Autoblog

VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse

Dan Roth — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Videos, Lexus, Toyota

Motor Mavens sneaks a look at Lexus LFA - Click above to watch video after the break

If Motor Mavens legitimately got a call from a well-placed friend and truly snuck in to fiddle with a $400,000 car that's ostensibly in trustworthy care, we apologize, but it smells really staged from here. It doesn't matter, though, the LFA looks fantastic in this video, and the LCD gauges are cool to watch in action. That's the real value of this video, watching the interior come alive like the bridge of some kind of spaceship.

Damon talked about the way the gauges animate to display different information, but watching the display slide around makes us want to be the guy sitting in the driver's seat, twiddling all the buttons with meaty, indiscriminate paws. The entirety of the car is as worthy of "dude, check this out" as you'd expect from a supercar-class vehicle. Check it out after the jump, and let us know if we're being too suspicious.

We're just having trouble with details like interested-looking parties reflected in the window of the opening shot, and the fact that it's supposed to be poor quality, but looks pretty decent and apparently, when you drop everything and run out of the house, you take the time to call a cameraman. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to go line our winter hats with tinfoil. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Lexus LFA

Photos copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Motor Mavens]

Continue reading VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse

VIDEO: Lexus LFA illicitly investigated by fanboy in secret warehouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009 LIVE VIDEO: Bob Lutz Keynote address

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Videos

Click above to view the live video feed after the jump

With Fritz Henderson's ~~resignation~~ termination as General Motor's CEO, the General's generals had to pull a last-minute swap with today's keynote speaker at the LA Auto Show. None other than Maximum Bob Lutz will be manning the podium in a few minutes and in addition to live-blogging the proceedings (coming in 5...4...3...), we've got streaming video of the address after the jump.

Continue reading LA 2009 LIVE VIDEO: Bob Lutz Keynote address

LA 2009 LIVE VIDEO: Bob Lutz Keynote address originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The Mustang skates in latest episode of Unleashed

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford

2010 Mustang Unleashed Session - Click above to watch the video after the break

Though we all owned skateboards in our younger years, we can admit that we were never really any good at riding them. That doesn't mean we didn't fantasize about all the great stunts we wished we could perform. And were there any among us who don't remember sitting in the back seat of a car watching the scenery go by at speed and thinking of all the sweet jumps and flips cars should be able to do?

Filmmaker Jeff Richter undoubtedly has such memories, and Ford was kind enough to let him unleash those inner fantasies with a brand-spanking-new 2010 Mustang. Also along for the ride are street skater Pat Duffy and X-Games gold medalist Jake Brown. A quick blip pops up at the start of the film letting the watcher know that some of the scenes are real and others are computer generated... we don't think you'll have too much trouble distinguishing one from the other. Hit the jump to watch the video.

Gallery: Mustang Unleashed Session

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: The Mustang skates in latest episode of Unleashed

VIDEO: The Mustang skates in latest episode of Unleashed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo?

Alex Nunez — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:48:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, BMW

BMW M1 in camouflage - Click above to watch the video

For the life of us, we can't figure this. BMWblog has posted a video of what surely looks like an O.G. BMW M1, dressed up in that ubiquitous swirlydelic camouflage du jour and parked on a Munich street. It's either a very clever gag being put on by someone, or something potentially awesome is afoot. Either way, we can dig it. See for yourselves after the jump. Thanks to Mike S. for the tip!

[Source: YouTube via BMWblog]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo?

VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Titan trailer celebrates the glory that is the Nürburgring

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Titan movie teaser - Click above to watch video

As any parent knows, when a child finds a video he likes he can watch it a kabillion jillion times with undiminished joy. That's exactly the kid we turn into any time you cut up race footage and set it to classical music and exhaust notes. This time it's the preview of the movie Titan, by French director Stephane Benini, which strings together action from the 1000 KM of the Nürburgring and features modern and vintage racers and motorcycles.

The movie has its own Facebook page if you really want to declare your love, or you can do the secret admirer thing and just enjoy the 6-minute HD clip from YouTube after the jump. The sound of the GT2 Corvette and DB9R is nothing short of knee-trembling. Follow the jump for the clip, and try not to spill your pureed peas...

[Source: Clash Productions]

Continue reading VIDEO: Titan trailer celebrates the glory that is the Nürburgring

VIDEO: Titan trailer celebrates the glory that is the Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Sedan, Videos, Audi

The search for the last Horch -- Click above to watch video

You have August Horch to thank for Audi. A former engineer for Karl Benz, Horch started the second oldest company of the original four companies that merged to form Auto Union (the first was Wanderer). But it was Horch whose name, translated into Latin, became "Audi."

The last Horch was built in Ingolstadt in 1953, and Audi wanted to find it. They put their vintage car locator, Ralph Hornung, on the case and he ended up in a field in West Texas. Follow the jump to view a video explaining the search and how the once mighty V8 found its way to a lonely Lone Star pasture. And on a side note, Hornung has a most awesome job... Thanks for the tip, Alex!

[Source: Audi TV via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas?

VIDEO: Audi tracks down the last Horch... in Texas? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Formula for Safety? Abu Dhabi Police unveil the F999

Noah Joseph — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Police/Emergency, Specialty, Middle East

Abu Dhabi Police F999 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Wednesday evening before the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last month, crowds gathered along the Corniche, Abu Dhabi's seafront boulevard. Two police cars sped down the road, swerved to a stop, an officer got out, pulled out his gun and began opening fire at a masked man pulling a checkered flag off a formula racing car. A driver climbed into the cockpit and drove off down the closed-off street to the applause of the gathered crowd as a marching band played on and a helicopter flew overhead. The point? Why, to promote road safety, of course!

The F999 - a formula racer decked out with emergency lights on the rear wing and police livery - is a project of the Abu Dhabi Police, and could very well be the fastest police car the world has ever seen. It's part of a public awareness campaign that sought to capitalize on the fever that swept the gulf emirate leading up to its first F1 race. The F999 is only the most recent in a slew of special police vehicles in the emirate that has recently included a police-spec Nissan GT-R, Chevrolet Camaro and a customer chopper, to name just a few. It's Abu Dhabi's way of getting people excited about road safety, and while it may seem counterintuitive to the rest of us, it's certainly garnered its fair share of attention. Follow the jump to watch video footage of the F999's unveiling and read more in the press release. Thanks for the tip, Ali!

[Source: Abu Dhabi Police]

Continue reading VIDEO: Formula for Safety? Abu Dhabi Police unveil the F999

VIDEO: Formula for Safety? Abu Dhabi Police unveil the F999 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Inside the cockpit of the Viper ACR's record lap at Laguna Seca

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:44:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, Dodge

Dodge Viper ACR laps Laguna Seca - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Pushing a performance monster like the Viper ACR around a race track at ten tenths takes some pretty massive cojones. But few tracks require the testicular fortitude of Laguna Seca.

The iconic circuit in Northern California is packed full of decreasing radius corners, off-camber turns, and the indomitable corkscrew. Fortunately, Dodge test driver Chris Winkler was up to the task, and pushed the ACR around dry lagoon to a record-breaking lap time of 1:33.944, edging out its cousin the Devon GTX in the process to claim the fastest road-car lap time around the track.

Now we've got footage that takes us inside the cockpit for the record run, which may seem like old hat to the video game crowd, until you realize this was happening in real life. Follow the jump to check it out.

[Source: Chrysler via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Inside the cockpit of the Viper ACR's record lap at Laguna Seca

VIDEO: Inside the cockpit of the Viper ACR's record lap at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Videos, Chevrolet, Electric

As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or -- more to the point -- the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Celebrities, Humor, Electric

Click above to watch videos after the jump

Many electric vehicle fans out there are constantly complaining about how long it's taking automakers to bring plug-in vehicles to market. We've had commenters on this site claim that automakers should be able to bring EVs to the street in six months. Apparently even six months is too long for the crew at Top Gear.

For those unfamiliar with the format of the show, most episodes involve the producers giving a challenge of some sort to hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. The most recent episode, aired this week on the BBC in the UK, included just such a challenge. The boys were tasked to build their own answer to the extended-range EV Chevrolet Volt.

In a mere 18 hours they transformed a TVR Chimaera (interesting choice since a chimaera is a mythological creature composed of parts of a number of animals) into the Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust pictured above. Once the i-Thrust was completed, it was turned over to Autocar magazine for an independent road test. As you might guess based on the photo, the results were not surprising and are a testament to perhaps taking all the time you need when developing a car. You can grab a copy of AutoCar's full road test as a PDF or just watch the entire Top Gear segment and video of the Autocar road test after the jump.

[Source: Autocar]

Continue reading Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt

Top Gear builds Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, an ER-EV to answer the Chevy Volt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Dodge

2010 Dodge Viper ACR - Click above to watch the video

The Dodge Viper is many things to many people. An object of unparalleled lust to some, a big-mouthed, truck-engined Corvette ripoff to others. And an ankle burner to still others. But no one ever thought of Dodge's V10 quarter-mile thug as a serious track car. Until the Viper ACR showed up.

Lighter (especially in Hardcore Package guise) and producing ten times as much downforce as the "regular" SRT10 Viper, the ACR model set off some pretty big waves when the big-winged snake debuted (especially in the Nurburgring record community), even though most of the rippling came from the street-legal slicks. But never mind all that, the new 2010 Dodge Viper ACR is here, and it's even better than the 2009 version.

Why? Well, it's faster (top speed is now 202 mph) and quicker (it can reach said top speed a whole 14 seconds sooner than the 2009 model). How? Gearing, specifically 5th gear, which has been revised from 0.741 to 0.796. Also, the end caps on the giant wing have been revised, resulting in that higher top end. Some new colors, too. We have tons of videos of it rumbling/blasting around Laguna Seca for your perusal, after the jump. Hat tip to Ryan!

UPDATE: Looks like Dodge, the Viper ACR and driver Chris Winkler just broke the Laguna Seca single-lap record with a time of 1:33.944. Those of you with longish memories will remember that a Devon GTX (powered by a Viper motor) recently set the (now) old record at Laguna -- 1.35.075. In other words, the new Viper ACR just beat the previous record by more than a second. Impressive. And yet another video, after the jump.

UPDATE 2: Gallery of images from the 2010 Dodge Viper ACR's day at the track added.

UPDATE 3: Chrysler just twittered: "To honor Viper's record-breaking lap at Laguna Seca, Dodge will rollout a Laguna Seca Special Edition Viper." Now that's planning product on your feet!

Gallery: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR at Laguna Seca

[Source: Red Letter Dodge]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record

VIDEO: 2010 Dodge Viper ACR makes the rounds at Laguna Seca, sets track record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

Chris Shunk — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We'll tell you exactly why, because it's a lot of fun. We know, because we had a similar experience in late adolescence, but we used GI Joe vehicles (even the awesome hovercraft) and firecrackers. But what we didn't have back then was a 600 fps camera, but lucky for us, people do now... and they have YouTube to share it with the rest of us.

After the jump is video of diecast cars getting blown sky high with what appears to be some relatively large explosive. What makes this little experiment so much fun is that our mini pyrotechnician friend captured the carnage 20 times slower than conventional video, giving us a crystal clear picture of every blast. And to make the one minute video that much more entertaining, the creator cut his masterpiece to one of the best pieces of music any aspiring video editor can use in a disaster sequence; Ode To Joy. Hit the jump to watch the video for yourself, and keep in mind that blowing things up can lead to blowing off fingers and shrapnel in the eye, so don't try this at home!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo

VIDEO: Why? Dude blows up diecast cars in slow-mo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus

2011 Lexus LFA at California Speedway - Click above to view the video after the jump

The lease-only 2011 Lexus LFA supercar has been getting a lot of exposure lately. We had a chance to drive it a few weeks ago and just showed you some pics of the matte black car when it showed up at Cars & Coffee in Irvine this Saturday, but now we have something even better. LeMans-winner and Jay Leno Show racing coach, Justin Bell, heads out onto Fontana's California Speedway with this very same LFA, getting some instruction himself from fellow racer Scott Pruett before taking the better seat for a lap.

The segment was shot for the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, the Jay Leno webshow that highlights a different car every week, sometimes with Jay driving and sometimes with Justin doing the heavy lifting. Follow the jump to see the video for yourself and be sure to check out Jay's Garage regularly if you don't already. Listening to this thing rip up to 9,000 RPM is worth the nine-minute investment of your time, trust us. Thanks for the tip Gabriel!

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage

VIDEO: Justin Bell shows off Lexus LFA in Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi announces Truth in Motion documentary about U.S. ski team [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Canada

Truth in Motion announcement trailer -- Click above to watch the video

Following last year's Truth in 24, Audi is turning its keen lenswork to the U.S. Ski Team with a documentary called Truth in Motion: The Road to Vancouver. With multiple subjects this time, and less about domination than revelation, the film will showcase the stories of team athletes as they prepare for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

It will air for the first time at the end of January, about two weeks before the Olympic cauldron is lit on February 12. You can read all about and check out the trailer after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi announces Truth in Motion documentary about U.S. ski team [w/VIDEO]

Audi announces Truth in Motion documentary about U.S. ski team [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spike announces nominees for Best Driving Game of the Year

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:09:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Spike's Video Game Award finalists -- Click above to watch trailers at Spike.com

Spike TV has opened up the voting for its Video Game Awards, and the finalists are down to four: DiRT 2, Need for Speed: Shift, Forza Motorsport 3, and Gran Turismo PSP. It's a bit of a motley list, but then again it's been a motley year for driving games, and we're still waiting for a vision of the unicorn otherwise known as Gran Turismo 5. If you want to vote, cast your ballot on Spike's site. If you need a refresher because you insist on being an informed voter, follow the jump and check out some gameplay.

[Source: Spike]

Continue reading Spike announces nominees for Best Driving Game of the Year

Spike announces nominees for Best Driving Game of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're still early in the holiday movie season, but the clear early winner is the blockbuster world-ending thriller 2012. The pic cleared $65 million in its first weekend in the U.S. and a stunning $265 million around the globe. If you have already seen the movie or if you've just checked out the five minute clip we showed you last month, then you know this disaster flick is chock-full of CGI destruction on a scale we quite frankly have never seen before. And our favorite scene stars a Lincoln Town Car limo that somehow manages to survive (like the Panther platform upon which it is based) while the virtual world quite literally crumbles around it. It makes us wonder how that scene was made to look so damn real.

Well, we didn't have to wonder for long, because YouTube has come to the rescue with video of how the scene was created. A company called SWAY Studio created a simulator/program called Drive-A-Tron that works like a virtual stunt driving machine with very realistic-looking results. The simulator features a real steering wheel, along with brake and accelerator pedals to capture the action in real time. SWAY reconfigured the machine for the big screen action flick so the program could interact with moving terrain, and since the system features true to life engine, suspension and even tire inputs, the final product looks pretty damn real to us. Hit the jump to watch how the Lincoln Town Car limo scene was created. Pretty interesting stuff.

[Source: Raging Artists]

Continue reading VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012

VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Videos, Audi, Luxury

Audi A8 teaser - click above to watch the video after the jump

We still have a bit over a week until Audi officially pulls the wraps off its next-generation A8 flagship sedan in Miami. As a holdover, however, they have released a teaser video, and we've got it for you. The operative word here is tease. As usual, very little of the car is actually shown, although a variety of phrases are overlaid on the imagery which feature terms like "creativity," "aesthetics," and "art factory." From a couple of the images (including the one captured above), it appears that the new A8 will probably be more sculpted than previous models, and it will likely feature elements like the so-called "tornado line" used on the side of the A4 and A5.

As a brand headliner, the A8 will surely feature an "intensive abundance of research and ideas" such as the rumored touch pad interface with handwriting or gesture recognition for the controls. No doubt more details will be trickling out over the coming week, and we'll be on hand in Miami to give you the full details as the car is revealed. In the meantime, you can check out the video now by clicking past the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut

VIDEO: Audi teases the new A8 ahead of Sunshine State debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: The answer to how Honda will market the Accord Crosstour? Animated jazz

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're not so sure about the Honda Accord Crosstour. It's definitely a Honda, so at least from a marketer's perspective, that''s a big plus, but the big crossover/hatchback//wagon/thing isn't exactly what we'd call pretty, and worse, it isn't even as functional as its competitors. We're not alone in our criticism of Honda's latest, as the Japanese automaker has heard more than its fair share of Crosstour complaints on the Internets. Like it or loathe it, though, the Crosstour is upon us, and Honda dealers need to sell it. We were curious as to how Honda might try to ply such an odd duck, and we have at least a preliminary answer waiting for you after the jump.

The commercial starts off with about 15 seconds of oddly animated polygon characters playing some smooth, Cosby Show-style jazz. Between 15 and 20 seconds we see the band's instruments fitting in the Crosstour's hatch (though oddly, they don't play up the car's chief storage trick, its hidden storage box). At the 20 second mark, we finally see the Crosstour in the flesh, and the spot wraps up with a few words from actor Kevin Spacey as always. We're far from convinced, but you'll want to hit the jump to judge the 30 second spot for yourself.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour

Continue reading VIDEO: The answer to how Honda will market the Accord Crosstour? Animated jazz

VIDEO: The answer to how Honda will market the Accord Crosstour? Animated jazz originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue

Chris Shunk — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Videos, Volvo

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Freya Svensson feels like she's getting screwed. According to her blog postings, she owns a still new-looking Volvo XC70 that has had more than its fair share of problems: a faulty transmission and an internal coolant leak that could have been caused by a cracked cylinder head or head gasket. To make matters worse, Svensson says the transmission, cylinder head and motor mounts (twice) have been replaced by Rusnak Volvo in Pasadena, California. Svensson further claims that when the transmission was replaced, she told Rusnak that it still didn't feel right but the dealership allegedly wouldn't take a look at it again. Now that the supposed defective tranny is out of warranty, the dealership wants to repair it. None of this tale is funny, odd, or different from some of the dealer/warranty horror stories that we hear about all the time. So why are we bothering to report on this one? As you might have guessed from the viking helmet and acoustic guitar show above, Svensson has no issue in pulling out all the stops in order to get her message across. She's even got t-shirts. This amuses us.

For starters, Svensson started up her own website, Rusmackedvolvo.com, which details her problems with Volvo North America and Rusnak Volvo. She took to Facebook to friend Volvo North America President Doug Speck, offering to help him add to his paltry friend total of 24 in exchange for free repairs to her Scandinavian lemon. To add a little flair, Svensson then took to YouTube to provide a video play by play of what is going on with her cursed wagon. The blonde haired, blue eyed Svensson plays up the Swedish connection by even singing an original composition, "O Rusnak Volvo" in her native tongue. Hit the jump to watch the clip, and don't worry if you don't speak Swedish - Svensson has been thoughtful enough to provide English subtitles.

[Sources: Rusmackedvolvo.com; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue

VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Yes, the 2010 Audi S4 can drift

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Videos, Audi, Luxury

Click above to view the video after the jump

When we drove the 2010 Audi S4, we praised the sedan's trick electronic rear differential for its ability to shuffle torque between the rear wheels to give the sensation, if not the exact effect, of oversteer. Unfortunately, our track time was spent in an e-diffless model, so we didn't get to fully exploit its potential around Infineon. However, hot-shoe Ignacio Perez did just that at Spain's Jarama circuit.

After the jump you can watch Perez putting the new S4 into full-on drifts around the track with one nervous front seat passenger and his camera-wielding companion in tow. Although getting the S4 sideways isn't too difficult (we did it a few times in the standard model), you can see in the video that speed drops off precipitously at corner the exit. Regardless, modern-day Audis are no longer relentlessly pushing, nose-heavy beasts and, what's more, Perez was wagging his tail in an S4 Avant, the five-door version we can't get in the States... dammit.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: Fourtitude]

Continue reading VIDEO: Yes, the 2010 Audi S4 can drift

VIDEO: Yes, the 2010 Audi S4 can drift originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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