Tag Archives: SEMA

Automobiles

Horatio McCallister Would Approve of These Fiat 500s

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By John Lamm

Fiat 500 Personal Watercraft

Horatio McCallister is from Springfield, Oregon, where he captains a number of ships and owns his own seafood restaurant, The Frying Dutchman. In his free time, he teaches sailing and operates the projector on movie nights at a local summer camp, runs “a small academy for lobsters,” and once captained the yacht of eccentric billionaire Artie Ziff. If we had to guess which Fiat best suited Mr. McCallister, we’d put our money on one of the trio of 500s the Italian marque showed off at the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California.

Fiat 500 Personal Watercraft

You see, the three 500s Fiat brought to California—a standard model, a cabrio, and an Abarth—are the closest things yet to the amphibious Fiats made famous by the brand’s commercial signifying its return to America. In fact, they’re actually personal watercraft with 500 body shells constructed around them. In addition to the PWCs-turned-Cinquecentos, Fiat also brought along its fantastically cool 500C Beach Cruiser that debuted at last year’s SEMA show.

Fiat 500 Personal Watercraft

Of course, Fiat isn’t the first manufacturer of quirky subcompacts to convert one of its offerings into a seagoing vessel. Mini grafted the body shell and accessories off one of its convertible models onto a boat and went for a pleasant cruise on the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts, last fall. If we’re lucky, maybe we could stage a small regatta between the seagoing Fiats and Minis and call it The America’s Teacup. If either manufacturer is interested, we can recommend the name of a great captain.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Official: Honda Factory Performance pack now available for Accord V6 Coupe

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By Jonathon Ramsey

2013 Honda Accord HFP - front three-quarter view, blue

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When the Honda Factory Performance package debuted for the 2013 Honda Accord at SEMA last year, we were told it would come as optional fitment for both the four-cylinder and V6 Accords. Now that Honda has put it on sale, however, it’s only for the V6, at least for now.

The upgraded coupe will be limited to just 500 copies, and it will be known by its 15-millimeter-lower ride height thanks to a sport suspension, exclusive 19-inch wheels on summer tires, ground effects all around the car and HFP badging. Interior updates will be limited to red illumination and HFP floormats.

Honda says the package will cost $4,620 – a $30 drop from the price announced at SEMA – not including installation, and it come with a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty if you have it put on when buying the car new. The press release below can tell you more.

Continue reading Honda Factory Performance pack now available for Accord V6 Coupe

Honda Factory Performance pack now available for Accord V6 Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jul 2013 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

Geneva: Toyota RAV4 "Adventure" brings the butch

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By Chris Paukert

2013 Toyota RAV4 Adventure - front three-quarter view, Geneva Motor Show reveal

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Just last week, your humble author had a 2013 Toyota RAV4 in his garage, and he couldn’t help noting that even in mid-level XLE trim, its aesthetics lacked oomph, due in large part to its cheap-looking black bumpers and airy-looking wheel wells. Judging by the RAV4 “Adventure” on display at the Geneva Motor Show, someone at Toyota must’ve been thinking the same thing.

With Japan’s biggest automaker understandably focused on bigger reveals, information on this butched-up softroader has proven to be hard to come by, with no press materials whatsoever. We don’t even know if this is a pure concept or if it’s actually being considered for production. Either way, we approve. The 20-inch dark-finish alloys probably don’t do much for ride quality, but they certainly look nicely aggressive, as does the new lower fascia with its prominent lower lip. Other changes include beefier wheel arches, side rails, headlamps with integrated LEDs, twin-element fog lamps and mesh grille inserts. All of the changes are quite well integrated – enough so that the Adventure largely avoids looking like a SEMA refugee in person.

Toyota RAV4 “Adventure” brings the butch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

Automobiles

ETC: Wrap your car in the loving and tender embrace of velvet

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By Seyth Miersma

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In case you hadn’t noticed, car wrapping has gotten more popular and more common in recent years. At this year’s SEMA show, in particular, it was difficult to walk ten feet without seeing some custom wrap job or another. With matte palettes, metallic finishes and famous racing liveries so thick on the ground then, it was probably only a matter of time before we got to velvet. Call up Barry and Levon, baby – velvet is here.

The strategically named Velvet Cars is now offering partial and full body wraps, in 15 different shades of velvet, for your own personal dream car. The company will help you find a certified car wrapper in your area, who can follow up with a quote. For the DIY wrapping enthusiast (and velvet-fondling bon vivant), the company will also sell you the wrapping material itself; the 25-yard, full car wrap runs $1,500.

It’s hard to say what this stuff looks like in real life, and we can’t imagine that it wears particularly well, but the demo Fisker Karma sure does look huggably soft to us. Stay tuned for next year’s SEMA show, where we fully expect a Scion xB to serve as a canvas for Velvet Car Dogs Playing Pool, and velvety renditions of Elvis.

Wrap your car in the loving and tender embrace of velvet originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

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Subaru Prices 2013 WRX and WRX STI Special Editions, We Suddenly Want Pumpkin Pie

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By Andrew Wendler

Subaru has released MSRPs for the quite-orange WRX and WRX STI special editions it announced last November. The WRX sedan is set at $29,565, the STI sedan at $35,565. Both represent an increase of $500 over the standard-issue rally weapons.

Unveiled at the automotive sideshow known as SEMA, this pair of harvest-hued Subies will be limited to a total production run of 300 units. The split: 200 WRXs, 100 STIs. The mods are purely cosmetic, with both cars powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-four as their less-pumpkinish brethren, which means 265 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque in the WRX and 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft in STI tune.

The WRX channels its might through a five-speed manual and on to all four wheels; the STI version employs a six-speed manual and adds a driver-controlled center diff to the AWD setup and a track performance-optimized mode for the stability control.

We’re guessing a large chunk of these were already spoken for even before pricing was announced, so you’ll want to get on the horn to your local dealer right now if you’re interested. You’ll likely have to beat Linus van Pelt to the punch, after all.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Confirmed: Subaru prices WRX Special Edition models from $28,795*

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By Michael Harley

2013 Subaru WRX Special Edition - front three-quarter view, orange

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Subaru has released pricing for its 2013 Subaru WRX and WRX STI Special Edition models introduced at SEMA. Each limited-edition model arrives with screaming Tangerine Orange paint matched with Jet Black wheels, black exterior mirrors and black front fender badges. Inside the cabin, occupants will find matching black cloth upholstery contrasted with orange stitching on the seats, doors, shift boot and piping on the floor mats. The powertrain, brakes and suspension remain untouched.

The Subaru WRX Special Edition Sedan wears an MSRP of $28,795 and the Subaru WRX STI Special Edition Sedan carries an MSRP of $34,795 plus $770 destination fee for either. Both MSRPs represent a $500 premium over their equivalent standard trims. Check out our recent WRX Quick Spin for driving impressions and be sure to read the full press release below.

Continue reading Subaru prices WRX Special Edition models from $28,795*

Subaru prices WRX Special Edition models from $28,795* originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

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Ford Unveils Global Rallycross–Spec Fiesta ST Racer [2013 Chicago Auto Show]

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By John Lamm

Ford Racing and OlsbergsMSE will build Ford Fiesta ST race cars to compete in the 2013 Global Rallycross Championship driven by two-time GRC champion Tanner Foust and 2012 runner-up Brian Deegan. The Fiesta ST race car will debut at the 2013 Chicago auto show. In addition, Ken Block and his Hoonigan Racing Division also will compete with a Fiesta ST in GRC rounds plus the four X Games events that include Rallycross—the well-known games in Los Angeles and events in Brazil, Spain, and Germany.

How quick is the OlsbergsMSE Fiesta ST GRC? How about a 0-to-60-mph time of 2.0 seconds. And how does it do that? OlsbergsMSE starts with a 2.0-liter Ford twin-cam Duratech four, caps it with its own cylinder head, and adds a Magnaflow exhaust and a big Garrett turbo. Remember, this is just a 2.o-liter turbo four, but it produces 550-plus horsepower (most likely closer to 600) and more than 590 lb-ft of torque. OlsbergsMSE builds the transmission and all-wheel-drive system including the gearshift and—important in these cars—the hydraulic handbrake. The shocks are from Öhlins, springs from Eibach, brakes via Alcon and the 17-inch wheels are Motegis. OlsbergsMSE does the exterior body panels in Kevlar, and the rear spoiler in carbon fiber. Inside is an AIM digital dash.

Ford is coming off a successful 2013 GRC season with one-two finishes at Charlotte, Las Vegas Motor Speedways, and at SEMA, plus a podium sweep at Texas Motor Speedway. It also scored silver and bronze medals in last summer’s X Games. Ford has been the GRC manufacturers champion for the past two years, but the strongest competition comes from crosstown rivals in the form of  Travis Pastrana, the 17-time X Games gold medalist who will be competing in a 600-hp Dodge Dart racer.

2013 Chicago auto show full coverage

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

SEMA: Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year's SEMA darlings

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By Jonathon Ramsey

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SEMA is more than nine months away, but the reveille bugle for the show has just sounded with Ford’s call to aftermarket companies for its project-vehicle program. The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST and 2014 Transit Connect van and wagon are the cars The Blue Oval wants to feature, but applicants can submit project vehicles for any product except the GT500, the Raptor, or anything from Lincoln.

Submissions must be completed in two parts, the first being an email to Ford with an overview of the project, like vehicle theme, promotional plan and location display. The second part must be mailed in on company letterhead and gets down to the nuts and bolts of the vision and the provision of company bona fides. The complete proposal is due on March 1, winners will be notified by May 1. Click the link below to get all the details, and for show attendees, get ready to see some funky Fiestas and wild shaggin’ wagons in Las Vegas come November.

Ford picks Fiesta ST, Transit Connect as this year’s SEMA darlings originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a . . . Superman-Themed Kia Optima Hybrid! [2013 Chicago Auto Show]

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By Alexander Stoklosa

Kia Optima hybrid Superman

Kia’s relationship with DC Entertainment is by now well known—the duo created a batch of superhero-themed Kias for last year’s SEMA show—and now the partnership has resulted in a Superman-themed Optima hybrid, set to debut at the 2013 Chicago auto show.

Like the SEMA cars, this Optima is being used to raise awareness for the We Can Be Heroes campaign to combat hunger in Africa. Kia released an image previewing the customized Optima ahead of the car’s debut, and it appears as though the sedan will receive some pretty hefty upgrades to reach man-of-steel spec, including a wild blue-and-red paint job and a crazy body kit.

Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver

Automobiles

Auctions: What you missed from Barrett-Jackson's biggest auction over the weekend

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By Jeremy Korzeniewski

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at Barrett-Jackson

In case you happened to miss it, the 2013 edition the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, has come and gone. And, as usual, Autoblog was there in full force on the two biggest days of the event, Friday and Saturday.

Here are some of the most interesting statistics from the week-long event:

  • A total of 1,343 cars were sold
  • The $108,766,069 in gross sales is a 17% increase over 2012
  • 300,000 peak attendance
  • At $4.62 million, the 1966 Batmobile was the most expensive car sold
  • The first 2014 Corvette Stingray sent $1.1 million to charity
  • Each of the top 10 sales topped a million dollars

You can see the original Batmobile, the first 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and GM CEO Dan Akerson’s personal 1958 Corvette, along with all the other cars that we covered from Barrett-Jackson over the weekend, below. Enjoy!

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What you missed from Barrett-Jackson’s biggest auction over the weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auctions: Chevrolet Camaro COPO Convertible jumps from SEMA to Barrett-Jackson, pockets $400k for charity [w/video]

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By Jeremy Korzeniewski

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Convertible

Back at the 2012 SEMA event in Las Vegas, Chevrolet unveiled the car you see above, a 2012 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Convertible. Actually, that’s not quite accurate – this car is THE 2012 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Convertible. As in, the only one ever sold. There was one more produced, but it’s not leaving the GM Heritage Center any time soon. This one was just sold at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale for $400,000 exactly.

That sum will be donated to the American Heart Association, and the winner will take home this Inferno Orange Metallic COPO, complete with a 327-cubic-inch V8 topped by a 4.0-liter supercharger. The engine sends 550 horsepower to the rear drag slicks through a three-speed Powerglide automatic transmission. Perfect for a run down the quarter mile, top-down style.

Check out our high-res image gallery from the block at Barrett-Jackson above, and don’t forget to watch a video of the COPO being auctioned below, along with the car’s official auction description. And don’t forget to play along with the crowd at the Hagerty Fantasy Bid game online for a chance to win a custom 2013 Shelby GT500.

Continue reading Chevrolet Camaro COPO Convertible jumps from SEMA to Barrett-Jackson, pockets $400k for charity [w/video]

Chevrolet Camaro COPO Convertible jumps from SEMA to Barrett-Jackson, pockets $400k for charity [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Belgian official tells Brussels Motor Show to nix racy spokesmodels [w/poll]

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By Michael Harley

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Visitors to the upcoming Brussels Motor Show – which starts January 11, and is expected to draw some 350,000 visitors – will have to focus all of their attention on the vehicles this year, as event organizers have asked the automakers to keep the eye-candy “appropriately dressed” on the show’s floor and exhibits.

Apparently, there were reports of lewd behavior (by male visitors, not the models) at last year’s event. This prompted Joelle Milquet, Belgium‘s equal opportunities minister, to fire off a letter to Belgian car federation Febiac, the company behind the event. “A motor show is a place where you go with your family, we have to question the stereotypes we are passing on to children and young adults,” Milquet wrote.

It seems that the spokesmodel’s attire is coming under attack quite a bit these days. As you may recall, the Belgian minister’s actions come on the heels of Chinese authorities chastising the Beijing Motor Show over its scantily clad models at its most recent event. Does this mean SEMA will eventually become a family-friendly event too?

What do you think – Should automakers stop bringing so-called booth professionals to auto shows?

View Poll

Belgian official tells Brussels Motor Show to nix racy spokesmodels [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog

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Rumormill: Are you the Dodge Dart SRT4?

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By Seyth Miersma

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Dodge Dart SRT4 sketch attributed to Tim Doyle

Dodge has just confirmed that it will be bringing its newest Dart variant, the Dart GT, to Detroit next week, but we’re still in the dark about when we’ll see a truly hotted-up STR4 version. But now, by way of the rumormill anyway, we’ve got at least one proposed, potentially Dodge-based rendering to light our way.

Seen here is what would appear to be a design sketch of the STR4 Dart. Obviously the image that has surfaced is of rather low-resolution, but there’s at least some evidence to support that it may be legitimate. In the original picture, one can just make out the name Tim Doyle in the lower right corner. As it turns out, Tim Doyle‘s name is also watermarked on the final design image for the 2011 Dodge Durango Citadel Black & Tan, a model that was shown at SEMA in 2010.

Of course, even if this really is the work of Doyle, there’s nothing to say that this image isn’t one of a great many potential looks for the future SRT4. In fact, the departure of the cross-hair grille from the Dodge’s nose seems like it could be a hard sell, though we do, naturally, dig the sleek hood scoop and the bulked up wheel/tire combination.

Whether or not a much-rumored Dart SRT4 materializes (let alone looks like this) is an open question, but we’re still holding out hope that the car is fitted with the nearly 300-horsepower four-cylinder that has been rumored in the past.

Are you the Dodge Dart SRT4? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Autoblog