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Archive for January, 2010
Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Truck, Europe, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz
2007 Bugatti Veyron with matching Mercedes Atego transporter – Click above for image gallery
We never thought we’d see the day when someone would have to sweeten the deal to sell a car as eminently desirable as a Bugatti Veyron. But with the economy still putt-putting its way down the road to recovery, there are plenty of wealthy collectors looking to free up some liquid assets. That means a buyer’s market, so we wouldn’t be surprised to see everything this side of the proverbial kitchen sink thrown in to seal the deal.
This, however, looks far more enticing than a porcelain fixture. The owner of this Veyron – monochromatically decked out in French Racing Blue – apparently had this Mercedes-Benz Atego transporter painted to match. As you can see from the photo, the truck’s precious-cargo box tilts back and a ramp slides out to get the supercar in with a minimum of fuss.
Oh, and the Bugatti itself? It’s a 2007 model with 7,728 kilometers (4,800 miles) on the odometer, a matching dark blue interior and, together with the matching truck, is up for grabs on JamesList from the Netherlands with a €895,000 ($1,264,815) price tag.
[Source: JamesList via World Car Fans]
Find of the Day: Bugatti Veyron with matching transporter originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Convertible, Tesla, Electric
Tesla Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery
You read that right. Tesla Motors will stop building the Roadster in 2011.
Wired‘s Autopia was digging through the papers filed by Tesla to the Securities and Exchange Commission for its IPO and came across with this nugget:
“We do not plan to sell our current generation Tesla Roadster after 2011 due to planned tooling changes at a supplier for the Tesla Roadster.”
As everyone’s aware, the current iteration of the Tesla Roadster is built in Hethel, England by Lotus using Elise/Exige underpinnings. Judging by the quote above, that means the Elise/Exige is due to be replaced by a new model (good news for enthusiasts), but that leaves Tesla up a creek without the proverbial paddle.
The other telling line is this:
“As a result, we anticipate that we may generate limited, if any, revenue from selling electric vehicles after 2011 until the launch of the planned model S…”
The Model S is due to come out in 2012, which means Tesla might not have any revenue coming in until the all-electric sedan goes on sale. If there’s a snag with anything in the launch of the sedan – design, production, engineering, you name it – then Tesla’s in serious trouble. That might make investors wary when the upstart automaker finally begins offering shares.
So, bottom line: If you want the current Roadster, order now, or wait until the all-new Roadster goes on sale in 2013.
Gallery: First Drive: Tesla Roadster
[Source: Autopia]
Tesla to kill the Roadster in 2011, new version coming in 2013? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Earnings/Financials, Tesla, Electric
Tesla Model S – click above for high-res image gallery
For the first time in more than fifty years, a U.S. automaker is holding a public offering. Henry Ford made shares of Ford Motor Company public back in 1956. Tesla, the Elon Musk-owned Silicon Valley electric car company, filed to do so today. There’s no word as to when the shares will be available for public consumption, nor any word as to how much each share will cost.
As for the timing of the filing, Telsa has sold nearly 1,000 (987 at last count) all-electric Roadsters in 18 different countries. Moreover, it has taken 2,000 reservations for its upcoming, more mainstream Model S, which is still at least a year away from production. With the production version of the Chevrolet Volt right around the corner, Tesla is looking to capitalize (quite literally) on the “growing interest in green technology and battery-powered vehicles.” Should you buy? Don’t ask us. However, King Midas-fingered whiz kids Sergey Brin and Larry Page (you know, the guys that founded Google) have already invested.
UPDATE: Full IPO filing here.
Gallery: Tesla Model S in motion
Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL
[Soruce: Reuters]
Tesla files with the feds for IPO *UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Koenigsegg
Need For Speed Shift – Click above for high-res image gallery
Fall 2009 was supposed to be the next golden age of the racing game, with the genre’s two heavy hitters – Forza Motorsport 3 and Gran Turismo 5 – scheduled for release. While Xbox 360 owners were rewarded with an incredibly good Forza 3, several delays of GT5 wrecked the plans of many a Playstation 3 owner, this writer included.
But since we were hell-bent on a new racing game, the decision was made to take a chance on another new racing game that was receiving some good press: Need for Speed Shift. We’ve spent the last two months playing Shift on PS3 to keep ourselves busy until GT5 is finally released. Were we disappointed or pleasantly surprised with the dark horse of the racing game pack? Hit the jump to find out.
Gallery: Need For Speed Shift
Continue reading Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5
Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Performance, Europe, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Luxury
Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati – Click above for high-res image gallery
If you’re dropping off a six-figure Italian exotic at the dealership for service, you expect to be loaned something special in return, right? That’s why Fiat supplied Ferrari with a run of special-edition 500s for use in their European service network. (Heck, they even produced some for public consumption.) Now its classy kid sister is following suite with a special loaner car of its own.
Produced in a limited run of 100 units, these specially-prepared Alfa Romeo MiTos will be dispatched to Maserati dealers across Europe. Each is distinguished from the average MiTo by its Maserati Blu Oceano paint, special plaque on the center console and “Alfa Romeo for Maserati” sill plate. The special edition Alfa also comes equipped with top-of-the-range 170-horsepower, 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine, 18-inch wheels and rear spoiler, along with an interior decked out in sumptuous Pelle Frau leather and all the electronic bells and whistles on offer.
After Maserati gave Alfa the 8C Competizione, it’s nice that Alfa – now under the same leadership as Maserati – can give a little something back. Details in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Alfa Romeo MiTo for Maserati
[Source: Maserati]
Continue reading Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network
Alfa Romeo prepares special-edition MiTo for Maserati dealer network originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, GM, Saab, Spyker, Luxury
Coming to a Saab Spyker dealer near you by Spring – Click above for high-res image gallery
We had an interesting chat with a Saab mechanic in Hollywood yesterday. Naturally, he was overcome with great joy over the fact that Spyker saved Saab. What made the conversation interesting was his asking us if there will be a 2010 Saab 9-5? Dunno. Er, didn’t know. But that was then. Today we feel pretty confident that there will not be a 2010 Saab 9-5. kind of exactly how there’s no 1983 Corvette, minus the haggard sales saga.
However, according to a report by Edmunds Auto Observer, there will in fact be a 2011 Saab 9-5. Spyker is set to ramp up production of the new car in April and begin selling Saabs to us American types at some point during the second quarter. Did we say Saabs? We meant to say Saab Spykers, as the new cars may be called. Regardless, anything introduced to the market during May or June of a given year will be labeled as next year’s model. Hence, the 2011 Saab Spyker 9-5.
The Auto Observer is also confirming that the Saab (Spyker) 9-4 will also go on sale at some unspecified future date. The 9-4 and 9-4X are based on General Motors‘ Theta Premium architecture – the same platform used by the Cadillac SRX. Since so much parts sharing will be going on (the 9-5 will come with at least three General Motors engines), GM will continue supplying parts to Saab Spyker for many moons, and as such have a vested interest in the new company doing well. Not too well of course, as Saab will now be free to compete head-to-head with GM brands Buick and/or Cadillac.
One last thing, and this is a plea from our Saab mechanic friend more then anything else: here’s hoping Saab Spyker has the good sense to remount Saab motors longitudinally and backwards, rather than sideways, especially when a new 9-3 shows up, as that set up really is a trait of the Griffin.
Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Saab 9-5
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[Source: Auto Observer]
Report: Saab 9-5 sales will start in U.S. in the second quarter originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Fiat
With the unification of Fiat and Chrysler, we’re been expecting major changes in the corporate structure of the two automakers and their various brands. Most recently, Lancia chief executive Olivier Francois was named head of the Chrysler division, leading to reports that the two brands – similarly positioned in the sub-luxury premium segment – will be integrated into one unit. Now similar reports place the Abarth, Maserati and Alfa Romeo brands under common leadership.
Let’s get ready to play musical chairs for a moment… This news comes with the appointment of Harald Wester as CEO of Alfa Romeo. In his new role, Wester replaces Sergio Cravero, who himself was recently promoted from the brand’s communications directorate to serve as a replacement for the departing Luca de Meo who will change to a new role as head of product planning for the entire Fiat Group.
Wester, meanwhile, retains not only his roles as group chief technical officer, but also as CEO of both the Abarth and Maserati brands. As a result, we can expect to see a deeper level of collaboration between these performance-oriented brands within the expanding Fiat empire. Details in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Fiat]
Continue reading Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO
Fiat unites Maserati, Abarth, Alfa Romeo under one CEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, Bugatti, Celebrities
Jay Leno holding court in his personal Bugatti museum – click above to watch the video
Remember last week’s Conan O’Brien stunt where he decided that the best way to get even with NBC for forcing him out of his dream job was to create insanely expensive bits? He dressed a Bugatti Veyron up as a mouse and played some heavily copywritten Rolling Stones. Total purported price tag: $1.5 million dollars.
But see, Conan’s not really a car guy. A real car guy would have known that if the plan was to soak NBC for as much green as possible, some plain-old closed top Veyron ain’t going to cut it. A real car guy would have got his hands on the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport and its staggering $2.25 million asking price. Have you met Jay Leno?
That’s right, the once and future king of late night television gets his denim-clad paws all over Bugattis’ latest and greatest. And – being Jay Leno – he talks about the Grand Sport in the Bugatti wing of his Big Dog Garage. Literally, the Bugatti wing. Jay is also joined by Bugatti’s North American Marketing Manager John Hill as well as Veyron hot shoe and former F1 driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel. The latter of which takes Jay for a little ride (ahem) around the quiet streets of Burbank.
For his part, Jay seems extra giddy during this week’s episode, as if the Veyron Grand Sport and its removable top have actually tickled and excited him. True, Jay makes a couple of verbal typos, like saying that the Veyron’s W16 engine displaces 16.4-liters (it displaces 8.0-liters), but we can forgive him. After all, how cool, calm and composed would you be standing next to a roadster that can hit 253 mph? (That’s with the top on, the Grand Sport can “only” hit 217 mph sans roof). Make the jump to watch the video.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]
Continue reading Video: Jay Leno’s Garage welcomes Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport
Video: Jay Leno’s Garage welcomes Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Etc., Videos, Bugatti, Humor
Conan’s Bugatti Veyron mouse – Click above to watch video
You might have heard about a little, but very expensive, storm in a teacup involving NBC, Conan O’Brien and Jay Leno. A quick summary for those of you doing other things with your lives, Jay left The Tonight Show to do a 10PM show, and Conan took over The Tonight Show. Seven months later, Jay’s show isn’t working out for NBC, so Jay gets to go back to late night TV, and NBC tells Conan he can push the The Tonight Show back a half hour, or he can walk.
So Conan’s walking. But before he does he’s going to spend all the NBC money he can, saying, “We’re going to introduce comedy bits that aren’t so much funny as they are crazy expensive.” Hence the Bugatti Veryon mouse. And its really expensive theme music. Follow the jump to watch the video. Thanks to all who sent this in!
[Source: Earsucker]
Conan O’Brien gets Satisfaction from latest character: $1.5 million Bugatti Veyron Mouse originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Performance, Maserati, Luxury
Maserati GranTurismo Convertible – Click above for high-res image gallery
The weather outside may be frightful, but fret not, because summer is coming soon…ish. And when it does, you’re going to want the right set of wheels. With that in mind, the good folks over at Maserati North America have revealed the pricing for their new GranTurismo Convertible (also known as the GranCabrio overseas) so you can start saving now. And save you will if you want to get your hands on one, because it sells for a princely $135,800 (MSRP, before taxes and additional fees).
If you’re wondering how much it costs to lob the roof off a GranTurismo and replace it with a triple-insulated retractable soft top, consider that the standard coupe starts at $117,500, for a difference of – carry the one, divide by the square root of pi – $18,300. When you consider, however, that the convertible comes standard with the larger 4.7-liter engine from the $121,500 GranTurismo S, the additional cost of open-air motoring comes out to a somewhat more manageable $14,300, which may or may not make it easier to justify to your spouse. Details in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Maserati GranCabrio
[Source: Maserati]
Continue reading Maserati NA prices the GranTurismo Convertible at $135,800*
Maserati NA prices the GranTurismo Convertible at $135,800* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
