Today hot auto news

Official: Mercedes-Benz launching new Antos short-radius distribution truck

If you thought Mercedes-Benz has expanded its range of luxury automobiles to gargantuan proportions, well... you're right. But its commercial vehicles division hasn't been missing a step, either. The German truckmaker is still in the process of launching the new Citan urban delivery van, and is already working on its next offering to the truckers of the world: the Antos.

Designed from the get-go as a short-radius distribution truck, the Antos pioneers a new class of maneuverable and versatile workhorse. Still in the development phase, the Antos will be revealed in full at the Commercial Vehicle IAA this coming September, at which point it will be made available in a staggering array of configurations. Mercedes-Benz plans to offer the Antos in two cab styles, with no fewer than thirteen powertrain options (ranging from 238 horsepower up to 510) and a whopping 67 wheelbase lengths to make it almost infinitely adaptable to whatever use its owners and operators have in mind.

The possibilities with a truck like this are virtually endless, extending to refrigerator boxes, flat beds, high cubes and beyond. Scroll down below to read more about it in the full press release.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz launching new Antos short-radius distribution truck

Owning a HUMMER has never been so sweet

Even if a HUMMER is not a sweet sight for a lot of folks, this post from sibling site Luxist is almost guaranteed to bring a smile. Artist Heidi Hesse has created a full-sized replica of the original HumVee out of gumballs. She created the hard-shelled SUV in dedication to the soldiers who gave candy to children during the recent wars.

While there's limited information on the gumball, steel, and wire mesh creation itself, it is currently on display at the MOCA Tucson in Arizona.

RR of the Day: 1988 Chrysler Conquest TSI

Before the Supra Turbo, the Impreza or the EVO, there was the Starion, or, if you opted for the domestic nameplate, the Chrysler Conquest. This initial bit of tasty, Japanese, turbocharged deliciousness was available between 1982 and 1990 and it played a substantial role in laying the foundation for future high performance imports.

The history of the Starion and its domestic counterparts is well documented in the annals of the internet, so we'll just give you the nitty-gritty. The Starion/Conquest was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe, equipped with MacPherson struts in the front and a fully independent rear suspension. In Japan, the Starion was home to the venerable 4G63, 2-liter inline four, which shares the same designation with EVOs of today. However, for the U.S. market, the Conquest was fitted with a G54B, 2.6-liter four that made the same amount of power, but lacked dual-overhead cams. There were a few combinations of turbocharger and intercooler, but most U.S. models produced power figures somewhere in the 150-170 HP range.

This particular example is owned by Flickr member RAVDesigns, who seems to have poured his heart, soul, blood and pocketbook into making this one of the more potent examples of early-modern, turbocharged bliss. The engine was torn down to the block, balanced, stuffed with Wiseco forged pistons and rebuilt with a host of new parts. A custom intake and exhaust were fitted, along with a TDO6-17C turbo, three-inch turbo back exhaust, intercooler with custom plumbing and Blitz BOV. Orchestration duties fall onto a Hawk programmable ECU.

The stock suspension was tossed in favor of Ground Control coilovers and Eibach springs, along with 4-way adjustable KYB shocks. Suspension Techniques front and rear sway bars were fitted, along with both front and rear strut braces. RAVDesigns didn't disclose what rubber is wrapping the 17" Work Equip wheels, but we're assuming he goes through tires so quickly, he can't keep track.

You can find a full list of the mods after the jump along with a shot of the engine bay.

If you'd like to see your own ride featured here, simply upload photos of your ride into our Flickr group. We select one image to highlight each week day, and on the weekend let you vote for the RR of the Week. Detailed instructions can be found after the jump.

Engine:

G54B 2.6L I4

Rebuilt, balanced, with "balancing shafts" removed

Wiseco forged pistons

New: crank, rods, timing chain, oil pump, water pump, starter, and alternator

Fidanza aluminum flywheel

A/C removed

Custom Australian "Magna" MPI intake w/ 750cc injectors

Custom "log" header

GMC Syclone/Typhoon TDO6-17C turbo

Isuzu NPR FMIC

Custom IC pipes by JMFabrications.com

Blitz BOV

"Joe P" MBC

Turbo-back 3" mandrel bent exhaust w/ Magnaflow muffler

Hawk fully programmable fuel/ignition ECU

Zeitronix Wideband O2 sensor w/ display

MSD 6A ignition box

Magnecor wires

Suspension:

Ground Control coilovers w/ custom rate Eibach springs

KYB AGX 4-way adjustable shocks

Rear camber plates

F & R Strut braces

Suspension Techniques F & R Anti-Sway bars

Interior/Electronics:

Momo Jet steering wheel

Defi Display/Computer/Boost gauge

Custom carbon fiber dash inserts

1G DSM shift knob

JVC 3-disc cd changer headunit

Exterior/Wheels:

1983 Starion hood

Cleared & tinted front turnsignals and fog lenses

Work Equip 17"

How to submit to RR of the Day:

Create a Flickr account if you don't already have one. Search for and join the group called 'Autoblog RR of the Day'. Upload up to three photos of your ride to your own account at a size no larger than 450 pixels wide if possible and include as much information about it and yourself as possible. Even if your ride is sweet, it will not be chosen if there's not a lot of info accompanying it. Click on each photo and just above the picture it will say "Send to group". Click that and select the Autoblog group. You're done, that's it!

Official: Holden announces export of RWD Commodore to North America, other bodystyles could follow *UPDATE

Calling it "Holden's worst kept secret," a report in Australia's Drive indicates that the General Motors antipodean brand will announce "very soon" that it will be exporting "thousands of Commodores to the U.S. from 2013." Or, put another way, we will be getting thousands of Chevrolet SS Performance sedans - the Pontiac G8 in a previous life - starting next year.

The report says Holden is divulging the news earlier than planned because leaks just about everywhere, including OnStar, as well as trade-publication reports and speculation about GM's 2013 NASCAR entrant, have got everyone looking southward for confirmation of the answer we already (almost) know.

Drive says our rear-wheel drive Chevrolet will get a revised take on the VF-model Commodore that has an aluminum hood to make it lighter and less aggressive wheel arches to make it more slippery. No hard numbers are attached to the export rumors, but it is expected to number "much fewer than the 50,000-odd" units that were predicted for the Pontiac G8 program.

The scintillating line for bitter enthusiasts still chafing over the confirmed-then-cancelled G8 ST Ute corn tease is that the exports "could also expand to involve ute and sportwagon variants." Drive didn't, but we will emphasize the word "could," since we've been here before. However, that does jive with a report in Car and Driver indicating the same thing. Holden's announcement could be made as soon as later today right now - see below for update.

*UPDATE: Well that didn't take long. General Motors has officially confirmed that the new Holden-derived sedan sold in the U.S. will be called simply Chevrolet SS. The "limited production" SS will race in NASCAR beginning with the 2013 Daytona 500 and will appear in showrooms in 2014. GM isn't getting into specifics, but says "The much anticipated Australian-built car will benefit from significant technology advances which enhance overall performance." As to additional bodystyles like a wagon or pickup, well, GM isn't saying. See more in the official press release added below, and click on the image above to get a look at GM's newest racer all camo'd up.

Continue reading Holden announces export of RWD Commodore to North America, other bodystyles could follow *UPDATE

Honda DN-01 automatic motorcycle arrives in Japan on March 7

Click image for a hi-res gallery of the Honda DN-01

Back in October of last year, Honda announced that the DN-01 automatic motorcycle would enter production. Starting on March 7th, it will officially be on sale in Japan. When we first heard about the concept, we wondered how it would perform with its 680 cc V-Twin and new hydraulic transmission design. Since then, we've heard that the engine will make 61 horsepower, so think of this machine as a bridge between large maxi-scooters and entry-level sportbikes like the Ninja 500 or GS500. We expect that the DN-01 will have no problem handling daily commuting chores and the often necessary highway-drones, but don't expect to challenge any sportbikes on long straights. Handling will likely be a strong point, with 17" rims sporting 130/70 front and 190/50 rear tires combined with ABS for panic-free stops. We hope to get a chance to ride this bike, but can't help but wonder if the Aprilia 850 Mana is more appropriate for the American market.

Gallery: Honda DN-01

Geneva 2008: Sbarro Pendolauto leaning motorcycle

Last October, when Yamaha showed off its Tesseract concept, we had trouble deciding how to classify the vehicle other than as extremely awesome. We are left scratching our heads yet again as Swiss automobile and motorcycle customizing company Sbarro unleashes its Pendolauto concept. Like the Tesseract, the Pendolauto leans into turns like a motorcycle would, yet features four wheels, like a car or a quad. With most of the excitement of a motorcycle, the machine would certainly be a blast to ride, but perhaps a bit more stable due to the addition of the two extra contact patches. Piaggio has seen a great deal of success with its MP3 scooter, but that machine features three wheels and is classified as a motorcycle. Because the Tesseract and Pendolauto have four wheels, nothing quite like them will be available in the U.S. any time soon. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be have yet to understand that a machine like the Pendolauto can offer similar benefits as motorcycles while perhaps adding a few degrees of safety. Click one of the sources below for more pics.

Rendered Speculation: BMW S.X. Concept

Looking at some of the controversial recent designs coming out of BMW, many enthusiasts might think that it's not hard to imagine that study hall doodles would be preferable. Not exactly a schoolboy anymore, Iulian Bumbu has applied skills learned at a Milanese automotive design program to a BMW etude.

The car looks like it could actually be possible, wearing design cues that echo the recently redone Z4. The renderings call to mind the recently scuttled Concept CS from BMW's own pens, depicting a car that's extra-wide, super-low, and ultra aggressive. In any case, BMW could do worse than this flight of fancy.

Gallery: BMW Concept SX Proposal

Official: Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for N"urburgring 24 Hours

Toyota and Lexus are gearing up for this year's Nüburgring 24 Hours. The two companies plan to take to the track with a total of five entries, including four Toyota GT 86 race cars and one Lexus LFA. Prepped by factory tuner Gazoo Racing, the LFA will compete in the SP8 class while two of the GT 86 models will go fender-to-fender in the SP3 class. Those will be joined by two more GT 86 racers built by Toyota Motorsport and competing under the Toyota Swiss Racing Team banner in the V3 class for production vehicles.

Gazoo Racing has already had a little fun at the Nüburgring this year. While competing at two shorter events at the legendary track, the LFA took home two wins. This year's 24-hour endurance race kicks off this weekend, May 17-20. The even will be streamed online here and here. Scroll down for the quick press release.

Continue reading Toyota GT 86, Lexus LFA racers ready for N"urburgring 24 Hours

Report: Lexus kills off slow-selling HS 250h

Are you one of the few people looking to put a brand-new Lexus HS 250h in your driveway? Better act fast. Inside Line reports that Toyota's luxury division has killed off its slow-selling HS model:

"Production of the HS 250h ceased in January, 2012. Lexus continues to monitor sales for each product and we make adjustments to make sure that we meet market demand, and the discontinuation of HS was part of that adjustment. The ES 300h is not replacing HS in our lineup. It's merely part of the hybridization of many of our existing vehicles in the Toyota and Lexus lineups."

It's interesting that Lexus says the ES Hybrid is not a replacement for the HS, but we'd be a bit surprised if another standalone hybrid model made it into Lexus showrooms to replace the canceled HS - it seems to us that the current CT 200h hatchback and ES 300h ought to satisfy the needs of Lexus hybrid shoppers.

SEMA: V?X-Amazon, the retro-Volvo stunner

The Volvo Amazon is a classic, but it's not something that leaps to mind when one thinks, "Hot Rod." Mattias Vöcks, a Swede in the employ of the supertuner, Koenig, has changed that forever with his VÖX-Amazon, a '67 Amazon that he turned into one of the most smile-inducing hot rods you'll ever set eyes on. The car was voted "Sweden's Hottest Volvo," an honor that earned Vöcks and his 600 horsepower six-cylinder station wagon passage to Vegas, where the car is is proudly displayed at Volvo's SEMA booth.

Slammed low to the ground, finished in a glossy blue-grey paint and sporting multi-piece black wheels, mesh grilles, a big, fat side-exit exhaust, and a red interior that's all business, the VÖX-Amazon would look right at home at any American cruise night. With that kind of juice underhood, it could hold its own at the stoplight showdowns, too.

(Photos, Press release after the jump)

PHOTO GALLERY:

VÖX-Amazon Press Photos

Click images to enlarge

PRESS RELEASE:

Sweden's hottest Volvo set to light up Sin City at the 2006 SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas

Custom-built 600 horsepower Volvo Amazon thunders into the show

October 31, 2006 (Las Vegas, Nevada) - Classic American muscle cars are a rarity at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow in Las Vegas. But a classic Swedish hot rod at the show is about as rare as ordering pickled herring "your way" at the local Burger King. But this year will be different. Sitting proudly among the three exciting highly customized Volvo C30s, this 1967 Volvo Amazon should attract plenty of admiring stares from the show's 100,000-plus attendees.

But getting here wasn't easy. At the 25th jubilee of the Vallåkra Custom Car Meet outside Landskrona, Sweden last summer, Mattias Vöcks's classic Amazon estate was voted best car to represent Sweden and its car-customisation enthusiasts at the annual SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas. SEMA is the venue for the world's largest custom-car show.

Of the 600 or so customized Volvos on display at the Vallåkra Meet, about 30 were entered to take part in "Sweden's Hottest Volvo" contest. The jury's brief was to choose a car that stands out from the crowd, one that will pull at the heartstrings of the discerning American public. The jury's justification for selecting the "VÖX-Amazon" is as follows:

"This is a car that represents true Swedish car-building art with its focus on high build quality and unique detailing. It reflects personal craftsmanship of the very highest order. This is a car that stands out from the crowd while at the same time acknowledging a Swedish motoring icon that turns 50 this year. Finally, the winner truly epitomizes the title of "Sweden's Hottest Volvo" with its 600 horsepower under the hood."

When the judging was complete, it was Vöcks who walked away with the grand prize: An expense paid trip for him and his Amazon to the glittering lights of Sin City.

Vöcks, 27, has long been active in automotive circles. In fact, his hobby indirectly led to him earning his living at sports-car manufacturer Koenig. His most recent creation, a Volvo P1800, aroused considerable attention when it was unveiled. "Volvo is the make that I like most and I have actually customised several Amazons previously. It all began when I was given an old Amazon by my grandmother, and it's continued ever since," said Vöcks.

The jury consisted of Volvo Personbilar Sverige President Thomas Andersson, Volvo's STCC driver Robert Dahlgren, press officer Bo Larsen of Volvo Cars Sweden, Leif Tufvesson who is a professional car builder, and Per Östman and Bertil Wilhelmsson from motoring magazine Bilsport and Vallåkra Meet, respectively.