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A visual history of the BBC "TV Detector" van
- posted: 15.06.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/09/a-visual-history-of-the-bbcs-tv-detector-vans/ Filed under: Commercial Trucks, UKTo subsidize the BBC's programming, UK residents are compelled to pay a TV licensing fee (this is what we also call a "tax") if they choose to watch television programs in their homes. To encourage compliance, the Beeb invented the myth of the "Television Detector" van, which supposedly contained powerful antennae that were capable of zeroing in on any house that was watching television without a license. Hell, they could even tell what show you were watching, according to the ominous TV commercial we've embedded after the jump. Anyway, the BBC's fleet of Television Detector vehicles is really more silly than sinister, and oobject, a site that puts together interesting themed gadget lists, has a gallery of TV detector trucks as they appeared through the years. We wonder if there are secret field-ops TV Detector trucks in the U.S. "Got 'em. They're watching Top Gear." Remember, while you watch the BBC, the BBC is watching you. [Source: oobject]Continue reading A visual history of the BBC "TV Detector" van Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Cross-bred Caddy: Volkswagen Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0TDI R
- posted: 01.06.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/cross-bred-caddy-volkswagen-caddy-carrera-cup-edition-2-0tdi-r/ Filed under: Euro, Commercial Trucks, Porsche, VolkswagenClick above for a gallery of the VW Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0 TDI R.The link between Volkswagen and Porsche is about to get stronger, but VW's Swedish contingent has already created a special edition to honor the alliance. The VW Caddy has lived a staid life as a popular work truck in Europe, but the Swedes apparently think it could be so much more. So it's releasing 250 Carrera Cup Edition Caddies outfitted with black, 17-inch wheels wrapped in 225/45 R17 rubber, a new body kit, red-on-white paint scheme with Porsche's signature "Carrera" text, two-tone leather sport seats, a leather steering wheel and shifter. The 2.0-liter TDI mill is putting out 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque and with a fire extinguisher mounted on the diamond-plate floor boards, we think we might have found the perfect track-day accomplice to join that GT3 RS we've been building in our dreams.Gallery: Volkswagen Caddy Carrera Cup Edition 2.0TDI R[Source: Carscoop] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Rumormill: Dodge to replace Sprinter will full-size van from Nissan
- posted: 22.05.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/rumormill-dodge-to-replace-splinter-will-full-size-van-from-nis/ Filed under: Commercial Trucks, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, RumormillWe've heard through the grapevine that another element of the collaboration between Chrysler LLC and Nissan, in addition to the latter giving the former a small car and the former giving the latter a pickup, is that Chrysler will be ditching its Daimler-sourced Sprinter commercial van in favor of a rebranded Nissan van by 2011. As we already know, Nissan is planning on producing three new light commercial vehicles for the U.S. at its plant in Canton, Mississippi, and it will be sourcing some engines for its new LCVs from Cummins. Thus, we would also expect to see the familiar sight of a Cummins diesel under the hood of Dodge's version, as well. Will we discover even more sharing between Chrysler and Nissan as time goes on? Our sources say these companies aren't finished raiding each other's parts bins by a long shot. [Source: Wouldn't you like to know] Permalink | Email this | Comments
Cleanup on I-80: Oreo spill snarls traffic in IL
- posted: 22.05.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/cleanup-on-i-80-oreo-spill-snarls-traffic-in-il/ Filed under: Etc., Commercial TrucksSnacks should be readily available for crews cleaning up an overturned tractor trailer 50 miles south of Chicago on Interstate 80. The rig in question was hauling fourteen tons of Oreo cookies, and when it tipped, the trailer's roof ripped open, spilling cases of the cookies onto the median. As you can see in the video we've embedded after the jump, a traffic backup thicker than a Double Stuf's filling ensued. Local authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident, but Autoblog has received unconfirmed reports that Keebler elves were spotted fleeing the scene. [AP via Breitbart]Continue reading Cleanup on I-80: Oreo spill snarls traffic in IL Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Nissan 360: Day One from Estoril, Portugal
- posted: 01.05.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/nissan-360-day-one-from-estoril-portugal/ Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, Commercial Trucks, Supercars, NissanClick the image above for more hi-res shots from the first day of Nissan 360 Nissan is holding its second ever Nissan 360 event in Cascais, Portugal as we speak. The two-day Nissan (and Infiniti) product extravaganza gathers every product produced by the company from around the world, and we're here to drive them all. We were in the Infiniti group yesterday, so we tooled around the Portuguese coast in rides like the FX50 and EX35, which we've already had a chance to drive on American soil. We also took the Speed -Racer-worthy GT-R for a spin or three around the Estoril race circuit, and got a ride with a pro driver at the wheel. The only Nissans we got our hands on were the Large Commercial Vehicles, a Clipper JDM van, and a two-generation-old, authentic Nissan Cedric taxi complete with fare receipt printer. But stay tuned, because we'll be right back with first drives of impossibly cute Nissan city cars like the Cube, Moco, and Micra, among others. In the mean time, feel free to check out the gallery of hi-res shots from our first day in preparation for more to come.Gallery: Nissan 360 - Day One Travel and lodging for this media event was paid for by the manufacturer. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hyundai i10 Ice Cream van hits sweet spot
- posted: 29.04.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/hyundai-i10-ice-cream-van-hits-sweet-spot/ Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Commercial Trucks, Hatchbacks, Hyundai, ToysClick to view more of the Hyundai i10 ice cream van We can come up with all manner of criteria for evaluating a car at any level: design, performance, spec sheet, ride, features, technology, value... but the one factor that trumps all others, what it all really comes down to, is how it appeals to our inner child. At the heart of it, that's why we love Lamborghinis and HUMMERs and Mustangs... and this particular Hyundai i10. It's just a treat. The ice-cream van conversion wasn't made for Good Humor, although it certainly put us in that state of mind. It was created as a promotional tool for the British launch of the i10 by auto innovator Andy Saunders, the same guy who gave us the neo-Picasso Citroen 2CV and the ground-hugging Fiat 126, among others. While the Poole, England-based customizer has come up with many creative designs before, we doubt any of them would get children running after it down the street like the Pied Piper. Have a look at the images in the gallery below and pick out something delicious on us. Gallery: Hyundai i10 ice cream van[Source: theCarfanatic.com and AutoTrader.co.uk] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Cutting room floor: The 2009 Dodge Ram that could've been
- posted: 22.04.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/18/left-on-the-drawing-board-the-dodge-ram-that-couldve-been/ Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Commercial Trucks, Chrysler, DodgeClick above to view more high-res sketches of rejected RamsChrysler is in the battle of its life to regain its competitiveness here in North America, and there is perhaps no vehicle more important to becoming profitable again than the 2009 Dodge Ram. The Pentastar put in a lot of elbow grease to get this truck just right, and the end result is improved power and efficiency, more storage, and a more refined look than the current truck. We like the design of the new Ram, but the production truck unveiled in Detroit was just one of many designs sketched by Chrysler artists.Friend of Autoblog Mike Levine at Pickuptruck.com got his hands on many of the designs that led to the Ram we'll see in showrooms this fall, and the sketches range from interesting to bizarre. If you take the photo above, for instance, you can see where Dodge was trying to conceptualize nifty storage solutions. The forward-leaning cross-hair grille and integrated bumper had already taken shape, too. Check out our gallery below that includes some exclusive pictures of rejected Rams, and visit PIckuptruck.com to see even more. Gallery: Rejected Dodge Rams[Source: Pickuptruck] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
VIDEO: Cadbury ad light on chocolate, heavy on airport truck racing
- posted: 08.04.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/video-cadbury-ad-light-on-chocolate-heavy-on-airport-truck-rac/ Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Commercial Trucks, UKClick above to view video Have you ever watched a commercial and wondered what the heck the ad had to do with the product? Of course you have. But sometimes we don't mind, like with this commercial for Cadbury chocolate. You wouldn't know it was for Cadbury unless they told you so at the end. But follow the jump to view a video that is sure to put a smile on your face - now and every time you look out the tiny portal of a plane as you wait for takeoff. And you thought your teddy bears had fun at night... [Source: Cadbury]Continue reading VIDEO: Cadbury ad light on chocolate, heavy on airport truck racing Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Build your own big rig: International launches configurator for LoneStar
- posted: 08.04.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/04/build-your-own-big-rig-international-launches-configurator-for/ Filed under: Car Buying, Chicago Auto Show, Etc., Commercial TrucksTruckers are like motorcycle riders in the way that they invariably customize their rides. It's probably just as challenging to find a bone stock tractor as it is an unembellished Fat Boy. When you're plying the roads as much as the big rigs do, why not have some fun and stand apart from the rest of the crowd and their mudflaps decorated with conformist chrome silhouettes of questionable taste? International's new LoneStar truck will be factory trickable with a new line of Navistar accessories called DoubleSix Customs. While the Autoblog Garage isn't quite big enough to hold an 18-wheeler, we did dedicate the better part of an hour to International's website designing the perfect vehicle for hauling our tricked out fleet of Zastavas. With International's online configurator, you can start with a basic truck and add a splash of color, a dollop of flames, lots of chrome, and nearly as many lights as Vegas. The DoubleSix name takes its inspiration from the mother road, Route 66, which International is hoping still resonates with those who keep our economy rolling. Our only problem? Lack of the proper license. Try it yourself, you can even upload logos and graphics to design your perfect LoneStar. Press release after the jump. [Source: International]Continue reading Build your own big rig: International launches configurator for LoneStar Permalink | Email this | Comments
Nissan entering light-duty commercial market in U.S. with three new vehicles
- posted: 08.04.08http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/07/nissan-entering-light-duty-commercial-market-in-u-s-with-three/ Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Commercial Trucks, NissanBig news from Canton, Mississippi today. Nissan North America has announced it will be entering the Light Commercial Vehicle business in the U.S. in a big way. Seeking to fill up excess capacity at its plant in Canton after production of the Quest minivan and Infiniti QX56 is sent elsewhere, Nissan will debut three new LCV vehicles over the next three years that will use a pair of newly designed Cummins diesel engines and transmissions from ZF. The Canton plant will receive a $118 million makeover to produce the vehicles, but will continue to produce the Altima sedan, Titan pickup and Armada full-size SUV in the meantime. Nissan's current dealer network will sell and service the LCVs, which will also require some retraining in preparation.The first vehicle will make its official debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January, and Nissan tells us it will be a clean sheet design. Rather than just make commercial-grade versions of the Titan or import any number of the commercial vehicles it sells outside the U.S., Nissan will be designing these three LCVs for the North American market in particular, which suggests a significant investment on its part. The automaker also tells us that the vehicles will likely leave the Canton plant as chassis cabs and outfitted to meet the specific needs of its buyers by third-party companies. With the arrival of the Ford Transit Connect and panel wagons making a resurgence in the U.S., this move makes sense. Also consider that the full-size truck market is falling flat on its face thanks to the new housing market being busted by subprime loans, so finding another niche in the commercial sector to sell vehicles is a good way for automakers like Nissan to hedge their bets. [Source: Nissan, Clarion Ledger]Continue reading Nissan entering light-duty commercial market in U.S. with three new vehicles Permalink | Email this | Comments
