Report: Bill aimed at giving auto dealers more credit is signed into law

d443a obamasmallbusiness.1b18c9ddc8fc447e8b80dd51ccf712e8opt Report: Bill aimed at giving auto dealers more credit is signed into lawThe federal government is keeping up its effort to stimulate the economy, while the economy is keeping up its resistance to those efforts. The latest effort to prod spending comes in a bill that, among other things, increases the federal guarantee for small dealer floorplan loans from the Small Business Administration from $2 million to $5 million. Part of the bill would also reinstate fee waivers that ran out in May, meaning loan applicants could save more than $50,000 in fess alone on a $2 million loan.

Federal floorplan assistance has been around for a year, but banks haven’t been receptive and some believe that raising the limit won’t change that. It is customers who are needed to provide the real relief, and in the words of a former Federal Reserve vice chairman, “If the economy grows at one and a half percent, we’re spitting in the wind because there’s no demand.”

The bill passed the House and Senate along party lines and President Obama signed it into law yesterday afternoon. This is expected to be the last jobs bill to leave Congress before the midterm elections in November.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req. Image: AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite]

Report: Bill aimed at giving auto dealers more credit is signed into law

      



, , , ,
       

    Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #197

    3b707 autoblog podcast 3 1275933205 Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #197

    Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

    Here are some topics combed out of the hairball that is the last week’s news. If that doesn’t advance your timing, hit us up with your own questions or comments below. Even if you don’t have your own question, you can vote on which questions deserve our attention the most. Discussion topics for Autoblog Podcast #197, which we’ll record tonight. Finally, subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already to hear your question answered.

    Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #197


    Subscribe to
    the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
    [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
    [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

    Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #197

        



    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
         

      Video: Top Gear caught filming in NY with SLS AMG, 458 Italia and 911 GT3 RS

      Top Gear in NY

      Top Gear filming in New York City – Click above to watch the video after the jump

      The Top Gear trio was recently spotted filming in New York City. We already knew they were filming here in the States, as well as the cars they were driving. This time, someone has recorded footage as Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond maneuver the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Ferrari 458 Italia and Porsche 911 GT3 RS out onto the streets of the Big Apple.

      The clip is rather mundane overall, however, the last minute will leave you squirming in horror. The city’s streets aren’t in great shape and the BBC Boys have to get their supercars from a section of road awaiting paving to a raised surface. If you love high-end exotics, you may want to look away, but don’t. It’s particularly terrifying to watch the low-lipped Porsche attempting to pull up. No wonder they gave 100-pound Hammond the keys to that one. Check out the footage after the jump. A tip o’ the hat to Tim L!

      [Source: YouTube]

      Continue reading Video: Top Gear caught filming in NY with SLS AMG, 458 Italia and 911 GT3 RS

      Video: Top Gear caught filming in NY with SLS AMG, 458 Italia and 911 GT3 RS

          



      , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
           

        First Drive: 2011 Ford F-150 and its four new engines

        Will Pickup Buyers Embrace A Turbocharged V6? They Should, And Fast.

        2011 Ford F-150

        2011 Ford F-150 – Click above for high-res image gallery

        The year is 1977. Jimmy Carter replaces Gerald Ford to become the 39th President of the United States and creates the United States Department of Energy. Apple Computer is incorporated, and the Commodore PET, the world’s first personal computer, is sold. NASA’s first space shuttle is christened Enterprise and performs its initial test flight.

        Music lovers welcome Fleetwood Mac’s latest release, the Grammy-winning album Rumours. The Supremes, Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin play their final concerts, and, later in the year, Elvis leaves the building for good. The top grossing movie? Star Wars. On television, Fonzie rather famously jumps the shark.

        In the world of automobiles, Porsche introduces the front-engine 928 and Burt Reynolds turns the black and gold Pontiac Trans-Am into an object of desire. And, finally, the Ford F-Series earns its status as the best-selling vehicle line in America. Clearly, a lot has changed since 1977… except, of course, for the Blue Oval, which can still boast that its full-size pickup truck is the number one nameplate in the United States.

        Ford has no intention of passing that particular baton to anyone else, and in order to maintain this impressive bit of marketing gold for a 34th straight year, the Dearborn-based automaker is putting four brand-new engines, including a 3.5-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V6, in the engine bay of its F-150. The automaker says 2011 marks “the most significant powertrain upgrade in 62 years of the F-Series.” We, of course, had to verify that claim for ourselves.

        Continue reading

        Gallery: 2011 Ford F-150: First Drive

        2011 Ford F-1502011 Ford F-1502011 Ford F-1502011 Ford F-1502011 Ford F-150

        Photos copyright (C)2010 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL and Ford Motor Company

        Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Ford F-150 and its four new engines

        First Drive: 2011 Ford F-150 and its four new engines

            



        , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
             

          Audio engineer lists top 10 songs to test a car stereo

          Bang & Olufson speaker in Audi A8

          Music and driving, like ranch dressing and fries, are two things that go great together. When a vehicle is equipped with a good audio system, it helps complete a journey that starts when you twist the key and ends when you arrive at your destination whistling the song you just listened to.

          In order to achieve top notch listening environments, automakers often employ audio engineers who are quite skilled at being good listeners. We imagine they also enjoy ruining social events by droning on about such things as oxygen-free copper center conductors and ohm impedance. Matt Kirsch however, an audio engineer with General Motors, may be more interesting judging by his preferred playlist used when testing audio setups. Kirsh has made public his own Top 10 list for testing the mettle of our own sound systems.

          1. Don’t Know Why” by Norah Jones. Listen for Norah’s voice to sound natural, and centered in front of you.
          2. Diamonds and Rust” by Joan Baez. Listen for strong vocals, and for the instruments to be set across a wide sound stage.
          3. No One” by Alicia Keys. Listen for clarity in Alicia’s vocals and spacious background sound.
          4. Hotel California” by the Eagles. Listen for the clarity and dynamic range during the opening guitar solo, and of course the powerful drum beat.
          5. Boom Boom Pow“by the Black Eyed Peas. Listen for powerful, accurate bass beats, even at full volume.
          6. Rock that Body“by the Black Eyed Peas. Listen clear, intelligible lyrics over the powerful, persistent bass beat.
          7. Hide and Seek“by Imogen Heap. Listen for the enveloping ambience of the song, building on the openness and dynamic vocals.
          8. He Mele No Lilo” by Mark Keali’i Ho’omalu from Lilo and Stitch.Listen for the ambience and staging as the children’s chorus is offset by powerful bass.
          9. Bird on a Wire” by Johnny Cash. Listen for the clarity in Johnny’s distinctive voice, and his guitar to sound natural and free of any coloration.
          10. Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box” by Radiohead. Listen for the punch from the percussive bass, and the ring of the steel drums.

          The list is varied between genres and decades, and it’s jam packed with a plethora of instruments to stretch the legs on your tweeters, mid-range units and on down to the subs. Finding music with high highs and lovely lows is necessary to experience the complete auditory road trip, and Kirsh’s playlist does just that. Don’t believe us? The General posted the playlist on iTunes so you can see for yourself.

          [Source: USA Today]

          Audio engineer lists top 10 songs to test a car stereo

                



          , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
               

            SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

            ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

            ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

            With the Genesis Coupe 3.8 finally getting its own R-Spec model, it was just a matter of time before Hyundai started partnering with tuners to boost the performance of its V6-powered aftermarket-friendly coupe.

            ARK Performance, one of Korea’s leading tuners, will be upgrading nearly every component of its Track Time Attack Genesis Coupe for this year’s SEMA show, boosting the output of the 3.8-liter V6 from 306 horsepower to 450+ ponies through the help of new internals, an APG supercharger and a host of breathing mods.

            Brembo brakes with Endless pads and DBA drilled and slotted rotors hide behind lightweight Volk TE37 SLs, with ARK’s full suspension system (coilovers, sway bars and front strut bar) working together with a range of Cusco parts.

            In addition to the custom front and rear bumpers, hood, side skirts, rear diffuser and fenders, ARK will be equipping the inside with Bride seats, a six-point cage and Sparco steering wheel, along with the defacto sound system and Apple iPad integration.

            For the full list of mods and a little bit of background on ARK, hit the jump for the release, and check out the preliminary sketches in the gallery below.

            Gallery: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe Sketches

            9c98f 01 ark genesis sketch 2010 sema thumbnail SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe9c98f 02 ark genesis sketch 2010 sema thumbnail SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe9c98f 03 ark genesis sketch 2010 sema thumbnail SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

            Continue reading SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

            SEMA Preview: ARK Performance Hyundai Genesis Coupe

                



            , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                 

              Autoblog Podcast #196 – with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

              fc017 autoblog podcast 3 Autoblog Podcast #196   with Jonny Lieberman from <i>Motor Trend</i>

              Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

              For Episode #196 of the Autoblog Podcast, recently departed Autoblogger Jonny Lieberman joins us from his perch atop the ivory Motor Trend tower. In between recounting stories from the land of the Buff Books, Chris, Dan and Jonny talk over some of this week’s news, including the Lotus Elite, the final Ford Ranger in North America, the BMW 6 Series concept and a truckload of new Chrysler information about the 200C, the Challenger, transmissions, and more. We finish up with some of your feedback near the epic two-hour mark. Thanks for listening!

              Autoblog Podcast #196 – With Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

              In the Autoblog Garage:

              Chrysler 300C SRT-8
              BMW 335D
              Ferrari 458 Italia

              News:

              Hosts:
              Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Jonny Lieberman

              Runtime: 1:49:30



              Get the podcast:
              [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
              [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
              [MP3] Download the MP3 directly

              Feedback:

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

              Review the show in iTunes
              and take our survey

              Autoblog Podcast #196 – with Jonny Lieberman from Motor Trend

                    



              , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                   

                Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #196

                bf4f9 autoblog podcast 3 1275933205 Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #196

                Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

                We’ve cherrypicked some questions for discussion out of the last weeks news, but hit up our interactive Q&A box below and query the podcast team with your own question. Even if you don’t have your own question, you can vote on which questions deserve our attention the most. Discussion topics for Autoblog Podcast #196, which we’ll record tonight, can be found below. Finally, subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already to hear your question answered.

                Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #196


                Subscribe to
                the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
                [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
                [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

                Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #196

                    



                , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                     

                  BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration

                  BMW ConnectedDrive

                  BMW ConnectedDrive – Click above for high-res image gallery

                  Good news, Apple fans. BMW has turned up the level of smart phone integration in its vehicles in a big way. The company will be showing off its new ConnectedDrive system at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The swank tech not only boasts Bluetooth wizardry and a text-to-speech function that will allow drivers to access text messages, memos, emails and the like from their Blackberry, it will also work with Apple iOS4. That means that the system clicks with the latest iPhone.

                  But wait, there’s more.

                  The German manufacturer is also introducing something it calls iPod Out that’s designed to make the most of using Apple music players in the vehicle. There’s even a handy docking system for the iPad in the back seats. What’s more, BMW will offer a mobile hotspot system with ConnectedDrive so that passengers can surf the web without burning up their data plans. Welcome to the brave new world. Thanks for the tip, Chris!

                  Gallery: BMW ConnectedDrive

                  75d3c 01 connected thumbnail BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration75d3c 02 connected thumbnail BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration75d3c 03 connected thumbnail BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration75d3c 04 connected thumbnail BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration0ad50 05 connected thumbnail BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration

                  [Source: BMW]

                  BMW introducing iPad docks for back seats, iPhone 4 integration

                      



                  , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                       

                    Ford releases Fiesta iPad app

                    Ford Fiesta iPad app

                    Ford Fiesta iPad app – Click above for high-res image gallery

                    Interested in buying a 2011 Ford Fiesta? There’s an app for that.

                    Ford has just launched its very first interactive sales brochure by way of an Apple iPad app for the new Fiesta (sorry, iPhone users – you’re out of luck on this one). Here, users can learn far more about Ford’s pride-and-joy B-segment offering than they ever could in your standard showroom pamphlets. The Fiesta app includes information about the car’s quality, safety, connectivity, available accessories, colors, as well as a list of standard and optional features.

                    The interactive Fiesta iPad app is available as you read this and can be downloaded from the iTunes app store. Hit the jump to read the full details in Ford’s press release.

                    Gallery: Ford Fiesta iPad App

                    967ab 11fiesta ipad01 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app967ab 11fiesta ipad03 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app

                    Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

                    967ab 01fiestasesreview2011 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app967ab 02fiestasesreview2011 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app967ab 03fiestasesreview2011 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app967ab 04fiestasesreview2011 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app967ab 05fiestasesreview2011 thumbnail Ford releases Fiesta iPad app

                    Live photos Copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

                    [Source: Ford]

                    Continue reading Ford releases Fiesta iPad app

                    Ford releases Fiesta iPad app

                        



                    , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                         

                      Autoblog Podcast #195 – Econoline, Panamera, hot-rod Foresters, Pik-Ups and Mount Washington

                      ccec0 autoblog podcast 3 Autoblog Podcast #195   Econoline, Panamera, hot rod Foresters, Pik Ups and Mount Washington

                      Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

                      It’s Episode #195 of the Autoblog Podcast, and Chris, Alex, Sam and Dan talk about the half century of Ford Econolines, Porsche’s impressive Panamera sales, the death of the Mahindra deal with Global Vehicles USA, a possible hot-rod Forester, and Travis Pastrana’s obliteration of editor Neff’s Mount Washington hillclimb time (oh, and he destroyed the record by 20 seconds, too.) Two questions cap it at just over an hour this week. Thanks for listening!

                      Autoblog Podcast #195 – Econoline, Panamera, hot-rod Foresters, Pik-Ups and Mount Washington

                      In the Autoblog Garage:

                      2011 Honda Odyssey
                      GMC Sierra 3500 HD
                      2011 Ford Edge

                      News:

                      Hosts:
                      Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

                      Runtime: 69:34

                      Gallery: Old Ford Econolines

                      ccec0 1961econoline thumbnail Autoblog Podcast #195   Econoline, Panamera, hot rod Foresters, Pik Ups and Mount Washingtonccec0 1963econolinevan thumbnail Autoblog Podcast #195   Econoline, Panamera, hot rod Foresters, Pik Ups and Mount Washingtonccec0 1961econoline ad thumbnail Autoblog Podcast #195   Econoline, Panamera, hot rod Foresters, Pik Ups and Mount Washingtonccec0 1964econoad01 thumbnail Autoblog Podcast #195   Econoline, Panamera, hot rod Foresters, Pik Ups and Mount Washingtonccec0 1964econoad02 thumbnail Autoblog Podcast #195   Econoline, Panamera, hot rod Foresters, Pik Ups and Mount Washington



                      Get the podcast:
                      [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
                      [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
                      [MP3] Download the MP3 directly

                      Feedback:

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

                      Review the show in iTunes
                      and take our survey

                      Autoblog Podcast #195 – Econoline, Panamera, hot-rod Foresters, Pik-Ups and Mount Washington

                            



                      , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                           

                        Submit your questions for tonight’s Autoblog Podcast

                        731fa autoblog podcast 3 1275933205 Submit your questions for tonights Autoblog Podcast

                        Click above to subscribe to The Autoblog Podcast in iTunes

                        It’s time again to put your thinking caps on and ask our podcast crew anything you want to know. Don’t forget to vote on which questions deserve our attention the most, though we’ll try to get to as many as we can. Discussion topics for Autoblog Podcast #195, which we’ll record tonight, can be found below. Finally, subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven’t already to hear your question answered.

                        Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #195

                        50 years of Econolines
                        Porsche Panamera selling like stroopwaffels
                        Details on Mahindra’s deal unravelling
                        Goings on at Lincoln
                        Travis Pastrana’s Mt. Washington Auto Road record
                        Hotter Subaru Forester


                        Subscribe to
                        the Autoblog Podacast and hear your questions asked:
                        [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
                        [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

                        Submit your questions for tonight’s Autoblog Podcast

                            



                        , , , , , , , ,
                             

                          Autoblog Podcast #194 – Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico’s Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars

                          ca149 autoblog podcast 3 Autoblog Podcast #194   Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexicos Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars

                          Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

                          It’s Episode #194 of the Autoblog Podcast, and Chris, Sam and Dan talk about the 2011 Bentley Continental, what Lamborghini has in store for the Paris Motor Show, Mexico’s Mastretta MXT and budget sports cars from Toyota. Two questions cap it at just over an hour this week. Thanks for listening!

                          Autoblog Podcast #194 – Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico’s Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars

                          In the Autoblog Garage:

                          Nissan Pathfinder
                          GMC Sierra 3500 HD
                          Mitsubishi Outlander

                          News:

                          Hosts:
                          Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

                          Runtime: 63:00



                          Get the podcast:
                          [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
                          [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
                          [MP3] Download the MP3 directly

                          Feedback:

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

                          Review the show in iTunes
                          and take our survey

                          Autoblog Podcast #194 – Bentley Continental, Lamborghini teaser, Mexico’s Mastretta and budget Toyota sports cars

                              



                          , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                               

                            Mercedes-Benz updates Mbrace app with ‘Concierge’ service

                            mercedes-benz mbraceMercedes-Benz and its partners at Hughes Telematics have released an updated version of its Mbrace app for the iPhone, and 2.0 brings along a new line of location-based services.

                            In addition to the usual array of safety and convenience features (locking and unlocking doors, finding the Benz in a parking lot, etc.), the app now includes Mercedes-Benz’ Concierge service which can pull down everything from driving directions and traffic updates to movie times and restaurant listings and then ports them directly into the navigation system. The Roadside Assistance program has also undergone a rework and Mbrace Plus subscribers can download it now from the App Store. Full details in the press blast below the fold.

                            Continue reading Mercedes-Benz updates Mbrace app with ‘Concierge’ service

                            Mercedes-Benz updates Mbrace app with ‘Concierge’ service

                                



                            , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                                 

                              Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

                              791aa autoblog podcast 3 Autoblog Podcast #193   Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

                              Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

                              Chris, Sam, Alex and Dan convene for Episode #193 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the Ford Boss Mustang and Roush supercharger package, the latest Chevrolet Volt fuel economy dust-up, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Mazda’s apparent new design language and the Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS. We finish it off by talking about snow tires, that most summery of topics. It’s an a quick 51 minutes, See you next week!

                              Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

                              In the Autoblog Garage:

                              Honda CRZ
                              Lexus RX450h

                              News:

                              Hosts:
                              Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

                              Runtime: 50:59



                              Get the podcast:
                              [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
                              [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
                              [MP3] Download the MP3 directly

                              Feedback:

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

                              Review the show in iTunes
                              and take our survey

                              Autoblog Podcast #193 – Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras

                                    



                              , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                                   

                                Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.26.10

                                d535e u turn banner Daily U Turn: What you missed on 8.26.10

                                d535e lead1nissanjukefd2011 thumbnail Daily U Turn: What you missed on 8.26.10

                                First Drive: 2011 Nissan Juke

                                The packs a compelling combination of unique styling, turbocharged power and a Generation Y-approved interior. But can you get past its looks?

                                d535e suburban75event   01opt thumbnail Daily U Turn: What you missed on 8.26.10

                                Chevrolet Suburban celebrates 75 years, Autoblog drives every generation

                                Chevrolet celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Suburban and we get a crack at driving every generation since 1936.

                                d535e up630opt thumbnail Daily U Turn: What you missed on 8.26.10

                                Spy Shots: Volkswagen Up! caught in Death Valley

                                The Up! is coming to the States, and VW’s mini-micro-car has been caught undergoing hot-weather testing in the desert.

                                Also of interest:

                                Browse our archive of Daily U-Turn posts or subscribe to the RSS feed

                                Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 8.26.10

                                    



                                , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                                     

                                  Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan

                                  Brabus iBusiness Apple interior

                                  Brabus iBusiness – Click above for high-res image gallery

                                  Brabus iBusiness apple mercedes-benzThe folks at Brabus have always been known for fitting ridiculously high-powered engines into the full line of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but this new creation has more than just staggering performance to offer. The latest products from Apple, including the iPad, have all been integrated into a Mercedes-Benz S-Class to create the Brabus iBusiness. Not only does it promise to be exciting to drive, but the rear passenger compartment is fitted with enough tech to make an Apple junkie’s head explode. John Neff Steve Jobs, your stupid-fast luxury sedan has arrived.

                                  Under the hood, Brabus has shoehorned in a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter V12 that produces 750 horsepower and 995 pound-feet of torque, though the torque output has been electronically limited to only (only!) 811 lb-ft. Hitting 62 miles per hour takes just four seconds, and with your pedal pressed firmly to the floor, you’ll hit 211 mph when all is said and done. Power is routed to the rear wheels by a five-speed automatic transmission and Brabus offers a custom limited-slip differential to maximize overall traction. It’s staggeringly quick, this iBusiness.

                                  The most unique thing about this car, however, is its interior – mainly, the rear accommodations. In addition to the cushy leather seats and Alcantara headliner, the rear compartment is stocked with two Apple iPads, two seat-mounted multimedia screens, a 64GB iPod Touch and a 15.2-inch headliner-mounted Mac display. Not only can these products be used for personal use, but the two iPads also control the car’s Command system, encompassing the radio, navigation and telephone systems. The whole Apple setup is powered by an ultra-small Mac Mini in the trunk that is housed in an electronically deployed drawer.

                                  We think we’ve found our new mobile office.

                                  Hit the jump to read the whole list of details in Brabus’ press release, and scroll through the high-res photos below to see the iBusiness for yourself.

                                  Gallery: Brabus iBusiness

                                  033f6 b10aa260 thumbnail Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan033f6 b10aa264 thumbnail Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan033f6 b10aa265 thumbnail Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan033f6 b10aa266 thumbnail Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan033f6 b10aa267 thumbnail Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan

                                  [Source: Brabus]

                                  Continue reading Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan

                                  Brabus hearts Apple, launches iBusiness luxury sedan

                                      



                                  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                                       

                                    Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

                                    6ae28 leno boss Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

                                    Jay Leno takes a look at the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca – Click above to watch video after the jump

                                    Sure, Jay Leno has some pretty varied taste when it comes to cars, but the apple of his eye is likely his ‘66 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. He’s owned the car for the better part of a quarter of a century, and it routinely comes up when he speaks about the essence of a good-driving car. It’s fitting, then, that Leno was on hand for the debut of the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition. With 440 horsepower from a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8, track-oriented aerodynamics and a lively 3.73 rear axle ratio, this sucker is designed for some serious flogging.

                                    Leno managed to corner Tom Barnes, the vehicle engineering manager for Mustang, trackside for a quick rundown of what the new Boss and the Laguna Seca edition are all about during the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage.

                                    Now, the really interesting part of this whole video is when Leno lets it slip that the Boss will feature a unique tech-laden key. Barnes wasn’t willing to elaborate on the details, saying that more information would be released at a later date. Hit the jump to see the full video for yourself.

                                    [Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

                                    Continue reading Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

                                    Video: Jay Leno gets exclusive look at Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

                                        



                                    , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                                         

                                      Autoblog Podcast #192 – Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity

                                      f7709 autoblog podcast 3 Autoblog Podcast #192   Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity

                                      Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

                                      Chris, Sam and Dan return for Episode #192 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the reinstatement of GM’s high performance division and its new focus on small cars, the Ford Edge Sport being out-dragged by its lesser SEL sibling, and the BMW Megacity electric car. It’s an hour and eleven minutes, bookended by what’s in our respective garages and your questions/comments. See you next week!

                                      Autoblog Podcast #192 – Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity

                                      In the Autoblog Garage:

                                      Toyota Sienna LE
                                      Jaguar XFR
                                      Hyundai Azera

                                      Hosts:
                                      Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk

                                      Runtime: 71:11



                                      Get the podcast:
                                      [iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
                                      [RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
                                      [MP3] Download the MP3 directly

                                      Feedback:

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

                                      Review the show in iTunes
                                      and take our survey

                                      Autoblog Podcast #192 – Slow Edge Sports, GM High Performance, BMW Megacity

                                            



                                      , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
                                           

                                        AutoblogGreen for 08.19.10

                                        092c7 abg logo grab for ab AutoblogGreen for 08.19.10

                                        092c7 screen shot 2010 08 18 at 5.53.49 pm AutoblogGreen for 08.19.10 Greenlings: Why do automatic transmissions now get better fuel efficiency than manuals?
                                        Going from fluid coupling to Lock-up converters to DCTs has a big effect.
                                        092c7 180810kiak2315 thumbnail AutoblogGreen for 08.19.10 Paris 2010 preview: Kia adding fizz with all-electric Pop Concept
                                        There’s not a lot of information available. Yet.
                                        092c7 screen shot 2010 08 18 at 5.55.27 pm AutoblogGreen for 08.19.10 American ignorance of efficiency numbers might be the biggest hurdle to cleaner cars
                                        What do all these numbers mean?
                                        Other news:

                                        AutoblogGreen for 08.19.10

                                              



                                        , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,