Car Blog News: Birthdays & Facelifts

Cars, cars, cars and... scoops. Don't you think it's about time we made a little a break from all that metal and see what’s going around the automotive blogsphere? Thought so. First up we saw that our Autoblog friends (the dot com ones) performed their own… facelift by redesigning their site -nice job John. To celebrate it, they’re giving away a brand new, 2008 Dodge Nitro. Believe you’re the chosen one? Try your luck by clicking here. A few thousands miles on other side of the Atlantic, our Spanish pals over at Motorpasion are celebrating their 2nd birthday as their first post went online on March 24, 2005. “Feliz Cumpleaños” guys and hope you’ll be around for many years to come! Links: Autoblog.com & Motorpasion

2009 Seat Bolero: Spanish Firm Unveils Details On Its Audi A4 Sized Sedan

Once upon a time, VW Group wanted to transform Seat, whom it had acquired (or rather saved) from Fiat, to a Spanish “Alfa Romeo”. Then all of a sudden we saw Seat presenting models like the Toledo, the Altea XL and recently, the Freetrack... Well, looks like VW’s white-collar workers have learned their lessons. Along with the announcement that they’ll present an all new C/D segment model available in sedan and station-wagon bodies in 2009, Seat also released a set of sketches featuring the sedan version. And yes, it has nothing to do with the abomination called Toledo.

Most probably based on the same, Audi A3/VW Golf/Seat Leon stretched platform that the VW Passat uses, the Toledo’s successor is rumored to be named Bolero. Judging from other VW models, the Bolero will probably get the Group’s latest 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TFSI engines. According to Seat, it will be built at the Martorell plant with the market launch planned for 2009. -Follow the jump for pics an the press release

PROGRESSES IN IMPROVEMENT PLAN FAVOUR DECISION

SEAT to produce two new C/D-segment models in Martorell

The Spanish car maker SEAT, S.A. will manufacture two new C/D-segment models at its plant in Martorell. This was announced today by SEAT chairman Erich Schmitt, during a meeting with several media representatives at the SEAT headquarters. In the future, SEAT will have two versions: a saloon and an estate car.

The decision to produce these models in Martorell, whose market launch is planned for 2009, contributes to considerably improve the capacity utilization of the Spanish plant. This announcement is the first made by SEAT since the dissolution of the brand groups and supports the progress of the Improvement Plan that was set in motion at the beginning of 2007 and whose most important objectives have been met by now.

Erich Schmitt said: “The assignment of the two new C/D-segment models to the plant in Martorell is an historic step for SEAT. By these means, we enlarge our current product range, which does not only give our clients the possibility to grow with the brand, but also enables us to increase the profitability of our dealer network thanks to the availability of these new models.”

Technorati: Seat, Toledo, Bolero, cars, Carscoop

Peugeot 308: First Official Pictures!

These are the first official pictures of Peugeot’s brand new compact hatch, the 308 which will succeed the 307 in the French carmaker’s range. Its design, which combines styling elements from the 207, the 407 and its predecessor, the 307, comes to no surprise as we’ve already had the chance to see various uncamouflaged prototypes on the road the past weeks. Still, as we’ve already noted before, we expected something more than a bloated 207 from Peugeot.

While the 308’s designers followed the same path in the interior borrowing most of the 207’s design elements, thanks to minor variations like the Italian-styled circular air-vents and the different climate controls, it actually looks distinct to the untrained eye. The pictures might be official; however, the car hasn’t been announced by Peugeot. Meaning, no official info rmation -yet(...). From what our sources told us though, the new Golf sized Pug will be available with the 207's new 120Hp 1.6 and 150 & 170 Hp 1.6 Turbo engines with sales starting this autumn.

Technorati: Peugeot+308, cars, Carscoop

Hamann Ferrari F430 Spider

Another week, another Hamann Ferrari F430. Well, this time it’s the rag-top F430 and thanks God, without all the “Black Miracle” coloured blasphemy. Hamann’s Spider has received a discreet bodykit promising to optimize aerodynamics with the addition of a front spoiler, a newly designed rear diffuser and a rear spoiler -we could do without that. Interestingly, all add-on parts are optionally available in carbon-kevlar or fiberglass version. You can also choose between a variety of multispoke 19’’ or 20’’ rims. Mechanic-wise, Hamann’s Spider gets the same treatment as the Black “plague” Miracle with a new high-performance sports exhaust system including a high-performance collector and sports catalysts that allows a a performance increase of 50Hp putting up the total output to 540Hp.Via: Motorpassion , Source Hamann
-High-res pics after the jump

Porn Star Claims Highway Trooper Ignored Drugs In Exchange For An Oral Favor...

This story has it all; porn star, drugs, sex, cops, video tapes and… blogs! The incident allegedly took place on May 7 in Wilson County near Highway 840 and Interstate 40 when a Tennessee Highway Trooper named James Randy Moss stopped porn-star Barbie Cummings (…) aka Justis Richert –yeah, we prefer the alias too, for a speeding ticket. He found drugs in her car and decided –always according to Barbie, to let her off if she “orally” pleased him. Which she did… Moss is on paid leave now until the situation clears up.

According to Barbie’s story, after stopping her, the Trooper asked her whether or not she had illegal drugs in her car. The 21-year-old porn star admitted of having “happy-pills” and the officer told her that a drug charge would mean she could not leave the state. Cummings replied that would be a problem because she frequently travels from Tennessee to L.A. for her work at which point she “blew” her job description. The trooper then pulled up her website in his patrol car and well, lets put it this way, asked for an oral favour –you catch our dirty drift.

Barbie says she has photos and video footage of the encounter sent to her by the trooper along with a speeding ticket. Allegedly, Barbie had put up the photos and video on her blog but the latter was taken down due to maintenance reasons. -Follow the jump to read what Barbie wrote on her blog

Via: Wate

Here’s what Barbie wrote on her blog. The content, where it was sexually explicit, was edited by 6 News

This event is almost unbelievable, but I haven't lied about anything so far, so believe what you want. (I do have pictures to prove this).

I was at my aunt's house yesterday, about two and a half hours away in another part of Tennessee. (I want to be light with words, don't want anyone to lose their job)

I headed home late at night, almost early in the morning. I had to get home cause my puppies were home alone.

I was on the phone with Billy when I seen blue lights behind me. Ugh... not again.

Well, I had been drinking, wasn't drunk by any means, but had been drinking some. He put his light in my car and seen some liquor I had in the back seat, which I had forgotten about. oops

So, I answer all of his questions.

"Do you have any weapons, such as guns, knives, etc?" "Do you have any illegal drugs in the car?" "Do you have any drug paraphernalia in the car?"

Well, I am standing outside of my car and answer yes to a few of these questions and no to a few others.

I had some "narcotics" in the car, or as I refer to them in other blogs, some "happy pills."

I sometimes have these pills as I may take one or two before going to a club, and thats it. I have no addiction and use these more so, recreationally.

However, they are a "level 4 is the term I think he used. Crack is a 2, Marijuana is a 6... He starts talking about the minimum punishment for this offense. It was an 11-29 with 30%, which means they sentence you to 11 months and 29 days in jail and you have to serve a minimum of 30%. Then he said I would be on six months of monitored probation, which means the likely hood of them allowing me to go to California, would probably be very minimal, if at all.

Thats when we start chatting about my trips to Los Angeles...

You all know where this is going?

I tell him I make dirty movies. He says he wished he had gotten into that industry.

I want to mind you all that I have been arrested many times before and was trying my hardest to be respectful, that always used to help.

So, I am answering the questions he is asking me about (**expletive deleted**), with "Yes sir" and "No sir."

He kept saying to me, and now I understand why, "are you sure you aren't hiding anything on your persons?" He asked me that about ten times, and I just thought it was routine. Well, now I understand what he wanted me to do.

So, he asks me about what I do. I tell him internet and movies. He asks me one of the sites, I tell him to go to my blog (this one). He then proceeds to open his lap top in his car. (I mind you, at this point I am sitting in the front seat of his car with him)

He brings up my blog and we watch two of my video clips. I don't even know what to do at this point, I thought I was going to jail.

He says to me, while staring at the screen, (**expletive deleted**)

Oh dear...

Now, I understand.

So, he gets out of the car with the narcotics in hand and walks around to the side I am sitting in. He asks me if I would stand up and walk in front of the car, and told me I look even more beautiful in person. I smile.

He takes the hand full of pills and scatters them in the brush next to the interstate. Then he asks me, what does it cost for someone like me to get anything like you.

I said to him, "If you weren't working..."

and he said, "don't worry about me working!"

I said, "Okay, right now?"

He asks me to follow him to some desolate place he knew about, I did.

I get out of my car, walk to his car and (**expletive deleted**)

We moved to the back of the car, cause he didn't want to take the chance of anyone pulling in. We were in the middle of nowhere, and it was 3 am-ish, there was no one to be found. Either way, he wanted to be safe.

So, behind his cop car (**expletive deleted**)

He asked me if he could take photos, I said yes, only if I can have them, he said okay.

He even made little videos too.

(**expletive deleted**)

I loved every minute of it and want to do it again next time I go to my aunt's house.

Lamborghini Murcielago SV: Lightweight version spotted

SV stands for Super Veloce which in Italian, means Super Fast. But hey, doesn’t Lamborghini already have a “sportier” version of the Murcielago, the LP640? They do, and officially, the SV doesn’t exist. However according to the guys at Car magazine and their photographer who snapped some pretty interesting shots, Lamborghini will introduce this special, lightweight version of the Murcielago LP640 at the Frankfurt Show in September. Like the Gallardo Superleggera, the Murcielago SV will go on a diet loosing some 100 kg (220 lbs) thanks to the interior stripping, the addition of carbon ceramic brakes etc. No changes are expected under the (rear) hood with the LP640’s 643Hp V12 continuing to power all-wheels. -Continued below

Source: Car Magazine , Via: Autoblog.it

Lexus RX 400h Ad Banned For Misleading Low-Emissions Implications!

Our friendly British advertising watchdog has done it again by banning a Lexus magazine advert for the RX 400h on the grounds of false claims! For those of you with a hefty memory, the British Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) had banned Ford’s "Focus Zetec Climate" TV ad last year due to complaints from two viewers who said that it was misleading.

The magazine ad for the Lexus RX 400h was headlined "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT". Following the picture of the SUV, there was a text stating "RX 400h. The world's first high performance hybrid SUV ... category-leading low CO2 emissions. A combination without equal. Or compromise". In the small print, Lexus stated that the RX 400h’s carbon dioxide emissions figure was 192g/km CO2. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

ASA received 10 complainants stating that Lexus’ advert was misleading as it falsely implied that the SUV caused little or no harm to the environment. Lexus argued that the CO2 emissions of the RX 400h were very low compared to those of core competitors within its category and that the prominence of the illustration of the vehicle in the ad clarified the type of car the headline claims referred to and also the class of vehicle to which they applied.

The British advertising watchdog wasn’t convinced. In their release, they scold Lexus not to imply in future that a car caused little or no harm to the environment and had low CO2 emissions in comparison with all cars if that was not the case. Ouch…

ASA PRESS RELEASE

Ad

A magazine ad, for a Lexus RX 400h car, was headlined "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT". Accompanying an illustration of the product, text stated "RX 400h. The world's first high performance hybrid SUV ... category-leading low CO2 emissions. A combination without equal. Or compromise". Text at the foot of the ad stated "... CO2 emissions 192g/km

Issue

Ten complainants believed the claims "LOW EMISSIONS" and "ZERO GUILT" misleadingly implied the car caused little or no harm to the environment and gave a misleading impression of the car's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in comparison with other vehicles. They argued that the "192g/km" emissions figure was high when compared to the emissions of all cars.

Response

Lexus said they had sought approval from the CAP Copy Advice team before launching the ad and explained that, at 192g/km, the CO2 emissions of the RX 400h were very low compared to those of core competitors within its category. They submitted a chart, which compared the fuel emissions of the RX 400h with other vehicles they said were in the same class and showed that the emissions figure of 192g/km was the lowest of all those cars.

Lexus argued that the prominence of the illustration of the vehicle in the ad clarified the type of car the headline claims referred to and also the class of vehicle to which they applied. They believed readers of the ad would understand that the claims were made in relation to sports utility vehicles (SUV) only.

Assessment

Upheld

The ASA acknowledged that, based on the evidence submitted, the CO2 emissions rate for the RX 400h was low compared to other cars in its class. We considered, however, that the headline claim "HIGH PERFORMANCE. LOW EMISSIONS. ZERO GUILT" implied the vehicle's emission rate was low regardless of category and readers were likely to understand from it that the car caused little or no harm to the environment, which was not the case, and had low emissions in comparison with all cars, which was also not the case. We noted the body text, which stated " ... category-leading low CO2 emissions ...", clarified that the low emissions claim was made in the context of the cars category only, but considered that that was not prominent enough or linked to the headline claim. Because of that, and because the words "ZERO GUILT" implied the car was environmentally friendly, we concluded that the headline claim was likely to mislead.

The ad breached CAP Code clauses 7.1 (Truthfulness), 19.1 (Other comparisons) and 49.1 (Environmental claims)..

Action

We told Lexus not to imply in future that a car caused little or no harm to the environment and had low CO2 emissions in comparison with all cars if that was not the case.

Ford’s Hydrogen Powered E-450 Shuttle Buses Arrive In Orlando

Next time you’re in Orlando keep an eye open for these funky blue shuttle buses as FoMoCo and the State of Florida announced today, May 23, that they’re putting together a fleet of eight hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses, four of which will be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA) and the Orlando Convention Central District.

The Ford E-450 shuttle bus is powered by a 6.8-liter V-10 engine that has been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. The first batch of Ford’s hydrogen powered buses had been delivered to Canada in late 2006 (three in Ottawa and two in Vancouver). In all, Ford will deliver 30 buses to customers across North America by the end of 2007. -More pics and the press release after the jump

FORD DELIVERS FIRST ULTRA CLEAN HYDROGEN POWERED BUSES TO U.S. CUSTOMERS

• Ford is the world’s first automaker to deliver commercial vehicles, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.
• The buses will be used as passenger shuttles at the Greater Orlando Airport Authority in Florida, as well as at the Orlando Convention Central District.
• Ford is the only automaker with gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, clean diesel, ethanol and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles on the road today.

ORLANDO, Fla. May 23, 2007 - Ford Motor Company and the State of Florida today announced that they are putting a fleet of hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses on the road in Orlando, the first U.S. city to take delivery of these ultra clean vehicles.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist marked the occasion at a Chevron Hydrogen station that will provide fuel for eight buses, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

“These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO2 and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president. Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “We are pleased to partner with the State of Florida, Progress Energy and Chevron Hydrogen to place these buses into service so that Central Florida residents will be able to experience this unique form of clean transportation.”

“Today’s event demonstrates the incredible level of support hydrogen technology is receiving from our nation’s distinguished business leaders,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “ Florida is excited to be a part of these revolutionary advancements and we are embracing the challenges that lie ahead. We are committed as state to be a leader in both the policies and projects that protect our economy and our environment.”

Power for the Ford E-450 shuttle buses is provided by a 6.8-liter V-10 engine that has been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. Of these eight vehicles – the first to be operated in the United States – two will be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA), and two by the Orlando Convention Central District. The remaining four will be delivered to customers in Florida at a later date. Ford delivered five buses to Canada, three in Ottawa and two in Vancouver in late 2006. In all, Ford will deliver 30 buses to customers across North America by year’s end.

The Ford E-450 shuttle buses in Florida are part of the state’s broader plan to move toward a greater use of alternative fuels. Last year, Ford delivered five hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles as part of separate effort with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Progress Energy to gain feedback on hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Technology

Ford Motor Company believes hydrogen internal combustion engine technology can serve as a bridge to enabling hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel. Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages, including high efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO 2). They also can be hybridized for further gains in fuel efficiency.

While these hydrogen internal combustion engine shuttle buses will provide valuable real-world experience, Ford also is conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection to enhance power and fuel economy.

2008 Kia Picanto Facelift: New Face & Interior

Nearly 4 years after the Picanto’s debut in early 2004 Kia “pro-cee’ded” to its mini's first facelift. Up front, the redesigned Korean mini gets a new set of headlights, a “Cee’d” styled grille, a new bumper and hood. In the rear, the F/L Picanto features new light-clusters and a slightly redesigned bumper. Apart from giving it a fresher look, these changes also resulted to a slight increase in length with the Picanto now measuring in at 3.540 mm (+40 mm).

Inside, the 2008 Picanto has adopted various goodies from the Cee’d like the gauges with bright orange illumination, the 3spoke steering wheel along with a redesigned center console equipped with a new factory radio-CD and new button-wear all inspired from Cee’d’s (we know, you got the point). There are no changes in the engine range as the facelifted Picanto will continue to be offered with the current 61Hp 1.0 & 65Hp 1.1 petrol and the 75Hp 1.1 diesel motors. -More Pictures after the jump

Technorati: Kia+Picanto, cars, Carscoop, blogs,

Rally Driver Nearly Drowns After "Crashing" Into A Lake

Now this is what we call reality-rally. Watch what happened to the driver and his co-driver from the in-car camera when they missed a turn and headed full speed into a lake. Freaky, to say the least.

Chery: Chrysler Deal Still On

Despite a recent report on German newspaper Handelsblatt that said Chery wanted to re-examine a deal to build small cars for Chrysler due to the sale of the latter to Cerberus, the Chinese car maker has still got the hots for Chrysler. A Chery spokesman told Reuters today that the German newspaper had misquoted Chery’s general manager, Zhang Li, and that the earlier agreement with Chrysler, approved by DaimlerChrysler’s Supervisory Board in February 2007, was still on. According to the non-equity partnership, the Chery-built vehicles will be distributed under Chrysler and Dodge logos, primarily in North America and Western Europe. Via: Reuters

2012 BMW 3-Series Rendering With CS Concept Design Cues

Over the years the 3-Series has become the car that defines the term "sport sedan” and the benchmark for every luxury car maker from Alfa Romeo to Volvo. Also it’s the best selling car in BMW’s range. That’s the sole reason why the Bavarians have been so tentative with the styling of all 3-Series models. Either you like them or not, design-wise, the latest 5-Series and 7-Series sedans performed a major styling departure from their predecessors. And between us, the current 3-Series sedan is undoubtedly the most boringly styled car in BMW’s range. Take out the Hofmeister kink, the BMW kidney grille and this could a Mitsubishi.

But that’s about to change in the 6th-gen 3 Series that’s expected to pop-up in the automotive scene in 2011-2012. The info we’ve got coincides with Automotorundsport’s latest CGI of the future 3-Series that draws its inspiration from the impressive CS Concept. AMS’s 3-Series rendering actually looks quite sportier and sexier than the 5.1-meter long concept thanks to the cars more compact dimensions. Maybe it’s a bit too early for any final conclusions concerning the design-road BMW's taking for the next 3-Series, but dreaming never hurt anybody. Pic Via: Automotorunsport

Technorati: BMW+3-Series, cars, Carscoop

Kicherer SL K 60 Evo Black: 605Hp And Full Of Carbon-Fibre

Not the prettiest SL you’ll see on the road but admittedly, it does ooze with power. Kicherer’s latest interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is equipped with a bi-turbo V12 engine delivering 605hp/445kW. 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) come in just 4.3 sec and 200 km/h after 14.2 sec while top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h (187 mph). Performance isn’t the SL K 60 Evo Black’s only pro. Kicherer also threw in a full body aerodynamic kit with components either made of high-quality carbon or of PUR-RIM giving the SL a unique look. -Press-release and image-gallery after the jump

Via: Diariomotor , Source: Kicherer

Kicherer SL K 60 Evo Black: 605hp Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL Class continues its success story in a revised edition. As a matter of course, the engineers and designers at KICHERER have pulled out all the stops in order to enhance the Roadster's exclusiveness and sportiness.

Thanks to the KICHERER K60 Biturbo 12-cylinder engine fitted with 605hp/445kW, the SL 600 becomes one of the most powerful Roadsters around the globe. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and 200 km/h after 14.2 seconds are values speaking for themselves, just like the electronically limited peak speed of 300 km/h.

Form and functionality of the greatest perfection: Apart from their elegant appearance, the KICHERER aerodynamics components, available for all current SL models, are a tangible improvement to the vehicle's aerodynamics. At high speeds, the driving stability is further enhanced since the aerodynamic lift affecting the front axle is significantly reduced.

And what is more, the components are either made of high-quality carbon or of PUR-RIM. For the upgraded SL generation, a specifically shaped front apron was developed which reduces the front axle's aerodynamic lift by means of its sophisticated design. At the same time, the engine as well as the front brakes benefit from additional cooling provided by the large central air intake.

Replacing the new apron against the standard bumper is nothing more than a child's play. The KICHERER designer suit for the new SL obtains its special je ne sais quoi by the aerodynamically relevant rear diffuser.

Further stylistic devices highlighting the sporty appearance are the shaded rear lights and the rear lid, the inside and the outside mirror shells made of carbon. The sporty interior overwhelms with its F1 steering wheel with carbon gearshift paddles, the supplementary instruments inside the outlet nozzles as well as with further decorative elements made of genuine carbon.

Another important detail stressing the individual look consists in the multi-part KICHERER RS-1 alloys. The two-seater can be equipped with 20" rims - the front ones with 255/30 ZR 20 Pneus and the rear with 305/25 ZR 20 tyres by Continental.

In order to further increase the current SL roadster's extraordinary driving dynamics, KICHERER has developed an electronic programming for the ABC chassis which lowers the car body by approximately 25 millimetres.

The KICHERER high-performance brake system with xxl-sized ventilated and drilled brake discs can easily cope with most excessive strains. And last but not least, the sports exhaust not only boosts the performance but pleases the ear - with a fine and unobtrusive sound symphony.