Everett auto repair shop helping buyers for about fifty many years: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Autoblog Podcast #198 - Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveilings, Chevrolet Montana

Filed under: Concept Cars, Podcasts, Etc., Paris Motor Show, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Lotus, Nissan, Volkswagen, Electric

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Alex Nunez jumps in with Chris and Dan on Episode #198 of the Autoblog Podcast. The aftermath of the Paris Motor Show is a point of discussion, along with the Lotus product blitz. Moving to a completely different continent, we finish with the Chevrolet Montana before wrapping it all up by responding to some of your feedback. An hour and twenty minutes later, we're done - see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #198 - Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveilings, Chevrolet Montana

In the Autoblog Garage:

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
Volkswagen Jetta
Ford Fiesta
Corvette Z06
Buick Regal

News:

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez

Runtime: 1:25:42

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Autoblog Podcast #198 - Paris Motor Show, Lotus unveilings, Chevrolet Montana originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/05/autoblog-podcast-198-paris-motor-show-lotus-unveilings-chev/

Auto Repair Automobile Auto BMW

Bentley Supersports "Ice Speed Record" Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Bentley, Luxury

Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible 'Ice Speed Record

2011 Bentley Continental Supersports "Ice Speed Record" Convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

To celebrate its recent ice-speed record, Bentley is rolling out a special edition of the Continental Supersports convertible at this week's Geneva Motor Show. The record was set a mere two weeks ago by Finnish rally star Juha Kankkunen, who went 205.48 miles per hour on the frozen Baltic Sea in a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible. Kankkunen's run eclipsed his 2007 record of 199.83 mph, which was also set in a Bentley Continental GT.

The Bentley Continental Superspots "Ice Speed Record" Convertible sports the Flying B's most-powerful engine ever, a 631-horsepower W12 kicking out 590 pound-feet of torque and sporting flex-fuel capability. The car Kankkunen set his record in ran exclusively on bio fuel.

Behind the impressive engine is a six-speed Quickshift automatic. The combo is good for a 3.8-second 0-60 sprint, with 100 mph coming up in just 9.5 seconds. Bentley claims that running the car on E85 will cut C02 emissions by up to 70 per cent.

Outside, the "Ice Speed Record" Supersports Convertible gets one of three unique colors: Beluga (above), Quartzite or Arctica White. Never one to stop at enough, Bentley has gone as far as to cover the soft top in a composite weave sporting its own metallic finish. Rounding out the package is a set of black 20-inch Supersports wheels. Both the special edition Supersports and Kankkunen's actual record-breaker will be on display at the Bentley booth in Geneva, so stay tuned for live images of them both soon.

Get in line now if you want one, as Bentley says it'll only build 100 of these worldwide.

Gallery: 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Ice Speed Record Convertible

Bentley Ice Speed Record front Quartzite

Bentley Continental Ice Speed Record rear

[Source: Bentley]

Continue reading Bentley Supersports "Ice Speed Record" Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva

Bentley Supersports "Ice Speed Record" Convertible looks for warm reception in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/28/bentley-supersports-ice-speed-record-convertible-looks-for-war/

Audi European Auto Car Service Car Repair

InsideLine: 2011 BMW 740i Full Test

InsideLine delivers a review of our favorite BMW 7 Series model: the entry-point in the US market, 740i. The six-cylinder ...

Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/02/25/insideline-2011-bmw-740i-full-test/

Car Repair Mini Auto Mercedes Jaguar

Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Hatchback, Subaru, Tokyo Auto Salon

Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following in a line of successfully hotter Impreza variants, Subaru has announced the all-new "R205" version of its latest hatch, and in keeping with tradition, it won't be coming to the States.

As it's done in the past with other "Road Sport" Imprezas, Subaru has raided the Spec C parts bin and fitted all the good kit to the Impreza STI R205, including six-pot (front) and four-pot (rear) upgraded brakes with slotted rotors and cast 18-inch aluminum wheels shod in specially designed Potenza RE070 (245/40R18) tires. Inverted strut and coil springs soak up the bumps in front, with similarly STI-tuned dampers and coils out back, while a front strut tower bar and lower arm stiffening brace help keep the front wheels planted and the steering speaking to the driver.

Naturally, engine mods are part of the package, and with a retuned ECU, new exhaust and turbo, the R205 cranks out 316 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque.

A few plaques, a bespoke black front grille, new front and rear diffusers and a black spoiler set the R205 apart from run of the mill JDM Imprezas, and if you're fortunate enough to live in the Land of the Rising Sun, it can all be had for 4,510,000 yen (just under $49k). But act quick, Subaru only plans to produce 400 examples when the S205 goes on sale today. Hit the jump for the press release.

Gallery: Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205

Continue reading Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside

Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 continues the tradition, still not coming Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/subaru-impreza-wrx-sti-r205-continues-the-tradition-still-not-c/

BMW Audi European Auto Car Service

Sunday, February 27, 2011

De Tomaso SLC SLS images come online ahead of Geneva

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, Hatchback, Luxury, MISC

De Tomaso SLS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here we are, just days before the doors open at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, and De Tomaso has unleashed a series of images along with a few more salient details of its new SLC concept car. Well, actually, De Tomaso is now referring to the machine as the SLS (and no, it has nothing to do with the Mercedes-Benz of the same name), which stands for Sport Luxury Sedan, as opposed to SLC, or Sport Luxury Crossover.

Fret not, Benz fans (and trademark lawyers). De Tomaso says it will give its future production model a new name that will be announced in Geneva.

Irrational naming conventions aside, what we have here is a somewhat high-riding humpback machine not unlike the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. According to the company, two engines are planned at launch, a 300-horsepower V6 and a 550-horsepower V8. Power is sent to all four wheels, and a diesel engine option is planned for a later time.

De Tomaso plans to build two more vehicles on the same architecture with the goal of selling a total of 8,000 units per year. We're hoping to hear more about the marque's future plans after we hit the ground in Geneva. In the meantime, feel free to peruse our high-res image gallery below and read the awkwardly translated press release after the break.

Gallery: De Tomaso SLS Concept

[Source: De Tomaso via All Car Index]

Continue reading De Tomaso ~~SLC~~ SLS images come online ahead of Geneva

De Tomaso ~~SLC~~ SLS images come online ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/25/de-tomaso-slc-sls-images-come-online-ahead-of-g/

Car Repair Mini Auto Mercedes Jaguar

Video: BMW 1M in Sapphire Black

The new 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe in Black Sapphire was spotted in Munich by a member of 1addicts. ...

Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/02/26/video-bmw-1m-in-sapphire-black/

Car Repair Mini Auto Mercedes Jaguar

Street Spirit: Race car artist draws inspiration from graffiti

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Design/Style

ayrton senna mclaren mp4/4 street art by xander walker

Xander Walker turns Ayrton Senna's McLaren into Street Art - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the film "Exit through the Gift Shop", we get an inside look at the world of street art as told to us by Banksy and Thierry Guetta (aka Mr. Brainwash or MBW). This film has received rave reviews and is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It also serves as the inspiration for Xander Walker's Straßenversion (street version) art work.

Mr. Walker combines graffiti art with his love for motorsports. The result is affordable street art depicting vehicles that hold a special place in the heart of many racing enthusiasts. We'll let Xander explain how he does it:

Creating the stencils themselves can take a few hours. after that I spray paint the different layers onto 50lb acid free paper (14 x 17"). I paint them in my garage allowing about 15 minutes for the paint to dry before painting the next layer.

I started making these in late November. I have long been a fan of street art, and the idea came to me after a long McLaren MP4/4 photo and info Internet binge which coincided with my seeing the film "Exit Through the Gift Shop". I initially thought they would look great painted around parking lots of race tracks around the world. I made a stencil and tried out a test print on paper. I thought it looked good, and I put it up for sale at a low price just to see what would happen. Someone bought one almost immediately.

Street art and is inherently anti establishment. Auto racing to me is also inherently anti establishment. People get killed, and it can be a generally wayward, thrill seeking lifestyle. I find the stencil medium to be well suited to capturing the 'outlaw' spirit of Ayrton Senna and motorsport in general.

The pieces range from $25 up to $50, and each is a hand-signed, limited-edition example. You can check out the rest of Xander Walker's work at his online store, and view high-res images in the gallery below. We'll be sure to save some of these for Autoblog's 2012 Holiday Gift Guide...

Gallery: Automotive icons turned street art

[Source: Strassenversion.net, Strassenversion Store]

Street Spirit: Race car artist draws inspiration from graffiti originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/25/street-spirit-race-car-artist-draws-inspiration-from-graffiti/

Porsche Auto Service Auto Repair Automobile

Recall: 2005-2006 Ford F-150 - Air bag problem

Ford is recalling 144,000 2005-2006 F-150 pickup trucks due to risk of inadvertent air bag deployment occurring shortly after start up. Most customer complaints are on trucks built at the Norfolk Assembly Plant from November 2004 through June 2005. Ford explains that "during assembly, a specific airbag wire located in the steering wheel could have been improperly positioned so that it may chafe, expose bare copper and create the potential for a short circuit that would illuminate the warning lamp. If not serviced, and unique circumstances occur, an inadvertent driver frontal airbag deployment may occur." Ford will notify owners in early March. The recall work involves the replacement of a wiring harness.

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/02/recall-2005-2006-ford-f-150-air-bag-problem.html

European Auto Car Service Car Repair Mini Auto

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Demonstrations in Bahrain cause Grand Prix cancellation

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Middle East

Politics and racing don't go together. Whether it's former FIA president Max Mosley's fascist sympathies or the dispute over Cyprus being played out on the podium of the Turkish Grand Prix, there's just no place for it in motorsports. But with political unrest spreading across the Arab world, it looks like revolution has gotten in the way of racing once again.

On the back of successful regime change in both Tunisia and Egypt, protestors have been taking to the streets across the Middle East in an effort to overthrow corrupt regimes in their respective countries. Little of this has anything to do with racing, except in Bahrain. The Gulf state is home to the Sakhir circuit that hosts, among other events, the Bahrain Grand Prix that was originally set to kick off the Formula One season in just a few weeks. Now, however, track organizers have confirmed that Bahrain Grand Prix will not be held. "We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest," said Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

Organizers have already had to call off the GP2 Asia Series race that was supposed to take place there this weekend, and are being forced to do the same with the F1 pre-season test that was due to follow. This cancellation means that the 2011 Formula 1 season will now start on March 27 in Australia.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Hassan Ammar/AP]

Demonstrations in Bahrain cause Grand Prix cancellation originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/demonstrations-in-bahrain-cause-grand-prix-cancellation/

Jaguar Automobile Service Porsche Auto Service

Report: StarTech tuning for Jaguar and Land Rover now available Stateside

Filed under: Aftermarket, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

StarTech Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

StarTech, a division of the mad tuning company Brabus, offers upgrades for high-end vehicles from the likes of Jaguar and Land Rover. Formerly only available if you didn't live in the US of A, the company has now opened up shop in the States. StarTech now calls Irvine, California home to its U.S. operations.

The StarTech modifications are not as go-fast obsessed as the Brabus offerings for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. StarTech focuses more on style enhancements for the British luxury sedans, coupes and SUVs. Wheels, aero upgrades and suspension pieces are typical components of a StarTech package, and it will show off the 2011 StarTech Jaguar XJ at the upcoming 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Gallery: Startech Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: StarTech tuning for Jaguar and Land Rover now available Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/24/report-startech-tuning-for-jaguar-and-land-rover-now-available/

Auto BMW Audi European Auto

AC Schnitzer in Geneva: ACS5 Sport S and lightweight Z4 Coup� 99d (E89)

German tuner AC Schnitzer will once again join the Geneva Motor Show with an interesting range of vehicles. Details are ...

Source: http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/02/25/ac-schnitzer-in-geneva-acs5-sport-s-and-lightweight-z4-coupe-99d-e89/

European Auto Car Service Car Repair Mini Auto

Toyota launching G Sports Series cars at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Videos, Toyota, Tokyo Auto Salon, Design/Style

Toyota FT-86 and Prius G Sports Series - Click above for image gallery

Seems like Toyota is doing everything in its power to shake the fuddy-duddy, emotionless appliance image its built for itself over the last fifteen years or so. First came word that ToMoCo's Mr. Toyoda stated the brand needed to get sportier. Next came the very welcome news that along with Subaru, Toyota would be introducing a lightweight, RWD sport coupe (now known to be the FT-86) that would cost about $20,000. Finally, there's the LFA, the $500,000 Lexus, that if the reviews are to be believed, just might be worth every penny.

That's all well and good, but what if you want a sporty Prius?

Meet the G Sports Series. To quote Toyota, the G Sports Series, "is designed for customers who strongly desire to own a unique vehicle, offering them a personalized interior and exterior design along with sports-driving performance." Put another way, Toyota is bringing the aftermarket in-house.

With a total of five vehicles getting the G Sports Series treatment, Toyota is looking to offer customized sportiness to whomever wants it. Only two of the five cars however are U.S. market vehicles: the Prius and the FT-86. The Prius gets one hell of a body kit, including sleek rear-wheel skirts. While far from beautiful, we have to say that we like the G Series Prius much better than the regular one.

But, the real news is the G Sports Series FT-86. Because it's the FT-86 is still officially a "concept" Toyota isn't revealing any hard data beyond RWD, 2.0-liters and six-speed manual. Good enough for us. As far as the G Sports Series version goes, it's a little busy and the rear wing is beyond unnecessary. Still, we're quite excited.

Especially as the front of the FT-86 might just be revealing an intercooler. Which would mean a turbocharger. Or is that just a fancy radiator? Well, you know the Subaru version is going to have an intercooler... Just to add to the speculation, check out the drift-o-rific video after the jump.

Gallery: Toyota G Sports Series

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota launching G Sports Series cars at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]

Toyota launching G Sports Series cars at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/toyota-launching-g-sports-series-cars-at-tokyo-auto-salon-w-vid/

Auto Service Auto Repair Automobile Auto

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mini E to be phased out in a year, Coupe goes on sale this fall

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Mini

Mini E - Click above for high-res image gallery

When asked about the arrival of the production Coupe and Roadster at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Mini Communication Manager Nathalie Bauters told us that the Mini Coupe "will go on sale in the fall, probably as a 2012 model year. The Roadster will come six months later as a 2012 or 2013 model."

What won't ever make the retail playground is the Mini E. "It will not go on sale, it was for research," she said. Some of the leases on the first year trial for consumers and electric companies have been extended to a second year, but the end of the second year will mark the phase out of the program. A lease program with the 1 Series-based BMW Active E will follow, also to gather intelligence on electric cars, with both programs helping to prepare for the arrival of the BMW Megacity.

Gallery: MINI E

Mini E to be phased out in a year, Coupe goes on sale this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/14/mini-e-to-be-phased-out-in-a-year-coupe-goes-on-sale-in-the-fal/

Audi European Auto Car Service Car Repair

Report: StarTech tuning for Jaguar and Land Rover now available Stateside

Filed under: Aftermarket, Jaguar, Land Rover, Luxury

StarTech Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

Gallery: Startech Jaguar XJ

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: StarTech tuning for Jaguar and Land Rover now available Stateside originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/24/report-startech-tuning-for-jaguar-and-land-rover-now-available/

Automobile Auto BMW Audi

First Drive: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Ford, First Drive

America's Answer To The BMW M3

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Trans-Am series of the late 1960s and early 1970s could be considered the golden era of American motorsports. Not only did it showcase the most desirable American cars of the time, but it featured some of the world's greatest racing drivers engaging in this country's own brand of fender-banging racing.

It's why Ford is so proud of the Boss 302, winner of the 1970 Trans-Am season with legendary driver Parnelli Jones behind the wheel, and why the street car has become a legend. But ask Jim Farley, Ford's head honcho of marketing, about the 2012 Mustang Boss 302, and he'll tell you that it's not just about building a remake of the original. "This is not a nostalgia project," he told us. "This is not in any way trying to bring back the Boss. This project is so much more than that. If we wanted to do that we could take a 5.0-liter, put some stripes and spoilers and other upgrades on it and that would be it. It was not a means to an end. The Boss 302 was originally a means to an end. It was a production car to go racing. This is a completely different project. We were not going to do this project unless we could beat an M3 at this track." This track being the famed Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

With Bavaria's best sportscar in it sights, did Ford achieve its goal of building a modern day legend, or is the 2012 Boss 302 simply another one of the infinite variations of the Ford Mustang? Ford invited us out to Monterey for a full day with the car, including some track time at Laguna Seca, and we have the answer.

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302...

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First Drive