Author Archives: Zach Bowman

Is this 1972 Chevrolet Nova the world’s greatest sleeper?

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , ,

Dru Deisner's 1972 Chevrolet Nova

Those of you foolish enough to follow the Autoblog Podcast know I have a soft spot for sleepers. There’s just something amazing about a beaten old car secreting flawless mechanicals down below. The guys at Big Muscle have managed to track down what may very well be the queen of all sleeperdom in Dru Diesner’s 1972 Chevrolet Nova The machine wears its original faded green paint, plenty of dents and dings and a very dated interior, but there’s something special under the aged skin. Built with a twin-supercharged LS2, the Bowtie dumps 1,160 horsepower on its ultra-wide rear tires.

That’s my kind of magical. Mike Musto takes the machine out for a quick sprint around the back streets of Chicago and eventually talks Diesner into using the car to do what it does best: vaporizing its rear tires. Scroll below to check out the clip for yourself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have Chevrolet Novas to salivate over.

Continue reading Is this 1972 Chevrolet Nova the world’s greatest sleeper?

Is this 1972 Chevrolet Nova the world’s greatest sleeper? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Icon Bronco dissected in detail

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Icon Bronco

The crew from Cool Hunting finally got around to stopping by the Icon headquarters for a little chat with founder Jonathan Ward. The man has made a name for himself by crafting some of the most detail-oriented interpretations of classic cars on the planet.

The Icon Bronco features all of the vintage style of a late ’60s SUV with a hand-built frame, modern running gear and electronics underneath. We are, needless to say, smitten with the creation. Ward gave Cool Hunting the complete tour, including showing off a number of Icon Bronco models in various stages of completion.

Ward brings up an interesting point about modern vehicles about halfway through the clip. He says that with manufacturers continuing to pile on unnecessary technology, today’s machines are almost guaranteed to be obsolete in five years or so. In contrast, Ward says he builds each Icon to be durable enough to last decades without needing serious revision. We like his style. Scroll down below to watch the video.

Continue reading Icon Bronco dissected in detail

Icon Bronco dissected in detail originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jerry Seinfeld returning to TV with Comics and Cars

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , ,

Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry Seinfeld may be planning to stage a return to television. The comic and car fanatic has been dropping hints about a new project tentatively called “Comics and Cars.” Details are iffy at the moment, though the premise seems to circle around Seinfeld and his wealthy friends hanging out and talking about various vehicles.

Names like Alec Baldwin, Ricky Gervais and Larry David have all surfaced as potential candidates, though it’s unclear if Seinfeld will rely on a regular panel of hosts or a slurry of rotating guests. Seinfeld has tried his hand at reality television in the past, though without much success.

The comic’s last project, The Marriage Ref, bumbled along for two seasons on NBC before being canceled. There’s no doubt that Seinfeld is both funny and a genuine car guy, but if shows like Top Gear USA and The Car Show have proven anything, it’s that it takes more than those two elements to succeed.

Jerry Seinfeld returning to TV with Comics and Cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 U.S. auto sales on pace to be best in five years

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , ,

Ford new car lot

Bloomberg reports that if U.S. auto sales continue at their current pace, 2012 will mark the best year for the industry since 2007. The news comes after word that both Ford and Chrysler have slimmed or entirely eliminated the traditional summer shutdown at their manufacturing facilities to keep pace with demand.

All told, sales may reach 14.3 million cars and light trucks, according to analysts, thanks to factors like a gradually improving economy and easier credit. If the pace continues, 2012 will mark the third year of 10-percent gains, which marks only the fourth time that’s happened since the Great Depression.

Car sales stalled in 2008, and 2009 saw manufacturers move just 10.4 million units. As Bloomberg points out, that’s the lowest number since 1982, but buyers took home 11.6 million vehicles in 2010 and 12.8 million in 2011. The industry saw a 10.3-percent increase through the first four months of this year. As a result, General Motors, Ford and Toyota have adjusted their yearly sales forecasts accordingly.

2012 U.S. auto sales on pace to be best in five years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Toyota Prius Plug-In third fastest-selling car in America

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , ,

Toyota Prius Plug-In

The good people at Cars.com have slogged their way through sales data from April and found something interesting. The Toyota Prius Plug-In managed to walk away as the third quickest-selling car in the U.S., spending just five days on dealer lots. That figure was good enough to land it behind the BMW X3 and X5, both of which take four days to find a new homes. The plug-in hybrid has only been on sale for two months, and took the honor of being the second-quickest selling vehicle in March, according to Cars.com.

The report also took the time to look at the slowest-selling models around. Surprisingly, the Porsche Boxster sits at the top of that list, taking a whopping 250 days to turn. The 2012 BMW 6 Series isn’t doing much better. The 650i Convertible took fourth place with an average of 128 days on the lot while the 640i Coupe rounds out the top 10 with 111 days. Perhaps even more shocking is the news that there are four vehicles selling slower than the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet at 120 days on dealer lots. Head over to Cars.com for the full report.

Toyota Prius Plug-In third fastest-selling car in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , ,

Bid farewell to the Hyundai Sonata equipped with a manual transmission. The Korean manufacturer has discontinued the third-pedal in its midsize sedan for 2013, though buyers can look forward to more standard equipment on next year’s model. With such a small take rate, Hyundai saw no reason to continue offering the six-speed manual in the base GLS model. That means the six-speed automatic transmission is now standard across the line, though the four-door will see an uptick in price as a result. The 2013 Sonata now starts at $21,670, including a $775 destination fee.

Consumers can expect to find the same direct-injection 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood as well as an optional turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four. Heated seats are now standard in every trim with the exception of the entry GLS model. The Limited trim bows at $26,620 with the 2.4-liter, which marks a $600 price drop compared to 2012. The impressive, standard panoramic sunroof is now optional, however. If you want the extra glass, you’ll now have to step up to a $2,900 Limited Premium Package. Scroll down for the full press blast.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option

2013 Hyundai Sonata gets $1,100 price increase, drops manual option originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

1959 Vespa ACMA is the ultimate road-rage vehicle

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , ,

Vespa Acma

If you’ve never laid eyes on a Vespa ACMA, allow us to introduce you. Manufactured for use in World War II, the scooter came equipped with a small cannon designed to launch rocket-propelled grenades.

Soldiers found an advantageous firing position, deployed stabilizers, plucked a grenade from a stylish wicker basket and fired upon the enemy, which, we should point out, was probably rolling happily along in a tank. Vespa ACMA, thy name is David. For obvious reasons, ACMA examples are plenty scarce. You can still find them, though, and if you want one to call your very own, we have good news for you.

The ACMA-obsessed crew over at Hemmings found an original example stored at a Messina military camp for the past 30 years. While the cannon has been deactivated, the rest of the Acma is in original and complete condition right down to the khaki green paint. If you like what you see, you’d better get your check book ready. This particular version is up for auction with an estimated final bid of $16,000 to $20,000. Head over to the COYS auction site for more information.

1959 Vespa ACMA is the ultimate road-rage vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Lexus looking to distance itself from Toyota, move more upscale

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , ,

Lexus GS 450h

Automotive News reports Lexus may use the company’s new GS to put some distance between itself and parent company Toyota. Buyers have snapped up a total of 4,900 GS models in just two months, breezing by year-long sales estimates in the process. The company attributes much of that success to non-traditional advertising efforts, including the Tori 500 iPhone and iPad app, and says that it could use similar tactics in the future to lure buyers in based on traits like “character and handling.” Traditionally, consumers have turned toward Lexus because of Toyota’s reputation for efficient and reliable machinery.

The GS, with its hour-glass grille and aggressive front fascia, is a first-step in giving the luxury automaker a more distinct brand image. In the past, Lexus has had trouble keeping buyers coming back, and the company believes that’s partly due to the fact that luxury consumers are more interested in owning a brand than a particular vehicle. As such, we can expect to see more corporate design cues across the company’s portfolio in the near future. The move may help set Lexus apart as something other than a slightly nicer Toyota in consumers eyes.

Lexus looking to distance itself from Toyota, move more upscale originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Richard Hammond picks 10 best American cars

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Richard Hammond

Of the three “Top Gear” hosts, Richard Hammond may be the most sympathetic towards American tastes. He’s made no secret of his love for American machinery, including our big-boned muscle cars and pickup trucks. Hammond even spent some time filming in our neck of the woods while working on his new show, “Crash Course.” The series puts Hammond behind the wheel of the largest machinery on the planet, and not surprisingly, the first episode focuses solely on the monstrosities of America.

Hammond sat down with GQ to discuss the project as well as some of his favorite vehicles from the States. While cars like the 1969 Dodge Charger and 1968 Ford Mustang GT are obvious picks, Hammond also seems to favor creations like the modern Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the Jeep Wrangler. Head over to Wired to take a look at the full list for yourself. “Crash Course” airs Mondays at 10 on BBC America.

Richard Hammond picks 10 best American cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jay Leno has a very tender moment with a decidedly tough 1975 Plymouth Duster

Posted on by Zach Bowman

Filed under: , , , , ,

Jay Leno Plymouth Duster

Long before Jay Leno became an international celebrity, he was spinning wrenches at a local car dealership. While there, he crossed paths with Paul Annunziata, a brilliant mechanic with a penchant for Mopar muscle. While Leno was busy doing stand-up comedy and working his way toward network television, Annunziata was doing something really interesting: building a street-legal pro-stock drag car out of a 1975 Duster. After winning $10,000 in the lottery, he started with a body-in-white chassis before snapping up a 426 Hemi V8 from a Super Bee. Not satisfied with wedging an impossibly huge engine into the confines of the Duster’s engine bay, Annunziata bolted on a massive Roots blower.

The rear of the body had to be tubbed to keep the tires under the factory sheetmetal, and the Duster also underwent extensive engine bay modification to house its new powerplant. Even so, everything on the machine is fully functional as it would have been from the factory.

Unfortunately, Annunziata was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Rather than sell his pride and joy, he offered it to Leno for free under the stipulation that he never sell the machine. Leno agreed, but only if he could actually pay Annunziata for his creation. The two compromised by setting up a scholarship for those who are interested in pursuing a four-year degree in auto mechanics or restoration. We call that a win on every front. Scroll down to see Leno take the 1,000 horsepower Duster out for a run.

Continue reading Jay Leno has a very tender moment with a decidedly tough 1975 Plymouth Duster

Jay Leno has a very tender moment with a decidedly tough 1975 Plymouth Duster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments