Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[On the nautical ropes in the Fiat Portofino beach car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/on-the-nautical-ropes-in-the-fiat-portofino-beach-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/on-the-nautical-ropes-in-the-fiat-portofino-beach-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/on-the-nautical-ropes-in-the-fiat-portofino-beach-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the Portofino

Fiat took one of its Fiorino vans, chopped off, well, most of it, and dubbed it the Portofino. Supposedly no more than a study for the Caravan Show that starts in Dusseldorf later this week, the golden, buggy-like conveyance is an homage to the 1960s. In a time before Fiat was building $200,000 supercars, coachbuilders were adding open-topped bodies to Fiat chassis like this for fun in the Italian sun.

To stress the beachgoing theme, the Portofino has wood laminate flooring and natural fibers treated with a special waterproofing for the interior surfaces. The car can (optimistically) seat five, and the rear seat folds down for your surfboards and anchors.

Instead of doors, the Portofino has nautical ropes -- which might sound risky, but the 12-foot car only has 75 horsepower, so you shouldn't be getting in too much trouble. Fiat has no plans to make the Portofino, but says it will create a covered version for protection from win and sun. Andiamo, then...

Gallery: Fiat Portofino Concept


[Source: Carscoop]

 

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]]>convertibleconvertiblesfiatfiat fiorinofiat portofinoFiatFiorinoFiatPortofinoportofino2008-08-27T12:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Doh! All plans for return of MG to U.S. dead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/doh-all-plans-for-return-of-mg-to-u-s-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/doh-all-plans-for-return-of-mg-to-u-s-dead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/doh-all-plans-for-return-of-mg-to-u-s-dead/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Blame gas prices. Blame the housing market. Blame the dollar for being worth much less than it was in 2005. But ultimately, you'll probably need to blame the Chinese for the total lack of MGs being sold in the U.S.

Despite initial plans by MG's new owner, Nanjing Automobile Group Corp., to sell a U.S. version of the TF roadster, the company now says conditions are just wrong here in the States. "The U.S.A. isn't on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us, but with the right product, it would be good to return there," Gary Hagen, marketing director of NAC MG, says in a story on Austin Rover Online. Of course, with the car also goes any hopes of a U.S. assembly plant in Oklahoma. The final twist of the knife is Hagen killing any hope of the company shipping Chinese-made kits to the U.S. for assembly.

Buck up, MG fans. You've waited 20 years. What's another 20? Right?

[Source: Austin Rover Online via Automotive News]

 

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]]>mg tfmg tf roadsterMgTfMgTfRoadsternanjing automobilenanjing automotiveNanjingAutomobileNanjingAutomotive2008-08-26T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ferrari to offer California with manual, HGTC handling pack]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ferrari-to-offer-california-with-manual-hgtc-handling-pack/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ferrari-to-offer-california-with-manual-hgtc-handling-pack/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/ferrari-to-offer-california-with-manual-hgtc-handling-pack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Ferrari California

Some of the more hard-core tifosi have been whining that Ferrari has gone soft with the new California. It's pretty hard to justify that a car able to hit 60 mph in the three-second range is soft, but so be it. The nay-sayers point to the inclusion of a folding hard-top as a sign that Ferrari has grown more concerned with pleasing its poseur clientele than developing genuine performance vehicles. Never mind that the innovative rapid-deployment roof, according to Ferrari, actually weighs 5kg less than an equivalent soft-top and still only takes 14 seconds to raise or lower.

However, Maranello has not finished development of the California and intends to pacify those malcontents with some new features. For starters, Ferrari says that about 10% of its customers still demand a manual transmission, and so they will have one ready for the California by the time it actually goes on sale about half a year from now. Around the same time, Ferrari will also unveil a new HGTC handling package, like those offered for the 612 Scaglietti and the previous 575 M Maranello, to tighten up the California's suspension. A new set of lightweight wheels is also in the works, anticipated to shave some 10-12kg off of the unsprung weight. A 430 Scuderia it is not - that's why Ferrari makes both - but don't mistake the California for a lazy boulevard cruiser.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari California


[Source: EVO magazine]

 

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]]>californiacalifornia handling packagecalifornia hgtcCaliforniaHandlingPackageCaliforniaHgtcferrariferrari californiaferrari california hgtcferrari f149ferrari hgtcFerrariCaliforniaFerrariCaliforniaHgtcFerrariF149FerrariHgtchgtchgtc handling packageHgtcHandlingPackage2008-08-26T16:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mazda: Next MX-5 will be "radical"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/mazda-next-mx-5-will-be-radical/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/mazda-next-mx-5-will-be-radical/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/mazda-next-mx-5-will-be-radical/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Mazda MX-5

Many of you (and some of us) don't think the current MX-5 went far enough in distancing itself from its cutesy predecessor, but design director Lauren Van den Acker wants to change that for 2012 and give the iconic convertible "more balls" in the process. If you're worried that the amazing handling characteristics of the MX-5 could be in danger, Van den Acker insists that the razor-sharp roadster will keep its core character. Stricter CAFE standards and customers demanding more mpg means that the next MX-5 will also be lighter and more efficient than the current model.

With the next MX-5 still a few years out, no design has been given the green light, but Mazda designers think the more dynamic designs that were shot down for the current-gen car would be a good place to start. A newer, ballsier, more radical MX-5 sounds good to us, as long as the changes don't mess with the cut on a dime handling that we've come to love.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Hardtop


[Source: Auto Car]

 

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]]>Mazda MX-5MazdaMx-5miatamx-5 redesignMx-5Redesignredesignroadster2008-08-26T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Plans for an all-RWD Pontiac shelved?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/plans-for-an-all-rwd-pontiac-shelved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

A quick glance at Pontiac's (rumored) future product plans reveals just how much fuel prices have affected plans for an all rear-wheel drive lineup. Let's see, we've got the Solstice and the G8, and, um... that's it. Sure, we're expecting the G8 ST soon, but the El Camino-come-lively will never sell enough to keep bean counters happily sliding their abaci beads in their cubicles. The Solstice also plays to a relatively small crowd, so its future could be up in the air, as well.

As for the rest of the brand's lineup, the Grand Am G6 will remain on the same front-wheel drive platform for the foreseeable future as there's just not enough funds to switch it to a rear-wheel-drive platform. Meanwhile, the G5 is tied to the Cobalt and the future Cruze from Chevrolet that uses the FWD Delta platform. The Vibe comes from Toyota and is based on the Corolla's underpinnings. Please, don't get us started on a possible Aveo-based subcompact from GM's "Performance Division". As our esteemed editor says, "So sad, G8 rules." Indeed it does, and it may be the best we'll get from Pontiac for a while.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>pontiacpontiac g8pontiac solsticePontiacG8PontiacSolsticerear wheel driverear-wheel driveRear-wheelDriveRearWheelDriverwdrwd pontiacRwdPontiac2008-08-25T15:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Stillborn: 1989 BMW M5 convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/stillborn-1989-bmw-m5-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/stillborn-1989-bmw-m5-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/stillborn-1989-bmw-m5-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the '89 BMW M5 cabrio

These days BMW's M division is pretty busy, cranking out all manner of sport-tuned models in every form. You can get an M3 as a coupe, convertible or sedan, the M5 in sedan or wagon form, and the M6 as either a coupe or a convertible, in addition to M versions of the Z4. But back in the late '80s, the selection of M cars was much more limited. Not that the engineers in the sporting division weren't trying, though. Case in point is this M5 cabrio prototype that almost made it into production, but was canceled at the last minute.

Starting with an E34-generation M5 sedan, engineers in Munich chopped off the roof, strengthened the chassis and replaced the four doors with two longer ones. (If you think the idea is entirely absurd, just look at the Audi A4 cabrio and its quattro GmbH-tuned versions.) The resulting M5 convertible prototype was actually scheduled to debut at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show and even priced at £50k for the British market, but fearing that its addition to the BMW line-up would create demand for a conventional 5-series convertible and subsequently harm sales of the existing 3-series cabrio, BMW executives decided to kill the project. Only one prototype of the M5 convertible was made bearing ZS license plates from the BMW Individual program, as you can see in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1989 BMW M5 convertible prototype


[Source: BMWBlog.com]

 

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]]>bmwbmw mbmw m5bmw m5 cabriobmw m5 cabrioletbmw m5 convertibleBmwMBmwM5BmwM5CabrioBmwM5CabrioletBmwM5Convertiblem2008-08-21T19:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/video-the-bugatti-grand-sports-umbrella-roof-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/video-the-bugatti-grand-sports-umbrella-roof-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/video-the-bugatti-grand-sports-umbrella-roof-in-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

You can't go lopping the top off of a $1.5 million supercar without replacing it with something. Well, you could, but not if you're going to sell it for more than $2 million apiece. That's why when Bugatti unveiled the new Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the automaker made sure to demonstrate not one, but two removable roofs that will be included with the targa hypercar. The first is a transparent polycarbonate hard-top section that can be removed and stowed for open-air driving. But in case the obscenely wealthy driver finds himself caught in an unexpected torrential downpour (or just a drizzle, for that matter), Bugatti has also developed an umbrella-like soft-top that can be deployed in an emergency. Unfortunately, the fabric roof section can't withstand the 252 mph top speed that the polycarbonate solid roof can, limiting speeds to an embarrassing 80 mph.

The deployment of the fabric temporary roof was a little difficult to describe in words and pictures, but fortunately our Latin friends at Autoblog En Espanol have found a video of the roof in action. Follow the jump to check it out.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport


Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Live Debut


[Source: Autoblog Spanish]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport's umbrella roof in action

 

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]]>bugattibugatti veyronbugatti veyron 16.4 grand sportbugatti veyron grand sportbugatti veyron targabugatti videoBugattiVeyronBugattiVeyron16.4GrandSportBugattiVeyronGrandSportBugattiVeyronTargaBugattiVideogrand sportgrand sport videoGrandSportGrandSportVideotargaveyronveyron grand sportveyron videoVeyronGrandSportVeyronVideovideo2008-08-21T12:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Maserati Gran Turismo Spyder]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/spy-shots-maserati-gran-turismo-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/spy-shots-maserati-gran-turismo-spyder/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/spy-shots-maserati-gran-turismo-spyder/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Never underestimate a car guy on holiday. That's the lesson to be learned by Maserati, which apparently left a Gran Turismo Spyder mule in a lot somewhere in Modena.

An eagle-eyed tourist snapped off a handful of pics showing the two-piece roof and articulating trunk in its earliest stages of development. Expect the Gran Turismo Spyder to make its debut in Paris later this year, with sales beginning in early 2009.

[Source: AutoGespot]

 

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]]>gran turismo spyderGranTurismoSpydermaseratimaserati gran turismo spyderMaseratiGranTurismoSpyderparisparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots2008-08-19T17:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[C4 Corvette ZR-1s gather for the coming out of their successors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/c4-corvette-zr-1s-gather-for-the-coming-out-of-their-successors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/c4-corvette-zr-1s-gather-for-the-coming-out-of-their-successors/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/c4-corvette-zr-1s-gather-for-the-coming-out-of-their-successors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the DR-1 above for a high-res gallery of the C4 ZR-1

At the coming out party for the new ZR1 Corvette last week at Milford Proving Grounds, General Motors decided to bring out a handful of ZR-1s (note the dash to distinguish it from the new model) from the first go around in the early '90s to remind us all of how far things have progressed in the past 18 years. The original ZR-1 was built from 1990-95 and, as with the new model, its engine was the heart of the car. In the late '80s when the ZR-1 was conceived, GM owned Lotus. The British sports car specialist designed the LT5 V8 specifically for the ZR-1. Aside from sharing bore spacing with the regular small-block, they had nothing else in common. The LT5 was an all-aluminum, dual overhead cam, 32 valve V8. At the time of its introduction, the motor had an output of 375 hp (eventually bumped to 405 hp in the last couple years of production), which was huge for the day, though tame by today's standards.

Unfortunately, the C4 Corvette wasn't a great car to start with. Even with the beefed up sills that were added to to the convertible, the C4 wasn't particularly rigid. The car rode hard and the huge clam-shell hood quivered constantly on anything but glass smooth pavement. While the expensive ZR-1 never sold in huge numbers, it did spawn some interesting derivatives that GM keeps in its Heritage Collection. Among the ones brought to Milford were one of the active suspension prototypes. These used a fully active hydraulic suspension system with no springs, but the hydraulics reportedly consumed upwards of 40 hp. One unique car from the collection is the DR-1 (above). This was the only ZR-1 convertible ever built and was produced for Don Runkle (hence the DR), who at the time was chief engineer at Chevrolet. The other three cars were stock ZR-1s of various vintages.

Check back here at 12:01 AM EST for our First Drive of the new Corvette ZR1.

Gallery: Corvette C4 ZR-1


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

 

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]]>corvette zr-1corvette zr1corvette zr1 picturesCorvetteZr-1CorvetteZr1CorvetteZr1Pictures2008-08-19T14:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/pics-aplenty-pininfarina-rolls-royce-hyperion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/pics-aplenty-pininfarina-rolls-royce-hyperion/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/19/pics-aplenty-pininfarina-rolls-royce-hyperion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Pininfarina RR Hyperion

Spend enough time roaming the streets of Rome and you're likely to encounter a fair share of people who fancy themselves more Catholic than the Pope. No wonder, then, that the Italians have now tried to out-Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce, presenting a one-off drop-top Drophead that endeavors to embody an even greater presence than the Phantom cabrio itself.

The Pininfarina Hyperion was unveiled just this past weekend at Pebble Beach, and our man Drew was on hand to bring you the best shots of the one-off coachbuilt special from the show stand as it was unveiled and from the fairway where it was displayed in all its glory. But just in case you didn't get enough, Pininfarina has released ten more high-res shots of its one-off Roller for your viewing pleasure. Click on the top gallery to view the new factory shots, and on the two galleries after the jump to see the Hyperion in Monterey.

Gallery: Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion


[Source: Pininfarina]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion

 

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]]>coachbuildcustom rolls-royceCustomRolls-roycepebble beachPebbleBeachpininfarinapininfarina hyperionpininfarina rolls-roycePininfarinaHyperionPininfarinaRolls-roycerolls-roycerolls-royce hyperionrolls-royce hyperion pininfarinaRolls-royceHyperionRolls-royceHyperionPininfarina2008-08-19T12:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach celebrates California Spyder's 50th]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-celebrates-california-spyders-50th/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-celebrates-california-spyders-50th/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-celebrates-california-spyders-50th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click image above for high-res gallery of pics of the Ferrari California Spyders

The 250 GT California Spyder is one of Ferrari's most celebrated (and valuable) models, most often remembered by the general public for its starring role in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This year marked the Spyder's 50th anniversary, and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance celebrated the occasion by giving the car its very own class. Six variations of the car were produced, all of which were displayed on the 18th fairway including the original prototype and a competition version that raced at both Sebring and Le Mans. Follow the jump for more information on these amazing cars and enjoy the high resolution gallery below.

Gallery: Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder 50th Anniversary


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach celebrates California Spyder's 50th

 

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]]>ferrari california spiderFerrari California SpyderFerrariCaliforniaSpiderFerrariCaliforniaSpyderpebble beachpebble beach 2008pebble beach concours delegancePebbleBeachPebbleBeach2008PebbleBeachConcoursDelegance2008-08-18T20:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Infiniti releases G37x coupe, G37 sedan, revised M35]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-infiniti-releases-g37x-coupe-g37-sedan-revised/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-infiniti-releases-g37x-coupe-g37-sedan-revised/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/monterey-2008-infiniti-releases-g37x-coupe-g37-sedan-revised/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of Infiniti in Monterey.

Infiniti ramped up its presence in Monterey this year with the new G37 sedan and G37x coupe, the latter equipped with the automaker's advanced ATTESSA E-TSO all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic gearbox. We're looking forward to seeing if the AWD coupe can retain the engaging driving characteristics of its RWD counterpart, while providing the security of all-wheel-drive for those of us that like to make a run into the mountains during the snow season.

Infiniti also used its time on the peninsula to show off the first image of the G37 convertible (we curbed our urge to take a picture of the picture), along with the release of the revised M35 and M35x. The 2009 model benefits from the automaker's scratch shield paint, new seven-speed auto 'box and an increase in output to 303 hp, while still boosting fuel economy by one mpg. We're eagerly anticipating the 3.7-liter V6 finding its way under the hood of the M sometime around the turn of the decade, with some G-inspired styling to match its newfound horsepower.

Gallery: Infiniti in Monterey 2008

 

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]]>20092009 infiniti g37 convertible2009 infiniti g37 sedan2009 infiniti g37x2009 infiniti m352009 infiniti m35x2009InfinitiG37Convertible2009InfinitiG37Sedan2009InfinitiG37x2009InfinitiM352009InfinitiM35xg35infinitim35m35x2008-08-18T10:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: All aboard the yellow Roller failboat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/17/monterey-2008-all-aboard-the-yellow-roller-failboat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/17/monterey-2008-all-aboard-the-yellow-roller-failboat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/17/monterey-2008-all-aboard-the-yellow-roller-failboat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery.

When you're surrounded by the copious quantities of automotive pornography in and around Pebble, it's unfortunate that the gaudiest bits of kit catch your eye. Case in point: this yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that was delivered to a customer in Monterey.

The gallery tells the wholly infelicitous tale, from the matching French's Mustard interior to the carbon fiber trim replacing the Drophead's standard burl wood bits. It's utterly tasteless, but we just can't help gawking. Join in on the pain below.

Gallery: Monterey 2008: Yellow Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

 

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]]>coupedropheadmontereypebble beachPebbleBeachphantomrolls-royceyellow2008-08-17T09:39:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/monterey-2008-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/monterey-2008-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/monterey-2008-bugatti-veyron-16-4-grand-sport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

The wraps - and the roof - have come off the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport here in Monterey, finally answering a question few have asked and even fewer will sample.

As you'd expect, Bugatti hasn't just hacked the roof off the Veyron and gone to the pub. The windshield is slightly higher, the daytime running lights have been tweaked and then there's the showpiece: a removable, transparent polycarbonate roof, which blends the A-pillars into two painted carbon fiber strips that lead into the massive air intakes feeding the 1001 hp, quad-turbocharged, W16.

If you stow the roof at home for the world's fastest open-air, four-wheeled experience and the heavens decide to open, a folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be - according to Bugatti - "opened like an umbrella." With the soft-top in place, speeds are limited to an incredibly low 130 km/h (81 mph), otherwise, the Grand Sport can hit 252 mph with the polycarbonate roof and 224 mph with the top removed.

Bugatti made several structural enhancements to ensure the Grand Sport shares the same chassis rigidity and safety standards as its fixed roof counterpart. The monocoque has been reinforced around the side skirts and transmission tunnel, the doors feature new longitudinal beams, and the air intakes have been redesigned to include ten-centimeter-wide carbon fiber elements to protect occupants in the event of rollover.

Only 150 examples will be made available, with the first 50 going to registered Bugatti customers. The first model will be auctioned off at the Gooding & Company auction tomorrow night, with all the profits over the 1.4 million euro ($2.05 million) sticker going to charity.

Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Live Debut


Gallery: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport


Live Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

 

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]]>2008breakingbugattibugatti veyron 16.4 grand sportbugatti veyron cabriobugatti veyron convertiblebugatti veyron grand sportbugatti veyron targaBugattiVeyron16.4GrandSportBugattiVeyronCabrioBugattiVeyronConvertibleBugattiVeyronGrandSportBugattiVeyronTargaconvertiblegrand sportGrandSportmontereypebblepebble beachPebbleBeachtargaveyron2008-08-16T21:04:00+00:00<![CDATA[Woodward 2008: Cruising Woodward in the Gibbs Aquada]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/woodward-2008-cruising-woodward-in-the-gibbs-aquada/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/woodward-2008-cruising-woodward-in-the-gibbs-aquada/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/woodward-2008-cruising-woodward-in-the-gibbs-aquada/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for high-res gallery of the Gibbs Aquada on Woodward

As we made our along Woodward Avenue this morning we spotted what may be the ultimate "Cruiser" on the road today. Trolling along right in front of a golden Lamborghini Murcielago was a Gibbs Aquada. For those who haven't been paying attention the Aquada is the latest attempt at an amphibious car. Gibbs recently set up shop in Auburn Hills MI as they try to get this land and sea machine into production. In the meantime when this driver gets to the end of Woodward Ave, he can keep right on driving on into the Detroit River and cruise on.

Gallery: Woodward 2008: Gibbs Aquada

 

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]]>gibbs aquadaGibbsAquadawoodward 2008woodward avenuewoodward cruisewoodward dream cruisewoodward dream cruise 2007Woodward2008WoodwardAvenueWoodwardCruiseWoodwardDreamCruiseWoodwardDreamCruise20072008-08-16T13:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Infiniti G37 Convertible revealed ahead of L.A.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/infiniti-g37-convertible-revealed-ahead-of-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/infiniti-g37-convertible-revealed-ahead-of-l-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/infiniti-g37-convertible-revealed-ahead-of-l-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above image to enlarge

Note to the Lexus SC430: it is now beyond over for you. Infiniti, Nissan's BMW-hunting luxury brand, has unveiled the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, a retractable hardtop 4-seater that preserves the Coupe's good looks even with its 3-piece folding metal roof neatly tucked out of sight, as you can see here. Power from the 3.7L V6 will be in excess of 320 horses, and numerous comparos against the BMW 335i convertible are inevitable. You can practically hear the buff mags reserving track time as we speak. Sunny Los Angeles will be the venue for the car's formal unveiling in November, and likely a fertile ground for sales when the time comes.

[Source: Infiniti]

 

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]]>3.7320 hp320Hpbreakingconvertibleg37la auto showLaAutoShowlos angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShow2008-08-16T12:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Pininfarina Hyperion unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/monterey-2008-pininfarina-hyperion-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/monterey-2008-pininfarina-hyperion-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/16/monterey-2008-pininfarina-hyperion-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Additional live shots of the Hyperion added from the Concept Lawn at Pebble


Click above for high-res gallery of the Pininfarina Hyperion

The one-off Pininfarina Hyperion made its debut tonight at the Gooding & Company auction tent, and we were on hand to see the cover come off this highly anticipated coach-built convertible. Their was a somewhat somber mood among the Pininfarina team, who dedicated the car to the car to the late Andrea Pininfarina, but their spirits were lifted as the Hyperion received an excellent reaction from the crowd as it was unveiled. The car looks truly stunning in person, and we prefer the styling of the Hyperion over the standard Drophead Coupe. The hood is incredibly long, due in part to the extra 400mm created by moving the windscreen back, and we especially loved the unique headlights. We will have additional photos for you on Sunday when the car is displayed during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Until then, enjoy the gallery below of the unveiling.

Gallery: Pininfarina Hyperion Live Unveiling

Gallery: Pininfarina Hyperion live shots

Photos Copyright (C)2008 Drew Phillips / Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

 

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]]>HyperionMontereyMonterey 2008Monterey2008Pebble BeachPebbleBeachPininfarinaPininfarina HyperionPininfarinaHyperionRolls-Royce2008-08-16T00:25:00+00:00<![CDATA[Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/monterey-2008-pebble-beach-edition-ls-600h-l-and-sc-430/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click either image for a high-res gallery.

Another year, another limited edition Lexus. But this year's Pebble Beach Edition SC430 (the sixth consecutive variant) is joined by the first-ever LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition. We know, the excitement is palpable.

Only 50 LS 600h Ls will be made available in Callaway Golf Experience, Travel Package or Epicurean Encounter trim levels, swathed in Truffle Mica exterior paint and featuring two-tone Alabaster and black leather trim interior, with Dark Grey Bird's-eye maple wood trim. Both models receive all the prerequisite badging to stand apart from the rest of the Lexi in the golf-course parking lot, and are equipped with a host of standard equipment that you can read all about in the press release after the jump.

One of the 300 2009 SC 430s can be yours this September, while the Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L will hit dealers the following month.

Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L


Gallery: 2009 Pebble Beach Edition Lexus SC430

Continue reading Monterey 2008: Pebble Beach Edition LS 600h L and SC 430

 

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]]>2008600h l600hLlexusls 600 hls 600 h lLs600HLs600HLmontereypebblepebble beachpebble beach editionPebbleBeachPebbleBeachEditionsc4302008-08-15T19:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford launches 2010 Mustang countdown site, reveal coming Nov. 19]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/ford-launches-2010-mustang-countdown-site-reveal-coming-nov-15/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/ford-launches-2010-mustang-countdown-site-reveal-coming-nov-15/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/ford-launches-2010-mustang-countdown-site-reveal-coming-nov-15/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Taking a hint from Ferrari and its California GT Countdown, and not wanting the Camaro and Challenger to get all the attention, Ford has launched its own 2010 Mustang countdown. While the new 'Stang won't hit the streets until next spring, 96 days separate us from its official unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

In the run-up to the launch, Ford has invited fans of the original Pony Car to recount related stories on its new website, the2010mustang.com. Starting August 27, the site will give visitors the opportunity to share their tales, with the most compelling story winning the writer his very own 2010 Mustang, along with a trip to LA to see the wraps come off. In the meantime, you can sign up for email updates as Ford continues to tease us for the next three months.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Mustang goes to Road America


[Source: Ford]

 

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]]>2010 ford mustang2010 ford mustang gt2010FordMustang2010FordMustangGtla 2008la auto showla autoshowLa2008LaAutoshowlos angelesLosAngeles2008-08-15T12:33:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Audi S5 Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/rendered-speculation-audi-s5-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/rendered-speculation-audi-s5-cabrio/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/rendered-speculation-audi-s5-cabrio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With spy shots already out in the open, so to speak, anticipation is running rampant on the upcoming convertible version of the Audi A5/S5 coupe. The cabrio is anticipated to replace the convertible version of the A4, and is tipped to make its debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show.

The photoshop rendering you see above was skillfully executed by Quinty, and gives us a pretty good idea of what the sporty S5 cabrio could look like. While its competitors opt for retractable hard-tops, the convertible A5 and S5 are expected to use a simpler (and lighter-weight) soft-top, surrounded by a chrome strip to class it up a little. Power will likely carry over from the fixed-roof version when the new convertible hits the market early next year.

[Source: Autoblog.nl via CarScoop]

 

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]]>audiaudi a5audi a5 cabrioaudi a5 cabrioletaudi a5 convertibleaudi s5audi s5 cabrioaudi s5 cabrioletaudi s5 convertibleAudiA5AudiA5CabrioAudiA5CabrioletAudiA5ConvertibleAudiS5AudiS5CabrioAudiS5CabrioletAudiS5Convertible2008-08-14T15:01:00+00:00