Section: Media
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 15th, 2008 9:30 AM
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Much to the relief of those faithful to the original British show, NBC’s plans to create an American version of Top Gear seem to be dead for the time being. The network announced its plans for the new fall lineup and the pilot of U.S. Top Gear wasn’t among those said to have made the cut. This is no sad fact for those (including most of us here at WINDING ROAD) who believe that the magic of Gear lay largely in the chemistry of its bickering cast.
On a sadder note, the rather terrible remake of Knight Rider has been optioned for a second season. Maybe they’ll get it more right; they certainly couldn’t get it any more wrong, the second time around.
+ Autoblog: NBC passes on U.S. Top Gear for now
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 20th, 2008 9:00 AM
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It seems that there was a little real life drama during recent filming of the newest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
While shooting a chase scene in the pouring rain around Italy’s picturesque Lake Garda yesterday morning, a stunt driver lost control of Bond’s Aston Martin DBS. Aston and driver went off the road, crashing into the waters of the serene mountain lake. Thankfully, the driver sustained only minor injuries and was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon.
The DBS however was found to be a total loss after being fished out of Garda, as can be generally evidenced from the image above.
+ Autoblog: Bond stunt driver takes plunge into lake in Aston Martin DBS
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 16th, 2008 12:00 PM
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Earlier this month PBS announced that the wit and wisdom of Tom and Ray Magliozzi, the jocular hosts better known as “Click and Clack” of NPR’s Car Talk radio show, would be finding their way onto American television screens starting next week.
The Magliozzi brothers will star in an episode of Nova airing next Tuesday that centers on Tom’s globe-trotting search for a vehicle to replace his forever failing 1952 MG roadster. The episode, entitled “Car of the Future,” will deal with the spiraling problems associated with traditionally powered cars, and will see the brothers Magliozzi investigating such varied auto locals as the Detroit Auto Show, the Alt Wheels Festival in Boston, and hydrogen fuel cell development in Iceland.
(Click through the jump to read on.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 15th, 2008 1:00 PM
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British buff book Car has gone to some lengths to puzzle out what they believe the future of BMW sports cars will look like.
The magazine has created an elaborate rendering of a concept it calls the Vision Z Hybrid, based it says on research projects and interviews with “leading engineers,” and taking into account the environmental track BMW seems to have set itself upon.
Car envisions BMW offering a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with optional engines ranging from gas and diesel four-cylinders, to a likely twin-turbocharged inline-six making over 400 horsepower. Further economy gains could be found in wind-cheating movable body panels, foam-filled low-drag tires, and lightweight composite wheels.
(Click through the jump to read on.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 1st, 2008 4:00 PM
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While Scion’s attempts to reach the youth market of America haven’t always been completely successful, the company is making moves to branch out into even edgier attempts.
The Toyota brand has brokered a deal that will see it plugged by the second-year animated show Assy McGee. The titular character appears on the show as a pair of talking buttocks, in a cartoon send-up of numerous police dramas from television and film. Scion is hoping that the show, which appears during Cartoon Network’s popular Adult Swim programming, will help to rekindle interest in the brand’s newest products.
The Scion spot will appear as a mock commercial within the actual show, and is said to feature Assy as a bargain-promising Scion xB salesman…er salesass.
Scion has worked with Adult Swim before, finding a measure of success pitching its tC coupe during the Frisky Dingo show.
+ Media Daily News: Toyota’s Scion Goes Steady With ‘Assy McGee’
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Matt Davis
March 20th, 2008 3:00 PM
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Right here in Gotham, Lamborghini has cleared up rumors we were harboring regarding the showing later this evening of the LP640 Lamborghini used by Bruce Wayne in the latest Batman sequel The Dark Knight.
Long story short, we are not going to see any Lambo Batmobile today. Not even the Mattel model version that was outed two days ago on MTV.
(Click through the jump to read on.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 17th, 2008 1:00 PM
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While it’s becoming more and more in vogue for automakers to debut their newest vehicles in surprising places, movies, video games, etc., we especially like the idea of releasing a car as a toy before the grownup size item.
That’s exactly what Lamborghini is doing with its sure to be brilliant new Batmobile. The Dark Knight’s motorized steed is bound to wow movie goers when the new movie (featuring the late Heath Ledger as the Joker) hits theaters, but we get a bit of a sneak peek in this video.
Rumor has it that the full-sized car will be making a guest appearance at the Lamborghini gala for the opening night of the New York Auto Show as well. We’ll be prowling Gotham for more info.
+ MTV: Bruce Wayne’s Other Sweet Ride
+ New York Post: WE HEAR…
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
March 13th, 2008 10:00 AM
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In an unprecedented move, and one that is sure to be a publicity coup for the organizers, the British Motor Show is selling tickets for public access to the show’s media days this year.
At most auto shows, organizers set aside a few days before the event opens to the public, to give members of the media an early look at the products on offer. During this time almost every automaker holds a press conference to showcase its wares, give access to executives, and often wine and dine journalists.
Now the British show is setting this model on its head, by offering 500 tickets at about $200 a pop, for anybody who would like to come and see the circus. For enthusiasts who’ve always dreamed of seeing new car launches as they happen, or being the first to spot a new concept this should be a dream come true. Our advice to first-timers? Wear comfortable shoes, stay out of the way of photographers, and be sure to watch out for elbows (things can get a bit dicey).
+ Edmunds Inside Line: Brits Set Precedent by Inviting Public to Media Day at Auto Show
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Dustin P. Walsh
March 7th, 2008 10:00 AM
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According to a study by AAA, auto accidents cost Americans more than a $1,000 a year. The report said that’s 2 ½ times what congestion costs Americans, according to CNN Money.
The AAA study quantified the accidents by considering the costs from medical care, emergency services, property damage, lost productivity, and quality of life – costing a grand total of $164.2 billion annually.
The study showed that congestion costs Americans $67.6 billion annually, or $430 a person. The study aimed to “put a price tag on accidents” as citizens seem to be more concerned with congestion.
(More details after the jump)
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Written By: Dustin P. Walsh
March 4th, 2008 1:30 PM
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The Dukes of Hazzard’s General Lee is part representative of Southern culture, part fantasy for every American boy – well, those born in the era – and part auto icon. The General Lee, like KITT, was the real star of the show.
Now, the 1969 Dodge Charger General Lee will be up for grabs in the April issue of The DuPont Registry magazine. This is the original, not the General Lee used in episode 94 “Hazzard Hustle”, but the Charger used in the opening credits. (Yes, we know the above pic is not from the original television show). Hell, although, it’s been fully restored, the first General Lee still has a crack in the windshield from the whole police-car-jumping scene in the opening credits.
(More details after the jump)
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Written By: Dustin P. Walsh
March 4th, 2008 12:00 PM
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At the Geneva Motor Show today, Bentley CEO Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgan voiced Bentley’s Commitment to the environment and fuel-economy.
He said in a speech to reporters, “We believe that there are two major issues facing the automotive industry in the 21st century: the security of fuel supply, and climate change. Our strategy seeks to address these two related issues simultaneously, and is based on long-term solutions.”
He said that while Bentley’s cars only contribute a small portion of the CO2 emissions in the world, the company is dedicated to doing its part to reduce its impact. “We are convinced we have an obligation to act, and will be taking significant steps to reduce our fleet’s impact on the environment,” he said.
(More details after the jump)
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Written By: Dustin P. Walsh
March 3rd, 2008 9:00 AM
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General Motors has said that the Pontiac G8 will be the most heavily advertised vehicle this year, according to Automotive News. GM will be using traditional media outlets opposed to the new-age internet ad blitz most automakers are starting to utilize.
“It’s not that we won’t do Internet, but being a flagship product, we want to be making an extreme statement,” G8 product manager, Brian Shipman said. “The G8 is worthy of having our best effort in advertising.”
(More details after the jump)
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Next >
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More Spied Images of New Camaro Interior
Early Scoop on Volkswagen Tiguan's U.S. Launch, Diesel Delayed? Not Coming? 
Report: Mercedes-Benz to Leverage Aluminum for Next E-class
