<?xml version="1.0"?> <rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd"> <channel> <title>Autoblog</title> <link>http://www.autoblog.com</link> <description>Autoblog</description> <image> <url>http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif</url> <title>Autoblog</title> <link>http://www.autoblog.com</link> </image> <language>en-us</language> <copyright>Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.</copyright> <generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Video: Who needs Ken Block? Ford of Europe presents Snowkhana One]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a></p><a href="/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/#continued"><img height="330" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ford-snowkhana-one.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> We haven't seen a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ken+block/">Ken Block</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gymkhana">Gymkhana</a> since the infamous <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/fiesta">Ford Fiesta</a> assaulted the streets of San Francisco <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/ken-blocks-gymkhana-5-has-arrived/">over the summer</a>, but <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ford+of+europe/">Ford of Europe</a> wanted to make sure we weren't going through withdrawals. For our viewing pleasure, Ford's team from across the pond created the stop-motion Snowkhana One using a scaled-down version of Block's car, someone's garage and a lot of free time.<br /> <br /> In the video, the rally car proves that the Abominable Snowman, a Stormtrooper and even the local constabulary are no match for the No. 43 Fiesta; even Santa makes a cameo in this video. The sights and sounds of this video are exactly what we'd expect from a Gymkhana, and if it doesn't bring a smile (or at least a smirk) to your face, you're watching it wrong.<br /> <br /> <a href="/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/#continued">Hit the jump</a> to watch the tiniest rally adventure yet.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Who needs Ken Block? Ford of Europe presents Snowkhana One</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/">Who needs Ken Block? Ford of Europe presents Snowkhana One</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20406454/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/who-needs-ken-block-ford-of-europe-presents-snowkhana-one/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>fiesta</category><category>ford</category><category>ford of europe</category><category>gymkhana</category><category>hfhv</category><category>hybrid function hoon vehicle</category><category>rally car</category><category>snowkhana</category><category>snowkhana one</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Video: GM manufacturing robots take up second job as present wrappers]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/gm/" rel="tag">GM</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a></p><a href="/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/#continued"><img alt="GM robots gift wrapping presents for the holidays - video screencap" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gm-gift-wrapping-robot.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 349px; " /></a><br /> <br /> It isn't that uncommon for people to pick up second jobs during the holidays to help relieve some of the financial stress, but apparently our automaton friends feel the fiscal pinch this time of year, too. A handful of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gm/">General Motors</a> assembly line robots are picking up some extra shifts at Santa's workshop this year wrapping presents.<br /> <br /> In addition to stuffing and wrapping boxes, the robots' duties also include spot welding labels onto the gifts (who even knew that was possible?). The work looks boring and monotonous, but at least these GM robots were able to find a second job.<br /> <br /> Watch the elves and robots team up to get presents wrapped in the video <a href="/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/#continued">below</a>, so Santa can deliver them to children in his fancy sleigh: a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/chevy-reveals-45th-anniversary-camaro-with-more-power/">45th Anniversary</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/camaro/">Chevrolet Camaro SS</a> Convertible.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>GM manufacturing robots take up second job as present wrappers</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/">GM manufacturing robots take up second job as present wrappers</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20403676/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/gm-manufacturing-robots-take-up-second-job-as-present-wrappers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>assembly robots</category><category>christmas</category><category>christmas video</category><category>general motors</category><category>gift wrapping</category><category>gm</category><category>merry christmas</category><category>robot</category><category>video</category><category>wrapping</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Official: Carbon Motors strikes back with new police truck]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/police-emergency/" rel="tag">Police/Emergency</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-carbon-motors-tx7/"><img height="353" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-carbon-tx7.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/carbon+motors/">Carbon Motors</a> couldn't have picked a better time to get into the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/police+car/">police car</a> business with the departure of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ford%20crown%20victoria/">Ford Crown Victoria</a> leaving the market wide open, but with its purpose-built <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/carbon+e7/">E7</a> police sedan still a few more years away from production, the Indiana-based company decided to launch another vehicle for first responders. There was a big demand to get something out quick, and that something is the TX7. Designed to be more of a multipurpose vehicle, the TX7 is able to fill many roles making it a more practical expense for police agencies.<br /> <br /> Unlike the E7, the TX7 is based on an existing powertrain and chassis, which allowed Carbon to develop the truck in less than eight months, but the company has not yet announced where it got these components from. What we do know is that a diesel V8 producing at least 300 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque is under the hood, and it is paired to a four-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission.<br /> <br /> Referred to as a "multi mission vehicle," the TX7 is designed to be more practical than a standard SUV police vehicle while costing hundreds of thousands of dollars less than a full assault-type SWAT truck. Carbon spokesman Stacy Dean Stephens said that most specialized police vehicles, like SWAT trucks, are not used on a frequent basis, but the TX7's 10-passenger capacity makes it a versatile vehicle for first responders.<br /> <br /> "Command post vehicles and SWAT trucks can sit around unused for most of the year," Stephens said. "The TX7 can perform many different tasks while costing far less... including being a command post following natural disasters or acting as a prisoner transport."<br /> <br /> The TX7 is not available with the heavier armor meaning it won't be able to be used in all extreme situations, but Stephens also said it's a much less imposing vehicle than a SWAT vehicle, which he says can "scare the community."<br /> <br /> The Carbon TX7 is priced at $149,950, and with deliveries taking place during the second half of next year. <a href="/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/#continued">Scroll down</a> for the official press release.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Carbon Motors strikes back with new police truck</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/">Carbon Motors strikes back with new police truck</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20405255/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/carbon-motors-strikes-back-with-new-police-truck/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 carbon tx7</category><category>carbon motors</category><category>emergency vehicle</category><category>police car</category><category>police truck</category><category>tx7</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2013 Jaguar XJ AWD]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-first-drive-review/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-first-drive-review/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-first-drive-review/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/jaguar/" rel="tag">Jaguar</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/quick-spin/" rel="tag">Quick Spins</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-quick-spin/"><img alt="2013 Jaguar XJ AWD romping through the snow" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-qs.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 422px; " /></a><br /> <br /> Even though this year's winter has gotten off to an abnormally slow start for most of North America, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jaguar/">Jaguar</a> has shown the world it means business by launching its all-new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/instinctive+all+wheel+drive/">Instinctive All Wheel Drive</a> system in Montreal, Canada. Designed primarily for consumers in the Northern US and Canada, Jaguar put us on the same snowy, slushy and icy roads that many of its buyers will have to deal with. Rather than making declawed versions of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jaguar/xj/">XJ</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jaguar/xf/">XF</a>, Jag says this system enhances the performance abilities of its sedans when desired while still making them as fun to drive as their rear-wheel-drive counterparts. We had a chance to test out both the XF AWD and XJ AWD, but we spent most of our time behind the wheel of the flagship XJ, driving it on the open roads as well as a few closed courses.<br /> <br /> Considering the lengthy and convoluted history of the Jaguar brand - including a stint as a member of Ford's defunct Premier Automotive Group alongside <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volvo/">Volvo</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/aston+martin/">Aston Martin</a> - it is rather surprising that the automaker is just now getting around to introducing an all-wheel-drive system intended for widespread use, but the new Instinctive AWD will finally allow the XF, XJ and other future products to better compete against the likes of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/mercedes-benz/">Mercedes-Benz</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/4matic/">4Matic</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/xdrive/">xDrive</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/quattro/">Quattro</a>. In the XJ, Jaguar expects the AWD models to account for around 40 percent of the product mix nationwide and a little bit more (50 percent) for the XF, but in the northern states, it expects around 80 percent of XF sales to be AWD variants.<br /> <ul> <li> Instinctive AWD is rear-biased and operates as full rear-wheel drive in good weather, but when the road conditions turn slick, the system can split engine power 50:50 between front and rear axles using a center transfer case.</li> <li> In addition to driving the XJ AWD on the street, we had a chance to test out its abilities at the <a href="http://www.mecaglisse.com/">Mecaglisse motorsports complex</a> - about an hour and a half north of Montreal. On separate tracks normally used for motorcycle and rally car racing, Jaguar let us test out the XJ AWD and XF AWD for accelerating, braking and cornering on snow- and ice-covered asphalt and dirt tracks. Both of these circuits demonstrated the two different attitudes these cars can exhibit. With Winter mode on, the system does a great job of nannying the driver making sure the car keeps its footing and remains on the road, but staying true to Jag's motorsports heritage, the system can also be set to Dynamic to improve the performance of the car in bad weather giving the driver fewer safety nets to rely on. The complex also had courses set up for snowy slaloms and an icy, drift-friendly skidpad.</li> <li> Rather than being a part of an expensive option package, each AWD version of the XJ and XF will be an individual model. This means that getting the added benefit of all-wheel traction doesn't require buyers to opt for other unrelated packages (such as a cold-weather or technology package, for example) that some automakers force on buyers. On the XJ, AWD is offered on both regular and long-wheelbase XJL models.</li> <li> Neither the XJ nor the XF architectures were originally designed to accept all-wheel-drive, so Jaguar made extensive changes to parts of the car most people will never see, including the suspension, front floorboard and even some of the engine components. For example, to keep the engine low in the engine bay for optimal balance, the front driveshaft is actually built into the oil pan. All of the changes and added AWD parts increase the XJ's curb by less than 300 pounds.</li> <li> As the new base engine in the XJ, Instinctive AWD can only be had on cars equipped with the new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine. While this engine lacks the throaty exhaust note of the 5.0-liter V8, at virtually no point can its performance be faulted especially when factoring in the car's curb weight of just over two tons.</li> <li> The XJ AWD comes standard with Continental all-season tires, but Jaguar equipped our test cars with Pirelli M+S winter tires. While this certainly helped the cars handle better in the snow, Jaguar representatives noted this was done so to abide by Quebec law - and besides, these tires are available as an option.</li> <li> I was able to learn firsthand just how far the system allows the car to be pushed, too. In my first lap around the snow-covered off-road course in Winter mode, the Instinctive AWD and its associated systems interjected frequently to slow the car and help keep it on its intended path. On the ensuing laps, in Dynamic mode, things got a little hairier. With an instructor riding shotgun shouting driving instructions like a rally car co-pilot (to fully exhibit the car's potential in a short period of time), I spent most of the next two laps doing my best trying to go as quickly as possible while keeping the car on the track. I almost made it. On one portion, the surface was too icy and the dirt embankment just a bit too close. Egos and lower fascia were bruised, proving that not even winter tires and great AWD system can always save you from Mother Nature.</li> </ul><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-first-drive-review/">2013 Jaguar XJ AWD</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-first-drive-review/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20404488/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/2013-jaguar-xj-awd-first-drive-review/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 jaguar xj</category><category>2013 jaguar xj awd</category><category>instinctive all wheel drive</category><category>instinctive awd</category><category>jaguar</category><category>quick spin</category><category>quickspin</category><category>xj</category><category>xj awd</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Followup: Chevy says El Camino and Nomad trademark filings were just routine paperwork]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/chevy-says-el-camino-and-nomad-trademark-filings-were-just-routi/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/chevy-says-el-camino-and-nomad-trademark-filings-were-just-routi/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/chevy-says-el-camino-and-nomad-trademark-filings-were-just-routi/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-pontiac-g8-st/"><img height="394" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/pontial-g8-st.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> A slew of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/06/is-the-holden-ute-back-on-for-the-us/">recent trademark filings</a> by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gm/">General Motors</a> had us daydreaming about the return of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/">Chevrolet</a> models like the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/chevrolet+el+camino/">El Camino</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/chevrolet+nomad/">Nomad</a>, but alas, <em>Automotive News</em> is reporting that the automaker is just keeping up on its paperwork. In order to prevent losing the names to other companies, automakers have to routinely renew the trademark filings for previously used names.<br /> <br /> To realize the importance of name trademarks, we only have to look to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/fusion/">Ford Fusion</a>. As the story goes, Ford originally wanted to call this new sedan the Futura, but Pep Boys had assumed control of the name for a line of tires forcing Ford to choose another name. With the Holden Commodore heading back to the US as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ss/">Chevrolet SS</a>, we'd still like to believe there's a Holden Ute pickup heading our way with a bowtie on the grille.<br /> <br /> While the article all but shoots down our hopes of a new El Camino or Nomad, it makes no mention of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/zr2/">ZR2</a> name, which also recently came up in similar trademark paperwork and was an off-road-ready trim level on the S10 and Blazer.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/chevy-says-el-camino-and-nomad-trademark-filings-were-just-routi/">Chevy says El Camino and Nomad trademark filings were just routine paperwork</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/chevy-says-el-camino-and-nomad-trademark-filings-were-just-routi/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20405183/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/chevy-says-el-camino-and-nomad-trademark-filings-were-just-routi/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>chevrolet</category><category>el camino</category><category>nomad</category><category>trademark</category><category>trademark filing</category><category>zr2</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:28:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Official: BMW reveals updated 2014 Z4 roadster]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/detroit-auto-show/" rel="tag">Detroit Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-bmw-z4/"><img height="418" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2014-bmw-z4.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/">BMW</a> fans are looking forward to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a> to get a live look at the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/05/so-long-3-series-concept-4-series-coupe-previews-new-two-door/">4 Series Concept</a> and the exciting <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/2014-bmw-m6-gran-coupe-revealed/">M6 Gran Coupe</a>, but the show will also be used to introduce the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/bmw/z4/">2014 BMW Z4</a>.<br /> <br /> At first glance, there's nothing really new here. A trained eye will catch updates like the restyled headlights, fascias and fender vents, but overall, the styling of the sporty little roadster remains the same. The exterior of the car does add three new metallic colors including Mineral Grey, Glacier Silver and Valencia Orange. The big news for US buyers is the addition of the Hyper Orange Package on cars with the Valencia Orange exterior paint, which adds plenty of orange accents on the interior including Alcantara door inserts and contrasting seat stitching, but no pricing has been announced.<br /> <br /> While all of the changes to the US-spec Z4 are aesthetic, the European version of the car will be getting a new entry-level model called the Z4 sDrive18i. Using the same twin-turbo 2.0-liter I4 as the Z4 sDrive28i, this engine is detuned to 156 horsepower (down from 240 hp in the sDrive28i), and it is also paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.<br /> <br /> <a href="/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/#continued">Scroll down</a> for the 2014 Z4 press release.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW reveals updated 2014 Z4 roadster</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/">BMW reveals updated 2014 Z4 roadster</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20405933/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/bmw-reveals-updated-2014-z4-roadster/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2012 detroit auto show</category><category>2014 bmw z4</category><category>bmw</category><category>detroit</category><category>detroit 2012</category><category>z4</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teased: Cadillac teases production ELR ahead of Detroit Auto Show]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/detroit-auto-show/" rel="tag">Detroit Auto Show</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/cadillac/" rel="tag">Cadillac</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-cadillac-elr/"><img height="217" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/cadillac-elr-628.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gm/">General Motors</a> has just confirmed that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/elr/">2014 Cadillac ELR</a> will make its official debut next month at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show/">2013 Detroit Auto Show</a>. We've already seen the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/06/cadillac-elr-caught-testing-in-production-form/">ELR testing earlier this year</a> using the same range-extended electric drive system as the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/volt/">Chevrolet Volt</a>, and based on the shadowy image above, we're happy to see that the coupe's styling has stayed pretty true to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/11/detroit-2009-cadillac-converj-with-video/">2009 Converj Concept</a>.<br /> <br /> The two-door ELR will be built alongside the Volt at GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant starting later next year. Aside from this info, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/cadillac/">Cadillac</a> has remained tight-lipped on the specific details of the car. But all that will all change on January 15.<br /> <br /> Until then, all we have to offer you is the press release posted <a href="/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/#continued">after the jump</a>.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Cadillac teases production ELR ahead of Detroit Auto Show</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/">Cadillac teases production ELR ahead of Detroit Auto Show</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20406096/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/18/cadillac-teases-production-elr-ahead-of-detroit-auto-show/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2012 detroit auto show</category><category>2014 cadillac elr</category><category>cadillac</category><category>detroit</category><category>detroit 2012</category><category>elr</category><category>range extended electric vehicle</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:14:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Move to mandate rearview cameras could boost car prices by $200]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/move-to-mandate-rearview-cameras-could-boost-car-prices-by-200/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/move-to-mandate-rearview-cameras-could-boost-car-prices-by-200/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/move-to-mandate-rearview-cameras-could-boost-car-prices-by-200/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/" rel="tag">Safety</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a></p><img height="415" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/backup-camera-body-630.jpg" vspace="4" width="630" /><br /> <br /> It looks like we don't have much longer to wait to find out if rearview cameras will become the next safety device to become standard on new cars. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ray+lahood/">Ray LaHood</a> and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/department+of+transportation/">US Department of Transportation</a> could put this legislation to the vote by the end of the month to require all new vehicles in 2014 to be equipped with cameras in an effort to make cars safer. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/nhtsa-ready-to-submit-rearview-camera-mandate-to-congress/">LaHood delayed this vote back in February</a>.<br /> <br /> According to <em>The Detroit News</em>, adding such a camera would cost up to $203 to install on vehicles without an appropriate display screen and up to $88 for cars that already have a useable display. This relatively small cost could help reduce the number of people backed over each year, which accounts for around 300 deaths (including 100 children under the age of five) and injure close to 16,000 people annually.<br /> <br /> If passed, backup cameras would join features such as airbags, electronic stability control and tire pressure monitoring systems as recently added standard <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/safety/">safety</a> equipment.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/move-to-mandate-rearview-cameras-could-boost-car-prices-by-200/">Move to mandate rearview cameras could boost car prices by $200</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/move-to-mandate-rearview-cameras-could-boost-car-prices-by-200/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20404014/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/move-to-mandate-rearview-cameras-could-boost-car-prices-by-200/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>backup camera</category><category>ray lahood</category><category>rearview camera</category><category>standard backup camera</category><category>us department of transportation</category><category>vehicle safety regulations</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Video: Dodge vs. Chevy tug-of-war taken to the extreme]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/" rel="tag">Diesel</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ram/" rel="tag">Ram</a></p><a href="/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/#continued"><img height="329" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/redneck-tow-test-1355763846.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> They say "idle hands are the devil's playground," but said playgrounds grow to Disney-sized proportions when a pair of jacked-up trucks, two egos, a chain and an empty mall parking lot are involved. Proof of this is the video below, which shows a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/cummins/">Cummins</a>-powered <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/ram+hd/">Dodge Ram</a> circa 2006 to 2008 chained tail-to-tail with what looks to be a gasoline-powered <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/silverado/">Chevrolet Silverado</a> from the late 1990s or early 2000s.<br /> <br /> We don't necessarily have to tell you who wins this battle, but we'll let you see for yourself the lengths the "winning" driver goes to prove his point. There's plenty of foul language in the video <a href="/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/#continued">below</a>, so beware that this might be Not Safe For Work, and not that we should have to tell you, but please, do <em>not</em> try this at home.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Dodge vs. Chevy tug-of-war taken to the extreme</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/">Dodge vs. Chevy tug-of-war taken to the extreme</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20405059/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/dodge-vs-chevy-tug-of-war-taken-to-the-extreme/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2500</category><category>chevrolet</category><category>chevy</category><category>cummins</category><category>dodge</category><category>fail</category><category>general motors</category><category>gm</category><category>nsfw</category><category>ram</category><category>silverado</category><category>stupid stunts</category><category>towing fail</category><category>tug of war</category><category>tug-of-war</category><category>video</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Chrysler still on the fence about which brand will get next minivan]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossover</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/" rel="tag">Chrysler</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/dodge/" rel="tag">Dodge</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s/"><img alt="2013 Chrysler Town and Country S - front three-quarter with city backdrop." src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chrysler-town-and-country-s-628.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 483px; " /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/chrysler/">Chrysler</a> has had at least two minivans since it started the family-friendly craze back in 1984, but we've known for some time that one of two not-so-mini vans (the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/grand+caravan/">Dodge Grand Caravan</a> or <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler/town+and+country/">Chrysler Town and Country</a>) <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/11/chryslers-marchionne-says-only-one-minivan-per-brand-c-max-com/">would not survive for a next generation</a>. Last we heard, it was the Chrysler model that would be losing its sliding doors <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/30/marchionne-confirms-compass-town-and-country-to-die-dart-to-get/">in place of a crossover design</a>, but Chrysler execs have also said in the past that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/chrysler-ceo-votes-for-keeping-town-and-country-if-minivans-merge/">Chrysler would retain the minivan</a> design and the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/10/dodge-grand-caravan-avenger-to-be-replaced-by-fiat-based-crosso/">Grand Caravan would become a CUV</a>. Now, it seems like the automaker might be leaving this tough decision up to potential consumers, as the <em><a href="http://, but Chrysler execs have said in the past that the Chrysler would retain the minivan design. Now, it seems like Chrysler might be leaving this tough decision up to potential consumers as the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the automaker is currently showing off a quartet of concepts - a minivan and crossover for both Chrysler and Dodge - to consumer clinics before making a final decision. The report also says that whatever decision is made, the redesigned minivan and the all-new crossover would go on sale in 2014 for the 2015 model year. Combined, both minivans have accounted for almost 230,000 sales through November putting the duo well ahead of rivals like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. Over the last couple of years, there has been plenty of chatter about the future Chrysler's popular minivans including the return of all-wheel drive, the addition of a hybrid model and there was even a Chrysler-badged minivan concept vehicle at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. ">Detroit Free Press</a></em> is reporting that the automaker is currently showing off a quartet of concepts - a minivan and crossover for both Chrysler and <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/dodge/">Dodge</a> - to consumer clinics before making a final decision.<br /> <br /> The report also says that whatever decision is made, the redesigned minivan and the all-new crossover will likely go on sale in 2014 for the 2015 model year. Combined, both minivans have accounted for almost 230,000 sales through November, putting the duo well ahead of rivals like the <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/honda/odyssey/">Honda Odyssey</a> and <a href="http://autoblog.com/make/toyota/sienna/">Toyota Sienna</a>.<br /> <br /> Over the last couple of years, there has been plenty of chatter about the future Chrysler's popular minivans including the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/03/next-gen-chrysler-minivan-to-see-return-of-all-wheel-drive/">return of all-wheel drive</a>, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/marchionne-chrysler-planning-hybrid-minivan-for-2013/">addition of a hybrid model</a> and there was even the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/09/chrysler-700c-concept-minivan-detroit-2012/">Chrysler 700C minivan concept</a> vehicle at the 2012 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>, a surprise showcar that could inform the design of Chrysler's next-generation people movers.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/">Chrysler still on the fence about which brand will get next minivan</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20404699/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/chrysler-still-on-the-fence-about-which-brand-will-get-next-mini/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 chrysler town and country</category><category>2013 dodge grand caravan</category><category>chrysler</category><category>chrysler minivan</category><category>chrysler minivans</category><category>dodge</category><category>dodge minivan</category><category>grand caravan</category><category>minivan</category><category>town and country</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Ford to counter GM's new trucks by offering peek at 2015 F-150 in Detroit?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/ford-to-counter-gms-new-trucks-by-showing-2015-f-150-in-detroit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/ford-to-counter-gms-new-trucks-by-showing-2015-f-150-in-detroit/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/ford-to-counter-gms-new-trucks-by-showing-2015-f-150-in-detroit/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-ford-f-150-lariat/"><img alt="2013 Ford F-150 pickup - front three-quarter view" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-ford-f150-pickup-01-1338587289.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 416px; " /></a><br /> <br /> With the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ram/1500/">Ram 1500</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/silverado/">Chevrolet Silverado</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gmc/sierra/">GMC Sierra</a> all getting major upgrades recently, there has also been plenty of speculation how <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/">Ford</a> will respond as it looks to maintain its title as America's best-selling truck. Last week, <em>Automotive News</em> reported that Ford is looking to make a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/">significant fuel economy gain</a> with its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/f-150/">2015 F-150</a>, and now <em>Reuters</em> is saying that the automaker will be offering some sort of peek at the new truck at next month's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/detroit-auto-show/">Detroit Auto Show</a>.<br /> <br /> The report seems to indicate that Ford might have a concept vehicle on display at the show, but when <em>Autoblog</em> reached out to the Blue Oval for comment, Mike Levine, Ford's truck communications manager, told us "we're highlighting our all-new global lineup of commercial vehicles at NAIAS, including the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/">Transit</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-shows-off-commercial-version-of-new-transit-connect/">Transit Connect</a> vans. We have no other news to announce at this time."<br /> <br /> Thus, Ford could be showing absolutely nothing related to its F-Series future, or it might clandestinely slip something onto its display - a rendering, perhaps, a cutaway vehicle, a technology display, a concept, or perhaps a full-blown production vehicle, although the latter strikes us as highly unlikely given how far away the new production model actually figures to be. <br /> <br /> All reports do seem to point to the fact that the next F-150, which could debut in late 2014 for the 2015 model year, will feature <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/will-ford-turn-to-aluminum-for-body-of-next-f-150-maybe/">extensive use of aluminum body panels</a> to help shave more than 700 pounds from its curb weight in order to help improve fuel economy by as much as 20 percent.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/ford-to-counter-gms-new-trucks-by-showing-2015-f-150-in-detroit/">Ford to counter GM's new trucks by offering peek at 2015 F-150 in Detroit?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:16:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/ford-to-counter-gms-new-trucks-by-showing-2015-f-150-in-detroit/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20404917/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/ford-to-counter-gms-new-trucks-by-showing-2015-f-150-in-detroit/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2015 ford f-150</category><category>detroit</category><category>detroit auto show</category><category>detroit auto show 2013</category><category>f-150</category><category>f-series</category><category>ford</category><category>naias</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:16:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2014 Maserati Ghibli prototype spied for the first time]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2014-maserati-ghibli-prototype-spied-for-the-first-time/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2014-maserati-ghibli-prototype-spied-for-the-first-time/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2014-maserati-ghibli-prototype-spied-for-the-first-time/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/maserati/" rel="tag">Maserati</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-maserati-ghibli-spy-shots/"><img height="419" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/maserati-ghibli-spy-shots.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> Looking to better compete with mainstream luxury automakers, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/maserati/">Maserati</a> has already <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/maserati-dubs-new-suv-levante-new-sedan-to-resurrect-ghibli-mon/">announced its plans</a> for expanding its model lineup. Now, these spy shots give us our first look at a new, smaller sedan that resurrects the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ghibli/">Maserati Ghibli</a> nameplate. Seen for the first time as a prototype rather than a Quattroporte-based test-mule, this is the closest-to-production view of the upcoming Ghibli thus far. <br /> <br /> Aside from its name, we don't know much about the 2014 Ghibli, but we do hear that this Maserati, like the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/maserati+levante/">Maserati Levante</a> SUV, will have a direct lineage to a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler/">Chrysler</a> product. While the Levante will be based on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/jeep/grand+cherokee/">Jeep Grand Cherokee</a>, it sounds like the Ghibli could use the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler/300/">Chrysler 300</a> as its starting point. This means that the standard version of the car could get Chrysler's 3.6-liter <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/pentastar+v6/">Pentastar V6</a> - rumored to produce around 400 horsepower - paired with the latest eight-speed automatic transmission; sportier trim levels would almost certainly get a V8 from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ferrari/">Ferrari</a> rather than using the 300C's Hemi.<br /> <br /> As for some of the details apparent in the spy photos, we can obviously see the size difference between these two cars when comparing previous spy shots of the newly released <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/new-maserati-quattroporte-revealed-before-detroit-debut/">2014 Quattroporte</a>, which <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/12/2014-maserati-quattroporte-first-drive-review-video/">we drove last week</a>. We also see that this car gets some performance-oriented, cross-drilled brake rotors, and based on the depth of the snow in which this car was caught testing, we also wouldn't rule out the use of all-wheel-drive on the Ghibli.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2014-maserati-ghibli-prototype-spied-for-the-first-time/">2014 Maserati Ghibli prototype spied for the first time</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2014-maserati-ghibli-prototype-spied-for-the-first-time/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20404732/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2014-maserati-ghibli-prototype-spied-for-the-first-time/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2014 maserati ghibli</category><category>ghibli</category><category>maserati</category><category>spy photos</category><category>spy shots</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Video: Honda begins 2013 Civic Si marketing by getting animated]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a></p><a href="/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/#continued"><img height="251" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/animated-2013-honda-civic-si.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> Just one model year after a complete redesign, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/">Honda</a> saw fit to make some pretty big changes to the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/civic/">Civic</a> for 2013. Now, with the car about to hit dealers, we're getting our first look at the company's advertising direction for its high-volume compact car. Done as a comic-book-style action cartoon, this video is for the sportier <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/civic si/">Civic Si</a> models and is obviously geared toward younger, more enthusiast-oriented buyers.<br /> <br /> In the video, our two hero drivers pilot a Civic Si coupe and sedan against a bunch of <em>Mad Max</em>-like vehicles with <em>Tron</em>-like consequences. Like any good commercial, this ad crams many of the car's key features into the two-minute video showing off new features like Bluetooth and a text message reader.<br /> <br /> Check out the video posted <a href="/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/#continued">after the jump</a>.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Honda begins 2013 Civic Si marketing by getting animated</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/">Honda begins 2013 Civic Si marketing by getting animated</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20403827/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/honda-begins-2013-civic-si-marketing-by-getting-animated/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 honda civic</category><category>2013 honda civic si</category><category>car commercial</category><category>civic</category><category>civic si</category><category>honda</category><category>video</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 19:58:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Truck decked out in festive lights gets owner a ticket for Christmas [w/video]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/" rel="tag">Etc.</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/government-legal/" rel="tag">Government/Legal</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a></p><a href="/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/#continued"><img alt="Truck in Christmas lights" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/lights-truck.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 628px; height: 417px;" /></a><br /> <br /> Nobody likes getting a ticket from the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/police/">police</a>, but a $300 fine given to David Hill of Wichita, KS could prove to be some of the cheapest PR a charity could receive. Hill had his <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/f-series+super+duty/">Ford F-350 Super Duty</a> covered in 856 Christmas lights to help raise awareness to his charity, One Spark Can Start a Fire, when a Wichita police officer pulled him over and ticketed him for being a distraction on the road and illegally displaying red and blue lights on a vehicle (although it's hard to believe that anyone could confuse this truck for any sort of emergency vehicle).<br /> <br /> The lights were attached to the truck using magnets and powered by an 8,000-Watt generator mounted in the bed of the truck. The lights are a great way to draw local attention to his charity, but Hill sees the ticket as a way he can draw even more attention to One Spark, which is a non-profit organization intent on performing random acts of kindness such as collecting clothes and providing food for the homeless, according to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/onesparkcanstartafire">the organization's Facebook page</a>.<br /> <br /> Be sure to <a href="/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/#continued">scroll down</a> to watch the news report video, and check out Hill's charitable cause <a href="http://www.1spark.net/">here</a>.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Truck decked out in festive lights gets owner a ticket for Christmas [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/">Truck decked out in festive lights gets owner a ticket for Christmas [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20401542/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/truck-decked-out-in-festive-lights-gets-owner-a-ticket-for-chris/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>charity</category><category>david hill</category><category>f-350</category><category>ford</category><category>one spark can start a fire</category><category>police</category><category>super duty</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 16:01:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Auctions: George W. Bush's Ford F-150 to be auctionated at this year's Barrett-Jackson]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/auction-action/" rel="tag">Auctions</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/celebrities/" rel="tag">Celebrities</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctioned-at-barrett-jackson/"><img height="418" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/george-bush-truck-barrett-jackson-628.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> President <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/bush/">George W. Bush</a> was known as much for the many liberties he took with the English language as he was for being a Texan, and, in the latter regard, it is not all that surprising that the 43rd President's truck of choice was a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/f-150/">Ford F-150</a>... the key word here, of course, being <em>was</em>. The truck used by the former president around his Crawford, TX ranch, a 2009 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/">Ford</a> F-150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew, will be auctioned off at <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/barrett-jackson/">Barrett-Jackson</a> next month with the proceeds of the sale going to the <a href="http://www.fisherhouse.org">Fisher House Foundation</a>.<br /> <br /> President Bush bought the truck new in 2009, and used it to drive around his ranch with families and dignitaries. As a part of the auction, President Bush autographed the instrument panel, and there will also be an accompanying video of him signing and driving the truck. It isn't clear how many miles are on the F-150, but it sounds like not too many, if any, were from driving on public roads.<br /> <br /> "I haven't driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch," said President Bush. "I want to thank all those who are supporting the Fisher House. In supporting the Fisher House, you're supporting our veterans. And in supporting our veterans, you're helping America."<br /> <br /> More about the Barrett-Jackson auction is posted <a href="/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/#continued">after the jump</a>.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>George W. Bush's Ford F-150 to be auctionated at this year's Barrett-Jackson</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/">George W. Bush's Ford F-150 to be auctionated at this year's Barrett-Jackson</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20402135/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/15/george-w-bushs-ford-f-150-to-be-auctionated-at-this-years-bar/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2009 ford f-150</category><category>auction</category><category>barrett-jackson</category><category>bush</category><category>f-150</category><category>f-series</category><category>fisher house foundation</category><category>ford</category><category>george w. bush</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2012 11:56:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Automakers score 8 out of top 20 most-watched ads on YouTube [w/videos]]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/audi/" rel="tag">Audi</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chevrolet/" rel="tag">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/chrysler/" rel="tag">Chrysler</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/honda/" rel="tag">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/toyota/" rel="tag">Toyota</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/humor/" rel="tag">Humor</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/fiat/" rel="tag">Fiat</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tv-movies/" rel="tag">TV/Movies</a></p><a href="/2012/12/13/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/#continued"><img height="353" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volkswagen-the-bark-side-ad.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> Who would have ever thought there'd be a day where people are able to skip television commercials only to go to websites to watch them later? Such is the joy of a DVR and YouTube. <em>AdWeek</em> tabulated the 20 most-watched ads on YouTube, and found that nine were car-related including eight coming from automakers.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> continued its <em>Star Wars</em> theme with two ads in the top 20, including the highest-ranking car commercial <em>The Bark Side</em> spot at number three with almost 18 million views, which doesn't even have a single car in it. Some of our favorites are from <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler/">Chrysler</a> with Clint Eastwood in <em>It's Halftime in America</em> and <em>House Arrest</em> with Charlie Sheen for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/fiat/500+abarth/">Fiat 500 Abarth</a>. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/">Chevrolet</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/">Honda</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/audi/">Audi</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a> were the other automakers in the top 20, but we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention one of the coolest ads on the list, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/hot-wheels-nails-big-boy-world-record-corkscrew-jump/">Hot Wheels corkscrew jump</a>.<br /> <br /> Of all the car videos, only the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/fiat/">Fiat</a> ad wasn't played during a Super Bowl. Check out all eight videos - in order - <a href="/2012/12/13/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/#continued">after the jump</a>. Nike took the top spot with its <em>My Time is Now</em> ad that has been seen online more than 20 million times with Pepsi's <em>Uncle Drew</em> posted up in the runner-up; some of the other videos include four Old Spice commercials and an ad in which Snoop Dogg is pedaling Hot Pockets.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Automakers score 8 out of top 20 most-watched ads on YouTube [w/videos]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/">Automakers score 8 out of top 20 most-watched ads on YouTube [w/videos]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:02:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20403133/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/automakers-score-8-out-of-top-20-most-watched-ads-on-youtube-w/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>advertising</category><category>audi</category><category>car commercials</category><category>chevrolet</category><category>honda</category><category>hot wheels</category><category>most popular commercials of 2012</category><category>toyota</category><category>tv commercials</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>youtube</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Ford F-150 to counter new GM pickups with 3-mpg improvement]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-ford-f-150-lariat/"><img height="410" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/2013-ford-f-150-628.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> A new battle is brewing among fullsize <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/">pickup trucks</a>. On top of boasting horsepower or towing capacity figures, it seems the next generation of pickup trucks will also be getting pretty serious about fuel economy. With <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/gm/">General Motors</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ram/">Ram</a> recently unveiling their latest pickups, <em>Automotive News</em> is reporting that <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/">Ford</a> is working on the next-generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/f-150/">F-150</a>, which is expected to include a lighter curb weight and higher fuel economy.<br /> <br /> Reports of Ford <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/will-ford-turn-to-aluminum-for-body-of-next-f-150-maybe/">cutting weight and using aluminum to do so</a> on the next F-150 aren't new, but the AN article is finally putting a possible target fuel economy to go along with the expected 700- to 750-pound weight reduction. Currently, the F-150 with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ecoboost/">EcoBoost</a> delivers the best highway mileage of up to 23 miles per gallon, which is off the pace of the 2013 Ram 1500 that stands as the fuel economy leader (for now) with up to 25 mpg on the highway. But Ford may be looking at a three-mpg gain on its new truck; official EPA ratings for the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chevrolet/silverado/">2014 Chevrolet Silverado</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/gmc/sierra/">2014 GMC Sierra</a> have not been released yet.<br /> <br /> The article also mentions small-displacement (2.9 liters) engines and a shared <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/toyota/">Toyota</a> hybrid technology, but it isn't clear if either would be used in the 2016 F-150. Until then, AN says that Ford is planning to bring an eight-speed automatic to its fullsize truck within the next couple of year.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/">Ford F-150 to counter new GM pickups with 3-mpg improvement</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20403362/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/ford-f-150-to-counter-new-gm-pickups-with-3-mpg-improvement/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>f-150</category><category>f-150 fuel economy</category><category>ford</category><category>pickup truck fuel economy</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 15:31:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Report: Volkswagen Routan production halted, could lead to vehicle's demise]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/plants-manufacturing/" rel="tag">Plants/Manufacturing</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/volkswagen/" rel="tag">Volkswagen</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-routan/"><img alt="2010 Volkswagen Routan - front three-quarter view, white" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/routan-630.jpg" style="margin-top: 4px; margin-bottom: 4px; width: 630px; height: 384px; " /></a><br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/routan/">Volkswagen Routan</a> has quietly been out of production since July, but with a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/volkswagen-confirms-three-row-utility-for-detroit-no-routan-rep/">new three-row crossover</a> on the way and a recent <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/sergio-marchionne-calls-vw-execs-reprehensible-singles-out-pi/">back</a>-and-<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-and-fiat-offering-1-000-rebates-to-vw-owners-as-marchi/">forth</a> spat between <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/volkswagen/">Volkswagen</a> executives and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/Sergio+Marchionne/">Sergio Marchionne</a> of <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/fiat/">Fiat</a>, it's probable that the 2012 model year could be the last for this minivan. The current agreement for <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler/">Chrysler</a> to build the Routan in Windsor, Ontario lasts through 2014, but <em>Automotive News</em> is reporting that VW might be looking to renegotiate the deal early next year.<br /> <br /> Aside from any of the political issues going on between the two automakers, the truth of the matter is that the Routan just isn't selling well. So far this year, VW has sold just 9,923 units of the badge-engineered minivan, down 17 percent from last year. Almost all of the other entrants in the segment have enjoyed double-digit sales increases this year including the Chrysler trio of vans (<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/grand+caravan/">Dodge Grand Caravan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/chrysler/town+and+country/">Chrysler Town and Country</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ram/">Ram</a> C/V), <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/honda/odyssey/">Honda Odyssey</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/nissan/quest/">Nissan Quest</a>. Overall, the Grand Caravan remains the top-selling minivan through November with 127,308 units sold, and Chrysler as a whole continues to dominate the segment it created with total minivan sales of 236,195 across its <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/dodge/">Dodge</a>, Chrysler and Ram brands.<br /> <br /> To make matters even worse for the Routan, the minivan market is about to add another (admittedly left-field) competitor into the mix when <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/">Ford</a> returns to the segment with the long-wheelbase <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/2014-ford-transit-connect-wagon-brings-minivans-back-to-the-blue/">2014 Transit Connect</a>.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/">Volkswagen Routan production halted, could lead to vehicle's demise</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20402513/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/volkswagen-routan-production-halted-could-lead-to-vehicles-dem/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2013 volkswagen routan</category><category>minivan</category><category>routan</category><category>routan production</category><category>volkswagen</category><category>vw</category><category>windsor</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 14:31:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Official: Would you like your Ford Transit in Large, XL or XXL?]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/minivans/" rel="tag">Minivan/Van</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/commercial-trucks/" rel="tag">Work</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2014-ford-transit-live/"><img height="410" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/001-2014-ford-transit-live628opt.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> Get ready plumbers, ambulance drivers and airport shuttles; the <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/transit/">2014 Ford Transit</a> is finally here... almost. Ahead of the truck going on sale next fall, <a href="http://autoblog.com/ford/">Ford</a> dropped most of the details for its new fullsize van, but, as is the case with any vehicle unveiled so far ahead of its release date, pricing, engine power and fuel economy figures were not announced.<br /> <br /> Using the Transit's European styling to its advantage, Ford is actually able to offer more build configurations including two wheelbases, three overall lengths and three roof heights. In base form, the Transit will ride on a 129.9-inch wheel base with an 83.2-inch tall roof, and the biggest version will add almost 20 inches to the wheelbase and almost 30 inches to the roof height. Customers will also be able to choose from folding or sliding side doors and side panels with or without side windows as well as chassis cab and cutaway models.<br /> <br /> Under the hood, the Transit will replace the thirsty V8 and V10 engines from the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/e-series/">E-Series</a> with a trio of smaller engines aimed at improving fuel economy without sacrificing capability. The base engine is the 3.7-liter V6 that is able to run on E85, but Ford also designed it to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG). Optional engines includes the 3.5-liter <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/ecoboost/">EcoBoost</a> V6 and the 3.2-liter <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/myford+touch/">Power Stroke</a> turbo diesel five-cylinder. All engines will be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.<br /> <br /> The big advantage the Transit will have is its interior. The high-roof version will be able to provide 80 percent more cargo volume than the E-Series, and for easier loading of cargo, the rear doors are able to swing open a full 270 degrees; all of the cargo versions have been for easy upfitting of shelves, racks or just about anything necessary to make it easier for companies to get the job done. The long-wheelbase passenger model can accommodate up to 15 passengers, and the Transit will be available with <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/myford+touch/">MyFord Touch</a> and navigation displayed on a 6.5-inch touch screen.<br /> <br /> <a href="/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/#continued">Scroll down</a> for the official press release for Ford's all-new van.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Would you like your Ford Transit in Large, XL or XXL?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/">Would you like your Ford Transit in Large, XL or XXL?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20403501/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/would-you-like-your-ford-transit-in-large-xl-or-xxl/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>2014 ford transit</category><category>commercial van</category><category>e-series</category><category>ford</category><category>ford e-series</category><category>transit</category><category>van</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Video: Watch the world's first all-electric monster truck quietly crush some cars]]></title><link>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/</guid><comments>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/trucks/" rel="tag">Truck</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/ford/" rel="tag">Ford</a></p><a href="/2012/12/13/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/#continued"><img height="398" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/electric-bigfoot-628.jpg" vspace="4" width="628" /></a><br /> <br /> One of the best parts about watching a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/monster+truck/">monster truck</a> show is hearing (and feeling) the engines roar to life, but one of the sport's most iconic trucks is proving that car-crushing fun doesn't have to involve burning even a drop of gasoline (or alcohol, as the case may be). Odyssey Battery and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/bigfoot/">Bigfoot</a> have teamed up to create what they are claiming to be the world's first electric monster truck.<br /> <br /> EnerSys, parent company of Odyssey Battery, supplied 36 drycell batteries (upgraded versions of a standard car battery) to provide juice to a specially designed motor that produces 350 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque - far less than the 1,000+ hp produced by today's average monster truck. Instead of roaring to life, the electric Bigfoot No. 20 quietly whirs around the parking, which in the video makes it sound like a life-sized Power Wheels, before laying waste to a couple of down-and-out Ford Taurus sedans. Like the monster trucks you can see at just about any stadium around the country, this Bigfoot has tires that make crushing cars easy and four-wheel steering for better maneuverability. In all, the truck's 36 batteries add an extra 1,375 pounds, and while the system includes on-board battery chargers, there is no word on how long such a job would take.<br /> <br /> <a href="/2012/12/13/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/#continued">Scroll down</a> to watch the all-electric <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/ford/f-series+super+duty/">Ford Super Duty</a> Bigfoot become a silent destroyer, just don't expect this truck to be in competition anytime soon as it's just expected to be a display or parade vehicle for the time being.<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Watch the world's first all-electric monster truck quietly crush some cars</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/">Watch the world's first all-electric monster truck quietly crush some cars</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblog</a> on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/20402653/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/watch-the-worlds-first-all-electric-monster-truck-quietly-crush/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>bigfoot</category><category>electric bigfoot</category><category>electric monster truck</category><category>monster truck</category><category>odyssey battery</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jeffrey N. Ross]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:45:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>