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Ah, the ’70s. Few decades are quite so easily identifiable by its products than the era that brought us disco music and… not much else. For proof, we need look no further than the cherry 1974 Dodge Dart Hang Ten you see above. While the car has gone through a mild restoration to return it to its former glory, the previous owner took pains to keep it as close to its original form as possible. As a result, the Mopar still wears the original Hang Ten graphics, including the ever-cool waves with surf rider on the rear quarter, and the interior is doused in enough multi-color pin stripes and orange carpet to have you pining for your long-lost pet rock.

According to the seller, there were only 500 Darts ever built with the Hang Ten package, making this particular example a rare breed indeed. With a 318 V8 under the hood, the car probably scoots along just fine, and the mountain of paperwork and dealer propaganda that comes along with the sale would probably make you a show circuit hero in no time flat. You can find it on eBay Motors with a Buy It Now price of $22,950, and they’ll even throw in a matching surf board.

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1974 Dodge Dart Hang Ten is gnarly, dude

General Motors reports that it has come to an agreement to sell its Nexteer steering operations. Nexteer, which had $6.2 billion in revenue as recently as 2008, was acquired by GM as part of a deal to help Delphi exit bankruptcy. The buyer? Pacific Century Motors, which is part of The Tempo Group with ties to the government in Beijing.

The General has been publicly looking to offload Nexteer since January, but the bidding reportedly became more intense after 2,100 workers at a Saginaw, MI plant agreed to concessions. Nexsteer has 6,200 employees in total and 22 manufacturing sites around the world. The steering company also has 60 global customers, though GM accounts for nearly half of its overall work.

Nexteer is being offloaded in part because steering technology is deemed to be a non-core asset. Investing in steering technology takes cash from core technologies like powertrain development. According to General Motors vice chairman Stephen J. Girsky, “The sale of Nexteer to PCM supports our objective to focus on our core auto business and is the final step in our efforts to position Nexteer as an independent supplier.”

Official GM press release available after the jump.

[Sources: General Motors, Automotive News - sub. req.]

Continue reading GM agrees to terms to sell Nexteer steering operations to China’s PCM

GM agrees to terms to sell Nexteer steering operations to China’s PCM

He may look like a harmless old man now, but according to The Sun, to suggest that Klaus Carel Faber has some skeletons in his closet would be a gross understatement. During the Second World War, Faber volunteer for the SS and acted as a Gestapo executioner in the same Dutch concentration camp that held diary author Anne Frank prior to her deportation to Auschwitz.

Following the war he was convicted on 22 counts of murder, and though the actual death toll was estimated much higher, his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Five years later, he and six other war criminals escaped prison in Holland and made their way to Germany. Faber was given a hero’s welcome and went on to work for Audi, driving a Volkswagen Golf and living out his life in peace in the seat of the company’s headquarters in Ingolstadt.

The fifth most wanted Nazi war criminal, Faber apparently remains protected by the only law enacted by Adolf Hitler still on the books. Under the “Fuhrer’s Law”, he was naturalized a German citizen as a foreign volunteer for the SS, and subsequently remains immune to extradition under German law. Unbelievably, rather than prosecute him locally for his heinous crimes, German prosecutors classified Faber’s genocide as manslaughter, for which the statute of limitations – unlike murder, for which there isn’t one – has long since expired.

[Source: The Sun via USA Today]

Report: Former Audi employee convicted Nazi war criminal

Pebble Beach is an octane-drenched event that never disappoints, and this year’s event is shaping up to be no exception – but it will be exceptional. Already lined up for the August concours are the debuts of Morgan’s new EvaGT and Ferrari’s 599 roadster, with notable auction lots including the 1959 Le Mans-winning Ferrari 250 TdF and a famous 1927 Benz owned by the Marx Brothers. The latter will be part of Gooding & Company’s auction, but that’s far from the extent of what the venerable auction house has in store for Monterey this year.

An ex-Stirling Moss 1956 Maserati 200 SI and the Ferrari 340 America from the 1952 New York Auto Show have already been announced, but once the Pebble rolls around they’ll be joined by a growing roster of drool-worthy classic Italian machinery. Among them will be a rare Zagato-bodied 1954 Fiat 8V, a stunning 1971 Lamborghini Miura S and a pristine alloy-bodied 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, along with the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta SEFAC Hot Rod and 1955 Maserati A6G/54 Zagato pictured in the galleries below.

SEFAC, as the tifosi will tell you, stands for Scuderia Enzo Ferrari Automobili Corsa, the precursor to the modern Scuderia Ferrari, represented here by what could very well be the ultimate expression of the 250 GT racer in existence today. And that Zagato Maserati? That’s the coachbuilt special which the Modenese marque chose to represent at the 1955 Turin Motor Show. In other words, these cars have mad pedigree. Read more about ‘em in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Gooding & Company Images: Simon Clay & Pawel Litwinski]

Continue reading Mouthwatering Italian classics join the Gooding roster for Pebble Beach

Mouthwatering Italian classics join the Gooding roster for Pebble Beach

Rolls-Royce has announced the availability of – wait for it – a new picnic set! What, not excited? Did we mention that it’s made from polished aluminum, leather and wood veneers? Well that’s just fine. We’ll enjoy our champagne and caviar on the green without you. But that’s not even the point – the popularity of customizing a new Rolls-Royce motorcar is.

On the Phantom family alone – discounting the popularity of the new Ghost – custom orders from Rolls-Royce have skyrocketed in the past few years in markets around the world. In the Middle East, for example, about 90 percent of Phantoms ordered last year had something off the usual options list ordered. That’s up from 75 percent in 2005, the level at which all of Rolls-Royce markets worldwide are holding at in terms of customization, up from 50 percent in 2005.

Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke design and engineering department can fulfill a variety of special orders, from the customer’s name on the sill plates and special veneers to custom luggage and picnic sets like this one. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Rolls-Royce]

Continue reading Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders

Rolls-Royce goes out to lunch with custom orders

The King is dead, long live the King. BMW dropped us a line to say that the V10-powered M5 supersedan is no more. Production has officially ended on the E60 version of one the world’s best sports sedan after five years and 20,548 units. That’s even greater than the production numbers of its predecessor, the V8-powered E39 models, even though those versions had an additional year of production.

When it was first released in 2005 as a 2006 model, the E60 was a fairly outrageous automotive offering, with an exotic 5.0-liter V10 and 507 horsepower on tap. This generation of M5 introduced the world to a whole new set of superlatives as automotive journalists reached for their Roget’s to find a novel way to describe the acceleration, braking and handling. And now that the E60 is no more.

But BMW wants us to rejoice rather than lament the passing of the E60, for the new F10 BMW M5 is just around der Karussell. We’ve been seeing spy shots of the 2011 BMW M5 seemingly forever, and with its new twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 rumored to be producing 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, performance should even be a step above the E60. That doesn’t mean we won’t miss the E60, however. The good news is that they should be getting even more affordable on the used car market. Follow the jump to read the release and check out a few of our favorite E60 M5 reviews from the blokes at Top Gear and their more sane siblings at Fifth Gear.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW M5 production comes to an end [w/video]

BMW M5 production comes to an end [w/video]

First Drive: 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is right-sized at the right time

If the compact crossover segment grows as fast as automakers predict, Mitsubishi has a credible player in the market.

Hankook aims to play with the big kids in the tire market

No matter what aspect of vehicle performance you’re looking at – acceleration, braking, cornering or ride quality – it all comes down to four patches of rubber on the road. We take an in-depth look at Hankook’s newest tires to see what’s in store for enthusiasts.

WSJ: Chrysler to back away from Hemi in favor of more refined, green image

The beloved HEMI badge might be nixed from future Chrysler products as the Pentastar redefines its green image.

Also of interest:

• Rental car companies ‘routinely’ letting recalled vehicles on the streets [w/ video]
• Bigfoot monster truck defects from Ford to Chevy after more than 35 years
• McLaren F1 successor due in 2012
• Nissan releases more 2011 Quest minivan teasers
• Chrysler debuts limited-edition Mopar ‘10 Challenger

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.7.10

Spyker has its sights set firmly on the blooming Chinese auto market, and according to a report from the China Car Times, the company plans to produce and market a road-legal version of its GT2 racer just for the People’s Republic. Supposedly the car will be both longer and wider, and will feature a host of creature comforts to help bridge the gap between the racetrack and public streets. Now, here’s the really surprising part: the car is set to be launched in October of this year. If that’s the case, development of the vehicle must be almost complete.

China Car Times also mentions that Spyker is planning to build a larger four-door model just for Chinese customers as well. Both vehicles will feature design elements that have been specifically crafted just for the new market. Eventually, Spyker hopes China will become the company’s second largest market after the United States. With all of the money floating around the Asian country’s economy at the moment, we can’t imagine that the goal is too much of a stretch.

[Source: China Car Times]

Report: Spyker to launch Chinese Edition GT2

If you’re in the market for an all-wheel drive hatchback with 300 horsepower and an extensive track pedigree, you’re probably looking for a Subaru WRX STI. Hope you know how to drive a stick, though, because the only available transmission here in the States is a six-speed manual. If you’re thinking “good!” we’re most definitely with you, but if you’re interested in a slush box you’re going to have to pass on the STI all-together. Unless you live in Australia.

Subaru is offering a five-speed automatic for the Australian market, apparently because of high demand. Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia says in the post-jump press release that the company has had “increasing inquires about an auto over the last two years and we’re delighted to be able to deliver what a significant number of customers have requested.” Senior added that the five-speed slush box will reflect the hatchback’s athletic nature while appealing to a wider audience.

We’re all for car-buyers getting whatever they want, as long as a proper manual transmission is also offered. Keep in mind that the automatic tranny is only being announced for the Australian market, and there is no indication that we’ll see a five-speed slusher in the States. We wouldn’t be surprised if we did, though, considering Americans’ love for the automatic, coupled with the fact that the Land Down Under is such a small market.

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading Subaru WRX STI gets five-speed automatic option… Down Under

Subaru WRX STI gets five-speed automatic option… Down Under

Ford CEO Alan Mulally has been named to President Obama’s export council. The council, which has been around since 1973, has been tasked with increasing exports by 50 percent within five years. Mulally will be one of the 28 private sector members of the council, which consists of industry leaders and politicians. Ironically, Mulally will report to Boeing CEO W. James McNerney Jr. who edged out Mulally for the top spot at Boeing right before Mulally left his employer of 37 years for the top spot at Ford.

Mulally and company will be working trade equality in a world where countries like China are accused of manipulating currency to better position their products against those made here in the States. Other countries like South Korea are far more closed to imports than the U.S. market. Despite these challenges, exports during the first four months of 2010 are up by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

[Source: Detroit News Image: William Thomas Cain/Getty]

Report: Ford CEO Mulally named to Obama Export Council

About a decade ago, Triumph offered a pretty decent motorcycle in the vein of the BMW GS series of large-displacement on/off-road adventure bikes. As the Tiger aged, though, it gradually took on a more street-oriented presence, more in line with the Ducati Multistrada than the aforementioned BMWs or anything wearing bright orange and black bodywork.

Now that adventure motorcycles are all the rage (and with good reason, we might add), it seems that Triumph wants back in the game. The British brand is teasing a new bike tentatively known simply as the Adventure on its own dedicated website and on Facebook (it’s the new way of marketing, natch).

We don’t know much about the Adventure, other than some hints that it will use a smaller displacement version of Triumph’s well-loved triple cylinder layout. Expect something around 800cc to compete directly with the BMW F 800 GS. There will be two versions of the bike, one for the street and one more off road oriented.

The full reveal is scheduled for the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan this November, but we can expect a set of teasers every month until then. The first can be seen in the video after the jump.

[Source: Triumph]

Continue reading Triumph teases new Adventure motorcycle [w/video]

Triumph teases new Adventure motorcycle [w/video]

There’s been a lot of talk recently about new Ferraris slated to roll out of Maranello. Which makes sense, considering that its parents at Fiat are in the midst of a big product shake-up. But while previous reports foreshadowed replacements for the 599, 612 and Enzo – and even went as far as outlining the product life-cycle to be implemented across Ferrari’s entire line – executives in Maranello have until now avoided any mention of a Scuderia version of the new 458.

And we could hardly blame them. After all, there aren’t many better ways to kill off excitement for a brand-new supercar than talking about the better version in the pipeline. Motor Trend, however, claims to have it on good authority that a lighter-weight, more powerful version of the 458 Italia will arrive in 2013, taking up the position held by the outgoing 430 Scuderia and the 360 Challenge Stradale before it.

Unfortunately, not much else is known, other than to say that, while some body panels will be replaced by carbon fiber, Ferrari’s intent on sticking with aluminum for its production models, rather than integrating the magic black weave into its mainstream offerings as some of its competitors are doing.

The Enzo’s replacement, however, is not considered a mainstream production model. MT figures the twin-turbo, direct-injection V8 that will power the new flagship will produce upwards of 700 horsepower, driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and aided by all the latest electronic wizardry which Ferrari has cooked up in its F1 and XX development programs.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Motor Trend forecasts Ferrari 458 Scuderia, new Enzo

It’s true: there really is nothing sacred. In a move that, for us, is on the same level as painting a Hitler mustache on the Statue of Liberty, Bigfoot has abandoned its Ford pickup body for a new Chevrolet Silverado skin. If you listen very, very closely, there are angels in cutoff jean shorts and camouflage hats weeping softly. We know it would hurt less if we told you that George Washington was a closet communist or that Porsche was switching to an all front-wheel drive portfolio, but there it is. For 35 years, Bigfoot was synonymous with the Blue Oval, but no more.

The truck helped launch monster trucks into the public eye, but Ford dropped its sponsorship of the team in 2007. That left Firestone tires as the main sponsor, and since the company also throws plenty of cash at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Since Chevrolet also sponsors the event, Big Foot will be wearing new duds and a heart transplant. Yup, the truck will get its power from a General Motors mill, too. *Sigh.*

[Source: PickupTrucks]

Bigfoot monster truck defects from Ford to Chevy after more than 35 years

No matter what aspect of vehicle performance you’re looking at – acceleration, braking, cornering or ride quality – it all comes down to four patches of rubber on the road. You can have the best engine, the best suspension or the biggest brakes, but if the rubber can’t transmit the forces, it can all just go up in a puff of acrid smoke.

When Hankook appeared on the scene 20 years ago, the South Korean tire maker barely had a presence outside its home market. Hankook was not known for high-performance or even moderate-performance tires. Like the automakers from its homeland, Hankook has come a long way over the last two decades, having gained original-equipment supply contracts with all three Detroit automakers, active motorsports participation ,and is now trying to get a piece of the aftermarket performance tire segment. Hankook invited Autoblog out to a facility near its Akron, OH technical center to sample its Ventus V12 EVOs against Bridgestone’s Potenza RE760 sports. Read on to see how they fared.

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Hankook aims to play with the big kids in the tire market

Hankook aims to play with the big kids in the tire market

By now, you’ve read all about the new Bugatti Veyron Super Sport and its startling run to 267 mph. No matter how you look at it, that’s plenty quick for a production car, complete with a full interior, frosty air conditioning and plenty of other creature comforts. Now word has cropped up on the Top Gear web site that everyone’s favorite trio of auto TV personalities may have had something to do with the high-speed dash.

The site doesn’t say much other than that we should keep our eyes pinned to “all things Top Gear” over the next few weeks for more information. Considering that Captain Slow slung a Veryon all the way up to 253 mph, it’s entirely possible that someone from the cast was either in or around the car during its jaunt to the danger zone at the Ehra-Lessien test facility. While you would have thought we would have heard something if Jezza, the Hamster or Captain Slow were at the tiller of the mad machine, you never know. Stay tuned. Thanks for the tip, Dylan!

[Source: Top Gear]

Top Gear claims involvement in new record-setting Bugatti Veyron Super Sport run

We don’t typically think of rental cars as the most well-loved vehicles on the planet, but we do expect them to be well maintained and reasonably safe. According to findings from a recent lawsuit against Enterprise, that may not always be true. In a case involving the death of two California women who were killed after their rental Chrysler PT Cruiser caught fire and struck an oncoming semi. Enterprise admitted that it routinely rents out vehicles that are under recall and haven’t been repaired. The PT Cruiser was one of those vehicles.

In September of 2004, Chrysler issued a recall for the car. In certain instances, the vehicle’s power steering unit could leak, causing an engine fire. Enterprise continued to rent the vehicle for a full month after receiving the recall notice before Raechel Houck, 24, and her sister, Jacquie, 20 rented the vehicle for a trip to visit their parents.

In further testimony, it was revealed that Enterprise routinely rents out vehicles under recall, and that the company has no standing policy against doing so. ABC News also indicates that other major companies like Hertz and Avis conduct themselves similarly.

In the case of the PT Cruiser, a jury awarded the womens’ parents a $15 million settlement. Click past the jump to watch the ABC News video report.

[Source: ABC News]

Continue reading Report: Rental car companies ‘routinely’ letting recalled vehicles on the streets [w/ video]

Report: Rental car companies ‘routinely’ letting recalled vehicles on the streets [w/ video]

Here’s a juicy rumor for you: Autocar is reporting that McLaren will be introducing the successor to the incredible F1 supercar in 2012. If that seems a smidge early, it is. In its original plans, McLaren had said the new beast wouldn’t surface until 2014 at the earliest, thanks largely to the company’s efforts with the all-new MP4-12C. Instead, the Brits say that unnamed McLaren insiders have let it slip that the company is feverishly working on the new machine, going so far as to say that it will be “revolutionary” in both styling and performance. We would expect nothing less.

That’s not to say we’re swallowing the Autocar report hook, line and anonymous sinker. At this point, 2012 is a mere year and a half away, and while we have no doubt that the engineers at McLaren are slaving away on the successor to the F1 throne, that’s just not enough time to bring a world class supercar into reality. So until someone from McLaren goes on the record with this one, we won’t hold our breath for the world’s next record breaker to hit the scene.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: McLaren F1 successor due in 2012

2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Alfa Romeo, and the Italian car company will be the most celebrated marque at nearly every concours and motorsports events this year. The Goodwood Festival of Speed, however, will likely top them all, at least in terms of artistic expression. Alfa Romeo was the theme of the perennial sculpture outside of the Goodwood house, with a 1925 Alfa Romeo P2 and an 8C Competizione mated to 12 tons of red steel standing more than 60 feet high.

There were plenty of Alfas on the ground as well, with quite a few examples competing in the hill climb, including a beautiful 1968 Tip 33/2 Le Mans that won its class at the 24 hour race and a stunning 1991 SE 048 SP Group C prototype. Perhaps our favorite Alfas, though, were the wacky concept cars at the concours event sponsored by Cartier, like the 1968 Carabo Concept, the 1969 Iguana Concept and the 1976 Navajo Concept. Some of the more famous classic Alfas were in attendance as well including a gorgeous 1937 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta and perhaps on of the most cars of the 1960s, a 1967 Tipo 33 Stradale. You can view all of the photos of Alfa Romeo at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the high-res gallery below.

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Goodwood 2010: Celebrating 100 years of Alfa Romeo

The Mopar division of Chrysler has, in a way, been one of the automaker’s silent heroes. This brand continues to build standard-spec and aftermarket parts for a range of Chrysler products, and while these optional goodies have always been offered in an a-la-carte fashion, Chrysler is now offering a true Mopar version of the 2010 Dodge Challenger.

Mopar starts with a Challenger R/T, fitted with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and adds a hood-venting system, cold-air intake, front strut brace, unique engine cover and a strut-tower brace. Chrysler hasn’t released official numbers, but we’d say that these modifications are good for an additional 10 or 15 horsepower – nothing crazy.

Inside, there’s a Katzkin leather seating package, special gear shifters for either transmission, a custom leather-wrapped steering wheel and – you guessed it – a serialized dash plaque. Only 500 of the Mopar ‘10 Challengers will be built, finished in a brilliant black clear coat with a choice of either red, blue or silver accents. (What, no white?) Other exterior changes include things like a black chrome grille surround, black wheels, functional hood vents and hood pins.

The Mopar ‘10 Challenger hits dealerships next month, priced from $38,000 with the automatic transmission (including the $750 destination charge). Want a do-it-yourself shifter? Add $1,000 to that price. (Wait, what?) For the full details, hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler debuts limited-edition Mopar ‘10 Challenger

Chrysler debuts limited-edition Mopar ‘10 Challenger

Chrysler has introduced musclebound V8 engines carrying the Hemi moniker twice over the last fifty years, and the company is reportedly preparing to once again back away from the Hemi. As we discovered during our First Drive of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the burly, modern engine with a throwback name won’t be going away so much as it will be re-framed when the marketing-speak starts to flow. Dodge vehicles and Ram trucks will unbashedly carry the Hemi, and it will continue to be available in some Jeeps and the Chrysler 300, though it will be downplayed as merely a “5.7-liter V8″ in those brands.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Hemi’s Multi-Displacement System will also be given more prominence to point up the engine’s fuel-saving abilities. With the Pentastar V6 finally putting a fully competitive V6 in the Chrysler engine stable, and a desire by management to cultivate a more refine and efficient image, it seems that the iconic powerplant will move to the back seat for now. The Hemi is one of the best V8s out there, just like the original, and for now, it’s still available.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

WSJ: Chrysler to back away from Hemi in favor of more refined, green image