Last Auto Reviews Blog: cars

Показаны сообщения с ярлыком cars. Показать все сообщения

Official Chevy Volt Pictures “Leaked”

Leaked Volt image or Perry Ellis Casual Collection from J.C. Penny; you decide

In advance of the official “unveiling” of the Chevrolet Volt next week, official pictures of the production Plug-in Hybrid car have surfaced on the internet. Apparently Robert Novak is also in charge of GM’s press materials. Although obscured by various GM officials posing as if in the next print ads for the Mens Wearhouse, the concept has a more muted design than was on display when first presented at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007.

Chevy Volt: Relaxed-Fit Exec. not included

In fairness to GM, they acknowledged at that time that they would likely not carry the same design from the concept to the showroom. GM claims that a vendor made a mistake and released the photos, but many, including us, are thinking GM is most likely trying to gently (or quite unabashedly) hold the public’s interest until the car goes on sale in 2011.

Squatting: Car Marketing 101

As the pictures indicate, much of the distinctive style of the concept has been replaced with the contours that are already represented in the Prius and Civic. Not surprising given GM has to balance both the costs of production and the aerodynamics needed to extract maximum efficiency from the batteries. Data released last spring from GM confirmed that aerodynamics play a larger role in the car’s mileage than weight, which undoubtedly contributed to the redesign. The Volt design team is spending a significant amount of effort in wind tunnels to minimize the wind drag, which can account for 20 percent of a car’s energy. The Volt is powered by an electric motor, with a small backup conventional gas engine used to extend the range on longer trips. The Volt can still drive up to 40 miles without the engine kicking in and it is aided by a regenerative braking system to recapture energy otherwise lost under deceleration. For short distances and commutes, the car is intended to run on battery power alone and recharge at night when plugged in. With both gas and batteries the Volt is expected to have a 400 mile driving range. While mostly unrecogizable from theconcept, some design elements appear to have made it through to production including the narrow rear lights, aerodynamic wing mirrors and the high, coupe-like rear trunk.

"I designed this part of the car. No, it's not a clip-on."

The Volt’s powertrain system, named E-Flex, will ultimately be used in other models from General Motors because of its flexibility in use with a variety of powerplants to power the battery pack including diesel and ethanol engines, or even a fuel cell. More details about the Volt will be revealed next week at an event celebrating GM’s centenary.

620-hp Hennessey Dodge Challenger SRT600 Introduced For 2009, Change of Underwear Sold Seperately

Hennessey Challenger SRT600

Unlike the Mopar-tuned Dodge Challenger drag racers, the new Hennessey Challenger HPE600 Turbo’s are completely street legal and completely bad ass. A product of Hennessey Performance Engineering [HPE], the Hennessey HPE600 Turbo package is geared towards drivers looking to upgrade the already impressive stock performance of their Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Utilizing forced induction for a turbo-charged power boost, the HPE600 Turbo upgrades the Challenger SRT8’s OEM output an incredible 195 units to 620-hp. Coupled with 650 lb-ft of torque, the Hennessey Challenger earned itself an awe-inspiring 11.9-second quarter-mile laptime during test runs.

More Pics & Specs After Jump

Hennessey Challenger SRT600 running laps

In addition to white knuckle speeds, the Hennessey Turbo package also primes the Challenger SRT8’s for lightning-fast responsiveness with KW adjustable coil-over shocks/springs and StopTech brakes. Of course, this kind of precision execution doesn’t come cheap, the 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with complete HPE600 Turbo upgrade starts at $74,950. We believe the tag is worth every penny [a pretty significant admission, coming from us], because standard with the Hennessey Turbo upgrade is:

• High-flow ported & polished aluminum cylinder heads
• Lowered compression ratio (from stock 10.3:1 to 9.6:1)
• Garrett ball bearing turbocharger
• Handmade stainless-steel turbo headers
• Single 44 mm billet-aluminum wastegate
• Stainless-steel 3-inch diameter dual exhaust system
• Front mounted air-to-air intercooler
• 3.5-inch polished inlet tube with integrated blow-off valve
• High flow air filter
• Upgraded fuel injectors
• Billet aluminum fuel rails
• Upgraded fuel pump system
• Hennessey and HPE600 exterior badges
• Hennessey HPE600 “Hockey Stick” graphics package
• Hennessey embroidered floor mats
• Serial numbered dash plaque in interior and engine compartment
• Hennessey embroidered front seat head rests
• Hennessey / HPE600 on tachometer and speedometer
• All necessary gaskets and fluids
• Professional installation
• One year limited warranty
• Half day of driving instruction at Lonestar Motorsports Park (adjacent to the HPE facility)

Hennessey Challenger HPE600 Turbo engine

The 5 Greatest Car Commercials Ever

Some car companies get it, some don’t, but the ultimate key to developing a vehicle’s image is successfully targeting the appropriate demographic [there's a reason why you don't see many 21-34 white males driving station wagons]. As was the case with the following companies [and one surprisingly "hip" government agency], the 5 commercials that made our list are the funniest, most perfect examples of the success one single smartass in your marketing department can create. We still might not want to buy the car, but at least they’ve earned themselves a little cred with the masses.

1. SEAT Panda

An oldie but goodie, this ad from Spanish auto company SEAT was banned from television and makes our Number 1 spot for flagrantly violating our commonly held ride-law that the guy with the hotter car always wins.

2. Australia Road and Track Authority [RTA]

Not strictly a “car” commercial, this ad was part of multi-ad campaign launched by the Australian government to crack down on excessive speeding. It took us [read: me] a while to pick-up on exactly what the ad was inferring, but when lightning finally struck, it was pretty damn funny.

3. smartforTwo

Banned in the U.S. its violence, this ad from smart does an impressive job of creating a cool image for a decidedly uncool-looking car.

4.Honda Civic

Originally aired in Italy, this ad was banned for glaringly obvious reasons. Made our list for acknowledging the fact that in a Honda Civic, the only babes you’ll be picking up are ones you pay for.

5. Subaru Forrester

We love a car that plays up its own stereotype, and Subaru definitely hit the mark with their ad for the admittedly masculine 2009 Subaru Forrester.

Cars.com Ignores Financiapocalypse, Plans New Super Bowl Ad [Financiapocalypse]

Thanks to the Financiapocalypse, we're expecting pickings to be slim in this year's Super Bowl Auto Ad Watch. Thankfully, despite the economic turmoil, Cars.com, the #2 player in the "mega-car-selling-conglomerate" game, is again looking to spend some mad cash on a commercial in February's Super Bowl. Last year's commercials weren't too shabby, so we're interested to see what the plucky little site with the automotive industry's most basic name is able to do this year. We're hoping it involves Cars.com's Kicking Tires blog editor Dave Thomas fighting Glondor in the stone circle death match. Hit the jump for the full release.

Cars.com Set to Kick Off 2009 Marketing Campaign With New Super Bowl Spot

CHICAGO — Nov. 10, 2008 — Cars.com, a leading online automotive shopping destination, today announced plans to kick off its 2009 marketing campaign by once again advertising during the Super Bowl. This is the second year that Cars.com will advertise in the Big Game. Super Bowl XLIII will air on NBC on February 1, 2009.

“We made significant strides in moving our brand forward through our Super Bowl ads and our overall marketing campaign in 2008,” said Mitch Golub, president of Cars.com. “We want to keep that momentum moving forward in 2009, and advertising on the Super Bowl - which was seen by a record 97.5 million viewers - gives Cars.com a way to kick off that campaign in a big way."

Cars.com will have one 60-second commercial that will air during the second quarter. The spot will feature a new twist on its successful 2008 “Confidence Comes Standard” campaign. The campaign features car shoppers who are confident in their new car purchase because of the preparation they did on Cars.com. Their preparation keeps them from resorting to an outrageous “Plan B” scenario they initially thought they would need to get the deal they wanted from the dealer.

The Cars.com 2009 plan will be a national, integrated media campaign that will run throughout the year and will be backed by the local promotional power of Cars.com's affiliate network, which includes hundreds of leading newspapers, TV stations and their websites.

Since Cars.com launched its first national media campaign in May 2004, the company has continued to set records in the number of monthly unique visitors to the site. Today, more than 10 million people visit Cars.com each month.

"Cars.com’s media campaigns have always been about reaching high-quality, ready-to-buy customers and delivering them, ultimately, to our dealer partners," Golub said. “As we roll out our national media campaign for 2009, we will continue to drive recognition of the Cars.com brand and further establish the site as a leading car shopping destination so, as consumers begin looking for a new car, Cars.com is top of mind.”
About Cars.com
Cars.com is the leading destination for online car shoppers, offering credible, easy-to-understand information from consumers and experts to help buyers formulate opinions on what to buy, where to buy and how much to pay for a car. With comprehensive pricing information, side-by-side comparison tools, photo galleries, videos, unbiased editorial content and a large selection of new- and used-car inventory, Cars.com puts millions of car buyers in control of their shopping process with the information they need to make confident buying decisions.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE: BLC), Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Company (NYSE: MNI), Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO).

Lamborghini Heading Like A Bull Into Red China [Bull Shopping In China]

Expecting 186% growth in Chinese sales this year, Lamborghini has decided to add a satellite office in Beijing. The Italian automaker's new branch should be open for business in early 2009 and will support the three dealerships currently in the country along with the two new ones on the way. And what does 186% growth represent for a niche automaker like Lambo? The company sold 28 cars in China in 2007, and they're on track for 80 this year. GM it ain't, but then Lamborghini also appears to be making money and expanding its business. Press release below the jump.

Automobili Lamborghini establishes new branch in People´s Republic of China

As part of the strategy to further expand its global business activities, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. will found a branch in China. Following a recent decision by the Board of Management, the Italian luxury sportscar manufacturer will establish Automobili Lamborghini China in the country´s capital city Beijing and will start operations at the beginning of 2009.

Lamborghini´s rise to become one of the most successful and profitable super sportscar manufacturers is the result of a clear dual strategy. First, the creation of an incomparable new, broad and attractive product portfolio. Second and equally important, the ongoing expansion of brand representation to ensure substantial presence in all major markets of the world.

The President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Stephan Winkelmann, points out the strategic rationale of the move: "China has the strongest dynamics of change to undoubtedly become the leading economy in the world. As one of the symbols of European luxury tradition, our products and our brand promise are irrevocably moving into the focus of a growing number of people. The development of wealth and the developing 'savoir-vivre' in China makes it one of the pivotal markets for Lamborghini's future growth. The decision to establish a branch in China illustrates our dedication to opening the potential of this market for Lamborghini. Our new regional office will ensure the presence of the brand and further the prosperity of the corporation on a global scale."

In 2008 Automobili Lamborghini expects a growth of car sales in China by 186% (28 cars in 2007 toward 80 in 2008). The market for luxury products is characterized by stable and solid growth and by a wide presence in practically all major economic metropolis throughout the country. At the time being, Automobili Lamborghini has three dealers located in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, one in Hong Kong, and another two will be shortly be opened in Chengdu and Qingdao. More are to be established.

Lamborghini is focused on establishing a roughly equal split of worldwide sales between the three major continental regions: Northern America, Europe and Asia

Stephan Winkelmann has appointed Eginardo Bertoli as Country Manager of Automobili Lamborghini China. Mr Bertoli will report directly to Enrico Maffeo, Director of Sales and Customer Service worldwide, who is based at the Lamborghini headquarters in Italy. Mr. Bertoli has a strong background in the automotive industry, having worked for a range of international companies such as Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Kongsberg Automotive and Interpump Group S.p.A.

Mr Bertoli's career has included senior positions in Italy, the USA as well as China. During his three years' assignment for Iveco Motors in Shanghai he gained substantial experience of the Chinese market. Zhang Xiaodong will be head of customer service China. He will manage all aftersales operations including warranty, parts and service, and will report to Eginardo Bertoli.

[Lamborghini]

Need more M3 in your diet? Videos of the 2008 BMW M3

For those who cannot get enough of the upcoming 2008 BMW M3 there are some recently released extensive videos available for the drooling. Since the 90’s BMW has maintained a reputation as tops amongst its few peers in the luxury sport coupe class. From their premium factories to their premium products there really is not much in the way of negatives that can be said about BMW’s M-class unless you want to talk about their premium price. The cost of admission aside the new 2008 BMW M3 should certainly be anything but a disappointing ride.

Autospies.com was fortunate to get this special glimpse inside a new M3 in Spain. Sit back and enjoy this long, loving inspection.

Despite Agent 001’s approval of the “more masculine” lines on the M3 coupe in comparison to the new 3-Series sedan, the new model seems a bit softer in appearance next to the sharper lines of the previous models. However there can be very few complaints about the fit and finish of the interior space of the M3 (excluding the Europeans lack of a cup-holder. How would you shift with your coffee between your legs?). If the exterior and interior views of the new BMW M3 get you excited then this next video should cap off the experience just right. Take a look as they take this ride out on the winding roads of Spain. I believe this is what you came for.

For those of you looking to fit a new M3 in your garage the above videos should give you yet a little more incentive to inquire about a waiting list. For the rest of those who just enjoy good design and some aggressive sport luxury, you will just have to settle for a Need for Speed Carbon test drive to get just a feel for it.

Thanks to Autospies for those videos.

Adverts on Police Cars

The Police dept of Toledo have been actively seeking out companies to sponsor their cruisers, in effect this is an advert on a police car, is this right?

The Police Chief Mike Navarre has been sending out flyers to local businesses in the Toledo area asking for then to donate cash, around a thousand letters were sent out under the “Patrol Vehicle Sponsorship Program” and surprisingly enough the response yielded four businesses who have donated the $15,000 to see their ad on the side of a police car.

police car

The sponsor will see their adds, which are three feet by one foot, placed at the rear corner, normally where the 911 appears, clearly the people that own 911 did not pay their sponsorship money.

police car

There are other departments that have embraced this idea of sponsorship, like firs departments etc, but could there ever be the possibility of a conflict of interest, if we are talking about small towns, where local businesses or business people sponsor these cars, it is very tricky for all parties involved in this sort of cooperation, clearly the police need cars to patrol in, and granted the fleet of the Toledo Police Department is getting on a bit, so the money has to come from somewhere.

This is one of those stories that will run for a long time, especially as more and more of these programs start up, the problem is, will it stop there or will we see more adverts, larger adverts even on police vehicles.

What do you think about it?

Source [Toledo Blade]

Last Auto Reviews Blog

Official Chevy Volt Pictures “Leaked”

Related posts:

Related posts:

620-hp Hennessey Dodge Challenger SRT600 Introduced For 2009, Change of Underwear Sold Seperately

Related posts:

Related posts: