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It’s been a good year for Chevrolet. The company marked its 100th anniversary in 2011 and is set to beat its all-time sales record. That’s not a bad way to celebrate if you ask us, particularly just a couple of years removed from the bankruptcy of its parent company. The automaker has sold 4.8 million units worldwide through November, and December isn’t looking to slacken the pace. Chevrolet managed to carve out nearly half a percentage point of additional global market share this year. What’s more, sixty percent of the company’s vehicles are now sold outside of the U.S. in a bid to move Chevy more into the global arena. That’s thanks in part to growth in markets like China, Vietnam, Europe and South Korea as well as solid sales in familiar stomping grounds like South America.

Here in the States, Chevrolet is slotted behind first-place Ford in total consumer market share. Even so, vehicles like the Chevrolet Sonic may soon improve the automaker’s fortunes. General Motors says Chevrolet dealers have just a 17-day supply of the new B-segment bruiser.

Sonic in short supply as Chevy closing in on all-time sales record

The Ford Mustang has some strange skeletons knocking bones in its closet, including the Mustero. Believe it or not, the Mustang/Ranchero hybrid you see above was actually a Ford-licensed product. The company authorized Beverly Hills Mustang LTD to produce the machines for just two years.

At the time, the conversion came carrying a price tag of $6,500. That made the Mustero as expensive as the Shelby Cobra. Needless to say, buyers weren’t exactly lining up with cash in hand for a pint-sized pickup sports car, and only 50 were ever produced, including this well-restored example.

According to the owner, this ‘66 Mustero received a complete restoration in the ’80s and has been carefully stored indoors since then. A 289-cubic-inch V8 lurks under the hood, mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Manual steering and brakes are part of the party as well, so be prepared for a work out when it comes time to wheel this machine through town.

The vehicle currently sits with a Buy It Now price of $32,500. Head over to eBay Motors for a look at the listing.

eBay Find of the Day: 1966 Ford Mustang Mustero

What’s in a name? That depends who you ask. And that will also determine whether you think it’s a big deal or not that Faralli & Mazzanti have changed the name of their latest model before it even hit the market.

A couple of weeks ago we brought you initial images of a vehicle being made by the obscure Italian automaker. Then it was called the Mugello, after the famed Italian race track. Maybe the circuit’s owners (just happens to be Ferrari) objected to the use of the name, or maybe F&M just had a change of heart. One way or another, the finished product you see here is called the Evantra.

Regardless of the nameplate, the Evantra packs a serious punch, and some serious exclusivity. Only five examples are set to be produced, and each owner can specify either a naturally-aspirated or twin-turbo version of the 3.5-liter flat six that sits amidship, delivering either 400 or 600 horsepower, and either composite or custom aluminum bodywork.

With the right combination, the Evantra can way as little as 1200 kg (2645 lbs) and hit 62 from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds. But while the carbon bodywork may be the lighter option, the aluminum offers buyers a chance to fine-tune the intriguingly-ported design to make it their own. You know, just in case one of the other four also happens to be in your neighborhood.

Faralli & Mazzanti reveals exclusive new Evantra

Perception versus reality. It’s the schism that defines so many struggles in life – sports cars among them. While we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the latest automated dual-clutch transmissions can shift faster and smoother than any human possibly could, purists still want that manually operated clutch pedal and a proper stick to row through the gears. Sure, many will tell you, though the robotic transmission might do a better job of it, they (and by they, we include many of us here at Autoblog among them) still take pleasure in doing it the old-fashion way.

Those purists are finding themselves increasingly disappointed by many automakers who are fazing out the old three-pedal setups. And the latest performance icon to join those ranks could very well be the next-generation Audi R8, if the latest reports are to be believed. Although the current R8 is encumbered by a lackluster automatic transmission option, later in 2012 Audi is expected to offer a seven-speed DSG that will, according to the ruminations, be the only gearbox offered once its complete replacement rolls along in 2014.

The manual won’t be the only element missing from the next-gen R8, though. Britain’s Car magazine also claims it on good authority that the iconic side-blade that distinguishes the current R8 will be gone from the next model, and while a V10 may be offered at the beginning, it may be fazed out for a turbo eight with more power. Here’s to progress, then, and enjoying working that clutch pedal in the meantime.

2014 Audi R8 to do away with manual gearbox

Two automakers emerged from last year’s Super Bowl as big winners with their million-dollar commercials. The first was Chrysler debuting its “Imported from Detroit” tagline to the melodic influences of one Eminem. The second was Volkswagen.

Germany’s automotive brand for the people debuted two commercials during last year’s game, but we bet you only remember the one with the mini Darth Vader. Called “The Force,” that spot was supposed to advertise Volkswagen’s all-new Passat, but instead the car seemed to shrink in the shadow of the commercial’s cute young star, six-year-old Max Page. “The Force” went on to be the number one ad of the year according to ADWEEK and has been played over 45 million times on YouTube.

Well, VW thinks it got the recipe for lightning in a bottle and has announced plans to advertise again in this year’s upcoming Super Bowl. Instead of offering up two 30-second spots, however, the automaker will be putting all of its resources into one 60-second commercial. Which product will be quarterbacking VW’s run at the big game? The new 2012 Beetle, which was the forgotten-about star of last year’s other 30-second spot called “Black Beetle.”

Follow the jump to refresh your memory by watching both “The Force” and “Black Beetle.”

Continue reading VW returning to Super Bowl with 60-second Beetle spot

VW returning to Super Bowl with 60-second Beetle spot

General Motors is slowly pushing OnStar into the infotainment realm as it recognizes its telematics system needs to provide more than emergency services and navigation functionality to entice consumers. To that end, at CES this January OnStar is rolling out another connectivity concept employing 4G LTE broadband to bring even more media into the car.

Last year, GM outfitted a Buick LaCrosse with Verizon’s high-speed data service, but the 2012 concept is based around the more tech-centric Chevrolet Volt. Among the services fitted to the Volt are cloud-based streaming media and information, a duo of tablets mounted on the backs of the front seats and the same video chat functionality we sampled last year.

Additionally, Cadillac will be showing off a more refined version of its CUE entertainment system in Sin City, and we’ll have hands-on with both in a few week’s time. Hit the jump for the official release.

Continue reading OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES

OnStar bringing another 4G LTE concept to CES

We’re still a couple weeks away from the Detroit Auto Show, but the Lexus LF-Lc concept has leaked thanks to the crew at Road & Track and their YouTube account.

We still don’t know much about Lexus’ Detroit-bound concept, but the swoopy coupe combines some of the more emotive elements of the LFA, along with the grille of the LF-Gh concept that eventually formed the basis of the Lexus GS. The massively elongated hood terminates with headlamps that plummet deep into the air intakes and a more extreme grille than that found on the Predator-esque fascia of the Gh.

With an “Lc” designation, this could signal Lexus’ intention of building an LS-based coupe to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz SL, but until the official curtains are pulled in Detroit, we’ll have to wait and see.

In the meantime, check out the video after the jump for the unintentional early reveal. As long as it stays on YouTube…

Continue reading Road & Track leaks Lexus LF-Lc concept

Road & Track leaks Lexus LF-Lc concept

We were thrilled to see that Land Rover unveiled a pair of concept vehicles in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The two models; a drop-top and a more business-like fixed roof off-roader, signal a pair of possible directions of the next generation Defender. Both models are very attractive and they at least look off-road-ready, but since they’re concept vehicles they’re likely all show and no go, right?

Not so fast. Our sister publication Translogic actually got behind the wheel of the DC100 concepts, and there were no paved roads in sight.

Hit the jump to watch on as Bradley Hasemeyer scores some time with the hot-looking DC100 convertible. We don’t see any 40-degree grades or serious rocks to traverse, but we do learn about some amazing off-road technology like Automatic Train Response and incredible-sounding spiked-on-demand tires.

Continue reading Translogic drives Land Rover’s Defender concept, samples its James Bondian tech

Translogic drives Land Rover’s Defender concept, samples its James Bondian tech

Depending on where you live and what gas stations you frequent, finding a pump that will let you pay after filling up is getting tougher and tougher. In an effort to curb absconders who drive off without paying, gas station owners have been forced to ratchet up security measures, leading most to go prepay only, whether that’s inside the store or by swiping one’s card at the pump.

But prepaying can be an inconvenience – particularly if you’re settling up with cash – resulting in multiple trips to the storefront to plunk down dollars, then to return for the change and receipt. It’s a small thing, but it can be an annoyance – particularly in places that experience real winters like Michigan. Thus, it should come as no surprise that a Saginaw, Michigan Marathon station is one of the first to try out a new anti drive-off security measure called Post-Pay. The system allows motorists to fill up their vehicle without paying first – provided they swipe their driver’s license into the card reader.

Bob Hohn, President of Paxson Oil Company, invented the measure, having grown tired of his stores losing hundreds of dollars a week to drive-offs. According to a report by WJR-TV, the Connecticut-made Post-Pay system does not keep the buyer’s information on file unless he or she is reported as a drive-off, at which point both the police and gas station are furnished with the offender’s particulars. In fact, the station attendant never even sees the consumer’s information under normal circumstances. Naturally, the Post-Pay system still accommodates people who’d rather pay with cash or card up front.

In the two months since the system was adopted, WJR-TV reports that the Marathon station has had just one drive off – as opposed to the three or four it averaged weekly before Post-Pay was installed. What’s more, the would-be thief was subsequently caught, as his license information allowed police to track him down.

Check out WJR-TV News’ story in the video after the jump, then vote in our poll and leave a comment to let fellow readers how if you’d be comfortable using such a system or whether you view it as a potential invasion of privacy.

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Continue reading New pump technology prevents gas theft, lets you pay after pumping [w/poll]

New pump technology prevents gas theft, lets you pay after pumping [w/poll]

Tesla is still a year away from delivering its first Model S, but the up-start automaker has released official pricing details on its all-electric sedan, along with options and battery specs.

Pricing for the Model S is broken down depending on battery capacity and the resulting range, with the 160-mile version commanding $57,400, the 230-mile variant priced at $67,400 and the 300-mile Model S coming in at $77,400. There’s also the $87,400 Perfomance model which has the same 85-kWh battery as the 300-mile version. It’s worth noting that if you check the new Model S page, Tesla lists pricing after the $7,500 federal tax credit, which is a bit disingenuous, but to Tesla’s credit, it has kept pricing perfectly in line with previous announcements.

The battery specs have also been officially announced, with the 40-kWh pack providing a 160-mile range, a top speed of 110 miles per hour and a 100,000-mile warranty; the 60-kWh pack juicing up for 230 miles, a 120 mph top speed and a 125,000-mile warranty; and finally, the aforementioned 85-kWh battery pack delivering 300 miles of range and a 125 mph top speed in standard spec and a 130 mph top speed in the Performance version. The last two come with an unlimited mileage warranty and Tesla makes a point to clarify that ranges are based on an average speed of 55 mph.

Standard kit includes 19-inch wheels and that awesomely massive 17-inch touchscreen display in the dash, while 19-inch aerodynamic wheels that boost range by another 20 miles are optional and come in at $1,500. If you’re so inclined, you can opt for 21-inch hoops ($3,500), metallic paint ($750), panoramic roof ($1,500), Nappa leather ($1,500), air suspension ($1,500) and the $3,750 Tech Package which includes back-up camera, a power hatchback and keyless entry. You can also option up for an upgraded onboard charger good for 20 kilowatts and an additional 62 miles of range per hour ($1,500), along with a high-power wall connector for the custom charging system that will set you back $1,200.

Start speccing your own at the 2012 Model S build page and check out Tesla’s official statement here.

Tesla announces pricing, options and battery specs for 2012 Model S

Rankings in this business usually revolve around cars themselves, but every year our friends over at Motor Trend put together a Top 50 list of another kind: MT’s annual Power List ranks the people behind the cars. Their placement reflects not only their actions in the past and vision for the future, but also the success of the companies they lead.

This year’s list has just hit the interwebs, and while some of its contents (and the order in which they appear) may come as expected, others hold some surprises. At the top of the list: one Sergio Marchionne, CEO of the Fiat and Chrysler groups and architect of their increasing synergization. Right behind him is Hyundai chairman Chung Mong Koo. But while Volkswagen chief Martin Winterkorn may not have advanced from last year’s fourth place ranking, that his chairman and design chief are up there in the top ten along with him speak volumes about the company’s success.

A few other notables: Even in semi-retirement, Bob Lutz still holds a place on the list, albeit at the bottom. Energy drink guru Dietrich Mateschitz is up at 18th place for steering the Red Bull Racing team to consecutive World Championships. And those searching for gender equity in a largely male-dominated industry will find just two women on the list: Ford’s European VP Barb Samarszich at 33rd place, and General Motors product development vice president Mary Barra at 41. Follow the link to scope out the rest.

Motor Trend ranks the industry’s best and brightest with annual Power List

Christmas just came a few days early for Audi fans with the announcement of the A1 Quattro, a high-performance, limited-edition version of Audi’s subcompact hatch.

As its name would imply, the A1 Quattro comes equipped with the automaker’s legendary all-wheel-drive system, with power provided by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder used in the S3. The reworked mill puts out 252 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm – a boost of more than 70 hp and 74 lb-ft over the standard 1.4-liter A1.

A six-speed manual shuttles that power to a Haldex AWD setup and on to center-locking 17-inch wheels that ape the original 80s-era Quattro’s style. There’s no word on weight, but Audi claims the hi-po A1 will match the S3’s 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds and top out at 152 mph.

In addition to grippy 225/35 R18 rubber, the wheel wells are filled with a modified MacPherson strut suspension in front and a multi-link setup out back, while the braking hardware has been upgraded with larger discs at all four corners with black painted calipers. The electromechanical steering has also been tweaked to provide a 14.8:1 ratio, the ESP has been modified for high-performance duty and a new electronically controlled differential lock will keep wheelspin at bay. Although Audi decided to keep the rear seats in place, the AWD components have reduced trunk space to 7.4 cubic feet – or 2.1 cubes less than the standard model. Not that you care.

The exterior speaks for itself, drawing cues from past Audi concepts and a few bits from the S and RS lines, while the interior receives a new instrument panel, aluminum pedals, seriously bolstered buckets and black leather with red contrast stitching.

The A1 Quattro is an S1 in everything but name, and it’s set to go on sale later next year with only 333 units on offer. And naturally, the U.S. is left out. We’re as irritated as you. Get even more disappointed by reading all the details in the press blast below the fold.

Continue reading Audi creates limited edition, 252-hp A1 Quattro

Audi creates limited edition, 252-hp A1 Quattro

The award-winning documentary Senna has been elusive for many American fans to see. It’s had a limited release in theaters on the coasts, and even popped up in Netflix’s Instant Streaming queue for a few accidental days, but otherwise us Yanks have had to watch from afar as everyone’s been drooling over director Asif Kapadia’s masterpiece about the life and death of Ayrton Senna.

That ended last week when Senna officially became available as a digital download. You can now watch the film on Netflix Instant Streaming (again) or rent it on iTunes. So far they’re your only options if you live in North America, as owning this motion picture biography of the greatest Formula One driver who ever lived isn’t an option until the DVD drops on March 6th, and there is no release date yet for a Blu-Ray version in the U.S.

Senna back on Netflix Instant Streaming, available for rent in iTunes

NACTOY finalists, 97,000-pound trucks, Saab bankruptcy, 100 Worst Cars

Episode #261 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the official bankruptcy filing by Saab, Kraft pushing for 97,000-pound tractor trailers, North American Car and Truck of the Year finalists and the 100 Worst Cars of All Time according to Inside Line. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #261:

• Saab files for bankruptcy
• Kraft pushing for 97,000-pound trucks
• NACTOY finalists
• 100 Worst Cars of All Time

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Cadillac CTS-V
2012 Mercedes Benz ML350 Diesel

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #261

Autoblog Podcast #261

If you ever find yourself needing to talk someone out of purchasing a motorcycle, we suggest turning their eyes toward the interminable mire that is YouTube. For every clip of an amazing stunt or beautiful ride through the country, there’s 15 videos of motorcycle riders on the raw end of a collision with another vehicle.

Take the brief video after the jump for example. A group of riders are rolling through the relatively empty streets of St. Louis, and while one of the guys engages in a quick wheelie, the group doesn’t seem to be maintaining outrageous speed through the city center.

That’s when an inattentive driver in a Ford Ranger casually rolls right through a red light and straight into our camera man. The collision sends bike and rider spilling through the intersection. Fortunately, no one seems permanently injured in the dust up.

The clip is an excellent reminder of just how invisible bikes can be, especially when other drivers aren’t paying attention. Would the Ranger have rolled the stop light if it were a full-size sedan driving down the street? It’s hard telling, but the video makes a solid case for wearing brighter leathers. Hit the jump to check it out for yourself. Just be wary of the substantial cursing that comes post crash.

Continue reading The case of the invisible motorcycle

The case of the invisible motorcycle

Road Inc. is like an interactive coffee table book of classic cars.

It’s become the hackneyed phrase of the decade, but yes, there’s an app for that. And this, and the other. So when we tell you that Pyrolia’s Road Inc. is a must-have for iPad owners, you might think we’re exaggerating, that this is just one of those dozens of apps that one day you might get around to downloading, but then again, you might not. Should you choose to interpret our suggestion in that fashion, you would be wrong. And if you miss the opportunity to download it today, for just $0.99 instead of the usual $9.99 price, well then, you’re just foolish.

To read why we say so and see a demonstration video of the app, click past the jump.

Continue reading Road Inc. iPad app on sale today for $0.99, we take it for a spin

Road Inc. iPad app on sale today for $0.99, we take it for a spin

It’s no secret that the 2012 Honda Civic has been the subject of harsh criticism since its launch earlier this year. It’s also no secret that Honda is rushing to redesign the Civic, and while we originally reported that the new car would be coming sometime in 2013 or 2014, a memo to the automaker’s dealer network states that the reworked Civic will arrive before the end of 2012.

We use the term “redesign” lightly, of course. As much as Honda wants to improve upon its new Civic, the truth is that the updates to the car will almost assuredly be the standard mid-cycle refresh kit. Our best guess is that the interior will benefit from more soft-touch materials and added sound deadening and there could be new paint and wheel design options. According to The Associated Press, American Honda President Tetsuo Iwamura stated that the automaker will “improve the Civic’s drivability,” meaning a slight suspension and driveline tuning could be in store, as well.

Still, any improvements will indeed be welcomed. Iwamura told AP that the Civic is still the “leader in compact cars,” but lackluster sales and a failure to earn a Consumer Reports Recommended rating – a first for the Civic – say otherwise.

Honda To Dealers: Reworked Civic coming before end of 2012

Last week, General Motors gave us our first glimpse at the 2013 Buick Encore, the Tri-Shield brand’s new small crossover that will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in just a few weeks. Now, to continue the slow striptease process, Buick has released the first of four images on its Facebook page, with the whole image to be complete on the morning of January 10 (the second day of the Detroit Show festivities).

Details about the new Encore are slim, with GM still holding off on officially revealing any specific specs. For now, we only know that the Encore will have a “host of features and amenities customers expect from Buicks today.” How this all works into a small CUV package remains to be seen, but consider us intrigued. We’ll have the full scoop in just a few weeks.

Latest Buick Encore teaser shows us more of the same

“The president is going to go after me. I’ll go after him.” That pretty much sums up every presidential race in recent memory, where it seems attacking the opposing side is just as important as proving your own personal worth. And the 2012 U.S. presidential election, unsurprisingly, is shaping up much the same.

The words above came from former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is in the running for the Republican nomination. According to a Romney interview conducted by Fox News, President Obama is responsible for closing factories and laying off workers during the government-backed bankruptcies of Chrysler and General Motors. Detractors would argue that factory closings and a shrinking workforce were unavoidable at the automakers and that the plans were effectively put in motion on former President George Bush’s watch.

This new line of reasoning from Romney comes as he himself is under attack for his role in Bain Capital, a highly profitable Boston-based private equity firm. Depending on who you’re asking, Bain was either a creator of jobs and a savior of broken companies or a group of rich investors whose sole goal was to make money at the expense of everything else. Either way, there’s no denying that many facilities were closed and many jobs were lost under the ownership of Bain Capital.

As for President Obama’s reaction, The Detroit News quotes Michigan spokesman for the Obama campaign, Clark Pettig, as saying:

“We know what Mitt Romney did when 1.4 million jobs were on the line – he opposed the rescue loan the president extended to avoid liquidation, and made clear he would let Detroit go bankrupt. It’s no wonder he did that, because when he was a corporate buyout specialist, he laid off thousands of workers, closed factories and outsourced jobs solely in order to create profits for himself and his partners.”

Welcome to election season, folks.

Romney blames Obama for GM layoffs

We know it doesn’t look like the rallying Honda Civic hatchback above is doing anything special, but trust us, this is a case of “Oh, I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

After barreling across the ridiculously long run-up to the crest, the pilot even lets off the gas before launch, yet still manages to look like he’s qualifying for the 2014 Winter Olympic ski jump in Sochi. He might want to work on his pre-running notes before the next outing.

You’ll find the mighty leap in the video after the jump. You can start preparing your “VTEC just kicked in yo!” now.

Continue reading Is this the highest-flying Honda ever?

Is this the highest-flying Honda ever?