Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

To some, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a demure looking beast, but don’t let the classy lines fool you. Beneath that long, elegant nose is a 6.2-liter, 563 horsepower AMG V8 that propels the top Benz to supercar status. But while the SLS can hold its own on the race track against some of the world’s finest automobiles, it also has the punch to take on low-brow muscle cars at their own game.

While the folks at Car and Driver no doubt have the resources to hit the track, they instead opted to take the SLS AMG out for some donuts. We’re not talking polite, single turn donuts, either. This is the kind of donut that leads to a fast trip to the tire store for some very expensive Continental ContiSportContact rubber. And just for kicks (and visual flair), the C/D gang has left its gullwing doors ajar for maximum tire smoke inhalation. Hit the jump to watch the tire-shredding action for yourself.

[Source: Car and Driver via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Car and Driver gets bored, does doors-up donuts in Benz SLS AMG

Video: Car and Driver gets bored, does doors-up donuts in Benz SLS AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

The slow-selling Honda Insight hasn’t exactly stolen any of the Toyota Prius‘ thunder since its introduction last year, and with new green cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ready to join the battle, the future of Honda’s hybrid hatch doesn’t look too bright. Still, the Japanese automaker has given the Insight a host of improvements for the 2011 model year, including a new base model that retails for $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge).

So, what do you losegain with the base Insight? For starters, a downgraded stereo system is on hand, with a single CD player and two – yes, two – speakers. Audiophiles need not apply. Remote entry is standard on the base Insight, but if you want amenities like cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest and floor mats, you’ll need to opt for the mid-grade LX trim. In other words, the new price leader is something of a municipal and fleet special. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pricier EX now comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and can be optioned with navigation.

The Insight’s 1.3-liter inline-four with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist carries over largely unchanged, with fuel economy rated at 40/43 miles per gallon, city/highway. 2011 Insight models are arriving at Honda dealers as you read this, and for the full details on what’s new, follow the jump for Honda’s press release.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hybrid, Videos, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Want to be like Lance Armstrong and get the first available production model of one of the most eagerly-awaited vehicles of the decade? You can, if you’re willing to bid some money to help the Detroit Public Schools – more specifically the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, which supports math and science education.

The “first Chevrolet Volt available for retail sale” will be auctioned on Bidonthevolt.com through 6 p.m. (EST?) December 14, with the winner announced on December 16. The actual first retail Volt will be kept by General Motors, so the Viridian Joule auction car will have a vehicle identification number ending in BU100002. The car includes the Light Neutral interior with dark accents, has the Premium Trim Package, Rear Camera and Park Assist Package and polished wheels. The auction starts at $50,000 and comes with a 240-volt charging station installed in the winner’s home. No word on whether of not winning the auction still qualifies you for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

As you might expect, GM is highlighting the connection between all of the advanced technology in the Volt and the math and science needed to create it. General Motors North America president Mark Reuss said in a statement that, “By encouraging Detroit-area students to pursue these topics, we hope to cultivate the next generation of engineers who will build upon the Volt’s innovative technologies.” To this end, GM will also hire 1,000 engineers and researchers in Michigan within the next two years. You can read about these jobs on AutoblogGreen, but before you go anywhere, check out an official time-lapse build video of the first Chevy Volt after the jump.

[Source: Chevrolet]

Continue reading Chevrolet Volt production officially begins today, GM auctioning first one for charity [w/video]

Chevrolet Volt production officially begins today, GM auctioning first one for charity [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Hatchback, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows, India

Honda has pulled the sheets off of its new small-car prototype at this year’s Thailand International Motor Show. Called the Brio, the vehicle is slated to hit the market in India and Thailand in 2011. Honda says that it intends to develop unique models for various markets, noting that the Thai version will be more efficient than its Indian counterpart. Likewise, the Indian market Brio will come with a bigger focus on driving performance to suit customer demands. As of right now, there’s no indication as to what engine powers the Brio, but early reports lean heavily toward the company’s 1.2-liter four-cylinder mill.

The Brio should help Honda tap into the growing consumer interest in economical small cars in Asia. The Japanese automaker says that the Thai version will carry an MSRP of around 400,000 baht, or around $13,200 at current conversion rates.

Still, competition at that level is fierce. Honda can expect to square off against metal from Suzuki, Hyundai and Kia just to name a few. Hit the jump to watch a video and to check out the full press release.

[Source: Honda via PaulTan]

Continue reading Honda reveals new Brio city car prototype in Thailand [w/video]

Honda reveals new Brio city car prototype in Thailand [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has summoned top executives of energy multinationals Shell and Halliburton for questioning in two separate graft probes. Another 21 people are also being questioned, officials say.

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The Federal Government has made a volte-face on its economic policy, as it has lifted the ban placed on the importation of textile materials, furniture, toothpicks and cassava products.

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Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the extension of the DRC Sanctions Mandate by the Sanctions Committee, November 29, 2010

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The Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers (NUPENG) yesterday commenced a nationwide strike.The strike, which was sequel to the federal government’s inability to meet the demands of the union is feared to have a negative impact on the nation’s economy.

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	Iceland’s Northern Lights Energy places order for 1,000 Amp electric SUVs The biggest order in the company’s history will take five years to fulfill.		Nissan Leaf nabs 2011 European Car of the Year award It’s Europe’s biggest auto contest, and this year it goes to a car without a fuel tank.
	Mitsubishi i-MiEV production hits 5,000 It’s the most popular full-speed electric vehicle on the planet.	Other news: EPA’s 2011 RFS2 numbers slash cellulosic ethanol target by 97 percent Think kicks off U.S. production of City electric vehicle Electroengine electrifies Volvo C70, adds beast to beauty

AutoblogGreen for 11.30.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Safety, UK

Britain is stepping up to the man. The island nation is moving to stop a proposal that would allow member countries of the European Union to enforce traffic violations across international borders. The legislation aims to help law enforcement pursue unruly drivers for four major offenses: speeding, running traffic lights, drunk driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Mike Penning, Britain’s road safety minister, said that while the UK is all for greater cooperation between the 27 countries in the EU, he feels there are still some wrinkles to be ironed out in the proposal.

Part of the conflict stems from the law requiring those caught speeding by traffic cameras to be held responsible for fines once they return to their native country. Penning is concerned about who pays the fine when someone other than the vehicle’s owner is behind the wheel and how the appeal process would work. All told, around four million Britons use their vehicles outside of the country’s borders.

[Source: The Daily Telegraph l Image: Reed Saxon/AP]

Report: UK moves to block Europe-wide speeding fines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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