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Top 10 Gibberish Car Names

Naming cars is a tricky business. Automakers usually find obscure words or words associated with positive things and then test their effectiveness on focus groups. Some automakers take the cop out route and use simple alphanumeric designations. Then there are those who just make $(-)!# up. Today we honor those companies that give their vehicles gibberish names with a Top 10 list of the best and most meaningless.

We limited our pool of candidates to vehicles that are or soon will be on sale in the U.S., as trying to choose from all the automakers in the world was too daunting a task. There are certainly more than these ten, but these are our favorites. Let us know your favorites in the comments and whether you think we're spot on or just full of gibberish. We think you'll find the last one particularly interesting.

Top 10 Gibberish Car Names originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action

Filed under: Motorsports, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click above for a high resolution image of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo

Lamborghini announced its Blancpain Super Trofeo this past weekend at Hockenheim, a racing series featuring spec Gallardo LP560-4's in race trim. The Super Trofeo will run in support of the FIA GT Championship, DTM, and FIA WTCC series and will feature individual professional and 'gentleman' drivers, along with dealership teams. We only had a handful of studio photos at the time, but since then we've found several more including a few of the car on the racetrack. We also managed to find the press release that provides full details on the engine, chassis, interior, and body modifications done to the car. Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below for the new photos.

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action

Pics aplenty: Lamborghini Super Trofeo in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen temporarily becomes largest company in the world

Filed under: Etc., Euro, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials

The NFL season is clearly out of control, Audi just crossed the country in a bunch of diesels you can't buy here, and GM wants to "merge" with Chrysler. But it's not just America that's home to the madness: Ferrari might leave F1, Mitsuoka is selling this thing for €70,000, and today, for a brief moment, Volkswagen was the most valuable company in the entire world based on market capitalization. The reason: Porsche announced it would up its stake in the company to 75-percent. That blasted VW's €210 euro-per-share price up to €1,000 per share, making it more valuable than ExxonMobil and giving Ferdinand Piech reason to start practicing some lines from Scarface. The shares ended the day at €643, which is still pretty good for paper that could be had for less than €200 just about a month ago... Thanks for the tip, Kris!

[Source: Seeking Alpha]

Volkswagen temporarily becomes largest company in the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Boxster/Cayman facelift leaked?

Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Porsche

The team at Autoweek.nl supposedly snatched a few images of the facelifted Boxster and Cayman from Porsche's configuration page, revealing a slightly revised set of headlamps and air intakes, along with restyled LED taillights inspired by the 2009 911. But what's mounted amidships is far more important.

The 2010 Porsche Boxster and Cayman will go on sale next year, rumored to be powered by a new 2.9-liter engine. The standard models will be putting out approximately 265 hp and 222 lb.-ft. of torque, while the S-equipped line will feature the same engine equipped with direct injection. Output is reported to swell to 320 hp and 274 lb.-ft. of torque, with power being sent to either a six-speed manual or Porsche's new PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Expect more details to be revealed next month.


[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Porsche Boxster/Cayman facelift leaked? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge Ram takes top pickup award in Canada

Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Dodge, Canada

We're still trying to figure out which new-for-'09 truck took the top honors in the State of Texas, but it's clear that the Dodge Ram was chosen as "Best New Pickup in Canada." In the process of taking the award, the new Ram beat out its rival from Ford, which is also brand new for the 2009 model year. Highlights of the new Ram's design include its always-macho styling, RamBox cargo management system and its coil-spring rear suspension.

While the Dodge Boys are sure to accept any trophy for its new truck, we're sure that the sales of full-sized pickups in Canada pale in comparison to those of the United States, and Texas is the undisputed U.S. heavyweight champion when it comes to truck-lovin'. The real battle is about to begin as both Ford and Dodge go up against tough competition from Chevrolet, GMC and Toyota for the pick'em-up-truck sales crown.


[Source: The Car Connection]

Dodge Ram takes top pickup award in Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slow Ford Flex sales blamed on...

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford

Ford's boxy new Flex crossover wagon is far from meeting its sales expectations. And while part of its slow sales can be chalked up to the overall downturn in the auto market, and specifically sales of large 'utes, some believe that there could be more than meets the eye to this particular story.

Up to this point, Jim Farley, Ford's main marketer, has been running a very stylized advertising campaign to accompany the launch of the new people mover, and certain members of Ford's board reportedly believe that a more mainstream or conservative launch would have worked out better.

Farley defends his approach to The Detroit News, and he points out that half of all Flex's are sold to conquest buyers from other brands, especially from foreign-made minivans. Plus, more are sold loaded with all the goodies and are going for prices in the high 30's. Regardless, expect to see more ads touting the Flex's roominess and sound core family values moving forward.


[Source: The Detroit News]

Slow Ford Flex sales blamed on... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi spied in Germany

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Suzuki

When the Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept bowed in New York, we were smitten by the sedan's aggressive lines and low-slung stance. But after seeing some rudimentary patent drawings of the production model, we were seriously concerned that everything we loved about Suzuki's new sedan would be lost in translation. Finally, some glimmer of hope has arrived.

KGP caught a Kizashi mule in Germany before it set off on its mandatory 'Ring run, and with a modicum of camo and some artfully placed tape, the prototype laid most of our concerns to rest.

Although the exaggerated shape and massive fender flares of the concept has been eschewed for something a bit more sedate, the majority of the lines remain, along with the sculpted headlamps and broad rear shoulders. Unfortunately, things begin to go slightly awry in the rear, where the chunky C-pillar and 1-series look-alike lights join an upkicked trunk and a bulbous bumper. But overall, our gripes are minor, and with power rumored to be provided by either a 300 hp, 3.6-liter DOHC V6 driving all four wheels or a 2.5-liter four-cylinder putting power down to the front rollers, we think this might be the first in a string of new models from Suzuki that could finally bring it up to par with its cross-town competitors in Japan.

Spy Shots: Suzuki Kizashi spied in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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German police mocked by Muppet-driven Audi

Filed under: Etc., Euro

The British have been known to "take the piss" out of their German counterparts for several decades now, and that goes well back before World War II. Time to score one for the sceptered isle again: somebody in a right-hand-drive vehicle in Germany has been foiling German speed cameras with a Muppet. German cameras are aimed to get clear pictures of the driver in a left-hand-drive car, but not a shot of the passenger -- who is, in this case, the driver. All they can get is this googly-eyed fellow. Jim Henson must be pleased. Thanks for the tip, Abe!

[Source: BoingBoing via AutoFiends]

German police mocked by Muppet-driven Audi originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM wants $10 billion in aid from the Feds to buy Chrysler

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., GM, Earnings/Financials

In the latest development of The Incomprehensible Union, General Motors is reportedly asking the U.S. government for $10 billion -- on top of the $25 billion loan approved recently -- to help it merge with Chrysler. The supplemental infusion would give the government, i.e. you and me, a stake in the merged company in the form of preferred stock, would see the government taking over pension obligations and provide a credit line for operations.

The government is weighing the request since it's likely that no federal official wants to be on the watch that saw the instantaneous vaporizing of two American icons and hundreds of thousands of jobs. The government has asked that as many jobs as possible be spared, and GM said "Sure!" Yet for a merger where cost savings and redundancy elimination have been the headlines, we don't know why anyone believes GM-Chrysler wouldn't jettison a whole bunch of the 11 brands, 10,000 dealers, and 100,000 union jobs. And that's just for starters.

Which is one of the (many) reasons we still don't understand the GM-Chrysler union. The additional $10 billion we can swallow -- after all, the government spends much more than that on projects that could be considered far more dubious than trying to save an astronomical number of jobs and businesses. And we know what Cerberus gets from the deal. We'd like to find out what the GM guys see that makes this merger attractive... other than the fact that Chrysler has $11 billion in cash.

[Source: Reuters]

GM wants $10 billion in aid from the Feds to buy Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No 2009 Volkswagen R32 for the U.S.

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen

The Volkswagen R32 has a die-hard following here in the States. Unfortunately for the sprightly hatchback's groupies, you'll have to head overseas if you want a 2009 model. Volkswagen spokesman Thomas Wegehaupt confirmed the R32's early exit out of the U.S., which means the original 5,000-unit allotment of hot hatches will be the only current-generation R32s to make it Stateside. Part of the reason for the discontinued R32 could have something to do with next year's arrival of the MK VI Golf Rabbit, which will be followed by a new GTI and possibly another R32.

The folks over at Kicking Tires say there are still 276 '08 models left in the US, so there are a few chances left to pick an R32 up. The remaining copies of the $32,995 hatch has $2,000 on the hood, too, so those last examples come at a discount. Is a 250-hp Golf with AWD worth a $31,000 entry price when the GTI is almost as fast for nearly $10,000 less? That may have something to do with the fact that we won't have an '09 R32 in the first place.


[Source: Kicking Tires]

No 2009 Volkswagen R32 for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW creating 'green supercar' for 2012

Filed under: Green, Supercars, BMW

BMW is hard at work on the M1's successor and according to Autocar's sources, officials inside the automaker are calling it a "breakthrough green supercar" that will arrive towards the end of 2012.

Taking inspiration from the M1 Homage concept and equipping the two-door with BMW's EfficientDynamics system, the mid-engine supercar is rumored to be packing the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six found across BMW's range. The automaker expects fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions to be on par with a mid-range 5-series sedan, primarily through the use of direct-injection, brake regeneration, start-stop technology and even its F1 team's kinetic energy recovery system.

The unnamed BMW supercar is expected to carry a price tag close to its rivals, the Audi R8 and the Mercedes-Benz SLC.


[Source: AutoCar]

BMW creating 'green supercar' for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupes, Chevrolet, GM

General Motors has announced that the blown beastie that lives under the hood of the Corvette ZR1 will be available as a crate motor next fall and our head is spinning with the swap possibilities.

With 639 hp and 604 lb.-ft. of twist available from the 6.2-liter supercharged V8, and dimensions shared by the LS3, any number of vehicles could make a happy home for the LS9. According to GM, the engine comes fully dressed, with an ignition system, exhaust manifolds and supercharger, and only needs an external oil tank and coolant tank (for the charge cooler), an ECU and wiring harness.

So, the question is: what would you fit the LS9 into? We've put together a poll after the jump, but feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.


[Source: GM via MotiveMag]

Continue reading SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine

SEMA Preview: GM Performance Parts 638-hp LS9 Crate engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Corvette ZR-1 knocks four seconds off 'Ring time

Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Supercars, Chevrolet

Back at the Nürburgring, the hot Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 has just ripped four seconds off its claimed 7:26 lap. The new time, with Jan Magnussen at the wheel, is a claimed 7:22.4 for the full 12.93-mile loop. While the number is pretty bloody fast, it is still .3 seconds off the time earned by the Dodge Viper ACR (ouch, those three tenths really have to hurt!). We take these lap times with a grain of salt, as we've yet to see everyone on the 73-turn course under the same conditions, and with officially certified timing equipment. Again, so you don't have to Google the competition's best-claimed Ring times yourself, here they are: Porsche GT2 - 7:32, Nissan GT-R - 7:29, Corvette ZR1 - 7:22.4 and the Dodge Viper ACR - 7:22.1. Thanks for the tip, Xeyad!

[Source: Motor Gears]

Corvette ZR-1 knocks four seconds off 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows

General Motors officially debuted the GPiX Concept, which we previewed for you last week, at the Sao Paulo Auto Show in Brazil yesterday. It was designed entirely by GM Design in Brazil but retains those corporate styling cues that make it instantly recognizable as a modern Chevy around the world. This two-door crossover has a bit of ground clearance for what GM calls "the types of roads and conditions found in emerging markets." We think that means no roads and poor conditions. There's no mention of what powers the GPiX concept, though we assume it's either A) not a runner, B) has a fictional super efficient prototype powertrain underhood or C) uses a four-cylinder gas motor capable of running on E100 ethanol. GM also says that the GPiX could be a potential new segment for the automaker in South America, but in these tough times we doubt it's really interested in developing a solo vehicle for a single market. You can check out more high-res pics of the GPiX concept in the gallery below and read GM's official press release after the jump.


[Source: GM]

Continue reading Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo

Officially Official: GM debuts Chevy GPiX Concept in Sao Paulo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New round of Aston Martin One-77 shots

Filed under: Supercars, Aston Martin

Despite Aston Martin's efforts to keep the One-77 supercar under wraps, four images have leaked out and we expect more to follow in the coming days.

Viewed in profile, the One-77's silhouette is pure Aston, taking all the right cues from its predecessors and forming them into a slightly elongated and exaggerated form. The massive grille is an obvious nod to the Astons of yore, but the hood delves deeper than its DB9 and Vantage counterparts and benefits from four contoured strakes terminating into a set of air extractors. The creases that bisect the blacked-out headlamps and front fenders are pure aggression, and the vents aft of the front wheels ensure that the 700 hp V12 is kept cool at speed.

Out back, Aston's signature rump is present and accounted for, but a new taillight design that evolves the automaker's current offerings, a rear diffuser and a center-exit exhaust are all elements that we expect to see on future models.

Check the gallery below for all the details. Thanks for the tip, Alexander!



[Source: 925.nl]

New round of Aston Martin One-77 shots originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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