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Ford Shelby GT500, Chevrolet SS, Kia diesels

Episode #283 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan and Zach chat about the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, the Chevrolet SS, and Kia exploring diesels for the U.S. market. 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 #283:

Topics:

• Ford Shelby GT500
• Holden sending RWD Commodore Stateside
• Kia mulling diesel for the U.S.

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
2012 Audi A6
2012 Honda Fit

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #283

Autoblog Podcast #283

In the latest release of its BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study, market researchers Milward Brown have given BMW the highest ranking of any carmaker, according to Automotive News. Toyota – last year’s winner – finished second, followed by Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Nissan, according to the report.

BMW had last finished atop the rankings in 2010, according to the report, with Toyota taking the crown from 2006-2009. The highest-ranked American brand was Ford at seventh, trailing sixth-place Volkswagen. The top ten was filled out by Audi, Hyundai and Lexus. Toyota’s drop was attributed to its production interruptions due to the natural disasters that affected all of the Japanese automakers last year, according to AN.

BMW’s win among auto manufacturers was only enough to place it 23rd in the overall brand ranking, with an estimated brand value of $24.6 billion. Apple, the overall winner, according to the report, had a $182.9 billion valuation, ahead of IBM ($116 billion) and Google ($107.9 billion). Toyota’s valuation was $21.8 billion, with Mercedes-Benz and Honda far behind at $16.1 billion and $12.7 billion respectively. No other carmaker had a valuation over $10 billion.

BMW named most valuable car brand

There have been rumors of an Apple iCar for much longer than five years. But it was five years ago that there was enough heat under them for a German newspaper to report that Steve Jobs and Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn had met to discuss the idea. A year later another German outlet printed a photo of a VW concept (pitured) alongside an iPhone, and a columnist in the New York Times kindly asked Steve Jobs to save Detroit.

But did the iCar ever really exist as more than an idea? Mickey Drexler is the CEO of J. Crew and sits on the board of Apple Computer, and at a recent conference in New York he said that Steve Jobs’ “dream before he died was to design an iCar.” Drexler doesn’t say when Jobs had this dream, whether it was just before he died or so long ago that it could substantiate the ancient rumors. No matter, Drexler said “He never did design it.”

The edited video of Drexler’s comments is posted below. And know that this doesn’t mean the rumors, nor the iCar itself, are dead.

Continue reading Apple Board Member: Steve Jobs’ dream was to design iCar [w/video]

Apple Board Member: Steve Jobs’ dream was to design iCar [w/video]

We record Episode #283 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, meaning you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #283

• Ford Shelby GT500
• Holden sending RWD Commodore Stateside
• Kia mulling diesel for the U.S.

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #283 LIVE

As with any uncomfirmed Apple news, take this one with a big ole grain of sodium chloride. PatentlyApple reports that Apple has been granted a patent for a steering-wheel-mounted remote control for various iDevices.

The patent describes a device looking like the multi-touch controller from an original Apple iPod but mounted to a clamp that grabs your car’s steering wheel. Once attached to the outer rim, it would put control of your iPhone, iPod touch or, conceivably, iPad right at your finger tips.

Genius? No. It looks ridiculous and potentially more distracting than just fumbling for your iPhone while driving. The patent says the device is touch-sensitive, so any accidental touch during every hand-over-hand turn ups the volume, changes songs or calls your ex-girl/boyfriend. How’s that for driver distraction? On top of all that, many states (if not all) have outlawed anything attached to a car’s steering wheel.

Like many companies, Apple files hundreds of patents every year. A good percentage of them are just meant to protect the company’s intellectual property and are never used for a consumer product. Some analysts speculate that Apple also files patents for wild ideas just to throw off the competition. This could easily fit into either of those categories.

Apple granted patent for steering-wheel controls to curb distracted driving

Carroll Shelby’s passing, BMW 3 Series Wagon, Porsche sub-Boxster/Pajun, Google car in public, BMW 2 Series

Episode #282 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan and Zach chat about the passing of industry legend Carroll Shelby, the BMW 3 Series Wagon that’s coming soon, Porsche and its rumored small five-door, Pajun (along with plans for a baby Boxster), Google’s self-driving car getting the go-ahead to roam Nevada’s streets, and the coming BMW 2 Series. 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 #282:

Topics:

• Caroll Shelby passes away
• BMW 3 Series wagon headed stateside
• Porsche baby Boxster and Pajun
• Google self-driving car in public
• BMW 2 Series arrives in 2014

In the Autoblog Garage:
2012 Chrylser 300 AWD
2012 Honda Fit Sport
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #282

Autoblog Podcast #282

We record Episode #282 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, meaning you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #282

• Caroll Shelby passes away
• BMW 3 Series wagon headed stateside
• Porsche baby Boxster and Pajun
• Google self-driving car in public
• BMW 2 Series arrives in 2014

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can’t see the EventBox? Click Here.

Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #282 LIVE

Toyota Supra successor, Nissan Juke-R, Cadillac ATS pricing, GM Europe restructuring, Prius PHEV sales

Episode #281 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Zach chat about the fresh rumors of a new Toyota Supra, the Nissan Juke-R heading for (very) limited production, Cadillac ATS pricing, GM Europe headed for another restructuring, and sales of the Toyota Prius PHEV. 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 #281:

Topics:

• Toyota Supra successor rumors
• Nissan Juke-R headed for limited production
• General Motors Europe restructuring… again
• Toyota Prius über-alles

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Ford Flex SEL
2012 Buick Enclave

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #281

Autoblog Podcast #281

We record Episode #281 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, meaning you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #281

• Toyota Supra successor rumors
• Nissan Juke-R headed for limited production
• General Motors Europe restructuring… again
• Toyota Prius über-alles

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can’t see the EventBox? Click Here.

Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #281 LIVE

Yellow cabs are synonymous with New York. It doesn’t matter if it’s an old Ford Crown Victoria, an even older Checker Cab or the new Nissan NV200: paint it that deep yellow and put a dome light on it, and you’re looking at a New York taxicab. But the Big Apple is about to get a new type of taxi, painted a different color altogether.

We’re talking about the new Boro Taxi which the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission has just launched. Targeted at New York’s outer boroughs – Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island (as well as Northern Manhattan) – the Boro Taxis can take just about any vehicle you’d expect to see in yellow (including the NV200), painted a bright shade of “apple green” (that looks like matte lime to our eyes) and put them on the streets of the outer boroughs exclusively where it’s notoriously difficult to hail a cab.

The color was apparently chosen to stand out from existing vehicles on New York City roads, including private automobiles (because who would paint their own car that color?), police and emergency vehicles and traditional yellow cabs. The first 6,000 of the 18,000 permits will be issued by the commission starting in June. So the next time you’re looking to hail a ride in New York anywhere but Manhattan, look for this shade of green and raise your hand.

Continue reading New York City rolls out new apple green Boro Taxi fleet

New York City rolls out new apple green Boro Taxi fleet

Dodge Dart, Chrysler Q1 sales, FR-S and BRZ versus MX-5, 2013 Nissan Altima’s Hyundai Sonata influence

Episode #279 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Zach chat about the Dodge Dart, Chrysler’s first-quarter 2012 sales, a Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ smackdown at Motegi with a Mazda MX-5, and the influence of the Hyundai Sonata on the 2013 Nissan Altima. 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 #280:

• Lamborghini Urus
• Dodge Dart
• Scion FR-S vs. Subaru BR-Z vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Chrysler sales robust in Q1, especially in California
• Nissan Altima redesign influenced by Hyundai Sonata

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Hyundai Veloster
2012 Audi S5
2012 GMC Acadia

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Autoblog Podcast #280

We record Episode #280 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #280

• Dodge Dart
• Scion FR-S vs. Subaru BR-Z vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Chrysler sales robust in Q1, especially in California
• Nissan Altima redesign influenced by Hyundai Sonata

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can’t see the EventBox? Click Here.

Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #280 LIVE

It was only a matter of time, folks. As soon as Audi finalized its purchase of the Ducati brand, we knew to expect a slew of comparison tests pitting the German automaker’s finest wares against the two-wheeled exotica rolling out of Italy’s best-known motorcycle maker.

The scribes from Germany’s Auto Bild have indeed taken up the challenge. But what machinery to choose? Naturally, the mind first turns to the R8 supercar and its Lamborghini-derived V10 engine, but, in reality, Audi officials have conceded to us that its 360-horsepower TT RS is actually quicker around most race tracks. So, the all-wheel-drive TT RS Plus it is.

Holding the mantle for Ducati is none other than the 1199 Panigale – an easy choice, as this is the marque’s premier superbike for 2012. Sure, there was a replica MotoGP machine a few years back called the Desmosedici RR, but that bike is sold out and the Panigale is likely faster in the hands of all but the most talented riders anyway.

So, who wins? You’ll have to scroll down and watch the video to find out, but suffice it to say that it wasn’t even close.

Continue reading AWD vs. One Wheel Drive: Audi TT RS Plus pitted against Ducati 1199 Panigale S

AWD vs. One Wheel Drive: Audi TT RS Plus pitted against Ducati 1199 Panigale S

Lamborghini Urus, Beijing Motor Show, Scion xB and xD dropped, diesel vehicle sales up

Episode #279 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Chris Paukert are joined by the phenomenon that is Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics to chat about the Lamborghini Urus, the Beijing Motor Show, the end of the Scion xB and xD, and the uptick in diesel vehicle sales. 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 #279:

• Lamborghini Urus
• Beijing Motor Show
• Scion xD, xB dropped
• Diesel sales up 35 percent

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Infiniti G37XS Coupe
2012 BMW 328i
Long-Term 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #279

Autoblog Podcast #279

We record Episode #279 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’re joined by Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics. Drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, and chime in to direct our conversation. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #279

• Lamborghini Urus
• Beijing Motor Show
• Scion xD, xB dropped
• Diesel sales up 35 percent

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can’t see the EventBox? Click Here.

Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #279 LIVE with Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics

“So here’s the pitch. It’s a movie about a car. But it’s not really about a car. It’s about something else. What that is isn’t important. But it’s got a car in it. Not just one car, but lots of cars. Thousands of them actually. And they’re in almost every scene. But only in the background. And get this: They’re all… wait for it… yellow! And the best part is, we don’t have to pay anything for it, in fact, they’re going to pay us to put our cars in the movie. And it’s going to make our cars famous. But that’s not all. Imagine this: It’s not just one movie, but a hundred movies. And TV shows. Thousands and thousands of hours of entertainment, and our new Nissan NV200 is going to be the star! Okay, not the star, but an extra. A bright yellow extra. I’m telling you, this idea – it can’t fail!

At least that’s the thesis floated by Automotive News to help explain why Nissan is so stoked over winning the Taxi of Tomorrow contract with its NV200 compact van. Beginning in late 2013, the entire New York City taxi fleet will be converting to Nissan’s aesthetically challenged people mover, which will replace the ubiquitous Ford Crown Victoria.

Whether this leads to any burnishing of the Nissan brand remains to be seen, but regardless, AN says the contract is worth 40,000 units in New York alone over the next 10 years. We have to expect that at least some taxi companies outside of the Big Apple won’t be shy about ponying up the thirty-large Nissan is asking for its Mexican-made cab either, as the day when every last Ford Crown Victoria extant has joined the Checker Marathon in cabbie Valhalla is certainly coming.

How Nissan’s NYC taxi contract may be a ticket to Hollywood fame

Dart pricing, non-retro Mustang, Impala SS, brake override mandate

Episode #278 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Zach are joined by David Kiley of Autoblog and AOL Autos to chat about Dodge Dart pricing, the next Ford Mustang shying away from retro styling, Chevrolet quietly developing an Impala SS, and a NHTSA proposal to mandate brake override systems. 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 #278:

• Dodge Dart pricing
• Next Mustang to be non-retro?
• Is Chevrolet preparing an Impala SS?
• NHTSA proposes brake override system mandate

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Fiat 500
2012 Volvo C30 Polestar
2012 Volvo XC70 T6
Long-Term 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Autoblog Podcast #278

We record Episode #278 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we’re joined by David Kiley of Autoblog and AOL Autos. Drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, and chime in to direct our conversation. Our main focus will be recapping what we saw at the New York Auto Show, but who knows where the conversation will take us! Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #278

• Dodge Dart pricing
• Next Mustang to be non-retro?
• Is Chevrolet preparing an Impala SS?
• NHTSA proposes brake override system mandate

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Can’t see the EventBox? Click Here.

Voices Heard Media

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #278 LIVE

Remember Jetgate? Back in the pre-bankruptcy days of late 2008, when the Big Three CEO’s were traveling to Washington to plead their case for funds, Ford’s Alan Mulally, General Motors’ then-CEO Rick Wagoner, and Chrysler’s former chief Bob Nardelli were publicly chastised for flying in corporate jets to the tune of $20,000 per round trip.

Two years earlier, Ford president Mark Fields became a target of outrage when a Detroit-area TV station discovered that his employment contract included $50,000-$70,000 worth of private jet service per week to ship Fields between Dearborn and his home in Florida.

Now this: The New York Times is reporting that Ford spent spent $178,571 on personal air travel for Mulally last year. While Ford no longer has a fleet of corporate jets, according to the report, it pays a charter service to transport Mulally and his kin. And that’s not all. Since this benefit is classified as “security measures,” Mulally gets off the hook for paying taxes on it, as he doesn’t have to report the benefit as income, according to the Times. Mulally received nearly $30 million in compensation last year, according to other reports.

While Ford refused comment, the article calls out the company for using this “common corporate tax trick” that it says robs the federal government of tax revenue from CEO’s like Mulally, meaning that taxpayers are essentially subsidizing his perks.

While the report concerns various corporate executives, it singles out Mulally, suggesting that any potential danger to Ford’s CEO has to be less than that posed to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who flies commercial airlines. The Times also says that former Apple CEO Steve Jobs “received no security services from Apple last year before he died.”

View Poll

Ford CEO Alan Mulally called out as a tax dodger [w/poll]

New York Auto Show recap with John McElroy of Autoline

Episode #277 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Chris, Dan, and Executive Editor Chris Paukert are joined by John McElroy to chat about the New York Auto Show. 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 #276:

• New York Auto Show recap

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Nissan Versa SV
2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S
2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid
Long-Term 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Feedback
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

Review the show in iTunes

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #277

Autoblog Podcast #277