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Five Reasons Why We're Not Proud To Buy American Cars

We just read Car & Driver's recent salute to five vehicles demonstrating all that's right and good with American car companies. Although they're right to be pointing out five great products, the Amerigasmic rah-rah fest left a bad taste in our mouths. Not because it's slightly sycophantic, but merely because it's too easy a list to create. There's just far too few American vehicles that show off the good, and so many that show off the bad. Frankly, we could do a list of the five cars that make us not want to buy American, but we're much more interested in helping our automakers help themselves by pointing out what's ailing them. Without further ado, here's our continuation of this weeks Jalopnik Automotive Amerigasm with the five reasons why we're not proud to buy American cars. More »

11:15 AM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Wes Siler
36,329 views, 173 comments

Latest by my favorite car is a motorcycle: 5 - absolutely true 4 - largely true 3 - true enough 2 - we can't deny it 1 - now that's going too far. (but yes, it sure seems that way) more »

2009 bmw 7-series

2009 BMW 7-Series Hits Web A Wee Bit Early

After teasing us with the new 2009 BMW 7-series, BMW's finally revealed the new 7 via an early leak of press photos to the web. After throwing everything at us from a flowbee-equipped mule to the teaser at the German golf outing, they've tossed the next 7-series at us in every way possible but with the kitchen sink. Every time, it's been nothing but a tease. Well, except for that purported leaked press shot. But somehow these small press photos have wiggled their way out onto the web and we've managed to snap 'em up.

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9:20 AM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Ben Wojdyla
5,602 views, 88 comments

Latest by 8yearoldsdude: I think the E32 and E38 were the most handsome 7-series models, but this new one is, at the very least, inoffensively styled. In fact i'd go as far as to say that it seems to be cohesively penned, and more »

ford mustang svo

Ford To Bring Mustang SVO Badge Back For 2010 With 300 HP Eco-Boosted Four-Cylinder

We've now heard from a second source that Ford is readying a return to the 2010 Ford Mustang of a badge familiar to malaise-era muscle car fan-boys — the Mustang SVO. Just like the original limited edition mid-eighties Mustang was all about merging power performance with fuel efficiency — we're hearing similar rumblings on this new 'stang. We'd already heard Ford's plans for the Boss engine lineup and we already understood the new Mustang would be less V8-focused than the current Mustang's muscular lineup. We'd also heard the pony car would be receiving Ford's new silver bullet, a twin-turbocharged engine equipped with their new EcoBoost technology. What we hadn't heard was what the boys over at Garage419 today claim — that it'll be a four-banger capable of hitting 300 HP and this newly-badged 'stang will be lighter than the GT by 500 lbs. Holy game-changer, Batman! More »

8:00 AM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Ray Wert
6,851 views, 116 comments

Latest by n/a: The original SVO was a true sleeper car. The Pinto, yes Pinto, based 2.3liter turbo engine is about as unkillable a Ford engine as you can get. (Just look at the numerous 2.3turbo Ranger videos on youtube) and quite easily more »

spy photos

Ferrari California Caught Topless Out-Of-Doors

The enterprising spy photographers of Auto Express have caught the new drop-top 2009 Ferrari California with said top, dropped. While we're expecting to see the California go topless in the privacy of the exhibit halls of the Paris Motor Show to show off that beautiful leather interior, we didn't expect to see it do the same out in the open. Jeez, you'd think the California would have a bit more shame — especially considering the nude-friendly Bassona Beach is merely an hour and a half East of Maranello. Some Italian GT super cars, right? [Auto Express]

7:20 AM on Thu Jul 3 2008
By Ray Wert
2,184 views, 10 comments

Latest by FrankRizzo: There's lots of talk here about the cost, did I miss it? Has it been announced? more »

top ten car commercials

Top Ten Best Car Ads Of The 1980s

In hindsight, we needn't have bothered with a poll in yesterday's Top Ten Best Car Ads Of The 1970s, because Ricardo Montalban's Corinthian Leather tour de force obliterated the other nine competitors with a 56% share of the total vote (the Top Ten Best Car Ads Of The 1960s vote was much closer, with the winner taking a mere 18% of the total). Now we're moving up to the decade of leg warmers, Iran-Contra, and electronic fuel injection: the 1980s! The Berlin Wall came down, the incidence of herpes went up, and we're celebrating all of it with today's choices. The 80s (which we like to refer to as the Turbo Mullet Era) produced some incredible car commercials; we're betting you'll have a harder time choosing your favorite than you did yesterday. Make the jump to see what we mean!
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2:00 PM on Wed Jul 2 2008
By Murilee Martin
22,598 views, 85 comments

Latest by TampaRon: I almost went with Grace...just because that commercial is some trippy shit, but NOTHING says 80's like that Duster commercial. more »

jalopnik automotive amerigasm

Top Ten Best Movie Police Car Chases, With A Twist

Police car chases are as much a part of American cinema as the sappy love story and the life-like animated robot movie. With so many directors having tackled the police chase it has become a bountiful field from which to pluck perfectly formed flowers of destruction and tire smoke. As we continue our Jalopnik Automotive Amerigasm this week with the second part of our review of the 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, we figured we should see what the celluloid forefathers of this blacked out beast have been able to do on film. Except, the "top ten car chases" thing's been done so many times it's not funny. Since we know there's more out there than the usual Bullitt-to-Bandit list we've shaken things up a little — with five of the obvious best and five of the not-so-obvious best — silver screen police car chases. So grab your popcorn and hit the jump. More »

12:30 PM on Wed Jul 2 2008
By Ben Wojdyla
7,231 views, 122 comments

Latest by n/a: Wow, Short Time was actually pretty hilarious. That one gets my vote for concept, though in the terms of pacing and general excitement, I love Bourne Identity (actually, all three movies' car chases are awesome). more »

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part Two

Exterior Design: ****
The 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition benefits from the inherently aggressive looks of the standard Charger's angry headlamps and strong rear haunches. Of course, each car's style will be affected by the livery of its jurisdiction. Our car looks badass in black with the exposed steel wheels and a spot lamp mounted in the A-pillar, but we would've liked to have a push-bar in front to make it even more intimidating.

Interior Design: ***
Function rules over form inside the Police Edition. The center console and floor shifter have disappeared, making room for a large mounting surface for police equipment, relocating the autostick to the steering column. You would think a cop car might have some sort of donut holder molded into the dashboard, but there aren't even any cup holders. But the three stars come entirely from the rubber floors, making you free to spill beverages or bodily fluids without fear of a difficult cleanup, and the red night-light.

More »

12:00 PM on Wed Jul 2 2008
By Mark Arnold
2,562 views, 28 comments

Latest by MrEvil: I actually want one new, but those d-bags at the Dodge house won't sell one to me. I DETEST floor shift automatics. The only shifter on my floor should have an H Pattern or engage the front axle. I also more »

2009 kia forte

2009 Kia Forte Sheet Metal Meets Web, Web Likey

Here it is folks. Apparently the speculation's now over and we've no more need for silly teaser shots — here's the official press shots of the new replacement for the Kia Spectra/Cerato, the 2009 Kia Forte sedan. Our snap judgement? It's not too shabby looking. In fact, in comparison to the Spectra, it's downright hot. Want one? You'll have to wait, the sedan model will supposedly enter the U.S. market by mid-2009 — for now, it goes on sale on August 22nd in Korea. We'll have more info as we get it. For the moment, soak up the silver images we've got below.

[Kia via The Car Blogger]

7:27 AM on Wed Jul 2 2008
By Ray Wert
1,087 views, 56 comments

Latest by SecretAZNMan: This is what the new TSX should have looked like. more »

top ten car commercials

Top Ten Best Car Ads Of The 1970s

We saw the 'I like it going up and down' Mini run away with the vote in the Top Ten Car Ads Of The 60s poll yesterday, and today we continue the Fourth Of July Celebration Of Vehicular Consumption Series with- you guessed it- the 1970s. The decade of Watergate, the Fall of Saigon, oil embargoes, 5 MPH crash bumpers... but don't forget custom vans, Acapulco Gold, and Foghat, not to mention the Bicentennial Fourth of July celebration! Make the jump to check out the ads and cast your vote.
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3:20 PM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Murilee Martin
35,764 views, 56 comments

Latest by n/a: And I mean, come on, this leaves them all for dead in the sexist cheese stakes: + Watch video more »

jalopnik reviews

2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, Part One

If you saw Top Gear last week, you saw the boys compete to find the best sub-£900 replacement for the British standard Opel Astra police car. They shouldn't have bothered. There's already something bigger, stronger and faster in the colonies — and we've driven it. Just ignore the price tag and fuel economy. —Ed.

Barreling down the highway in the 2008 Dodge Charger Police Edition, I'm on a mission. It's 106 miles to Chicago, I've got a full tank of gas, and I'm supposed to meet Hardigree on the Southside in an hour at the 95th Street drawbridge. Legally, there's no way for me to make it on time, and even though this is a cop car, I've no sirens or flashing lights to assist me in pursuing above-the-law speeds. What I've got instead is a stripped-down, blacked-out cruiser that feels like the spiritual successor to the Dodge Monaco Elwood Blues picked up from the Mt. Prospect city police auction. Though that may just be the black suit, sunglasses, and fedora talking.

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12:00 PM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Mark Arnold
4,766 views, 62 comments

Latest by FrankGrimes: What option box do I check to get the police package? more »

i feel gassy

Ten Family Get-Togethers On a Quarter-Tank of Gas

There's something to be said for quality family time that doesn't involve traveling across country, but we didn't expect a car company to be doing the saying. Volvo Cars of North America decided to send out an email promoting "stay-cations" that require less than a quarter-tank of gas. Said CEO Doug Speck "Families need quality vacations." Okay, so the challenge is to have fun with a quarter tank of gas. Volvo only thought it sufficient to give us six ideas, not realizing that you need a few more to make it a top ten list. Being generous folk, we decided to come up with four more options. More »

7:20 AM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Matt Hardigree
3,935 views, 50 comments

Latest by NovaloadMissesPolar: @jpdanzig: The "staycation" for Bentley is to let your driver stay home and then drive yourself down to the summer house. more »

classic ad watch

Top Ten Best Car Commercials Of The 1960s

We've been running the Classic Ad Watch series for years now, and we've seen some pretty entertaining car commercials along the way. Since the Fourth of July week is all about the frenzy of consumption that is the American Dream, we'll be taking a look back at some of our most beloved ads from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Best of all, we're letting you vote on which is your favorite from each decade! First up is that most beloved decade of the Baby Boomers, who will ensure that the rest of us get to hear "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" an average of 5.5 times per day for the rest of our lives: the 1960s! Make the jump to check out and vote on the ads, featuring stars such as Abe Vigoda and Petula Clark hawking the products of Detroit, Wolfsburg, Longbridge, Kenosha, and Göteborg.
More »

4:00 PM on Mon Jun 30 2008
By Murilee Martin
19,811 views, 37 comments

Latest by Public Relations: My parents had that exact same TV pictured at the top of the post. An early day stereo that the played constantly and it lasted for years more »

james bond quantum of solace trailer

Quantum Of Solace Trailer Hits Web, Shows Off Hot Aston Martin Action

What's that? Sony Pictures released the first trailer of the upcoming James Bond flick "Quantum of Solace" today? Oh, they did it online for two hours only? Well, how about that buzz building. Also, it's a good thing we managed to snag it for you. With this 22nd entry into the world of Bond, we see James going out for revenge following the death of Vesper Lynd. And by revenge we mean the ass-kicking, bad guy-stabbing, motorcycle-jumping, Aston Martin DBS-racing kind of revenge. Yeah, the good kind. Hope that pretty Aston doesn't go into the drink... oops. [AOL Video and Sony Pictures]

11:30 AM on Mon Jun 30 2008
By Ben Wojdyla
7,012 views, 51 comments

Latest by n/a: You New Bond haters are nuts. Is the movie a little more Bourne like? Yeah, and here's why: The kick ass fights and parkour are the new gatdgets. The gadgets became freaking gimmic-y, and with the widespread popularity of MMA people have more »

2009 dodge challenger

2009 Challenger Brochure Hits Web, Gives Us A 70s Flashback

The brochure for the new 2009 Dodge Challenger has hit the automotive webosphere and Mopar-mad fan-boys are drooling over an item we think will be an instant classic. The car? At this point, unknown. But the brochure will totally hit the "Found on EBay" pages shortly. That's because Dodge has created a gorgeous piece of showroom lit — with the fonts, photography, and graphic touches that channel the 70's Challenger. But as always, it's what's inside that counts. And inside the brochure is shot after shot of the new pony car from Dodge in all sorts of variations — each more amazingly retrosexual than the last. There's the R/T Classic Package Challenger, complete with old-school Challenger badging and a set of strobe-style side stripes. But it's the the new "Track Pak" for the quarter-mile fans that gets us going this morning — featuring a made-for-the-drag-strip package complete with 3.91 rear gear, a set of 20s, and the all-important 6-speed manual gearbox. Hot dogs, apple pie and Hemis, baby! Complete gallery below.

[mnhotrod @ Flickr via Autoblog]

8:20 AM on Mon Jun 30 2008
By Andrew Stoy
3,336 views, 46 comments

Latest by 4.9 Port Fuel Injection BZR: Can we bring back the Rapid Transit System too, while we're at it? Plymouth, Schymouth. Everybody's already forgotten the Breeze by now, anyway. more »

alternative energy

Behind Audi's Biodiesel Victory At The 24 Hours Of Le Mans

One of the more interesting but overlooked facts from the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans was that the Audi R10 TDI cars not only ran, but won, on a mixture of Shell V-Power Gas-To-Liquid (GTL) racing diesel and a newly designed Biomass-to-Diesel (BTL) fuel. We've been fascinated with prospects of biomass diesel since taking a trip to the Sears Tower in the algae van, as BTL offers cleaner output, has no fossil-fuel base and doesn't interfere with the food chain. The version used in the race cars was also 90% cleaner than American low-sulfur diesel. We talked with Audi of America's Christian Bokich about his experience at Le Mans with the winning diesel team.

More »

12:30 PM on Thu Jun 26 2008
By Matt Hardigree
3,873 views, 41 comments

Latest by Dudemeister on the Run: @jbownsabmw: Hope you meant to say the french. This does stink, people are always bragging about stuff they've done in the racing world. How about taking that bragging and putting it on the street. I wouldn't mind not paying more »

2009 acura tl

2009 Acura TL Shvitzing In The Hot Desert Heat

During a drive through California's Mojave Desert, Automotive Traveler came across a 2009 Acura TL undergoing what looks to be some serious hot weather testing. We're not saying it's a sauna or anything, but we think maybe the new TL should ditch some of that camouflage to cool down. Although the guys who spotted it didn't need that to identify the new Acura, given the cars Ohio plates indicating it makes it's home at Honda's plant in Marysville, OH. Of course, we've seen the new 2009 TL several times before, so the only big mystery is how big the wide-toothed smile will be. Well, that and the powertrain options. [AutomotiveTraveler]

6:30 PM on Tue Jun 24 2008
By Mark Arnold
8,245 views, 18 comments

Latest by n/a: I have an 04. I love it. That this is... what's the word I'm looking for... Fugly... that's it. more »

top gear usa

Adam Carolla: Top Gear For "Real Gearheads"

Adam Carolla, car guy, comedian and now, the new host of the US-Spec version of Top Gear, took a break from show-prep to talk to Popular Mechanics about the new NBC show. PopMech manages to get Carolla to reveal a lot about the show, including answers on why the ZR1 isn't top on his list of cars to review, his issues with Transformers (Shh, don't tell Wert!) and a denial of the assertion they can't diss the cars. Basically Carolla says it'll be exactly like the British version. Pop Mech also name-drops Jalopnik in a question about his style. Question and answer back-n-forth below the jump. More »

4:30 PM on Tue Jun 24 2008
By Matt Hardigree
6,552 views, 84 comments

Latest by n/a: so true. @TriShield: as much as the mere thought of adam corolla leaves a bad taste in my mouth (after his comedy central show, which just made me feel sad) the awful truth is that i will probably end up more »

jalopnik reviews

2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Part One

Visitors to Chicago may never realize that an entire world exists below their feet as they explore the city. But it's there. And it's paved. Word came to me that at the lowest point, Lower Lower Randolph Street, there's a mystical market trading in far out wares. In order to find said market I decided to employ the 2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, a car that's inconspicuous despite the abundance of letters in its name and the bright red paint.

More »

12:00 PM on Tue Jun 24 2008
By Matt Hardigree
7,290 views, 68 comments

Latest by n/a: @Oldcarguy: 2 words: How so? more »

Five Reasons Why We're Not Proud To Buy American Cars

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