Wizbang Pop!: Automobiles Archives

Automakers Getting More Government Aid

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 28, 2010

All three major surviving U.S. automakers are getting new economic aid either from Washington or the state of Michigan. Chrysler is expected to seek $10 billion in loans from the federal government's Department Of Energy. Although the company is run by Fiat, the company has ruled out any financial investments... [Full Story]

The Raw Brute Horsepower Of Predator Carburetors

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 26, 2010

Although they have existed since the 1980's, Predator carburetors continue to find an audience of high performance fans, with many followers among monster trucks and circle track racing builders. However, on street rods with blowers or big blocks, these can be a real killer item to install. With a unique... [Full Story]

The Awesome Supercharged 1958 Packard Hawk

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 5, 2010

For it's final year, the glorious Packard name in fine automobiles offered up a real jewel, the 1958 Packard Hawk. It was essentially a luxury modified Studebaker Hawk, but included some beautiful additions giving it a real early muscle car appeal. With a special fiberglass front end, a dummy rear... [Full Story]

China And Moscow Kick Off Big Auto Shows

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 20, 2010

As the Chinese and Russian economy and automobile business booms, both countries kick off big trade shows advertising their new cars. While the largest Chinese trade show is in Beijing, two other large Chinese cities host major auto shows such as Chengdu and the Dalian Auto Show in Lianing Province... [Full Story]

China's Booming Auto Sales Could Reduce Beijing To Traffic Deadlock

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 20, 2010 · Comments (2)

Because of the booming economy and auto industry in China, Beijing could have as many as 7 million cars within five years. The city is adding 1,900 cars a day to traffic each day. Gridlock has also slowed street speeds by an average 3.6% from just last year. Chinese city... [Full Story]

Camaro Tops Mustang In August Sports Car Sales

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 15, 2010

Camaro and Mustang have battled since the 60's for top sales rank. And that rivalry continues into this decade as well. August Camaro sales were 6,321, which isn't too bad for a car that could cost as much as $34,295 in full street warrior battle dress such as the 426hp... [Full Story]

GM's Midsize Cars All Going 4 Banger

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 1, 2010 · Comments (3)

File this under sucks big time, but tougher 2015 CAFE standards for fuel economy are forcing GM to go all four cylinder in their midsize lineup. But you can still expect to see 6 and 8 cylinder engines in a few of their larger entries such as the Impala or... [Full Story]

The First Automobile 1495?

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: July 18, 2010

Some history experts believe that the 1495 design by Leonardo Da Vinci was the first automobile. It operated similar to a wind-up clock and would power itself. The design was nothing short of incredible, designed centuries before a steam powered automobile of the 1700's and late 1800's European automobiles such... [Full Story]

The Hornet Name Plate Will Return....Eventually

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: June 12, 2010

In the 1950's Hudson awed the early years of track racing with their dual carbed 308C.I. six powered Hornets. AMC brought back the Hornet name plate in 1970 with their new $1994 priced compact replacement for the Rambler(Incidentally, in 1950 there was a Rambler model that sold for just $1880.... [Full Story]

Mercury Hits The End Of The Road

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: June 2, 2010 · Comments (2)

Ford scheduled a 3pm press conference today to announce the end of the Mercury brand. Since 1939, when the brand was founded by Edsel Ford, Mercury represented a car line higher priced and more luxurious than the Ford line situated between the luxury Lincoln brand. During the late 50's Ford... [Full Story]

One Cool 1968 AMC Rebel Convertible

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 27, 2010 · Comments (3)

At an AMC club event, the Spot Cruise, this magnificent example of a custom 1968 AMC Rebel convertible showed up. Sporting an AMC Rebel Machine hood, and hopefully the custom dual four barrel crossfire intake manifold, this is one very nice convertible. The AMC Rebel Machine had a very impressive... [Full Story]

The Mystery Of Jim Morrison's 1967 Ford Mustang GT 500

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 16, 2010 · Comments (2)

Elektra Records was so pleased at the success of the first album by The Doors that they reportedly gave lead singer Jim Morrison a brand new 1967 Night Mist Blue Ford Mustang GT 500 in appreciation. But, what happened to that priceless star car remains a mystery to this day.... [Full Story]

Newly Redesigned 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Will Have $32,995 Base Price

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 12, 2010

Jeeps don't come too cheap, and new and redesigned 2011 Grand Cherokee will have a $32,995 base price for the most basic four wheel drive model, although a cheaper $30,995 two wheel drive model will also be available. But who wants a two wheel drive Jeep, anyway? Cerberus which acquired... [Full Story]

Why Build A Car That Looks Like This?

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 6, 2010 · Comments (3)

This is the 1960 Czechoslovakian Tatra T603. But you have to ask yourself, "Why build a car that looks like this?" Why? Why? The rear of the car looks normal enough for any 1950's vintage auto, by that standard, not a 1960's standard. But, what's with this front end and... [Full Story]

The Rise And Fall Of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, Custom Car King

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 4, 2010 · Comments (3)

Ed "Big Daddy" Roth was one of America's greatest motorhead counter culture figures of the 50's and 60's. His wild customs like Beatnik Bandit were so loved by Revell Models that they signed the wild custom car designer to a contract to design model kits and make promotion appearances. And... [Full Story]

Ford & GM Sales Surge In April

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 3, 2010 · Comments (1)

Ford and GM sales surged in April, presenting more evidence of an improving economy. Ford sales jumped by an impressive 25% from April 2009 levels to over 160,000 units, compared to about 130,000 a year earlier. Likewise, Chevrolet sales surged 17% and Cadillac and Buick sales each surged 36%. Ford's... [Full Story]

The Sad Plight Of Detroit's Abandoned Packard Factory

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: May 2, 2010 · Comments (5)

Packard automobiles were once one of America's proudest luxury brands ever built. But as Packard decided to end production at the plant in 1956, the building complex was sold for a mere $750,000 and partially used by aircraft manufacturer Curtiss-Wright for few years before remaining largely unused. The once landmark... [Full Story]

Rare Bugatti Model Will Be Resurrected On Prototype Frame

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: April 30, 2010 · Comments (1)

A mega-rare 2010 retro prototype 1939 Type 64 Bugatti will be built on a second frame owned by an automotive museum. Peter Mullin, the owner of the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard California purchased the rare #2 frame in which the body was never built. Only one complete rare 1939... [Full Story]

Haulin' Final Rides

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: April 29, 2010

Yesterday, we reported about a controversial motorcycle funeral arrangement. In that same vein, we present a few interesting final rides for you.... A biker's final ride? One for the Woodstock generation? One for folks in a hurry, always in a rush. Oh, so typically British! If you insist on driving.... [Full Story]

GM Makes $8.1 Billion Government Loan Payback

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: April 22, 2010 · Comments (6)

A good sign that GM has survived the worst of the economic storm was their newly announced $8.1 billion dollar loan repayment to the federal government. And this repayment was way ahead of schedule as well. Between 2004 and 2009, GM had lost $88 billion in business, and the company... [Full Story]

Toyota's Latest Recall

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: April 20, 2010

It just seems like poor old Toyota just can't get a break these days. Now 600,000 of their Sienna minivans are being recalled due to rust problems with a spare tire cable that may cause the tire to fall off on the road causing a serious road hazard to cars... [Full Story]

GM's Return To Profitability Will Include Chinese Made Products

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: April 7, 2010 · Comments (2)

Part of GM's plans to return to profitability will include the sale of Chinese produced models by 2011, MOTOR TREND and other sources indicate. Some new small models like the Spark from South Korea's Daewoo is expected to go sale as a 2011 model. Although GM lost $3.4 billion in... [Full Story]

March Auto Sales The Best In Nine Months

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: April 3, 2010

Led by the economic recovery and strong buyer incentive programs, March auto sales in the U.S. posted a 24% increase, the strongest showing in nine months. In previous months, the controversial "Cash For Clunkers" program gave the auto industry a temporary boost. For Ford, the March sales news has been... [Full Story]

Proof Positive That Some Cars Are An Extension Of A Guy's Manhood

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: March 28, 2010

Some guys get criticism from girls for owning cars that act way too much like an extension for their manhood. Well, here's the ultimate car in that genre, girls . Not much is really known about this wild car that surfaced as a photo inside the 1971 album by Steppenwolf,... [Full Story]

One Badass 707hp Cadillac!

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: March 27, 2010

As if the 6.2 liter LSA supercharged engined Cadillac CTS-V doesn't have near enough horsepower at a lowly 556, a Houston-area company run by John Hennessey has boosted the car way up to 707hp with 717foot lbs. of torque. The result is a crazy wild ride that rivals the Lamborghini... [Full Story]

The Sporty Rambler That You Never Saw

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: March 20, 2010 · Comments (2)

In the 1960's, when the sporty Dodge Charger fastback was all the rage, little American Motors Corporation wanted to develop their own sports fastback model. One concept car was the Tarpon, a sports fastback based off the small compact Rambler model. Sadly, designers at AMC decided to instead base the... [Full Story]

New MG2 Spy Shots

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: March 17, 2010

Since the Chinese company Nanjing Automotive Group purchased the assets and name of the famous British brand of MG cars back in 2005, you knew it would only be a matter of time before the product line would be revamped and re-introduced. Here's a spy shot of the new MG2... [Full Story]

One Slammed Henry J

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: February 22, 2010

I've seen slammed cars before. But this little Henry J hot rod is really really slammed. Careful not to hit any bumps, otherwise it's bodywork city for this ride!... [Full Story]

Business: How Government Spending Saved Studebaker During WWII

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: February 7, 2010 · Comments (4)

As the United States attempts to pull itself out of the global recession, one popular chant among some critics of government spending to bolster the private business sector is they "don't believe that government can spend it's way to prosperity". The only problem is that regardless of what some might... [Full Story]

Toyota's Loss Is Ford's Gain

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: February 2, 2010

The bad publicity hitting some Toyota models has apparently resulted in a 16% sales drop for the brand during January, where the company for the first time in many years after fell short of the 100,000 units sold mark in the U.S. market. At the same, both Ford and GM... [Full Story]

Peugeot To Recall 100,000 Cars

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: January 31, 2010

Peugeot Citroen is the second largest automobile producer in Europe, however a partnership with Toyota has only plagued the company with the same unsafe sticking accelerator problems that have resulted in 5 million Toyota cars being recalled around the world. Peugeot 107 and Citroen C1 models, all produced in the... [Full Story]

Automobiles: UK Police Buy Cars From The Czech Republic

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: January 19, 2010

An interesting commentary on the declined state of the UK automobile industry is that many UK police agencies actually drive imports such as the Skoda Octavia, produced in the Czech Republic. Skoda actually produced more cars in 2009 than in any previous year at 684,244 units. The global recession might... [Full Story]

The Auto Business: Oregon's Plan To Tax Money Losing Businesses Could Kill Off Many Struggling Dealerships

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: January 18, 2010 · Comments (9)

The auto industry in all parts of the country is in a real funk right now. Dealerships are closing right and left as sales continue to struggle along. At the same time, many states, like Oregon are in real economic mess right now with an unemployment rate running at 11.1%... [Full Story]

O-60 In 2.9 Seconds!: The Awesome Ariel Atom!

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: January 17, 2010 · Comments (1)

The Ariel Atom looks like an ultra basic exoskeleton frame on wheels design. And that's part of the idea here. Weighing in at just 1350lbs., the Honda 2.0 liter powered supercar can go an awesome 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds. That's pretty blistering! The only thing not stripped down is... [Full Story]

Chinese E6 Electric Sedan May Hit U.S. Market Soon

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: January 15, 2010 · Comments (3)

While some automobile analysts seriously doubt the claims that Chinese automaker BYD can really succeed in their optimistic plans to market their attractive E6 electric sedan in the U.S. in the near future, the Chinese company claims that it will be selling the cars here within a year's time. One... [Full Story]

Rare AMC AMX Prototype Stolen

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: December 29, 2009

There was only one of these rare very AMC AMX prototypes ever produced and the proud owner of this extremely rare car was no doubt heartbroken when it was stolen off the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin without a trace. Just like the old CBS drama. Did some collector steal it?... [Full Story]

Rare Tucker Automobile Prototypes

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: December 27, 2009

As rare as the 1948 Tucker automobile was, Preston Tucker also had a few more rare prototypes that were even more rare. Some never went past the drawing stage, including the last concept, the Talisman sports coupe. Preston Tucker died before he was able to realize building this last unique... [Full Story]

Saab Just Might Have Life Yet

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: December 20, 2009

Breaking news from Europe is that exotic Dutch carmaker Spyker has made an unusual Sunday morning request to GM to look at a new offer on the table to rescue the beloved Saab brand. The Dutch automaker sure hopes that GM might accept this new offer, otherwise the Saab brand... [Full Story]

Saab Hits The End Of The Road

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: December 18, 2009 · Comments (3)

The much admired Saab automobiles will end their production life soon as GM plans to phase out the regal Swedish brand. GM had been in talks with Dutch producer of exotic automobiles, Spyker, to rescue the brand. But talks yielded nothing. So a Chinese firm will buy the old model... [Full Story]

Renault May Attempt U.S. Market Return

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: December 10, 2009 · Comments (2)

Renault has never had an easy time in the American market. In fact, it's been like the Ross Perot of carmakers; in the American market, out of the market, back in again. But now with the eye-pleasing and low cost Duster SUV, Renault is looking ready to take another entry... [Full Story]

Cars You'll Never See: The 1962 Edsel Corsair

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: November 29, 2009 · Comments (2)

An awesome website called "What If Car Designs" offers some interesting prototype drawings for some great 1950's and 60's cars that never were never marketed. Here's a fascinating projected 1962 Edsel model based on the Mercury frame. It's not a bad looking car by any means. This Edsel model appears... [Full Story]

Great Car Wars: The Tatra T97 vs. Volkswagen

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: November 1, 2009

Few people know how the 1936 Czech Tatra T97 was actually the basis the famous first Volkswagen cars. In Germany, Porsche was under great pressure from Hitler to quickly design an automobile for the masses by the Hitler government. It was one of the promises of the Hitler regime to... [Full Story]

The New 2012 Corvette?

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 29, 2009 · Comments (1)

Some artist renderings give a pretty good idea what the restyled 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will probably look like. Despite some serious money issues at GM, Chevrolet plans to go ahead with this new version of the Corvette. However, there's some other prototypes Chevrolet has built that are far more dramatic... [Full Story]

Chrysler Will Announce Big Product Revamp Plans On November 4

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 27, 2009 · Comments (3)

On November 4, Chrysler will announce some controversial plans to revamp the company phasing out many Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models, and slowly introducing many Fiat designed products into the company's new product lineup. Chrysler intends to continue it's appeal to high performance buyers on the one hand, while adding... [Full Story]

Canada's Little Zenn Electric Car

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 10, 2009 · Comments (1)

Toronto's little all electric Zenn automobile is an interesting choice for city driving. It has a low price of just $15,995 plus shipping or some options which is pretty low. It also has a really light curb weight as well at just 1,200 lbs. And it's an attractive little package.... [Full Story]

Why The Penske Saturn Deal Failed

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: October 1, 2009 · Comments (1)

It appears that GM put the Penske Automotive Group in a nearly impossible bargaining position in their attempted bid to purchase and rescue the Saturn brand. Penske would have been forced to develop their own line of vehicles after 2011 as GM refused to supply vehicles such as the current... [Full Story]

GM Ending The Saturn Brand

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 30, 2009 · Comments (5)

After talks with Penkse Automotive broke down over whether GM could provide product, GM has decided to end the Saturn brand and close down the dealerships. Saturn will now join other failed GM brands like Oldsmobile and Pontiac which GM pulled the plug on when the corporation's financial situation grew... [Full Story]

VW's Cool New 170mpg Concept Car

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 30, 2009 · Comments (2)

VW is running this cool new concept car around a few auto shows worldwide. The L1 gets an amazing 100 kilometers or 62 miles per liter of fuel, which translates into 170mpg in the ultra-lightweight vehicle. This two passenger car has the passenger sitting behind the driver, which may seem... [Full Story]

Chrysler Plans To Drop Owner's Manuals In 2010

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: September 25, 2009 · Comments (2)

Chrysler intends to drop owner's manuals in 2010 in favor of a DVD and a highlight booklet. Chrysler claims environmental reasons, however cost-cutting is the most likely reason for the change. The change is sure to be controversial. Receiving a high quality owner's manual has traditionally been one of the... [Full Story]

The New Prototype Wienermobile Built On The Mini Cooper S Frame

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: July 19, 2009 · Comments (2)

In 2008, Prototype Source built a new prototype Wienermobile based on the Mini Cooper S frame, which should far more easy to handle than the current large GMC truck based model which is 27 feet long. The new smaller Mini based prototype comes in at just 15 feet, considerably... [Full Story]

The Troubling History Of Wienermobile Traffic Incidents Since Just 2007

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: July 19, 2009 · Comments (4)

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has unfortunately been the subject of several traffic incidents taking place in just the last two years. The latest incident involved a young 22 year old female driver who mistook the gas for the brake and crashed the large 27 foot long fibreglass vehicle built... [Full Story]

Breaking News: How Youth And Inexperience Contributed To The Wienermobile Crash!

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: July 19, 2009

Unfortunately, it appears that the selection process used by Oscar Mayer to select drivers for the fleet of seven promotional Wienermobiles may have only helped to contribute to the Wisconsin crash into a home which damaged the foundation of the property. Rather than hire drivers with a great deal... [Full Story]

Death Cars Of The Stars: The Austin Mini 1275 GT & UK Pop Superstar Marc Bolan

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: July 10, 2009 · Comments (2)

Marc Bolan, the British superstar founder of the great UK pop and rock act, T.Rex, was killed on the early morning of September 16, 1977 when his girlfriend, backup singer Gloria Jones lost control of the purple Austin Mini 1275 GT at about 4am in the morning and hit... [Full Story]

Cars Of The Stars: The Great Studebaker Avanti

Posted by Paul Hooson · Published: July 9, 2009 · Comments (4)

Even though just 4,643 Studebaker Avanti sports cars were ever produced by the financially struggling Studebaker Corporation back between June 1962 and December 1963, the cars have continued to be a popular car of the stars. Originally designed by industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who was also responsible for a... [Full Story]

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