Archive for July, 2008
Above the Autoblog Garage: The Goodyear Blimp
Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage
Click above for a high-res gallery.
With excursions in light aircraft, aerobatic planes, commercial jets, and helicopters already under our belt, we jumped on Goodyear’s invite to take a flight in one of its three blimps stationed (or should we state tethered) in North America. The world’s largest tire company has been flying blimps for more than 80 years. Used as a stable camera platform, or simply for advertising, the giant silver balloons have safely carried countless passengers over the decades. Follow the jump to read Autoblog’s first review from the gondola of a lighter-than-air dirigible.
Gallery: Goodyear Blimp
All photos copyright Michael Harley / Weblogs Inc.
Continue reading Above the Autoblog Garage: The Goodyear Blimp
Rendered Speculation: SLR McLaren Speedster
Filed under: Supercars, Mercedes-Benz, Rendered Speculation
Click to view the SLR Speedster rendering courtesy of the artist
With a host of new exotics coming out from both Mercedes-Benz and its F1 and erstwhile supercar partner McLaren, the ageing Mercedes SLR McLaren is about to be shown the back door. But not before one last hoorah. And if this illustration is any indication, it will be one rip-roaring, ear-piercing hoorah indeed.
Based on the spy shots that have already surfaced of the SLR McLaren “Speedster” (we don’t know if that’s what it’ll be called officially, but that’s the name we’ve been tossing around), talented illustrator Jon Sibal has crafted the rendering you see above. According to Sibal, the headlights will be the only element of the exterior carried over from previous incarnations of the SLR to the new, more hardcore roofless swan-song. The hood, which previously melded into the A-pillars, is more flat; the nose draws even more direct inspiration from McLaren-Mercedes formula racing cars; the exhaust pipes have been moved into the side vents… oh yeah, and there’s no roof. None whatsoever. There’s barely any windshield for that matter, just a couple of deflectors. Needless to state, we hope the actual vehicle turns out to be as dramatic as Sibal’s conception.
Check out the gallery below to see the rendering in high-resolution, along with our previous crop of spy shots of the SLR Speedster.
Gallery: Spy Shots: McLaren SLR Speedster
[Source: JonSibal.com]
Used Prius prices higher than new model’s
Filed under: Vehicle Buying, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Toyota
If cars could be sainted, stained-glass artists all over the U.S. would be busy figuring out the ideal colors for the Toyota Prius to shine in. Brand new examples of the motorized mollusk that everyone can’t wait to purchase spend just five days on dealer lots. Last year’s model lasts just fifteen days more.
The real coup, however, is in the prices. An unused Prius requires about $26,672 to take home. The used version, with fewer than 10,000 miles, goes for around $27,945. That’s right, almost $1,300 more. More incredible: a 2007 model with more than 22,000 miles will only save you $276 compared to the price of a shiny new 2008. We’re not sure you can even call that depreciation.
Toyota is increasing Prius production, but that’ll take a moment to be felt on dealer lots. In the mean time, if you totally have to have a hybrid, we see a Malibu in your future…
[Source: Next Autos]
Used Prius prices higher than new model’s
Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Toyota
If cars could be sainted, stained-glass artists all over the U.S. would be busy figuring out the ideal colors for the Toyota Prius to shine in. Brand new examples of the motorized mollusk that everyone can’t wait to buy spend just five days on dealer lots. Last year’s model lasts just fifteen days more.
The real coup, however, is in the prices. An unused Prius requires about $26,672 to take home. The used version, with fewer than 10,000 miles, goes for around $27,945. That’s right, almost $1,300 more. More incredible: a 2007 model with more than 22,000 miles will only save you $276 compared to the price of a shiny new 2008. We’re not sure you can even call that depreciation.
Toyota is increasing Prius production, but that’ll take a moment to be felt on dealer lots. In the mean time, if you totally have to have a hybrid, we see a Malibu in your future…
[Source: Next Autos]
Used Prius prices higher than new model’s
Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Toyota
If vehicles could be sainted, stained-glass artists all over the U.S. would be busy figuring out the ideal colors for the Toyota Prius to shine in. Brand new examples of the motorized mollusk that everyone can’t wait to buy spend just five days on dealer lots. Last year’s model lasts just fifteen days more.
The real coup, however, is in the prices. An unused Prius requires about $26,672 to take home. The used version, with fewer than 10,000 miles, goes for around $27,945. That’s right, nearly $1,300 more. More incredible: a 2007 model with more than 22,000 miles will only save you $276 compared to the price of a shiny new 2008. We’re not sure you can even call that depreciation.
Toyota is increasing Prius production, but that’ll take a moment to be felt on dealer lots. In the mean time, if you completely have to have a hybrid, we see a Malibu in your future…
[Source: Next Autos]