Max and Al see eye-to-eye – Click above to watch the videos after the break
‘ advertising department has seen quite a shakeup over the past year. GM chief marketing officer Joel Ewanick may have hand-picked San Francisco-based Goodby, Silverstein and Partners as his ad agency of choice, but the still have some tricks up their sleeves for Trucks.
The world may not completely understand how and why (to be fair, we’re going to …), but nobody is going to miss the hidden meaning of GM’s new “Max and Al” campaign, which features the recognizable faces of Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld, Rules of Engagement) as Max, and Craig Robinson (The Office, Last Comic Standing, Hot Tub Time Machine) as Al.
What hidden meaning, you ask? You’ll see it clearly when you watch the videos, naturally, but basically what we have here is a message that GM’s Duramax diesel V8 engine and Allison transmission is a time-tested and proven combination that is the thinking man’s obvious choice in a segment that also includes and series.
There’s a website (), a series of videos (which you can find along with the press release) and even a downloadable app that’s said to be coming soon to the iPhone App Store. Oh, and what modern-day marketing campaign would be complete without a and a ? Not this one, that’s for sure.
Check out all the facets of this far-reaching HD pickup advertising campaign and let us know what you think of it. Us? Well, let’s just say Chevy’s got our stamp of approval so far on this one.
[Source: General Motors]
releases new “Duramax & Allison” ad campaign to promote Silverado HD
Toyota pays tribute to one of its icons, Hiromu Naruse – Click above to watch the video
Master Test Driver Hiromu Naruse was, and still is, a legend for . The man had a hand in nearly every single important sports car to come from the automaker. He’s logged more hours on the Nürburgring than any other Japanese driver, and those at Toyota called him the “Nur Miester,” or “one and only master,” while friends at referred to him as “the man who knows all the world’s roads.” His job was to drive cars, evaluate them and help figure out how to make them better. When he was done at the office, he raced cars simply because he loved doing it.
His final masterpiece was the , and Naruse made sure it fit in with his highest of standards. He was tasked with driving the supercar near its top speed for extended periods of time, often in the dark. The Lexus LF-A is a technical wonder, which our own “a harbinger of the future and proof that immensely entertaining things are on the way from Toyota.” Editor Lavrinc was , and you would be missing out if you didn’t give it a read.
Sadly, it was behind the wheel of a Lexus LF-A where earlier this year. Toyota has created a short video to honor its one and only master, which you can watch .
Top Gear picks the new Stig – Click above to watch video
The process of Top Gear picking a new Stig has always been a mystery, that is until recently when we learned that where new Stigs are bred. Not all grow up to be tame racing drivers though, with some being too violent and others seeming to suffer from the dulling effects of too much inbreeding.
Top Gear has released this video of the Stig-picking process, and as you might expect, not all Stigs have the natural drive to become skilled wheelmen, but some do have other talents. One Stig shown in the video is a gifted painter and another wants to become a writer. A pink Stig is also shown whose only talents appear to be staring at other Stigs and skipping merrily.
The breeding program is focused on finding that one Stig that will go on to set blistering lap times on the Top GearTest Track. The best are found, and from them, one is chosen. The video after the jump ends with a vision of the program’s new Stig, clearly ready for action in his iconic white outfit. to see the Stig farm and meet the new member of the Top Gear crew. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery
Sure, is , but we’re pretty sure there are a lot of Bimmer drivers who won’t much care for that little thing, no matter what the powertrain. For them, BMW has announced a second treat today: the Vision Efficient Dynamics (VED) concept will make the jump to production form.
We at the in 2009 and BMW says the concept was met with an “overwhelming response.” Little surprise, then, that BMW was interested in building this for the people – well, people who can afford the $200,000, give or take, the car will likely cost when it come to market in a few years. Since the VED contained a fair bit of “completely or virtually production-ready components,” BMW is confidently giving out media test drives at the Leipzig trade fair center of a road-ready technology showcase vehicle based on the VED.
Final production numbers won’t be known for a while, but the prototype features wing doors and a 2+2 seating arrangement. Underhood, a three-cylinder turbo diesel engine “with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle” put out a total of 241 kW/328 bhp and hits 0-100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just 4.8 seconds. The sleek car can do this while burning just 3.76 litters of fuel per 100 kilometers (a -beating 62.5 miles per gallon U.S.) and emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The production VED will also be a plug-in, with the ability to go 50 km (31 miles) on lithium-polymer battery power. for the full details in BMW’s press release, as well as a video of the Efficient Dynamics prototype.
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[Source: BMW]
: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video]
It takes a lot to make a term like “naked” any sexier, but Aprilia has managed to do exactly that with its latest “naked bike,” the new Tuono V4R. A beast of a machine (that looks sort of like an insect), the Tuono is based on the RSV4, but ditches the bodywork for a two-kilogram weight savings and a better view of the 1000cc DOHC V4 engine, which produces 162 horsepower and 81 pound-feet of tire-smoking torque. But the Tuono isn’t just about grunt. In fact, it’s one of the most sophisticated naked bikes on the market, and it’s coming to the United States towards the end of next year.
Keeping all the twist and shout in check are the Aprilia Performance Ride Control and advanced traction control systems. The PRC is a three-position wheelie control system with programmable launch control that employs more accelerometers and gyroscopes than an Apple Store, allowing a little wheelspin out of the corners and offering eight modes that are adjustable right from the handlebars. The traction control, meanwhile, can automatically optimize itself according to the tires you’ve fitted. Yeah, that’s pretty sophisticated. Pretty sexy, too, and you can check it out in closer detail in the high-resolution image gallery below.
Ever wish you could stop time? Well we’ve got news for you, pal – you can’t. But you can, however, put the brakes on your timepiece.
Pirelli may be best known for making tires, but overseas it’s doing everything from sneakers to watches. Their latest wrist clock is called the PZero Disk_O, and as you can plainly see, its design is dominated by a disc brake and caliper – not unlike , but surprisingly even more pronounced. The anodized aluminum bezel even rotates through the caliper just like a real brake disc (or like a diving watch, sans the numbers). Like the brakes on some higher-end supercars, the caliper – from which the pushbuttons for the Swiss quartz chronograph movement jut out – can be ordered in different colors: red, yellow, black or steel gray.
Given the brand behind the Disk_O, it should come as no surprise that the strap ditches the steel bracelets or leather bands for rubber, but while previous pieces in the PZero timepiece collection had straps modeled after rain tires or vintage rubber, the Disk_O’s are styled after racing slicks.
Ring Brothers 1970 Ford Mustang “Dragon” – Click above for high-res image gallery
One of our favorite parts of every year is seeing the Ring Brothers’ latest creations, and they certainly didn’t disappoint this time around. The Wisconsin-based company brought out a custom 1970 fastback that is one of the most stunning pony cars we’ve ever seen.
The car, nicknamed “Dragon,” features a Roush 427 IR V8 crate motor, five-speed Tremec transmission, Forgeline three-piece wheels, Flowmaster exhaust and a custom interior done by Upholstery Unlimited. The best part of the car, though, are the little details. For instance, the four point racing seat belts are held in place by a custom made billet jutting out from the rear seats, and many of the emblems and logos have been custom fabricated aluminum or carbon fiber. There isn’t a single part of the car that hasn’t been touched by the Ring Brothers’ magical hands, and the results are nothing short of impressive. Check out all of the car’s details in the gallery below.
left us on the edge of our seats at this year’s when its was unveiled. A few months later, GM confirmed that the sportier was headed for production, and now, just a short time before the sedan’s official debut at the , we have official information and photos of the production-ready car. Ladies and gentlemen, the has arrived.
GM has, of late, made great strides to rework ’s image here in the United States, trying to inject some youth and enthusiasm in a brand that has long been associated with a much older crowd of buyers. This top-rung Regal is based heavily on the performance-oriented Opel Insignia OPC, one of Europe’s most praised sport sedans, and while the U.S.-spec car you see here certainly looks like it’s fresh off the boat, it has been toned-down in its transoceanic journey. We get the ’s beefed-up visuals with large, fang-like air intakes up front, big exhaust-work out back and optional 20-inch satin chrome wheels (19s are standard, if that’s more your style), but where the Regal GS begins to separate itself from the Insignia OPC isn’t visible from outside.
Powering the GS is The General’s turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four, estimated to produce 255 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. To any enthusiast’s delight, this power runs solely through a six-speed manual transmission, though we’re told that a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters will be available shortly after launch. The Opel OPC, for the record, receives a force-fed 2.8-liter V6 that generates 325 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Unlike the show car that GM rolled out back in January (and unlike the Buick’s European counterpart), all-wheel drive will not be available on U.S.-spec models. Front-wheel drive doesn’t sound too elegant for a sport sedan like this, but GM has fitted its High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension design which we’ve found to curb torque steer and reduce understeer in other applications. We asked GM why it decided to omit AWD, and the simple answer is this: It’s cheaper to use front-wheel drive and the automaker is completely confident that its HiPerStrut system will fare just as well. We’ve tested this system in the larger and a variation of it on the , and although we’ll wait until we get some street (or track) time before we reach a final consensus, we don’t think the GS will be all that unruly when pushed hard, especially given the lowered power output.
Uprated Brembo brakes promise to keep the power in check, and GM’s new Interactive Drive Control with standard, sport and high-engagement GS mode allows the driver to tweak the suspension and steering feel.
Inside the GS, the Regal’s cockpit has largely been left alone, save the addition of some sport enhancements. A flat-bottom sport steering wheel is standard, as are heated, leather sport seats. Other standard goodies include things like Bluetooth, XM satellite radio, park assist and bi-Xenon headlamps.
We’re definitely ready to see how the Regal GS fares out on the road, and we’ll get our first taste closer to the car’s on-sale date, currently scheduled for the third or fourth quarter of 2011. for GM’s official press release with all of the details.
2011 Chevrolet Camaros on display at SEMA – Click above for high-res image gallery
SEMA has created an award for Hottest Car, Truck and 4×4 at this year’s show, and the honor is bestowed upon a specific model in each category, which are not only favorites of the various tuners and customizers in attendance, but are deemed by SEMA organizers as the most accessory-friendly new models on the market.
For the inaugural award, the SEMA heads have selected the , pickup and the . to read the full press release, and be sure to take a look at some examples of each winner in the galleries below.
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Photos copyright (C)2010 and Jonathon Ramsey / AOL
[Source: SEMA]
, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wrangler named ‘hottest’ vehicles of SEMA
Peugeot 90X – Click above for high-res image gallery
French automaker PSA’s assault on is never-ending. As if the likes of the Peugeot RCZ and weren’t enough to challenge their German rival in the showroom, Citroën is striving to eclipse Audi’s achievements on the rally stages. But arguably the most exciting battle has been the challenge which Peugeot has mounted against Audi on the endurance racing circuit.
After years of dominating Le Mans with the R8 (the racing prototype, not the street-legal supercar), Audi took on a new challenge with the diesel-powered . Peugeot joined the race both literally and figuratively with the , so Audi fired back with the . This season, Audi is upping its game yet again with the , but while the 908 soldiers on, don’t think for one minute that the French team doesn’t have a trick up its sleeve.
That trick comes in the form of the 90X, the next-generation Le Mans Prototype from Peugeot Sport. Designed to meet the 2011 regulations being set out by race organizers ACO, the 90X has been undergoing testing at undisclosed tracks in Europe. Peugeot’s only released limited information on the car’s development, saying little more than that it incorporates a new “shark fin” over the engine cover designed to in case of a crash.
Word has it that the 90X will incorporate a more comprehensive hybrid drivetrain than the KERS-style regenerative braking system in the current 908, but for now we’ll just have to get by on Peugeot’s statement (after the jump) and the trio of images in the gallery below.
Interactive smartphone apps are the latest technological trend being introduced by a variety of automakers. has now launched its iPhone CarMonitor app, which claims to deliver close monitoring of key vehicle functions, data logging with GPS and the ability to find your vehicle in most any parking lot.
The robust application, which is being displayed at this year’s show, works with the car’s OBD-II port to access and analyze performance data on the fly. The app will also measure and monitor CO2 data, showing motorists how their driving style affects fuel consumption and pollution levels. App owners can also upload their vehicle data to to share their performance and emissions data with the world.
Audi of America sales executive David Tait calls the new app “a great addition to the already impressive interior features that Audi owners have come to appreciate,” adding that CarMonitor is a good example of how Audi is listening to it’s customers. Sounds pretty cool to us. to read over the full press release.
Toyota Prius C&A Custom Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Can a be sporty? ’s latest offering here at SEMA proves to us that it can certainly try to look the part. The Prius C&A Custom Concept wears an aggressive, lightweight carbon fiber body kit and rides on 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. What’s more, the C&A has been substantially lowered thanks to a TIEN setup that drops the hatch’s ride height by four inches in front and six inches out back. The result is a Prius that has been transformed from a do-good hybrid into what looks like the anime version of a Lamborghini Reventón.
The upgrades have continued inside the Prius, where the cabin has been covered (and we mean covered) in Alcantara suede. The headliner, A and B pillars, door trim, rear seat, console box, front Recaro seats, steering wheel and even the aluminum shift knob all wear Alcantara.
This Prius certainly echoes the SEMA theme, as odd as it may be. See for yourself in our high-res gallery below, and read Toyota’s own words about the C&A Custom in the press release .
Perhaps one of the most iconic automotive shapes of all time is that of the . Its signature lines are only mildly tweaked with each new generation, creating an evolutionary design that has only occasionally had some questionable fittings (we’re looking at you, ).
Our trusty spy photographers just sent along these shots of the next 911 coupe and cabriolet out testing in Europe. In previous , a heavy plastic shell covered most of the 911’s exterior, but now the prototypes are nearly naked, showing off the more chiseled lines of the iconic . LED turn indicators are found up front and more pronounced air vents flank the sides, but what we find most interesting is the more sculpted rear deck with its retractable spoiler. From some angles, we’d even say that the 911’s rump is reminiscent of current designs.
Expect to see the new 911 debut sometime during the 2011 auto show circuit (we’re thinking ). For now, have a look at these latest spy shots in our high-res gallery below.
Citroën C3 Picasso Blackcherry – Click above for high-res image
Citroën has announced a spate of updates to its compact mini-minivan, as well as a new special edition to highlight the changes.
Across the range, the C3 Picasso’s engines have been upgraded for increased fuel efficiency and compliance with the latest Euro 5 regulations. A new 110-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-diesel has also been introduced, while low rolling resistance Michelin Energy Saver tires are fitted as standard equipment across the entire lineup.
Representing the updated Picasso is the new Blackcherry edition, based on the VTR+ model and packing the aforementioned HDi diesel engine. The special edition is distinguished by its black paint scheme with red accents, color-keyed roof rails and 17-inch alloys. Normally optional extras like air conditioning, cruise control and USB/Bluetooth connectivity are featured as standard equipment on the Blackcherry, as well. Full details are available in the press release .
Subaru at the 2010 SEMA Show – Click above for high-res image gallery
, and it certainly has not disappointed. More than a handful of tuned up Subies are on hand at the automakers booth, and both sedan and hatchback body styles are represented. The two most well known vehicles are the ones you’ve no doubt seen in the news: T and driven by Tommi Makinen. Four other custom ‘Rexes round out Subaru’s linep.
Kicker has designed an STI with a focus on audio performance, while K&N has brought one that emphasizes street performance. Get More G’s teamed up with SPT to provide the go-fast treatment to a five-door WRX, and Subiefest Best of Show winner, Jamarri Whiteside, was able to display his 2006 Subaru WRX STI beneath the bright lights of the 2010 SEMA show. See them all for yourself in our high-res image gallery.
Spectre Performance Bonneville Land Speed Racer – Click above for high-res image gallery
The fastest we’ve ever driven wears a on its rear end. Its engine produces 556 horsepower and the car has a top speed of 190 miles per hour. There’s no doubt it’s one of the fastest cars available right now… but not quite fast enough for Spectre Performance. The team at Spectre is trying to break a speed record and they’ve employed Cadillac power to do so. The Spectre Performance Speedliner Bonneville Land Speed Racer boasts a 529 cubic-inch turbocharged Caddy V8 engine, which has been shoehorned into the sleek body of this highly engineered salt flats speedster.
The Speedliner, with its Cadillac mill, was earlier in the year – a mind-numbing speed that is still short of the team’s goal. Well short, in fact, as the team hopes to reach a magical 400 mph. Clearly, this is one of the few cars at SEMA 2010 that is all-show and all-go. Check it out for yourself in the gallery below.
2011 Nissan Leaf – Click above for high-res image gallery
Speculation surrounding the on-road abilities, battery size, curb weight and other trivial aspects of the should dwindle down soon now that of Europe has officially released a complete spec sheet for its battery-powered vehicle. Rather than linger on discussing info contained within the automaker’s absurdly long press release, we’ll move straight to the numbers.
Battery capacity: Yep, it’s still listed at 24 kWh.
Curb weight: A rather svelte 3,366 pounds dispels rumors suggesting that Leaf would tip the scales at 3,500 to 3,900 pounds.
Max. engine power: 107 horsepower available from 2,730 to 9,800 rpm (max. rpm listed at 10,390)
Max. torque: 206.5 pound-feet available from 0-2,730 rpm
Acceleration run from 0-62 miles per hour: 11.9* seconds
Top speed: 89* miles per hour
Obviously, those asterisks found on the last two specs require a bit of explaining. Nissan’s official wording reads like this:
*- Data is subject to certification by the relevant authorities and may therefore be subject to change.
But, as we’ve , Nissan’s official numbers for both the 0-60 mph run and the Leaf’s top speed have been bested on many a test drive. There’s a slew of additional specs, including stuff like the Leaf’s turning circle, its coefficient of drag and much more to be found in Nissan’s full spec sheet posted at the bottom of the automaker’s lengthy release, which you’ll find after the jump.
Ford Fiesta R2 Rally Kit – Click above for high-res image gallery
After watching this year’s X Games and ’s latest Gymkhana 3, it’s no secret that the can easily be tuned into a potent rally-ready machine. That said, we greatly welcome the automaker’s latest Fiesta R2 rally tuning kit, bringing a host of rally-spec mods to the general public.
In addition to things like a five-speed sequential gearbox, Reiger adjustable dampers, Eibach springs, ventilated disc brakes with four-piston calipers and a steel roll cage, has found a way to coax more power out of the Fiesta’s 1.6-liter inline-four. By adding a raft of new parts (pistons, camshafts, injectors, air filter, etc.), the Fiesta R2 is capable of producing 168 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque – gains of 48 and 22 over the stock car, respectively.
The R2 package was designed by M-Sport, a company that has been Ford’s WRC partner since 1997, and New Hampshire-based team O’Neil Motorsports is the official reseller and authorized installer for this kit. Additionally, Ford Racing will offer a Stage 1 kit that includes performance upgrades, dampers, a limited-slip differential and roll cage for those who don’t want the full hardcore experience.
So, you buy a rally-spec Fiesta… then what? Enthusiasts who add the R2 package to their Fiestas will be eligible to compete in the new Fiesta Sport Trophy Championship division of RallyCar’s Rally America National Championship 2WD class. Only cars assembled by Team O’Neil can qualify for this series, with the class winner going on to Great Britain to compete in the Fiesta Sport Trophy International Shootout. Win the worldwide competition, and you’ll land yourself a one-year residential placement at M-Sport, where you’ll work with the BP Ford World Rally team.
Weekend backwoods rally racers, Ford is calling your name. to read the full details in the automaker’s press release.
Our initial opinion of the went ; nice enough vehicle that still outpaces the and , but the cost-cutting is evident. Soft touch materials have been replaced with harder plastics that don’t feel particularly good and almost look as bad. But the U.S. Jetta starts at a class-competitive $15,995, and chopping thousands off of an MSRP doesn’t come without sacrifices. But will these cost-cutting measures fly in Europe, where a higher premium is placed on an upscale interior and sporting characteristics?
Fortunately for the folks overseas, they apparently won’t have to worry about it. Automotive News reports that the Euro Jetta, which launches in March 2011, will feature a more upscale interior and a four-link independent rear suspension instead of the lower cost ‘built for comfort’ beam axle setup we have in the U.S.-spec sedan. VW development chief Ulrich Hackenberg says the Jetta will be fitted with “higher value” materials like soft-touch panels and upgraded build materials.
Before you get the urge to bemoan the fact that the Euro Jetta will be better than the one we have here, keep in mind that increased luxury comes with a . The Euro Jetta will start at €20,900 ($28,941 U.S.) and head all the way up to €29,950 ($41,473 U.S.) in Highline trim.
So which is more important to you? Would you rather have a perfectly acceptable Jetta with a low price tag or a more premium Jetta with a commensurately higher price tag? Let us know in the poll below.
Alfa Romeo “We Are Giulietta” photo mosaic – Click above for high-res image gallery
Back in April we on plans for Alfa Romeo to celebrate its centenary by compiling images from the marque’s history into the form of a Giulietta, the Italian automaker’s latest model. At the time we didn’t know if the photos would be adorning an actual Giulietta or made into a two-dimensional photo-mosaic, but now we have our answer.
The mosaic was specially commissioned from thousands of photos of Alfa Romeos past and present. Most of the photos were submitted by Alfa owners, joined by images from Alfa Romeo’s own archives including the 1950 Alfa Romeo 158 that won the first grand prix in the post-war F1 World Championship and the Duetto convertible from The Graduate.
The piece, called “We Are Giulietta” (whatever that means) is being displayed in billboard form in London’s swanky Chelsea district, as well as at art galleries across the UK. Official announcement in the press release after the jump, photos of the photos in the gallery below.
Ever wish you could stop 
Interactive ![ff3c3 vwjettaeurope Report: VWs Euro Jetta gets better interior, independent rear suspension [w/poll]](http://theautoblog.ru/wp-content/plugins/wp-o-matic/cache/ff3c3_vwjettaeurope.jpg "Report: VWs Euro Jetta gets better interior, independent rear suspension [w/poll]")
