Author Archives: Chris Paukert

2013 SRT Viper to require dealer certification; hardcore model planned? [w/video]

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2013 SRT Viper GTS - Live at 2012 New York Auto Show reveal

On Thursday night’s Autoline After Hours, SRT boss Ralph Gilles sat down with show hosts John McElroy and Peter DeLorenzo, along with Autoblog and AOL Autos staffers to talk all things Viper. Among the interesting tidbits disclosed about the 640-horsepower supercar are plans for a new dealer certification process designed to encourage the sort of purchasing, service and ownership experience that buyers of six-digit cars have come to expect.

According to Gilles:

“It’s going to be a qualified dealer situation… The ones who do the dealer training in terms of the tech. I want a tech. I want a display car. I want all these things. There’s going to be a list. It’s not going to be impossible, it’s just that someone has to put in the extra effort and say ‘I’m an SRT dealer.’”

Off the air, Gilles told Autoblog that Chrysler officials have already approached a number of dealers with a strong record of Viper and SRT sales to discuss how the certification process will work, gaining valuable feedback in the process. A document outlining the new certification program will go out to Dodge dealers next month.

Chrysler has yet to announce official pricing and the Viper won’t go on sale until sometime in the fourth quarter of the year, but that hasn’t stopped a queue of customer deposits from piling up. According to Gilles, one particularly strong Viper dealer already has around 90 such deposits in-hand. Considering that Viper sales averaged about 1,600 units in past years, that’s a substantial figure.

In other news, Chrysler officials have been making a big point of talking about the 2013 Viper’s newfound refinements, from reduced NVH to nicer interior materials and improved drivability thanks to the institution of technologies like stability control and traction control. Gilles says that great care has been taken to ensure the model’s core personality still shines through, but given that much of the Viper’s mystique is centered on its raw, leg-burning, hairy-knuckled persona, we couldn’t help but wonder aloud if the new model’s refinements have left room for a stripped-out hardcore version for Viper purists and racers. With raised eyebrows, arms gesturing wildly and stifling a smile, Gilles wryly said: “I love how you think. Next subject!”

To watch the Autoline After Hours episode in its entirety, scroll down.

Continue reading 2013 SRT Viper to require dealer certification; hardcore model planned? [w/video]

2013 SRT Viper to require dealer certification; hardcore model planned? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saab devotees rally to save last 9-3

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2012 Saab 9-3 Griffin sedan - white - front three-quarter view

The folks over at Saabs United have been a fixture on the Swedish automobile scene for some time now, cementing themselves as the hub for all manner of Saab news and gossip as the fight to keep the brand alive has ebbed and flowed over the past couple of years. So significant was SU’s bond with the automaker that its principle, Steven Wade, had the ear of buyer Victor Muller throughout the General Motors extrication process, and eventually Wade went to work for Saab itself, leaving others to run the website.

With Saab having slipped into bankruptcy and the company’s Trollhättan plant idled, Saabs United now finds itself at the center of a new fight – an effort to preserve the final 9-3 – possibly the final Saab ever. An Arctic White Griffin sedan, the 9-3 exists in a state of partial build but is scheduled for final assembly at the end of this month. The car is part of a special batch of about 50 partially finished cars and a cache of spares that Trollhättan dealership group ANA purchased from Saab’s bankruptcy estate, and it will be for sale. Saabs United has taken it upon itself to rally the faithful in an attempt to purchase the car for donation to the Saab Cars Museum, which was itself only recently saved.

It seems only fitting that the 9-3 Griffin would join other final examples of various models in Saab’s history at the Museum, but even then, the car’s fate might not be entirely secure. According to SU, “A number of cars at the museum from the history of Saab that was written in the last two years are NOT secured. They are either borrowed to the museum or are still missing.”

As of this writing, the funding effort is well on its way, with Saabs United faithful and various clubs and investors having raised over 15,000 Euros (around $19,750 USD), with a goal of 28,500 Euros ($37,500) within the next 18 days. If the total amount needed is not reached, fundraiser proceeds will still go to the Saab museum, and if extra money is raised, it’ll be donated, too. If you’re interested in learning more or making a donation, click here.

Saab devotees rally to save last 9-3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

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2013 Chevrolet Spark - front three-quarter view

General Motors is taking a big gamble in a little way with its 2013 Chevrolet Spark. The Detroit automaker is betting that high fuel prices and an increased awareness of one’s ecological footprint will mean more consumers are willing to entertain a new car with an even smaller err… footprint. The Spark will join other minicars like the Fiat 500, Scion iQ and Smart ForTwo, none of which have met with significant sales volume. On the other hand, its big brother, the Sonic has performed well in the early going. In addition, the Spark offers more physical volume than its peers – as well as a set of rear doors – so practicality appears to be solidly in favor of Camp Chevy.

The five-door Spark will test America’s appetites for small car life with a starting price of just $12,995 (*including delivery) when it arrives in Chevrolet showrooms later this year. Available in a trio of trims, the lineup will start with the well-equipped LS model that includes a whopping 10 airbags, air conditioning, power windows, OnStar and 15-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the 1LT trim will cost $14,495, but it adds an audio system with seven-inch color touchscreen, USB connectivity and satellite radio. Additional features include keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, Bluetooth (“for select phones”) and mundane items like visor mirrors and floor mats. The range-topping 2LT ($15,795) will be distinguished by a unique set of 15-inch wheels, sportier body-color fascias, fog lamps and additional exterior brightwork. Inside, heated, leatherette-covered seats and a leather-wrapped wheel spruce up the cabin.

Regardless of which trim spec is selected, buyers will find a 1.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, and a five-speed manual is standard equipment, though a four-speed automatic can be substituted for $925.

GM announced back in October that it will also bring a Spark EV to “select markets” in the U.S. sometime in 2013, though it has yet to announce pricing or an on-sale date for the pure electric runabout.

Continue reading 2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995*

2013 Chevrolet Spark to start at $12,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit’s infamous Packard plant to be razed. Finally.

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Detroit's derelict Packard Plant

Despite its various and sundry dangers, urban spelunking has become something of a rite of passage for adventuresome types living in and around Detroit. And while Corktown’s legendary Michigan Central Station is probably illicit explorers’ favorite quarry, the derelict 3.5-million square foot Packard Plant is likely a close second.

Built in 1903, the sprawling Albert Kahn factory complex hasn’t churned out any Packard Motor Company vehicles since the plant was closed in 1958, and it’s long been on the city’s “To Do” list to force the plant’s owners to raze the area. In fact, the city ordered the plant’s leveling in April of last year.

According to The Detroit News, that long-in-coming demolition day appears to be close at hand, as the facility’s purported owner (there has been much debate about who is actually responsible for the 40-acre complex), Dominic Cristini, says he plans to start the teardown process within a month and is working to obtain the necessary permits. According to the report, Cristini estimates it will take $6 million to tear down the Packard Plant, but he believes that recovered scrap metal will be enough to pay for the dismantling. Cristini further states that his crew may try to save historically significant portions of the facility if possible. It isn’t immediately clear what – if anything – Cristini plans to do with the land once the Packard Plant’s remains have been cleared.

For an eerily beautiful slideshow of the Packard Plant, check out Detroiturbex.com.

Detroit’s infamous Packard plant to be razed. Finally. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari releases F12 Berlinetta microsite with configurator

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2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta configurator screencap

Let’s face it. This is probably the closest you’re ever going to get. Unless you count yourself among a rarified percentage of the world’s one percenters, chances are you’ll never get the chance to park a new Ferrari in your garage, let alone this one, the just-introduced F12 Berlinetta. So why not take a virtual spin in the 740-horsepower, V12 grand tourer on Ferrari’s website?

The Italian dreamweavers have just activated a new microsite for the F12, and in typically (and appropriately) indulgent Ferrari fashion, it opens with a lengthy video presentation of Chairman Luca di Montezemolo inviting you to experience the company’s new car.

The configurator will eventually load, though, and you can twiddle with exterior paint colors, wheels, brake caliper finishes and interior trims to your heart’s content. The website also features a number of special features, including sound files, technical notes and so on.

With the most horsepower and highest top speed of any production Ferrari ever, we’re guessing Montezemo and Co. already have a rather hefty list of deposits down for the F12 Berlinetta. Thus, if you have the means and you’re still on the fence, you might want to get on the phone to your local Ferrari dealer… before waiting for the whole website to load.

Ferrari releases F12 Berlinetta microsite with configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 configurator burns up the internet

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 configurator

Chevrolet’s fire-breathing, Nürburgring-shredding Camaro ZL1 can now be custom configured for your very own garage – at least your virtual one.

The 580-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8-powered Chevrolet won’t come cheaply, starting at $54,995, and choices are limited. Major options include paint (we’re kind of fond of the $325 Rally Yellow scheme shown above, though perhaps it’s a little too Transformersque), transmission choice (six-speed manual or automatic), wheel finish, sunroof and faux suede interior bits. Given that this is a small-volume model with serious performance intentions, we’re not bothered by the limited decision tree offered by the configurator, and it helps tamp the bottom line down.

Build your own by checking out the link below, or compare and contrast builds against the ZL1′s nemesis, the Ford Shelby Mustang GT500 by checking out the latter’s configurator here.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 configurator burns up the internet originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Howard’s Rush caught filming at ‘Ring

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James Hunt's No. 11 McLaren on Nurburgring

Good motorsports films don’t come up terribly often, but now and again, we get lucky. In 2011, we were graced with the very fine Senna documentary, and it appears there’s another period Formula One racing piece that could be worth watching on the silver screen soon: Rush.

We’ve known for some time that this project, which chronicles the 1976 F1 season-long battle between Austria’s Niki Lauda and Britain’s James Hunt, was in the cards, and we also knew that Ron Howard had signed on as producer. Howard, you may recall, is the Academy Award-winning force responsible for such films as A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon. But we hadn’t heard much about filming getting underway – until now.

Thanks to these new photos taken at Germany’s Nürburgring by our friends at PistonSpy, we now see that work on the film has begun. We have to say, James Hunt’s Marlboro-liveried McLaren looks particularly fetching in these photos, and it must be a thrill to see and hear these vintage F1 cars lapping the legendary Nordschleife.

We’re already cringing in advance for Howard’s recreation of Lauda’s massive crackup at the German Grand Prix, a crash that saw him sever his right ear and suffer facial burns (you can see in-period video footage of the fiery crash after the jump). Lauda would return after missing just two races and storm back into the points chase in pursuit of James Hunt and his McLaren. Hunt would eventually win the World Championship by a single point. For dozens of additional images, be sure to check out PistonSpy at the link below.

Continue reading Ron Howard’s Rush caught filming at ‘Ring

Ron Howard’s Rush caught filming at ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO disappointed by Crosstour sales, vows to make it successful

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In a roundtable with reporters at an event related to the Tokyo Motor Show, Tetsuo Iwamura, President and CEO of American Honda, told us that he’s been surprised by the Crosstour crossover’s slow sales:

“In the case of the Crosstour, I’m really disappointed because that’s a nice car, [with] very beautiful styling, and it gives very good driving performance as well as packaging. But yet, we went a bit too far.”

The five-door CUV has been struggling since it went on sale as a 2010 model. Through November, Honda has sold just 16,679 units this year – down nearly 36 percent from the 25,927 units tallied by this point in 2010. Honda had initially projected annual sales of 40,000 units.

Iwamura confided that, in retrospect, launching the CUV branded as the Accord Crosstour was probably a “misstep,” so the company subsequently shortened its moniker to Crosstour in order to give the vehicle more of a standalone identity. In our 2009 First Drive article, we praised the Crosstour’s solid driving dynamics but criticized it for awkward styling, poor packaging and visibility, a short options list and premium pricing.

In our discussion with Iwamura, we noted that while Honda continues to enjoy solid sales numbers for its longtime mainstream offerings like the Accord, CR-V and Odyssey, newer models – particularly niche offerings – have had a tougher time finding buyers (see: CR-Z, Insight, Ridgeline). Iwamura expressed that Honda is actually “quite satisfied” with sales of most of its vehicle lines, maintaining that he sees nothing systematic within Honda that has prevented the company from generating new hit models. Further, Iwamura vowed to continue development of its niche players.

In the case of the Crosstour, Iwamura pledged, “With further refinement of styling and performance, it will be a very good success, a leading model.”

Honda CEO disappointed by Crosstour sales, vows to make it successful originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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China reboots Cash For Clunkers program

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New car lot in China

If there’s been a single reason for hope among auto executives during the past few lean years, it’s been spelled C-H-I-N-A. Despite being a difficult regulatory environment with many hoops for automakers to jump through, the People’s Republic has shone as the industry’s brightest and biggest hope for big volumes and bigger profits. Certainly, the nation has delivered massive sales increases as it has developed into a global superpower, and its population and growing wealth suggests it should be good for many more millions of sales per year. Thing is, recent sales haven’t supported this trend, and the Chinese government is reportedly stepping in to try and remedy the problem.

According to the Associated Press, China is planning its own version of the Car Allowance Rebate System (a.k.a. “Cash For Clunkers“) that jumpstarted auto sales here in the U.S. during the summer of 2009. The program will subsidize the turn-in of everything from city buses and farm equipment toward the purchase of new vehicles. Depending on the type of vehicle, owners may qualify for subsidies of 11,000-18,000 yuan, or about $1,700-$2,800 USD. China previously offered a similar program at the end of 2009, but it did not make allowances for trucks and buses, and incentives were smaller, averaging about $730.

After years of double-digit sales increases, April showed the nation’s first sales decrease in two years, and recently new auto sales have shown signs of slowing down. Fresh sales figures for the month of May are due later this week.

China reboots Cash For Clunkers program originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David E. Davis, Jr., Dean of automotive journalism, dead at 80

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David E. Davis, Jr.David E. Davis, Jr. has died at age 80. The longtime Car and Driver editor, Automobile Magazine founder and man with his fingerprints all over this great business of ours passed away unexpectedly after complications from bladder surgery at 5:15pm Eastern on Sunday. A hugely witty man with a talent for honing a magazine’s voice and recognizing and refining talent in those around him, Davis stands among the founding fathers of modern automotive journalism.

In recent years, Davis had returned to C/D as a columnist after helping to get pioneering digital auto magazine, Winding Road, off the ground. He has held sway over nearly every great print title in the American auto journalism world at one point or another, including Road & Track and Motor Trend, and earlier in his professional life, he cultivated a distinguished career in the automotive ad business, where he was instrumental in the creation of General Motors‘ seminal “Baseball, Hot Dogs, Apple Pie and Chevrolet” campaign, among others.

As an editor, publisher, ad man, racer, mentor and raconteur extraordinaire, Davis leaves an indelible mark on the industry. As a family man, he leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeannie, a daughter and two sons, including our own European Editor, Matt Davis.

Ever eloquent, where others might simply inquire “How are you?”, Davis was known for asking colleagues and friends “Is your life a rich tapestry?” Davis’ own life was certainly a vibrant and detailed work of art. Everyone in auto world owes this icon a debt of gratitude… and some of us even owe him our careers.

David E. Davis, Jr., Dean of automotive journalism, dead at 80 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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