Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities

Jeremy Clarkson's perpetual foot-in-mouth disease shows no signs of letting up. The latest dust-up doesn't really have anything to do with cars at all, which is the Top Gear host's actual area of expertise, of course. Instead, Jezza railed against languages other than English.

I think we are fast approaching the time when the United Nations should start to think seriously about abolishing other languages. What's the point of Welsh, for example? All it does is provide a silly maypole around which a bunch of hotheads can get all nationalistic.

This quote was taken from Clarkson's weekly newspaper column. In response, Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards sent a letter to the BBC, suggesting that a "senior representative" of the organization shouldn't be making such comments.

The BBC released a statement saying it "will not comment on comments made by Jeremy Clarkson in his column."

Speaking of comments, feel free to express your own opinion (keeping it civil, of course) in our own.

Jeremy Clarkson says Welsh language should be abolished, dust-up ensues originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Auctions, Lotus, UK, Celebrities, Luxury

While we had to look at the calendar and make sure it wasn't April 1 when we got wind of this, we assure you, it's absolutely true: Lotus has worked up a one-off Evora S in honor of the late superstar Freddie Mercury. The coupe is swaddled in pearl white paint with red and gold accents outside and features the Queen frontman's signature as well. Indoors, designers chose to wrap the cabin in a one-off yellow interior as an homage to Mercury's 1986 stage costume. The seats even feature a Union Jack emblazoned on their backs.

While the idea of this special model is a strange one, the motivation behind it isn't - the unique Evora S is set to be auctioned off for charity as part of the celebrations tied to Mercury's 65th birthday bash at the Savoy Hotel. Proceeds from the auction will go to benefit the Mercury Phoenix Trust, an HIV AIDS charity founded by bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach after Mercury's death. The event will also feature donations from May and Taylor as well as Top Gear, Raymond Weil and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Hit the jump to read through the pun-choked press release. Now if you'll excuse us, we've got some Bohemian Rhapsody to blare.

Continue reading Lotus shows Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition, hopes it makes the rockin' world go 'round

Lotus shows Evora S Freddie Mercury Edition, hopes it makes the rockin' world go 'round originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Etc., Chevrolet, UK, Humor

Get ready for some head scratching, movie fans. Chevrolet decided to mark the brand's 100th anniversary with a custom Chevrolet Cruze called the Cruzer. The four-door was worked up as a tribute to the Bluesmobile from The Blues Brothers and was unveiled at a special party at the Ace Café just outside of London. The company even hired a pair of blues artists called the Cruze Brothers to be on hand to entertain the crowd. The whole shindig sounds like plenty of good fun... except we don't know what the Cruze or Chevrolet has to do with the comedy classic.

The original Bluesmobile was crafted from a retired Dodge Monaco police cruiser, complete with all of the upgraded hardware necessary to leap drawbridges and outwit scores of frustrated law enforcement, while the Bluesbrothers 2000 remake featured a Ford LTD. Unless General Motors is planning to farm the Cruze into police service, we fail to see the connection.

Chevrolet, meanwhile, says that the move was simply designed to celebrate an icon of American culture alongside the brand's birthday. Any excuse for a party... Hit the jump to check out the press blast.

Continue reading Chevy Cruze gets... The Blues Brothers treatment?!

Chevy Cruze gets... The Blues Brothers treatment?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Crossover, Hatchback, Mini, UK

Car and Driver is reporting that the Mini Paceman has been given the go-ahead for production. The news comes courtesy of company chief Kay Segler, who said that the high-riding three-door is headed to the States.

The Paceman is based off of the tall Countryman CUV, which means that buyers will probably be able to snap up the vehicle in all-wheel drive if they feel so inclined. Even so, it will be a while before the Paceman makes it to dealers. Car and Driver says it will likely land in 2013 as a 2014 model.

What can we expect in terms of styling? If Mini patent drawings are any indication, the wee beastie will stick as close as possible to the Paceman Concept, though the name may change before the production car lands. We think the long roof line and upright nose on the Paceman is plenty becoming, though we have to wonder how many consumers are looking at the Countryman and thinking, "Just like that, but can you make it less functional?"

Mini Paceman confirmed for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

Premium hatchbacks have been taking the European market by storm, with models like the Mini Cooper, Fiat 500 and Audi A1 continuing to dominate. It's a trend that General Motors can't well afford to ignore, and now sources indicate that plans are moving forward to field a challenger of its own.

Tentatively called the Junior, the Opel/Vauxhall model would slot in below the existing Corsa and Agila (pictured above) but pack only three doors. It's expected to come in around the size of the Mini Cooper but, with an arched roofline and wide track, offer more interior space than the Fiat 500.

The model was reportedly part of GM's plans until the economy collapsed, forcing the company to trim its localized development programs in favor of global products. The General's chief of European operations Nick Reilly, however, appears to have convinced the bean-counters in Detroit of the necessity of the Junior project.

The name is still being finalized and could be announced in Frankfurt alongside the debuts of the Astra GTC and Zafira Tourer and that mystery concept, with sales slated to start in early 2013. When it does hit the market, we'd likely be looking at a range of three-cylinder engines shoehorned into an adaptable engine bay with the potential for an all-electric version by 2015.

Opel/Vauxhall targeting Mini, Fiat 500 with new Junior hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Crossover, UK

What you see above is a teaser sketch of new car, called Hemera, from a new London-based luxury automobile company, called Eterniti Motors. The full concept will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in just a few weeks, and don't worry - up until this writing, we had never heard of any of this before, either.

Call us skeptical on the car and company's viability, but we'll have to wait until we see this thing in person to assess its chances.

Aside from this sketch, Eterniti Motors has not released a single detail about its Hemera concept. We can see that it's a high-riding five-door and its sleek proportions and aggressive front fascia speak to an aura of sportiness. Kinda.

Until we can figure out what exactly is going on here, give us your best guess in the , and follow the jump for Eterniti's official press release (all three sentences of it), as well as a teaser video for the Hemera.

Continue reading Mystery car company Eterni promises Hemera luxury crossover in Frankfurt [w/video]

Mystery car company Eterni promises Hemera luxury crossover in Frankfurt [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, UK, Event Alert

Over the past half-century, James Bond has driven a wide variety of vehicles. (Okay, so most of them have been Aston Martins. The point is there's been a lot of them.) And while the occasional former Bond vehicle may pop up at auction every now and then, seeing more than one or two in the same place is a rare occasion indeed.

Next year, however, the Bond franchise is turning 50, and to celebrate, a number of parties are teaming up to put together the largest display of Bond cars ever. The exhibition will take place at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, and is being orchestrated with help from Empire (the world's foremost movie magazine) and EON Productions (which puts together every Bond movie ever filmed).

The display will be part of the Big Screen exhibition there, which already includes the Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace, the DB5 from Goldeneye, the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day, and the 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom lll from Goldfinger. All told, some 50 cars from various Bond movies will be on display from January through December 2012. Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the quartet of high-resolution images of the four aforementioned vehicles in the gallery.

World's largest James Bond car collection coming together next year at British museum originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Police in Surrey, England had a close call recently. A driver in a BMW ran what looks to be a roadblock, striking a Volvo police car before coming to a stop against a traffic barrier. An officer standing at the rear of the patrol vehicle was also struck and thrown as a result of the collision. Miraculously, the policeman not only appears to have escaped harm, it would appear he actually had the presence of mind to pursue the fleeing driver on foot. According to the Associated Press, the perpetrator was later apprehended after a brief chase. There's no word on exactly how far under the local penitentiary they plan on burying the guy.

The clip is a good example of just how dangerous everyday police work can be, especially when unpredictable drivers are involved. Hit the jump to check out the remarkable dashcam video for yourself... and remember to give your local law enforcement some space next time you see them on the side of the road.

Continue reading Crazy hit-and-run on UK police car captured by dashcam

Crazy hit-and-run on UK police car captured by dashcam originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We'll be the first to admit that we'd perform all kinds of unseemly acts for the chance to own the new Morgan 3 Wheeler. The resurrected interpretation of the British manufacturer's very first vehicle calls to us in a way that's difficult to explain. Maybe it's the sound of that big American V-twin out front or our unexplainable propensity for vehicles with less than four wheels. Maybe we just admire the insanity of a manufacturer willing to produce a machine that looks like its sole intent is to cause you physical harm. Whatever it is, we want one, and watching the guys from Fifth Gear play with the machine has only stoked that desire.

Morgan let the Fifth Gear crew into the English countryside with the topless machine for a spell, and, despite the fact that the beast is loud, uncomfortable, hot and a little on the squirrely side, it looks like they enjoyed themselves as much as we did. Hit the jump for a look at the video for yourself.

Continue reading Fifth Gear tackles the Morgan 3 Wheeler

Fifth Gear tackles the Morgan 3 Wheeler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A shock announcement in the commercial world of Formula One racing has British fans up in arms. The deal involves the Sky network and the BBC sharing the rights to F1 broadcasts in the UK.

Sky is part of News Corp, whose owner Rupert Murdoch, as you may recall, lead a consortium a few months ago that expressed interest in acquiring the commercial rights to the sport. That was before Murdoch found himself in hot water when his News of the World tabloid was shut down and investigated over allegations of phone tapping, and even then, speculation was that the bid for the broader rights was a cover for an attempt to acquire just the broadcasting rights.

The deal will reportedly see the BBC, which currently holds the rights to broadcast grands prix in the UK, scaling back its coverage to only half the races in the season. Meanwhile Sky Sports will air all the races, including the practice sessions and qualifying sessions, on its paid service.

In addition to the outraged fans who've become accustomed to catching all the races live and for free on the BBC, F1 team principals have expressed some concern over the deal, which could violate certain terms of the Concorde Agreement by which the sport's commercial aspect is governed.

Rupert Murdoch's Sky network snags partial F1 broadcast rights in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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pretty much told me what i knew. so now i need to know what systems work well. and i'm not racing this motor so it doesn't need to be the best thing out there. it just needs to make the motor run right.. and any other help would be great. and i'd like to know brands and models to look for please

Best answer:

Answer by mr wabbit
you will need to have the ECM custom programmed

you can also buy custom chips for the ECM

PROM

if you tell the company what cam and everything you have

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

My hubby said he didn't say he said he wasn't paying attention, he told the officer that he had looked both ways and didn't see Veh2 till it was too late. the other driver is an 18 y/o girl, recently got into an accident (about 2 weeks ago, and got her car back a week ago from being fixed.) She disappointednted her car wastotaledlled, was very cheery about everything and talked how she wanted a new car (she said this to my hubby lke 3 times in front of his 14y/o son.) With this report, and the officier saying this, does this screw us, and from this who sounds at fault? Hubby is 33 and has nothing on his record.
My hubby didn't lie, and you must be a rather ignorant person to think all accidents can be avoided. An accident is just that, an accident, do you think all people just get into accidents for the joy of it?
Actually we'e calling him tomorrow to ask him about this.
Mmm, I don't think he was. I know the PO got out for a little, didn't take pictures etc, and then got in hi car. I grew up in a law enforcment family and know that although most keep recorders etc in their car, they don't always have them on (I was a sheriff explorer and did ride alongs.)

Best answer:

Answer by Sui Generis
all accidents an be avoided. ur hubby did a lousy job and u shundt lie.

What do you think? Answer below!

Best answer:

Answer by Sayswho
The only reason to put chains on a tire is to improve traction on the driving wheels. I can't see a reason for putting them on the trailing/rear wheels on a front wheel drive vehicle unless they prehaps aid in stopping.

BTW, did the vender give you a reason for this? I would ask them and see what they have to say......

Have you considered a set of modern snow tires? In the case of tires, a full set is usually recommended.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

I was thinking of buying a new 100% gas car, but:

1) Is it safe buy a new gas car now considering 100% EVs will be rolling out soon?

2) Will gas prices fall dramatically as demand falls relative to growth in hybrids or EVs?

http://gm-volt.com/2010/01/04/should-the-chevy-volt-begin-its-life-as-just-a-halo-car/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003849115_voltcar23.html

Government funding initiatives are already under way in UK to subsidize the conversion of gas stations to charging stations!

http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/uk-to-spend-30-million-on-ev-charging-poins/

Best answer:

Answer by Nino
forget about the brits, were fine with petrol gas cars. not for another 5 more years you'll see more and more hybrids coming. for all i know hybrids are a disaster. they're more dirty than regular gasoline engines because their battery

Give your answer to this question below!

Best answer:

Answer by CarFreak
Go back and raise hell
Find somebody in upper management and explain the situation to them, you spent your money, traded in your car, and chose them as the dealers you were going to trust
You would like to keep your car, you're happy you made the deal with them, but you'd like to be able to drive it and get it licensed
Even if you buy a car AS IS most times they will work on it and get it to standard for reduced price or free
Depending what state your in, car dealerships can't legally sell a car that won't pass inspection
Check with your transportation department

Add your own answer in the comments!

soooo.. the owner of the car, my boyfriend by the way still owes like $ 20,000 on the car for the next 4 years and his friend TOTALED the car. he had progressive and it stopped in august... can anyone please give me some insight on this ONLY IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOURE TALKING ABOUT PLEASE!! i keep hearing different shit and i need to know what's really going on........... thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Kathleen
Why don't you just call an insurance agent or broker and ask?

Add your own answer in the comments!

Best answer:

Answer by Helbert A
ok, the problem is the size of your hole, then you gotto look for 4'' stereos, pioneer has good ones and kenwood too, you don't have much choise but there are stereos specially made for this kind of cars, look for them, good luck!

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Best answer:

Answer by MUSTANG_MAN
Have you ever watched Monster Truck Freestyle? They are designed to smash cars, flying 30 feet in the air and coming donwn hard on some old car, but I'm with you and they should stay on the track, they're pretty scary next to you in traffic..

Add your own answer in the comments!

We have both filed separate claims with our own insurance companies. (She has USAA, which covers military families. I have Progressive) She is pointing the finger at me 100% the last time I checked.

This lady was a C-U-Next-Tuesday! I'm worried that she'll fabricate a story in order to put me at fault. I believe I'm NOT at fault, if I am it should be 50/50.

Should I also file a claim with her insurance co? Thing is, I don't have her policy # (I have her name, license plate #, address, & phone number.)

Who do you think is at fault?
Adding on: other driver called police, but they said they wouldn't respond bc it was on private property.

This is in CA, and I'm a CA resident. Other motorist's license plate was OR yet she lives across the street from me. (She is a military dependent - we both live on a Naval base - I'm assuming she's been in CA for quite some time)
I am covered 25/50/25, CA minimal requirement is 15/30/5.
Sorry! Last details if I can help it!:
The aisle allows traffic BOTH ways, and stalls were straightforward.

Best answer:

Answer by Russ
you both were backing so it`s hard to say who is at fault

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Something about reliability, gas mileage, longevity, driving, braking, turning, engine, interior, looks (although I know Saabs are not "eye candy head turning vehicles", maintenance (as in finding new parts and mechanics), and anything else...

Best answer:

Answer by John Paul
New saab are GM cars you can buy a Saturn or Holden or Opel. Older SAAB cars are quirky almost german in some ways and english in others. The best way I can describe front wheel drive motor company that started out with two stroke motor cars in the early 60's.

What do you think? Answer below!