Pontiac Trans Am at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

Pontiac Trans Am at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas – Click above for high-res image gallery

One thing you'll find plenty of at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction is Pontiac Firebird Trans Ams from the late '70s. The same black-and-gold, "Smoky and the Bandit," screamin' eagle Trans Ams that beguiled so many adolescent gearheads in their day.

These flamboyant muscle cars have enjoyed a resurgence of late, moving away from disco-era kitsch and into the realm of bona fide collector cars. Not too many cars of that stylistic- and performance-challenged time have made the leap.

"The styling has endured for a long, long time," said admitted Pontiac addict Tom Knight of Albuquerque, N.M, as he eyed a 1976 Trans Am 50th Anniversary coupe. "I think there's been a resurrection now that Pontiac's dead."

CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke

CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke
Part Number: C2CIWCB94415S
Manufacturer Number: IWCB944/15S
CCI Wheel Cover CCI Wheel Cover
Read all 3 reviews
List Price: $44.32
Our Price: $37.56
You Save: $6.76
Info/Buy
CCI AFTERMARKET WHEEL COVERS, SILVER, SET OF 4 -- 15 in. diameter; Does not include OE-style center cap; 7-spoke design; Made of ABS plastic; This set of aftermarket wheel covers inexpensively enhances the look of your wheels; Features wire ring with factory type retention for easy and reliable installation.

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner

Mercury spokesmodel Jill Wagner – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a report from Bloomberg, which is citing two unnamed sources who are supposedly "familiar with the plan," Ford is planning to close the doors on its Mercury division after 70 years of existence. If true, Mercury will join recently departed brands ranging from Plymouth, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn and Hummer.

We can't say that this news comes as a shocker, as analysts far and wide have been predicting such an event for the last few years, but Ford has repeatedly denied any plans to cancel its interplanetary division when questioned.

For what it's worth, the Mercury brand has seen its sales fall by nearly three-quarters since the year 2000, now representing less than two percent of Ford's annual sales. What's more, Mercury is scheduled to lose two of its four models next year. At this point, the only thing we'll miss if Mercury leaves us is spokesmodel Jill Wagner.

2010 BMW and SGL Team Up for Washington-Based Carbon Fiber Plant

BMW (holding a 49% stake) and SGL (holding 51%) have joined forces to create SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber LLC, which will be located in Moses Lake, Washington. The joint venture will build a $100 million "state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant" and help create 80 local jobs.

According to SGL ACF LLC, the end result will be carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) "used for BMW Group's upcoming Megacity Vehicle." They're referring to what will be the end result of BMW's Project i, a mode of transport "designed for fully electric, zero-emission driving."

Why build in Moses Lake? Mainly, energy costs in Washington state are highly competitive and there's access to renewable hydropower [re: it's green as grass]. Other factors included "favorable infrastructure conditions, existing utilities, a skilled labor force and ease of working with the local government."

Robert Koehler, SGL Group's CEO, talked about the project: "It will be the world's most cost efficient carbon fiber plant using state-of-the-art technologies. This significant investment further underlines our commitment to the U.S., where we already operate carbon fiber and composite materials plants...We will ensure that carbon fibers play a revolutionary role in lightweight automotive construction."

Friedrich Eichiner of BMW added, "With using CFRP components in our Megacity Vehicle, we take sustainable mobility a step further. By combining the know-how of SGL Group and our expertise in manufacturing CFRP components, we will be able to produce carbon fiber enhanced components in large volumes at competitive costs for the first time. This is particularly relevant for electric-powered vehicles such as the Megacity Vehicle."

With recent BMW trademarks including everything from an i1 and i2 to E8s and E9s, there's no time like the present to start speculating on what the first majority-CFRP BMW product will be. Being old-school, here's hoping the Isetta makes a comeback.

Vehicle Class Buying Guides

Consumer Guide Automotive's singular focus is to make car shopping easier. We do that by offering comprehensive reviews of over 1,000 new and used vehicles, detailed pricing, safety information, and expert buying advice. Still, scanning through hundreds of reviews, sorting out option packages, and haggling for the best price is a daunting task for even the most diligent buyer.

That's why our vehicle class buying guides will give you a concentrated dose of car shopping advice specific to whatever vehicle class you're shopping for.

Each guide tackles a different vehicle class, explains the pros and cons of owning a vehicle in this particular class, points out features to look for, and suggests things to avoid. The "Consumer Guide to" guides make it easy for the shopper who knows what type of car they want and needs help selecting two or three they want to test drive.

In addition, the "Consumer Guide to" series helps a buyer focus on the type of vehicle that's right for their needs. Many consumers cross-shop between classes, and our class buying guides help consumers remain focused on the right vehicles.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

Electric Vehicles We take a look at the traffic-ready electric vehicles you can buy right now or in the near future. The vehicles covered here aren't exotically priced and go faster than 25 mph.

Hybrid Vehicles In the market for better fuel economy? The Consumer Guide to 2010 Hybrid Vehicles breaks down all of your gas-electric hybrid vehicle choices on sale this year.

E85 Flex-Fuel Vehicles New-car buyers can select from among 36 2010 models that can run on E85, a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Choices include cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks.

Diesel Vehicles Dirty diesel is a thing of the past. Check out which automakers offer clean diesel models for 2010.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Cars

Subcompact Cars Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. These vehicles are some of the most fuel-efficient and affordable cars on the market.

Compact Cars Compact cars make sense for many people because they offer so much for so little. Our buying guide will help you navigate through this crowded class.

Premium-Compact Cars The premium-compact-car segment is one of the hottest, most competitive classes. Use our buying guide to research your options.

Midsize Cars For a blend of passenger and cargo space, affordability, fuel economy, and variety, no other single vehicle comes close to matching the midsize car.

Premium-Midsize Cars These upscale machines come replete with posh, leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, superb stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry.

Large Cars As a class, this seemingly traditional gathering of sedans appears misleadingly dull. With available all-wheel drive and V8 engines with over 400 horsepower, this segment is as compelling as ever.

Premium-Large Cars If you're lucky enough to afford one of these cars, you'll be treated to a powerful, luxurious, and comfortable vehicle. Here's an overview of the 2010 premium-large-car lineup.

Sporty/Performance Cars Consumer Guide's sporty/performance-car class probably contains the most diverse variety of vehicles: Performance hatchbacks, drop tops, and muscular coupes.

Premium-Sporty/Performance Cars The cars that Consumer Guide classifies as premium-sporty/performance are at the top of the mountain when it comes to acceleration, handling response, and of course, price.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 SUVs

Compact SUVs Looking for a vehicle that's small on fuel consumption but large on utility? Check out a compact SUV. Our buying guide breaks down what's offered in this class.

Premium-Compact SUVs This class may be small in numbers now, but it is poised to explode during the next few years. Interested in luxury and utility in a tidy package? Check out this buying guide.

Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 29 vehicles as midsize SUVs. Our buying guide will help you find the right one.

Premium-Midsize SUVs Consumer Guide classifies 18 different models as premium-midsize SUVs. Use our buying guide to compare them all.

­Large SUVs Consumer Guide's large-SUV class is made up of six vehicles. Whichever model you choose, all large SUVs are designed for maximum cargo and passenger versatility.

­­Premium-Large SUVs Consumer Guide puts eight vehicles in this class. All players in this category appeal to well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what any coupe, sedan, or smaller SUV has to offer.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Pickups

Compact Pickups In the market for a small pickup? Consumer Guide classifies 9 vehicles as compact-pickup trucks. Use our buying guide to check them all out.

Large Pickups The two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups. Are you in the market? Check out all your options with our buying guide.

The Consumer Guide to 2010 Minivans

Minivans Though the minivan might seem like an endangered species, there are still a handful of model-year 2010 vans that haven't yet succumbed to extinction.

2011 Alpina B7

2011 Alpina B7 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has stated several times that it has no plans to do an official M version of the current F01 7 Series, but that doesn't mean it won't offer a hotter version of its flagship sedan courtesy of Alpina.

At next month's Chicago Auto Show, BMW will be reviving the Alpina B7, and while the sweet 4.4-liter twin turbocharged V8 remains under the hood, the dial has been turned up from the stock 400 horsepower to a full 500 hp, along with 516 pound-feet of twist. That should be enough to catapult the big sedan to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.

By itself, big power is useless unless spend all your time at the drag strip and the 7 Series is capable of so much more. Handling has long been a BMW hallmark and the 21-inch, 20-spoke Alpina wheels wrapped in Michelin PS2 rubber should provide plenty of grip for directional changes and positive and negative acceleration. A deeper front air dam and a rear decklid spoiler help keep the car glued to the pavement at autobahn level velocities, while inside the B7 coddles its occupants in upgraded leather and wood trim.

The B7 goes on sale this spring in both standard and long wheelbase formats, although pricing has yet to be announced. Make the jump for all the details.

2011 Alpina B7

• 
• 
• 
• 

the Black Noir edition – spotted in California – is all done up

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Blanc Noir Edition – Click above for image gallery

You didn't really think it was over, did you? The Sang Bleu was supposed to be the last special edition Bugatti Veyron, but word (and pictures) on the street suggest otherwise. Exhibit Z: the Grand Sport Blanc Noir edition, which follows the trio of Dubai specials into the Veyron special sunset.

Apparently created for a high-end clothier, the Veyron Blanc Noir appears to be a one-off (like the Pegaso) rather than a limited-production run (like the Fbg par Hermes). Based on the targa-roofed Grand Sport, the Black Noir edition – spotted in California – is all done up, as the name suggests, in black and white: a matte white body with glossy black hood, wheels, spoiler, fuel filler cap and more. And of course, there's the requisite nameplate on the lower front corner of the door. Check it out in the gallery below for all the angles.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Blanc Noir Edition

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Audi Standardizes HD Radio™ Technology in Three Models

Audi has announced that HD Radio Technology will be standard on its 2011 model year A6, A8 and Q7 vehicles.The 2011 Audi A4, A5 and Q5 models, sold at lower price points, will also offer the technology, but with the optional navigation radio.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."

Compared to static-laden traditional AM/FM radio, HD Radio offers CD-quality sound on FM channels, and FM-stereo quality sound on AM channels. According to iBiquity Digital Corporation, the company holding the trademark for HD Radio, there are more than 2,000 HD Radio stations and more than 1,100 HD2/HD3 channels (FM multicast) currently on the air. As of today, HD radio is available to 85 percent of Americans. It's interesting to note that when HD Radio debuted, "HD" was the abbreviation for "Hybrid Digital," but that was later dropped. Today, "HD" is simply part of the brand name - contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stand for "high-definition." Audi's press release is pasted after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

PRESS RELEASE

Audi Standardizes HD Radio™ Technology in Three Models

• HD Radio Technology will be standard on 2011 A6, A8 and Q7 models
• Available on the optional navigation radio for 2011 A4, A5, and Q5 models
• All cars will be available at U.S. Audi dealers by Fall 2010

HERNDON, Va., Jan 7, 2010 - Delivering the latest in digitally enhanced audio, extra programming and advanced data services, Audi of America today announced that it will offer HD Radio Technology as a standard feature on some of its 2011 models, including the A6, A8 and Q7. HD Radio Technology will also be available via the optional navigation radio in the 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 models. All models will be available at U.S. Audi dealerships by Fall 2010.

"We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."

"As a leader in engineering, Audi provides its drivers with high-quality innovation that truly defines the luxury markets, and they continue to raise the bar with the inclusion of HD Radio Technology," said Jeff Jury, Chief Operating Officer of iBiquity Digital Corporation, the developer of digital HD Radio Technology for AM and FM audio and data broadcasting. "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Audi and enabling their enthusiasts to enjoy the extra programming, crystal-clear sound, and advanced data services to enhance the driving experience."

HD Radio Technology is available to 85 percent of Americans with more than 2,000 HD Radio stations on the air, and 1,100+ new HD2/HD3 Channels (FM multicast). The digital platform offers fresh, creative programming on HD2/HD3 Channels, with CD-quality sound on FM and FM-stereo quality sound on AM.

More information on HD Radio broadcast stations currently on air nationwide can be found at http://www.hdradio.com.

Filed under: Technology, Audi

Tags: Audi, Audi HD Radio, Audi HD2, Audi HD3, AudiHd2, AudiHd3, AudiHdRadio, Free HD Radio, FreeHdRadio, HD Radio, HD Radio A4, HD Radio A5, HD Radio A6, HD Radio A8, HD Radio Q5, HD Radio Q7, HdRadio, HdRadioA4, HdRadioA5, HdRadioA6, HdRadioA8, HdRadioQ5, HdRadioQ7, iBiquity, No charge HD Radio, NoChargeHdRadio

Trs: Sunseeker Predator 108 + Caterham Se7en

Sunseeker Predator 108 + Caterham Se7en – Click above for high-res image gallery There really isn't too much to say here, because when you mix awesome with awesome and come up with something stupendous you needn't bother with the chatter. As a special treat for the London Boat Show, Sunseeker grabbed one of its Predator 108-foot flybridge motor yachts, then instead of putting a tender in the hold, it stowed a Caterham Se7en. The only thing we want to figure out now is whether the Sunseeker is the best garage ever, or if the Se7en is the best replacement for a Zodiac in history? Have a look at the duo in the gallery of high-res photos below and check out the presser after the jump. We need to make a quick call about getting these in the Autoblog Garage... Sunseeker Predator 108 + Caterham Se7en

The latter is lifted from the supercharged ZR1

Here's a supercar that's rising up against the competition - it's the Fenix! The work of Leicestershire-based sports car maker, Lee Noble, it's the first model to come from his new company, Fenix Automotive.

The as-yet-unnamed supercar features a basic design that is reminiscent of the Noble M600 and M12. However, the Fenix gets aggressive and angular lines, similar to those of the fighter jet-inspired Lamborghini Reventón.

“The M12 was hugely successful, but we needed to move the game on in terms of design,” said Noble. “The new car’s styling owes nothing to what I’ve done before and has quite literally been a ‘clean sheet’ exercise from the start. It’s edgy, with powerful lines, and aerodynamically will be in another league to any of my previous cars.”

Under the bonnet is a choice of two Corvette engines, giving 480bhp and 638bhp. The latter is lifted from the supercharged ZR1, and with a kerbweight of 1,200kg, is said to propel the Fenix from 0-100mph in just under seven seconds on its way to a 200mph top speed.

“Our first prototype is now in build and development will start in around one month’s time,” said Noble. “We’ll be hot-weather testing the first prototype on the mountain roads around Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where the car will be manufactured. But I’m itching to get the car back to the UK where I can set it up on roads I know well.”

Prices will be confirmed when sales start in 2011.

the HSV will be competing in this season of Japanese SuperGT

Honda’s new GT race car, the HSV-010 is the center of attention these days because it is the successor of the legendary NSX. Powered by a 3.4-liter V8 developing 500hp, the HSV will be competing in this season of Japanese SuperGT. Recently the car’s been scooped at Suzuka race track flexing its muscles a bit, showing off an awesome look. Check out that single central exhaust pipe! If Honda make a road going version of this car, it’ll be a Lexus LF-A killer!

Watch the videos below to see the car in action:

kansenzyuku