">BREAKING: <i>Detroit News</i> says GM will build Cadillac Converj</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/breaking-i-detroit-news-i-says-gm-will-build-cadillac-converj/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19229151/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/breaking-i-detroit-news-i-says-gm-will-build-cadillac-converj/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>bob lutz</category><category>BobLutz</category><category>breaking</category><category>breakingnews</category><category>caddy</category><category>cadillac</category><category>cadillac concept</category><category>CadillacConcept</category><category>converj</category><category>Detroit 2009</category><category>Detroit Auto Show</category><category>Detroit2009</category><category>DetroitAutoShow</category><category>NAIAS</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Paukert]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:57:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/" rel="tag">Classics</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/commercial-trucks/" rel="tag">Work</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/proudamericanbonnevilleboss---00.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>The Proud American and Bonneville Boss - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Before our favorite weekly Southern California car gathering this Saturday, we had been told by a friend that he'd be bringing his new rocket truck. Rocket truck? What the heck's a rocket truck? Visions of rocket-powered pickups and semis running the quarter mile immediately came to mind. Did some drag racer sell Tom his race truck? Is that what he was bringing to the show?<br />
<br />
As soon as we came around the corner we knew he hadn't. We knew this with absolute certainty because we saw a giant nosecone towering above the treeline. There was, in fact, a rocket-powered land speed record (LSR) car positioned at a launch-worthy angle atop a most amazing truck. Rocket, truck... Rocket truck. Makes sense now. But what was this thing and where did it come from? You can read the whole wacky story <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/07/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/">after the jump</a>.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/low/">Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss"</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/proudamericanbonnevilleboss---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/proudamericanbonnevilleboss---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/proudamericanbonnevilleboss---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/proudamericanbonnevilleboss---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/proudamericanbonnevilleboss---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"> </div><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/">The Tony Fox "Proud American" and "Bonneville Boss" Rocket Truck</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19227683/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/08/the-tony-fox-proud-american-and-bonneville-boss-rocket-truck/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>Bonneville</category><category>Bonneville Boss</category><category>bonneville salt flats</category><category>bonneville speed record</category><category>bonneville speed week</category><category>BonnevilleBoss</category><category>BonnevilleSaltFlats</category><category>BonnevilleSpeedRecord</category><category>BonnevilleSpeedWeek</category><category>cars and coffee</category><category>cars coffee</category><category>CarsAndCoffee</category><category>CarsCoffee</category><category>custom truck</category><category>CustomTruck</category><category>Dean Moon</category><category>DeanMoon</category><category>hauler</category><category>hydrogen peroxide</category><category>HydrogenPeroxide</category><category>Ky Michaelson</category><category>KyMichaelson</category><category>land speed record</category><category>land speed record car</category><category>LandSpeedRecord</category><category>LandSpeedRecordCar</category><category>LSR</category><category>LSR car</category><category>LsrCar</category><category>Proud American</category><category>ProudAmerican</category><category>rocket car</category><category>RocketCar</category><category>Tony Fox</category><category>TonyFox</category><category>transport</category><category>truck</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/" rel="tag">SEMA Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/timewarp/" rel="tag">Classics</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorcycles/" rel="tag">Motorcycle</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/design-style/" rel="tag">Design/Style</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/off-road/" rel="tag">Off-Road</a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong><small><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/sema-2009-random-sightings/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09randomsema---00.jpg" /></a><br /> </small></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2009 SEMA Show Las Vegas - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br /> Every year at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/">SEMA</a>, we fill the week with posts featuring special vehicles and products that we felt were important enough to share. Generally, they are the most newsworthy projects and new model introductions, but sometimes they are just things that caught our eye. When all is said and done, we think we've given all of you a good taste of what's on offer here in the desert.<br /> <br /> Of course, there are always things we see and shoot that don't make it into the regular posts from the days we are here. We end up with a few hundred photos of random weirdness and cool stuff that just didn't make it into a dedicated post. That's what this post is for. It's basically a chance to dump some of that random wackiness and wonder that is SEMA into one big bowl and invite you all to take a sip. Click on the gallery below and you'll see race cars, hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles, wheels and more. None are labeled, but all should provide a unique look at what we saw at SEMA 2009.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-random-sightings/low/">SEMA 2009: Random sightings</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-random-sightings/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09randomsema---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-random-sightings/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09randomsema---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-random-sightings/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09randomsema---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-random-sightings/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09randomsema---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-random-sightings/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09randomsema---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> <em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/">SEMA 2009: What we didn't get to cover</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19226088/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/06/sema-2009-what-we-didnt-get-to-cover/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>aftermarket</category><category>car</category><category>cars</category><category>custom</category><category>custom car</category><category>custom cars</category><category>CustomCar</category><category>CustomCars</category><category>las vegas</category><category>LasVegas</category><category>SEMA</category><category>sema 2009</category><category>Sema show</category><category>Sema2009</category><category>SemaShow</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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    <title><![CDATA[SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro looks cool, needs more stickers]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/" rel="tag">SEMA Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/auction-action/" rel="tag">Auctions</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/"><img hspace="4" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/wd40camaro---0.jpg" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>2010 WD-40 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
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With a 600-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 residing underhood, we'd happily spray ourselves into the seats of this WD-40 showcar. The legendary lubricant company actually contracted a slew of top-shelf builders to do the custom outfitting, they just sponsored it. Either way, this blue-and-yellow 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is for a good cause - it was built to support the SEMA Cares charity and will be auctioned off at the next installment of the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale. Proceeds will benefit the Childhelp and Victory Junction Gang charities, among others.<br />
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The WD-40 Camaro also serves as a nice tribute to recently deceased company founder, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/john-barry-the-man-behind-wd-40-dead-at-age-84/">John Barry</a>. While the car was certainly well guarded, we wouldn't say we were that tempted to steal it. Don't get us wrong, it's not a bad looking Camaro. Although WD-40 had it parked in the darkest corner we found in all of SEMA, it still looked pretty striking in that bright yellow and deep blue combo. Our only complaint is that it didn't go far enough. The tiny WD-40 stickers on the fenders are way too small - this thing needs huge ones on the doors, hood and/or trunk too. And it seems almost blasphemous for them to have missed out on one of the most iconic features of the WD-40 cans, the bright red cap! Those wheels are just begging for them. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/">Follow the jump</a> for WD-40's full press release and check out our gallery below.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/low/">SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/wd40camaro---1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/wd40camaro---2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/wd40camaro---3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/wd40camaro---4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/wd40camaro---5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro looks cool, needs more stickers</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/">SEMA 2009: WD-40 Camaro looks cool, needs more stickers</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19224052/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-wd-40-camaro-looks-cool-needs-more-stickers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>barrett-jackson</category><category>chevrolet</category><category>Chevrolet Camaro</category><category>ChevroletCamaro</category><category>chevy</category><category>Chevy Camaro</category><category>ChevyCamaro</category><category>John Barry</category><category>JohnBarry</category><category>SEMA</category><category>sema 2009</category><category>SEMA Cares</category><category>Sema2009</category><category>SemaCares</category><category>WD-40</category><category>WD-40 Camaro</category><category>Wd-40Camaro</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mazda-introduces-us-to-a-happy-couple-inspires-3-som/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/" rel="tag">SEMA Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/mazda/" rel="tag">Mazda</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gallery/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/"><img vspace="4" hspace="0" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sema40thmazdaslive---00.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>Customized 40th Anniversary 2010 Mazdaspeed3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
For <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/">SEMA 2009</a>, Mazda introduced us to a pair of the happiest Mazda3 derivatives we've ever seen. Part Le Mans-winning 787B tribute, part rolling showcase (for their Mazda accessories catalog) and part 40th anniversary present to itself, this couple with their odd, knowing smiles was pretty easy on the eyes.<br />
<p>Built by Mazda R&amp;D employees to show off the wide range of accessories available for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/30/review-2010-mazda3/">2010 Mazda3</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/21/first-drive-2010-mazdaspeed3-the-five-door-sports-car-evolved/">Mazdaspeed3</a>, these tuner cars also serve as tributes to Mazda's motorsports prowess and to 40 years of Mazda sales in the U.S. The cars are painted in a Crystal White Pearl with gray graphics that mimics the Mazda3 World Challenge race car, which itself apes the look of the Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B from 1991. There are also plenty of other changes in the mix to make these special 3s go like they show.</p>
Both cars get forged aluminum 19x8-inch wheels with 225/40 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires stripped off the RX-8 R3, and KW coil-overs to button things down a bit, but that's about where the similarities end. The 2.5-liter engine in the Mazda3 sedan gets a thorough makeover by World Challenge-contending Tri-Point Engineering. With their Garrett GT2871R ball bearing turbo kit adding 10 psi of boost, the 2.5-liter MZR engine is now making more than 250 HP at the wheels.<br />
<br />
The Mazdaspeed3 was already turbocharged but an AEM cold-air intake was added to increase its output by about 20 HP. Like the special Mazda3, this car gets KW coil-overs and the RX-8 R3 wheel/tire combo, but whereas the 3 got brakes from the Speed3 and Mazda5, this car gets four-piston StopTech calipers and floating two-piece rotors that are nearly identical to the ones used on the World Challenge car. We really like this sexy duo from Mazda and think we now know why they're smiling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/low/">SEMA 2009: 40th Anniversary Mazda3 and Mazdaspeed3 customs</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sema40thmazdaslive---01_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sema40thmazdaslive---02_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sema40thmazdaslive---03_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sema40thmazdaslive---04_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-40th-anniversary-mazda3-and-mazdaspeed3-customs/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/sema40thmazdaslive---05_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
<em><strong><small>Live photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://about.frank4cars.fotki.com/">Frank Filipponio</a>/Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><em><strong><small><br />
</small></strong></em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mazda-introduces-us-to-a-happy-couple-inspires-3-som/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mazda-introduces-us-to-a-happy-couple-inspires-3-som/">SEMA 2009: Mazda introduces us to a happy couple, inspires 3-some</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mazda-introduces-us-to-a-happy-couple-inspires-3-som/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19220518/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/sema-2009-mazda-introduces-us-to-a-happy-couple-inspires-3-som/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>787B</category><category>mazda</category><category>Mazda 787B</category><category>mazda3</category><category>Mazda787b</category><category>MazdaSpeed3</category><category>Rx-8</category><category>RX-8 R3</category><category>Rx-8R3</category><category>SEMA</category><category>sema 2009</category><category>Sema2009</category><category>Tri-Point Engineering</category><category>Tri-pointEngineering</category><category>World Challenge</category><category>World Challenge Touring car</category><category>WorldChallenge</category><category>WorldChallengeTouringCar</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Filipponio]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:59:00 EST</pubDate>
    
</item><item>
    <title><![CDATA[SEMA 2009: HTT Plethore LC-750, yet another ambitious supercar startup]]></title>
    <link>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750-yet-another-ambitious-supercar-s/</link>
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    <description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sema/" rel="tag">SEMA Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/special-limited-editions/" rel="tag">Specialty</a></p><img hspace="0" height="422" width="632" vspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01-plethore-sema-live-630op.jpg" />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><small>HTT Plethore LC-750 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<br />
"I'm not an engineer. I'm an electrician," Luc Chartrand admits through his thick Quebecois accent. I believe him. Chartrand, a former karting and stock-car driver, is the lone designer, engineer and founder of HTT, a Montreal-based supercar upstart, unveiling the first prototype of his 11-year masterwork at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/SEMA/">SEMA</a>: The Plethore LC-750.<br />
<br />
Comprised of a carbon fiber architecture and body with an integrated (and supposedly soon-to-be) FIA-certified roll-cage, the Plethora could be the first production vehicle simultaneously approved for both the road and the track, and since high-level competition is close to Chartrand's heart, it's a necessity -- he wants to see the Plethore competing in the American LeMans series.<br />
<br />
To hang with the big boys at the upper echelons of motorsport, the Plethore has to be more than a lightweight body (2,535 pounds) and a massive stance (89 inches in the rear). So Chartrand has mounted the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/CorvetteZR1/">Corvette ZR1</a>'s LS9 longitudinally amidships and tweaked output to 750 hp. As with all start-ups, HTT plans to offer an even hotter version to the public, putting out a claimed 1,300 hp with the help of a set of turbos.<br />
<br />
Currently channeling all that grunt to the ground is a six-speed manual, but there are plans to offer a six-speed sequential gearbox along with a limited-slip differential. Double wishbones are fitted at all four corners to keep the 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) wheels in constant contact with the ground, with AP Racing brakes sized 15-inches in front (six-piston caliper) and 13-inches (four-piston caliper) in the rear.<br />
<br />
Although the astronomical output and production-intensive architecture are the cornerstones of the project, the interior -- with its central mounted driving position, room for two occupants (sounds familiar) and roof-mounted switchgear -- are some of the more impressive details. That, and the hydraulically actuated doors, which swing upwards and close at the touch of a button.<br />
<br />
Chartrand claims that production will begin sometime late this year, with a price tag of around $600,000 for the standard, 750-hp version and close to $1m for the 1,300-hp variant. Bold claims, but Chartrand isn't stopping there. "I want to design a helicopter next. It's my other love."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="postgallery"><p><strong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750/low/">SEMA 2009: HTT Plethore LC-750</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/01-plethore-sema-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/02-plethore-sema-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/03-plethore-sema-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/04-plethore-sema-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750/low/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/05-plethore-sema-live_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750-yet-another-ambitious-supercar-s/">SEMA 2009: HTT Plethore LC-750, yet another ambitious supercar startup</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:59:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750-yet-another-ambitious-supercar-s/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19223811/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/sema-2009-htt-plethore-lc-750-yet-another-ambitious-supercar-s/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description>
    <category>htt</category><category>HTT Plethore LC-750</category><category>HttPlethoreLc-750</category><category>lc-750</category><category>luc chartrand</category><category>LucChartrand</category><category>plethore</category><category>sema</category><category>sema 2009</category><category>sema show</category><category>Sema2009</category><category>SemaShow</category>
    
    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Damon Lavrinc]]></dc:creator>
    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:59:00 EST</pubDate>
    
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