August 28, 2008
American automotive racing great Phil Hill has passed away. Hill was 81 year old, and had suffered from Parkinson's disease for a number of years. His last public appearance was at the recent Pebble Beech Concours d"Elegance.
The following statement is from Ferrari North America.
AppreciationMaranello, August 28, 2008 - As soon as he got word of Phil Hill's passing, Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo declared:
I, as well as all employees of Ferrari are extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Phil Hill, a man and a champion who gave so much to Ferrari and who has always greatly represented the company's values inside and outside the racing track.
Phil Hill raced and won many competitions both with prototype cars, like the 24 hour of Le Mans, as well as with production race cars. With our car, Phil won the Formula One Championship title in 1961 as the first American-born to reach this result.
Phil and I have always kept in touch throughout the years and I know I will miss his passion and love for Ferrari very much.
My deepest sympathies are with his wife Alma and son Derek in this sad moment.
Here's Inside Line's take: Phil Hill, American F1 Champion, Dies at 81
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 2:29 PM
- Categories: Ferrari, Motorsports
BMW X3
Stormtrooper Pez Dispenser -- The Mechanic, Inside Line Contributor
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- Posted by: The Mechanic August 28, 2008, 12:05 PM
- Categories: The Mechanic
The official 2010 Ford Mustang announcement is not too far off, and with that thought here are a couple of Mustang-isms to ponder...
New hood
Okay, what engines will see use under this hood? The power-bulge should give some sort of hint.
New logo
There will be a new 'Stang gracing the Mustang grille and whatever. Which of the two pictured here is the new pony?
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 10:28 AM
- Categories: Ford, Future Vehicles, Sports Cars
So is the American public ready for a neo-Cimarron? ...And did Cadillac learn anything from their first and ill-fated attempt at building 4-cylinder cars? To say that the 4-cylinder 1982-88 Caddy Cimarron was a disaster is being kind, very kind indeed.
As you're probably aware Cadillac already has a 4-cylinder BLS, which is sold in Europe. It's built off off a Saab platform, and is FWD. Guess what? The BLS is also a turkey. Well, maybe that's a bit harsh, but the fact of the matter is no one in Europe much cares. The car is not selling well. Granted, the Cadillac brand does not hold the same stature in Europe that it does here, so that is certainly a big part of the BLS not being a hit over there. Still the answer to my second question above, remains unanswered.
Full story here.
Here's
AutoObsever's take:
Cadillac Busts A Fuel-Saving Move, Will Go Four-Cylinder
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 6:25 AM
- Categories: Cadillac
This actually could be good news, as originally there had been rumors that Chrysler would ax the Viper. So now we have this news that the Viper could survive--if some other company would be interested in buying it; and of course, if the price is right to both parties. Let's hope that's the case.
In a perfect world, the Viper would remain a Chrysler product. In a slightly less perfect world, it would be bought by an American company (perhaps Shelby?). If push-comes-to-shove, I think most gearheads would prefer to see the Viper continue--even if
it's owned by some huge Mid-East, Indian or other foreign
conglomerate--than to have it go down the tubes.
Full story here.
Here's Inside Line's take: Chrysler Confirms It May Sell off Dodge Viper and Viper Loyalists React with Optimism to Uncertain Future for Dodge Supercar
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 5:55 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chrysler, Dodge, Sports Cars, Trends
Formula Zero--as in "Zero" emissions--is a new kart racing series in which only fuel-cells are used. The first race took part in the Netherlands this past weekend. The event was divided into two sections: a sprint being the first, and an endurance phase being the second.
The karts are powered by hydrogen fuel cells that story their energy in lightweight, compact super-capacitors. This eliminates the need for a large battery, which is important considering the
lightweight kart platform. Compared to conventional karts, the speeds are slow; but hey, it's a start. Let's see where they go with this.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Green Tech, Motorsports
Take a close look here guys, as this will be the primary mover of many Ford products shortly. It's their new twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. The folks over at Jalopnik got a chance to see the engine oveer at Ford's Beech Daly Technical Center.
Full story here with a bunch of pixs.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 28, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories:
August 27, 2008
If you're curious as to what's being displayed at the Moscow Auto Show, check out AutoObserver's report:
Moscow Motor Show: Western Carmakers Are Gaining Ground on Local Producers
This show, like the Chinese and Indian auto shows, is gaining in importance as being a ready-for-prime-time show. Expect to see much more news coverage from Russia in the future, as well as from China and India.
So the question of the day is: Do you think we will ever see Russian vehicles being exported here at some point?
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 7:45 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows
As most of you know by now, the all-new Dodge Ram has a coil rear suspension, which replaces the traditional leaf rear suspension found on most tucks. As such, this new Ram will be studied very closely by truck buyers, many of whom think this is a bad idea. This thinking is best summed up by Scott Burgess of The Detroit News, who states:
New suspension a slam dunk
But the ride may make a bigger difference. Compared to the competition, the ride is smoother. Instead of sticking with leaf springs in the back, Dodge gambled with a multilink coil spring rear suspension.
You need to understand that pickup owners are much like the vending machines at The News: They don't handle change very well. Switching the truck's rear suspension is a monumental shift. Richter scales in India may have picked up the move by Dodge.
I couldn't have said it better.
Mike Levine of PickupTruck.com has also driven the new truck, and he too is quite impressed with the new Dodge and its new rear suspension.
As to how does it compare with other 1/2-tons? While not quite class-leading, it matches or exceeds the outgoing '08 Ram in terms of work capability, meaning payload and towing. The big question is: Will truck buyers agree? My guess--after the expected initial grumbling--yes.
Full story here and here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 7:06 AM
- Categories: Dodge, Trucks
Mazda deputed their Kazamai concept at the Moscow Auto Show. It's yet another example of their Nagare theme that their designers have been exploring.
Perhaps even more bizarre than this car is Mazda's latest tagline: "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Okay. Now can someone please tell me what the heck that is supposed to mean? And as to what does "Kazamai" mean? Try "swirling crosswinds." I think I need a drink.
Full story here.
Here's
Inside Line's take:
2008 Moscow Auto Show Preview: Mazda Kazamai Concept
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: Auto Shows, Mazda
For those waiting for the return of the now Chinese-owned MG brand to these shores, your wish has just been torpedoed.
NAC's managing director Gary Hagen states, ""We're starting with the UK and Ireland and, once we're up to speed, we will be pushing to sell in Europe. The USA isn't on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us but, with the right product, it would be good to return there."
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 27, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: MG, Sports Cars
August 26, 2008
2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe
2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe -- The Mechanic, Inside Line Contributor
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- Posted by: The Mechanic August 26, 2008, 3:34 PM
- Categories: The Mechanic
Just found the following over at SpeedTV.com (here).
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We received this e-mail from Bart Brown of Wings'n'Wheels Hobbies, Clinton CT, USA. He forwarded it. We do not know the writer.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Lime Rock Park was closed down for an hour and half today to honor Paul Newman. He was attended by his family, close friends, Skip Barber, mechanics on his race team, and those who happened to be at the track. PLN toured the track in his Corvette race car with his Buick V8 powered Volvo station wagon following. He had come to say goodbye. Diagnosed with terminal cancer he is not expected to live beyond September. Race driver, actor, humanitarian, family man and friend, they did not come any better.
--
So sad.
Images: Robert Ondrovic
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 26, 2008, 6:59 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Chevrolet, Motorsports
I doubt you will see this anytime soon at your local LL Bean outlet--but you never know...
Jake Loniak, a college junior at the Art Center College of Design, has come up with this wild piece of personal transportation: the Deus Ex Machina, as he calls it. Basically it's a vehicle that you put on, much like a coat; the difference being this is a coat with wheels and a motor.
How cool is that? I'd say the young Mr. Loniak has a promising future in transportation design ahead of him.
Full story here.
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 26, 2008, 6:16 AM
- Categories: Auto Industry, Trends
The Moscow auto show is about to open, and it's significant, in that Russia has a booming demand for vehicles. No wonder all the major automakers are so eager to be players--big players!
Ten years ago--heck five years ago--who would have given this show a second thought? Folks, the times they are a-changin'...
Here's AutoObserver's take: GM in Russia: Too Few Cars is a Good Problem to Have
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- Posted by: Bob Holland August 26, 2008, 4:00 AM
- Categories: All Auto Shows, Auto Industry
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