Misc. Auto Shows auto news

Noticing Anything New? Autoblog 4.0 is Here

As you all must have noticed by now, Autoblog 4.0 is here. It's the fourth revision of the site since it launched in July 2004 and offers more features for finding the content you want without compromising the flow of posts you need to get through the day.

Since this project was like stuffing a supercharged V8 where a turbo four-cylinder once resided, there are bound to be issues with the site for the some people, and we're working hard to correct them as quickly as possible. As for the commenting system that didn't get attention this time around, we have people hard at work developing a new system that will debut in the near future.

In the meantime, the short fix that corrects most issues is performing a hard refresh of your browser. Simply hold down your Shift key and click Refresh on your browser to reset the site. If that doesn't do the trick, send us a note at feedback@autoblog.com and explain your issue, let us know what browser and version you're using, and include a screen shot of the issue if possible. You can also take a tour of all the new features by clicking here. Thanks for the great response so far, and we've got more big news coming next week!

REPORT: We may not see the Bugatti Bordeaux at Frankfurt show after all

Following the release of a couple of teaser images showing what was tipped as an upcoming new model from Bugatti, the automotive press has been all up in a frenzy speculating over the form that the highly anticipated new car will take. But while the conclusion was that the car would be unveiled to the public at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, new reports suggest otherwise.

According to sources inside the company, Bugatti will indeed be showing a new concept in Frankfurt - but only to a select group of customers to gauge reactions among its exclusive clientele. And while it may seem like a waste to bring a concept car to the show only to keep it hidden, it may be indicative that the car itself won't be ready for a full public unveiling, for which we'll apparently have to wait a little longer. In the meantime, Bugatti will reportedly be back up to its old tricks with - yep, you guessed it - yet another special edition Veyron at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where sister company Bentley will be unveiling its own new super-luxe saloon. Stay tuned for more.

Infiniti to virtually preview next-generation M sedan at Pebble Beach

2008 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Used to be if an automaker wanted to unveil a new product, the car in question had to, you know... actually be there. But Infiniti will take advantage of new technologies to bridge the gap between virtual and reality at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it intends to give the public a preview of its next-generation M sedan.

Rather than rolling in the car itself, Infiniti will use "virtual video mapping" to project the car's details onto a clay model that will give the effect of seeing the car in the flesh in advance of the production model's anticipated debut in December. The public will be able to watch the event from home as well thanks to a a webcast on Infiniti's website, giving Nissan's luxury division all the exposure without the frantic preparation. Think it'll work out? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

2009 Art Center Car Classic, celebrating "Air, Land & Sea"

2009 Art Center Car Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Art Center College of Design has had a profound influence over car design for nearly eighty years. Located in Pasadena, CA, the Art Center has an alumni list that is the who's who of the automotive design world: Chris Bangle, Henrik Fisker, Chip Foose, J Mays, Freeman Thomas, and others. Since 2003, the famous college has opened up its doors to the public for an inside look at the facilities as well as a car show that celebrates the ever-changing shape of the automobile.

The theme for 2009 was "Air, Land & Sea," making for an even more eclectic group of cars that usually gathers on the campus grass. Showers enjoyed everything from a 1944 Volkswagen Schwimmwagen to a 1962 Roth Air Car to an original 1967 Batmobile brought by George Barris. Jay Leno, a faithful entrant to the show, brought out his EcoJet that seems to have become one of his favorite rides. Our thanks go out to Andre Ravinowich, who filled in for the SoCal Autobloggers that were unable to attend. Check out his high-res 50-shot gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Art Center Car Classic

Photos copyright (C)2009 Andrew Ravinowich

VIDEO: Unlikely Goodwood - Rod Millen's Toyota Tacoma charges up the hill

Last year, Rod Millen took his Toyota Tacoma Pike's Peak runner to the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Looking, sounding, and handling nothing like a Tacoma, and powered by - according to the caption - a "2-little turbocharged 4-cylinder," Millen flings the thing up the hill, all the while the forced-induction drivetrain is chattering away like a pack of rabid chipmunks. He manages to avoid the hay bales, but then nearly collects what looks like a Bowler Nemesis at the end for his troubles. Follow the jump to watch the video.

Continue reading VIDEO: Unlikely Goodwood - Rod Millen's Toyota Tacoma charges up the hill

Spanish Fly: Tramontana spotted strafing Swiss airport in full jet fighter regalia

Autoblog reader David Kaiser has sent us some truly stunning images of Spain's most unique supercar, the Tramontana F1, painted in full jet fighter warpaint, attending a St. Moritz Automobile Club event in the Swiss Alps. The gathering took place on July 4 at the Engadin Airport, which at 5,600 feet, claims to be the highest European airfield that is in operation year-round. About 50 cars and 20 airplanes showed up for the show in the ski resort town, and it looks like we missed a great event.

We can't think of a more appropriate setting for the canopy'd and wing-laden Tramontana than an airport, not to mention one as spectacular as the one captured here in Kaiser's photographs. While we've only ever seen the twin-turbo V12-powered Tramontana F1 sitting static at auto shows, it certainly looks like it is capable of a wicked turn of speed.

According to our Zurich-based photographer, the airport's runways were closed for an hour, giving the chance for a gaggle of supercars past and present to take to the tarmac. Those cars included an Aston Martin Zagato, Bentley Continental GTC, along with some tremendous classics including a Jaguar E-Type and a stunningly restored Rolls Royce Hurricane. Naturally, the Tramontana took a turn as well, and our man Kaiser reports that: "The sound of the Tramontana is amazing, [upon its] approach, you don't hear almost anything, then a high scream similar to a jet appears when the car passes." Check out the high-res gallery below and the links below for more info. Thanks, David!

Gallery: Tramontana in fighter plane regalia

Hot Shot: Another (official) pic of the New Grand Bentley

Car magazine has been keeping up on the story of the New Grand Bentley, aided by someone at Crewe who's been snapping illicit shots of the vehicle. This is Bentley's next official photo, however, and unless the British automaker has thrown a MacGuffin into the plot, it appears to contradict one of Car's assertions when speaking of its own spy shots: "It's not clearly visible on these shots, but the rear door handles will be hidden...." Have a look at the high-res photo and you'll see the opposite of a hidden door handle.

According to Car, the "Project Kimberley" Bentley will get a version of the company's long serving 6.75-liter V8 that's "been given a thorough makeover" and all-wheel-drive, but no long-wheebase version. According to us, while it is impossible to be sure, it looks like the trailing edge of the C-pillar might extend beyond the rear window, which would be appealingly Euro-gangster if true.

And if you're keeping track, four of the nine movies are now available for viewing at www.newgrandbentley.com. Remember, though, that we're only about halfway through the marathon tease, so don't expect to see much. You can read more about the car's unveiling at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance next month after the jump.

Gallery: New Grand Bentley

Continue reading Hot Shot: Another (official) pic of the New Grand Bentley

Pics Aplenty: Jaguar lets the cat out of the bag with XKR Goodwood Special

With its aggressive stance, classic lines and deep-throated growl, it'd take a really breathtaking array of exotic machinery to let a car like the Jaguar XKR go by unnoticed. Unfortunately for Jaguar, that's exactly what rolls up Lord March's lawn every summer for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The stoic British marque has a long history of participation in the event, and came this year with its 225mph XFR and a host of rare classics. But apparently eager to make its mark, Jaguar turned up with a special-edition XKR, painting it a retina-burning shade of lime green with orange decals, just to make sure it got noticed.

The Goodwood Special upgrades the stock XKR with a lowered suspension, retuned exhaust, 21-inch alloys and satin graphite trim replacing the chrome. But the real treat is under the hood, where Coventry's finest have squeezed out a further twenty ponies from the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 for a total of 530 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. Considering that the (anything but) ordinary 510 hp version rockets to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds, the extra power promises to take the sport coupe into even more rarified territory. Unfortunately for the time being the Goodwood Special remains a one-off, but Jaguar is reportedly keeping its ear to the ground for enough feedback to offer a limited production run. Check out the high-res gallery of images by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar Goodwood Special XKR

Influential Ferraris to be featured on Pebble Peach lawn

1959 Ferrari TR 59 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's just about that time of the year when we start gearing up for Monterey car week, and the various events have started to announce what exactly we can look forward to at all the shows, races, and auctions. The Pebble Beach Concours, the pinnacle of the week, has already pronounced Bentley and Bugatti as the featured marques for 2009, and it looks like quite a few historic Ferrari motorcars will be joining them on the 18th fairway.

The world's most prestigious car show will bring together some of the most influential Ferraris of all time including 10 of the 25 1949 166 MM Touring Barchettas and all four of the remaining Ferrari TR 59s. The 166 MM is perhaps the cornerstone of Ferrari's road racing heritage, winning the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. The 59 TR, an evolution of the legendary 250 TR, was also successful on track, capturing victory at its debut at Sebring in 1959 and at Le Mans a year later. Both cars have also inspired designs from Ferrari and other companies for the last several decades. You can learn more about both cars in the press release after the jump, and be sure to browse through our high-res gallery of the 59 TR below.

Gallery: 1959 Ferrari TR 59

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Influential Ferraris to be featured on Pebble Peach lawn

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009 Mega Gallery

The Goodwood Festival of Speed took place last weekend at the Earl of March's home in West Sussex, England. Like every year, this event attracted throngs of auto fans from around the world, as well as celebrities (Jay Leno, Peter Fonda, Jesse James, etc.), manufacturers and motorsports teams.

The Hillclimb that takes place on 1.19 miles of Goodwood Estate's parkland roads served as the main attraction, and we've got plenty of shots of the action. Vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss (driven by Moss himself, no less), Bertone Mantide, a McLaren F1 GTR, Porsche 911 GT1, Pagoni Zonda Cinque, Audi R15 TDI and a whole bunch of F1 cars can be seen attacking the hill. A few NASCAR race cars from various eras even jumped the puddle to attend. We've also got photo coverage of the Forest Rally Stage, as well as shots of the general atmosphere on the Earl of March's lawn over the weekend.

Check it all out in the gallery below, complete with descriptions to help you follow along.

Gallery: Goodwood Festival of Speed 2009

[Photos: Tim Brown/ Motion Captured, Flickr]