Autoblog

Camaro exterior designer Sang Yup Lee moves to VW/Audi

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:17:00 EST

Filed under: Audi, GM, Volkswagen, Design/Style

GM designer Sang Yup Lee has left for the enormous and vast wilds of the VW empire. Lee was the exterior designer of the 2010 Camaro, 50th Anniversary Stingray Concept, Buick Velite, and he worked on the C6 Corvette. Having spent time with him on a few occasions, we can also say he's an all-around great guy.

His new position, as chief exterior designer at the Volkswagen/Audi Advanced studio in California, will begin next month. Lee will report to Executive Design Director Jens Manske, and is apparently is charged with 'inspiring' the merged design divisions. We look forward to a future of brawny, haunchy, badass VWs, even if only in concept form.

[Source: Car Design News]

Camaro exterior designer Sang Yup Lee moves to VW/Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Toys/Games, Design/Style

The Challarostang - Click above for high-res image gallery

Having trouble deciding which of America's three latest muscle cars is right for you? Well, at least you're not alone. We ourselves at the Autoblog HQ have had lengthy debates on the merits and drawbacks of each model, and the expected ongoing series of improvements to the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang are sure to drive a wedge between GM Gearheads, Ford Fanatics and Mopar Maniacs until the end of time.

Or, as seen above, you could go a slightly different route and combine all three ponies into one model, which ~~we've taken the liberty of christening~~ has been christened (Whoops! We're apparently not as clever as we thought, someone beat us to the name.) the Challarostang. A Vulcan Mind Meld between the front fascia and hood of a Challenger, the bodysides of a Camaro and the hind end of a Mustang, it actually doesn't look nearly as crazy as you might imagine. In fact, we kinda dig it.

According to Robert D, the Challarostang's modeler, the automotive ménage à trois seen here took four months to complete. Next question, which drivetrain do you choose? Click here for a description of the build process from the modeler himself.

Gallery: The Challarostang

[Source: Model Cars Magazine Forum via Carscoop]

Challarostang? Enterprising car modeler combines three ponies into one originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works?

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Design/Style

Mercedes Benz ConceptFASCINATION - click for high-res gallery

German automakers have apparently all developed kyphosis, as witnessed by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, the impending Audi A7 Sportback, and the Porsche Panamera. It seems the time is right for humpty-backed automobiles from Deutschland. Mercedes used the ConceptFASCINATION to spearhead the launch of its redesigned E-Class, and while it got everyone all excited during auto show season in 2008, few thought it would amount to anything productiony. That's all changed now. Sure, there are wagons; it's hard to name a more proper Estate Car than the E-Class wagon; but that's not the brass ring everyone seems to be stretching for here.

Expected at the next Paris Motor Show in October 2010, Autointernationaal reports that a new CLS will debut with the expected rakish form - as well as a shooting brake version. While we're all ogling pictures of the fetching three-door concept shown above, the production version is expected to carry four doors and a liftgate. While the show vehicle is fetching with its paucity of points of entry, four doors are apparently important for interesting the Asian market. Don't think of this rumored model as a replacement for anything else utilitarian in the Mercedes lineup; the CLS Brake is unlikely to usurp the R-Class and its unsalability. Rather, it will offer another stylish option in a package that is more car than bus. The world could do with more brakes - shoot on, we say.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION

[Source: Autointernationaal.nl (Google Translated)]

Rumormill: Mercedes-Benz CLS shooting brake in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CAR catches up with designer Chris Bangle - Will he resurface after March 2010?

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Design/Style

There's little question Chris Bangle is one of the greatest designers of his generation. His cars were rarely pretty, but their influence resonated around the automotive world like a pipe bomb in an echo chamber. Much like cutting edge graphic design is born inside art school graduate schools years before it's ready for massive public consumption, Bangle's Bimmers were ahead of their time. And they changed nearly everything. Controversial? Of course, but that's how the public digests new design. Skittishly at first, before becoming so used to the flavor that it's hardly noticed anymore.

Case in point: The Toyota Camry, probably the most conservative car in the world, and one that attempts to appeal to as great a cross-section of buyers as possible, uses the rear end (a.k.a. Bangle Bustle or in the parlance of our times, Bangle Butt) from the 2002 BMW E65 7 Series. Again, you don't have to like Chris Bangle's work, but to deny his influence is to be willfully ignorant. This past February, Mr. Bangle retired from both BMW and the car industry as a whole. And to our knowledge he's been laying pretty low. That is until Britain's Car caught up with him at his design studio/vineyard in northern Italy.

How's he doing? Well, he seems to be the big art school nerd he was before he was able to retire to the Italian country side. In other words, he talks about a car's inherent "carness," as well as stuff like, "It is about creating a different type of relationship between design, design's outcome, the product and the people who use and enjoy it." A big however, however, is in order because we get treated to a more critical, dare we say, unrestrained side of Chris Bangle.

"I feel incredibly motivated to find out how design can overturn this horror of a world," Bangle tells Car. That's one way of taking design to the next level. Bangle also lays some wood into the current state of car design. "You can always argue that the generation before didn't have the constraints that we have, but that's crap." As you can see, it's a fun read. As for the big question - whether or not Chris Bangle will once again design cars after his non-compete clause expires in March of next year, let's just say... maybe.

[Source: Car]

CAR catches up with designer Chris Bangle - Will he resurface after March 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar and Land Rover design sleighs for Santa part of Car's annual design entries

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:46:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Jaguar, Land Rover, Design/Style

Concept sleighs for Santa by Jaguar and Land Rover -- Click above for high-res image gallery

For the past couple of years, Car magazine has gathered renderings from designers envisioning Kris Kringle's sleigh. Last year it was Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Ford, and Nissan. This year, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Audi, Land Rover, and Jaguar submitted their Santa-ships, and the results are predictably outrageous.

The Jag and Land Rover cruisers might make you think they got their sexy back. Jag's design features the unlikely addition of twin, rear-mounted propellers (which might make rooftop landings a little difficult -- and noisy) and a painted mascot on its forward flanks that is definitely not Mrs. Claus. The Land Rover snowspeeder-thingy has particle accelerators, and those are always sexy, and we dig Santa's pose with that cigar, looking straight out of a Hugh Hefner photo shoot. We have a feeling that Hef, however, wouldn't have a reindeer in that front seat...

Speaking of which, we'd be interested in finding out why some car designers think Santa wants to tackle his annual delivery route with one single reindeer riding shotgun. You can have a look at the JLR sleighs below, and click here to check out the rest at Car.

Gallery: Concept sleighs for Santa by Jaguar and Land Rover

[Source: CAR]

Jaguar and Land Rover design sleighs for Santa part of Car's annual design entries originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fancy a camouflage F-150? Graphics for entire Ford lineup coming soon

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:21:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Ford, Design/Style

Ford Custom Graphics - Click above for high-res image gallery

At the LA Auto Show this year, Ford showed off several North American-market Ford Fiestas. The cars themselves received a warm reception, as did the customized versions on hand to show off the possibilities. One Fiesta in particular caught our eye: It was a fairly stock-looking white car with some outrageous black graphics on its flanks. We came to learn that this wasn't just a one-off. It was, in fact, part of a new Ford program to allow buyers to similarly customize any Ford in the vehicle lineup.

The generically-named Ford Custom Graphics are a series of vinyls that can be used to add a little extra something to your blue oval beauty. Ford says the graphics are scratch-resistant and weatherproof, and retain the car's 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty. They will be sold exclusively through Ford dealers. Although the Fiesta designs are the only pages open right now, there are previews of other planned graphics on the FordCustomGraphics.com website. We've assembled some of them here for you in the gallery below. The lower camo on the F-150 is particularly eye-catching, but there are similar treatments for every single vehicle in the Ford family brochure. Check 'em out.

Gallery: Ford Custom Graphics

[Source: Ford]

Fancy a camouflage F-150? Graphics for entire Ford lineup coming soon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bentley and Zai launch Supersport skis

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:04:00 EST

Filed under: Bentley, Design/Style

Zai for Bentley 'Zai Supersports' skis -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Swiss firm Zai makes high-zoot skis. When the company teamed up with Bentley, the result was an even higher-zoot ski kit called Zai Supersports, composed of handmade skis and poles, and a ski bag.

The skis themselves feature a special carbon fiber material called "Zaiìra" on top, with a natural rubber core, chromium-steel-infused carbon fiber for the twisty bits, and Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites to round out your lust for exotic materials. The poles use the ExoGrid tech usually associated with the world of golf clubs.

There will only be 250 pairs made, and because you knew they wouldn't be cheap you won't be surprised by the $9,800 purchase price. Get all the facts in the press release after the jump, and pretty pictures in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Zai for Bentley 'Zai Supersports' Skis

[Source: Zai]

Continue reading Bentley and Zai launch Supersport skis

Bentley and Zai launch Supersport skis originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Visions of Grandeur: Refreshed Hyundai Azera on the horizon?

Dan Roth — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Design/Style, South Korea

KDM Hyundai Grandeur - click for high-res gallery

The Hyundai Azera is a perfectly nice car in a background-supporting-role kind of way. While the slow-selling model might seem to be something of a moot point now that the Genesis sedan is on U.S. soil, a refreshed version of the sedan has just debuted in its home country - albeit under the Grandeur nameplate. It's still unclear whether this version of the Grandeur will come to our market as an update for the Azera, but its mere existence signals that Hyundai believes that there's a place for a offering above the swanky new YF Sonata.

The new Grandeur is still conservatively styled and attractive. There's some more angularity up front, a bolder grille and restyled headlamps, but the car is still not in danger of grabbing you by the eye lashes and making you pay attention. LED taillights and a reshaped bumper define the rear view, and a new package brings Alcantara seats to the interior.

No word yet on any further refinements to the interior or any mechanical changes to the 3.3-liter V6 powertrain, but we'll keep hunting for more information.

In any case, being that the Grandeur/Azera is a front-wheel-drive car with more cylinders and more traditional styling than the new Sonata, Hyundai may yet be holding a spot for this vehicle in America - right in the narrow niche between Sonata and Genesis.

Gallery: Hyundai Grandeur

[Source: Hyundai]

Visions of Grandeur: Refreshed Hyundai Azera on the horizon? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen just opened the order book on the Passat CC with the R-Line package in Europe. We saw this car at the Frankfurt Motor Show and were completely smitten with it. Taking the regular CC's swoopy coupedan shape and adding the R-Line package makes it just about perfect. What stops it from being perfect is the fact that the R-Line package doesn't add any oomph. Just like Audi's S-Line, its alterations are mainly cosmetic.

The R-Line package adds an aero kit, surprisingly modest "Mallory" pattern 17-inch wheels, R-Line emblems, smoked taillights, R-Line aluminum sill plates, a unique three-spoke multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel, front foglamps, and the Park Pilot system.

It becomes the eighth R-Line model in Volkswagen's lineup and will add 2,200 euro to the price of your CC - about $3,200 in Yankee bucks. Full press release after the jump and plenty of live and press pics below.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volkswagen CC R

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe

Volkswagen Passat CC R-Line now on sale - in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Design/Style

The upper echelon at Lotus continues to evolve, with today's announcement that Donato Coco has been appointed as the new director of design at the UK sports car maker and engineering consultancy. The Italian designer is moving to Hethel from Ferrari headquarters in Maranello where Coco worked on recent products like the F430 Scuderia coupe, Spider 16M, California, 599XX and the new F458 Italia. Prior to his Ferrari tenure, Coco was the chief designer at Citroen.

With Coco's hiring, Lotus hopes to bring its design expertise up to par with its engineering work for other automakers. Coco will also oversee the design of the upcoming Lotus product range which will continue to be led by current design head Russell Carr. With Coco and Carr, Lotus will be producing an Evora convertible, an all new Esprit and eventually a new Elise and Exige in the coming years.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director

Lotus appoints Ferrari designer Donato Coco as new design director originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009's most collectible vehicle is... the Ford Flex?!

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:21:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Ford, Design/Style

2010 Ford Flex EcoBoost - Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Automotive History Collection (NAHC) has named the 2010 Ford Flex its most collectible vehicle of 2009, beating out seven other vehicles shortlisted for the award. The Flex is the 11th vehicle to receive the award, given by members overseeing the "world-famous" automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library. Members say the Flex won because it was the most likely vehicle to turn heads at the 2034 Woodward Dream Cruise.

The Flex does have some interesting styling cues and the EcoBoost model is sold in relatively low volumes which could make it the Woody of its generation, but even still, we're not entirely sold on its collectibility. We're actually quite fond of the Flex but we just don't see anyone collecting Ford's boxy crossover any time soon (or in the future, either). For starters, this author hopes crossovers don't become collectibles. Something about a people hauler being put on display for all to see and admire seems wrong - just don't tell Chevrolet Nomad collectors.

Then there is the fact that most of the early models that were named "Most Collectible" are now considered to be very average transportation at best and flat out junk at worst. For example, the Oldsmobile Aurora and the Buick Riviera were co-winners in 1995 followed by the Chrysler Sebring Convertible in 1996. Yuck. The award then went on hiatus until 2002 when the retro-riffic but short-lived Ford Thunderbird was predictably chosen. More recent winners have been a bit more respectable though, with the Dodge Challenger and Viper making the list along with the 2005 Ford Mustang. The Chrysler 300 and Pontiac Solstice have also made it to the podium. We get that this is a reward given out in Detroit with virtually no chance of a foreign nameplate ever winning, but we can think of plenty of domestics that seem more deserving. How about the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V or Shelby GT500? Or the 2010 Camaro? Hit the jump for Ford's official press release, and then feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in Comments.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Ford Flex

Photos by Dan Roth / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2009's most collectible vehicle is... the Ford Flex?!

2009's most collectible vehicle is... the Ford Flex?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Chris Paukert — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Bugatti, Misc. Auto Shows, Middle East, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

As with any other business, in the automotive sphere, it's mission critical to recognize on which side your bread is buttered - particularly in lean times like these. Bugatti may be losing money on each Veyron it builds, but that doesn't mean that company strategists don't know how to earn a crust. Need proof? This month's Dubai Motor Show finds the supercar builder unveiling a trio of special edition models in one of its most important markets.

The Middle East triumvirate will consist of the Veyron Nocturne, which features "galvanized side windows" that add continuity to the polished aluminum body panel accents, and there are also polished wheels and a "black nanocoated magnesium dashboard" with a center console rendered in galvanized platinum. Just five examples will be built.

Bugatti will also show its Veyron "Sang d'Argent" and a topless Grand Sport "Soliel de Nuit" model for those that like a little sun and sand in their hair. The former of which employs a silver metallic finish and alloys nicked from the Grand Sport and the latter incorporates "country coded" colors that include a silver metallic lower and an impossibly deep upper blue finish and a Havanna interior with quilted seats.

If you're interested, well, have your accountant's accountant ring up Bugatti, and summon your garage keeper to ensure you've got some extra room available in the first quarter of 2010 for when you take delivery. Oh, and you'll have to liberate anywhere from 1.45 million euro ($2.1M USD) to 1.65 million euro ($2.5M) from your chaise lounge cushions for the privilege. Not up for it? Well, you can at least check out our high-res images below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Bugatti at the 2009 Dubai Motor Show

[Source: Bugatti]

Continue reading Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons

Bugatti honors Dubai with three special editions Veyrons originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Kia, Design/Style, Luxury, South Korea

When the Volkswagen Phaeton launched here in the States, nobody liked it. Well, that's not true. Every journalist we know who drove the mighty VW went on and on about how it's probably actually the greatest car in the world (especially all decked out with a W12 engine) and how the HVAC system is a full generation ahead of the competition (you can't beat in-car radiators!) and how the seats so awesomely massaged their fat butts. That said, it was still a terrible car in terms of branding, marketing, etc. And now we have no Phaeton.

Then came the Hyundai Genesis. The big sedan version with the Tau (whatever that means) 4.6-liter V8. "Hmmm," our motor-mouthed brethren chimed. "Hyundai might just be on to something here." Lots of good ink got spilled in the Genesis's general direction and the Mercedes-Benz lookalike Korean luxury car got picked as the 2009 North American Car of the Year. It even appears to be selling. How things change.

Well guess what? Kia wants in. AboutCAR caught a glimpse of the proposed Kia K9 at a design conference in Seoul. Standing next to the proposed super sedan is Peter Schreyer, best known for designing the original Audi TT, he is now Kia's chief of design. Should the K9 show up, expect it to arrive in the U.S. with a Genesis-sourced chassis and a big fat V8. Other parts of the world will get other engines. Will it work? As Hyundai America CEO and President John Krafcik told us at the LA Auto Show when he was asked which he liked better, the new Sonata or Tucson, "I just really love my Genesis." And there you have it.

[Source: Aboutcar.co.kr]

Kia K9 super sedan sneak peeked in Seoul originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schnuerer Toys for Tots drive bigger than ever with a gullwing surprise

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Misc. Auto Shows, Design/Style

6th Annual Schnuerer Toys for Tots charity car show - Click above for huge high-res image gallery

This past weekend was a busy one for us, and it was for some of our local Marines as well. Our efforts were for a worthy cause, however, as we were busy collecting toys for needy children so they might have something to unwrap during the holidays. We also happened to be surrounded by some of the nicest people and coolest cars ever made at The 6th Annual Schnuerer Toys for Tots drive in Huntington Beach.

The event was highlighted by the surprise appearance of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Even parked amidst two classic gullwing SLs and beside a new SL65 Black Series, the neo-gullwing drew the lion's share of the attention from the crowd. The car sounded fantastic and we had to admit we'd be hard pressed to choose between it, the Black Series, the nearby CLK DTM cabrio, the SLR or SLR Roadster as our favorite modern Mercedes. The Audi R8 V10 that was parked around back would probably be in the mix as well for most fun to drive. Follow the jump to read how the day played out - and don't forget to check out the huge gallery by clicking any image below.

Gallery: 6th Annual Schnuerer Toys for Tots charity car show

Continue reading Schnuerer Toys for Tots drive bigger than ever with a gullwing surprise

Schnuerer Toys for Tots drive bigger than ever with a gullwing surprise originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Design/Style

Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA - Click above for high-res image gallery

In anticipation of the debut of the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December, the folks responsible for the minivan invited us to take a peek inside their Calty design center in Newport Beach, California. Calty Design Research is the Toyota design center that created production cars like the '78, '90 and '00 Toyota Celica, '07 FJ Cruiser, '07 Tundra, '08 Highlander, '08 Scion xB, and '09 Venza, as well as the Lexus LF-C, FT-SX, Scion t2B, Scion FUSE, FT-HS and A-BAT concepts.

It's not very often that they open the doors of this design center to the public - let alone journalists - so we jumped at the chance. We spent a day with the group directly responsible for the 2011 Sienna and also met with Calty and Toyota officials. It was an enlightening day in which we learned about what inspired this third generation people-hauler, what Calty offers to differentiate it from other Toyota design houses, and why full-size clay models are still so important in the world of design, among other things.

Follow the jump to travel with us past the velvet rope and into Calty.

Gallery: Calty Design Research Tour

Continue reading Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback

Chris Paukert — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Audi, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last week's tony Design Miami reveal of the 2011 A8 luxury cruiser, we were able to corner Johan de Nysschen, Audi's executive vice president in North America, and ask him for some tasty tibits on the brand's upcoming products, including the A8's sexier derivative, the A7.

In addition to giving us the first official confirmation of the A7's existence, de Nysschen revealed that the four-door coupe model will slot in "a little bit below" the new A8 in terms of pricing, just as we expected. Of course, it's worth noting that the 2011 A8 faces a price bump due to substantial increases in content and technology, so when the A7 finally comes to the States, the average model is likely to sticker at around $82,000-$83,000, which de Nysschen says is about the price for a typically equipped 2010 A8 (pricing starts at $74,550 plus delivery).

Based on Audi's new longitudinal modular platform technology, the A7 will be clearly related to the A8 (and the A6 replacement that will follow it), and de Nysschen says that the 2009 Detroit Auto Show Sportback concept car serves as a "very reliable indicator" of what the production model will look like. Judging by recent spy shots from our friends at KGP, that very much appears to be the case. While parts commonality will be "substantial," de Nysschen says that the A7 will not use the full aluminum spaceframe design of the A8, although it will have aluminum elements.

As expected, the A8 will launch Stateside in both standard and long-wheelbase formats, with the latter predicted to make up the lion's share of the volume (the A8L presently accounts for about 80 percent of the model's sales).

We asked De Nysschen about how the two models will interact in the full-size luxury sedan segment, and he noted that:

"This top end segment is characterized by more conservative people, and we need to clearly take lower levels of risk with a flagship model [the A8]. But we recognize too that there is a sizable enough cluster of customers in that same segment who are ready for a more avant-garde design [the A7]. So we will essentially be positioning two cars into the same segment, which means that independently, the volume each attains is not that significant, but when you put them together, it will mean that our share of that segment will grow quite dramatically."

All-in De Nysschen thinks that the A8 will account for about 4,000 to 5,000 sales per year in the U.S., and the less costly A7 could clear 7,000-8,000 additional units.

And what of a high-performance S8 to take on Mercedes-Benz's AMG lineup, or the A5 Sportback? Click through to the jump for more details.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Continue reading Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback

Audi A7 confirmed for U.S. and S8 model in the works, but once again, no A5 Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Ferrari, UK, Design/Style

Ferrari F430 Spider goes under the knife - Click above to watch the video

It can't really be that simple, can it? Well, it seldom is. But experts in any given field tend to have a knack for making complex procedures look deceptively simple. Take this video, for example, from Creative FX. The British firm specializes in vinyl wraps, and they make it look all too easy.

Wraps are growing into a popular choice for exotic car owners looking to give their rides a new look. Rather than repainting the entire car, specialist shops like Creative FX apply what essentially amounts to giant decals. That's how most of the matte-finish cars we see - including this particular Ferrari F430 Spider - end up that way. You have to figure it'd be a very tricky operation. Follow the jump to watch the video and judge for yourself.

[Source: Creative FX]

Continue reading VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment

VIDEO: That's a Wrap! Ferrari F430 Spider gets the vinyl treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Specialty, Design/Style

Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle - Click above for image gallery

Designer Liam Ferguson's vision of how to fight fires almost makes us wish we were firemen - as long as we could have the keys to one of these. The Amatoya is a site recon and light tanker vehicle designed with a philosophy much more military than civilian. The seating position is like that of a AH-1 Cobra gunship, with the co-pilot up and behind the driver. The Amatoya is built on a monococque steel body, like armed forces MRAPs, insulated with NASA's aerogel, and painted with "military grade sacrificial thermo ceramic intumescent paints."

The Remotely Operated Suppression Cannon Outfit (ROSCO) can has a 2,200-liter (581 gallons) total water capacity, all the better for the fact that the crew members don't need to leave the vehicle to employ it. Nor should they have much problem getting to the fire, with absurd clearances all around, directional spotlights, and a thermal imaging camera. The only weak point would appear to be the rubber tires, which would melt long before the Space-Shuttle-worthy body would.

Still, we'd take one in a second. Take a peek at it yourself in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Amatoya Reconnaissance and Suppression Vehicle

[Source: Yanko Design]

The Amatoya: Meet the next generation of fire fighting vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

Chris Paukert — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Celebrities, Design/Style, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've just returned from the Audi A8 world premiere here at Miami's star-studded Design Week, and we've got a slew of images of the new range-topping sedan. More evolutionary than revolutionary in style, the new wundersedan is nevertheless an impressive looking piece with the visual charisma to go toe-to-toe with the celebrities that filed in to fawn over its broad shoulders.

Despite the clear heritage link to the outgoing model, there are a number of new technologies under the skin that represent firsts for the brand, including full LED headlamps that adjust their direction and throw based on the navigation system, a new development of MMI that includes a handwriting recognition feature, and an updated 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine with more power (372 horses) and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Despite being more powerful, the A8 is also more fuel efficient, with a claimed improvement of 15 percent with the aforementioned gas V8.

The slippery new shell once again rests on the brand's Aluminum Space Frame (ASF), and Audi says the car is longer and wider than its competitors, yet it sits lower. The sleek new bodywork is good for a .26 coefficient of drag. When it comes to America late next year, the new A8 will arrive in both standard and extended-wheelbase models, and we have it on good authority that both TDI and hybrid variants will also come to the States - although the alternative fuel powertrains aren't likely to happen right away. While you're waiting, check out our high-res galleries below as well as the official press release. We're working on uploading video of the new A8 as well, so check back soon.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009

2011 Audi A8 revealed amidst the stars at Design Miami 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Design/Style

1969 Danz Camaro concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's really nothing wrong with the first-generation Chevy Camaro, except perhaps for the fact that rows upon rows of them can be seen at every single car show in America. In fact, so ubiquitous is the 1969 model that there are a couple of aftermarket companies willing to build you a brand new example from the ground up utilizing just about zero OEM bits or pieces.

This being the case, it's hardly surprising that this is the model year The General chose to mimic with its new fifth-gen Camaro for 2010. But what would happen if you could somehow jump to-and-fro through the time/space continuum in your Mr. Fusion-equipped DeLorean time machine and transport yourself back to '69 with visions of the 2010 model in your head?

Answering that question-that-nobody-asked is the 1969 Danz Camaro SS concept car, which you can see in the high-res image gallery below. Words cannot describe the initial reaction we had when opening this sucker up in our browsers for the first time, so we'll just say that we hope its creator kept the original pieces in the garage when it comes time to sell. Yikes!

Gallery: 1969 Danz Camaro Concept

[Source: Carpictures.com via Carscoop]

Back to the Future: 1969 Danz Camaro concept goes the wrong direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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